Sandman (Unknown Identities #3) by Regan Black Page B

faked Matthew’s death and ordered the hit on Rafe. The man came off too slick, too calculating. He appeared relaxed, as he took a seat and crossed his legs. He felt safe here, and the arrogance she’d noted at social events they’d both attended in other countries was obvious. So were the signs of stress and hyper-vigilance in the way he adjusted his cuff links and scanned the room behind Matthew.
    She ’d spotted the other suits, the guard detail Matthew warned her about. One man stood outside the main door and the other was loitering at the landing on the restaurant’s second level. She didn’t turn, didn’t need to look to know there would be another man somewhere behind her, covering the kitchen access.
    It wasn ’t unlike a diplomatic mission with all of the security and posturing and she understood. The man had interests and secrets he didn’t intend to risk.
    Welcome to the club, she thought. At least this time it was two against one, since she and Matthew were operating as a team. Without going into classified or gory details, Matthew had admitted much of what he’d done for UI had been for the good of the general population, but that didn’t mean it had all been legal.
    He ’d been clearing the air, giving her the option to turn him away. She wasn’t about to desert him no matter what he told her. It just wasn’t a viable option.
    They ’d arrived separately, but she’d felt him keeping watch until she was safely seated inside. As she watched him, she was relieved beyond words that they would have a second chance. And grateful he appeared calm despite everything riding on this one conversation.
    If the man in the gray suit wouldn’t accept Matthew’s proposal or her terms, they would find another solution. Between her connections and his, there would be options. Even if those choices posed a bigger risk than this one. She would not stop until he was free of the system that had nearly destroyed both of them in different ways.
    “ Pardon me.”
    Renata glanced up, distracted by the stranger who had suddenly appeared at her table. His suit, also an understated gray, looked eerily similar to that of the man meeting with Matthew, right down to the colors and pattern of the tie. His sable hair was swept back from his face, his mouth tilted in a cagey half smile, and his eyes were brown. He leaned close enough that she could see flecks of gold in his irises.
    “ A woman so lovely should not dine alone.”
    She swallowed , not at all certain what to do with this unexpected development. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m waiting for someone,” she said, opting to play it like a pick up effort gone bad.
    “ I know.” He snickered and flashed a wide grin that made her shiver. “For now, that someone is me.”
    “ You.” Ah, this was the man who’d been in the barn. The invisible man who’d helped them escape and provided them with the bed and breakfast reservation. She watched, a cold fear rendering her mute, as he pulled out the chair across from hers. Was he still on their side or was he working against them now?
    He r unwelcome guest cleared his throat. “You are aware your friend there is dealing for his life. And yours.”
    “ Yes.” Her hand shook slightly as she raised the water goblet to her lips.
    “ Good. I won’t stay long, I promise.”
    “ Good?” she echoed.
    “ Let’s play a game.” He rested his forearms on the table and leaned forward. “I will ask you questions. Yes is the only acceptable answer, but when you mean ‘no’, touch the stem of your water glass. Do you understand?”
    She nodded.
    His eyes darted to her hand, perfectly still on her napkin. “Very good.”
    “ Do you have the evidence to protect Sandman?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ Is it on your person?”
    “ Yes,” she said, running her finger down the stem of her glass.
    “ Good.” His smile didn’t ease her fear. “Are you prepared to use it?”
    She brought her hands together, adjusting her ring.