Darkest Journey (Krewe of Hunters #20)(54)

And then he let go of her and stepped back. “We have to go,” he said huskily. “We have to get back. We’re in the middle of a murder investigation. And while I’m sure my coworkers would understand, they’ll be calling out every agent in New Orleans if we don’t get back soon.”

“Yeah,” Charlie said, glad she still had a voice.

She grabbed some clothes, tossed them into a tote bag and then started to brush past him to reach the door.

He pulled her back.

One more kiss. Deep, sensual, provocative—and filled with promise.

She returned that kiss with vital hunger and need...

And a promise of her own.

Dreams did come true. Even in the middle of a nightmare.

*

Ethan felt his phone buzzing in his pocket as they headed back; he picked it up quickly. As he’d expected, it was Jude.

“Sorry, I should have called,” he answered, glancing at Charlie. “We’re headed back now.”

“Great. We’ll wait until you’re in, then lock the place down. Luckily your parents have a good alarm system.”

“They have an FBI agent for a son,” Ethan said, then added a quick goodbye and hung up.

After Ethan parked, he hurried around the car to open the passenger door. When and where he’d grown up, it was the thing to do—and it was a hard habit to break, even though it offended some women he’d come across.

Charlie wasn’t offended—she’d grown up in the same place at the same time, after all—but she didn’t move, either.

She looked up at him, something unreadable in her eyes. “I have to tell you the truth,” she said softly.

“That you did go behind my back to arrange your little undercover stunt on the Journey?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I mean, yes, I wanted to do that, because Anson McKee pointed to the river, and I’m sure he meant that’s where we’ll find the answer. But, no, that’s not what I meant.”

“Okay, what did you mean?”

She turned to look at him, blue eyes tormented. “I saw Selma Rodriguez.”

“I thought you might have. You had that deer-in-the-headlights look in your eyes when we came into the office. I figured you’d say something when you were ready,” he said. “So...?”

“She said Corley mentioned meeting my father—Dad was good friends with both Farrell and Albion,” Charlie said, then quickly added, “My father had nothing to do with this. I don’t care what it looks like. My dad...my dad is a good man, a man who would help anyone. He’s not a killer.”

“Look, it’s natural that you don’t like hearing anything that implicates your father. Yes, he’s an ass to me sometimes. And the evidence is really shaking me, but in my heart I still don’t believe he did it—and that has nothing to do with the fact that he’s your father. So don’t worry, okay?”

She smiled. “Good,” she said softly. She looked at the house, and color flooded her cheeks. “So...where am I sleeping?”

“Well, I was trying to take things slow,” he said.

“Yes, exactly.”

“But even so, I was kind of hoping you’d sleep in my room. It’s not terribly exciting. I was out of the house when my folks moved to New Orleans, so none of my old Sports Illustrated and heavy-metal band posters are on the wall, but my mom did buy me a really comfortable bed.”

Charlie looked at him and laughed. “This is what you call taking things slow?”

“We were slow. We left your place and came here.”

At last Charlie smiled, so he offered his hand and she stepped out of the car. “Got to check in with Jude and Thor first,” he told her as they headed to the front door.

That was going to be easy enough to do, seeing as Jude opened the door as they reached it. “Glad you’re back. It’s always good to know everyone is accounted for.”

“What’s going on here?” Ethan asked Jude.

“I was just making coffee. Want some?” Jude offered.

“Sure.”

“I guess I’ll go on up,” Charlie murmured.

He refrained from telling her where his room was and potentially embarrassing her in front of Jude. She would figure it out.

“Thor, Alexi and Clara have already gone up,” Jude said. “I’ll hang down here until Thor comes down. You can have the six o’clock watch. Work for you?” he asked, looking at Ethan.

“Sounds good,” Ethan said, following him into the kitchen.

“Anything new?” he asked Jude. “You talk to Jackson or anyone?”

Jude nodded, pouring coffee and handing Ethan a cup. “Jackson has spoken with the Journey management. They’re feeling pretty stressed, can’t believe another of their ships might be involved in a murder. They’re happy to cooperate with us in any way. Journey security—a small, four-man force—has been alerted to our presence. There are only going to be 402 people aboard, including crew and entertainment.”

“I can’t imagine this killer is a casual cruiser.”

“No, I’m pretty sure what’s happening is happening in port. Which doesn’t clear Jonathan Moreau.”

“Yes, and I believe, based on the implications of what Charlie said, that Albion Corley was planning to see him.”