Shadow Rescue

by Rebecca Deel

  Sam groaned. This guy could be anywhere on the ship by now. “This will be a wild goose chase.”

  “Probably. We still have to follow the trail until it disappears.”

  The operatives stepped onto the landing. No one was in the stairwell, not that Sam had expected the killer to be waiting for someone to find him and take him into custody. Some kind of clue would be nice.

  “Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

  “The way things have been going, I doubt that.”

  They took the stairs to the eighth deck. Sam swept her flashlight over each step, trailing behind her partner. At the landing, Joe held up his fist.

  “What is it?” Sam peered around his broad back. Her gaze fell on an empty syringe in the corner of the stairwell.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Joe crouched beside the syringe. “This might be the murder weapon.” Unless a diabetic had dropped the syringe from a pocket. He frowned. Possible, he supposed. People could take the stairwells to another deck, but this one was out of flow of traffic and harder to find. Added to that, the vanishing steward had entered this stairwell soon after he killed Bianca. Joe didn’t believe in coincidence. In law enforcement and black ops work, everything happened for a reason, usually a bad one. Although he might be wrong, he believed the contents of this syringe killed the nanny.

  With luck, the techs would find prints on the plastic. He longed to scoop up the evidence and process it himself, but held himself back. Fortress was supposed to work with Winestock and his security team, not take over the investigation no matter how tempted Joe was to do that.

  Instead, he sent Nico a text reporting their discovery and requesting someone to secure this crime scene as well. Winestock would need another dozen people if the trail of clues continued.

  His phone signaled an incoming text from Shadow’s leader. Joe scanned it and turned to Sam. “He wants us to stay in place until Trace or Ben arrives.”

  “What do we do in the meantime?”

  “See if we can find another clue to help us identify our perp.”

  He took out his flashlight and Sam joined him in searching the landing as well as the next flight of stairs. By the time they finished their examination, Ben entered the stairwell.

  “What do we have?”

  Joe indicated the syringe. “Winestock’s people are stretched thin enough that he asked us to help track down the steward and detain him for questioning.”

  “That must have been a stab to his pride. Hated to hear about the nanny.” He snapped several pictures with his phone and glanced at Joe. “Is the needle connected to her death?”

  “Probably although there’s a chance someone is using syringes for a legitimate medical reason and dropped it by accident.”

  “But you don’t believe that.”

  “I think it’s unlikely.”

  “Anything else I need to do before I bag and tag the syringe?”

  “Sam and I went over the landing and another flight of stairs with no results. The ship’s security personnel don’t have enough people to process so many scenes. Not much choice but to take the syringe to the security office. Tell Caleb and Chip to lock it up the until the ship’s doctor has time to test the contents. They need to check the syringe for fingerprints.”

  “Use gloves when you handle the syringe, Ben.”

  The EOD man stared at her. “I know how to preserve fingerprints.”

  She scowled at him. “I haven’t shot anybody today. Keep it up and I’ll make an exception.”

  “Ouch. You have a mean streak, lady.”

  Sam handed him a pair of gloves and a plastic bag she’d stashed in her pocket before they left the suite. “We don’t know what’s in the syringe. Be careful with the needle, too.”

  “Will do. Where are you two heading?”

  “We’ll continue climbing to the top deck,” Joe said. “We might find something else to point us in the right direction. After that, we’ll take our badges back to the security office and eat. Shadow is meeting in our suite when Mercy’s demonstration is finished.”

  “You have an hour, then.” Ben dropped the capped syringe into the plastic bag and slid it carefully into his jacket pocket. “Mercy is halfway through her program. She just finished her seminar and is now in the demonstration portion. As soon as I deliver this, I’ll return to the dining room to keep an eye on things in there along with Trace and Curt.” He turned to leave. “I thought about going on a cruise sometime with my future wife. This whole experience has shot holes in that plan.” With that, he left the stairwell.

  Joe understood that feeling. Knowing how unprepared the security team was to handle real trouble made him cringe at the thought of ceding control of his safety to them.

