Free Deadly Affair: SCVC Taskforce World Novella (SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series Book 5) by Misty Evans, Amy Manemann

opulent marble columns, arched entryways, and gorgeous mosaic tiled floor.
    Yeah. Verdoni definitely had money.
    “This is beautiful.” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, her eyes drinking in the artful decor.
    “Mr. Verdoni has like of many beautiful things,” the woman stated in somewhat broken English. Opening a door off the foyer, she gestured for them to go in, her gaze downcast, lips pressed into a flat, severe line. “You will stay here. Mr. Verdoni will come to you.”
    “Thank you, Miss…?” Cooper’s voice trailed off, purposely leaving the rest of the sentence for her to fill in.
    If it were possible for her lips to get even flatter, she somehow managed it. “You will wait here.” Ushering them into the room, she promptly closed the door behind them.
    No sharing her name, no friendliness in the least. Nice .
    “Well, wasn’t she a peach.” Celina looked around the library taking in the massive shelves overflowing with books. For all of the home’s opulence, this room was somewhat lacking in design, like it didn’t quite match with the rest of the house. It smelled stale as well. Odd, she thought, glancing at the slightly shabby chairs. “I guess we should take a seat?”
    The door to the library opened and Roberto Verdoni walked in. Wearing an expensive-looking suit, he had a confident air that spoke of a man used to getting his way. His gray hair was perfectly coiffed. His hard eyes landing on her and doing a slow, evaluating appraisal. Celina had met many powerful men in her lifetime and they all equated the same ranking in her book—schmucks.
    He barely glanced at Cooper before returning his gaze to her. “To what do I owe the pleasure of having two police officers knocking on my door?”
    Cooper, clenching his jaw at the mislabel of cops, did a replay of showing his badge. “DEA Special Agent Cooper Harris, and this is FBI Special Agent Celina Davenport.”
    Roberto’s gaze stayed on Celina. “DEA and FBI? No wonder my housekeeper was nervous. What is this about?”
    Taking a step forward, Cooper forced a smile. One Celina knew meant he was ready to punch someone. Guess he hadn’t missed the lingering stare either.
    Cooper offered a hand, and Celina thought, oh no . “We apologize for having come unannounced,” he said, still smiling that smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I promise, we won’t take up much of your time.”
    Verdoni, not knowing he was about to be put in his place, took the proffered hand. A second later, as Cooper’s grip tighten, Verdoni’s face lost its cockiness.
    Yep, The Beast was putting the rich schmuck in his place with nothing more than a handshake and a look in his eye. If she didn’t put a stop to this, Cooper would be throwing her over his shoulder and beating on his chest to mark his territory.
    Men.
    When Cooper released the man’s hand, Roberto stepped back and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Please, have a seat.”
    Smiling to herself, Celina went on the offensive. “We have a few questions concerning the disappearance of your daughter, Ana.”
    The instant Ana’s name fell from Celina’s lips, Roberto’s expression went wary.
    “You…” His body rocked slightly, as if he were about to lose his balance. “You have news of my Ana?”
    Either Roberto Verdoni was a very good actor, or their potential murderer was someone else.

Chapter Eight

    “Mr. Verdoni, I can understand how the disappearance of your daughter must have caused you quite a bit of distress.” Celina softened her voice as much as she could, hoping it would appeal to the man’s gentler side. The one now seemingly on display. “However, we are wondering if there are any details you may have missed when you gave your original report.”
    “You’ve found her?”
    Celina remained quiet, contemplating her words carefully. Revealing too much could injure the investigation, and she was pretty sure Verdoni had a few skeletons in his closet he would