Read Online Deadly Affair: SCVC Taskforce World Novella (SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series Book 5) by Misty Evans, Amy Manemann - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Misty Evans, Amy Manemann
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looking, Mediterranean style homes lining the block. The prominent covered porches, stately columns with arched windows and gabled rooftops gave mere glimpses into the extravagant homes and lifestyles of their occupants. A lifestyle Celina could only imagine. Not that she was one for extravagance by any means, but there were times when a girl would enjoy being in the lap of luxury.
Roberto Verdoni’s house was tucked behind a gated fence, the ominous-looking wrought iron a deterrent to anyone interested in dropping by unannounced. Like the other houses on the street, it was a lavish mixture of Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, from the curved red tiles covering the roof to the arched doorways and windows. It screamed money and power.
It also gave her the creeps.
Parking outside the gate, Cooper let out a low whistle. “Pretty fancy digs.”
“It’s beautiful,” Celina agreed, “but it seems kind of…cold. I can’t imagine growing up here.”
“Definitely too rich for me.” Opening his door, Cooper stepped onto the driveway. Celina followed suit, curiosity burning through her. The Verdonis had money, and lots of it. Whatever Roberto did for a living, he did it well. She’d bet her next paycheck it was something slimy and highly illegal.
No jumping to conclusions . Of course, in her line of work, as with Cooper’s, that tended to be the only kind of people they ever dealt with.
Cooper pressed a button on the call box, taking a step back to wait. A camera atop the fence swung in their direction before a crackling noise sounded over the speaker, and a woman’s voice spoke. “Yes? May I help you?”
“We’re looking for Roberto Verdoni. Can you tell me if he’s home?” Cooper smiled candidly for the camera.
“Is he expecting you?” The woman’s voice was hesitant and wary.
“No, though we won’t take much of his time.” Digging his credentials from his back pocket, Cooper flipped them open, holding them up to the camera. “Special Agents Harris and”—he sent a thumb Celina’s direction—“Davenport. We’d like to ask Mr. Verdoni a few questions if possible.”
More crackling noises were heard, then the speaker went dead. Celina exchanged a look with Cooper, who gave a “What the hell?” shrug.
She was just beginning to think they were being blown off when a buzzer sounded and the gate swung open to allow them inside. Climbing back into the truck, they drove through the gate. Celina watched as it shut behind them, effectively keeping any interlopers out. Or was it trapping them inside?
“If Roberto’s influence goes to the mayor and beyond,” she said, “Givens will hear about this before dinner time.”
“Yep.” Cooper grinned. “Can’t be helped.”
She had the feeling he was almost savoring the idea of pissing off Sergeant Givens. It made her grin too. “Better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission?”
“You know he would never give us the green light to interrogate Roberto,” Cooper said. “And who knows? Givens may be on Roberto’s payroll. Sounds to me like an outside party is needed if this investigation is going to go anywhere.”
Parking the truck, they made their way to the massive front door. Celina rubbed her hands over her arms, a feeling of uneasiness washing over her. She had the distinct impression they were being watched, and from the tension in Cooper’s body, he felt it too.
Their knock was answered by a middle aged woman of Hispanic descent. Her dark hair was combed neatly away from her face and secured in a knot at the back of her head. She wore a light blue maid’s uniform, complete with a white apron pulled taut across the front of her small frame. She wrung her hands, her eyes darting everywhere but at them. “Mr. Verdoni said he will speak with you in the library. Please, follow me.”
She turned on her heel and marched away before they could voice a reply. With a shrug, Celina stepped into the foyer, instantly stunned by the
Roberto Verdoni’s house was tucked behind a gated fence, the ominous-looking wrought iron a deterrent to anyone interested in dropping by unannounced. Like the other houses on the street, it was a lavish mixture of Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, from the curved red tiles covering the roof to the arched doorways and windows. It screamed money and power.
It also gave her the creeps.
Parking outside the gate, Cooper let out a low whistle. “Pretty fancy digs.”
“It’s beautiful,” Celina agreed, “but it seems kind of…cold. I can’t imagine growing up here.”
“Definitely too rich for me.” Opening his door, Cooper stepped onto the driveway. Celina followed suit, curiosity burning through her. The Verdonis had money, and lots of it. Whatever Roberto did for a living, he did it well. She’d bet her next paycheck it was something slimy and highly illegal.
No jumping to conclusions . Of course, in her line of work, as with Cooper’s, that tended to be the only kind of people they ever dealt with.
Cooper pressed a button on the call box, taking a step back to wait. A camera atop the fence swung in their direction before a crackling noise sounded over the speaker, and a woman’s voice spoke. “Yes? May I help you?”
“We’re looking for Roberto Verdoni. Can you tell me if he’s home?” Cooper smiled candidly for the camera.
“Is he expecting you?” The woman’s voice was hesitant and wary.
“No, though we won’t take much of his time.” Digging his credentials from his back pocket, Cooper flipped them open, holding them up to the camera. “Special Agents Harris and”—he sent a thumb Celina’s direction—“Davenport. We’d like to ask Mr. Verdoni a few questions if possible.”
More crackling noises were heard, then the speaker went dead. Celina exchanged a look with Cooper, who gave a “What the hell?” shrug.
She was just beginning to think they were being blown off when a buzzer sounded and the gate swung open to allow them inside. Climbing back into the truck, they drove through the gate. Celina watched as it shut behind them, effectively keeping any interlopers out. Or was it trapping them inside?
“If Roberto’s influence goes to the mayor and beyond,” she said, “Givens will hear about this before dinner time.”
“Yep.” Cooper grinned. “Can’t be helped.”
She had the feeling he was almost savoring the idea of pissing off Sergeant Givens. It made her grin too. “Better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission?”
“You know he would never give us the green light to interrogate Roberto,” Cooper said. “And who knows? Givens may be on Roberto’s payroll. Sounds to me like an outside party is needed if this investigation is going to go anywhere.”
Parking the truck, they made their way to the massive front door. Celina rubbed her hands over her arms, a feeling of uneasiness washing over her. She had the distinct impression they were being watched, and from the tension in Cooper’s body, he felt it too.
Their knock was answered by a middle aged woman of Hispanic descent. Her dark hair was combed neatly away from her face and secured in a knot at the back of her head. She wore a light blue maid’s uniform, complete with a white apron pulled taut across the front of her small frame. She wrung her hands, her eyes darting everywhere but at them. “Mr. Verdoni said he will speak with you in the library. Please, follow me.”
She turned on her heel and marched away before they could voice a reply. With a shrug, Celina stepped into the foyer, instantly stunned by the
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