Divine Justice (29 page)

"Zane is not my boyfriend. We're―it's complicated."

"Relationships usually are."

"Ben thinks Zane is a player, and he doesn't want Zane to hurt me again."

"Again? He broke your heart before?

"Once, a long time ago." Jasi crossed her arms defensively. "But it won't happen again."

Natassia's brow arched.

"It won't," Jasi repeated. "I'm in control this time."

"If you say so, Miss Control." Natassia smiled sweetly and headed for the bathroom. "Dibs on the first shower."

"Just leave me some hot water," Jasi called after her.

As soon as she was alone, Jasi grabbed her 'com. She had programmed Zane's number into it the night before, after their
ride
in the elevator.

"Call Zane." She brushed the tangles out of her auburn hair while she waited for Zane to pick up.

On the fifth ring, he answered, his raspy Australian accent sounding sexier than ever.

"Ah, Jasmine. I told you you'd want more."

"Zane, I have a favor to ask." He chuckled and she felt a stir of heat. "Not that kind of favor."

"Whatever you want, love, it's yours."

"I need a consult."

"You want to see me professionally?"

"Not for me, Zane. We have a victim who was drugged, found unconscious on a park bench and can't remember what happened to him."

There was a long pause on the other end.

"He's having awful nightmares and isn't sleeping. His wife is really worried."

"I thought you couldn't tell me about your cases," Zane said quietly.

"Normally I can't. But I think you could help us."

"You can't force therapy on someone."

"I'm sure I can get approval from the victim. Besides, he's already seeing a therapist."

"Then why doesn't he make a few extra appointments?"

"His wife doesn't think his therapist is helping him." She sighed. "Look, Zane, you're one of the best. I'm sure we can convince him to have a few sessions with you."

"So who is this victim?"

"Porter Sampson. The politician they found drugged in the park."

"I can see him at two this afternoon. Give him my room number. And Jasmine?"

"Yes?"

"I'm doing this as a favor to you."

"I know. I guess I'll owe you one."

"I'll find some way to collect."

The smirk in his voice was evident, and she smiled.

"Thanks, Zane."

She hung up, for the first time feeling hopeful. Porter Sampson needed someone to break down the invisible wall in his mind. She didn't have to tell Zane anything more about her involvement in the case. As far as he knew, she was a damned good CFBI profiler.

Maybe not as brilliant as Ben, but I am good.

She called the Sampson residence next. Porter Sampson picked up right away. He sounded pissed.

"What do you want now, Agent McLellan?"

"I heard you aren't sleeping well."

"My wife needs to mind her own―"

"I'd like you to talk to a friend of mine," she blurted. "He's an excellent psychologist and he's worked with us before."

"I have my own therapist."

"Zane has worked with the CFBI before. He's an excellent hypnotherapist. You do want to find out who drugged you, don't you?"

Sigh. "Of course I do."

"Mr. Sampson, you obviously need help dealing with your nightmares and the sleep deprivation, and we need to know what really happened to you when you went missing. We can either work with your therapist or you can use my friend."

There was a lengthy pause.

"If this gets out it could ruin my career," he said. "No one trusts a politician who's seeing a shrink."

Jasi bit her tongue.
No one trusts a politician, period.

"I'm sure we can keep this quiet," she said.

"You better." There was a razor-sharp edge to his voice.

"I can promise you, Zane is very discreet. He'll only share with us anything he discovers that pertains to the case."

"Well, maybe I could see your guy. I have a lady doctor and she doesn't seem to be helping much. Maybe it'll be easier talking to a guy."

"That's a good way to look at it," she told him. "You have an appointment with Dr. Zane Underhill at two today." She gave him the details, then hung up.

She threw back the blanket and slipped into the plush hotel robe. As she prepared the coffeemaker, she thought of Porter Sampson. Zane had his work cut out for him. But if he got through, maybe they'd find out who had taken Sampson.

And why.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

She crossed the room and peeked through the spy hole in the door. A distorted Ben grinned back at her. She opened the door and ushered him inside.

Ben glanced at the second bed. "Where's Natassia?"

"In the shower." She scurried over to the coffee pot, feeling suddenly nervous. "I have an idea, Ben"

"I'm up for anything at this point."

"I think Sampson should see a CFBI psychologist."

"Good idea. I'll contact Matthew and have him recommend―"

"I've already got someone in mind."

Ben gave her a surprised look.

"I know someone here," she said. "A friend."

"The only psychologist you know is…aw, Jazz, please don't tell me
he's
back in the picture."

She swallowed hard. "Zane is here in the city. On business. We can use him."

"Use him? Like he used you?"