  He wrapped his hand around Sam’s. “Let’s check the rest of the stairwell. I’m starving.”

  “You’re always hungry.”

  “You should be, Sparky.”

  “I’m getting there,” she said, her tone defensive.

  Not as fast as he wanted. He’d never admit as much to the tough-as-nails woman at his side but he worried about the speed of her recovery. Reminding himself she almost died didn’t help. In his mind, Sam was invincible. Seeing her having to fight her way back to full health scared him.

  Instead of replying verbally and giving away his own inner turmoil, Joe squeezed her hand and motioned for her to scan the ground with the beam of her flashlight. They made their way to the top deck without stumbling across more clues left behind by the killer or encountering ship personnel.

  After returning the security badges and reporting their lack of further progress, Nico joined them and the three operatives left the security office with Chip and Caleb’s promise to continue searching for the mysterious steward ringing in their ears.

  “I sent several head shots of the killer to Zane. I doubt even his magic program will be able to make anything out of the photos. Can’t do much with shots of the back of the head or a chin.”

  “The steward never faced the camera?”

  Nico shook his head. “He planned this out in excruciating detail.”

  “Why kill the nanny?” Sam asked. “What purpose did that serve?”

  “Everything that’s been happening points back to the client.” Nico ignored two women who blatantly eyed him with flirtatious smiles curving their mouths and open invitations in their eyes. “Bianca was a convenient target, easy pickings.”

  Joe thought about Nico’s reasoning and shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

  “You have a different idea?”

  “Bianca is connected to Charlaine, one of Hollingbrook’s top executives. This man went to too much trouble and planning for a convenient target. This was a deliberate act.”

  “You think the nanny was the target?” Nico sounded skeptical. “She doesn’t have a record or live a risky lifestyle. From the information I received from Zane a short time ago, Bianca lived a quiet life and adored children, especially babies. She loved her job as Kayla’s nanny.”

  “Charlaine was the target.”

  “The steward killed the wrong woman?” Sam’s eyes widened. “You’re saying he was late or delayed for some reason and had to settle for Bianca?”

  “He went to Charlaine’s door, not Bianca’s,” Joe pointed out. “I’ve been thinking about the steward’s encounter with Bianca. If you watch the footage again, you’ll see there’s a slight stiffening of the steward’s shoulders when he saw who opened the door. He was surprised to see Bianca instead of Charlaine.”

  “Why didn’t he wait for another opportunity? We would never take out the wrong target when we didn’t have the opportunity to take the correct one.”

  “We’re disciplined and well trained. This man isn’t. He couldn’t let Bianca live because she saw his face and could identify him. Think about it. This ship isn’t large enough to hide for almost a month. Bianca was bound to see him again. If something happened to Charlaine and security checked the camera feed, the nanny
might remember the steward and make the connection. She was too dangerous to leave alive.”

  Nico’s hand fisted. “We need a face and name so we can ask him questions instead of speculating. I want this man located.”

  They returned to the dining room where the passengers were quietly talking and finishing their desserts and coffee while Mercy drew on a canvas with Curt standing off to the side of the platform, his gaze scanning the audience for potential threats. Nico led the way to the captain’s table where the three operatives took their seats. The captain’s steward leaned down and offered to bring them new meals and desserts.

  “Thanks,” Joe said, his stomach growling.

  “What’s going on?” Dax demanded. “First Charlaine leaves, then Lance, and they don’t come back.”

  “You three left, then Captain Greer,” Colt added. “You know what’s going on.” Suspicion gleamed in his eyes.

  Nico studied the two executives. “We’re not at liberty to discuss what we know.”

  The younger of the two men scowled. “We work for Hollingbrook Cruise Lines. Everything that happens on this ship is our business.” When he realized he’d raised his voice and was drawing attention to himself, Colt leaned closer to Nico and lowered his voice. “What do you know? We’ll find out anyway.”

