"Ready?" Christina asked as she opened the pa.s.senger-side door.

"I guess so."

"Let's go."

Alexa blew out a breath as she took her seat, started the car, and rolled down her window.

"They're on their way." Tucker spoke in to thin air, and Alexa frowned before she remembered Jack would be in on the whole thing from a distance. It settled her to know he would be close by. She wasn't sure where, but she had no doubt he would come if she needed him.

CHAPTER 23.

Jackson waited for the KIA to turn on the parkway with the police tail following before he pulled back on the road and trailed behind at a distance. He still hated that Alex was doing this, but there was no going back now. It eased his mind some to know Christina was with her and agents were scattered about the neighborhood in upscale vehicles monitoring the entire situation, but he wouldn't be leaving Alex's safety in their hands alone. He would be as close to the mansion as he could get without p.i.s.sing off Hartwell's security or the FBI.

Canon and Terron said one thousand feet, but he was on his own-a civilian free to do as he chose. If he broke a few rules along the way, no one had to be the wiser; he just couldn't get caught.

Terron had briefed Tucker after their arrival at EcoSuites. Minutes later, Tucker turned around and filled Jackson in on the Feds' lame-a.s.s plan. He shook his head as he remembered the glaring holes in their strategies that left Alex and Christina vulnerable. But that's where he came in. He and Tucker would be spending the next few hours patching up a mess bound to end in disaster if they left it as it was.

He adjusted his earpiece-his lifeline to Alex via Tucker via Christina. He still didn't like Alex and Christina's one-way communication with the agents, but they couldn't exactly wear an earpiece and not give themselves away. As long as they stayed together and he and Tucker did their part, the night had the potential to end as anticlimactically as yesterday's 'first date.' He tightened his grip on the wheel. No matter how many times he tried to rea.s.sure himself that everything would be fine, the shudder in his belly warned him that trouble lay ahead. He wouldn't be able to relax until he, Tucker, and Alex were cruising toward his parents' home.

Jackson came to attention when Alex rolled to a stop at the makeshift valet station. He kept going, peering in his rearview mirror for a last look at Alex in the bright lights of the enormous circular drive. "Take care of her," he muttered as Christina stepped from her side of the car. He clenched his jaw as the car keys changed hands. Alex and Christina were officially on their own.

A half-mile down the road, he spotted a black Audi Q5 with blacked out windows pulled to the curb. Two agents would be manning their post in the front seat, hanging on every word exchanged. Jackson turned right, making his way around the block toward the back of the estate.

"All agents are reporting excellent sound quality," Tucker said into his ear. "The last vehicle just rolled into place half a block from the residence."

"Good. I'm circling around. I'm almost back to where I want to be. Did you double-check with Ethan about the surveillance system along the perimeter?"

"Yeah. He hacked into Hartwell's security company's files. There's no record of a sensory light installation, and they don't use dogs."

"Idiots. Just think, some a.s.shole could climb the wall in the dark, have themselves a seat, and stare in the windows for hours."

"Can't imagine what moron would want to do that. Got your rope?"

Jackson grinned. "Absolutely."

"Alexa and Christina just made contact with Eric." Tucker's voice went from joking to professional in an instant. "He's introducing them both to Hartwell and...hold on...son of a b.i.t.c.h, Lorenzo Cruz."

Dread surged through his veins as he thought of Alex standing face-to-face with the man who surely played a part in her sister's disappearance. "How does Alex sound?"

"Like a pro. Maybe she should give up her teaching gig and pick up a roll or two on the big screen. I barely hear her nerves. They work as well in this situation as they did last night."

"Thank G.o.d for that." Jackson turned on the parkway and slowed, catching glimpses of the twelve-foot wall through the dense tree cover. Who the h.e.l.l was in charge of security? The pretty pillars with thick concrete mounts spread every thirty feet were aesthetically pleasing but completely impractical. "If Ethan could see this layout, he'd s.h.i.t himself."

"Good stuff?"

"h.e.l.l no. I'll be up the wall in less than five minutes." He was looking forward to using Hartwell's security errors against him. d.i.c.k.

"No lights. No dogs. Some guys have all the luck."

