by Rebecca Deel
“She says she does, but I don’t know if the place she chose is appropriate to go to ground.”
“Do you know on how long Wendy and Rayne will be gone?”
“Not yet.” He glanced at Zoe. “My gut says it won’t be long. Hollister checked into a hotel close to my hometown with a rifle case last night.”
“Confirmed sighting?”
“Security camera.”
“We’ll work things out with Wendy and Rayne. Keep me informed, Simon.” Josh ended the call.
Simon slid his phone away and wrapped his arm around Zoe’s shoulders. “Did Wendy have information we can use?”
“She and other Otter Creek residents think you killed Macy and Isaac.”
He stilled. Ironic that the people he’d die to protect believed he was a cold-blooded killer. “Do you?” The possibility that she did made Simon’s gut twist into a knot.
“No.” No hesitation or doubt in her voice.
His muscles relaxed. “What else did she say?” Knowing Wendy, she’d said quite a few things, most of them off topic.
“She mentioned that Chris and Isaac had a meal with a friend from college. Whatever this friend said upset them.”
“Did they mention the friend’s name?”
“Wendy was eavesdropping and didn’t catch the whole name, just the last. Does the name Barone mean anything to you?”
Ice water flooded Simon’s veins. He let out a careful breath. Oh, man. Not what he wanted to hear. “Yeah, unfortunately it does. Is she sure about the name?”
She nodded, concern filling her gaze. “Simon, what is it?”
“Trouble.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come on. We need to tell the others what you learned and start doing some research. We have to find out the name of the friend and where he is now.” And if he was the one pulling the strings. Was Matteo Barone behind everything happening in Otter Creek?
Simon led her to the conference table where his teammates waited. They glanced up as he and Zoe approached.
“Did Wendy give us anything to work with?” Trent asked.
Simon seated Zoe before dropping into the chair beside her. “Two things. One, the town thinks I’m a stone-cold killer.”
Matt rolled his eyes. “Nice.”
“Unsurprising given what little they know about what we do for a living. What else?” Trent prompted.
“Wendy overheard a conversation between Hollister and Lyons. The two men ate dinner with a friend from college two weeks ago. Whatever they discussed upset the trainees. That conversation prompted them to trash me and Liam from that point on. That’s also about the time their arrogance and belligerence skyrocketed.”
Liam’s eyebrows rose. “Why did they zero in on us?”
“The friend’s last name is Barone.”
The sniper straightened in his chair, his expression grim. “She didn’t hear a first name?”
“I asked her that question,” Zoe said. “She’s positive about the last name. Nothing on the first.”
“If this friend went to college with Lyons and Hollister, he’s about 28 years old.” His gaze locked with Simon’s. “Too old to be Matteo if he escaped prison.”
“We would have been notified. Zane’s keeping track of him.”
Cade snorted. “Stranger things have happened.”
“Must be a family member,” Trent said.
“The name’s not totally uncommon,” Matt reminded them. “We shouldn’t assume it’s the same Barone family.”
“Why else would this Barone be after me and Liam?” Simon shook his head. “No, it’s Matteo’s family.”
“We need to know if Matteo is directing events from prison,” Trent said.
Liam shoved back from the table. “I have to call Piper.”
“Joe and Sam should know what’s going on so they’ll be prepared. I’ll call Josh to alert Durango. Piper will be guarded at all times, Liam. That’s why we requested another team. Shadow is one of the best teams at Fortress.”
He grimaced. “I know. I trust Shadow and Durango to protect her. I only wish I was there to protect my wife and child. They’re my responsibility.” Liam stalked toward the back bedroom and shut the door.
Simon dragged a hand down his face, guilt eating at him. “I should have insisted that Liam stay home.”
“Piper will be pregnant for another seven months,” Matt pointed out. “This won’t be the last time we’re deployed while she’s carrying their child.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better about being the reason he’s away from Piper this time. This should be a time of celebration, not worry.”
“That’s not on you, Simon. If this is related to Matteo’s family, they’re to blame. Besides, if we weren’t going to Texas, we would have been deployed soon. Liam still would have been away from Piper.”
Yeah, he got the logic. Irrational or not, he still felt guilty.
“Are you allowed to tell me what this is about?” Zoe asked. “I don’t want to be left in the dark, not with so much at stake.”
“Did Piper tell you about what happened when she and Liam went to her home in Alabama?” Simon asked.
“I know her uncle was sick and he requested that she come home to take over the gaming company. She mentioned there was some trouble while they were there.”
“There was trouble, all right. Matteo Barone, the father of Piper’s ex-boyfriend, tried to have her killed.”
She nodded. “She said Liam was injured protecting her.”
“That’s right. He was.”
“Barone. You think this friend from college is from that family?”
“Makes the most sense. It’s a stretch to think another clown named Barone would be after me and Liam.”
“Liam, I can understand. But why is this guy after you?”
“I was Liam’s backup.”
“All of us were involved,” Trent reminded him. “That makes Bravo a target.”
“This is about revenge?”
“That’s my best guess.”
“But why kill Macy and Isaac?” The color drained from Zoe’s face. “You think Chris is to blame? Why would he kill his best friend?”
