Fallen: Celeste Read Free Page A

made it clear they weren't happy with
the deaths. One of the first rules Adam imposed when he became leader was no
women or children were to be harmed. He remembered how helpless he had been as
a child and he never wanted to cause such feelings in any child. So this Tomas
had signed his own death warrant when he'd started killing women on Adam's
territory.
    "They've found a fourth body. She looks to be the first one
he killed. Now, I need you to talk to your men. Get them out on the street.
They need to find out anything they can on this guy. Find the places the
homeless people are avoiding. It's usually the street people who know things
before we do. Jakar will get you the information about where the bodies were
found and who they were. We need witnesses who are willing to actually talk to
the police." Adam gripped his fists tight. "If something isn't done
soon, we'll be seeing more dead women. I don't like dead women on my turf. It
upsets me."
    They nodded. They had seen what happened when Adam got upset. He
brought the meeting to an end. As he walked into his office, he saw Jakar
standing next to his desk. Adam could never remember if he had found Jakar or
if the strange man had found him. His right hand man was tall and thin with
amber colored eyes that seemed to glow red at times. Jakar had an answer for
any question Adam might ask. Or if he didn't have the answer, he would find it.
Adam had never asked Jakar where he got the information; he wasn't sure he
wanted to know.
    "What have you got, Jakar?" Adam asked as he sat down.
There were papers piled in neat stacks everywhere on his desk.
    "The Russians have called. They would like to meet with you
as soon as possible. They have been approached by an outside source trying to
get them to deal with him. He seems to think he can get them better
rates."
    "It's good to know the Russians are willing to talk to me
first before going with this guy."
    Jakar shrugged. "After saving his son, the Russian boss is
willing to repay you with this courtesy. Also, I'm sure he knows you own the
whole city. Nothing coming or going escapes your attention. So, it pays to be
on your good side."
    "True. Set up an appointment with them as soon as possible. I
don't want this to get out of hand. What else?"
    "Celeste Young has called for you." Disapproval dripped
from Jakar's voice.
    "You don't approve of the lady, Jakar. Why not?" Adam
was amused. Jakar had never made his feelings known about any of the other
women Adam had dated.
    "She's a distraction you don't need right now, Montgomery.
She will take your attention away from your business."
    "Not all women are distractions, Jakar. You've never said
anything about the others." Adam started reading the papers he had to
sign.
    "That's true. But none of the bimbos you dated before could
have occupied you for more than a week or so. Celeste will demand more from
you."
    Adam glanced up. "Do you know her, Jakar?"
    The evasive look shooting through Jakar's eyes told Adam his
friend was about to lie to him. "Only what I found out about her while I
investigated her for you. I don't trust a woman who seems to have appeared out
of nowhere."
    "Liar." Adam stopped Jakar's protest. "I don't
care, Jakar. Now, take these papers and get them filed. I'll deal with
Celeste."
    "Fine." Jakar stalked out of the office.
    Adam laughed. He knew Jakar hated it when Adam didn't take his
advice. He dialed Celeste's cell number from memory. Leaning back in his chair,
he waited to hear her sultry voice.
    "Hello?"
    "Hey there, angel."
    A shocked silence followed his greeting. Was she surprised that
he'd called?
    "Hello, Montgomery. We need to finish the discussion we
started."
    "Started? We didn't even get to think about it." He
licked his lips.
    "I've thought about our arrangement. Now we need to
talk." Celeste's voice held a hint of uncertainty.
    "Are you sure about this, Celeste? I know what you're going
to ask for. You know what my price will be." He wanted her to be sure