Call You Mine

by Claudia Burgoa

  “Okay, how are we doing this?” Henry asks.

  I explain to them where they should go. Henry and Sophia go to her parent’s vacation home. They take Arden and Mills. I send Hayes, Blaire, Leyla, Pierce, and Carter to Tucker’s house. I’m not sure where Vance will go—probably the Heywood’s home. Then again, if I were him, I’d want to be part of the operation.

  Mom: Gracie, call me when this is over.

  Gracie: I love you, Mom.

  She hates when we go on missions. If Seth, Dad, and I handle the same operation, she’s a nervous wreck. I’m glad Nathan is part of the Nerd Herd, along with Lang. It’d kill Mom with a panic attack—or a heart attack—to have everyone in the field at once.

  While I wait for Dad, I make sure the house is secured. I lock Beacon’s bunker, setting the alarm too. If anyone enters the studio, they won’t be able to access the underground floor. The tunnel’s doors are locked too.

  My father and his team arrive forty minutes later. I had plenty of time to hide knives in most of my armor.

  “Hi, Dad,” I greet him, hugging him and waving at everyone who is behind him. “How did everyone make it here?”

  He shrugs. “We have our ways.”

  “You’ve known this for hours,” I say.

  “We thought it’d be best to wait until we were close to let you know what’s happening. Aldridge gets wired up and has trouble waiting for instructions. I assumed it’d be worse if his family was on the line.”

  He’s not wrong, but this is annoying. I wait for him to give instructions to his team. “Walk me through the property while we secure the perimeter.”

  “It’s secured,” I inform him.

  “How well do you know the area?”

  “We’ve hiked plenty of times,” I explain. “But Beacon and I haven’t gone too far lately because it’s winter. The surveillance team has been out daily.”

  As we walk, I point toward the security cameras Beacon installed when he first moved in. “You can access them through the system.”

  We’re further north on the property when he stops and narrows his gaze toward one of them. He clicks on his earpiece and says, “Nathan, please check the cameras around the perimeter. I think a couple of them aren’t working. Find out why, what was the last thing they captured, and when did they go off?”

  “Yes, sir,” he answers.

  I wonder if anyone is flying a drone for surveillance. That’s usually something Lang or Nathan would be doing.

  “Anyone in the family come out here often?” he asks, squatting and touching the snow that’s about four days old.

  “Not that I’ve noticed. I’ve only been living here for such a short time,” I remind him. “From what I’ve seen, they go as far as to where the ice arena is being built.”

  I point toward the construction with a couple of rooms finished, but everything else still needs walls and a roof. Dad looks around, nods, and we continue walking.

  The place is quiet, too quiet. I’ve never walked around the property when it’s so dark and cold. The only light comes from the reflection of the moon against the snow. I wish it was a full moon though.

  Nathan calls. Dad turns off the earpiece and answers. He listens for several seconds while he shakes his head. “Can you see their faces? It can be Beacon getting away to piss off his brothers.”

  He exhales harshly. “Are you sure?” His voice comes out harsh. “No, I don’t need Lang to verify it. I believe you. I’ll have one of the guys replace them tomorrow.”

  “It’s a blind spot,” I remind Dad. “Tomorrow can be too late.”

  Right now might be too late. Someone is inside. Goose bumps cover my body. What if they saw everyone leave? No, they didn’t. We did it through the tunnels, and there’s no way they can know about it.

  “What do you suggest?” Dad focuses his attention on me. I swear, I feel like he’s quizzing me.

  “Send a team to search the area. I think we missed something,” I explain to him. “This guy knows how to be invisible.”

  “She’s right,” says Anderson Hawkins, one of Dad’s partners. He’s part of the original team. When he reaches us, he says, “We taught these guys to go unnoticed—the same way some of us learned from our training.”

  “You want to lead it?” he asks Hawk, who is great at searching.

  “Yeah, but she’s coming with me.”

  Dad glares at him.

  “I trained her well. Plus, she’s been here more times than any of us.”

  Before I can complain that my father has trouble letting me go, there’s a loud boom sound. The ground shakes. Dad grabs me as I turn my body and see Beacon’s studio burning. Flames are consuming what’s left after the explosion.

  Dad barks orders, asks everyone to take shelter. He gets a count of the team—no one was inside when it happened.

  “Make sure all the Aldridges stay where they are. Tell security to be alert,” Dad commands as he releases me. “We need to find out if there are more explosives.”

  I do as he says, then call Lang, “Do you have a drone nearby?”

  “Ready to fly. What do you need?”

  “Beacon’s studio just exploded. I need you to search for any other explosives around the premises.”

  I sigh with relief. If I had sent his family underground, it’d be almost impossible to get them out of there until we remove all the debris.

  “One of the guys is going to release a couple of land bots to search the area,” Lang tells me. “In the meantime, I’ll survey the perimeter, but I doubt I’ll find anything. Is everyone okay?”

  “Yes, no one was inside,” I explain. “We don’t know where to search. I have the feeling that whoever did that is camping on the northeast side of the property where the cameras were deactivated.”

  “They timed it well—too well,” he explains. “According to Nathan, it happened today when the sun was setting, and the camera couldn’t film the face of whoever did it.

  “Start searching by air while I search by land,” I order.

  “Who’s coming with me?” I start walking toward the arena.

  “Where are you going?” Dad asks. “We need to stay under.”

  “They’re trying to get everyone out of the house—they don’t know it’s empty,” I tell him. “We can go to the arena first. I have a feeling that they’re hiding there. It’s under construction—no one would notice. I think they want us to be sitting ducks in the dark and shoot everyone they see.”

  His eyes stare at me for a second before giving instructions to Harrison, “Go to the barn, be careful because they could be hiding there.” Tiago is the next one to get orders from him. “Check the arena.”

