Deanna never understood what they were afraid of. She knew things hadn’t happened the way they’d portrayed them to the world, but Phoebe was gone. Talking about her shouldn’t affect anything. Deanna had held up her end and spewed the lies and deceit as though it was true. But, three years later, she still hurt, and the hurt wasn’t going to go away.
Suddenly she panicked. Rafe had called her cell phone. If they were monitoring it, they knew she was at his place. They might come for her, believing she was divulging information to him. As her concerns increased, so did her heart rate. Oh God, no. Melissa could very well be walking into something she could never get out of. A fate like Phoebe’s.
Deanna grabbed her crutches and headed for the bedroom to pack her things. Rafe had said Melissa was on her way. She hoped Melissa had the same sense of time as her sister had. Phoebe had always shown up late to everything. If only you had three years ago, maybe you’d be alive now.
Without folding anything, she flung it all into her suitcase. She was about to zip it when a woman’s voice asked from the doorway, “Need a hand with that?”
Deanna turned and was taken aback at the sight. There was no reason for Melissa to introduce herself. A bit shorter and older, she looked so much like Phoebe it was scary. All the more reason for me to leave.
“I was just—”
“Standing on an ankle that you probably shouldn’t. Must hurt like hell.”
You can’t imagine. The pain in her foot didn’t compare to anything in her soul. “It’s . . . bearable.” That wasn’t true. She was so focused on leaving her own well-being had vanished. Since slipping out the back didn’t appear to be an option, she didn’t see any reason to continue to push past the pain.
Deanna plopped herself on the bed. “I guess you’re right.”
“I usually am. Not my best trait, if you ask my brothers.” Melissa laughed as she picked up a pillow from the other side of the bed to prop up Deanna’s foot. “You should have this elevated.”
“Yeah, they told me, but I’m—”
“Too busy packing to listen?”
“You sound just like—”
“Please don’t say Rafe,” Melissa said, rolling her eyes.
Deanna couldn’t help but laugh. “Maybe just a little.” Melissa had Rafe’s snarky wit, something she hadn’t seen in the other siblings she’d met. I hope that’s all you two have in common.
“We are as different as night and day.”
“Well, that’s good,” Deanna uttered before realizing that wasn’t a very nice thing to say about someone when you’re staying in their home.
Melissa sat on the bed next to Deanna. “He’s really not as bad as he makes himself out to be.”
Deanna had heard that exact statement from Josh. I didn’t believe it then, and I still don’t. “Good to hear.” She hoped her tone didn’t show the sarcasm raging in her head.
“When Rafe called and said you were here, I couldn’t believe it.”
“Yeah, it was . . . a last minute decision.” Although Rafe deserved it, she wasn’t about to say anything rude about him.
“Me too. I always love coming here. Something about sitting on the deck and listening to the ocean helps calm my spirit after a stressful day at work.”
Rafe had mentioned Melissa needed a vacation, but she hadn’t believed him. Maybe I was wrong. “What do you do?” Deanna regretted asking the question because it opened the door for Melissa to ask her personal questions.
“I’m a physical therapist.”
Deanna lifted her hurt ankle into the air. “Think you can work some magic on this thing?”
Melissa laughed. “Let’s start by following the doctor’s orders. But I think I can relieve some of that swelling.”
“Really? How?” Any relief sounded good.
“Did you pack a swimsuit?”
Deanna shook her head. She’d packed for Moreira. It wasn’t a place you would wear something so revealing. That would’ve brought even more unwanted attention than the Literacy Corps group already had.
“Well, I keep a few here. You can borrow one of mine. Although I think it’s going to be too big.”
“I thought you were going to help with the swelling.”
Melissa nodded. “Soaking in the ocean is perfect. Trust me. A few days with me and you’ll feel like new.”
“What can you do about the color?” Deanna noticed the bruises had darkened since the last time she’d looked at it.
“Let’s tackle one thing at a time. Once we have you back on both feet, we’ll worry about how you look in heels.”
Deanna leaned back and relaxed. She’d been worried about what Melissa might be like. That it might be awkward without Phoebe there. But Melissa seemed . . . nice. And right now she could use some nice.
“I’m sure it must be hard for you,” Melissa said.
“Excuse me?” Deanna had no idea what she was talking about.
“Being here again, but this time as Rafe’s guest rather than Phoebe’s.”
Guest? That wasn’t how she’d describe her invitation. She was really interested in hearing what Rafe had told his sister. “What exactly did he tell you?”
Melissa got off the bed and headed for the door. Right before she left the room, she turned and said, “That you’re important to him, and he wished he could be here with you. Now get some rest. Tomorrow we start working on that ankle.”
That didn’t sound like Rafe at all. Then again, she was important if he was searching for answers. And she was sure he wanted to be here to do the asking himself. Guess it is the truth. Go figure.
Deanna called out before Melissa closed the door, “What are you going to do today?”
“I’m going to curl up with a book and maybe even take a nap.” Then she was gone as quickly as she’d arrived.
