Twelve Days of Pleasure Read Online Free Page A

Apparently they live somewhere in Mexico. Your father is helping us with the search to find them. Until then, we’ll place her with a nice foster family who’ll look out for her.”
    â€œBut it’s almost Christmas! Her presents are already wrapped. Alexandra’s been buying and wrapping gifts for her all year. She has to have the presents her mommy bought for her!”
    The agent nodded. “We’ll take care of it.”
    Beside her Gabi had finally drifted off to sleep, completely unaware that life as she knew it was gone.
    * * *
    The helicopter hovered above the large Miami estate as Kendrick Boudreaux assessed the situation below. As expected there were two tactical teams in place and no signs of anything out of order. This was a simple package pickup and delivery and by the good grace of God he wouldn’t even have to unholster his weapon. He liked missions like this one—an easy in and out that didn’t require him putting himself or his team in too much danger. Kendrick’s tenure with the Secret Service usually put him in situations that took some maneuvering to get out of. His missions with the FBI had looked like child’s play in comparison. He signaled for the pilot to land.
    Minutes later he took off his headphones as the pilot shut down the UH-60 Blackhawk aircraft. Exiting, Kendrick ducked low against the slowing whir and blow of the helicopter’s blades. He crossed an expanse of perfectly manicured lawn, shifting into work mode as a squad leader met him at the entrance to the large home. The man led him through the foyer, into the living space. He was surprised to find Kelly Layton, one of the unit directors, standing in wait. Kendrick bristled, something suddenly not feeling right. He could count on both hands the number of times a unit director had ever shown up for a simple package pickup, and still have ten fingers left.
    He nodded his head in greeting. “SSA Layton, what brings you here?”
    She tossed him a quick look. “It’s good to see you, too, Boudreaux,” she said as she began to brief him. “Your package is a key witness against a local kingpin named Marcus Bennett. He’s wanted by this agency and a half-dozen others for crimes that run the gamut from financial fraud to human trafficking. Our witness was there when he gunned down his competition and a room full of civilians got in the way. She also has firsthand knowledge of his business dealings with Pedro Fierro, one of the victims.”
    Kendrick tensed. “Pedro Fierro of the Umberto Harbor cartel?”
    â€œYou know him?” Layton questioned, lifting her eyes to meet his.
    He nodded. “Sayed and I took down his predecessor on one of our last assignments.”
    â€œWell, Marcus Bennett took Fierro out. Our witness was personally connected to Bennett. We also think she knows more than she’s willing to say. We need her.”
    â€œSo where’s she going?” Kendrick asked.
    â€œThe safe house in Baton Rouge. They’re expecting you.”
    â€œBaton Rouge?” Kendrick paused. He took a deep breath. “Why Baton Rouge?” he asked.
    She shrugged. “Those are the orders.” Layton gestured for him to follow her.
    As he moved into the home’s open family space, Kendrick’s eyes assessed the room, shifting rapidly from one side to the other. There was an adorable little girl jumping up and down on the family room sofa, her eyes wide with curiosity. Behind the child stood an extremely attractive young woman whose own eyes were narrowed suspiciously. Concern blanketed her demeanor and Kendrick instantly sensed that she would have given anything to have been as far away from them all as she could. Layton made the introductions.
    â€œVanessa Harrison, this is Agent Kendrick Boudreaux. You’re going to be in his custody until you get to the safe house.”
    Kendrick met the woman’s intense stare, her gaze