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  “Alright, alright, Vega. I get it.” He better. I’m not going to put up with that. If I decide to let them work with me, they better learn who’s in charge of this operation.

  We pull up to a small gray house with a cracked walkway leading to the white wood door that Miles quickly knocks on. A busty brunette in non-sensible, too-much-skin kind of clothing slowly opens the door. Her puffy, red eyes dart between the three of us as she tries to keep her voice steady.

  “Hi?” She looks confused. I don’t blame her, three random people showing up at a time like this is strange.

  “Hi. Ms. Brown?” Redmond asks. Directing my attention to him. His voice is surprisingly soft for a guy like him. Hell, even I want to hear more of that.

  “Y-yes?” Her shaky, squeaky voice blurts out.

  “Ms. Brown. We'd like to ask you a few questions, if that's okay with you.” He quickly flashes his badge and holds his hand out for her to grab.

  She looks into his eyes and her face instantly relaxes with a small smile flashing briefly. Go figure Redmond has that kind of tone to him. I wouldn't have thought a guy like him could sound so soft, let alone that soft voice be a turn on.

  I take a good hard look at him as she leads us inside, I can’t help but watch him move so gracefully. Definitely differently than before. Not only did he have a sympathetic voice, but his movements are smooth and subtle too. That is a major attraction factor I didn’t expect.

  Miles clears his throat as he watches me check out his partner. Which made an embarrassing tone of red flash onto my cheeks. I’ve got to get that under control if I’m going to work with them.

  We follow her to the living room where the other woman is already sitting, they’re grieving together. I don’t blame them. I can only imagine they feel as bad as me for their friends' abduction and murder. Possibly blaming themselves. I blame myself. Perhaps feeling like we could have stopped this from occurring to the ones we love. Rethinking every move we made that night looking for a way it could have been prevented. Guilt must drive even harder when the body of someone you know turns up.

  “I'm very sorry to have to ask you questions at a time like this. But the sooner we get information, the sooner we can catch this guy.”

  Redmond's voice broke through my internal grief as he hands the other woman a tissue. Where did he pull that from? I take another long look at him. That soft voice is very pleasant.

  She looks at him and I swear she blushed and batted her eyes as he sat across from her and Ms. Brown.

  “This is detective Miles, and special agent Vega.” Redmond says motioning to us.

  'Special agent'? Well I won't shut him up. The men I work with don’t see me as an equal agent. No. They demote me every time they introduce me. Knocking down my importance. This boost in title throws a smirk on my face. Their eyes stop on Miles for a few seconds longer than I liked. Where the hell did jealousy come from? Then gave me the look of 'bitch' before they turn their attention back to Redmond. I'll just let him lead, I don’t mind hearing more of that voice.

  “We would appreciate it if you could explain to us how that night went.” He says smoothly.

  His voice is relaxing and easy to fall into. I mentally shake myself. Getting lost in a voice like that is not an option for me.

  “Just as we told the officers when she went missing. Molly found out her boyfriend of three years had been stepping out on her for two. So we took her out to help her get over him. Finding someone to sleep with wasn't really an option that night. No interest. She went to check the car for her phone or something. Some guy was right behind her, even opened the door for her and that’s the last we saw of her.”

  More tears start flowing from the both of them. I’m having a hard time keeping myself in check. They cannot see a person in my position vulnerable like this, but I know how they feel and it’s becoming difficult to stay composed. It makes me more motivated to end the person behind this. Crap. My eyes are starting to water. No. No. I can't do this here. One of the girls looks at me and I can feel my lips quiver as her watery gaze met me.

  “Excuse me.” I get up and walk out the door. At least got those words out without a shake behind it, hopefully no one noticed my change in tone. I walk onto the porch, sit on the step taking in deep breaths.

