Deadly Justice Read Free Page B

scale out of place.  That picture pretty much described Jean-Luc to a T.
    “We haven't been able to determine what her connection is to Webster.  The bank transfer was done through Mitchell's corporate account, identified as funds to a service provider or vendor.  Since it was such a small amount, less than ten grand, it skated right beneath the limits of reporting.” 
    “Come on, boss, you really think this pretty little gal is in cahoots with Webster?”  Gunner ran his finger along the edge of the photograph, like he could memorize it by touch. 
    Carpenter clamped down on the heat rising in his chest.  Teeth clenched until his jaw ached, he forced himself to calm.  “I have no idea exactly what the connection is between Ms. Kirkland and Richard Webster.  It's your job to figure that out.” 
    “What's the plan, boss?”  Nate leaned against the corner, his demeanor casual and nonchalant, but Carpenter knew better.  Blackwell was constantly alert and on guard.  With one glance he could tell you exactly where every person was in the coffee shop, how many people were inside the building, what they wore, and who carried weapons. 
    Gunner had been Carpenter's first choice when thinking about this operation.  He'd planned to have him go in and get to know Ms. Kirkland, but after seeing his reaction to her photo, he nixed that idea.  The possibility of Gunner falling sway to her pretty face?  Not a chance he was willing to take.
    “Mitchell International is holding a charity event in two days.”  Carpenter threw out the information in an offhand manner, knowing his men would follow his lead without having to bang them over the head with intel. 
    Carlisle's fingers flew across his ever-present tablet.  “Benefit for children's cancer research,” Carlisle muttered around a mouthful of cinnamon roll.  He wiped his hands on a napkin before picking up his six inch computer tablet and typing in a couple of things.  “Black tie affair.  Wow, a thousand bucks a ticket.” 
    “You've got two days.  Find me everything there is to know about Ms. Andrea Kirkland, Carlisle.”
    “Already on it, boss.” 
    “Gunner, you and Nate check out the site of the event.  Find out who's working it.  Security, wait staff, we need to know everything from the ground up.”  Carpenter turned to Jean-Luc.  “Get me tickets for this shindig.”
    “How many?”  Jean-Luc's deep brown gaze held his.  He, more than anybody else, knew the hell Richard Webster'd put Carpenter through, appreciated his need for vengeance.  There was no doubt whatsoever where his loyalties lay.
    “One.  The rest of you will be working behind the scenes.”
    Several heads popped up at that.  “Wait, we're going to work some fancy party at the Kimbell Museum?  Security's gonna be a bitch there.”
    “That's why I've given you two days, Gunner.  Are you saying you're not up to the job?”  Carpenter knew his taunt hit home when Gunner slammed his lips shut on the retort he'd been about to spew.  The man was a worrywart, always wanting extra time.  He was also a perfectionist, which made him precisely the right person for the job. 
    “It'll be done.” 
    “Great.  Everybody knows their jobs.  I'm off.  Keep me posted if there are any changes.”  Climbing to his feet, Carpenter walked out without a backward glance, knowing his team of experts would be ready for the big day.
    He slid into the driver's seat of his Italian sports car, sleek and black, and built for speed.  The urge to drive compelled him forward, and with a bit of maneuvering, he eased onto Central Expressway.  Pressing his foot onto the accelerator, he opened her up to seventy within seconds, listening to the engine's hum, like a momma crooning to her toddler.  Traffic was light at ten o'clock in the morning, so he added a little more pressure on the pedal, feeling the ferocity beneath his fingertips on the steering wheel.  His baby wanted to run, chase