Page 44 of Brazilian Surrender
“Exactly,” Camila said, wanting to give her a hug. For the first time, she shared her situation with someone from her family and could feel the tension in her shoulders ease up a bit. Satyanna understood her, and Camila trusted her to keep silent.
“I understand. You know the irony? Because I had it bad growing up, I’ve always wanted someone to share problems with. And because you had such an involved close-knit family, you need some solo time to figure things out.”
“Yes. Well, I share things with Jaeger, too,” she said, playing with her fork. Because of their time together she had told him a lot of personal stuff, and also listened to him. She liked to believe he told her things he usually didn’t tell the women he slept with, but what did that mean? They always seemed to skirt around the subject of a possible future together.
Satyanna squealed, uncharacteristically excited. “So it is a thing with him and not just pretending.”
That’s probably the best word to use it now. “He’s a good guy. I…like spending time with him.”
A waiter came and poured more water into their glasses as Satyanna continued. “I’m happy for you. And before you ask me, I won’t tell Leonardo about your conundrum, with one condition: keep me updated. Let me know how it’s going and what you’re doing and when you find the bastard so I’ll know you’re okay.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
Satyanna gestured her head discreetly in the direction of Leonardo who walked their way carrying their daughter. “I’m proud of you, Camila. You’re taking good care of yourself.”
Camila only hoped that was true.
…
“Jaeger here. Any news?” He picked up the phone as he exited the elevator and walked into the hallway.
“We found a match for the second intruder in your place,” Frank Burlo said at the other end of the line. “Matthew O’Malley.”
“Good. I’m going—
“He’s dead. Died last night from a gang-related incident in Brownsville.”
“Send me his info. I’ll talk to his family. There has to be—”
Frank snorted. “Jaeger, thanks for sharing what you have on Camila Duarte’s case that could possibly be a link to Lee’s death. But you aren’t wearing the uniform anymore. You can’t go out questioning victim’s family when the police haven’t.”
“You’re right. Will you share with me whatever you find out?” he asked for the sake of asking. He’d text Tony and ask him to get the location of Matthew O’Malley’s last address. With such a common name, it’d take him long enough.
“Why don’t you consider returning to your old job? We’d love to have you.”
Jaeger cleaned his throat. “Thanks, but—”
“Don’t answer yet. Sleep on it. We’ll talk more later,” Frank said, before hanging up.
Jaeger curled his fingers into a fist and slammed it against the wall. Shit. This was Frank’s way of giving him a not-so-subtle message. If he wanted more about the case, he had to officially work it. Frank’s ass could be fired if NYPD found out he’d been sharing confidential information with a private detective—one who had left the force, nonetheless.
He greeted Omar as he approached his apartment, then reached for the key.
Once inside, he found Pork Chop cozied in Camila’s lap as she sat on the sofa, typing away on her laptop. The little firecracker merely lifted his head from the warmth of her legs, offering Jaeger nothing more than a silent greeting. He seemed happier to hang out with her than seeing Jaeger. I don’t blame you, buddy.
“Hi,” she said, probably sensing his presence.
“Hey,” he said softly, and took a good, self-indulgent look at her. His pulse raced, and a dangerous sensation of being alive expanded in his veins. As if that moment had such power. Jaeger cleared his throat.
Gently, she took Pork Chop off of her, and the sneaky dog whimpered like he hadn’t been touched in a month. She petted his head but didn’t give in to his skilled manipulation. She rose to her feet and walked in Jaeger’s direction. “I can cook for us tonight,” she said, and, before he replied, grabbed an apron and tied it around her waist. Until now, he hadn’t thought much about what it represented. It was a practical item to keep from getting juices and dressing on her new clothes. She’d brought it with her belongings from her apartment.
Jaeger popped his knuckles. How would his place look when she left? She’d brought so much life and things he hadn’t craved in a long time. Even during his marriage, he didn’t share this easiness with Ellen. He always thought he had to try harder, because Ellen liked things a certain way. Somehow, he’d become an outsider in his own marriage—maybe that’s why he ended up working so many hours.
Camila grabbed a couple of green peppers and chopped them on the board. “I’ve been thinking about inviting Mark over for dinner. He’s been so lonely; it can’t be easy.”
“That’s sweet of you, but not a good idea.” He’d already questioned Mark. If he visited them it would be on a friend level, and Jaeger couldn’t fraternize with Mark when he investigated the death of his boyfriend.
“He just lost the love of his life. I’d be devastated.”
