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them. Hell, I’ve even heard rumors that his daughter is the one building them, which makes no sense since we know Sterling is having his lackeys tail her. But there’s nothing concrete. Green may be able to shed more light on this side of Sterling’s operation too. We’ll have to wait and see.”
    “Sir, I may have a lead.”
    “What is it, Bates?”
    “It’s not definite, but I have a contact who’s been working as protection for Masood Mehalik. He’s under the impression that there’s a big deal in the works. He doesn’t know details yet. But he’s prepared to give them to me when he does.”
    “Finally, some good news. This guy got a name?”
    “Hakim Qadri.”
    “Is he sure this deal is tied to Sterling?”
    “He said he overheard a phone conversation between the two of them, discussing a quantity of product. The only things Mehalik deals in are drugs and weapons.”
    “Well, we’ve got nothing to suggest Sterling’s branching into drugs. Will he wear a wire?”
    “I’ll ask.”
    “Then get me everything you can find on this Mehalik guy.”

Chapter Six
     
    “Pete, you here?” Finn closed the door behind her as she slipped quietly into their suite. Getting no reply, she began flicking through the hangers to locate an outfit for dinner. She pulled out the only clothes she had that weren’t too large and draped them on the outside of the wardrobe door to let the creases drop out of them. She headed for the shower and emerged twenty minutes later, pink from the hot water and humming gently to herself.
    “What ya up to, sweetie pie?”
    “Shit, Pete! You scared the living crap out of me.” Finn grabbed the doorframe and tried to steady herself. Her father had taught her that bad things happened when you allowed someone to sneak up on you.
    “Sorry.” He fell backward on the bed. “Have you had a good day?”
    She towel dried her hair with one hand, keeping the towel around her chest tight with the other. “Yep. I got my new car, went down to the dive center, and I’m picking Oz up in about an hour to go out for dinner. Will you be okay on your own for the night?”
    “Actually, I was gonna ask you the same thing. I have a date for the night.”
    “You dog!”
    “Yeah, I know. I’m hitting the shower. You all done in there?”
    “Yup. I’ll probably be gone before you get out, so I’ll see you tomorrow. Pop down to the dive center if you’re getting bored, and I’m sure someone will be able to suggest something for you to do.”
    “I’ll be fine. Probably sleep all day. Have fun, sweetie.” He sauntered off to the bathroom.
    Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up the zip on her jeans and tucked in the tail of her black tailored shirt with three-quarter length sleeves, checking herself in the mirror. She smiled, pleased with what she saw, and honest enough with herself to acknowledge that she wanted Oz to like it too. The memory of Oz’s eyes traveling the length of her body earlier made her blush. She shook her head and reminded herself that this was just a friendly dinner between two colleagues, not a date, and she had nothing to be nervous about. That didn’t seem to stop her hands from shaking though. She checked her makeup and ran the brush through her hair one last time before taking a deep breath and heading for the door, grabbing her car keys and wallet as she did so, and repeating over and over in her head that it wasn’t a date. She wouldn’t pin hopes on anything in her new life until her old life had been erased.

    *

    Oz’s breath caught in her throat as she watched Finn climb out of the sexy car and walk slowly toward her, her hips swaying as she moved. Oz realized it was the first time she’d actually seen Finn the woman, rather than just the girl in baggy clothes. She was stunning. And she was definitely all woman, not the girl looking to get out from under her daddy’s thumb like Oz had thought. Instead, Finn arrived in clothes that fit her trim, sexy body,