  “Talk to Captain Greer. He’s been in contact with Mr. Hollingbrook.”

  Colt’s eyes narrowed. “I knew it. You’re here for more than a vacation. Did Hollingbrook send you to check up on us? Has there been a threat against us or the ship?”

  “Do you think I make a habit of bringing my wife on an operation?” Fury filled Nico’s eyes. “Mercy is my heartbeat. I would never risk her life.”

  Swallowing hard, the man held up his hands in mock surrender. “No offense intended, man. I just think you know a lot more than you’re saying.”

  Dax turned to stare at his co-worker. “Back off, Colt. If we need to know what’s going on, Greer will tell us. Do you think Mike would leave us on this ship is there was a problem?”

  “He’s not here, is he? Mike can’t know what’s happening or isn’t.”

  “Calm down. Drama won’t help matters.”

  “Sorry. I’m just anxious to get off this ship. You know I hate being on the water.” Colt glanced at Nico. “I apologize.”

  Shadow’s leader inclined his head in acknowledgment.

  Nicely done. Joe lifted Sam’s hand from the table and kissed the back of it. He couldn’t help but admire his teammate’s ability to fit into the role he’d assumed. Nico had told the truth and turned the antagonism back on Colt. Shadow’s leader had serious undercover skills. He’d have been a good asset as a cop. Joe didn’t plan to tell the other man of his assessment since the knowledge would cause Nico’s lip to curl.

  In short order, the operatives tucked into their meals. By the time Mercy completed her demonstration and answered questions from the audience, they had finished their meals and the Hollingbrook executives had excused themselves to return to their cabins. From Colt’s tight jaw and stiff body as he left the dining room and the heated discussion with Dax in the hallway, the younger executive planned to hunt down Captain Greer and demand answers.

  As the audience gave Mercy a round of enthusiastic applause, Nico stood and hugged his wife. “You did a great job, sweetheart.”

  She smiled. “Did I keep them entertained long enough for you to do what you needed to?”

  Nico brushed a kiss over her mouth. “We’ll talk later. Do you need anything to eat or drink before we visit with Joe and Sam?”

  “I would love iced tea and a piece of chocolate cake.” She turned to the steward. “Would it be possible to have both to go?”

  “Of course, Mrs. Rivera. Give me a couple minutes and I’ll have that ready for you to take to your cabin.”

  “Thanks, Gregory. I appreciate it.”

  “My pleasure, ma’am.” The steward’s cheeks flushed as he hurried away to prepare the items Mercy had requested.

  “Gregory?” Sam grinned. “You made friends fast.”

  She shrugged. “He’s a nice man and went out of his way to make sure I had what I needed. Gregory’s mother loves art.”

  Joe eyed the beautiful, detailed drawing of the lighthouse in the midst of a stormy sea still sitting on the easel on the platform. “What will you do with the lighthouse?”

  Gregory returned at that moment. “Here you are, Mrs. Rivera.” He handed her a large to-go glass of tea, plastic utensils, and a carry-out container with a see-through lid. Inside lay a large piece of chocolate cake with thick frosting.

  “Call me Mercy.”

  “Yes, ma’am. May I get you anything else?” When Mercy shook her head, he turned to Nico, Joe, and Sam. “I’ll be happy to bring something for you to take to the cabin as well.”

  Nico clapped him on the shoulder as Curt joined them, his gaze still scanning the audience who were now exiting the dining room. “We’re fine, Gregory, but thanks for the offer. I also appreciate you making sure my wife had everything she needed while I was out.”

  The steward moved closer and dropped his voice. “I overheard Captain Greer talking about the incident with Chief Winestock and that you were helping with the investigation. How is the baby?”

  “The doctor is keeping close tabs on her.”

  “This is terrible. We’ve never had something like this happen on board. What can I do to help catch this monster?”

  “Listen to people as you work.”

  He looked disappointed. “Is that all? I hear people talk all the time.”

