Sweet Reward Read Online Free PDF Page A

sat in the chair in front of the desk. He took a swallow of the chocolate, and for the first time, she saw his expression change.
    “This is actually pretty good.”
    Ridiculously pleased, she nodded. “Thanks. I make my own.”
    “So what is this information McCall said you had?”
    Mia took a breath and reminded herself of three things. She was good at her job. Just because the man was gorgeous didn’t mean he wasn’t a slug and a weasel. Most important, there were children to be rescued. If that wasn’t enough to bring a somber mood to the meeting, she didn’t know what could.
    “A couple of weeks ago, a young woman came to me, asking for my help. She’s a drug addict and sold herdaughter for some quick cash. I’ve been searching for the little girl ever since. I’ve been in touch with all of my usual contacts. But it just doesn’t feel like the usual kind of human-trafficking lowlife.”
    “Why’s that?” Jared Livingston asked.
    “For one thing, they gave the mother too much money—two thousand dollars. They could’ve given her less. She was a desperate junkie; probably would’ve sold a body part for a fix.”
    “The amount does seem suspicious, but your case still doesn’t sound similar to the one we’re working.”
    “I agree. However, I got a call from an informant a couple of days ago. There’s been another infant abduction.”
    Jared shook his head, frowning. “I haven’t seen anything come through.”
    “That’s because they’re keeping it as low-profile as possible.”
    “Why?”
    “The family is wealthy and locally famous. They don’t want to start a media frenzy.”
    “How’d it go down?”
    “The mother went in to check on the child early in the morning. Found an empty crib.”
    Interest gleamed in his eyes. “How old?”
    “Six months.”
    “When did it happen?”
    “Three days ago.”
    “No ransom demand?”
    “No, they’ve not heard from anyone. And I got a call right before you got here. There was a leak, and the story’s about to break wide open. The press will be all over this.”
    “Hell, that’ll either freak them out and get them to dump the kid or they’ll take her farther away.”
    Mia nodded. “I called Noah to see if he had anythingsimilar to my case or if he had heard of any new organizations going after infants. That’s when he told me about the case you’re working on.”
    “Still don’t see the connection to your case.”
    “I didn’t either, until I talked to my informant. One of the men my client described sounds very similar to one of the suspects the police are searching for in this new abduction. The couple, the Hempsteads, had a party at their home the night before their child was taken. This man—the suspect—was one of the extras hired to help in the kitchen. Next day, the child was gone.” Mia let that sink in for a moment, then added, “With an identical abduction to yours.”
    The interest in Jared’s silver eyes sharpened intensely. “Any idea who this man is?”
    “I’m meeting my informant tonight. He says he’s got something for me.”
    “What time?”
    “Midnight.”
    “I’ll go with you.”
    The thought of lethal-looking Jared Livingston showing up to speak with Spunky had Mia shaking her head vehemently. The instant he spotted the LCR operative, he’d run. Might even disappear for good. She couldn’t risk that.
    “I can get it a lot faster without you. I’ll call you as soon as I—”
    “I’ll stay out of sight.”
    His tone told her he was coming whether she liked it or not. Mia’s independent spirit reared up, wanting to argue. However, she knew LCR training. If he wanted to follow her, chances were she’d never know he was there. Might as well let him come with her instead of having him skulk behind her in the shadows.
    “Fine. But if Spunky sees you and runs, you owe me an informant.”
    “Deal.” He stood and glanced at his watch. “I’ll go check into my hotel room and grab some