Fatally Yours

Chapter 4

•Indiana•

The part I honestly looked forward to most about this case was going undercover. Most of the cases I had worked on in the past were straightforward and didn't require me to play a role beyond solving the problem.

I've done some undercover jobs before, but they weren't as significant as this one. I did my homework on the Valahia Syndicate, and after gathering all the information I could find, I must say, I feel more threatened by these guys every time I realize they're still out there on the streets.

The city isn't safe with this group around. They have so much power and authority that no one has realized how it could affect their lives in the worst-case scenario.

That's why, when the two FBI agents showed up at work again the next morning, I was more determined than ever to go through the steps and get started on the mission to take down the Valahia Syndicate.

Even if it costs me my life.

"As you may know, the Valahia Syndicate originated as a Romanian supremacist crime family in Europe about 2 decades ago," Agent Wilder began, pulling up a PowerPoint to present everything they had found on the Valahia Syndicate. "Since then, they have branched out in a big way."

"Drugs, prostitution, extortion," Agent Hawke added as the screen switched to the next slide. "But what sets them apart is their access to military weapons that only a powerful crime family with enough influence can get."

I furrowed my brows, taking in all the information displayed on the screen. This was all new to me since none of it was available on the internet, let alone the police database.

These guys had dug even deeper, to the extent that everything they just told me was highly classified information within the FBI, accessible only to a select few.

"Leon Midas," Agent Wilder announced, and a picture of a half-Asian man appeared on the screen. He had a well-sculpted face, straight nose, thin lips, and fair skin, with long hair tied in a man bun.

He doesn't look like a criminal to me, but appearances can be deceiving.

"Also known as 'Lee,' he has been identified as the underboss who controls the day-to-day operations on the streets. He runs everything on the outside, but thanks to a reliable source, we have discovered that Lee is not the only mastermind in the Valahia Syndicate."

Both agents turned to me simultaneously, allowing that piece of information to sink in. I looked away from the projector screen in confusion and stared at them.

"There's more than one person running the Valahia Syndicate?"

Agent Hawke nodded and perched himself on the desk behind him.

"Correct," Agent Wilder confirmed, and my eyes snapped to him. "The Valahia Syndicate was originally formed by the wealthiest and most powerful family in Romania. Lee has no blood ties to them, so he's just serving as a front. The real mastermind, who's pulling all the strings from the inside, is someone connected to that family, either by blood or relation."

I exhaled a small sigh and leaned back heavily in my seat. This was deeper than I had thought.

"Your job is to infiltrate by getting Lee to notice you, and from there, you can slowly work your way in and find out who their real leader is. It's not going to be easy, but we'll guide you through the process. We've also assigned another agent to the job to serve as your backup. He will be your partner throughout this operation, so if there's anything—"

"I'm sorry," I quickly interrupted Agent Hawke. "A backup?"

Both men exchanged confused glances before looking back at me.

"Well, yes, this is one of the biggest operations we'll be conducting so far, and you'll need manpower..." He started to trail off when I slowly rose from my chair and gave them a direct look.

"Agent Hawke, I think you missed an important detail after reading my file. You both know what I've accomplished so far in my career as a detective. It shouldn't take both of you to realize how I got this far on my own."

They both silently stared back at me, and I twisted my lips into a fake smile.

"In case I haven't been clear enough, I don't do partners. I work solo. If you're going to underestimate my ability to work alone and still think I'll need backup for this job, I suggest you find someone else."

Agent Wilder raised his hands in surrender, casting a quick glance toward Agent Hawke.

"Our apologies, Detective. We should've consulted you before making that decision. Since you won't be needing any backup, we'll do as you say. This is your mission as much as it is ours, so you call the shots."

A smile of satisfaction spread across my lips as I nodded at him before picking up my file and preparing to leave the conference room where we had our briefing.

A short knock sounded from the door, and we all turned to see who it was. Standing by the door was the most attractive man I've ever seen. I stared so hard, I forgot to blink.

He was tall and built, with dark chocolate hair, warm hazel eyes, a perfect nose, and perfect lips. My heart skipped a beat in excitement. He walked in and started to greet the two agents, shaking their hands. Their words sounded so far away that I barely registered anything.

Then his eyes met mine.

I quickly regained my composure as he returned my stare, so I quickly looked away, clearing my throat and trying to hide the fact that I was drawn to him.

"Detective," Agent Wilder said, "this is Agent Keith Anderson. He's one of our best agents in the field and supposedly your partner and backup for this mission."

Shit. Did I speak too soon? Why the hell did I turn down that offer so quickly when my partner looks like this? Oh my God, I hate myself.

"Anderson, meet Detective Indiana Reece, our valuable asset in this matter."

Agent Keith reached out for a handshake, a soft smile playing on his lips as our eyes connected once again.

"It's an honor to meet you, Detective. I've heard so many great things about you." My heart fluttered at his words.

I placed my hand in his and shook it, heat radiating from the contact and quickly spreading up my neck to my face.

"Nice to meet you, too," I mumbled before withdrawing my hand.

"It's a shame we won't be working together. I was looking forward to learning a few things from you, Detective," Keith suddenly said.

I chuckled and smiled at him.

"Oh, you still can. I never said we couldn't work together on the inside. I still need someone to help me keep track of all this information and figure out how to adjust to my new role."

His eyes lit up, and he smiled even more. "Then I'd be more than happy to help you with that."

I nodded once before excusing myself from the room and heading back to my office. My smile grew as I felt eyes on my back.

No doubt it was my new partner staring, and I hope he liked the view.