by Nancy Mehl
Nodding, Tally said, “I’m sure you would have located her eventually, but I’m glad you allowed me to be a part of this.” He put his hand on her shoulder, a big grin on his face. “And you’d better let McGee know that the pup has a home after they get him cleaned up and checked out.”
Sarah laughed. “How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I’m a dog lover. I can tell the signs.”
“We gotta go,” the paramedic said.
As they closed the ambulance doors, Sarah waved good-bye to Tally Williams. Then she went to check on her agents and let her boss know that they’d found Susan Bennett. And that, at least for now, she was alive.
“Valerie? Valerie,” Casey hissed. She was uncomfortable, but thanks to the pain medication Ace gave her, she felt better. Her arms were sore from being twisted behind her, but she tried to ignore the discomfort. They had to find a way to reach Valerie. She had the best chance of getting out of this place alive.
Finally, Valerie blinked several times and seemed to focus on Casey and E.J. “I . . . I’m sorry. I think they gave me something . . .” Her words came out slurred and thick. “In a bottle of water.”
Casey breathed a sigh of relief. If she’d been in shock, it might have been impossible for her to assist them in an escape. However, she should eventually recover from any kind of drug they might have given her.
“Where . . . where are we?” Valerie asked, looking around them.
“An old warehouse in Pennsylvania,” E.J. said.
She glanced up. “I . . . I think we’re being recorded. I heard them talking about it.”
“Their equipment isn’t working right now. We’re okay.”
Valerie nodded. “Good. Listen,” she said, pronouncing each word carefully while fighting the effects of the drugs, “there’s a guy in there, they call him Ace. He might be convinced to help us. He was . . . kind. The rest of them?” She shook her head. “If it’s left up to them, I’m not so sure I’ll make it to Washington alive.”
Casey frowned at her. “What makes you say that?”
Valerie tried to lean forward a little but was bound so tightly she couldn’t move much. “I overheard them talking. Senator Warren is dead. He killed himself. Why would the government want me to testify if he’s dead? I mean, I was supposed to tell them about his connection to Al-Saud.”
Casey and E.J. stared at her. Warren was dead? Did that change things? Casey wasn’t sure just what that meant for them now.
“I assume these people still want you to testify that you made up the story,” E.J. said. “To stop any suspicions directed toward Al-Saud.”
“Maybe. But Mattan is crazy,” Valerie said. “I’m afraid of what he might do next. Do you have a plan? Some way to get us out of here?”
“E.J. left some clues behind when we were picked up by our fake cop,” Casey said. “Also, the fiasco on the highway was recorded by a lot of people. I’m sure our people know we’re alive. I’m confident they’re trying to find us right now.”
“And you’re right about Ace,” E.J. said. “He’s an undercover cop. He promised to get us out safely.”
Valerie sighed, and her shoulders relaxed. “Thank God. I can’t stop thinking about Susan. I pray she’s still alive.”
“Did they say anything about her?”
“Just more threats. I’m afraid they’re going to kill her now that Warren is dead.” She took a deep gulping breath, and tears flooded her eyes.
Casey didn’t say anything, but if Al-Saud decided to dispose of Valerie, Susan would cease to be valuable to them. They wouldn’t want to take any chances she’d repeat something she’d seen or heard. Something that might lead back to Al-Saud. Of course, that would really ramp up the body count. How would they explain a bombing, the deaths of the senator, three Deputy U.S. Marshals, and a federal witness and her sister all within a day or two of each other? Casey didn’t believe even Ali Al-Saud could spin that. So what would they do now? What options did they have?
“This is getting really complicated for them, isn’t it?” E.J. said quietly, expressing exactly what Casey was thinking. She’d forgotten how often this had happened when they worked together in D.C.
“They certainly seem to be discussing their options,” Valerie said. “Mattan has some kind of plan. I was too out of it to understand what he was saying, but the other men weren’t at all happy about it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a mutiny.”
