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kisses, she didn t like his manipulations.
Or maybe she was going along with it for her own reasons. She wasn t looking forward to telling
him about Cali s boyfriend. When he found out that she d known since Tuesday and had said nothing,
he was going to be pissed at her. Maybe if she held off until tomorrow, when the agents moved in and
arrested Easson...she knew she should tell him sooner rather than later.
But he obviously wasn t going to let her get a productive word in until he got whatever he wanted
to get done at this party over with.
The car came to a stop in front of one of the most exclusive hotels in the area. Luke tipped the
driver and exited the car, walking around to get her door for her.
The outside of the hotel was decorated with intricate stonework and metal plates with some
fascinating designs. Luke did have a knack for showing her the prettier side of the city.
What s this party for again? she asked as they headed into the lobby.
One hundred years ago today, Walter Farrell s father bought his first property in the city. Now
the entire family owns billions in assets all over the world. Probably just an elaborate excuse to
network, but anyone who s anyone is here tonight so I figured I should pop in.
I suppose you are someone, she murmured as they passed the beautiful marble columns in the
lobby and stopped at the equally decadent gold elevators. Not that it was real gold, but rich-looking
nonetheless.
He hit the number for one of the higher levels, and the high-speed elevator had them there in no
time. The doors opened to a less impressive hallway, but it was obvious that there was something big
going on in the room behind them. But in front of the doors were two men in suits and clipboards. It
made sense that this would be invitation only.
Luke confidently strode over to them and gave his name. The bouncer looked over his board
and turned a few pages. I m sorry, sir, but I don t see your name here.
Evelyn set a hand on her hip and raised her brow at Luke. Well, this should have a damn good
explanation.
There must be some mistake. Colin Carter knows I was supposed to come tonight. Can you call
him over?
The bouncer nodded and pulled a radio from his pocket to call this Colin Carter person over.
Evelyn straightened as she saw the man approach a minute later. Colin Carter had the muscular
build and observant gaze of someone who wasn t a casual guest. Or even an off-the-street rent-a-cop.
Evelyn was willing to bet military, but she knew well-trained men like that came from many
different sources.
The question was, where did Luke find him?
He s okay, said Colin as he reached them without even asking for Luke s name. And Evelyn
knew the bouncer hadn t said it over the radio. They can come on in.
Luke nodded his thanks and pulled Evelyn into the beautiful ballroom without saying even a thank-
you to Colin Carter.
What s going on? she whispered to Luke, even as she put on a smile.
I ll tell you everything, he promised. After I get a drink. Do you want one?
Of course she didn t want a drink. She wanted to know the truth. Water, please, she bit out,
letting her tone carry exactly how she felt about his behavior.
He led her to the bar and she followed, glancing around the room for any sign of threats. The room
had soft blue lights around the border, giving the room a relaxing glow. One side of the room had
tables for the guests to sit, and servers walked around with trays of gourmet hors d oeuvres. Two
sides of the ballroom were flanked with an outdoor terrace that overlooked the nightscape of the city
and Central Park. Renting this space must ve cost a fortune, but, like Luke said, the Farrells could
afford it.
Then she saw someone across the room who had her stopping in her tracks. Is that Cali?
~~~~~
Luke cursed under his breath as Evelyn pointed to a woman in the middle of conversation with three
men all in suits just as expensive as his own.. Huh. I didn t realize she knew the Farrells. But she is
pretty personable. Maybe she got an invite.
Evelyn tightened her lips as her eyes darted nervously around the room.
Is everything okay? he asked. Evelyn had seemed on edge all day. Did she know the real reason
he was here?
We need to see who exactly invited her. Come on. Evelyn started across the room and Luke
followed. He didn t have time for this. He needed to get to Longineu before he saw Luke and bolted.
As they got closer, Cali turned away from the men she was talking to and scanned the crowd
before she noticed him and Evelyn. She gave them a confused smile as they approached.
Hi, Cali, said Evelyn in a strangely cheerful tone.
I didn t realize you were coming tonight, Luke.
Evelyn smiled over at Luke. Funny. I thought this had been on your schedule for ages.
Not the one I keep. Cali glanced between the two of them.
The one in my head, he bit out.
Whatever you say. Cali smiled. Easson just ran to the restroom. He should be out any minute if
you want to meet him.
Evelyn stiffened and reached down for her purse. Easson is here?
Yes. He invited me. Cali studied Evelyn for a moment and her face fell. Why is that a bad
thing?
Why is that a bad thing? asked Luke.
Evelyn looked around the room again and Luke realized her anxiety was increasing by the second.
Because your boyfriend tried to kill me," admitted Evelyn.
What? shouted Cali.
Evelyn...
Easson is very dangerous and he s working for the people who are after Luke.
Luke stared in disbelief at Evelyn, and she refused to meet his gaze. How long had she known?
Why the hell hadn t she told him?
And you decided to let me carry on with him...why exactly? So you could keep tabs on him?
Have a way to track him?
Luke shook his head. Cali
She backed away. No. I m leaving before I get pulled into any more of your shit. And if you see
my ex-boyfriend, please tell him that I don t appreciate being used by anyone. She turned and cut
across the room, making a beeline for the door.
Luke started to follow when Evelyn grabbed his arm and pulled him off to the side of the room.
What the hell is going on here?
You re asking me? You re the one who s been letting my assistant date a serial killer.
That was a calculated risk after much consideration. He was dating her to get close to you and if
we want to catch him, I needed him close. I only found out how dangerous he was today and I
would ve told you if I weren t convinced you were hiding something from me. Now spill. What are
we doing here?
Luke clenched his jaw as the anger coursed through him. Evelyn had used him. Used Cali to get
what she wanted. I thought we were partners, he hissed.
We were never partners! she snapped. You re good at what you do, but you re not a cop or
FBI agent or anything. You re not investigating this with me. I m here to protect you, which is damn
hard when you bring me to parties with killers, and I have a sinking feeling you knew he would be
here.
Hey, I didn t know apartment guy was here. Easson. He knew he didn t like the sound of that
name. I m here because Longineu is here tonight and I m going to bring him, and the entire Thirteen
Stars organization, down.
And you were going to tell me this when?
When you became a fucking human being and stopped putting your investigation in front of
people s lives.
Rage burned behind Evelyn s brown eyes and for half a second, Luke thought she would scream at
him right then and there.
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