Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed Page A

albino, others say dark and sinister. Obviously Picard uses disguises.He could be anyone. And for now the government is content to let him stay under the radar.”
    Flabbergasted by that tidbit, she said, “Even though he killed an agent?”
    Derision scored his face. “Yeah.”
    “Then how can you be here?”
    “My boss isn’t so forgiving as the mucky-mucks on Capitol Hill.”
    A shiver of trepidation chased up Angie’s spine. “And how do you know he’s on Loribel?”
    “We’ve intercepted a shipment of rocket launchers coming out of these waters. They had Picard’s stamp on them.”
    “Stamp?”
    “Yeah, he’s arrogant enough to put a distinctive stamp in the shape of a capital P with an ivy vine and a snake intertwined around the letter.”
    “Creepy. Could he be using the Corrinda family as cover? That would make sense given the prime location of the cove.” Nervous anticipation twitched in her stomach. Did she really want to accept the invitation?
    “Possibly.” He sat forward, his blue eyes darkening with concern. “Look, you don’t have to do this. I could get you off the island tonight.”
    She bolstered her courage and her resolve. Show no weakness . “No. I’m doing this.”
    He stared at her for a long moment before nodding. “Okay, then. In the morning, you’ll come to my place and I’ll prep you.”
    “Prep me?”
    “You don’t think I’d let you go in there alone, do you? You’ll have a wire and a video feed.”
    “They might anticipate a wire.”
    “Trust me. Even if they suspect, they won’t find my state-of-the-art equipment.”
    Her heart skipped a beat. What was that adage? Be careful what you wish for.
    Now she understood how true those words were.

SIX
    T he next morning, the sky was overcast, the wind had retreated and the rain had ceased. Angie arrived at Jason’s condo per the directions he’d written out the night before since she doubted she’d be able to find it again after she’d dropped him off. The condo complex sprawled over prime beach property adjacent to the marina and was very appealing in the light of day. Probably once landscaped walks led through the center court to Building C, but Angie had to step through scattered bits and pieces of flowers and bushes cluttering the way. A reminder of yesterday’s raging storm.
    The central common area of the condo complex needed a bit of cleanup, too, Angie mused. Broken palm fronds lay atop of the round metal tabletops positioned around a concrete patio lined with cold barbecue grills.
    She found Unit Ten at the far end of the building facing inland. But Jason hadn’t moved here for the view. Taking a steadying breath, she knocked. A nervous flutter made the banana she’d eaten for breakfasttumble in her stomach. Because of what the day might bring during her meeting with the Corrindas or because she was about to see Jason again?
    She honestly didn’t know.
    The door opened to reveal Jason, looking attractive in khaki, pleat-front pants and a navy blue pullover shirt. He had on an empty shoulder holster, also. Gone was the laid-back yachtsman. Jason was all business now. “Good morning. You’re right on time.”
    “Morning,” she replied and stepped inside.
    He gave her an approving once-over. “Perfect.”
    He meant her work outfit, right? She tugged self-consciously on her tailored suit jacket, which she’d been wearing when she arrived on Loribel. She’d chosen her traditional pantsuit and collared button-down blouse because it was professional, yet the lines did a lot for her figure.
    The scent of rich coffee permeated the air, offering distraction. “Hmm. That smells good. Can I have a cup?”
    “Of course.” He headed toward the open L-shaped kitchen with blond cabinets and stainless-steel appliances.
    Angie glanced around, automatically cataloging the room. A desk in the corner with a laptop open and running. Nearby sat a glass-top dining table and four chairs covered in a bold striped