Casey glanced back at the office. Mattan and his cohorts were still involved in some kind of deep conversation.
“I’m not sure what their options are,” E.J. said. “Even if you testify, once Susan is released, why wouldn’t you tell the truth?”
“I was told they could get to her again or someone else I cared about whenever they wanted to.”
“But if you came to us . . . or the FBI . . . you’d get protection,” Casey said. “How long can anyone use that threat?”
“As long as there are people in my life who are important,” Valerie said. “You’d be surprised how scary it is to think you could actually cause the death of someone you love.”
“Okay, I get that,” E.J. said to Casey, “but here’s what doesn’t make sense. Originally I think they expected us to turn Valerie over to their fake FBI, and then they planned to take her to D.C. Didn’t Mattan realize we’d find out those guys weren’t the FBI?”
“Maybe,” Casey said, “but what could we do about it? Valerie would have testified. The deed would be done. Who would listen to three Deputy U.S. Marshals who said they’d handed a witness over to people who claimed they were FBI, but weren’t? It would probably get pushed under the rug. Some people in government are more interested in protecting themselves than in telling the truth.”
“That’s it,” Valerie said. “They figure you’d keep that to yourselves. It makes you look incompetent.”
“My boss wouldn’t go for it, Valerie,” Casey said.
E.J. snorted. “It wouldn’t be up to your boss.”
Though Casey didn’t want to agree with him, he was probably right. If Batterson was told by higher-ups to keep their mistake quiet, he’d have to do it.
“Regardless, we know Al-Saud is angry,” Casey said. “My guess is most of it has to do with Mattan’s FBI gambit. If it had worked, maybe his father would have approved. But it was a disaster.”
“Maybe,” E.J. said. He hesitated. “That’s it,” he said suddenly. “We need to get Mattan to turn on Al-Saud.”
Casey turned his suggestion over in her mind. Then she nodded. “You’re right. That’s how we get out of this alive. We need to make Mattan feel insecure. Give him a deal. You know, to testify against Al-Saud. We offer him WITSEC. A new life.”
“I don’t think he’ll turn against Al-Saud,” Valerie said slowly. “No matter what you offer him. He doesn’t want to betray his father. ”
Casey shook her head. “I don’t think family loyalty will buy Mattan much protection. Al-Saud’s killed family before. He’s a psychopath. Just like his son.”
“I hate the idea of letting Mattan get away with everything he’s done,” Valerie said. “He’s a murderer, and he’s hurt a lot of people.”
“But Al-Saud is a mass murderer,” Casey said. “His ties to terrorism are strong. He’s very dangerous. He believes that Islam should be the rule of law for the entire world, and he’s willing to do whatever he has to do to bring that about. That’s why he funds ISIS.”
“I understand,” Valerie said, “but still . . .”
“Trust me, Valerie,” Casey said, “the Witness Protection Program has its benefits, but for someone like Mattan, it will be a nightmare. Living in a small town, his power gone? I know it’s not real justice since he’s free in the most literal sense, but he will still have to live the kind of life he never planned for. Never wanted. Besides, I’ve found that someone like Mattan will end up reaping what he’s sown eventually. I’m confident somehow he’ll end up paying for what he’s done.”
The three captives looked at each other, but no one had an answer. Yet.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX
Martin Avery was surrounded by law enforcement officers: Pittsburgh Police, the FBI, two officers from the Cranberry Township Police Department, Tom Monnier, and Tony. They’d all gathered together in a conference room at the Pittsburgh FBI building.
“I . . . I just don’t know if I can remember where the warehouse is,” he said. “They put something over my head when they drove me there, and then they kept me drugged up. I was really out of it. I still can’t believe I got out alive. I was able to get loose and find an unlocked door. After that homeless guy found me, I was so scared I grabbed the first local bus that came by. I didn’t even bother to see which bus it was. I just rode it downtown and got on a Greyhound out of town. I never looked back.”
