Uneven Exchange Read Free

combined with the video for any conversations in the condo,” Conner explained. “She has a land line, like most people since the cell service can be spotty. The tap on that phone feeds directly to you guys. We cloned her mobile and can listen from either of our phones.”
    Kevin stopped writing and increased his focus. “Great job as always,” he said. “I’m sure you all realize this could prove to be a great opportunity. So let’s make the most of it by moving quickly.” Still talking over the phone, although their offices were next door to one another, Kevin fired instructions at Riggins. “Scott, run a skip trace on our target and get me everything that has ever been printed on this little lady. I want it all, an O’Neil special.”
    “I’m on it.”
    “And Conner, you two hightail it home.”
    “Will do, SAC.”
    Kevin stood to stretch his legs. “Okay, gentlemen, are we all clear?”
    “Clear,” Conner and Riggins responded in unison.
    After ending the call, Kevin walked to the file cabinet and pulled out two six-inch-thick folders labeled, The Magician: File One of Two , and The Magician: File Two of Two . He returned to his seat, dropped both files on top of his desk, and began scanning their many sections. Picking up the second file, Kevin then turned to the section labeled Daniela and reached into a large pocket-style envelope to withdraw an eight-by-ten photograph.
    Daniela’s beauty was captivating, her look so vulnerable. How could she be related to someone as evil as Santiago? He desperately believed Daniela knew nothing about the violent crimes her brother had committed. Kevin even refused to use her last name and always referred to her simply as Daniela. He could not bear to relate the name of Santiago with someone so pure and innocent.
    Kevin looked down, grimacing. Am I losing control? As the special agent in charge, he understood the importance of remaining detached. Kevin knew he could not allow Daniela to affect him. Unfortunately, though, she had. From the first moment he met her, Kevin felt an attraction and worried it would cloud his judgment. Even now, as he tried to look away from her haunting image, he found his gaze glued to her picture as he lost himself in the night they first met.
    Black tie looked good on Kevin. The formal look of a tuxedo added a striking contrast to his handsome ruggedness. At least that’s what his wife, Casey, said to him while adjusting the cummerbund around his taut waist. At first, Kevin hadn’t realized how upset Casey was until she raised her head to straighten the angle of the bow on his tie. The look in her eyes said it all.
    Casey always worried about Kevin’s work, especially when he went out on undercover assignments. However, this assignment incited a different set of emotions. It involved a woman, and he had to dress formally. How many times had he complained when Casey asked him just to wear a tie? Every time they went to a wedding, she had to fight him on his choice of attire. Ties reminded him of work.
    Thinking that involving Casey might make her feel better, Kevin had asked for her help with the tux. Unfortunately, the pompous ass at the tuxedo rental shop quickly thwarted his efforts. “What will madam be wearing on this formal occasion?” the little moron had asked. Plus, he wouldn’t leave it alone when Casey tried to explain. “What type of business dinner doesn’t allow wives?”
    I should have walked out , Kevin thought. “No, I should have punched him,” he announced loudly. He laughed at the thought of the scrawny, petite man taking one on the jaw and suddenly became somber, realizing Casey’s worries had been justified.
    With impeccable timing, two good-looking and very wealthy bachelors entered the charity gala at the precise moment everyone had taken their seats for dinner. Several carefully distributed hundreds earlier in the day secured them reserved seats next to Señorita Daniela Santiago.
    Using assumed names,