Sins That Haunt Read Online Free Page B

realized he had no choice but to talk.” Of course they hadn’t told JJ exactly who he was working with until after they’d gotten what they wanted. “He’d been offered a lot of money to lend his expertise in setting up a fraudulent network of companies. Once they were up and running, he’d hand them off to one of their people and start a new one.”
    â€œGo figure, the first time JJ is on someone’s payroll and he was still pulling a con. So how do I fit into this?”
    â€œYou know two of your father’s cohorts.”
    She folded her arms tightly over her chest. “He had a few.”
    By her tone and defensive body posture, none that she wanted to see again. He guessed if she were ever to talk, they wouldn’t be eager to see her either. But outing them would out her, and she’d never do that. “Luther and Molly Keyes.”
    She turned and leaned against the hood. “Those two still alive? I thought for sure they’d do something stupid and end up dead.”
    He went around the car and joined her. “We had surveillance on the house in Tweedsmuir. They’re aware your father contacted you but not why.”
    â€œAnd what makes you think that?”
    â€œWe bugged his house . . . and his car.”
    â€œSo that’s how you knew.”
    â€œIt’s also how we knew to check his bank accounts. The guy had money everywhere.”
    â€œCome on.” She pushed off the hood. “If you’re going to screw a girl, you need to buy me that cup of coffee.”
    â€œAre we going into the terminal?”
    â€œUnless you want to take me back to town?” She grinned, flashing white teeth.
    â€œSorry.” Time was ticking. The Keyeses were getting ready to leave town. She was going to blow, but he had no choice. He went around to the trunk and opened it. Shannon followed and, furrowing her brow, looked inside. He braced himself.
    â€œWhat . . . the . . . fuck?” she asked through gritted teeth.
    He had to give her credit. She’d mellowed over the years. The Shannon he’d known would have hauled off and punched him. He withdrew the suitcase and closed the lid. “Anything that’s not here that you need, the agency will buy.”
    â€œYou broke into my condo and packed my luggage?” she said, her breathing labored as she attempted to control her temper.
    â€œWe should have you home in a few days.” If things went according to plan . . . She’d be back in Vegas and out of his life again. Damn, how stupid of him to regret it.
    â€œAre you all crazy ?” she screeched. “You can’t make me do this.”
    They couldn’t, but without JJ their case was heading for the crapper, and in his heart he believed Shannon wanted to make amends for the shit she’d helped JJ with. He could have just asked for her assistance, but that would have taken some finessing and they didn’t have that much time. Plus, he hadn’t seen . . . spoken to her in thirteen years. She’d abandoned him. Everything they’d felt for each other, like JJ’s scams, had all been bullshit. Then again, one look at Noah and she could’ve run the other way. He’d prepared for that reaction. What he hadn’t expected was the one she’d given him. She’d been surprised but genuinely happy to see him—until he’d handcuffed her. He’d played it wrong but had no choice but to proceed with his assignment.
    â€œTry to keep an open mind.” Lame, but he had to try.
    â€œThe FBI is blackmailing me. Open mind?”
    â€œIs this about not wanting to help? Or not wanting to return ho . . . to Tweedsmuir?”
    â€œBoth.” Folding her arms, she glared at her suitcase. “I worked hard for that condo. How the hell do I explain the feds to security? You had no right.” Then she leveled her evil stare on him.
    He had to admit when he’d been fourteen it’d