One of the officers at the table cleared his throat. “I’m Captain Ramos,” he began. “Pittsburgh PD. You were released on purpose, young man. When Al-Saud heard you’d escaped, he was furious. If he had any idea who’d left that door open, he would’ve had him killed.” He let his gaze travel around the table. The captain was a large man with a receding hairline and a commanding presence. “We have an officer working undercover with Benyamin Mattan. Mattan’s been selling drugs and weapons out of that warehouse without his father’s knowledge. We believe he even has chemical weapons stored there.” The captain sighed. “If we blow our man’s cover, we might be able to shut down this warehouse, but we have good intel that Al-Saud will just open up another supply base. We could lose our ability to stop a major attack in the United States. I hesitate to allow that to happen.”
“We have deputies in there,” Tom said. “And a witness. We’re not going to stand by and let them die.”
“Actually, it’s not your call, Mr. Monnier,” Taggart, one of the FBI agents, said. “We have the lead on this, and we’re not ready to go in yet.”
“I don’t care what you say. My witness and my deputies aren’t going to be sacrificed for you or anyone else.”
Taggart shrugged. “That’s all we have to say right now. Until my boss gives the okay, we wait.”
Tony was pretty sure the captain wasn’t pleased with the FBI’s proclamation either. Tom was livid.
“Isn’t there some way we could go in without compromising this officer?” Tony asked.
Taggart shook his head. “Believe me, we’ve thought about it. Ran different scenarios.” He looked Tony in the eye. “We don’t want to lose your people. But Al-Saud could kill millions of Americans with the weapons he’s bringing in. We just don’t have enough to nail him yet.”
“Our man undercover will do everything he can to get your people out safely,” the captain said to Tony. “He’s a good officer.”
“But if he feels your operation is at risk, then our people die?”
“Not if he can help it.”
Tony turned to Taggart. “We need to do some brainstorming, see if we can come up with something. Leaving LEOs in danger is unacceptable.”
Taggart nodded. “I’m game. Just remember, my boss won’t take a chance of losing Al-Saud.”
Tom checked his watch. “It’s after nine o’clock. Let’s get to work. I want those people out tonight if at all possible.”
Tony stood. “We’re going to need food and drink. I saw a pizza place down the street. I’ll get us something.”
The LEOs around the table started pulling money out of their wallets and tossing it at Tony. Tony repeated back the kinds of pizza they wanted—pepperoni, sausage, deluxe.
“Got it,” he said. “You have coffee here?”
Taggart nodded. “And there’s a pop machine down the hall. I think the pizza will be enough. Thanks for offering to pick it up.”
“Sure.” He looked over at Martin. “Do you mind coming with me? You could help carry the pizza.”
Martin rose from the table and stretched. “Sounds good, but let’s get back as soon as we can. I want to be in on this. Valerie’s my friend.”
“I’d go with you, Tony, but since I only have one hand right now, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much help.”
Tony smiled at Doug Howard. He was grateful Doug had survived his gunshot wound. When E.J. had felt for a pulse at the house, he’d lied to Mattan’s men. Told them Doug was dead. Once everyone left, Doug, who was playing possum, called for help. When law enforcement arrived, they found Doug, hurt but alive. The FBI got there not long after that. Mattan’s cleanup crew had a surprise when they came to get rid of the bodies and any evidence that might link back to Mattan. The FBI cut them a deal, and they called Mattan to tell him the scene was secure. Mattan had no idea things had gone horribly wrong in Port Clinton. The FBI tried to trace the number Mattan’s crew called, but it was impossible to track, and the crew had no idea where Mattan was.
Doug had been shot in the arm, and some of his bones had shattered, but he was going to be okay. Tom had ordered him to return to St. Louis, but Doug had begged to go to Pittsburgh. He was determined to finish his assignment and make sure his fellow deputies got home safely. He also wanted to personally thank E.J. for saving his life. In the end, Tom relented and let him go.
“Be back soon,” Tony said.
