Saturday. HiTech Inc. R&D Lab, Washington, DC.JAMIE STARED UP AT the brick facade of the nondescript building that held HiTech's Research and Development labs. Given what was being tested here, he understood why there wasn't a sign advertising HiTech on it.And this was Tabby's domain. The world where she got to create.As part of his research he'd looked up various HiTech projects begun once she came on as a full-time employee. The number of things she'd developed was astounding. She wasn't just a pretty face with keen business sense; she was smart as hell, too. If Jamie hadn't grown up with intelligent, successful women in his family he might be intimidated.He reached into his pickup truck and grabbed the lattes from the center console. Tabby might be willing to forgive him and work with him, but that didn't mean they were good. At this point he'd do what he needed to try to improve his standing with her, including caffeine bribery.Jamie headed toward the front doors.

Sunday. Task Force Headquarters, Washington, DC.JAMIE OPENED HIS FRONT door, more to stop the pounding than because he was ready to see people today. Harper and Evan stood on the other side, dressed in slacks and Aegis Group stitched polos for today's meeting."Who did you spend the night with?" Harper grinned and leaned his forearm on the entry."No one." That was part of Jamie's problem."You ready yet? Or do you need to primp a bit more, princess?""Fuck you." Jamie glanced around, searching for his keys."What time did you get home?" Evan asked. "We came by to see if you wanted to grab dinner, but your truck was gone.""Because we were in the lab until midnight. My God damn brain is mush." Jamie understood why Tabby was adamant about going with regardless of how they were going to get the shipment."It took you that long to figure out you should always cut the blue wire?" Harper stepped inside and snagged Jamie's keys off the recliner seat cushion."No." He sn

Sunday. Liberty Bar, Washington, DC.JAMIE SAT STARING AT his phone in a back booth of the Liberty Bar.He had no idea why she was forcing his hand. Maybe she didn't like owing anything? If that were the case, he'd probably just screwed himself over with the order. Whatever her reason was, he was curious and nervous about seeing her again in a casual setting.His phone chimed with a single word text: Here.Jamie placed his phone face down on the furthest edge of the table and watched the front doors of the trendy bar for her familiar red hair.Sure enough, a moment later the entry lights glinted off that messy bun.Jamie stood, catching her eye from across the bar.Damn, he couldn't decide if he were lucky or cursed.She'd changed from her business clothes into a loose fitting blue dress belted at the waist. It had some kind of little print on it he couldn't make out.Tabby's smile was different. Stiff."What's wrong?" he asked as she got closer.Her brows rose

At this rate Tabby would be surprised if they made it to the living room much less her bedroom.Jamie's fingers hooked under her panties, tugging at the thin band of material over her hip. She shifted and nipped his lip. Typically she was a fan of foreplay, but right now she just wanted him. Everything else was superfluous."God, you're sexy," he muttered against her mouth."Back at ya." She slid her hands under his jacket."Tabby?""Shut up." She kissed the corner of his mouth.He let go of her panties and grasped her arms, forcing them up over her head. A thrill went through her. Too many guys just didn't have it in them for a power move like this.Jamie bent his head, but not close enough for her to kiss."You're used to getting your way, aren't you?" His gaze narrowed.Why lie? "Yes.""We have to talk. Before this goes further.""Why?" That one word was made from pure whine.Lines creased his brow and he got that hot and angry look that only revved her engin

Monday. Washington, DC.DALTON SAT IN THE back of the SUV. According to Skilton's last message, Tabby would be vulnerable. Soon.It was crazy to Dalton that this was happening. He still didn't understand why, nor did he have to. All that mattered to him was that his Congressional candidacy depended on him pulling off the abduction and murder of his ex-girlfriend.Well, actually, all Dalton had to do was sit here and watch. The men he'd hired would do the rest.It was a matter of time now.***Monday. Tabby Grissler's Home, Washington, DC.JAMIE SAT STRAIGHT UP, his mind clawing to consciousness.He knew that sound, but why was it so loud?"Move." A small hand shoved at his shoulder. "That's both our phones. Jamie."He scrambled off the bed along with Tabby to where the two phones sat on the dressing table charging.Hers read Zora Clark.His read Logan Muller.Fuck.Jamie unplugged his phone and hit answer as he strode out to the hallway."Yeah?