Read Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files) for Free Online Page B

to look down inside the case.
    “Uh, no,” Lauren replied, wishing that he’d stayed where he was.  She could actually feel his heat assaulting her body. It made her realize that she’d been keeping too much to herself lately.  She’d look at her orders this evening and free up some time in order to go and visit her sister.  Feeling better, she turned her head and met his gaze.  “No rope.  I know of some good websites if you’re interested in a specific silk.”
    “No, thank you.  I appreciate you taking the time to show me some of your inventory,” Connor replied, the side of his mouth lifting up in a smile. She maintained eye contact, refusing to look down.  “I better head out if I’m going to meet my friend on time.”
    “ Have a good day,” Lauren said, envious of the woman he was going to meet.  Hell, she was envious of all the women in the lifestyle.  What she would give to be able to relinquish all control.  She was such an anachronism.  The ache in her chest arrived that always accompanied this familiar time-traveling experience.  She caught herself rubbing her wrist in remembrance and dropped her hands, as if to rid herself of a bad dream. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
     
    * * * *
     
    “So why are we here and not grabbing something to eat?”
    “ I left a copy of those photos here,” Connor answered Jax while pushing the doors open to the office.  Someone was here, for the door had been unlocked and the lights were on.  “Order us in some pizza.  I think we’re going to be here for a while.”
    Walking into the open area where the cubicles were, Connor spotted Taryn at her desk.  Her glasses were perched on the end of her nose and her fingers were flying across the ever-present keyboard.  Her staple coffee mug was in place and he knew that she’d been here a while.
    “ Ortega, the client list of Incandesce is on your desk,” Taryn said, not taking her eyes off of the monitor in front of her.  “Marilyn is listed, but not Terry.”
    “Thanks , squid,” Connor said, using the nickname that they’d given her because of her past years in the Navy.  He shrugged out of his jacket and walked around to his side of the cubicle.  Throwing it on his desk, he ignored the list Taryn had left for him and opted for the folder containing the crime scene photos.  Looking at the first one, the angle was wrong for what he needed.  He went through three more before finding what he knew would be there.  “Jax, look at this.”
    “Is that —”
    “The police weren’t trying to locate where the rope was purchased,” Connor said, standing up and walking down the hallway.  “They’re trying to locate who customized the clit clamp to include the rubies.  And that could only mean one thing.”
    Connor strolled to Crest’s office, having no doubt that he’d be there.  The door was ajar and he rapped a couple times before pushing it open.  He was surprised to find Jessie standing a few feet away from the desk with her arms crossed in annoyance.  It was obvious that he’d interrupted something from the tension in the air, but before he could apologize and back out, Crest waved him in.  Shit, was that sexual tension?
    “Connor, what have you got for me?”
    Connor was still looking at Jessie.  He didn’t miss the hurt that flashed in her eyes or the way she straightened her back before walking toward the door. He’d previously suspected that she had a thing for Crest, but now he was sure of it.  She was the youngest member of their team by at least a year and cute, with long brown hair that had a natural wave and stunning green eyes.  The color reminded him of Lauren Bailey’s eyes.  This kid was way out of her league with Crest, though, as far as worldly experience was concerned.
    “Hello, Connor,” Jessie said, her smile strained.  “Before you leave, I have the supplemental contact reports that the detectives filed this morning.  Marilyn Sweeney wasn’t