by Rebecca Deel
She opened the door to see Joe on the balcony, leaning against the railing. The sun’s rays illuminated the beard shadowing his jaw, a beard that had reddened Sam’s face when Joe kissed her. Totally worth the razzing from their teammates.
Joe made her heart turn over in her chest. She’d been crazy about him for years and still had a hard time believing he felt the same about her.
He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at her. “You look beautiful, Sparky.” His fingers trailed lightly over her cheek as he passed her on the way to the bedroom. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
He grabbed the blankets and pillows from the couch and took them to the bedroom. By the time Joe returned to the living room, Nico had arrived.
“What’s going on, Nico?” Sam joined Joe on the couch. The news must be bad. Nico’s body language betrayed his tension.
“Zane got a hit on the man taking pictures at the San Diego terminal.”
“Who is he?” Joe asked.
“Name’s Reuben Flores. Ring a bell?”
Sam and Joe exchanged glances and shook their heads. “Should it?” Sam asked.
“He’s second in command of the Maldonado trafficking ring.”
A river of ice ran through Sam’s veins as her past roared into the present with a vengeance.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Joe reached for Sam’s hand, unsurprised to find her skin as cold as ice. Every member of Shadow had a history with human traffickers, including him. While they didn’t share details, the team knew the basics. He shoved his own painful memories into a deep, dark corner of his mind and slammed shut an imaginary door. Later. Sam was his priority now.
Sam never talked about her past except in the barest of details. The only reason Joe recognized the name was Sam’s reaction to anesthesia. She’d talked in the recovery room three months ago. Most of her jumbled words didn’t make sense. Maldonado’s name was clear. Together with the information he knew and his observation of Sam, Joe had a pretty good idea what she survived.
“Breathe,” he murmured. “Stay with me.”
Nico frowned and appeared ready to launch into an interrogation.
Joe cut him off with a subtle hand signal, asking Nico to wait. He wrapped his arm around Sam, tugged her against his side, and held her while shudders wracked her body, helpless to do more than allow a woman he cared deeply about to process the news and work through the physical reaction. Knowing what she’d suffered made him want to punch those responsible for hurting her.
When the tremors stopped, she tipped her head back to look Joe in the eyes. “Thanks.”
He pressed a brief, gentle kiss to her lips, then gave Nico a slight nod.
Shadow’s leader sat in a chair near Sam. “Talk to me,” he said, his voice low and soft. “What do you know about the Maldonado organization?”
Sam’s hand tightened on Joe’s. “Enough.”
“Start at the beginning. Don’t leave anything out no matter how uncomfortable you feel.”
“You know I lost my parents in a plane crash when I was ten years old.”
He nodded. “You went into the system because your parents were only children of only children and had no one to care for you.”
“I was placed in foster care. My case worker hoped I’d be adopted quickly by a family.” Her lips curved. “A great plan except I wasn’t a baby and the families who took care of me wanted younger children or babies. Most of the families were nice.” She stopped abruptly, her grip on Joe’s hand painful.
“What happened, Sam?” Joe asked, keeping his voice calm, the opposite of the storm raging inside him. Invisible bands squeezed his heart and made drawing breath difficult.
“The last foster home was in a rundown neighborhood. Not a slum or anything. I guess I would classify it as old and tired. The couple who took me in were blue-collar workers who couldn’t have children of their own. They were nice people but clueless about their neighbors.”
Nico rested his forearms on his thighs. “What do you mean?”
“The Deans worked long hours in an automotive plant and left me to take care of myself in the mornings before school and in the afternoons.”
Joe frowned. Child Protective Services couldn’t have known about that plan. Leaving a child alone that long was a recipe for disaster.
“The people next door seemed normal. They waved and chatted whenever I saw them. Sergio Chavez and his wife, Rosita, made it a point to cultivate a friendship with the Deans and me in particular. In hindsight, I should have known something was up. Why would grown adults befriend a kid? Anyway, they continued the same pattern for a few weeks. One afternoon, Rosita came to the door and said she had something to show me, something she thought I would like.”
