Catching the reference, she shook my hand. “Well played. But I’d be more than happy to ride on your ship.”
“Normally I’d say all aboard, but now is not a good time,” I said, getting to my feet.
Smirking, she got up and let go of my hand. “Pity. I was hoping to have some fun tonight.”
“Oh, I’m sure there are plenty of gentlemen here who could use your services.”
“Am I that obvious?” she challenged, regarding me with narrowed eyes.
“It’s of no concern to me either way.” But before I could turn away, an idea sparked. Looking at the red haired vixen, she was exactly the type of person I needed. Unfortunately, the men I was searching for weren’t there. “Actually, I may have a proposition for you.”
“What kind of proposition?”
I pulled out one of my cards and wrote my number on it. “It might be dangerous, so I understand if you don’t want to. But you look like the kind of girl who’d be up for a challenge.”
She took my card and smiled, her eyes lit with humor. “You have no idea.”
“All you have to do is give me a call tomorrow morning.”
“What kind of money you talking?”
I tapped her chin and winked. “Don’t worry, you’ll be well compensated.” Making my way out of the casino, I glanced over my shoulder; she was gone. Ryan might not like the ideas going through my mind, but it was the perfect solution. The only problem now would be putting my trust in a prostitute.
Back at the hotel, I turned on my phone and set it on the bed, ignoring its incessant beeping. It’d been a week since I’d talked to Ryan and the last thing I wanted was to hear him bitch. He was just going to have to go another day without talking to me. Running a hand through my hair, I looked out the window at the city lights. I prayed I could figure out the case before another woman went missing.
Over at the bar, a bottle of whiskey called my name. I was about to pour a tumbler full when a loud knock sounded on the door. Who the fuck is that?
As soon as I opened the door, the red-haired vixen strolled in, carrying a bag in her hands. “You decided to follow me? You should know I’m not into stalkers.”
Throwing her bag on the floor, she turned to me, her smile gone. “It’s a good thing I’m not stalking you then. My name’s Aylee McFadden. I’m with the FBI.” She lifted her leg on the couch and retrieved something strapped to her thigh, throwing it at me.
Eyes wide, I stared down at her badge. “Holy fuck.”
“I can’t believe you were going to get a civilian to help you with the case, least of all a fucking prostitute,” I scolded. Instead of answering, he clenched his jaw and tossed me my badge. “I’ll give you credit though, at least you didn’t try to fuck me.”
He stepped forward, sliding his shirt sleeves up, showing off the tattoos tracing down his right arm; green eyes blazing. “My mind is always on the case. So what exactly does the FBI hope to accomplish by sending you?”
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my detail assignment which now included him. “First off, I want you to stop talking to me like I’m the enemy.” He scoffed, pissing me off more. “And second,” I added, throwing the file at him, “it was my idea to risk my life to help you.”
Hearing what was being done to the victims brought back horrible memories. I was sick for a week after looking at the pictures. I wasn’t a weak woman, but there was only so much you could take before the past came back to haunt you. My eyes started to burn.
“So what, I’m supposed to take orders from you now?” he asked, breaking into my thoughts.
Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms. “Is this really how you’re going to be?”
He tossed the file on the couch. “I can do whatever the fuck I want. This is my case and I’m going to solve it. I don’t need you or the bureau fucking everything up.”