Mad, Bad and Blonde by Cathie Linz

yourselves.”
    “Why go after Faith in Italy? Might it have something to do with a potential new Italian client of yours?”
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
    “Yes, you do. The ironic thing is that I had no idea about Stalotti and wouldn’t have, if you hadn’t tipped your hand by spying on Faith. My daughter is innocent. But your operative isn’t. Caine Hunter has a grudge against me.”
    “So do plenty of other people.”
    “Well, my daughter was smart enough to know that Caine wasn’t some regular tourist.”
    “Really? She sure spent enough time with him. He swept her off her feet. Just like I told him to.”
    Jeff saw red. He swore vehemently. “If you thought we had a rivalry before, that was child’s play compared to what you’re in for now. This is war.”
    “Oh yeah?” Vince said. “Go ahead. Bring it on.”

    “I thought you said West’s daughter was no threat to me,” Vince bellowed over the phone to Caine. “I should fire your sorry ass right now! She made you, didn’t she? Don’t bother denying it. Why didn’t you tell me? Then I would have been better prepared for Jeff West’s call. He knows about Stalotti. He claims he didn’t know until he tried to figure out why I was having Faith watched, but I don’t believe him. Do not let that woman out of your sight. She’s due back here in Chicago tomorrow, or I’d send someone else. How did she find out who you are?”
    “Does it matter?”
    “If you weren’t so damn good, and if having you on my payroll didn’t drive West nuts . . .”
    Caine ignored the unspoken threat. Working for King Investigations gave him access to information about Jeff West that would be harder to get otherwise. Harder but not impossible. As a former Marine, Caine knew how to filter out distractions in order to focus on succeeding in the mission. “I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
    “It better not. Hell, it wasn’t that difficult an assignment, Caine. Especially for a man with your credentials. Don’t screw up again.”
    “I won’t.”

    Faith was so proud of herself. She’d outsmarted Caine. The adrenaline high brought with it a sense of accomplishment that she hadn’t felt for a long time. “You rock!” she told herself.
    Her cell phone rang. “Vince King just admitted that he sent Caine there to sweep you off your feet, was the way he put it.” Her father’s voice vibrated with lingering anger.
    Even though she’d suspected as much, hearing it confirmed still hit her hard. Talk about a buzz kill. “You talked to Vince?”
    “Damn right I did. No one messes with my family. I’m taking that bastard down. What about you? Will you be okay?
    “Don’t worry about me,” Faith said. “I’ve got everything under control.” In one week, Faith had gone through two rotten, life-changing experiences that had turned her into a different person—a stronger, tougher person on a new life path.
    She stared down at her brand-new Italian leather spectator pumps. She’d just beaten Caine at his own game. He was still trailing the woman wearing her sandals and clothes, including the big sun hat. The salesclerk had been glad to help out by pretending to be her. Faith had also enlisted the help of an elderly couple to throw Caine off. She’d paid them all well.
    Meanwhile, Faith was currently in the backseat of a sleek black Mercedes sedan whisking her back to Naples, where she planned on getting a flight home this afternoon. Sure, she’d had to pay more to leave her rental car in Positano, but it was worth it.
    It felt so good to beat Caine at his own game. Better than good. It felt damn great . Utilizing the tricks of dumping a tail reminded Faith of her PI training. The thrill of successfully evading him brought with it a surprisingly strong feeling of satisfaction along with a newfound sense of confidence.
    All of which left Faith knowing what she had to do next.

Chapter Four
     
     
     
    “I quit,” Faith told her