Beautiful Sacrifice: Pride and Honor, #2

one

tasha

Tasha! How is the Robbins case coming? Captain Keller yelled from the front of the large briefing room.

I've got nothing Captain, I sighed leaning against the door jamb to the room It's like Brendan just fell off the face of the earth.

It's been a month. I thought someone would have seen something by now.

I don't think he came back here to California. We had the Vegas hotel staked out after getting the kids and the asshole never came back. The cops in Vegas said they would let me know if they found him, but I don't think he is there either. We were all shocked by the lack of information. It was as if Brendan just disappeared, as though he knew we found his location at the hotel and he just took off, leaving his kids behind.

I’ve heard daily from Griffin. All the guys from GTT have been chomping at the bit to get this guy locked up. So… he said, glancing across the room, meet your new partner.

Huh?

The captain knew I didn't do the whole partner thing. I was the only chick detective and all the guys liked to harass me for it. I liked doing undercover work, but I couldn't go undercover unless I knew where the mark was, and Brendan, the bastard, was AWOL.

Hey there, Trix, I guess we're partners for a while. I nearly fell into the room, hearing that voice.

Stupid Twitch. Why couldn't it be someone else? Anyone else!

I groaned and walked away from the doorjamb and into the room to see his sexy smirk. The guy really was too good looking for his own good. The worst part was, he knew it.

I swear Dylan, if you call me that one more time, I will taze you, I replied sweetly batting my eyelashes.

He leaned back in the chair with the confidence of a man who knew he could get what he wanted. You don't gotta threaten me with a good time, darlin’. He had the gall to wink.

Ugh was my growled a response.

All right, enough, Keller blew out in frustration. You're both professionals, so act like it! Find this guy, whatever it takes, he threatened before brushing by me and out of the briefing room.

I looked back to see Twitch staring at me. This was going to go bad. Real fast. You know, he stood up and sauntered over to me, it’s really hot when you use my real name, he purred in my ear. Yes, he purred!

One of us needed to act the professional and get this case finally wrapped up. "Okay then, Twitch, let's get started," I said uncomfortably, rubbing my hand over my overheated ear as he chuckled at my retreating back.

I shot him a scathing look over my shoulder. It didn't do any good. The bastard knew he was gorgeous. I was having a hard enough time keeping my thoughts off those big broad shoulders and smoldering eyes. I didn't need him laughing at my obvious attraction.

I just kept thinking back to that day we rescued the kids. I was the liaison between my police department, Las Vegas PD and Griffin and Twitch’s security company, GTT. The way Twitch was with Griffin’s step kids nearly had me in a puddle of goo on the dirty concrete. I hadn't been able to get the overgrown child out of my head since that night.

If I were being completely honest, I would have to say that I even liked it when he called me Trixy. It felt sexy, and sexy wasn't something I often felt, especially working with a bunch of apes in uniform. They were all good cops, don't get me wrong, but they all had a superiority complex when it came to a woman working the same cases they were.

Walking away quickly, I led Twitch down the hall to my office. I had a list of all the places that witnesses thought they’d seen Brendan. There weren't many of them and the fact that we locked Brendan’s brother Garret up, didn't help us in finding him.

Have you thought about releasing the brother, Garret? He could lead us to him, Twitch asked.

He's already been sentenced, I think they would catch on to that. We caught Garret up on charges of aiding and abetting a kidnapper, aka his brother, and impeding a police investigation.

Naw, he replied, the jails are always overcrowded. Just put him on the list of detainees to be released. Garret won't question why he’s suddenly being released. He’ll just be grateful,

I thought about it for a moment and realized that he may be on to something. How are you guys at GTT at tracking cell phones? I asked mischievously.

The best, he said, rubbing his hands together in excitement. What did you have in mind?

A little semi-illegal phone tapping on a person who was never supposed to be released from jail. You know… no big deal. I shrugged innocently.

I like the way you think.

I watched him pull his phone from his pocket. His worn-in jeans hugged him in all the right places and his chambray shirt stretched across his well-muscled chest. Yes, I was swooning. I'm not too ashamed to admit it. The guy never missed a thing either—always alert even with that casual indifference he wore like a second skin. I heard that was why they called him Twitch. He was the best person to have at your back because he was the quickest to respond.

He caught me ogling him and winked at me. I, of course, did the mature thing and rolled my eyes at him. While he was confirming the tracking idea with GTT, I picked up the phone and got on the phone with Keller.

