Free Thin Ice 5 - Checkmate by KR BANKSTON Page B

greeting and sat down across from her. Jaleesa had been surprised to get the call from Kim inviting her to brunch. They weren’t enemies but they weren’t exactly close either. Jaleesa simply assumed the woman was reaching out trying to mend bridges and make friends.
    “ Hey Tweety,” Kim returned calmly.
    “ I was surprised when you called me,” Jaleesa told her as Kim smiled slightly.
    The server came to the table, temporarily halting conversation as they each ordered an entrée and beverage. “So, how is everything with you and Mook,” Jaleesa asked making conversation.
    Kim replied they were fine.
    “ They all seem to be up to something though,” Jaleesa told Kim as the woman agreed with her assessment. “Do you want to hit the malls or shops when we leave here,” Jaleesa continued to chat pleasantly.
    Kim told her that sounded like a great idea, evening joking that she would have to sneak her purchases in the house later.
    The server returned with their orders and they each thanked her, got the extra napkins requested and settled down to enjoy their meal. They were half way through it when Kim finally spoke again.
    “ How long have you and Kai been fucking each other,” she asked evenly.
    Jaleesa stopped chewing and regarded the woman across the table from her with a mixture of shock and horror that her secret had been uncovered. Forcing herself to swallow the food in her mouth, Jaleesa finally answered.
    “ Longer than I’d liked and it’s not what you think,” she added quickly as Kim gave her a look.
    “ How did you find out,” Jaleesa asked again.
    Kim explained being in the area and deciding she wanted some Italian.
    “ Seeing you was pure coincidence,” she told Jaleesa.
    “ Why you fuckin’ him if you don’t want to be,” Kim again grilled her.
    Jaleesa took a deep breath as her mind raced. Here was someone she never expected to be able to confide in, but her back was against the wall and she still didn’t know if Kim had told or was planning to tell Mook what she knew.
    “ He’s blackmailing me,” Jaleesa replied as Kim nodded slightly.
    “ Tell me everything,” she told the woman, never losing eye contact.
    Taking another breath Jaleesa told Kim the story from beginning to where they were now.
    “ So what does he want you to do,” Kim asked.
    Jaleesa answered her as Kim frowned deeply.
    “ That’s fucked up,” she replied as Jaleesa agreed this time. “You know you gotta end this bullshit or he will get you caught up,” Kim told her. “If Jacoury finds out he’s gonna kill you first and ask questions later,” she added as Jaleesa told her she knew.
    “ I have plans for his ass,” she told Kim acidly.
    “ Share them,” she replied simply.
    Jaleesa again took the risk and told the woman what she was planning for the agent. Kim was smiling fully at the end of the explanation.
    “ Now, that’s the Tweety I heard about,” she chuckled.
    Jaleesa smiled slightly, glad Kim was being so cool about everything.
    “ I need to know when and we need to plan the shit right so there is no escape and no links back,” Kim told her.
    Jaleesa’s mouth dropped. “You’re willing to help me,” she asked incredulously.
    “ Hell yeah,” Kim answered without hesitation. “This fool is messing with all our livelihoods, putting all our men at risk, I ain’t about to sit around and let that bullshit happen.”
    Jaleesa smiled and told her she was happy for the help, elaborating further on the plan. The two women discussed every angle of what they were about to do making sure there were no loose ends. Finally satisfied, they paid their tabs and headed out the door, going on to do that shopping they were just talking about.
    *****
    Ananda was once again in place when the car pulled up with Kaitlyn inside. Carver again gave her entrance telling her how to get to the nursery where the baby and Ian were. Kaitlyn walked in finding the attractive young nurse holding her daughter.
    “