Joe closed his eyes for a few seconds, dreading her next words. Not his Sam. He didn’t know if he could sit here and listen. Jaw clenched, Joe forced himself to remain exactly where he was, his muscles relaxed. He’d have to deal because he refused to walk away from her no matter how much hearing what she’d endured gutted him.
“She and Sergio had been talking about getting a dog. I thought they wanted to show me their new dog. I went with her. As soon as their front door closed, Sergio clamped his hand around my mouth and dragged me into a windowless room on the second floor.”
Joe seethed in silence. If Sergio Chavez and his wife were still alive, he intended to pay them a visit. No one hurt his woman.
“While he held me still, Rosita gave me a shot. Later, I heard the police tell my case worker I’d been given a sedative. The medicine was strong and knocked me out fast. When I woke, I was alone in that room with a collar around my neck. The collar had a chain which was attached to a grommet in the floor. I couldn’t stand up or move more than two feet in any direction.”
Nico scowled. “How long was it before someone found you?”
“Two days.”
“Who discovered Chavez had taken you?” Joe had to force the words past his lips.
“My foster father. Rosita misjudged the sedative dosage and didn’t give me enough to knock me out. I pretended to be more drugged than I actually was. When she took me to use the bathroom, I saw Roy Dean through the window. He was on his cell phone in the driveway. I broke away from Rosita, grabbed a decorative bowl from the bathroom counter and hurled it through the window. Once the glass shattered, I started screaming. Roy kicked in the front door and beat Sergio until he was unconscious. By the time the police arrived, he’d knocked out Rosita with one punch and took me out of the house to safety.”
“Why did Chavez keep you so long?” Nico’s voice was soft. “That’s not standard procedure.”
She gave a slight nod. “I know. The transport was delayed since another supplier had a special request to fill for the pick-up. Some sick creep in another state had placed an order for two girls with specific characteristics. Lucky me, I fulfilled the requirements for one of his requests. I have no idea if the other girl was rescued or not.”
Joe’s free hand fisted. He didn’t want to ask the next question but knew from Nico’s pointed glance his team leader was leaving it to Joe, assuming Sam would be more uncomfortable to have Nico prodding her for information.
Pointless to delay asking the question. The answer wouldn’t change whether he asked now or later but he would know better how to anticipate her reactions if Shadow pursued the Maldonado organization. He cupped her cheek and turned Sam’s face toward his. “Did Chavez rape you?”
Sam’s cheeks flooded with color, her gaze breaking away from his. “No,” she whispered.
Joe waited a beat. “But he molested you, didn’t he?”
Her lips parted on a soft gasp. “How did you know?”
That explained why she didn’t want any man but him to touch her. He felt like he’d won the ultimate prize because he’d gained her trust to that extent, a trust he would never break. “You let me see the real Samantha Coleman.”
“How was Chavez tied to the Maldonado organizatio
n?” Nico asked.
“Sergio worked for them. He got a cut of the profit for every girl he kidnapped and forced into the trafficking ring. Because I was to fulfill a special request, Chavez was to receive a big bonus.”
Their team leader studied her face a moment. “We have to pursue the lead Zane unearthed. Be honest with me, Sam. Are you able to continue with this mission?” He held up a hand before she could answer. “There’s no shame in remaining on board the ship with Mercy and Curt if we’re ordered to track down and dismantle this group. Of all people, you know what we’ll face. Mercy would be glad to have you on her protection detail.”
Sam shook her head. “I won’t leave Shadow without a medic. You need me.”
“We want you with us,” Nico corrected. “You’re a valuable member of our team. We trust you with our lives. You know that. If you need to bow out of this mission, Fortress will send a substitute medic. No one will hold it against you.”
“No,” she said flatly. “I’m not a vulnerable fourteen-year-old girl anymore. I can take care of myself and I trust Joe and the rest of Shadow to have my back.”