You got an idea to catch this guy, or are you just going to whine at me about having to work with a partner? Cause if it's the latter, I don't want to hear it, the captain greeted—if you could call it that.

Sir, I need Garret Weaver’s cell phone, and I need him to get an early release. I waited for the blow-up. Keller could yell, but the man deserved the title of captain. Without even asking me to explain, he already knew what we were planning.

In which order? It'll take pulling some strings to get him released.

I’ll need the phone first, sir.

Okay, I'm guessing you don't want to check it out of evidence, he said.

No sir, I need Garret to have it in his belongings when he's released.

Give me until tomorrow to get it all worked out. Anything else?

No sir, thank you sir.

I hung up and looked over to see if Twitch was off the phone as well, and I caught him staring at my ass. He didn't even have the good sense to pretend like he wasn't just checking me out.

He smirked and slowly slid his eyes up my body to my eyes. I shivered at what I saw there, but quickly turned away. This was an assignment, dammit. I just had to keep reminding myself of that.

The captain said he’ll let me know when we get the phone out of evidence, I said, breathy.

Ugh! Stupid hormones—turn off. So what if he's hot and calls another woman's kids by the most endearing nicknames and treats them like family? He is arrogant and narcissistic and you do not like him. I mentally scolded myself.

He just kept right on smirking as if he could hear my internal screamfest. Sauntering across the room towards me, I felt the heat of his body at my back, and I almost leaned back into him. It took every ounce of will power I had not to jump him right then and there.

Once we get this guy, you and me are gonna have some fun, he whispered in my ear.

Not if you were the last man on earth, Dylan, I purred back.

The needy groan that elicited almost made me smile, but it was followed by big booming laughter. Whatever you say, Trix.

I groaned in frustration as I watched that tight ass of his walk by. I knew it was only a matter of time before the sexual tension between the two of us hit its peak, and there was no way I was going to be able to say no.

We needed to find Brendan, so I could get as far away from this impossibly gorgeous caveman as fast as I could. I knew if I let him in, he might be the one to finally break me, and I just couldn't have that.

two

twitch

Tasha and I stepped out of the police station. We needed to head over to GTT and meet up with Trey, our resident tech geek. He had some nice little toys that we could use in our search and we needed to pick them up before we got Garret’s cellphone out of evidence.

Let's take my truck, I said pointing over to my ride.

I was dying to know what was going on in that pretty little head of hers. I knew she wanted me. It was obvious by the breathy way she spoke when I was messing with her at the station, which was completely stupid on my part. All it did was make me want her more. I was two seconds from pinning her to a wall and crushing my mouth against hers, wanting every inch of her five-foot-eight-inch frame wrapped around my body. I wondered what it would sound like to have her moan my name. I groaned internally.

This is not the time, idiot!

I had to shut down those thoughts immediately or we were not going to make it anywhere near the office to meet Trey. Having her so close to me in my truck and smelling her flowery perfume had me rock hard; it was complete and utter torture. I began reciting football stats in my head the whole way there.

When we got to the office it was in total chaos. Kelly, our office manager, and the woman I considered like a little sister, must have been on the spa day Griffin promised her because I had never seen the place so messed up.

Was there a tornado in L.A. today that I wasn't aware of? I asked a frazzled-looking Trey.

Shut-up, dick, he said searching for something in the cabinet.

You know Kelly is gonna kill you, right?

Yeah, yeah, I know, he huffed. I just had the guy and then I lost him. Just like that.

I knew it must have been bad, hearing Trey rambling and muttering to himself. What guy? Brendan? Tasha asked.

Trey looked up and I think he finally realized we weren't alone because he stopped, blew out a breath, and tilted his head back. No, not Brendan. I'm looking for someone else. I wish I were on Brendan's case. It would be a hell of a lot easier than tracking down an international hacker, he grumbled.

If you're tracking down a hacker why are you looking in cabinets? she asked, confused.

He writes all of his stuff down and leaves it all over his desk and then wonders why he can't find them. Kelly is the only other person on the planet that can actually decipher this mess. I laughed and Trey shot me a dirty look.

Yeah, and she's not answering her phone!

Trey, man, she took that spa day Griffin promised her. There is no way she is going to answer your calls.

Dammit! Why did she have to take it today? I need my notes! he bellowed in frustration.

