Our Bodyguard|18+

Twelve

I didn't participate in the raid of the Janitors as I planned. I'm not sure how it happened, but the plan was feasible and everyone was in position when Marlow called and asked why I wasn't there. He was pissed as fuck.

I had a bigger fish to catch, that's why I didn't join the operation. They say a crime scene gets both familiar and newer each time you revisit it. So I went back to Anne's, trespassed the police tape, and dived in.

Everything was neatly placed, no sign of violence or struggle. Whoever killed her had only one job—to kill her. I'm no fucking detective but I can tell a few details. That chick was onto something dangerous.

But what was it? I went through her stuff, using a flashlight to check her documents, her drawers, and nothing was alarming except the fact that her passport and visa were stashed on a purse that contained a plane ticket to Dubai.

Was she planning to travel?

"Red, I want to know everything!" Mia snaps. "Please, enough with the secrecy. I'm done being treated like a fool so I want to fight this head on with you. I want to be informed of everything if you're truly on my side! Starting with, how much do you know about Anne's death?"

Now I'm up for a good ride.

"I think she heard or saw something she shouldn't have. Being involved with Patrick and Derek can never be a safe heaven for any woman unless she chooses to be stupid and obedient," I say flatly as it is.

From her bank records, Luca found out that she'd made a huge withdrawal recently and she'd put her apartment for sale. I'm convinced she was going to leave Portland. Alone. But I can't tell why.

Mia grimaces. "What are you talking about?"

"Sit down," I urge. She complies and I do the same. "You know a woman named Cora Mitchell?" I ask her.

Her eyes crinkle thoughtfully, but in a jiff her head bobs. "Yes, I do. She's the chief director of Kingston Pharmaceutical Research Facility. I've met her a couple of times and I can't say we ever clicked. She's. . . Unusual?"

"What else do you know about her?" I think this is a good start.

That woman was the last person to be seen with Anne. I can't find any connection between them, since she's an indispensable asset of the Kingston Pharmaceutical Company. She's got an outstanding profile.

"Well . . ." Mia sits straight. "I don't know her that much. But I think she's involved with Derek or something. I got that vibes when I last saw them together at a drug launch. I didn't pay attention 'cause Derek is a Kingston—he fucks around all the time. If you ask me, they are probably fuck buddies for the horny seasons and nothing exclusive. That jerk doesn't date and that woman didn't look much of his type."

Interesting. If Cora is involved with Derek, then automatically there's a conflict of interest between her and Anne. But no, she doesn't fit in the category of passionate women after my unpleasant meeting with her a few hours ago.

Fuck buddies fits better.

Besides, she's ambitious. Her dedication to the research facility is almost like a freaky obsession. She literally lives there. No social life, no family, no friends. She spends her time in the lab, tasting subjects, if not traveling for work matters.

If Kingston Pharmaceutical is truly involved with Project Z—production and development of bioweapons—as the Federal Bureau believes, then that woman must know something.

But how does the fuck does Anne fit here? What was her business with a nerdy scientist?

"Anne was planning to leave the country before she died," I tell Mia. "Did she mention about any trip when you talked to her?"