Honestly, Trent felt guilty for even meeting up with Destiny on the sly. He was endangering her a little more every time. He couldn’t keep this up. He hadn’t seen his parents for a few weeks either, and before that only on base where they could come and go without anyone realizing who they were seeing.
Granted, Farid Demir might have known more about Trent than he gave the man credit for. A chill raced down Trent’s spine when he considered the possibility that Demir had been tailing Trent for weeks, watching, waiting for someone to get sloppy. He knew they would. And he was right.
Commander Turano agreed enough about the existence of the threat to permit his team to continue pursuing Demir, but for how long? Another week? Two? Eventually, if they had no leads, they would be pulled off and sent on another mission.
And where would that leave Destiny? Trent would fear for her safety indefinitely. He could hold her off from going public for a few more weeks at the most, and then she was going to accuse him of being ashamed of her. He could already see the worry forming in her eyes every time he saw her.
Trent shook his thoughts from his head to focus on what Merlin was saying. “Let’s split up, hit every hotel in the area. We know what rental car he’s driving. We have the tag number, make, and model. He can’t be sleeping in his car for weeks. I’ll get the clearance so we can check the guest list at the hotels, and then we’ll move to restaurants. It could be tedious work, but I for one am done sitting around.”
“Agreed.” Duff nodded.
“Great. Duff, you’re with me. Jangles, see what you can find out on that rental. Maybe he’s turned it back in or exchanged it. Woof, you’re with Zip.” Merlin paused, his gaze on Trent. “Failing this, you ready to up the stakes?”
“Yep.”
Merlin nodded. “Let’s get to it then.”
Everyone moved.
Trent’s body felt heavy as he climbed into the passenger side of Woof’s SUV. They’d worked together on many assignments so they no longer paused to decide who would drive and who would navigate. They’d grown to know how they best complemented each other.
After Woof pulled out of the parking lot, he glanced at Trent. “This is wearing on you.”
“It is.” Trent sighed.
“You sure you’re in favor of plan B?”
“Yes.” Trent glanced at Woof. They’d all known that eventually, their best bet would be for Trent to stop hiding and put himself out there. It was never their first choice, but the clock was ticking before the entire mission would be yanked out from under them and abandoned. As much as Trent didn’t relish the idea of walking around town like a giant target with a bullseye on his chest, he hated dragging this out indefinitely even more.
“You still haven’t told Destiny about this threat, have you?”
“Nope. Not going to.”
“You think that’s wise? No one would blame you if you warned her. You might even be able to convince her to stay in Dallas for a while.”
Trent shook his head. He’d gone over this a thousand times in his mind. “Not gonna happen. If she finds out, she’ll never feel safe. I don’t want that for her. We just got together after twelve years of misunderstanding. I don’t want my first mission after clearing the air to be one that puts her in danger.”
“But it is. Maybe she’s strong enough to handle it.”
“Would you tell Nori if it were her life in danger?” Woof’s relationship with Nori was new, too. He would understand. Lucky for him, Nori was currently working overseas.
Woof winced. “I get it. I do. But it’s hard to know the answer to that hypothetical. Maybe she would be okay with it.”
“Well, I can’t take that risk.” Trent had gone over this dozens of times in his mind. It was true that Destiny was a strong woman, stronger than he’d ever known or given her credit for. There was no doubt in his mind she could handle almost anything. He didn’t even believe she would walk away from him if she knew someone was trying to kill him. She wasn’t that kind of woman. The problem was that once he told her, she would forever worry. Look over her shoulder. Fear would follow her everywhere.
No. I won’t do that to her. He wanted to catch this asshole, end his existence, and return to Destiny with her innocence intact.
Chapter 22
After pouring through the registered guests at five local hotels, Trent was frustrated and exhausted. No one at any hotel currently had a guest who fit Farid Demir’s description. No one recognized his photo. Although a few hotels had guests of Middle Eastern descent, none of them remembered a guest with a Kazarian accent.
They were going to have to expand their search to include neighboring towns next. When they checked in with Commander Turano, he confirmed that Demir still had not left the country, not by conventional means at least. The man would surely have made his way to Killeen from Dallas. It wouldn’t take any effort for a man like him to figure out that Trent lived there. His address had probably been easy to track down, even though he’d made every effort to keep his location private when he moved in. Which meant Trent believed there was a good chance Farid was watching him. Waiting. Plotting.
But, at least he might be out of Dallas, where Destiny lived.
Trent’s phone pinged, indicating an incoming text as he climbed back into Woof’s SUV. He lifted the cell, a rush of emotions bombarding him when he saw the message was from Destiny. Every time she contacted him, he was both elated and nervous.
Hey. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you. I’m still off until tomorrow if you want to meet somewhere again tonight. I hope I don’t sound desperate. I just hated driving away this morning. I totally understand if you have to work.
Trent closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. He wanted to tell her he’d be there in two hours. He wanted to tell her he would stay a week. He wanted to stop sneaking around, meeting up with her like she was some kind of booty call, because she most definitely was not.
That sounds so much better than working all night, but I’m going to have to take a raincheck. I’m on a lead.
She responded immediately.