Dude, he promised that to her over a month ago. She is here every day and has been for years. You know as well as I do she refuses her vacation time because of what would happen to ‘her’ office when she’s gone. Kelly could be a bit of a pain, but someone needed to defend her.

Tasha must have been feeling the heat building because she walked over between Trey and I. Okay relax, cavemen. What are we looking for here?

Trey looked down at her, his brown hair sticking up in all directions. It's a print-out of some satellite images. This guy has been bouncing his signal all over the place, and I think I finally found a pattern he uses, but I need the printout to figure out what it means and where I can find him, he rambled on in frustration.

And, you never heard of these handy little things they have these days called file folders?

His face finally broke out in a grin. Ha ha! Your girl there is a smart ass, Twitch; you two are perfect for each other.

I could hear the low rumbling growl in the back of her throat and it nearly undid me. She was a fiery little red head. Her hazel eyes closed as she stared daggers at Trey. I laughed out loud when she then turned that glare on me.

You better watch it, dude. She's gonna kick your ass, I teased Trey. If you can't take a kick to the chest from Kaylee while she's injured, there is no way you can take whatever Trixy here can dish out.

The fierce glare she shot my way had my dick getting hard again. I couldn't help it. She was fucking hot when she was pissed.

I had a feeling that I was going to be reciting a lot of football stats in my head for a while. Tasha would be a tough nut to crack, and I had a feeling there were a lot of cold showers in my future.

Hey, do you think we can find these images so we can get what we need and be on our way? Tasha sounded exasperated having to deal with both me and Trey. As much fun as it is busting your balls, I have a kidnapper to catch.

All right. Turning to Trey I asked, Where was the last place you saw them, dude? He shrugged his response.

We looked around for what seemed like forever before Tasha interrupted our search holding up a file.

What is this for?

That was for the case on Tyler when I was monitoring Kaylee's email, he replied.

I sat there and watched in fascination as Tasha completely cleaned Trey’s desk putting everything in file folders and labeling them by job. Some of the jobs required two folders, but she numbered them and wrote what information was inside each folder. It wasn't until the last piece of paper was on his desk that we finally found the images he needed.

What just happened? Trey looked around in confusion.

I just organized your office, and you're welcome. Damn this woman was hot.

Well, shit! He walked over to his desk and sat down in the chair, sitting back blowing out a breath. Thanks, I think…

No problem, you shouldn't have any problems finding your stuff now, and this way Kelly won't kill you. She stood up handing him a handful of empty file folders.

You better keep this one, Twitch. If you don't, I will, he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

A growl escaped from my throat before I could stop it. Tasha looked at me curiously while Trey burst out in a loud belly laugh. Fuck you, dude, I replied slapping him upside the head.

Boys, how about we get the equipment we need and be on our way? Tasha was tapping her foot with her arms crossed over that gorgeous rack of hers.

Yeah, no problem, Trey replied rubbing his head.

three

tasha

It had taken a little longer than I had hoped to get Garret’s phone from evidence, so we could plant the tracking device before he was released. Working closely with Twitch was going to be my undoing. He knew it too, the bastard. He kept up the flirty smile and the arrogant swagger the whole time. It was getting to me and I couldn't stop it.

Okay, so we got the phone placed in his belongings, and now we just have to wait until they release him, I said while we sat in Twitch's truck three days later, waiting for Garret to be released.

We should have Justin do this, Twitch whined. I hate waiting around for shit to happen.

Seriously Dylan, you work in security. Waiting is part of the game.

Say my name again, he demanded.

I realized my mistake moments too late. I looked at him and the heat in his dark eyes had me instantly wet. If he didn't quit looking at me like that I was going to be a puddle of goo on his leather seat. Somewhere, I'm not sure where it came from, but a breathy moan shot from my throat and he was on me. The kiss was fierce and possessive. I realized that I never stood a chance against him, and I couldn't stop from melting into the kiss and opening to him.

He immediately took advantage of my compliance and deepened the kiss. The vibrations from his groan spurred me on. Lips and teeth and tongues battled in a way I had never felt before. I nearly jumped over the center console and straddled his hips before clarity hit.

I stopped abruptly, breathing heavily and tilting my head back to look at the ceiling. I could feel his eyes burning holes into the side of my head.

We can't do this, Dylan. We have a job to do, I turned to meet his eyes, still breathing hard.

He reached up and grabbed his hair in both hands and pulled at it in frustration. I know. I couldn't get you out of my head before. How on earth am I supposed to do it after that?

