Page 58 of Captivating Anika
“Since when does the FBI investigate domestic abuse?” I ask him.
“Agent Livingston is part of a task force investigating a nationwide criminal organization,” Evans clarifies.
“And you think Kim’s husband is involved?”
I’m having a really hard time believing that. Oh, he’s a despicable human being and a bully, but he doesn’t seem anywhere near disciplined enough to be part of something like that.
“If he is, he can’t be much of an asset to whatever organization he’s working for.”
“Oh, he is,” the agent confirms. “But you’re right, he’s not an asset. In fact, right now, his bosses are looking for him because he has something they want, and he is a potential threat to them. So, we’re trying to get to him before they do.”
“You mention he has something they want? That’s funny, because that was basically what he said about Kim. That she had something of his he needed back.”
I catch a look between the two men. I’m not in the loop, but it’s clear to me what I said means something to them. But there’s more they should know, and I turn to Bill Evans.
“Listen, I don’t think he had anything to do with Kim’s disappearance.” I watch him pull up an eyebrow. “He attacked me because he thought I knew where she was. Why would he do that if he had anything to do with it? And another thing,” I add. “He freaked out when I told him her car had been found. That’s when the neighbor called out and he took off running.”
We’re interrupted by a loud disagreement just outside the open back door. I recognize Hog’s voice. Evans does too and hurries to intervene.
A few moments later he walks in, leading Hog, whose eyes are fixed on me as he stalks over, completely ignoring the FBI agent.
“Goddammit, Anika,” he growls fiercely but his hands are gentle as he tips up my chin and examines my neck.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, curling my hands around his wrists and pulling them away from my face.
Then I lean into him and his arms instantly close around me. With my cheek pressed against his chest, I take a moment to soak up his strength.
“Ms. Jones, if you don’t mind…”
I feel Hog tense up as I lift my head.
“Who are you?” he rumbles.
Before the agent has an opportunity to respond, someone starts rattling the front door. When I turn around, I see Landon, with hands and face pressed up to the glass, peering in.
“Oh shit,” I mumble as I rush to open the door.
Normally, I would have the front door open, but I lost track of time.
“What is going on?” Landon says the moment he walks in. “Is that blood on you?”
I really should find something else to wear. It won’t be long before Monique and Molly make an appearance and our first customers start showing up.
“It’s nothing,” I tell Landon, who immediately narrows his eyes.
“Nothing doesn’t bleed.”
“Anika?” Evans walks up behind me. “Why don’t you talk to Livingston and I’ll take care of things here,” he suggests.
“Did something happen?” I hear Landon ask the detective as I make my way to the back.
There I find the agent explaining his presence to Hog in a soft voice. Hog immediately claims me by pulling me to his side when I join them.
“Maybe we should go into my office,” I suggest, anticipating more interruptions.
It’s a tight fit, with not one, but two large men crowding into the small space with me, but I don’t think Hog will be content to wait outside.
“You mentioned Cooper claimed his wife had something of his?” Livingston wants to know.