Joe fought down the instinct to insist she remain aboard the Pacific Star. He didn’t want her exposed to this organization again. Didn’t matter that his logic was flawed. Eighty percent of their missions dealt with human traffickers. This was the first time, though, that Sam had been confronted directly by the group responsible for her childhood terror.
Sam was a well-trained operative and Army veteran. She wasn’t helpless. That knowledge did little to ease the knot in his gut at the thought of his Sam facing the past head on while she wasn’t quite full strength.
Nico was silent a moment longer, gaze assessing her, then nodded. “All right. If you want to set up a session with Marcus Lang, I’ll find a way to make it happen. Do whatever is necessary to help yourself handle the emotions and memories, Sam.”
Sam’s grip on Joe’s hand eased. “Thanks. I need to do this. It’s time I face down the monster in the shadows.”
“I understand. Mercy is waiting to go to breakfast with us. How much you tell Mercy about your past, if anything, is up to you, Sam. Don’t feel compelled to bare your soul to the team. If you say nothing, they’ll attribute your strong emotions to your shooting.” Nico glanced at Joe. “Come to my cabin when you’re ready.”
“Yes, sir.” Grateful for the chance to wall up his emotions before facing the team, he didn’t argue. Joe also wanted to be sure Sam was all right. He walked Nico to the door. In the corridor, his friend said, “Take the time she needs.” With that, he walked to his cabin.
“What did he say to you?” Sam stood at the balcony door, staring at the watery vista.
“Not to rush you.” He crossed the room to her side, longing to hold her and offer what little comfort he could seventeen years too late. Joe feared the past was too close for her to be comfortable with him touching her. “Sam.”
Without a word, she turned away from the balcony and wrapped her arms around him with a deep sigh.
Relief roared through him as he embraced Sam, glad to have her in his arms again. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” She tightened her hold. “Now you know my secret, do you regret asking me to date you?”
Joe kissed the top of her head. “Never. I thought you were amazing when I first met you.”
“And now?”
“I’m astounded at your courage and grateful you’re giving me a chance to win your heart.”
Sam tilted her head back to stare at him, eyes wide. “What did you say?”
He pressed a finger against her lips. “Shh. No pressure. We have a job to do. Just know that I’m falling in love with you.” Was probably already there if the strength of his feelings were anything to go by.
Joe eased her away from him. “Are you ready to face the others now?”
“I guess.” She sounded stunned.
They walked to Nico’s cabin, knocked on the door, and the couples headed for the dining room. They sat at a table out of the main traffic flow. Because of the early hour, the dining room was mostly empty.
Halfway through their meal, Gregory, the captain’s steward stopped at their table. While Gregory talked to Mercy, Nico checked his phone screen and straightened.
He handed the phone to Joe who scanned the photo of the fake steward. His whistle was soft. Man, Zane’s computer skills were impressive. His program had taken glimpses of this man and extrapolated his probable appearance.
As Gregory turned to leave, he glanced down and paused, frowning. “Why do you have a picture of Fitz?”
CHAPTER TWENTY
“You know this man?” Joe turned the phone for Gregory to see the photo better. Were they about to catch a break? Finding this man and stopping him from doing more damage to the ship or the people on board was at the top of Shadow’s priority list.
“Sure. That’s Fitz Thomas. He’s a passenger.” Gregory frowned. “Why is he wearing a steward’s uniform?”
“That’s what we want to know.” Nico slid his phone away. “Do you know where to find him?”
“I’ve seen him on Deck 8 and at the pool. Sometimes in here but not often. He doesn’t socialize with other passengers much. He’s not comfortable around a lot of people. Beats me why he’s on a cruise. We’re wall-to-wall people most of the time. Why are you interested in Fitz?”
“He was in the area when the baby was drugged. He might have seen something.”
“Fitz is a good guy. I’m sure he’ll help if he knows anything.”