  It’s probably about ten minutes of questioning and my ass sat on the stoop the whole time. I couldn’t be in there watching these people be questioned while mourning the loss of a loved one. No. I couldn't sit there and think about how these roles can easily be reversed and someone is asking me about the last time I saw my sister. What was she wearing? Was there anyone suspicious? What time? All these questions I know help a case move forward would trap my mind into thinking how horrible of a sister I had been while we grew up. How I wish I would have been there more than just at the end. How-.

  “Vega?” His dark, low voice travels through my mind and straight to my core. I quickly push back every hint of tears.

  “I'm fine.” Even I don't believe that response.

  He sits next to me and pushes his shoulder against mine. Like that subtle touch was going to ease whatever pain that’s in my mind.

  “You sure? We will find them. I'm determined to save those women too.” Miles nudges me a little more.

  “I'm fine.” I stand up and dust off my jeans. I can't do this with people around. “He's good.” I say as I push back my sadness, taking in a deep breath, and try to focus on something else.

  “Yeah. Red is a sympathy guy.” I watch his expression as he replies, he doesn’t sound happy about that. Having a partner like that should make it easier questioning relatives and friends of victims.

  “Yeah, well.” I get lost thinking about the softness in his voice mixed with the hardness of his body. And damn.

  “Yeah. I see you, Vega. I saw your eyes on him as you walked behind him.” His tone catches my interest. Jealousy. That’s what that tone is, Miles is jealous. I can’t stop a sly, flattered smirk on my lips.

  I’m caught. “What? No. No, no, no. I’m trying to figure out how a man like him has such a soft, caring voice.” Nope, there isn’t any response that justifies my actions. “Yeah. I'm not getting away with that one, am I?” He shakes his head lightly. “Don't tell him that. I'm sure it would boost the ego he doesn't need.” He flashes a small smile. The green in his eyes darken with the same jealousy from his voice at that envious thought. I can’t get lost in his stare.

  “You've got that right. Don't worry. Now. What's our plan after this?” His voice is still tight with jealousy. My body is very into how that sounds from him.

  This isn’t going to work. I can’t work with Miles. Not with a voice like that hitting my body more than Redmond’s soft tone.

  “I'd like a shot at the bar. Talk to the manager, bartender, and see if there are any videos.” At least this talk is helping my mind stray away from any depressing thoughts.

  “We can do that. We could get Red to drop us off and he can talk to her family.” Is he actively trying to get us alone? Or get me away from Redmond?

  I look around the neighborhood trying to find a reason we don’t need to be alone doing this. “Should we? I'm sure I can handle the bar. You could go with Redmond.” I nervously put my hands in my back pockets.

  He stands up and places a hand on my shoulder redirecting my sight to his eyes. “I am not leaving you alone in a bar. I don't care what time of day it is.” And I thought Redmond’s caring tone was a turn on. With that gaze fixed on me and those green eyes searching mine, my breath stops like the night we met. All I can do is smile shyly as a response. What the hell is wrong with me?

  Chapter 14

  Miles

  I can see her thought process. She looks like she wants to tell me to fuck off like before. Then she nods with a small smile. Is she warming up to me?

  “Fine.” The door opens and I immediately drop my hand from her, turning to see Red and the girls at the door. Somehow during the questioning he got small chuc
kles from them behind all that sadness. Score one: Red.

  “Thank you so much for your help. I truly am sorry. If you remember anything else, or need some help, please call me.” He slides both of them his card.

  They look to us and show half a smile before looking on the verge of tears again and close the door.

  Damnit. Vega is watching his movements closely again, or I'm just imagining it now. I never realized how his voice affected the opposite sex until I saw Vega's eyes going after him.

  “You okay?” Red asks her in that sweet, soft tone. Glancing in the mirror once we're in the car.

  “Yeah. Just fine.” She snaps back immediately. A defense I'm sure she's used to. No need for emotions while on the job, but I’m sure her partners instill that more. She looks composed and calm on the outside, but I know she's not. I know she’s on the edge of a breakdown and hiding it well.

  “I'm sorry.” There he goes with that tone again. “I should have realized how that position would have affected you.”

