Page 36 of Capture My Heart

She shouldn’t spit on the gift that it was, but she wanted to know why he had moved her to the bottom of the list.

“You spend every waking moment looking into your father’s death.”

“Well, big brother really is watching.”

“Yes, but I got this from Jim and CJ. They don’t think you’re corrupt. And I gotta say, my gut agrees.”

His gut? She glanced at his toned abs hidden under loose cotton. She pulled her eyes back up to his. She knew a cop couldn’t discount their instincts, but before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.

“What did your gut say before your partner shot you?”

Nothing like rubbing salt in the wound. Trey instinctually rubbed his scar.

The look on her face telegraphed regret. She had to be blind not to see that this subject was a crater-sized wound.

“I—”

He shook his head to cut her off. The echoing cries and foul odors that burned his nose when he had entered the shipping container still linger in his mind. But it was the sight of all those children, bound and huddled together, that haunted his sleeping hours. “I had doubts, but I still had a job to do.”

She nodded. “So, if I’m still on the questionable list, what do you want?”

That was a loaded question. He wanted more than he should from her, but for now, he’d stick to the case. “Your silence and cooperation for starters.”

She studied him with those blue eyes, bright and as curious as the wide, open sky above. “I’m listening.”

“First, I’d like you to keep my real connection to the case a secret. For now.” He tapped his finger on his lips as he worked on the phrasing of the rest of his request.

She thought about it for a minute before agreeing. “And?”

“I would like your help with some reconnaissance work. You’re right in the middle of everything. You know the suspects and have access to intel.”

“Not sure I like the sound of this. You want me to rat out my friends?”

“Not rat per se—just keep an ear open and let me know if you hear anything.”

“What’s in it for me?”

“Well, I can help you with your father’s case.”

She squinted at him. “What makes you think you could find out something new?”

He pointed to himself. “BCA. I have access to information and systems you don’t.”

She thought about it. Damn it, he was right. “I guess I can do that.”

“Good.” He rose and crossed to the door.

“How do you know I won’t lie to you?” She smirked.

He leaned closer. The smile dropped, and her blue eyes grew twice their size.

“I’ll just have to keep a close eye on you until I’m sure of your innocence.”

Her mouth crooked in a sexy smile. It did funny things to his insides. “Who said I was innocent?”

Part of him twitched at the thought of not-innocent-Amy. He pushed back his reaction and held out a hand. “Give me your case file on your father’s death and I’ll start looking into it.”

“I have been looking for answers for years.” She moved to her bag on the stool by the counter. Turning her back to him, she quickly rifled through the case. With one glance over her shoulder, she gave him a half smile, then pulled a case folder from the bag.