"That's me. One lucky b.a.s.t.a.r.d." Jackson continued past the estate, taking advantage of the momentary ebb in traffic and flipped a u-turn. He idled on the shoulder and waited before backing closer to the shrubbery and trees. "Looks like I'm parked about an eighth of a mile from where I'll be."

"I have a decent idea of where you're at."

He reached for the door handle, ready to go, but stopped when he spotted the flashing yellow lights of a security vehicle turning into the doctor's office parking lot a hundred yards behind him. "A rent-a-cop's checking on the complex behind me. I'm going to wait a couple minutes." But he didn't want to. He was ready to be the a.s.shole climbing the wall to stare in the windows for hours. The operation seemed to be going well, but he would feel better when he could verify that for himself. Glancing at his watch, he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel and blew out an impatient breath. What the h.e.l.l was this guy doing? How long did it take to drive around a d.a.m.n office building? He fidgeted in his seat and stabbed the power b.u.t.ton on the radio. Crossfade blared through the speakers, and Jackson quickly turned it down. The gritty guitar and hard drumbeat fit his restless mood perfectly. He looked at his watch again, waiting for the security vehicle to move on. "G.o.dd.a.m.n." It had been less than five minutes but it felt like an eternity. "Let's go, buddy." He grabbed his bag and settled it on his shoulder when the yellow lights reflected in his mirrors. "What's going on? How about an update?" he demanded in frustration.

"Nothing new. They're schmoozing in the foyer. The place is loud and jam-packed."

"You sure you're getting good copy?"

"Everything's fine. You do your climb yet?"

"I'm on my way." The security vehicle turned in the opposite direction and Jackson pulled his keys from the ignition, opened his door, and crossed the street. Vehicles whooshed by, their headlights blinding him as he walked along the shoulder waiting for another lull in the Sat.u.r.day bustle. His moment came a minute later, and he dashed into the thick of trees. So far, so good. The pillar ahead was the one he wanted.

"Alexa and Christina are heading to the main living room. We can't hear much over the music."

"I'm about to secure the rope. I'll have a visual in less than five." He moved quickly, needing to get a glimpse of Alex. If the agents couldn't hear her, he wanted to see her. He made a loop in the heavy rope, la.s.soed it around the head of the pillar, and pulled leather gloves on his hands, ready to begin. Steaming out breath after breath, he fought against his own weight to reach the ledge. The rough texture of the wall wreaked havoc on his knees and forearms but made the climb easier. If the stone were smooth, he would've had a h.e.l.l of a time. Thank G.o.d for Hartwell's dumba.s.s security.

Jackson reached for the top. "s.h.i.t," he hissed as his knuckles connected with the unforgiving grit. He hitched his leg up and over. Finally on the ledge, he swiped at the sweat dripping in his eyes. "d.a.m.n." He pressed at his earpiece. "I'm up."

"Sound a little winded."

"Kiss a.s.s," he said without heat. He wiped the blood running down his arms on his jeans and winced at the sting as he stared at the mansion lit up like glory. Every light on the first floor blazed bright through the windows. Where was Alex? He grabbed the binoculars from his bag and honed in on the triple set of French doors where the band played. Echoes of laughter and the ba.s.s from the drums blared all the way out here. "Has Christina updated their location?"

"They're still in the living room, as far as we can tell."

Jackson continued his search of the crowded s.p.a.ce. "Where are you?" he whispered as he brushed at his forehead, wiping away the drenching perspiration. "Where are you, Alex?" He pressed his earpiece. "I can't establish a visual." Then he found her and he could breathe again-the relief was huge. There she was among the hordes of guests, talking to Renzo as she brought a flute of champagne to her lips but didn't actually sip. Jackson smiled. "That's my girl." He didn't have to worry about wine dulling her wits.

A balding, muscular man dressed in black came up behind Alex, and her smile vanished as Jackson's did. "Where's Christina?"

"She should be with Alexa. They're transmitting the same sounds. They're definitely in the room together."

"I don't see-" He spotted her talking to Hartwell not far from Alex. "There she is."

Christina smiled and edged closer to Alex. Alex took Christina's hand, and they followed Eric and the man in black out of the room. "What's going on?" Jackson clutched the binoculars tight. "What the h.e.l.l's going on, man? I've lost sight of them."

"Hold up."

He scanned rooms frantically, waiting for Tucker's voice to come back.

"They're off to meet some big shot modeling agent."

