Thin Ice Read Free

had been lodged in the pit of her stomach since she’d made the call tightened. If this decision turned outto be wrong, the consequences would be dire. That much had been clear.
    Yet she wasn’t equipped to deal with a kidnapper. She needed the kind of resources law enforcement could provide.
    Talk about being caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
    She pried one hand off the case and tucked her hair behind her ear. She could have hung up while the operator transferred her to McGregor. In fact, she almost had. She could also have severed the connection at any point during her conversation with the agent. He didn’t know her name, and using a pay phone had allowed her to keep her options open.
    But the man had sounded confident and professional, with a subtle take-charge, I’m-in-control manner that reeked of competence.
    All of which had convinced her to take the leap.
    Now it was too late for second thoughts. He’d be here any minute. All she could do was hope she hadn’t misjudged him.
    And pray she wasn’t making a fatal mistake.

    So that was his auburn-haired mystery caller.
    From his seat at a corner table that offered a panoramic view of the eatery, Lance did a quick assessment as the woman claimed a table. Early thirties. Slender. Five-five, five-six. Model-like cheekbones. Flawless complexion. Full lips. Classic profile.
    In other words, the lady was gorgeous.
    And very nervous.
    It didn’t take an FBI agent—or former Delta Force operator—to recognize that the taut line of her shoulders, the clenched fingers, and the lower lip caught between her teeth spelled tension in capital letters.
    He took another sip of his coffee and scanned the crowdedrestaurant. Thanks to that striking hair, he’d spotted her the minute she stepped inside the door—and no one had followed her in. Nor was anyone watching her . . . except him. Whatever worries she’d had about someone seeing them meet appeared to be groundless.
    But he’d give it ten or fifteen minutes to be on the safe side.
    By 7:05, the woman was jiggling her foot and checking her watch every thirty seconds. She had to be wondering if she’d been stood up . . . and he was tempted to put her mind at ease. But he’d learned long ago not to let pretty women influence his judgment on the job.
    Off the job . . .
    His lips twitched. As his older and younger brothers would be the first to remind him, he wasn’t immune to the charms of an attractive female in his personal life.
    Then again, neither were Mac and Finn.
    Must be in the McGregor genes—though Mac’s newly engaged status meant the St. Louis dating field was his until Finn showed up on his next leave.
    At 7:12, the woman rose and reached for her coat.
    His cue.
    After one more sweep of the café, he slid from behind the table, left his jacket draped over the chair, and wove among the seated diners.
    â€œDon’t leave yet.”
    She gasped and spun toward him, her face a shade paler than when she’d entered.
    â€œSorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He leaned closer and dropped his voice. “I’d show you my creds, but I know you want to keep this discreet. I’ll do that once we’re seated.”
    She gave a stiff nod and rested one hand on the table she’d been in the process of vacating. “Is this all right?”
    â€œI claimed a more out-of-the-way spot.” He indicated the corner table he’d just left.
    She frowned at it. “How long have you been here?”
    â€œLong enough to scope out the place.”
    After a moment, she pasted on a smile, slipped her arm through his, and raised her volume. “It’s good to see you again.”
    He could tell her she didn’t need to follow through with the friends-getting-together act for the benefit of anyone who might be watching, since no one was. And he’d get around to that in a