The Dirty Saint (Dirty #1)

Prologue

Before

JOEY

I know her every movement. I know the way she walks, talks, breathes, thinks. There is nothing about Ezra Maya that I have yet to discover.

She just doesn’t know it.

Ezra always takes her son to school at the same time. Honestly, it’s admirable that a woman with so much on her plate can make room for someone else.

Every day, I wait for her. I watch for her. Ever since she ended the life of Caleb Santo, that has been my job.

And there’s the fact that I was hired to murder her.

The biggest obstacle so far in all of this though is that Lieutenant Maya has a wide array of enemies. Many of them being faceless and nameless, but there nonetheless, and I can’t risk letting them get to her before me.

I’m not about to lose out on this reward.

Not when I know the effect it can have.

Watching as Ezra gives her son Noah a peck on his cheek, I can’t help but notice just how tired she looks. I can see it in the blues of her eyes; that heartbreak and trauma she tries to hide so well. But no one can keep up that act forever.

Believe me, I’ve tried it.

As she walks to her car, I peek my head out of the thornbush I have adopted as my cover. She glances around, and when it appears as though she doesn’t notice I’m there, I drink a sigh of relief.

Thank god.

Getting distracted by my phone call, I am just about ready to pack it in when I feel a cold barrel pressed against the back of my head.

“Tell me why you’ve been stalking me,” Ezra snaps, digging the tip of her gun further into my skull, “Or I will make sure your brain matter comes out of your ears.”

I turn around, only partially hiding the smirk on my face. She’s made it so easy for me, and she doesn’t even realize.

Most don’t.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, though I would prefer if you would remove your death device from me.”

I flash a grin, but Ezra doesn’t budge. “Don’t play dumb with me. Who the hell are you?”

I wipe the dirt off my shirt, fully aware that she has just turned the gun safety off and is ready to pull the trigger.

“I see you’re in the military,” I say, redirecting the conversation. “Do you always speak to civilians this way?”

She rolls her eyes. “Do you always hide out in bushes like a coward?”

I laugh.

“Only when I think someone’s worth hiding out for.”

She scoffs.

“The last thing I need is a pervert with a knack for cheesy pickup lines. I’m not interested. Either you tell me the truth, or I shoot. And you better make that decision fast.”

Ezra goes to pull the trigger when my voice stops her.

“Look, I am not a pervert, nor do I have a desire for a sexual relationship.” I dig my fingers into her flesh, getting a read on her pain threshold. “But I do need something from you.”

A look of confusion makes its way to the Lieutenant’s face.

“I stopped dealing a long time ago, and I no longer strip for married men, so it seems you’re out of luck.”

“Mmm, I don’t think so.”

I release her, and she adjusts her gun so that it’s pointed at my chest.

Look, I don’t blame her for being cautious. Most soldiers are.

But Ezra, I’ve learned, isn’t like most.

“So,” she asks. “If you aren’t here for drugs and sex, then what are you here for?”

“You.”

I answer without a single bit of hesitation.

She smiles and puffs out her chest.

“Me? Seriously?”

I nod.

Ezra shakes her head. “Well tough shit then, Motherfucker because I have work to do. None of which includes you.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

She rolls her blue eyes before holstering her gun. “Whatever. I don’t have time for this anyway. I’ve gotta job to get to.”

I smile.

So do I.

And I’m looking right at it.