The Devil Inside Part 16

"I told you before, I'm not going to sell you out, and you've upheld your end of our deal, I would imagine."

She nodded. She had gone against everything she had been taught and believed when she omitted the truth of their flight. Cain had been right. No one from the bureau had even known she was gone, so it was more of a lie of omission than anything more sinister. Either way, if Cain turned out to be less than honorable, Shelby's lie could come back to haunt her eventually. Pacts with the devil usually didn't come cheap.

"I gave you my word, Cain."

"Then that's good enough for me, and once this is all over, I'll see what I can do to help you get that transfer."

She tugged Cain's hand into her lap and ran her fingertip along the back of it, trying to find a way to say what was on her mind. "Not that I don't appreciate your help. After all, you saved my life, but please don't make any calls on my behalf."

The low, mirth-filled laugh made her relax, a.s.suring her she hadn't insulted Cain. "I'm thinking more along the lines of your superiors being so impressed with your job performance they'll move you further along, than of me picking up the phone. As surprised as I was to see you tonight, I'm glad you're still around. Think you can lose your shadows tomorrow night and meet me for dinner?"

"I'd love to, but only if it's dinner. You fascinate me, that's true, but commitment is important to me, and even if you'd be willing to offer me that, I can't."

"My loss, then, but this is business. I trust you, Shelby, and I trust you to do the right thing with the information I'm going to give you." Cain turned her hand in Shelby's lap palm up so she would take it. It was sad in a way that they could never be more than friends. She liked the agent, and while Cain would never allow another woman into her heart, she would always welcome women like Shelby into her bed. "Are you ready? I don't need the feds organizing a raid because they think I'm in here having my way with you."

Shelby had played out the kiss they'd shared on the plane in her dreams more than once in the past week, and having the real thing so close proved to be too tempting. She moved so that she was almost in Cain's lap and pulled the dark head down so she could reach the full lips that had felt so good before.

Cain opened her mouth and invited Shelby in as she put her hands on the agent's hips and willed them not to wander. The door opening behind them broke them apart.

"Yes, Merrick?" She rubbed the side of Shelby's mouth with the pad of her thumb. She didn't need to turn around and confirm who it was. Merrick was the only one with the authority to open the door without knocking.

"The young woman's companions were wondering how long she'd be."

"Have Charlie pour them a drink on the house and tell them we'll be out in a minute, thank you."

The soft click left them in their quiet coc.o.o.n once again. Shelby figured the walls were extremely padded because of how quickly the music died away when Merrick closed the door.

"The last time I understood your actions, but tonight I'm at a bit of a loss," said Cain.

"Last time it was because I was grateful. Tonight it's just about wanting to. My life's so ordered that it's fun to put that aside for just one kiss and be happy in the moment."

Cain slowly kissed her again, coaxing Shelby's tongue to meet hers.

Shelby moaned at the contact, finding Cain's erotic pull impossible to resist. Perhaps the dangerous way she lived her life, or the way her hands felt as they ran along the fabric of her dress until one came to rest at the underside of her breast? Whatever the reason, Cain wove a spell that was hard to just walk away from, but that was what she had to force herself to do.

"There's a private bath behind the second door if you want to freshen up before we rejoin the party," Cain offered.

Shelby pressed her lips to Cain's cheek before she got up with a long sigh.

The man posted at the door handed her purse back with a wicked smile when she stepped out on Cain's arm. Per his boss's request, he had spent his time waiting for them to finish their meeting by singing along with whatever song the DJ was playing. Shelby would owe Kyle some aspirin when the night was done.

"How about a dance since you won't sleep with me?"

Shelby's face felt hot as she imagined the teasing she'd get later over the question. But she was also grateful to Cain for asking. A reputation for sleeping with the enemy was not something she wanted to add to her resume.

"Just one, then I'll have to call it a night." She waved to Special Agent Joe Simmons on her way to the dance floor with Cain, then stopped to hand her purse to Special Agent Anthony Curtis. Vinny was standing at the bar near them talking to Merrick, so it was the best place for it at the moment.

One dance turned into three before Cain signaled the DJ to slow things down, if just for one song. With Shelby this close, she took the opportunity to talk to her one more time. "You do realize why Kyle a.s.signed you lead agent tonight, don't you?"

"The guys wouldn't have gotten this close?"

"There's that, and they aren't blond."

Shelby laughed and thought about what the outcome might have been had Cain not had such excellent information on who her watchers were. Would the untouchable Casey's Achilles's heel be a pair of pretty eyes and soft b.r.e.a.s.t.s? She hoped not, since it would be rather petty.

"Time for us to retreat back to our corners, Agent." Cain kissed the top of her head and walked her to the bar.

Merrick was waiting with Cain's coat and had already called for the car. In only two days all h.e.l.l would break loose, and Cain wanted to go home and spend time with Hayden. If she went to bed soon, getting up for an early run wouldn't be such a burden.