"Where? What room? I can't find them."

"Audio transmission's coming through fine. They're together."

Tucker could hear her, but Jackson wanted his visual back. He peered at his watch. An hour and a half until Christina was scheduled to come down with a migraine. He didn't know if he could make it that long.

The noise was deafening and the room hot. Alexa glimpsed at the silver wrist.w.a.tch her grandmother left her, feeling worried. Thirty minutes had already flown by, and they had nothing to report to the taskforce but a definite professional link between Zachary Hartwell, Lorenzo Cruz, and Eric Stevens. In her heart she knew they were all tied to the ring, but the justice system would require more than Alexa Harris's gut instincts to bring down a s.e.x trafficking organization. She and Christina needed to make something happen soon, or the night would end a complete bust. Sipping alcoholic beverages and making small talk wasn't getting them anywhere. The window to save Abby was closing with every minute pa.s.sing. There had to be something incriminating among the maze of endless rooms she could bring to the authorities.

Alexa's gaze wandered to the beautiful curved staircase in the elegant entryway as she and Christina were lead to the ballroom. Maybe Mr. Hartwell had an office on the second floor. Surely there was information about his other 'business' in a filing cabinet or drawer. She just had to find it. After she met the modeling agent, she was going to find a way up those stairs. How she'd do that was another matter considering the swarms of people everywhere, but she would worry about that when the time came.

"I've never been in a house with 'wings,'" Christina gushed. "First the west wing, now the east. This is pretty cool."

"Definitely a little different than the parties we go to in Baltimore." Alexa played along while Christina gave Agent Terron, Detective Cannon, and Tucker their location. She glanced to the window and the summer dark beyond. Was Jack out there somewhere? He said he would be close by.

"In here." The large, serious man dressed in black gestured with his head.

Alexa looked over her shoulder, catching a second peek at the staircase, dreading that she would waste more time in yet another crowded room when she could be heading up those stairs. She turned back and b.u.mped into someone. "Excuse me."

The buxom blonde in a clinging, black, sleeveless c.o.c.ktail dress gave her a polite smile and continued past. Alexa took two steps and froze as she remembered that face-Blondie. Whirling, she tried to catch site of the waitress from Lady Pink before she disappeared among the sea of guests. Craning her neck, frantically searching, Alexa spotted her down the long hall as she opened a door and closed it behind her.

Why was Blondie here? She looked so different with her hair done up in a twist and actual clothes on. Maybe she knew where Abby was. Alexa took a step, intending to follow and find out, but Christina's cool hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Are you okay, Jenny?"

Shaken, yet eager to investigate, Alexa struggled to remember her role. "Um, yes. I thought I saw-I thought I saw Ms. LaTrain. You know, my mom's friend I used to cat sit for?"

"Oh, yeah."

"I'm pretty positive that was her. Let's go say hi. I haven't seen her in ages." She clutched Christina's hand and pulled her forward, wanting to tell her whom she just saw.

"Later." Eric stepped in front of them.

"Oh, but we'll lose her if we don't go now." She sent him a pleading look, hoping he would let them go.

"Let's do this first," he winked, smoothing the demand from his voice. "I'll help you find your friend after you meet Mr. Lee. He doesn't like to be kept waiting."

She and Christina exchanged glances. Without another option, Alexa nodded. "I guess we'll find her later."

She smiled at Eric and the big man in black as she and Christina continued behind them. Alexa moved closer to Christina and grabbed two flutes of champagne as a waiter pa.s.sed, wanting to have something in her hand. "I saw Blondie," she said under her breath as she brought the gla.s.s to her lips. "A dancer from Lady Pink." She didn't dare say more.

Christina nodded.

As they continued through the crowd, Alexa scanned faces, looking for more people she might recognize from the strip club, but no luck. She turned her attention back to Eric as they stopped in front of a short, stocky Asian man in his late forties, early fifties.

"Ah, so you've come."

"Yes." Eric smiled. "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Lee." The men exchanged a handshake. "I want to introduce you to Jenny Carstens and her friend Christina Detrick, and of course you know Lenny."

"Lenny," Mr. Lee nodded. "And two very beautiful young women." Mr. Lee took their hands, one at a time, and kissed their knuckles.

"Jenny, Mr. Lee owns and operates Face, one of New York's top modeling agencies."

