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Emily heard him chuckling, heard the rustle of clothing, and she held her breath. It was only a matter of a minute and a half before he told her she could turn around.
Very slowly, just in case he was toying with her, Emily peered at him. He was dressed in jeans, and had pulled on a flannel shirt. He was sitting on a crate, tugging on low boots. When he stood to fasten his shirt, Emily noticed he hadn’t yet done up his jeans. She tried not to blush, but it was a futile effort.
He ignored her embarrassment. “So, Emily. Where exactly are you from?”
Her gaze was on his hands as he shoved his shirttails into his pants. “The Crystal Lakes area,” she said. “And you?”
He gave a low, soft whistle. “The Crystal Lakes? Damn. No kidding?”
Annoyed, she finally forced her attention to his face. “I certainly wouldn’t lie about it.”
He took her arm and led her out of the storeroom. He had stuffed his dance props into the leather satchel he carried in his other hand. “I’ll bet you live in a big old place with plenty of rooms, don’t you?”
Emily eyed him with a wary frown. She wasn’t certain how much she should tell him about herself. “I have enough space, I suppose.”
He asked abruptly, “How did you get here?”
“Actually, I took the bus. I didn’t think parking my car here would be such a good idea.”
“No doubt. What do you drive, anyway? A Rolls?”
“Of course not.”
“So?” He pulled her out the door and into the brisk night. “What do you tool around in?”
“Tool around? I drive a Saab.”
“Ah.”
“What does that mean? Ah?” He was moving her along again, treating her like a dog on a leash. And with his long-legged stride, it was all she could do to keep up. He stopped near a back alley, and Emily realized they were at the rear of the bar. “Why didn’t we just go out the back door instead of walking all the way around?”
“‘Ah’ means your choice of transportation shouldn’t surprise me. And we came this way so I could spare you from being harassed. Believe me, the men working in the back would have a field day with an innocent like you.”
Don’t ask. Don’t ask. “What makes you believe I’m an innocent?”
Judd opened the door to a rusty, disreputable pickup truck and motioned for her to get inside. She hesitated, suddenly not certain she should trust him.
But he only stood there, watching her with that intense, probing green gaze. Finally, Emily grabbed the door frame to hoist herself inside.
Judd shook his head. “And you ask how I know you’re an innocent?”
Before Emily could reply, he slammed the door and walked around to get in behind the wheel. “Buckle up.”
She watched his profile as he steered the truck out of the alley and onto the main road. The lights from well-spaced street lamps flashed across his features. Trying to avoid staring at him, she looked around the truck and she saw a strip of delicate black lace draped over the rearview mirror.
Judd noticed her fascination with the sheer lace and grinned. “A memento of my youth.”
Trying for disinterest, Emily muttered, “Really.”
“I was sixteen, she was eighteen.”
Sixteen. The same age as her brother—and obviously into as much mischief as John.
Judd ran his fingers down the lace as if in fond memory. “We were in such a hurry, we ripped her panties getting them off.” He flashed her a grin. “Black lace still makes me crazy.”
Emily went perfectly quiet, then tightly crossed her legs. There’s no way he can know what your panties look like, Emily, she told herself. But still, she made an effort to bring the conversation back to her purpose. She had to find a way to help John.
Reminded of the reason she was with Judd in the first place, Emily turned to him. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I need to find out who’s selling semiautomatic weapons to kids. I…I know a boy who had one blow up in his face. He was badly injured. Luckily, no one else was around.”
The truck swerved, and Judd shot her a look that could have cut ice. “Blew up?”
His tone was harsh, and Emily couldn’t help huddling closer against her door. “Yes. He very nearly lost an eye.”
Judd muttered a curse, but when he glanced at her again, his expression was carefully controlled. “Did you go to the police?”
“I can’t.” She tightened her lips, feeling frustrated all over again. “The boy’s parents won’t allow him to be implicated. They refuse to realize just how serious this situation is. They have money, so they took him out of the country to be treated. They won’t return until they’re certain he’s safe.”
“Yeah. A lot of parents believe bad things will go away if you ignore them. Unfortunately, that’s not true. But Emily, you have to know, there’s nothing you can do to stop the crime on these streets. The drugs, the gangs and the selling of illegal arms, it’ll go on forever.”
“I refuse to believe that!” She turned in her seat, taking her frustration out on him. “I have to do something. Maybe I can figure out a way to stop this guy who sold that gun. If everyone would get involved—”
Judd laughed, cutting her off. “Like the folks who whisked their baby boy out of the country? How old was this kid, anyway? Old enough to know better, I’ll bet.” He shook his head, giving her a look that blatantly called her a fool. “Don’t waste your time. Go back to your rich neighborhood, your fancy car and your fancier friends. Let the cops take care of things.”
