Always Look Twice Read Online Free Page B

don’t. Do you have a backup piece, Annabelle?’’
    ‘‘Yes.’’ She handed him the little red gun, then resumed her lifted-chin stance. ‘‘Go ahead.’’
    ‘‘Okay. Here goes.’’ He drew back his fist. His stomach rolled. ‘‘Hell, I can’t.’’
    She scowled up at him. ‘‘Why not? You have before. We’ve done this at least three times that I can remember.’’
    ‘‘But I hadn’t slept with you then!’’
    ‘‘Oh, for God’s sake.’’ She rolled her eyes, then grabbed her dress where it covered her breast and ripped it. ‘‘Just do it.’’
    ‘‘What are you doing?’’
    ‘‘Giving Rad’s men something to look at other than the transmitter.’’
    The mental image that painted was enough to override his hesitation. He swung his fist, popping her on the jaw hard enough to bruise, and tried to ignore her wince. He mussed her hair, rubbed dirt and grass onto her gown, then paused. ‘‘I know you’re a professional. I know you’re better at this than ninety percent of the people out there, and I know we’ve done this more than once before. But this is the first time I’ve ever left my wife to face killers. You be careful, Annabelle. You be damned careful.’’ He gave her a brief, hard kiss, then said, ‘‘Now.’’
    In a well-practiced dance, they engaged in a struggle that took them out of the shadows of the Australian pines and into the moonlit lawn. He threw her down and pretended to spit on her for the benefit of anyone watching. She stayed down and he marched back into the shadows.
    It was tempting to wait until the goons arrived, but now that he wasn’t inhaling Annabelle’s jasmine-scented perfume with every breath, he was able to think clearly and professionally. He needed to trust her to do her job while he did his.
    Of course, what would it hurt if he did his job faster than expected?
    Giving her one last look, reminding himself that Rad had no reason to move against her, he returned to the house. At least Radovanovic would be headed for the pool house by now. Rescuing Sophia meant getting past Selcer and his security—not an easy feat, but doable since Annabelle would keep Rad’s men distracted.
    Adopting a casual air, he sauntered back into the mansion and resumed his search for Sophia. When he had no luck downstairs, he headed upstairs. He found Harvey Selcer giving a tour of the theater room with Sophia Garza on his arm.
    All the time his thoughts were on Annabelle and what could be happening on the back lawn.
    Uncertain about Selcer’s familiarity with his guest list, Mark needed to keep his exposure to the man to a minimum. He ducked into the office across the hallway and quickly formulated a plan. He paused at the desk to jot a note, which he then folded and concealed in his left hand before leaving the office.
    Joining a couple who stood studying the oil painting hanging at the end of the hallway, he struck up a conversation and kept a watch on the theater room doorway. When Selcer and his group exited the room, Mark excused himself and headed toward them, keeping his head down as if he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going.
    His stance made it appear natural when he ‘‘accidentally’’ bumped into Sophia, made eye contact with her, and slipped the note into her bodice. These low-cut dresses were coming in handy tonight. ‘‘Sorry, sorry. Excuse me.’’ Then he was striding away before ol’ Harvey even noticed him.
    Ten minutes later, he waited in place when Sophia opened the door to the master bedroom closet, a room as big as some houses. Her pink dress now sported a red wine stain all down the front. Good. The girl could take directions.
    ‘‘Luke!’’ She rushed toward him and threw herself into his arms. ‘‘I can’t believe you’re here.’’
    ‘‘He’s not. I’m Mark.’’ His twin was out there in the dark somewhere helping Annabelle. Untangling himself from Sophia, Mark added, ‘‘Your aunts sent me to help. Do