“We don’t know that he did, but Hollister being in Black Canyon at the same time my father is shot isn’t a coincidence.”
“I’ll give you that one, but to kill Isaac?” Zoe shook her head. “I don’t believe he’d do that.”
“Maybe Lyons wouldn’t cooperate in the plan.” Yeah, it was a weak link. Simon had a difficult time believing that Hollister would turn on his friend, but even the best of friends could be at each other’s throats if they disagreed about something strongly enough.
Zoe looked skeptical.
Trent slid his phone from his pocket and made a call.
A moment later, Zane said, “Murphy.”
“It’s Trent. You’re on speaker with Bravo and Zoe. Do a status check on Matteo Barone.”
“Hold.” Two minutes passed before he returned. “He’s still a guest of the government. What’s going on?”
“Hollister and Lyons had a meeting with a friend from college. Last name’s Barone. I wanted to confirm Matteo was still behind bars before we move on to other options.”
The sound of clicking keys of a keyboard drifted through the speaker. “They attended University of Alabama. Checking alumni with the last name of Barone now.” A pause, then, “Five Barones are listed. Two of them are deceased. One had cancer. The other died in a car wreck. That leaves three who are the right age. One of them is a woman.”
“You can eliminate her,” Zoe said. “Isaac and Chris met with a man.”
“That leaves Blake and Garrett Barone. Both of them are around the same age as Hollister and Lyons. Want me to dig into their backgrounds?”
“Not right now,” Simon said. “We’ll handle the background research and have you assist if we run into a roadblock.”
“Good enough.”
“Did Bridget trace the money Hollister received?” Trent a
sked.
“The same Cayman Islands account that dispersed money to Lyons also transferred money to Wendy Oberman’s account. She drew out the money in cash every month, but her spending habits never changed.”
“And from there?”
“Bridget finally traced the money to the Barone family trust. I confirmed her findings five minutes ago.”
“Do you know who has access to the fund?” Simon asked.
“I’ll get started on it soon. I have tasks with a higher priority in front of you.”
“As soon as you can, then. Thanks, Zane.”
“No problem. Report to the boss. He’ll want to know the latest.”
“Copy that.” He ended the call and looked at Trent in silent inquiry.
Trent motioned for Simon to handle the call.
Seconds later, Brent Maddox’s deep voice came through the speaker. “Yeah, Maddox.”
“It’s Simon. You’re on speaker with Bravo and Zoe.”
“Sit rep.”
Simon summarized the new information they had gathered, including the financial link to the Barone trust. “Zane’s looking into who has access to the trust funds.”
Maddox growled. “I thought we were finished with Barone and his crazy family. Even though Barone is behind bars and his organization disbanded, that doesn’t preclude his family members from plotting revenge against the men responsible for the patriarch’s incarceration. Let me know if Bravo needs backup. The Texas unit’s mission is wrapping up and they should be available soon. Zoe?”
She jerked. “Yes, sir?”
“How do you feel?”
“Better than yesterday.”
“Good. I handpicked your installation guys. They’re the best technicians we have. Your alarm system won’t be online for a couple of days. The technicians will watch over your property until your home is secured.”
“Thanks for taking care of the details. When should I expect a bill?”
“Focus on healing and being there for Simon and his family. We’ll settle up later. Simon, what’s the latest on your father?”
“At last check, he was still in surgery. I’ll text B.J. in a few minutes.”
“Keep me updated.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Trent, Nico reported that Bravo’s wives are fine. He’s guarding Grace.”
Trent’s face showed his relief. “Excellent. Thanks.” After the call ended, he said, “We have two hours before we land. Back to work.”
“Simon, can I help with anything?” Zoe asked.
He turned to Trent. “With your permission, I’ll turn her loose on the background information for Blake and Garrett Barone while we work on the security arrangements for my parents.”
At Trent’s slight nod, Simon retrieved his computer and logged Zoe in. “Find out what you can about the Barones.” He tapped the secured Internet browser Fortress employees used to do research on the Net.
“I’ll save what I discover in two files.”
“Perfect.” He brushed his mouth over hers. “Thanks for the assist.”
She smiled and turned her attention to the computer.
Simon returned to the conference table and used Liam’s computer to project Hanover Medical Center’s schematics on the television mounted to the wall. Time to study the layout of the hospital. If they were lucky, Bravo would bag a killer before he struck again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Two hours later, the Fortress jet touched down at Hanover International Airport. When the jet taxied to a stop, the Bravo team surged to their feet and retrieved duffel and equipment bags.
Zoe unlatched her safety belt and stood by the time Simon had their bags in hand. Although she offered to carry her own, Simon wouldn’t relinquish his hold. She followed him to the door.
Simon paused when he stepped on the first stair and scanned the area, his body blocking hers. She didn’t know what he’d expected to see since it was dark outside. Apparently satisfied that all was well, he assisted her down the stairs.
Once they reached the tarmac, Trent, Cade, and Matt formed a wall of protection in front of her, Simon and Liam. She wanted to shake the men. They were more concerned for her safety than their own.
Simon ushered Zoe into the terminal behind Trent. The other four operatives stayed behind with the bags.
