A Taste of Liberty: Task Force 125 Book 2 by Lisa Pietsch, Kendra Egert Page A

difference between information and solid evidence.  We need that evidence.”
    Vince sat back in his chair.  “Alright, I don't like it but the final decision is up to you, Sarah.”
    Sarah squeezed his hand and looked into Vince's eyes.  She yearned to be done with this assignment so they could just run away together.
    I know you won't let anything happen to me.
    She looked over at Will.  “You guys will have my back?”
    Will nodded.  “Always.”
    She nodded.  “Let's do it.”
     

Chapter Sixteen
     
    The leggy redhead that Sarah had danced with the night before greeted them at the door of Victor’s villa.  She greeted Sarah with a warm smile and a kiss on each cheek then looked Vince over like he was on the menu.  “Good evening.  Please come in.  Victor has been expecting you.”  She motioned them into the house and led them into the large main room centered around a huge stone fireplace.  The open windows allowed a slight breeze through the room.  The walls were a golden hue, enhanced by the soft lighting from the wall sconces and the honey colored wood floors.
    Sarah ran her hand over one of the soft as butter leather sofas and inhaled the heady scent of leather, a touch of smoke and ocean air.
    Victor smiled as he sat in one of two large leather chairs and motioned for Vince and Sarah to sit on the sofa.  “Sarah, Vince tells me you met in Milan.  How long will you stay in Italy?”
    Sarah crossed her legs at the knee and licked her bottom lip for Victor’s benefit.  “I have a few weeks before I have to be back in Las Vegas.”
    Victor didn't take his eyes off Sarah.  “Carolina, my dear, will you come here, please?”
    The buxom redhead in a mini-dress the same color as her hair sauntered over and sat on the arm of Victor's chair with a sublime smile.  “Yes, Victor?”
    Victor kept his eyes on Sarah.  “See if you can convince Sarah to be our guest for a few weeks while I talk business with Mr. Hennessee .”
    Carolina stood and took Sarah's hand.  “It would be my pleasure.”  Carolina led Sarah through the kitchen where she grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses.  She held them up for Sarah to see and flashed a devilish smile.  “Let’s have a drink and chat.” 
    Sarah followed as Carolina led her through a set of French doors and onto the patio.
    Uneasiness about this mission nipped at her nerves but, like getting off the helicopter on Hassan's yacht, she smiled and presented the picture of calm.  It was that same self-consciousness that being overweight made her feel .  She took a deep breath of the warm night air.
    Can I do this?  Can I fool them all and pull it off?
    Carolina set the bottle and glasses down on the table and took a seat in one of the chairs.  She motioned to another chair.  “Please, sit.  We can talk about important things while they talk business.” 
    “Very nice.”   Sarah nestled into the soft chair across the table from Carolina as she poured the wine.
    Carolina handed her a glass and raised her own.  “Yes, it is.”  She took a drink of the wine and sighed.  “It's not a bad deal with Victor.  He pays us every week just to be arm candy and entertainment.”
    “And by entertainment, you mean?”
    She shrugged.  “We dance for him and lay around the pool mostly.  A little sex, which is always very good, but he prefers coke to women.”
    Sarah couldn't believe her luck.  “Really?   This sounds like a very nice deal then.”
    Carolina reached over and ran her hand through Sarah’s hair as she drank with the other hand.  “I love your hair.”
    “Thank you.  I love your color.”  Sarah knew the score.  Carolina was Victor’s gatekeeper.  She gave her a flirty smile.  “Is it yours?” 
    “You’ll find out soon enough.”
    They both smiled in agreement and drank.
    “Are you staying in a hotel?  I'll have Carlo pick up your things.”
    Thank goodness Jason and I set up that hotel room with my luggage