Deanna was glad Rafe wasn’t there. Melissa might not really be on vacation, but her investigation skills were much smoother than her brother’s.
She looked at her suitcase full of disheveled clothes. She knew she should unpack, but she didn’t want to move. Melissa was right. Her foot felt much better propped up on the pillow. She reached over and turned off the light by her bed. I’ll deal with it tomorrow. That and whatever Melissa is really here for.
Chapter Nine
‡
Deanna’s little accident couldn’t have come at a better time. She might see it differently, but at least she wasn’t in harm’s way. This trip and sending her away wasn’t about making her happy. If it was, then I sure as hell ain’t the one for the job. He’d done just about everything to make her hate him, and he wasn’t happy with himself for that. He knew what was at stake. He’d brought his team, his family, into something they hadn’t been asked to get involved in. Then again, it wasn’t always about being asked. The purpose might have altered, but the need had magnified.
There was so much money controlling both sides. That was why he surrounded himself with people who weren’t driven by it. If they were, they easily could be lured away and wouldn’t stay when they were outnumbered. His team was highly trained but bound by something the others weren’t. Loyalty. That’s what gave them the advantage. That’s what’s going to make us come out on top.
Some might think they treated this like a game. They were wrong, but life was filled with winners and losers. This mission, although self-assigned, wasn’t something they could afford to lose. If they did, they weren’t the only ones who’d pay the price. The remaining volunteers would be left defenseless and surely suffer the same fate the previous volunteers had.
Rafe didn’t care what it cost him; he needed to ensure their safety. He’d pulled in every available man on this one. If they weren’t here in Moreira, they were back in Rhode Island keeping an eye on both Melissa and Deanna. He was torn about where he was needed, but Moreira was about to become even more unstable. The goal was to cut off the funding and shake them up.
David’s voice came over his earpiece, “Spotted her.”
>
He knew exactly who David was talking about. “Where?”
“She’s standing with a man on the east side. He’s armed.”
Fuck. That’s what he was worried about. He picked up his binoculars and scanned the area until he found the child. The man was holding Shadoa by the upper arm, and she looked as though she was in pain. Even from this distance, he could see the coldness in the man’s eyes. This man was no loving father.
“I’m clear,” David said with the target in sight.
All he needed to do was say the word and David would drop the guy in his tracks. There wouldn’t be a sound other than his dead body hitting the dirt. There was no doubt David would hit his mark. But that would scare Shadoa. None of them knew the relationship between her and this man. He didn’t appear to be a loving, caring father, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t scream if he was killed. The last thing they needed was the entire village coming out and Shadoa getting caught in the line of fire. No matter how good David was, at this distance there would be no way to guarantee her safety.
It was all about timing. If Rafe felt they had no other choice, he’d make the call and live with the consequences. “Hold.”
The man started dragging Shadoa toward a truck parked not far from them. If they left the village, that would provide the perfect opportunity to take the bastard out and retrieve Shadoa with the least amount of risk to her. Keep going. Just a little farther.
He opened the truck door, and Shadoa started pulling away. Rafe’s heart ached as he watched her flinging herself around, trying to drop to the ground to avoid getting tossed inside. The man raised a hand to strike her, but before he could, a woman ran out of a nearby house, rushed over, and grabbed his arm. The man let go of Shadoa and struck the woman, causing her to fall to the ground. Then he grabbed for Shadoa again, but she backed away from him. As he stepped forward, the woman lying on the ground wrapped her arms around his legs. She must’ve said something because Shadoa started running toward the woods. Run. Don’t look back. Just run.
“Josh, do you—?”
“See it. On it,” Josh replied.
Rafe knew Josh and the team with him would haul ass in the direction Shadoa was running. If she was able to get away, they needed to make sure she stayed away. Going back wouldn’t end well for her.
Although Rafe wanted to keep an eye on what was happening with Shadoa, he needed to watch what was going down in the village. There was a line right now they couldn’t cross. They knew their presence was known, but their numbers weren’t. Broad daylight wasn’t the time to go head-to-head with them. It would bring retaliation they weren’t prepared for. The volunteer camp wasn’t unprotected, but they sure as hell didn’t have the manpower to ensure they all made it out alive. He wasn’t willing to accept any more loss of life on their side. Not if I can help it.
The man kicked his legs free before raising his gun and pointing at her. Don’t do it. Don’t fucking do it. The woman might be lying on the ground but wasn’t giving up. Rafe could tell she was going to do anything she had to do in order to ensure Shadoa got away. No one had to tell him she was Shadoa’s mother. Her act of love said it all.
“I’m clear,” David said again.
“Hold,” Rafe said, knowing damn well what was coming next. His stomach was in a knot as the man put the gun in the woman’s face. He seemed to be yelling something, which brought people scampering out from their homes. They were far from showing any support for the woman. Now there were about twenty men with guns surrounding the area, warning off anyone who’d tried to interfere. The few women who had come out rushed back inside.
Rafe knew this was only a handful of the men they’d counted over the last few days. There was going to be bloodshed, and all Rafe and his team could do now was wait and watch.
