Page 62 of Made of Steele
“I’ve gone to a few autopsies in my day. Not something I like to do, but I’m eager to discover the cause of death for our other two victims.”
“Then yes. We’ll both go.” He held her gaze. “But know that if you decide not to do it, I won’t judge you.”
She firmed her shoulders. “I won’t change my mind. It’s my job, and I can do it.”
“A job I got you involved in again.”
“Don’t worry about me, Drew. I’m a big girl and can handle it.”
“I get that. I just wish you didn’t have to.”
She smiled at him. “I appreciate your concern.”
She turned her attention back to her screen to keep from thinking about the gruesome scene awaiting them in the morning. Most of the pictures displayed in front of her belonged to companies that sold images. Two photos similar to the symbols they found were listed midway down the page. The first was for a group in Indiana who met to engage in sword fighting, and the second, a group in North Carolina who taught people how to use swords. She checked out the links but saw no connection to their investigation. Still, she made note of it in her file.
She added the word church to her search and found a question titled,Who is called Sword of God?
According to Wikipedia, Khalid ibn al-Walid ibn al-Mughira al-Makhzumi was an Arab Muslim commander who served the prophet Muhammad. He even led Muhammad’s military in early Muslim conquests. Muhammad then appointed Khalid as a commander of the Muslim army and gave him the name of Sayf Allah—Sword of God.
Could this have to do with their sword?
“Check this out.” She swiveled her computer for Drew to see the article. “Maybe the antiquities are related to this. The timeframe doesn’t work for the item Oliver mentioned, but it could fit with the other antiquities they’re importing.”
Drew studied the screen, then looked up. “Let’s keep this in mind and see if Nick discovers anything related to it.”
She turned her computer back. “Did you locate anything?”
He shook his head. “I’ll keep searching.”
Which he did. So did she. For hours.
“Nothing more here.” She sat back. “Maybe when we learn how the others were murdered it’ll help clarify things.”
Drew looked at his watch. “I need to head out for my meeting with the Contis and Rossi.”
“I’ll keep searching.” She looked at him, suddenly seeing him in a warehouse with the person who killed all of these men, and Drew in trouble. “Do you have any backup for this meeting?”
“Can’t risk it,” he said.
Her heart sank. “Please be careful. Very careful. And let me know the minute you’re safe.”
He stood, but didn’t seem inclined to move. “I’ll call you.”
She stood with him. Needing to touch him before he put his life on the line, she took his hands. “I know you’re not looking for a relationship, but you have to admit we’ve already formed a deep connection.”
“Yes,” he said, his tone low and husky. He lifted his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear.
A shiver cascaded over her body. “I’m really terrified for you. The stakes have skyrocketed since your last encounter with them. They’ve killed or had four people killed.”
“I know.” He swallowed hard.
“Then with these huge stakes, I think it only fitting that I give you a reason to be even more careful.” She let go of his hand and wound her arms around his neck. “Kiss me, Drew. Like it’s our last time together, and we’ll want to remember it.”
He didn’t let a second pass, but lowered his mouth, crushing his lips to hers and jerking her body against his. The sense of urgency caught her off guard. He deepened the kiss even more, and she let herself get carried away, tightening her hold on his solid neck.
Pure joy flooded her, and she didn’t want the kiss to end. Sure, it had been a long time since she kissed a guy, but never had she felt such a deep emotion. A feeling of oneness. Of the other person being made for her.
He suddenly pulled back, his breathing deep and ragged. He rested his forehead against hers. “We shouldn’t have done that, but I’m glad we did. I don’t know where this might lead, but maybe we need to pursue it when this op is over.”
