ESCANTA: A James Thomas Novel (The James Thomas Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

anticipation for the questions this evening,” Zahra said. “July seventeenth, next summer, so keep it free.” Zahra nodded her head at all of them in turn, James included.
    “And Maya and I are the bridesmaids,” Jemma Foster said, slipping in beside her sister. They looked so similar they could be mistaken for twins.
    “Mak! How are you doing?” Jemma said enthusiastically, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. “I haven’t seen you in so long.”
    “I know, I’ve been working on the case…Not much else to report, unfortunately,” Mak said. She could feel James’ eyes on her again and she felt like she was under a microscope. She also felt like he knew she was lying.
    A waiter came by with a tray of drinks and Mak grabbed a champagne, as did Jemma.
    “Yeah, I’ve heard about your case. I didn’t realize the mob was still such a big deal,” Jemma said.
    Mak shrugged her shoulders. “They aren’t what they used to be in America, but this group has ties to the Camorra—the Italian mafia in the old country. They’re a big deal and cover everything from sexual exploitation, firearms’ trafficking, drugs, counterfeiting, extortion…it goes on and on.”
    Jemma’s eyes widened. “So you’re going after the big boys? Well, you’ve got some balls, Mak. You’d better get hot-shot here,” she said, nodding to James, “to look after you.”
    Mak felt her throat constrict .
    “Mak can contact us at any time if she needs, but it sounds like she’s already in good hands,” James said.
    Mak was grateful, and surprised, that he’d answered for her. She wanted to look at him, to try and read his thoughts, but she knew his face would give away nothing.
    “Anyway, let’s leave these men alone to smoke their cigars. I just wanted you to finally meet Mak,” Zahra said to Jayce. She placed a hand on his chest and a sweet kiss on his lips.
    Some days Mak longed for that kind of connection. She was successful, and she loved her career, but she was also lonely at times.
    Her skin tingled and she knew James was watching her again. And she realized what she was doing, as she so often did absentmindedly—she was twirling her wedding band, which she now wore on her right ring finger.
    “Yes, let’s go to the bar. I ordered us some special drinks and they should be ready,” Jemma said, wiggling her eyebrows.
    “Oh no,” Zahra moaned but Mak was grateful for the escape.
    Jemma turned to walk away and Mak smiled at Jayce and James, pulling her eyes away so they didn’t linger, and excused herself, following in Maya’s footsteps.
    They weaved through the other guests until they reach the bar.
    “Watermelon mojitos and tequila shots!” Jemma said, smiling proudly as she held out her hands like she was presenting a stage act.
    “Oh my, I’m going to feel terrible tomorrow,” Maya said, passing around the shots.
    “Brunch at Stacie’s?” Mak said, grinning at her sister. Stacie’s was a greasy pancake house that they frequented when they were hungover. And only when they were hungover.
    “Meet you there at eleven,” Maya said as she threw back the shot.
    The girls followed suit and Jemma lobbed her hands up in the air. “Let the party begin!”
    Mak laughed properly now that she could relax among friends, in a high-security environment, and she no longer feared James Thomas attacking her.
    “So, Zahra, you didn’t tell me your security guy looked like that. Tell me more, please,” Maya said.
    “I wish I could, but honestly, I barely know anything about him. His name is James Thomas and he owns, and lives at, Thomas Security. And he has a brother, Deacon Thomas, who is standing over there.” Zahra looked toward the entrance of the rooftop to a man who flashed a perfect smile back at them as if he knew what they were talking about.
    Zahra laughed. “He’s probably recording me.”
    The way she said it sounded like a joke, but there was a seriousness in her eyes.
    “Well, if he is, we best put on a