Not likely if Joe’s suspicions were correct.
“If I see him, should I tell him you want to talk to him?”
Nico shook his head. “We’ll find him. We don’t want to alert the wrong person of our interest.”
Gregory stared at him a moment before horror filled his eyes. “You think he’s responsible for hurting the baby? I can’t imagine Fitz doing something like that.”
Joe exchanged a glance with Sam and saw skepticism in her eyes. People could look normal to the outside world and yet be the worst of humanity inside until the evil slipped the leash and became apparent to the public. “Can you think of a reason to explain why he’s in a steward’s uniform when he’s a passenger?”
A head shake.
“Do you know his cabin number?”
“No, but security can provide you the information.” He glanced around the now busy dining room. “I’m sorry. I have to go back to work.”
Mercy smiled at him. “Thanks for your help, Gregory.”
“Sure. How did you like the cake?”
“Nico and I enjoyed it. We appreciate you boxing the treat for us.”
“Glad to do it. I’ll see you later.”
Nico glanced at his companions. “When you finish, we’ll go to the security office. We have a killer to catch.”
Fifteen minutes later, Winestock’s eyebrows rose when he saw the Fortress operatives and Mercy. “Have anything for me?”
“Maybe.” Nico showed the security chief the picture of Thomas. “Does this man look familiar?”
A frown. “Should he?”
“The captain’s steward identified him as Fitz Thomas. We need to find him.”
“Why?”
“Security cameras captured this image of Thomas at the time the baby was drugged and Bianca was killed.”
Winestock’s expression darkened as he studied the photo again. “This is our fake steward?”
“He’s dressed as one. We need to talk to him.”
The chief swung around to his computer and typed in the man’s name. He shook his head. “No passenger or employee is listed by that name.”
Joe scowled. They were close to finding the killer. The man knew security would check. Maybe he didn’t socialize to stay off their radar.
“Thousands of passengers are aboard the Pacific Star on this cruise. How will you find him?”
“He can’t stay holed up in his cabin for a month,” Joe pointed
out. Especially if he intended to cause more mischief. He had a feeling Thomas hadn’t finished his terror campaign.
Winestock dragged a hand down his face. “Yeah, you’re probably right. The walls would close in on me if I was stuck in a cabin that long. Nico, send me the picture. I’ll upload it to our computer system and search for this guy. He had to go through security to board. We require a photo ID. If he paused at the checkpoint long enough, I’ll connect his face with a name.”
“I doubt he used his legal name. He already lied to Gregory. I’d be surprised if he presented accurate identification. Start with passengers on Deck 8. Gregory mentioned seeing him there.” Nico sent the picture to the chief’s email address. “Let me know if you find him. In the meantime, we’re going hunting.”
“If you track him down, I want to talk to him.”
Nico inclined his head without agreeing to Winestock’s demand and escorted Mercy from the office.
In the corridor, Joe faced Nico. “Split up?”
“Mercy and I will take Deck 8. You and Sam head up to the pool. Maybe we’ll get lucky and this guy will crawl out of his hole soon.”
“What if he doesn’t?” Mercy asked.
“Joe’s right. Thomas can’t stay hidden the rest of the cruise, love. We’ll find him.”
“I hope we locate him before he strikes again,” Sam said.
“Thomas likes the pool,” Joe added. “It’s a perfect place to be out of the cabin and anonymous in the large crowd. Who pays attention to another man lounging around the pool?” That’s why Nico assigned him and Sam to the pool. Less chance of Mercy running into Thomas on Deck 8.
Nico nodded. “If you run Thomas to ground, take him to the security office. Check in every hour.”
“What about Ben, Trace and Curt?” Sam asked.
“Curt will stake out the main dining room. Ben and Trace will roam the ship. You and Joe watch your backs. I don’t know what Thomas’s agenda is, but he has one and will kill again to achieve his goal.” With that, Nico and Mercy walked to the elevator.