To Catch a Thief by Christina Skye Read Free Book Online Page A

Dakota’s gaze slid restlessly over the lower glen. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about Nell. What made her tick and how many secrets was she hiding? Both questions were suddenly very important.
    Izzy followed Dakota’s gaze. “What’s eating at you?”
    â€œNell. She doesn’t add up, Izzy, and I don’t like things that don’t add up.” He took one last look across the loch, where Nell was laughing with her partner, piling ropes in a canvas bag.
    The woman had guts to spare and a quick, clever brain. If things had been different he would have enjoyed a little recreational climbing with her. They could start on a cove in Thailand near the South China Sea.
    A beach where clothing was optional sounded good.
    The thought of Nell in a tiny string bikini—and no top—made muscles tighten all over Dakota’s body. He let the 3-D fantasy smolder.
    And then he put the thought away.
    Never gonna happen, pal. She’s the target and you’re too smart to forget that.
    Staying focused on the moment was the best way to stay alive.
    Dakota’s rules.
    He glanced down at the sealed security file Izzy was holding out. “New developments?”
    â€œAn international terrorist group just took credit for the da Vinci theft via the Internet. Ryker wants you fully briefed within the hour. The mission just got elevated to a level-four priority.”
    Dakota watched the loch glitter silver beneath them as the chopper pilot returned, squinting into the wind. “What group?”
    â€œThe October Twelfth Brigade. They’ve been on our watch list for almost two years now.”
    â€œThat’s the same group who claimed credit for the theft of the Rembrandt last year?”
    â€œOne and the same. The painting never resurfaced, and we assume it was sold clandestinely.” Izzy’s eyes hardened. “I don’t need to tell you the money will be used in very unpleasant ways.”
    â€œHow much money?”
    â€œThe da Vinci could bring somewhere in the area of thirty million dollars.”
    Dakota said something low and vicious.
    â€œMy sentiments exactly. Meanwhile, no more surveillance. Our new orders are to locate that piece of art and make certain it does not leave U.S. soil at any cost.” He pointed to the file in Dakota’s hand. “Read it. We have new information from a prison source that Jordan MacInnes is involved. You’re to use Nell to locate the painting. Use her in any way that’s necessary,” Izzy said coldly. “Is that clear?”

    â€œI TOLD YOU already. I’m fine.”
    Despite Nell’s protests, a young paramedic was scrubbing her hands with Betadine. When he pushed up her sleeve, she was surprised to see cuts and bruises covering her wrists. In all the chaos, she hadn’t noticed.
    â€œBad night up there, I’m thinking. Nasty patch of weather you had.” The paramedic glanced out at the remaining clouds that drifted across the dark summit of Blaven. “At least no one was killed.”
    â€œThe cold was the worst part.” Nell’s teeth chattered a little. She was feeling dizzy, which irritated her. Fighting exhaustion, she rubbed her face with her free hand. “Where did my partner go?”
    â€œHe’s helping to sort out the last kids. They’re phoning their parents now.”
    â€œI should go help—”
    â€œYou’ll stay right where you are. Your friend is managing fine.”
    Nell had trained with Eric and climbed with him on three continents. They had shared dangerous conditions, then traded stories when they came down. And after that Eric went home to his beautiful, understanding wife and two kids back in Idaho.
    End of story.
    There was no other man in Nell’s life.
    Nell looked up as she heard the roar of a motor.
    â€œOne of the choppers is pulling out.” The paramedic glanced through the ambulance’s rear window. “They