The Target Read Online Free PDF

before catching her flight and had studied the TecLife founders’ profiles on the plane. Background info for this assignment was less critical than her last, where she’d had to infiltrate a group whose members were inherently paranoid. Going to work for a business was less challenging and less fun. But if someone at the company had killed Agent Palmer to protect their activities, it would be no less dangerous.
    On a brighter note, a gorgeous young man came out of a condo on the ground floor and jogged toward the parking lot. Dressed only in shorts and lovely tanned skin, he spotted her moments later. Dallas wished she’d had a chance to freshen her makeup, which tended to disappear on flights.
    He trotted over, showing perfect white teeth. Just under six feet and a little small for her taste. But his body was a sculpted work of art.
    “Hello, sunshine.” He nodded toward her luggage. “I hope you plan to stay awhile.”
    She gave him her most charming smile. “Long enough to get acquainted, I’m sure.” She held out her hand. “J.C. Hunter. My friends call me Jace.”
    “Davis Longmore.” He shook her hand, stroking her palm as he let go.
    A player. Nice. She could use a little recreational sex, with no ulterior motive attached.
    “I’m out for a run,” he said. “What unit are you in? I’ll stop by with a proper housing-warming gift later.”
    “Seven. Give me some time to unpack and freshen up.”
    “You look as fresh as it gets.” He grinned. “See you later.”
    She waved, not wanting to open her mouth and drool.
    Upstairs, she found the condo unlocked and River seated at a small breakfast table, working on her laptop. The agent stood, looking leaner than Dallas remembered. But the tall, forty-something woman still had a curveless body, with wide shoulders that her gray jacket couldn’t hide. Dallas rolled her luggage inside and closed the door. “Hey, River. Good to see you.”
    “Likewise.” She stood and offered her hand. “Thanks for coming. This case is important to me.”
    “You worked with Joe Palmer?”
    “No, he took me in when I was an orphaned teenager.”
    That surprised her. “You grew up here in San Diego?”
    “Yes. I stayed in touch with Joe and his wife, but this is only my second time back.” River’s eyes signaled pain.
    Dallas decided it wasn’t appropriate to ask her about it. They needed to get down to business. She spotted a Bunn brewer on the counter. “Is there any coffee?”
    “Sorry, you’ll have to shop. I just got the keys an hour ago. But you’re close to the beach, and the view isn’t bad.”
    “Sweet.” She’d never lived anywhere near the beach—‌even on assignment. Dallas dropped her purse on the table and took a quick tour of the rental. “This must be costing the bureau some serious outlay.”
    “I know you work quickly, so I figured we could afford it.”
    “Thanks.” The condo was furnished with the basics: an overstuffed, microfiber couch and chair, two paintings of the harbor, and a large area rug in bold turquoise and red. She probably wouldn’t spend much time here, but she appreciated comfort and color. Dallas opened a kitchen cupboard and discovered a full compliment of dishware. “This place must be typically rented to vacationers.”
    “It’s owned by snowbirds who are only here in the winter.” River sat back down. “I felt lucky to find it. Saved us both a lot of setup.”
    Dallas grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and joined River at the table. “When and how do I make contact with TecLife?”
    “Upload your résumé to their website today, and Jana Palmer, their human resource director, will set you up with an interview tomorrow.”
    “Will she be an inside ally for me?”
    “Not really. She’ll help you get hired, but beyond that, we won’t involve her.”
    “Who am I interviewing with?” Male or female made a difference in how she would dress and prep for it.
    “I’m not certain, but most likely it will