Martin followed him as they checked out of the building. When they were outside, Martin turned to him with a smile. “Now we look for that warehouse.”
Tony grinned. “Smart man. Let’s get started.”
Casey needed more pain medication, and they hadn’t eaten all day. Of course, staying alive was more important than food, but E.J. was worried about Casey keeping her strength up. She was getting weaker by the hour.
A door slammed shut in the back of the warehouse. E.J. was relieved to see Ace walking toward them, carrying fast-food bags. He put them on the floor and slid an old wooden table over to where they sat.
“Believe it or not, Mattan told me to feed you. He’s afraid to let you die. He’s terrified to do anything that might make his father angrier. I’m going to cut you loose, long enough for you to eat. When you’re done, I have to tie you back up.” He placed the bags of food on the table, then went to the pop machine and took out bottles of water. He put the bottles on the table and drew his gun. “It would help if you looked afraid.” He glanced back toward the office and nodded.
“Are the cameras and microphones still out?” Casey whispered.
Ace winked at her. “Oh, yeah. They’ll be out for a while. Good thing none of these numbskulls know anything about electronics. Except how to blow up bombs.”
First he freed Valerie, then Casey, and finally E.J. As he bent down to cut the line restraining E.J.’s wrists, he said, “Mattan is getting worse. He’s always played around with crack cocaine, but since his father cut off communication, he’s overdoing it. It’s getting really hard to control him.”
“Can you get me a gun?” E.J. asked.
“I don’t know. I had a knife, and he made me hand it over. He’s convinced we’re planning to kill him. I have to give this gun back after you eat. I’ll do my best to get you a weapon, but I can’t make any promises.”
“Is it just the drugs?”
“No. Mattan knows he’s fouled things up, and he wants to get back in his father’s good graces. Problem is, he has no idea how to do that. Like I said, that actually works in your favor. For now anyway.” He finished cutting E.J. free. “Pull your chair up and help yourself.” Ace pulled a bag over near Casey and gave her a bottle of water. She reached into her pocket, grabbed a pain pill, and stuck one in her mouth. Ace walked over to the other side of the table and stood there, watching, his gun trained on them.
“We’v
e been talking,” E.J. said. “What if we offered him protection? You know, for his testimony about his father. We can put him into WITSEC.”
“I honestly think he might go for it—if he wasn’t so hopped up. Right now? I wouldn’t bring it up. He’s not stable enough to understand what you’re talking about. He could see it as more proof of betrayal by everyone around him.”
“It might be the only way we can all make it out of this alive.”
“I hear you.” Ace was quiet for a moment. “Keep that idea on the back burner. We actually thought about WITSEC early on, but Mattan was so dedicated to his father, we felt the offer would backfire. Might be time to revisit it, though. At this point, it could be his only option.”
E.J. opened the paper bags and found roast beef sandwiches, chips, and fruit. The beef was thick and tender. “Wow, this looks awesome. Thanks,” he said.
Ace nodded. “Just make it fast.”
“So what’s going to happen now?” Valerie asked.
“Some of the men are thinking about leaving. They’re afraid Mattan’s going to bring the law down on their heads. Or Al-Saud. I think they’re more frightened about that possibility. Like his son, Al-Saud isn’t known for his compassion.”
“Even though he’s decided to keep us alive, he could just snap and kill us?” Valerie said.
“I won’t lie to you. It’s possible.” Ace shook his head. “Look, this operation is important, but like I said, I won’t let you die. I won’t go back on my promise.”
“Thank you, Ace,” E.J. said. “I’m assuming your name isn’t really Ace?”
Ace grinned. “You’d be right. Detective Sam West.”
“Then thanks, Sam.”
Before he had a chance to say anything else, the door to the office opened and Mattan came rushing toward them, screaming curses at Sam. He was waving a gun, and his eyes were wild. Before anyone could move, he ran up and stuck his gun against Sam’s temple.
CHAPTER