Okay. That sounds like a good thing. Right? I mean, usually you seem to be waiting, like this thing has a lot of dead ends. Maybe it’s wrapping up.
He pursed his lips as he sent back a reply.
I sure hope so. I’m tired of this mission. I’ll text or call as soon as I can. Be safe.
You too.
Her response was so short. He could almost see her sighing in frustration. He couldn’t blame her. He wouldn’t date him. Not in a million years. Not even if he’d known himself for most of his life. That didn’t change the fact that despite being proud that he kept Americans safe, his job sucked right now. Big time.
“You good?” Woof asked.
“Yeah.” Trent knew he didn’t sound good, nor did he feel good, but he had to put Destiny out of his mind and focus on this damn mission. His life wasn’t his own until he found Farid Demir and stopped him.
Woof’s phone rang through the vehicle’s speakers and he answered it. “Talk to me.”
“Woof, it’s Duff, you with Zip?”
“I’m here,” Trent responded.
“We hit every hotel on our list. Nothing.”
“Us too,” Woof told him.
“Let’s head to Jangles’ place and make a plan,” Duff suggested.
“Be there in twenty,” Woof responded. He glanced at Trent as he ended the call. “You sure about this?”
“Very.” He was out of options. He wanted this asshole picked up, dead or alive. All he could do now was pray he didn’t end up in a body bag himself.
Trent spent the entire twenty minutes staring out the window and pondering how they were going to proceed. By the time they arrived at Jangles’, everyone else was there. They didn’t waste time or words. Each grabbed a bottle of water and perched around Jangles’ living room. His cat, Buster, was sitting on Woof’s lap, making the big man look soft as he petted the little rescue. He’d been th
e one to find her and bring her to Jangles, and it seemed the furball never forgot it.
Trent spoke first. “Don’t even question me. I’m all-in. I want this done.” He needed to put Destiny out of his mind and focus. Exposing himself intentionally was a huge risk, but the clock was ticking. If Farid was still in town, he would probably go dark soon. That was unacceptable.
Yes, there were enormous risks to flushing Demir out. Yes, there was a chance Trent would be killed. Yes, he was a fucking asshole for sleeping with Destiny and letting her fall in love with him. If he died, she would be devastated. It was ironic that Sean described himself as selfish. Apparently, both brothers were selfish when it came to Destiny. He knew it would destroy her to lose him, too. So, he couldn’t let it happen.
Merlin dropped a map on the coffee table, and they all leaned over it. He set his pointer at the location they’d already discussed days ago, preparing for this eventuality.
“It’s a Sunday. There won’t be many people in the vicinity of this strip mall. Since it’s in a business district, nothing is open on Sundays.”
Duff reached out to tap a specific corner. “There’s a deli right here. You’ll drive there, park, and then wander toward the entrance. If you glance around and check your watch a few times, it will easily look like you were meeting someone there and didn’t realize it’s not open.”
Trent nodded. “Who’s going to inform Roe?”
“Already did,” Jangles stated. “While we were waiting for you. He hated it, but he gave us the green light. I don’t think he believes Farid is still in the area, so he’s hoping we’ll let this go after we prove him correct.”
Trent took a deep breath, expanding his chest. He disagreed with the commander on this one. He’d been walking around with goose bumps for weeks. Usually, his instincts were dead-on. Trent had felt like Farid was one step behind him every day. The only thing holding him back was that he hadn’t been given an opportunity. Today, he would have his chance.
Woof handed Trent a vest and a reinforced ball cap. “Don’t you dare go all heroic. Put these on. I don’t care how fucking hot you are or how heavy they get. Do it.” He lifted a brow.
Trent glared at him as he snagged the vest and cap. “I don’t have a death wish. Trust me. Not leaving the apartment without protection.”
“Good.” Merlin glanced around. “Everyone ready?”
They all nodded and stood.
“Let’s do this,” Merlin added.
Chapter 23
Trent wished Woof hadn’t reminded him how fucking hot and heavy the damn vest was going to be. The reinforced ball cap was no better. Sweat dripped down the back of Trent’s neck. He might’ve stood a better chance ignoring the two extra articles of clothing without the reminder. As it was, he was stuck standing outside the deli, his hand lifted against the glare of the sun, scanning the area. He prayed he appeared to be looking for a friend. If Farid caught wind or got spooked, he would pass right on by.
After the meeting at Jangles’ house, Trent had returned to his place, pulling up alongside Woof and then hiding in his friend’s shadow to get inside. That part wasn’t difficult. Although there were plenty of places where Farid could be lurking day after day, keeping tabs on Trent coming and going, it would be nearly impossible to get a shot in between the parking spot and the building. Too many obstacles in the way. The bushes were high, and there were mailboxes and trash cans and partial walls near the entrance.
Trent had never really expected to get picked off at his own apartment. The concern had been for every time he left and was followed. Never once had any of the five of them seen anything suspicious, though. If this plan today failed, Trent feared Farid would never be taken out.
As planned, Trent had left his apartment fifteen minutes later, sauntering to his car in the wide open, his aim to lure Farid into following him.
