Double Identity

“What we need is someone who can get close to the family without raising suspicion. When I discovered your background, your impressive record and your family’s reputation, I asked Jackie if I could borrow you for the next several months to work for us.”

Jude scratched his chin. “It’s been a few months since I did any undercover work.”

“I doubt that you’ve forgotten much. You were damned good at what you did.”

“If I understand correctly, you want me to go to San Antonio as myself, get involved with the Patterson family and find evidence of illegal activities.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have any idea how I’m supposed to get close to them?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. The Patterson family includes a twenty-five-year-old daughter who happens to be single. We want you to arrange to meet her and ask her out. If you two start dating, the rest of the family will grow used to seeing you around and won’t be suspicious of you.”

“You want me to date her?”

“Correct.”

“What if she isn’t interested in dating me?”

“Oh, with your charm, good looks and the added benefit of being from a well-known Texas family, I think she’ll be interested enough to accept a date with you. After that, you’ll have to play it by ear. The more often you see her, the better.”

Jude looked at Jackie and then at the other three. He noticed that Ruth looked amused. “I may have good covert skills but I’m lacking in the charm-and-good-looks part. I’m not what anyone would call a ladies’ man.”

Watson replied, “Guess you’d better learn, because that’s going to be your cover when you move there. We’ve rented a large house for the four of you while you’re there. It’s in a gated community with good security.”

Jude studied his hands. “So I’m supposed to be a ladies’ man, huh?”

“You’ll be a free-wheeling playboy with too much time on his hands. Get a reputation for being seen with beautiful women and get involved in the arts.”

Jude straightened. “The arts? Are you kidding me?”

“The daughter—her name is Carina—is a pianist. She was in her third year of study at Juilliard when her father fell ill, so she returned to Texas, rented an apartment in San Antonio and plans to finish school in another year.

“You need to show an interest in music, donate money to worthy causes and figure out the best way to approach her. Developing a close friendship with her is crucial if we’re going to put them behind bars.”

“Is she part of the smuggling?”

“Hard to tell at this point. She could be. Part of your job will be to find out. I’m convinced we can make this work.”

Jude nodded. “All right, if you think I can help, I’ll do my best.”

“Good,” Sam said, standing up. Jackie, Jude and the agents stood, as well. Watson placed his briefcase on the table, opened it and handed Jude a fat file. “Here are the dossiers on each member of the family.”

Jude picked up the file. “When do you want me to start?”

Sam smiled sardonically. “Yesterday?”

Jude nodded. “Gotcha.”

Two

Six Months Later

He spotted her as soon as she walked into the ballroom.

Carina Patterson was petite. For tonight’s benefit for the San Antonio Symphony she’d chosen to wear a short, flame-red dress, sleeveless with a mandarin collar, the color in stark contrast to her fair skin and dark hair. Her lipstick matched the dress, emphasizing a sultry mouth.

She was more beautiful in person than in the several photographs he had of her. He watched as she spoke to some of the guests. Studying her, he realized that her beauty was enhanced by her vivacious manner and sparkling smile.

He enjoyed watching her walk across the room. She had a rhythm about her as though she moved to the sound of music that only she could hear.

Jude stood near the open bar with several of the movers and shakers of San Antonio society and listened with half an ear to their conversation. He glanced around the room, which glittered from the expensive chandeliers and the jewelry that adorned the women attending the benefit. The murmur of voices filled the room, drowning out the soft music being played by a small orchestra.

“Jude, we can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done tonight for the symphony,” Graham Scott, San Antonio’s mayor, said. “They’ve been struggling to survive for a long while.”

“I’m pleased to see such a strong turnout,” Jude replied. “With the proceeds from tonight’s tickets as well as the merchandise donated for the silent auctions, the symphony should have enough money to cover their operating costs for the coming year.”

“When we first discussed this benefit,” Glenn Kingston, one of the businessmen in the group, said, “we knew we’d have to deduct the cost of the event from ticket sales. Because of your generosity, all the money raised will be available for operating costs. We owe you a great debt of appreciation, Crenshaw.”

Jude grinned. “Don’t worry. I can afford it.”

The other three men laughed at his matter-of-fact statement. Of course he could afford it. He was a Crenshaw of Texas, after all.

Since arriving in San Antonio, he’d diligently built up his image as a rich and rather indolent playboy. He’d made the rounds of art shows, museum functions and symphony performances. He’d made certain that he was seen with a beautiful woman, always a different one, at each of the functions, which quite often put his face in the society section of the paper.

His reputation was now in full swing. Not one of these men had much respect for his lifestyle. Oh, they played the political game. Each man knew that he didn’t want to get crossways with a Crenshaw, even if this particular one didn’t have much ambition. So he was received everywhere, including the country club where he played golf with several members.

Now it was time to make his move.

Jude continued to watch Carina as she moved toward her assigned table. He noticed that a couple already seated were waiting there for her, and he recognized her parents. He waited for a lull in the conversation around him before he casually asked the group, “Who’s the dark-haired woman in the red dress?” He nodded toward Carina.

Clint Jackson, a city councilman, answered. “Her name is Carina Patterson. She’s the only daughter of Christopher Patterson. Chris and his wife, Connie, rarely attend social events. I’m pleased to see them here.”

Jude pretended to think for a moment. “The name means nothing to me. Who is he?”

“Before his stroke a couple of years ago, he was quite active in the community. He imports merchandise from around the world, such as antique furniture, rugs, marble figurines, that sort of thing. Because of his health, he turned the business over to his sons, Alfred and Ben.”

Jude deliberately focused on the three people sitting across the room before he turned to the group and said, “Carina looks like her mother. They have an exotic look about them.”

Clint responded by saying, “Connie Patterson comes from a wealthy family in Mexico City. I understand that Chris took one look at her and fell in love.”

“I can understand why,” Jude responded with a grin. “She looks more like Carina’s sister than her mother. Carina is truly stunning. Do you know if she’s seeing someone?”

“I don’t think so,” Clint said. “Just in case you’re thinking of making a move in that direction, here’s a friendly warning, okay? Al and Ben, who are several years older than Carina, are highly protective of her. They wouldn’t take kindly to someone hurting their sister in any way.”

“You don’t think I meet their standards?” Jude asked with amusement.

“I didn’t say that,” Clint said with a chuckle. “You’re a Crenshaw, after all. However, you do have a reputation around town of playing the field. Let’s face it, Jude, you’re a great catch for any woman and they tend to throw themselves at you.” He grinned. “My wife thinks you’ve got movie-star looks as well as charisma. I have to take her word for it since you’re just not my type.”