Kyle watched the car pull away, with a tail not too far behind. All he needed now was a definite time for what was going down. They had already worked out the logistics of mounting a raid. Until he had that information, he wasn't letting Casey out of their sight. He could almost taste the big payoff he'd get by bringing her down.

The two agents in the van didn't mind stepping out while their boss made a call. Being stuck in the cramped s.p.a.ce with him for such a long period of time almost qualified them for hazard pay. Next time they would try a different approach on Joe and Anthony to get them to take the post with the boss.

"This is Kyle, put him on." He could hear a television blaring in the background before someone muted it and the person he'd called for came on the line.

"When?"

"I imagine sometime this week. Casey's been to every pay phone in the city, thinking it would make a difference. Then she had a meeting with Carlotti's kid tonight. With any luck I can catch two big fish with one cast."

"You do that, and I'll make it worth your while." With that, the line went dead.

Chapter Twenty-Two.

The steward gave final instructions for landing, and grumbling, sleepy pa.s.sengers complied, bringing their seats forward and refastening their seat belts. Emma scanned the familiar marsh surrounding New Orleans and prayed for the best. She planned to confront Cain with the truth and hoped her ex wouldn't add her to the marsh's treasures as a food source.

Her father, stern but supportive when he delivered his pep talk on the way to the airport, had been confident Cain would accept the news of Hannah with nothing short of happiness. No one who treated one child with such caring could reject an innocent who was part of her.

"For the rest, Em, you'll have to be patient. She loves you. Her heart knows that, but it'll just take some convincing to get her head to agree."

"If only it were that simple, Daddy."

"There's nothing simple about this, and you'll need to deal with your son as well as Cain. Hayden isn't going to let you into his good graces when he finds out. You have to commit yourself to not giving up."

"Having you think I can do it makes me feel better."

"You're a parent, Em, like me. No matter what, you love your children and have to fight for their happiness. Hayden is missing what you can bring into his life, and our Hannah's being cheated out of what Cain can add to hers. The most important thing missing here, though, is the completeness only you and Cain can bring each other."

"How'd you get to be such a fount of wisdom living out there on that farm?" Emma reached over and squeezed her father's arm with a smile, to let him know she was teasing.

"I watch Oprah when you aren't looking."

After her luggage finally appeared on the conveyer belt, she arranged for a cab to take her to her first destination. If her luck held, this course of action would be as successful as the first time she tried it. Of the very few avenues available to get to Cain, her uncle Jarvis was the only one she was sure wouldn't just toss her out at first glance.

The kindly older gentleman strongly resembled his older brother Dalton and had always gone out of his way to make her feel like a member of the Casey clan. One of his niece's most trusted advisors, he was one of the only people in the city not afraid to rail against Cain's famous temper. She usually accepted his gentle rebukes because she knew Jarvis thought only of her best interests and those of the family.

Jarvis stepped to the front room of his house and hugged the woman whom he had come to love, regardless of how Cain felt. "Clara, please put Emma's bag in one of the guest rooms upstairs. What brings you back so soon, child?"

"I come asking forgiveness again, uncle Jarvis."

"Of Hayden? Surely your visit didn't go that poorly?"

"No, of Cain this time. I'm not forgetting Hayden, but I've done something that hurt Cain more than anyone."

Jarvis sighed and waved to one of the chairs. If what she said was true, he could do only so much for her. "Emma, I never asked Cain what made you leave so suddenly, and I'm not asking you now, but you've got to realize what's happened since you've been gone. Cain isn't the same person you knew four years ago, and Hayden, he's completely different. Cain is, and always has been, strong and proud. What you did, or your reaction to something she did, ripped holes in the very essence of who she is."

"Don't you think I sit up nights thinking about that? That I miss her more than I can stand before I'm a teary mess again?"

He put up a big hand to silence her. "I didn't say all that because I think you insincere, Emma. You and I will come to an understanding today, or else I'll drive you to the airport myself and wash my hands of you."

"Just ask and I'll do it."

"It isn't that simple, la.s.s. My brother and I had the good fortune to find and marry women who loved us with a fierce devotion." The more pa.s.sionate he got, the more his brogue slipped into his conversation. "They loved us and were able to turn a blind eye when the situation warranted it, because they knew what loving us meant. What acceptance they had to bring to their commitment of marrying a Casey."

"You think I'm not capable of that?"

"I've lived this long and enjoyed the fruits of my work too many years by not reading too much into any given situation. To survive, I accept only what's there. And I've seen you running away from your spouse and your son. Add to that not one phone call to check if they're doing well or if they need you. So no, I don't think you're capable of that kind of commitment."

His honesty stung, but she couldn't come into his house and argue with him over the truth as it had played out so far. "You have my word, uncle Jarvis. Get me one more chance, and I'll never give you reason to doubt the depth of my commitment. Four years is a long time to learn a lesson, but I belong with Cain, and I'll die by her side."

"I took a chance on you already, Emma, and it cost me a little of Cain's respect. If I do what you're asking and you renege on your word, I'll lose my place with my niece. If that happens, Cain will be the least of your worries."