  “You’re an employee,” Mercy said. “I’m sorry to say most people will pay as much attention to you as they do a piece of furniture. They’ll talk more freely because they don’t notice your presence. You might hear something to point Nico in the right direction.”

  “Don’t confront anyone in a bid to get answers.” Joe laid a hand on Gregory’s shoulder and squeezed. “That’s a good way to thrust yourself into the path of the wrong person.”

  Gregory frowned. “You sound like a cop.”

  He grinned. “MP, remember?”

  “Ah. Military police.”

  “That’s right.”

  “I promise to listen while I’m out and about on the ship. If I hear anything, who do I report to?”

  “Come to me, then talk to Winestock.” Nico slid his arm around Mercy’s shoulders. “Ready to go?”

  “In a minute. Gregory, do you think your mother would like the picture I drew tonight?”

  The steward’s face brightened. “Yes, ma’am. Although she loves your art, she’s not able to buy an original work.”

  Mercy glanced at Curt who passed her the canvas. After signing her name in the bottom right corner, she presented the canvas to Gregory. “Give this to your mother. I hope she enjoys it.”

  “I don’t know how I can ever thank you for this, Mrs. Rivera.”

  “We’ll see you tomorrow, Gregory.”

  “Have a good night, ma’am.”

  Trace signaled that he and Ben would join Shadow in a few minutes.

  In the corridor outside the dining room, Nico pressed a kiss to Mercy’s temple. “I think you have another conquest.”

  “Better keep an eye on her, Nico.” Curt grinned. “She’s capturing hearts all over the ship.”

  “The only heart I want is my husband’s.” Mercy leaned into Nico’s side.

  Watching the interaction created a longing in Joe’s heart for the same type of freedom in his relationship with Sam.

  When the group reached the stairwell, an alarm began to sound throughout the ship.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Joe frowned as passengers hustled past the operatives, faces filled with fear. What was going on? He glanced at Nico who had his phone pressed to his ear.

  “It’s Nico. What’s going on?” He listened a moment. “Can you tell where it is?” After a pause, he said, “I’ll meet you there.” He slid the phone into his pocket.
>
  “What’s going on?” Mercy asked.

  “A fire in the kitchen. Go with Joe and Sam while I check this out. Curt, you’re with me.” Nico looked at Joe.

  He nodded, acknowledging the silent order to protect Nico’s wife with his own life. He understood his team leader’s reluctance to leave Mercy’s safety in the hands of another person. Joe felt the same handing off Sam’s protection to anyone else.

  Mercy brushed her lips over her husband’s. “Be careful.”

  “Always, love.” Nico and Curt hurried into the stairwell.

  “Where do we go?” Mercy asked Joe.

  “Our muster station.” He clasped Sam’s hand, gripped Mercy’s arm, and urged the women into the stairwell.

  “I don’t like Nico and Curt going toward a fire instead of away from it.”

  “They’ll take care of themselves. It’s my job to take care of you.”

  “If this is a simple kitchen fire, why is Nico looking into it?”

  How much did he tell her?

  “Don’t hedge the truth.” Mercy speared him with a fierce glare. “No secrets, Joe.”

  He dropped his voice, not wanting to alarm passengers. “Based on the other problems, this incident might be a deliberate act to distract us from something bigger and more dangerous.”

  “It could also be a simple kitchen fire,” Sam added. “Nico and Curt will know if this is an accident or not.”

  Within minutes, they arrived at their designated open-air muster station. They joined other excited or nervous passengers Joe recognized from the corridor where their suite was located.

  One passenger was surrounded by a group of others, the elderly woman having difficulty breathing. A cruise employee pushed his way through the crowd, concern clear on his face.

  Sam slid her hand from Joe’s and followed. Retaining his hold on Mercy, Joe trailed Sam, determined not to let her out of his sight. Sam asked if she could be of assistance.

  “Are you a doctor?” the employee asked.

  “A medic.”

  “Fantastic.” He turned to the distressed passenger. “Mrs. Cardwell, this woman is a medic. Is it all right if she helps you?”