"This isn't about me, Ben. This is about finding justice for Porter Sampson, Monty Winkler and their families. If Zane can help Sampson remember, then it'll be worthwhile. I've talked to him and―"

Ben's eyes widened. "That's who you've been seeing. I knew it. How long has this been going on?"

A door opened behind them before she could answer.

"Morning, Ben." Natassia emerged from the bathroom, thankfully wearing a robe. She gave Jasi a worried look when she saw Ben's dark demeanor. "Everything all right here?"

"I told him Zane's in town."

"Zane's an ass," Ben snapped. "He'll use you and toss you aside, like he did last time. For Christ's sake, he almost got you killed."

"I know you hate him, Ben, but you don't have to worry. We'll use him on this case. Afterward, he's gone, out of my life."

"You were a mess after he left you. I picked up the pieces back then. I won't do it again."

"Zane won't hurt me. Not this time."

Ben let out a tired sigh. "What's going to stop him?"

Jasi raised her chin. "Me."

"I hope you're right."

She smiled. "I'm always right."

"Except when you're wrong," he said with a half-smile. He turned to Natassia. "Breakfast?"

"I thought you'd never ask. I'm starving."

Natassia casually leaned over to pick her jeans off the floor and her robe gaped, revealing her ample breasts.

Jasi nearly laughed out loud when she saw the shocked expression on Ben's face. Then the shock turned to something else.

Good grief. And he's worried about me getting hurt?

Natassia disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she reappeared, fully dressed in a lightweight sweater and navy slacks.

"I'll catch up with you two later," Jasi said, herding them toward the door.

Ben frowned. "Jasi, maybe you should―"

"We're going to take whatever help we can get. And that's final." Her voice softened slightly. "Don't worry, Ben. I can handle Zane Underhill. This is strictly a business meeting."

"For you, maybe." He playfully tugged on her ponytail. "Play with fire, you'll get burned."

She let out a slow breath when the door closed. She'd avoided another argument about Zane. She wondered how long she could keep that up.

Her data-com beeped.
Zane.

"I was about to call you," she said. "Porter Sampson agreed to meet you at two."

"I'll do my best," Zane replied.

"You always do," she said, before realizing how it sounded.

A throaty chuckle. "I aim to please, love."

She tried to get Ben's warning out of her head. He was worried, and rightly so. She'd always been weak when it came to Zane.

But I'm not weak now.

"Just help me get some answers," she said wryly. "The poor guy isn't sleeping."

"What about you, love? How have you been sleeping?"

Images of Zane's naked body pressed against hers crowded her mind.

Stay focused, Jasi.

"I'm sleeping just fine, Zane."

She filled him in on Porter Sampson's case.

"So he doesn't remember anything?" Zane asked.

"Nope. We're stalled. We know he was drugged. We know he consumed a fair amount of alcohol. But we haven't got a clue where he was for those missing days. We're hoping you can help."

"I'll give it a try."

"Thanks."

"You can thank me later."

"Zane…"

"Have dinner with me again."

"I can't."

"You mean you won't."

"We have to keep this strictly business."

"We'll talk business then. I'll give you my report on Porter Sampson."

She couldn't pass up an opportunity like that.

"This is a business dinner," she said. "Understand?"

"Crikey, you're a tough one." There was a pause. "Fine then. It'll be all business, as long as you still want it that way. G'bye."

Things hadn't gone quite the way she expected. Zane had gotten the upper hand. Again.

She took a determined breath. She had to keep control.

And above all…I have to keep my clothes on.

Although she'd visited Parliament Hill countless times in the past, Jasi was still awed at the sight of the regal buildings and immaculate grounds. Those viewing the Hill from the Ottawa River saw the impressive structures sitting high on the bluffs, representing ancient wisdom and power.
Home to the Senate, the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament, the Hall of Honour and the majestic Peace Tower that was proudly topped by the Canadian flag, the Nepean sandstone buildings with their striking, green copper roofs were considered to be among the most beautiful government buildings in the world.

They'd decided to take both cars, just in case they needed to check out various leads. Jasi and Natassia were in the lead SUV, while Ben followed a short distance behind.

"It never fails to amaze me the power this area of Ottawa holds," Jasi said. "To think that laws are made here, becoming part of our history, and mortal men are made into great men."

"And women," Natassia interjected.

"Women and men with the power to change a country's future."

"And with power comes great responsibility."

Jasi chuckled. "You're quoting from
Spider-Man
?"

"Hey, it's the truth."

"And the truth shall set you free," Jasi murmured.

They approached the West Block of the parliamentary grounds, which housed the offices for Senators and Members of Parliament. This area was closed to the general public, but a careful scrutiny of their badges gave Jasi and Ben clearance into the secured underground parking lot.