"Face." Her eyes widened and she pressed a hand to her heart, feigning her excitement. "I know what Face is." The sooner they got this over with, the faster she could get down the hall and find Blondie. "This is so cool."

"Have you modeled before, Ms. Carstens?"

"Uh, no, no-but I've always wanted to." She sent Eric a grin, trying hard to ignore her discomfort as Mr. Lee scrutinized her face.

"I've seen you before." He frowned. "Your eyes."

Alexa swallowed against the rush of fear clogging her throat. Was her cover blown? Did Mr. Lee recognize her eyes because they were identical to Abby's? A man in his profession would pay attention to such details. Was he part of the ring too, or did he meet her sister at one of the several fashion shows she'd attended? Alexa wanted to ask Mr. Lee if he'd been to the Fashion Fair here in DC when Abby had stolen the show with her clever designs, but she didn't dare.

"I know you," Mr. Lee insisted. "I recognize your voice." He reached for her hair, touching the curled ends of the wig.

She shook her head and glanced at Christina, knowing they were in trouble. "I'm afraid we've never met, Mr. Lee."

"This is so exciting." Christina stepped closer, b.u.mping his arm further away from the wig. "I mean, I can't believe this. Jenny, do you know how many women would die to be in our spot right now?"

Mr. Lee flicked Christina a glance, dismissing her, and returned his attention to Alexa. "Ms. Carstens-"

The lights blinked, and the room fell silent. Then guests' voices rose to a dull roar. The chandelier above flickered again.

"Lenny," Eric said to the hulking man at his side, "go find out what's going on."

"We should head out to the patio before we get stampeded." Christina clutched Alexa's hand.

"Wait." Mr. Lee grabbed Alexa's wrist. Cold sweat dripped down her back. Mr. Lee had to know Abby somehow. She was going to be discovered, and all h.e.l.l was going to break loose. "You look like-"

The room went black, and Alexa yanked away from Mr. Lee's grip. Christina kept hold of her hand, and they made their way to the glow of city lights well in the distance through the French doors.

"We need to get out of here." Christina tugged, moving faster. They b.u.mped into several guests along the way.

"But the room down the hall-we have to get to the room down the hall."

"No. We're leaving."

Alexa pulled away. "I can't, Christina. Not yet."

"It's not an option. It's an order. You're cover's blown. Abort. We're heading out the back doors by the west wall." Christina was no longer speaking to her, but to Detective Canon, Agent Terron, and Tucker listening through their headsets.

This was it-the end of the road. The sting was over, but she couldn't go. Not without talking to Blondie first. Her heart jackhammered. They were almost to the doors. Once she stepped outside, she wouldn't be allowed to step back in, and Abby would be lost forever. No. This wasn't how it would end for her sister. Alexa took a deep, trembling breath and yanked her hand from Christina's. She ducked and pushed her way into the crowd, using the dark to her advantage.

"Jenny?"

Alexa moved away from the sound of Christina's voice. She had to get down the hall while she was still invisible to the people who would be searching for her. She just needed to find Blondie, then she would leave. Abby deserved this last-ditch effort. "I'm okay," she said into her necklace as she used her shoulder to not-so-politely rush through the crowds, b.u.mping in to countless people in the shadows. Time was of the essence. "I saw Blondie, the dancer you flirted with the night we went to Lady Pink." Tucker would remember. How could he forget? "I have to find her and ask her about Abby."

Tucker, Detective Canon, and Agent Terron could not respond, but as long as they knew her plan, everything would work out. They were going to be p.i.s.sed. Jack probably wouldn't talk to her for days, but this was the closest they'd come yet to tracking down her sister. Blondie had answers; she could feel it. Alexa's gut had warned her not to leave Abby and Livy that night at the rest stop, but she'd ignored it, listening to Abby's teasing about her overprotective streak. Tonight she would go with her hunch and deal with the consequences later.

Finally she made her way to the pocket doors where the ballroom met the hallway and turned the corner. Alexa stopped short when she caught site of Lenny and another large man, with a grizzled black beard and crew cut holding a flashlight, walking her way. She gasped as they moved closer. "I see the man who stood lording over my sister at Lady Pink when Jack and I were there. He's the same man from the bachelor party picture Detective Canon had me look at to identify Abby."