Seduction and Lies

“This is pretty major,” Mia said.

“There’s more.” Savannah folded her hands. “This is where it gets kind of James Bond-y. There are some folks that have come to Jean…on a personal level. People who can’t go to the police or the FBI and who are in the same boat.” She looked from one friend to the other, making sure they got her meaning. Their eyes brightened in understanding.

“Illegals?” Dani asked.

“No. Just folks who can’t be scrutinized by the authorities. They can’t risk this showing up in the media.”

Mia flopped back against the leather seat. “How much time do you have?”

“A few weeks. A month at best.”

“That’s going to be a problem on my end. I’m out of town for the next two weeks setting up several conventions, one in Atlanta the other in D.C. I leave tomorrow afternoon. Of course I’ll do what I can—any contacts and resources that I can provide…”

“Count me in,” Dani said. “Do you think I’ll get to use a gun this time?” Her eyes sparkled with hope.

Both Savannah and Mia looked at her and shook their heads.

“I would hope not,” Savannah said.

Dani sucked her teeth in disappointment. “Figures.”

“However, this time I’m not taking any chances. This is major and we can’t afford to screw this up.” She zeroed in on Danielle. “I’m going to make sure I have clearance to bring you in. You’re going to have to meet Jean.”

A big grin dashed across Danielle’s mocha-colored face. “The head chick in charge! Well, all righty then. That’s what I’m talking about.”

“What about me?” Mia whined.

“Since you won’t be directly involved, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“Damn.” She finished off her drink and slunk down in her seat, pouting.

The waitress finally came over. “Sorry, ladies. It’s crazy busy. Can I get you anything?”

They flipped open their menus and one by one gave their orders.

“Now that we have that out of the way, how have you both been doing?” Savannah asked, sipping a glass of water.

“I finally know what always keeps a smile on the two of your faces,” Mia said.

“Oh, really?” Dani said with a raised brow. “And what might that be?”

“Having a fine, sexy man to wake up to every morning.” She flashed a wicked grin and a wink.

Savannah and Dani laughed.

“So you’ve discovered the secret of sublime happiness,” Savannah said.

Mia bobbed her head. “Yes, chile,” she said, emphasizing each word. “Steven is absolutely a dream come true. And to think we’ve known each other for years and never took it further than hello.” She looked off wistfully. “It’s just so wonderful. I mean, I’ve never really had anyone that made me feel good all…the…time. Know what I mean?” She looked from one to the other. Well, there was someone once, but she’d never told her friends about him then and with good reason. And with everything going so right in her life with Steven there was no point in bringing it up now. It was old news and best that it stay buried in the past.

“I know exactly what you mean,” Dani offered. “And you know me, Ms. Love ’em and Leave ’em. I think I’ve been whipped, my sistahs.”

Savannah and Mia applauded.

“We never thought we’d see the day,” Savannah said.

“Me, either. Nick has totally taken me by surprise. It’s like those romance novels where the heroine gets swept off her feet and lands flat on her back, ready and raring to go,” she added in her typical ribald fashion.

The trio broke up laughing.

“Some days,” Savannah offered, “it’s still hard for me to believe that me and Blake are still so crazy in love and still hungry for each other.”

“Even with the loaf in the oven?” Dani asked.

Savannah’s eyes widened. “Girl, it’s even worse. When I’m not sick, I’m horny as hell! Can’t wait for the man to get home from work! Hormones are in overdrive or something. And Blake, Lawd, he never felt so good!”

Dani started fanning herself and Mia quickly followed suit.

Their meals arrived, and they continued swapping stories of their scorching love lives.

Outside the restaurant, the three women hugged.

“Have a safe trip, Mia,” Savannah said. “And I’ll be in touch if I can use your help.”

“Yeah, take care, sis.” Dani kissed her cheek. “What is Steven going to do while you’re gone?”

“Miss me.” She rocked her head to the side. “I intend to wear the brother out before I leave. Make sure it holds him over until I get back.”

“Now that’s gangsta,” Dani teased.

“See you guys in two weeks.” Mia waved as she headed down the street to where her car was parked.

Savannah turned to face Danielle. “Let me know when you have some free time. I’m going to call Jean in the morning and try to set up a meeting as soon as possible.”

“You know me. I’m my own boss. My schedule is pretty light this week with photo shoots. I have a couple of location shots, but that’s it.”

“Great. So as soon as I get it set up, I will give you a call.”

“Sounds good.”

“Thanks, Dani, I really appreciate this.”

“Hey, that’s what superspy friends are for, right?” she teased.

“Yeah, exactly.”

When Danielle returned to her apartment, it was empty. She was surprised that Nick wasn’t there. He hadn’t mentioned he was going out.

She tossed her purse on the table in the hall and deposited her keys in the glass bowl right next to it before heading to the kitchen for an ice-cold beer.