  “You don't have to apologize for anything. I shouldn't let something simple like that blow over my emotions.” She says with ease, but that aggression still overpowers her words.

  Why do I not like this? It seems like I have to fight more with her to get her to talk to me. Red comes in with a charming voice and she simply tells him. That needs to stop before it pisses me off any more than it already has.

  “Nonsense, Vega.” Even the way he softly says her name makes me feel like I'm intruding on an intimate moment. Damn, Red. Never realized how much of a threat you were until now. “This is personal. I understand. Where shall we go now?”

  “Miles and I were thinking of hitting the bar. Interrogate the manager. Look for videos if they have it.” Good, now someone needs to come up with the bright idea of Red going off by himself. How would this work if he joined us on a night out on her mission? I don’t think I want him to intrude on any night out with her.

  “Yeah. You two should do that before business picks up, I'll speak with the family.” I hope he can't tell the difference in my smile at his suggestion.

  “That's what we were thinking, too.” I added in.

  “I'll drop you off and let you know when I'm done, then we'll head out? If we've obtained enough satisfying information.”

  He looks at her from the mirror. Never have I thought of Red as competition. We have very different tastes in women. He doesn't like the feisty 'in your face' type, but this is looking like he may try.

  “Yeah. Sure. Sounds good.” She says flatly. Until a deep growl, and a very frustrated noise came from her as her phone rings. “Yeah.” The irritation in her voice is hard to miss, she’s abrasive and very detached. “Well then get the information on your own, Brad. Not my problem or job, is it?” She hangs up.

  I want to ask what happened, but hell, I don't want to cross her right now. Maybe I can get Red to do it? No, I wouldn't want that. He’d probably find some way to get her to talk to him without any resistance.

  “Dumbass. Sorry.” She mutters as we near the bar. I hear her take in a few deep breaths to calm down before we get there.

  “For what? Telling him to do whatever it was on his own? I admire that.” I reply quickly.

  “Asshole wanted information on your cute M.E. Thought I could use my ‘girly ways' and bring her around. Such a prick.”

  Red’s body stiffens. I look at him to see his narrowed eyes, and pursed lips at that comment. “Excuse you? He wanted what?” Don’t think I’ve heard that tone from him. He’s genuinely pissed which doesn’t happen to Red. He's got a thing for Anya then? Good to know. She’s more his type, so he shouldn’t be after Vega.

  “You heard me. I wouldn't dare lead her to the way of them. Trust me, you've got nothing to worry about there, Redmond. Brad is a noticeable asshole.” So his feelings are that apparent. That helps me relax a bit more.

  “Me? Worry?” Well, this information is good to know.

  “Never mind then.” She quietly laughs. We pull up to this small roadside bar and get out. The wood panel siding is still in decent condition the color is faded from years of weather, the dark, barred windows refuse the light to shine through. A neon light flickers on the sill, and it looks like they just opened for the night.

  “I shouldn't be too long there. Will probably be back here before you guys are done.” He says as he nods to us and leaves. I turn to Vega, really wanting to throw my arm around her as we walk in, but I don't. After hearing her off-hours operation, there is no way I’m letting her do an investigation alone.

  I open the door and she hesitates for a second but walks in. A bald, burly guy with deep brown eyes, about Vega's height spots us immediately and met us before we can take another step inside. His stalky build reminds me of a pit-bull as his eyes dart between us.

  “Can I help you? I’m Xander, the owner.” His raspy voice alludes to years of a smoking habit.

  Vega doesn’t say a word, her shoulders pull back and her body tightens as she promptly flashes her badge instead. The second his eyes land on her badge, he starts to sweat. That's an interesting response, he has to be hiding something.

  “Got some questions for you.” She says flatly. Her business side is intriguing, she doesn’t mess around, unlike her co-workers.

  “No problem. What's this about?” He’s nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Making little eye contact and there’s possibly more sweat forming on his face. He takes in a deep breath and rubs his hands on his pants.