She was so angry, she nearly cried. It had always been that way. She never shed a tear over pain or hurt feelings, but let her get really mad, and she bawled like an infant. His attitude toward her brother infuriated her.
Judd stopped at a traffic light, and she jerked her door open, trying to step out. His long hard fingers immediately wrapped around her upper arm, preventing her from leaving.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Let me go.” She was proud of her feral tone. “Did you hear me? Get your hands off me.” She struggled, pulling against his hold.
“Dammit! Get back in this truck!”
The light had changed and the driver of the car behind them blasted his horn. “I’ve changed my mind, Mr. Sanders,” she told him. “I no longer require your help. I’ll find someone else, someone who won’t choose to ridicule me every other second.”
He peered at her closely, then sighed. “Aw, hell. Don’t tell me you’re going to cry.”
“No, I am not going to cry!” But she could feel the tears stinging her eyes, which angered her all the more. How could she have been so wrong about him—and he so wrong about her? She didn’t have fancy friends; she didn’t have any friends. Most of the time, she didn’t have anybody—except her brother. She loved him dearly, and John trusted her. When the rest of her family had turned their backs on her, her brother had been there for her, making her laugh, giving her the support she needed to get through it all.
She couldn’t let him down now, even if he didn’t realize he needed her help. He was the only loving family she could claim, the only one who still cared about her, despite her numerous faults. And she knew, regardless of the gun incident, John was a good person.
Several cars were blaring their horns now, and Judd yanked her back inside, retaining his hold as he moved out of the stream of traffic and over to the curb. He didn’t release her. “Look, I’m sorry. Don’t go and get weepy on me, okay?”
“You, Mr. Sanders, are an obnoxious ass!” Emily jerked against him, but he held firm. “I always cry when I’m angry.”
“Well…don’t be angry then.”
Unbelievable. The man had been derisive, insulting and arrogant from the moment she’d met him, but now his tone had changed to a soft, gentle rebuke. He had a problem with female tears? She almost considered giving in to a real tantrum just to make him suffer, but that had never been her way. The last thing she wanted from Judd was pity.
“Ignore me,” she muttered, feeling like a fool. “It’s been a trying week. But I am determined to see this thing through. I’ll find the man who sold that gun. I have a plan, a very solid plan. I could certainly use your help, but if you’re only going to be nasty, I believe I’d rather just find someone else.”
* * *
Judd was amazed by her speech. Then his eyes narrowed. No way in hell was he going to let her run loose. She was a menace. She was a pain.
She was unbelievably innocent and naive.
Judd shook his head, then steered the truck back into the street. “Believe me, lady. I’m about as nice as you’re going to find in these parts. Besides, I think I might be interested in your little plan, after all. I mean, what the hell? A thousand bucks is a thousand bucks. That was the agreed amount, right?”
Emily nodded.
Lifting one shoulder, Judd said, “Can’t very well turn down money like that.”
“No. No, I wouldn’t think so.” She watched him warily, and Judd thought, what the hell? It would be easier to work with her, than around her. If he turned her down, she’d only manage to get in his way, or get herself hurt. That was such a repugnant thought, he actually groaned.
He’d have to keep his cool, maintain his cover, and while he was at it, he could keep an eye on her. Maybe he could pretend to help her, but actually steer her far enough away from the trouble that she wouldn’t be any problem at all.
Yeah, right.
It would probably be better to try to convince her to give up her ridiculous plan first. He glanced at her, saw the rigid way she held herself, and knew exactly how to dissuade her. “There are a few conditions we should discuss.”
Emily heaved a deep breath. “Conditions?”
“Yeah. The money’s great. But I’ll still have to work nights at the bar. Actually, only Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ladies’ nights.”
Emily hastened to reassure him. “I don’t have a problem with that. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your…career.”
His laugh was quick and sharp, then he shook his head. “Right. My career.” He glanced at her again, grinning, wondering if she could possibly realize how uncomfortable he was with that particular career. “That’s not the only thing, though.”
“There’s something else?”
“Yeah. You see, we’ll need a place to meet. Neutral ground and all that. Someplace away from prying eyes.”
Emily stared.
“You stand out like a sore thumb, honey. We can’t just have you traipsing around in that neighborhood. People will wonder what you’re up to. It could blow the whole thing.”
“I see.”
“My apartment is close to here. No one would pay any attention to you coming in or out. It wouldn’t even matter what time we met. We’ll need to work closely together, finesse these plans of yours. What d’ya say?”
Her mouth opened, but all that came out was, “Oh God.”