She knelt in front of his chair, put her hands over his, and gazed steadily into his eyes. "I give you my word as a Casey."

"I'm sure it is important, uncle Jarvis. I just can't tonight." As Cain put her shoes on, she paused to listen to him ask again. "No, it's not a hot date. I'll call you tomorrow, I promise, but tonight I'm meeting someone to go over something important. If I could reschedule it I would, but I'll have to ask your cooperation and flexibility on this one."

"I have your word you'll make time for me tomorrow?"

"You got it, and thank you for understanding. The way we left things the last time we talked has been bothering me, so I'll look forward to tomorrow." She hung up and hoped Shelby had been able to get the night off.

Jarvis tapped the receiver against his chin and closed his eyes. Oh boy, she feels bad for screaming at me. Somehow I'm thinking she's going to forget her remorse really fast when I show up bearing gifts of small blondes again. He heard Emma behind him, waiting to hear the verdict. "Tomorrow will have to be soon enough. She had dinner plans that she couldn't change."

"I'm not too late, am I?"

"Like I said earlier, Emma, four years is a long time. But if it makes you feel better, Cain hasn't had any encounters I've been able to confirm. With her reputation that's hard to imagine, but I don't think anyone's standing in your way. No one, that is, but yourself."

The thought of someone else pressing her naked skin to Cain's sent a swift pain through Emma's heart that just as quickly turned to anger. It was irrational to expect Cain to abstain until she came to her senses, but that was what she had done. As for Emma, no one else had remotely come close to engaging her in a long conversation, much less making her share herself in such an intimate way.

The object of Emma's jealousy walked into an office supply store, sure that no one had followed her. What luck for the award-winning Emeril's Restaurant to share a wall with such a mundane business. The aisle with the pens and office paper was just where Cain said it would be, and at the end was a door. Shelby knocked and stepped back a little when Merrick opened it outward.

"Welcome, Agent Daniels."

She frowned when the woman called her by name. Cain had promised not to share it with anyone.

"I'm the only one here, and I'm the only one aside from Vincent's men who knows your name, ma'am, so don't look so worried. If you're ready, Cain's waiting."

Cain was seated in a beautiful private room waiting for her. As always she looked incredible in the custom suit she was wearing, and Shelby was glad she had put a lot of thought into choosing her own outfit.

Cain stood up and nodded to Merrick, who went to wait in the office of the business next door.

"Welcome, Shelby. I hope you're hungry and curious."

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you? If you ever decide to leave your life of crime, you can write a book on interesting tidbits in New Orleans."

"I would, but I hear a life on the straight and narrow path really doesn't pay," Cain joked back as she moved forward to kiss the agent h.e.l.lo.

"Isn't it a life of crime doesn't pay?"

"Bite your tongue, Agent Daniels."

"I'd rather you do that." She blushed. "I can't believe I said that. I really do need to stay away from you before you convince me bank robbery might be a good hobby."

Cain laughed and lowered her head. Since Shelby hadn't hesitated about her method of greeting, Cain lingered a moment longer and enjoyed it. "Why don't you try a curried shrimp, and I'll pour you a gla.s.s of wine?" Cain pulled Shelby's chair out for her and tried to squelch her libido.

"This is very nice. Thanks for asking me."

"My pleasure. Maybe after your big promotion you'll be the one to treat me to dinner."

"And why am I going to be getting a big promotion?" Shelby tapped her gla.s.s against the one Cain held over the center of the table and smiled at her before taking a sip.

In lieu of an answer Cain pa.s.sed her a large file and sat back to enjoy her appetizer.

Twenty minutes later a waiter appeared with the next course, noticeably upset when he found Shelby's plate untouched and papers spread out around her chair.

"Leave it, Julian. I'll cut it up and feed it to her in small pieces so she won't choke while she's reading."

"Another twenty minutes or so before the soup, Ms. Casey?"

"That sounds about right. Why don't you bring that with a straw?" Cain teased.

Shelby finally looked up, an expression of total shock marring her features. "I'm sorry for zoning out like that, but there's no way this is true."

"Why wouldn't it be? Just because I gathered the information, it's bogus because it suits my interests?"

"No, Cain, because of what it implies. This is a serious allegation against someone who up to now has been beyond reproach."

Cain lifted a shrimp off Shelby's plate and held it up for her to take a bite. "I'm a Casey, Shelby, which makes me a bad guy in the eyes of the law. What you just finished reading doesn't make him any different from me because of who he works for. I asked you for a favorfor you to do your job. You have the rest of tonight and most of tomorrow to do it. Verify the information and then make your decision. That's all I ask. Forget now that you owe me your life. Your being here tonight has paid your debt. As your friend I'm asking you to do this. If you refuse, I still have options, but I wanted to give you first shot."

"Can I get some help from some of the other agents?"

"If you trust someone else, then knock yourself out."

"Cain, would you be terribly offended if I skipped the rest of dinner?"