  “A dead woman.” She’s quick and blunt with her response as she stashes her badge back in her pocket. The guy seems more nervous as he holds her eye contact for a brief second, something’s up.

  “I'm sorry. I don't-. Let's go into my office.” He says as she nods and we follow him. I like this take charge vibe she's throwing out. She won't take 'no' for an answer here. Definitely a side of her I’d like to see more of. I definitely won’t interfere with the power she’s holding over this conversation.

  Her hand grazes the end of her gun as we walk down a long narrow hallway that leads to an exit, and to the left, a large office. She looks around as if expecting someone to jump out of the shadows.

  “Please, have a seat.” He says as he walks behind his desk. Placing his arms on top and lacing his fingers as he watches us. Is he trying to intimidate us? She does the same, making sure to copy his movements exactly. I wonder how long she plans to let this silence go on.

  “So.” He clears his throat. “What can I help you with?” Suppose he couldn’t take the awkward silence anymore. I was even starting to get nervous about it. She’s pretty good at this tough part and can probably make witnesses crack within minutes.

  “Video surveillance from a few months ago, actually. Woman was here and never made it home. Found her body a town over. What are the chances you or your staff remember this?”

  “Oh, very good actually. As you can see the town is a bit compact, we remember things like that. What do you need? I've got the video. The police didn't take it because they believed she left on her own. Unfortunately, our outside cameras were severed. All we have is what's in the bar.” His speech is rushed as he swipes his hand over his shirt, I assume to dry off the sweat, but he’s making me nervous, and I’m not liking this.

  Finally we found someone who thought something was weird and saved evidence. I can see Vega's smile widen.

  “Good to hear. Do you remember anyone odd that evening?” She leads in with her questioning. So she's okay with it as long as it's not the family or friends.

  He shakes his head. “Not really. I mean we're on the main road in and out of town, we often get strangers through here.” His eyes move to me for a second, then back to her.

  “Any choice of drink or leering that may have been noticeable?” I bet she’s been waiting to get a person like this who thought something like a video was important. Or his off demeanor is screaming, ‘he’s hiding something.’

  “No, miss-.”

  �
��Vega. Agent Vega. This is detective Miles.” She motions to me.

  “Miss Vega. No. Nothing I noticed. My bartender might know more about that than I do, their tips depend on drinks to remember and faces to go with those drinks.”

  Good to hear.

  “You guys busy often? Crowded? Sometimes that can make it difficult to remember someone new stepping in.”

  “We have our busy times and slow times. Would you like me to get the bartender? I can give you the video too.” He pulls open a large, heavy wood drawer. Rummages through it and pulls out the disc with the recording. At least it’s in a hard plastic case so it shouldn't be damaged. Then he walks out to get the bartender. We remain in silence as she looks around this room.

  After a few minutes, he walks back in with a man who looks like he barely passed the legal drinking age. He flashed a smile as soon as he looks to Vega, dipping his dark eyes down her body. I’m not going to have any of that. I clear my throat and his smile drops the instant he met my eyes.

  “Julio. These are agents Vega and Miles. With the FBI. They'd like to ask you a few questions, if you wouldn't mind. I'll cover you.” He pats the guy on the back and walks away. Julio stands in the doorway. His hands shake as he tries to steady them, finally crossing his arms. His eyes move between us and his smile kept fading, anxiety infiltrates his body the longer the silence spreads out. She really likes to make them sweat it out. Her hard stare probably doesn’t help calm the nerves of anyone she views as a suspect.

  “This about Molly?” He says with a smooth Spanish accent. We look at each other and then back to him. She nods and lets him continue. His nervousness eased up as he spoke. “We grew up together. Her family called and told us what happened.” His voice loses his tone.

  “Julio.” Her voice cracks slightly. “We just need you to talk to us about anyone weird that night. Anyone that you saw who may have been too interested in watching her, or following her out.”