Lifting one dark eyebrow, Judd felt triumphant. She was already realizing the implications of spending so much time alone with him. He hid his relief and said, “Come again?”
Emily shook her head, then at the same time said, “Yes, that is…I suppose…” She heaved a sigh, straightened her back, and then nodded. “Okay.”
Judd stared at her, trying not to show his disbelief. “What do you mean, okay?” He’d thought for certain, since everything else had failed, that this would send her running. But no. She seemed to like the damn idea. She was actually smiling now.
“I mean, if you think we could successfully operate from your apartment, I’ll agree to meet you there.”
Contrary female. “Emily…” He faltered. He liked saying her name, liked how it sounded, all fresh and pure. She looked at him, with those huge, doe eyes steady on his face. She was too trusting. She was a danger to herself. If he didn’t keep close tabs on her, she’d end up in trouble. He was sure of it.
“You were going to say something, Mr. Sanders?”
Nothing she would like hearing. He shook his head. “Just be quiet and let me think.”
Obediently, she turned away and stared out her window. He wasn’t buying her compliance for a minute. He had a gut feeling there wasn’t an obedient bone in her slim body. He also suspected she was as stubborn as all hell, once she’d set her mind on something. And she was set to find a gun dealer.
The truck was heating up. It was late spring and even though the nights were still a little chilly, the days were warming up into the seventies. Without any fanfare, and apparently trying not to draw undue attention to herself, Emily began unbuttoning the oversize coat. Judd watched from the corner of his eye.
Just to razz her, because she took the bait so easily, he asked, “Would you like me to give you a drumroll?”
She turned to face him. “I beg your pardon?”
She looked honestly confused. He tried to hide his grin. “Every good striptease needs music.”
“I’m not stripping!”
He shrugged, amused by the blush on her cheeks that was visible even in the dark interior of the truck. She was apparently unused to masculine teasing, maybe even to men in general.
He snorted at his own foolishness. It was men like himself, coarse and inelegant, that she wasn’t used to. He imagined she had plenty of sophisticated guys clamoring for her attention. And that fact nettled him, even though it shouldn’t. Grumbling, he said, “You should try it. Everyone should experience stripping just once. It’s a rush.”
She held her coat together with clenched fingers, her look incredulous. If she knew him better, she’d know what a lie he’d just told. He hated taking off his clothes in front of so many voracious women. But she didn’t know him, and most likely never would. He should keep that fact in mind before he did something stupid. Like what, you idiot? Like promising you’d take care of her gun dealer for her, so she could take her cute little backside and big brown eyes back home where it’s safe? No, he most definitely couldn’t do that, no matter how much he’d like to.
They came to the entrance to Crystal Lakes. “Which way?”
He’d startled her. She’d practically jumped out of her seat, and he was left wondering exactly where her mind had been. “Which way to your place? You didn’t think I’d take you to my apartment tonight, did you? In case you haven’t noticed, lady, it’s after midnight. And I’ve put in a full day. Tomorrow will be soon enough.”
The truck was left to idle while they stared at each other. Finally in a small voice filled with suspicion, Emily said, “You’re not just getting rid of me, are you? You’ll really help me?”
Those eyes of hers could be lethal. He wanted nothing more than to tug her close and promise her he wouldn’t leave her, that he’d take care of everything, that he’d… She looked so damn vulnerable. It didn’t make a bit of sense. Usually people with big money went around feeling confident that money would get them anything. They didn’t bother with doubts.
Irritated now, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, then said in a low tone, “Since I haven’t gotten my thousand bucks yet, you can be sure I’ll be sticking around.”
After heaving a small sigh, she said, “Of course.”
Now, why did she have to sound so disappointed? And why did he feel like such a jerk?
“Left, up the hill, then the first street on the right.”
Judd knew he had no business forming fantasies over a woman who blushed every time she spoke. Especially since he’d have to keep her close, more to protect her than anything else. She didn’t understand the magnitude of what she was tampering with, the lethal hold gun dealers had on the city.
An idea had been forming in his mind ever since he’d realized he couldn’t discourage her from trying to save the world. He’d thought, if he became aggressive enough, she’d run back home to safety.
Instead, she’d only threatened to find someone else to help her. And he couldn’t let that happen. She might get herself killed, or maybe she’d actually find out something and inadvertently get in the way. He’d worked too hard for that to happen. He wouldn’t allow anything—or anyone—to interfere. He would get the bastard who’d shot Max. But damn, he’d never expected Emily to openly accept his plans.
Crystal Lakes, as exclusive and ritzy as it was, sat only about twenty-five minutes from the lower east side. It was one of those areas where you could feel the gradual change as you left hell and entered heaven. The grass started looking greener, the business district slipped away, and eventually everything was clean and untainted.