He looked at me again. The heat still blazing in his eyes had me wanting to jump in his lap again. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and watched as the gate opened to the jail and Garret walked out clutching his cell phone.

It's go time, I said smiling.

He looked hopeful for a minute until he saw where I was pointing, then deflated a bit as we watched Garret make a call. I turned on the speaker that allowed us listen to Garret’s call.

Mom? we heard him say.

Garret? What's going on? Why are you calling me from your phone? His mother sounded bewildered.

They let me out early, and my phone was with my stuff. Have you heard from Brendan?

He's on the run, Garret, she replied sadly. I have no idea where he is.

Damn. Does he still have the kids?

No, they got the kids back in Vegas. He is now facing federal kidnapping charges because he took them out of state, she huffed as though Brendan had done no wrong.

It'll be fine, mom. I'm sure he will get ahold of me soon, he replied, soothingly.

I hope he does. I just want to make sure he's okay. I’ll leave here shortly to come pick you up.

Are they for real? Twitch looked at me in shock. He kidnapped those kids, and Lance hasn't had a good night’s sleep in over a month! Lee-Lee has to be forced, kicking and screaming, to go to school every day for fear her father is going to come back and take them again. Griffin assigned Justin as her personal bodyguard ever since.

I shook my head. This situation was going from bad to worse. And here is the grandmother and uncle hoping Brendan gets away with it.

Yeah, I know Lee will not feel safe until he can't take her away again, he replied. These kids need that closure so they can rest easy knowing these psychos can't hurt them anymore.

Tyler's trial is coming up soon, I said thoughtfully. Tyler was another of Kaylee’s psycho ex’s, and he also happened to be the leader of the notorious biker gang the Devils. Tyler was the reason I was caught up in this case. He had kidnapped Lance and then used Lance to get his hands on Kaylee. I was undercover with the Devils, helping to take them down. It was lucky I happened to be planted there and could assist in getting Lance back with Griffin and Kaylee.

Yeah, next month and all of us at GTT have been called to testify, he groaned.

Yeah, me too, I replied. So, we need find Brendan before then and put both of Kaylee’s ex’s behind bars for good.

four

twitch

We sat for several days outside Garret’s residence, listening to his phone calls. Brendan never called. Trey downloaded spyware on his phone, and we were monitoring all of his texts and emails as well.

Seriously? When are we going to get something we can use to catch him? Tasha groaned as she stretched those long legs of hers out in the cab of my truck.

I don't know but he needs to hurry up, I replied as I looked through the file of incoming texts on the laptop. Wait, I think I got something.

What is it? Tasha looked over at me expectantly.

It's a conversation with someone named Brandy. I hadn't looked at it before because it was a chick’s name. Could this finally be our break?

Well? What does it say?

As I read through the message, my excitement diminished. Damn, it is Brendan, but Garret told him not to tell him where he is because he knows he's being monitored. I slammed my hand against the dash.

I felt a small hand on my arm and opened my eyes and looked down. This was not the time for the thoughts that started running through my head. Just seeing and feeling her soft skin against my rough arm, I was getting hard.

I can't handle you touchin’ me darlin’, I said on a groan.

She moved her hand abruptly and turned bright red. That was hot too. I couldn't help but like the way all that smooth milky white skin turning that pretty shade of pink. I saw her fidgeting with her phone, and as I was about to break the awkward silence she looked at me in surprise.

Do you have the phone number that conversation is attached to?

Yeah I have the number. Why, what do you have in mind?

She was tapping her phone as though it had given her the idea. We may be able to trace it, or at least find out the vicinity of where he is hiding.

Well then, let's get on that, I said and started the engine.

It was a matter of minutes before we were at the police station. We walked in with the equipment and made our way back to Keller’s office. As Tasha walked in, I heard his gruff voice demand. Tell me you got something Tasha.

A phone number that we want to track.

The captain didn’t even look up. Any evidence that it's his?

"Just the text messages between him and his brother…Garret," I answered, unable to keep a bit of the cockiness out of my voice.

That got him to look at us. The messages that you got from an illegal wiretap? Okay, well, he kind of had me there.

The illegal wiretap that you approved, Tasha retorted back.

That may be, he glanced over at her, and I could tell by the way he looked this wasn’t going to work, but it will never hold up in court.

What does it matter how we found him, Captain? I am not planning on prosecuting the brother or using any other information that was illegally obtained against him. I don't need to. Brendan’s in enough shit as it is, I