Ransom by Terri Reed

Canadian’s massive hand, then retracted her own and tucked both hands behind her back. She sent Blake a curious look.
    â€œThe Kellys will help with the sting operation,” Blake offered, apparently reading her unspoken question.
    â€œThe more hands on deck the better, right?” She was glad to know he wasn’t above asking for help. Maybe he wasn’t as much of a control freak as she’d first assumed.
    â€œWe’ll be wiring you here rather than at the drop point.” Sami picked up a black bag from where it sat on the coffee table.
    Liz swallowed back a lump of trepidation. She was going to wear a wire? Like in the movies? Were they expecting her to actually talk to Santini?
    She’d assumed she’d hand the necklace over and in exchange be given her sister without much fanfare. At least none until Blake and his team swooped in and arrested Santini for kidnapping and whatever other charges Blake had in store for the man. Liz’s gaze jumped to Blake. “Why am I wearing a wire?”
    â€œThe more evidence we have against Santini the better.” His impenetrable gaze dared her to challenge him. “Plus, it will give us a way to communicate with you.”
    His words made sense. She appreciated “just in case” thinking. “Okay, good.”
    Mild surprise flared in his eyes. Clearly he’d expected her to balk. She had to admit she got a little thrill from keeping him guessing. Which was so unlike her. She didn’t play games or flirt. But for some reason she wanted to shake Blake out of his stoicism. She needed to nip that in the bud right now. He was not her concern. They would be parting ways as soon as they found her sister.
    Focus on Jillian! she silently scolded herself.
    â€œGreat,” Blake said. “Drew and I will get breakfast started while you ladies...” He waved a hand toward the bedroom Liz had vacated, clearly unsure what to say.
    Sami laughed. “Wow, I’ve never seen you flustered, Blake. It’s refreshing.”
    He gave her a scowl then strode toward the kitchen.
    Sami grinned and motioned for Liz to follow her back into the bedroom.
    Liz was grateful to have a female attending her, which was far better than letting Blake help her. She wouldn’t give in to the pull she felt for the handsome agent. She needed to keep her focus on Jillian and the danger ahead. Letting herself be distracted put Jillian, herself and everyone else in greater jeopardy.
    Sami unzipped the bag and took out a thin wire with a pea-sized ball at the end. “We’ll tape this to your chest. It will record any conversation and allow us to hear what’s going on. You’ll be given an ear piece so you can hear Blake’s instructions.” She smiled. “And don’t worry, the tape comes off easily without taking any skin.”
    â€œGood to know.” The whole situation seemed so surreal. Here she was being wired by an FBI agent in an attempt to trap a crime boss and rescue her sister from his evil clutches. It was almost as if she’d stepped into an action flick or one of her favorite author’s crime novels. “How long have you been with the FBI?”
    â€œI was accepted into the academy right after college,” Sami replied. “I’d majored in criminal justice so I made a good candidate for the bureau.”
    â€œBlake had said you’re a liaison?”
    â€œActually an assistant to the legal attaché, but since Drew was coming to help Blake, I convinced my boss to let me offer support since this involves both of our countries plus Venezuela.”
    â€œHow long have you two been married?”
    A tender smile touched Sami’s lips. “Almost six months.”
    A strange ache in the vicinity of her heart made Liz look away. She didn’t understand what she was feeling. Envy? But she’d never experienced envy when her college friends married one after the other until she