More Than a Mission Read Free Page B

adventurous type, Mr. Rawlings,” she replied, hoping to make it clear that she had no interest in anything he might propose.
    His grin broadened. “Aidan, please. And, Ms. Moore—”
    â€œElizabeth. All my employees call me Elizabeth,” she corrected and pulled her hand from his since it was starting to feel rather warm. Again.
    â€œElizabeth,” he said and took a step toward her. “I think it’s going to be quite an experience working together.”
    She suspected he was right. “See you at five, Aidan. And while the suit is…nice, a white shirt and dark slacks will do.”
    With that, she turned and walked into the building.
    â€œScore one for the Mixmaster,” Aidan heard in the earpiece as he headed for the street.
    â€œTold you she couldn’t resist my charm,” he replied and hurried back to the hotel, eager now that it looked like the investigation might finally get under way.
    â€œAnd here I thought it was those drink recipes I was feeding you, only…How did you know about the sloe gin?” Lucia asked.
    â€œYou never go into unknown territory without doing your research, Cordez. So I did a little fact-gathering on this town. Did you know that…” As he walked, he recited the details that he remembered, being careful not to be noticed whenever he walked by someone.
    He was back at the hotel within ten minutes and found that besides Lucia, Walker Shaw, the Lazlo group’s psychiatrist, waited for him in the suite, as well. “What brings you here?” he asked and patted the other man on the back in greeting.
    â€œSnazzy,” Walker said as he perused Aidan’s clothing.
    Aidan held out his hands. “The lady fell for it.”
    â€œWell, that’s good. At least there’s some progress going on here.” The frustration was apparent in Walker’s demeanor. “We haven’t been able to do anything yet with the information Zara and I found. So for now, we’re relying on whatever details the two of you manage to get.”
    â€œNot too much pressure,” Lucia quipped and handed Walker a piece of paper.
    It was a copy of the list she had provided to Aidan yesterday. Walker examined it and then looked up at him. “Seems like we’re on the right track. It’s just too much coincidence that Elizabeth Moore turns up in a lot of the same spots as the Sparrow.”
    â€œIncluding Rome,” Lucia added nervously, shooting a half glance at Aidan after she said it.
    â€œWhat?” He ripped the list from Walker’s hands and quickly read until he came to the date and location of Mitch’s death. Beside it was a new entry indicating that Elizabeth had been in Rome as part of a contingent for the Silvershire Tourist Board.
    â€œWhen did you find this out?” He jabbed the air in Lucia’s direction with the paper.
    â€œLate last night.”
    â€œWhat?” he repeated, his voice a little louder than before. “Why didn’t you say something before I went to see her?”
    Lucia shook her head. “Duh. I didn’t think it would accomplish anything besides getting you angry.”
    â€œAngry? You’re right that I’m angry. You’re part of my team and you withheld vital information,” he nearly screamed at her.
    â€œBecause you’re totally capable of compartmentalizing your emotions to maintain neutrality about this job?” Walker said facetiously. He, more than any of them, knew how hard Mitch’s death had been on Aidan, who blamed himself for making the decision that the two of them should split up. He had been as responsible for Mitch’s death as the Sparrow.
    â€œCut the psychobabble bullshit, Walker. I understand the nature of the assignment.”
    â€œWhich is to find Prince Reginald’s killer. Period.” The other man’s tone brooked no disagreement.
    Aidan knew that on one level, Walker was right. They had