He knew each member of his team was itching to pull the trigger and kill that bastard. But this wasn’t the first time they’d been in this situation. It was hard as fuck to sit and watch. You felt helpless, but they each knew no matter what they did, it wouldn’t save the woman’s life. Nothing would at this point.
Rafe watched as the woman struggled to get up and face her attacker. Once she did, she stood up tall as though challenging him. Keeping the focus on her and not on Shadoa. Damn it.
“Package in hand,” Josh said, letting them know Shadoa was now in their care.
“Get her out of there now,” Rafe barked, knowing damn well what was about to happen. He was glad Shadoa wasn’t there to view it, but she was still within earshot of the sound, and it made him sick. She was young, but this was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. We know from experience.
The rest of the team prepared themselves for the inevitable. Helplessly, they were forced to quietly watch as the man raised his gun to her head and pulled the trigger. They heard the shot first in their earpiece as Josh’s picked it up, then the echo as it bounced off the surrounding hills. David didn’t need to report what they’d all just witnessed. A person gave their life to protect another. If there had been any way, Rafe would’ve traded places with her.
Rafe made choices that were anything but easy. This day was going to be yet another that would haunt him forever. But if he’d acted any differently, they’d have shown their hand and lost what advantage they had. He’d learned many years ago you couldn’t save everyone, but that didn’t mean you ever forgot the ones you lost. And I promise you. I’m not leaving Moreira until that bastard pays for what he did.
“What do you want to do?” David asked.
Rafe couldn’t voice what was running through every cell in his body. “They’ll be looking for her. We need to get her the hell out of here.”
“Roger,” Josh answered. “Where to?”
He wanted to tell Josh to get her to the States, but he couldn’t afford to lose any of the team right now. It was only a matter of time before they decided to come knocking on the doors at the camp again. Rafe needed every man armed and ready. It was also time to have a sit-down with the volunteers. He hoped he could convince them to leave on their own accord. Because I hate to think you’ll all be leaving in pine boxes.
“Keep her with you,” Rafe said to Josh.
“Rafe, she’s fucking scared. She’s crying, and I don’t have a clue how to communicate with her.”
Gabe chimed in and translated a few words. “She said she is scared they are going to come after her. She asked if they killed her mother.”
It was painful knowing this young age girl already understood the reality of her life.
“I can’t tell her that.”
“Tell her you’re going to make sure she is safe just like De . . . like Alice.” Rafe hoped that would ease the child’s mind a bit since she’d taken to Deanna so easily. He listened as Gabe provided the words for Josh to repeat. Shadoa stopped crying, and Rafe asked, “What’s going on?”
Josh said softly, “She’s hugging me.”
None of the Turchettas were fond of hugging, yet he could hear how it was affecting Josh. They all could. After what they’d just witnessed, this moment brought what little comfort it could to them all. Rafe closed his eyes, wishing there had been a way to save them both. He knew damn well if he’d done anything differently Shadoa might have ended up like her mother. Each of his men was willing to give their lives to protect the innocent, but sometimes doing so meant having to do nothing. It was a difficult concept to swallow, but places like this didn’t run by the same values.
Rafe raised his binoculars again and saw the woman was left lying in the dirt as the man pointed toward the woods where Shadoa had run off to. He watched dirt kick up as they headed off in that direction, all heavily armed. “Josh, you’re about to have company.”
“Roger.”
They had no visual on Josh. The woodland was thick, which provided good cover but also made it impossible for snipers to be of any assistance. Fuck. The village sat smack in the middle, which left Josh and the four men on his team on their own. Move it, Josh.
“What do you see, David?” Rafe asked, hoping he had a view from his position.
“I can take them out before they enter the woods, but no visual on our guys.”
That brought them right back to where they’d been moments earlier. The only difference was Josh was not a defenseless woman. If confronted, his team wasn’t going down without one hell of a fight.
Five against twenty are not odds I like. And that didn’t take into consideration that they were traveling with a scared child.
“Gabe, tell me you have them on satellite.”
“Negative. They were there, and then they were gone.”
“What do you mean gone?” Rafe asked angrily.
“I’m telling you, I had the signal from Josh and his team’s phones, then all of a sudden they dropped.”
“All five phones?”
Gabe answered, “Yeah. Almost like they were being jammed.”
That wasn’t possible. Not with the technology they were using. Gabe was the best, and he knew ten different ways around whatever blocked them. They had to be missing something. Where the fuck are you, Josh?
“Want my team to go in?” David asked.
“Hold positions.” The only protection the camp had at the moment, besides himself, was David and his four men. The volunteer camp would be sitting ducks if David’s team pulled out now. Another massacre, just waiting to happen. He had to trust Josh. Whatever caused him to go totally off the grid had to be damn important.
There wasn’t much he’d liked about Moreira before and even less now. He’d silently promised the woman who’d been killed that he’d keep Shadoa safe. When Josh said they had Shadoa and she was safe, it’d been a small victory amongst such violence. Rafe wasn’t sure how, but he intended to keep his word.
For Honor Page 10