In short order, the rental papers were signed and the keys for the SUVs Zane had reserved were handed over. Liam and Simon loaded their bags and Zoe’s into the back of one SUV while the other operatives went to the second vehicle.
After placing Zoe in the shotgun seat, Simon slid behind the steering wheel and cranked the engine. He drove quickly from the lot, leading Trent’s SUV onto the interstate.
“How far to Hanover Medical?” Zoe asked.
“Fifteen minutes.”
Fifteen minutes too long from the sound of Simon’s voice. She didn’t blame him. If her father had been shot, she would have been anxious to be at his side, too.
Although the drive was uneventful, Zoe couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when they walked into the hospital unscathed. Having a target on her back gave her the creeps. She didn’t know how Simon dealt with that all the time.
He bypassed the information desk and headed straight for the elevator. After a short ride to the sixth floor, he strode to the ICU nurse’s station and gave them his name.
Two minutes later, a man who was obviously one of his brothers entered the hall and gripped him in a one-armed hug. After a soft conversation, Simon gave a short nod and held out his hand to Zoe.
She slid her hand into his. The brother’s eyes lit with speculation.
Simon said, “B.J., this is Zoe Lockhart.”
The man who resembled Simon smiled at her. “Zoe, I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance to meet you.”
Simon scowled. “Knock it off, bro.”
B.J. clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you finally grew a spine. She’s everything you said and more.”
Zoe blinked. Interesting comment. Amusement zinged through her when she noticed Simon’s flushed face.
Simon’s brother inclined his head to the room behind him. “Dad’s still out of it, but Mom’s with him. She’ll be thrilled to see you and meet your friends.” A quick grin curved his mouth. “Especially Zoe.”
Simon pointed at him. “Zip it.”
B.J. chuckled and waved them into the room while he stepped to the nurse’s desk and struck up a conversation with the nurse.
With Zoe’s hand clasped in his, Simon led her into the room. An older woman with beautiful salt-and-pepper hair sat at the bedside of a man who looked like an older version of Simon.
Wow. Simon Murray would grow more handsome as he matured. And his mother? Zoe could only hope to look as good when she was Mrs. Murray’s age.
His mother glanced up at their entrance and stood, tears forming in her eyes. “Simon. I’m so glad you were able to come.”
He released Zoe’s hand and wrapped his arms around his mother. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Simon eased away from his mother after a moment and drew Zoe to his side. “Mom, this is Zoe Lockhart. Zoe, my mother, Lisa.”
Lisa’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m glad to meet you at last. Simon has talked about you since he moved to Otter Creek.”
The corners of Zoe’s mouth edged up. Simon had been her primary topic of conversation with her parents from the moment he’d blown into town. “I’m glad to meet you, too. I wish it was under better circumstances.”
“Please, sit for a few minutes.” Lisa gestured to the two chairs at her husband’s bedside. “I don’t know how long the nurse will allow you to stay. I have a feeling they’re making exceptions because B.J. is one of the doctors on staff.”
Simon motioned for Zoe to take one of the seats although he remained standing, his gaze locked on his father. “How is Dad?”
“Sleeping off the anesthetic. B.J. said Don could be out of it for a while.”
“What do
es his doctor say his chances are?”
“As long as there aren’t any post-surgery complications, he’s optimistic.”
“Any chance of paralysis?”
“We won’t know until your father is awake.” A tear streaked down Lisa’s pale face. “I don’t know how he’ll react if he’s paralyzed. Your father has always been in robust health. He’ll be devastated if he’s confined to a wheelchair.”
“Dad taught me the meaning of strength. He’ll deal with whatever comes.”
She drew in a deep breath. “We both will. You and Zoe must be tired. You should go to the hotel and rest. I’ll call if there’s a change.”
Simon shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere. In fact, the rest of Bravo came with me.”
Lisa blinked. “Why did they come? I know it can’t be only for moral support.”
“Sit, Mom.” When she complied, Simon crouched and clasped her hand. “There’s a good possibility that Dad’s shooting is related to my job. This is my fault.”
Her brows knitted. “Why do you think you’re to blame?”
“It’s a long story. Do the police have leads?”
“I don’t know. Tracey might.”
“I’ll call her in a few minutes. Don’t worry about anything. Focus your attention on Dad. My team and I will provide protection for you and Dad.”
Zoe’s gaze rested on Simon’s face. His determination to find the man who shot his father glinted in his eyes. If there was a way to track down the shooter, Simon and the rest of Bravo would find it.
“Protection?” Lisa’s voice rose. “Is Don still in danger?”
“It’s a precaution,” Simon soothed. “No one will hurt him again. You can trust Bravo with his safety.”
“But he could still be a target?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“What about your brother and sisters? My grandchildren.” Her hand clamped on his. “Simon, the kids.”
“Cassie and Tracey are covered as are their families. I’ll talk to James and B.J, but I’m not holding my breath that they’ll cooperate.”
“I want them and their families protected. That’s the only way I’ll have peace of mind.”
“I’ll tell them. Until Dad is released from the hospital, one of my team will be inside this room and a second will be outside the door.”