Hot Revenge Box Set 4

The coffee strong and fragrant, washes away my doubts and clears my thinking, although granted, it leaves me with my problem.

How to find Juliana?

And what is the significance of the invoice addresses?

I let my mind freewheel, caffeine lubricating the gears.

What's the connection?

?

?

Back to basics...

Finchby’s invoices...

Taken from his own files…

Supply addresses from legitimate businesses…

… Listing women, children… Human cargo.

???

That can't possibly be what went through the customs checks...

Duplicate documents then?

Same references. Same monetary values. Different cargo.

That would seem logical: A parallel accounting system: one for the outside world, one for private records.

Yes, that works. Any competent criminal could make that work. And doubtless, with the money involved, they’d have accountants and bookkeepers… Perhaps even customs officers and tax inspectors on the payroll.

But none of that gives me the connection to Antonio’s bar or any of the others.

Why here?

Frustrated, mind spiralling inward…

Damn the coffee…

order

*****

Charlotte

stands by the nursery door, wearing the jeans and boots he uses for riding, and a thick cable-knit sweater… “…I’m going

day, with a crisp snap to the air. And the sunshine is that brilliant clear white you

the exercise. Um…” I look down to my tiny daughter, blinking at the mobile rotating above

on Cara.” My Mom smiles from

me five minutes,

me, then reaches down with a long finger, stroking Cara’s cheek. His face might seem impassive to any that didn’t know him, but I see the hidden smile behind his eyes. Our daughter burbles a bit but doesn’t

*****

you.” Straightening up, he runs over me with his eyes. “You’re wearing plenty of layers? It’s cold out

of my roll-top pullover. “Two woollens, a cotton top and a thermal vest Mom insisted I put

his hands into a cup. “C’mon,

stamping and snorting, eager to be off. My Master slaps him on the shoulder then runs a hand up his neck. “Shhhh… Calm down.

thought we might take the path through the

“Great idea.”

*****

just me and my wonderful Master, riding together as though there were no-one else in the world. The ground is firm with the cold and Oliver is trying to take

run,” says my Master, then eyes Charlie, also performing, jarring under me. “They

the end

a finger. “Only to the fence. No jumping. That

heels at Charlie, and she moves from trot to canter to gallop in fewer

for seconds do I have the lead. Oliver is larger and heavier, more powerful, than Charlie and almost immediately, he thunders up, first closing behind me, then alongside, snorting steam as he pulls ahead. But as her son begins to draw away, Charlie jolts under me with another burst

the same. I’m grinning like a maniac, panting, my blood racing. My Master’s eyes are

great.” I scan the field, stretching down the mountain, the lake glittering at the bottom, the air frigid and fresh. Oliver and Charlie blow blue from their nostrils. “It’s so good to

the long arm of the gate latch to let me through, clucks Oliver along behind me, and lets the gate swing

follow the bridle path that will take us to the trail

there’s something I