Now, Trent was standing in the wide-open, pacing in front of a restaurant that wasn’t open. He knew exactly where his team members were positioned, scanning the area and watching him like a hawk. But where the fuck is Farid?
“Fuck,” Trent muttered, knowing everyone would hear him through the comm in his ear. “Where are you, asshole?” He scanned the area again. It had been five minutes since he arrived. Sweat was running down his back now. The button-up shirt he wore to conceal the vest was sticking to his biceps in the afternoon sun. He was at a disadvantage that he hated by the angle of the sun at this hour. It shouldn’t matter though, since he wasn’t expected to be the one to take out Farid. His team would do that as soon as they spotted Farid approaching.
Five more long minutes passed before Merlin spoke. “Got him. He’s coming from the west, driving slowly. Car and plates match the description. Where has this fucker been hiding?” he asked rhetorically.
“I see him,” Woof added. “Don’t change your location, but move around a bit, and tug that hat down. I’m not losing a fucking team member today, Zip.”
Trent adjusted his cap, not at all interested in getting shot, either. He started pacing to the left and then the right, listening for the engine. “Someone gonna take him out? Now would be good,” he suggested into the com.
“Fuck,” Merlin responded. “I don’t have a shot. Jangles?”
“Negative. Woof?”
Trent could hear Woof breathing heavily as he spoke. “I need ten seconds to get into a better position. I think I can take him.”
“We don’t have ten fucking seconds,” Duff shouted into everyone’s earpiece. “We need to move now. He’s about to round the corner.”
Trent could see the car now as he slowly turned onto the street. About a half a dozen other cars were driving by in both directions, but none of them would stop at this closed strip mall.
“I’m coming up behind him,” Woof informed them. “Praying he doesn’t see me at his rear.”
“Can anyone confirm if he’s alone?” Trent asked.
“Affirmative,” Merlin responded. “I don’t have sight on a weapon yet. Maybe he’s testing you. Look to the right so he doesn’t think you’re onto him.”
The moment Trent followed that last instruction, there was a loud screech of tires. He knew instinctively even before jerking his gaze toward Farid that the man had slammed on the gas and swerved onto the sidewalk at full speed, aiming straight for Trent.
For a moment, Trent was certain Farid was going to ram into him and pin him against the front of the deli. But then the rear of the car spun sideways out of control. Farid yanked the door open and jumped from the car.
Trent heard the first shot before he saw the gun. He pulled his weapon out to angle it toward where Farid was crouched down behind the driver’s side door.
“Fuck,” Woof yelled. “Duck. I need five seconds to come up behind him.”
Trent didn’t obey that last directive. Instead, he lifted his gun, angled it at the car, and fired off two rounds. He had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to have a civilian get caught in the crossfire. Trent was at a severe disadvantage since he was open bait.
Three more shots rang out in quick succession. Trent wasn’t sure who fired them. Everyone on his team was shouting in his ear, but he couldn’t make out anything specific.
The next shot shocked Trent when it hit him square in the chest from a weapon that packed a larger than average punch. As he staggered backward, another shot hit him in the leg. That fucking hurt. He grabbed his thigh as he went down onto his knees, took aim, and fired several rounds at Farid with as much precision as he could.
He knew he only had a few rounds left when Farid managed to graze his head. Trent’s ears started ringing and he lost his equilibrium. He swayed backward, knowing his best bet now was to flatten to the ground.
That was his last coherent thought.
Chapter 24
Destiny had been home for several hours when Libby shouted at her from downstairs. She’d been folding laundry and cleaning her room, energized from the best night of her life, smiling, happy, r
elaxed.
Libby screamed a moment later, and Destiny dropped the shirt she was putting on a hanger and ran for the stairs. She found Libby standing in the middle of the living room in front of the television. “Destiny,” she yelled, not realizing Destiny was already behind her.
“What?” Destiny stepped next to her roommate and shifted her gaze to whatever had captured Libby’s attention on the screen. She had no idea what she was looking at, but it was obviously a crime scene. There were dozens of police officers and flashing lights and ambulances and fire trucks. People were standing behind crime scene tape.
The next thing that caught Destiny’s eye was the blue square in the right-hand corner of the screen, indicating this active crime was in Killeen, Texas. She sucked in a breath and scanned the screen while the reporter revealed several injuries and one fatality.
Destiny grabbed Libby’s arm when she saw Jangles in the corner. She sucked in a breath and froze when she noticed Merlin was with him.
Destiny’s knees wobbled, and she lowered herself to the sofa.
Libby helped her with a grip on her arm. “What’s the matter?” she murmured.
“Trent is there.”
“How do you know?”
“I saw two of his teammates.”
Libby rubbed her arm. “Okay. Take a breath. I’m sure he’s fine.”
Destiny couldn’t tear her gaze from the television. She couldn’t catch her breath, either. A moment later, her cell phone buzzed in her back pocket, and she struggled with shaking fingers to extract it, praying it was a coincidence she would get a call right now.
The screen read Trent, and she blew out a breath in relief as she answered the call. “Trent?”
“Destiny?”
The voice did not belong to Trent.
Destiny's Delta (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Delta Team Three Book 2) Page 14