  “It was my idea,” I tell him.

  “You, Hawk, and I are going to the house,” he explains. “If they’re trying to break in, we’ll intercept them. As you said, they don’t know the house is empty.”

  I never noticed how big the estate was until I realized that even with all the people who have been scouting and watching the premises, these men were able to move around. My blood is running hot. I’m not upset that we missed anything. My guess is that they caught up with what we knew and found a way to take at least half of the team away from here before they made a move. I shoot a text to Beacon.

  Grace: Trap, be careful. TTYS.

  I put away my phone, hoping that I’m wrong. Dad puts on his night vision goggles and I do the same. As we approach the house, I notice them. Two men climbing up the house. Black hoods cover their heads. They’re unrecognizable. I can make out the gun harnesses under their jackets.

  Dad and Hawk slow down when I point at the men. This isn’t new to me. I go into autopilot, pulling out two knives from the pockets inside my combat boots. Usually, I don’t have any emotions when I’m on a job. This time I’m raging and worried. They broke into our property, destroyed Beacon’s studio to distract us, and are trying to possibly kill Vance if not the entire family. How far are they going and how many are in he
re?

  Is Beacon walking into a trap?

  They can’t avoid going in because they have our men. We never leave anyone behind—ever.

  “There has to be another guy,” I mumble.

  My body tenses when I hear a shot coming from the barn. At that exact moment, one of the men climbing the house reaches for his gun. I react and throw a knife, stabbing his hand. I realize he had an automatic gun hanging on his shoulder.

  I aim the next knife at his shoulder. He loses his balance and falls to the ground. I reach for another blade and shoot it toward the second guy as he jumps down to aid his partner. I hit his leg, but he doesn’t care. He’s bending down, reaching for the M-70 his partner is carrying.

  “Stop, or I’ll shoot you,” Hawk orders, pointing his gun toward the guy.

  The guy straightens up and grins. He takes a step closer toward me. I approach him because this man might take the bait and believe I’m an easy target. He pulls out his gun and points at me. “Try it, and she dies.”

  “G,” Dad yells. I squat, take out another blade, stab him in the side of the ribs, and punch him when my father shoots him in the leg.

  “You fucking bitch!”

  Dad fires a second shot that hits the guy in the shoulder. “Watch your fucking language.”

  I see movement from the corner of my eye and see the man who is still on the ground reaching for a second gun. He pulls it out and out of reflex I reach for another knife and aim for his neck at the same time Hawk shoots him. The gun skitters out of his slack grip.

  “How many more?” Dad presses the gun to the wounded guy.

  “Kill me,” he begs.

  Harrison is dragging a man with him. “We found this guy waiting at the barn. Two more are at the arena—well, just one. The other tried to kill Tiago, and that didn’t go well.”

  He tilts his head toward the guy Hawk shot. “I guess he didn’t cooperate either. So much for not having any bodies tonight.”

  “I aimed for his shoulder. Grace is the one who couldn’t hold the knife or kick his ass,” Hawk says apologetic. “You know how the Bradleys like to show off—all the time.”

  Before I can laugh, another guy approaches us. He’s aiming a high caliber gun toward us. Even though we have armor, if he shoots us in the head, we’re gone.

  “Where are they?”

  “Who?” I ask.

  “The Aldridges,” he asks. “Where the fuck is Vance?”

  “You won’t find them,” I answer and smile. Then, I bluff, “Put that down, or you’ll regret it.”

  He laughs. “You’re cute. I thought you were just a pretty face. I might dispatch them all and then have some fun with you before I kill you—with my bare hands. I’ll let your boyfriend know how that went…if he comes back.”

  “So that’s your plan, killing everyone?”

  “It’s a rule. No one knows who we are, what we do, and more importantly, no one talks about us, or they die. Vance knew about it. He chose the wrong side. I sent his little brother to the slaughterhouse. I hope he learns how he dies before I find him and kill him.”

  I’m praying that Lang sees this and shoots him. My prayers are heard because there’s a loud bang. The guy falls to the ground. When I turn, I see Vance staring at him, gun in hand.

  My blood runs cold when I notice the grimaced expression. “You okay?”

  He nods. “Beacon. Someone should alert him.”

  “We’re already alerting the team,” Dad assures him.

  “Do you recognize any of them?”

  He points at the guy he shot and nods. “That was Bennett.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Grace

  We don’t find any more men around the premises—or outside. The team made themselves scarce. They take the bodies and the men who are still alive away for questioning. We need all the information we can gather to help Beacon and the crew rescue our men. Vance goes with them.

  We’re glad that the fire department and the sheriff had to focus on the flames and the people trying to come onto the property first. That gave everyone plenty of time to move without being noticed. Unfortunately, they heard the shots.

  “It wasn’t just the explosion,” the sheriff urges. “When we arrived, I heard a gunshot.”

  Dad shows him a gun and nods. “I thought a person was coming toward us. You can’t blame me. I just saw that building explode.”

  “Mr. Bradley, are you allowed to carry a gun?”

  He nods and gives him his business card. “In all states.”

  “Oh, you’re security,” the sheriff says and nods. “Do you know what happened? Where are the Aldridge brothers?”

  “Sophia, her husband, Mills, and Arden went to the Aragon’s place,” I explain.

  “I think Blaire and Hayes went to check on Mr. Heywood. He wasn’t feeling well. Pierce joined them in case they needed help to move him around.”

  The sheriff sighs. “I hope he didn’t have another stroke.”

  Pierce and Henry arrive at that moment. I jog to meet them. “Stop. I just told them you were visiting your in-laws, and you were at the Heywoods.”

  Pierce nods. “What happened?”

  “It’s a long story that I’ll tell you later.”

  “Is everyone okay?” Henry stares at the studio. “Beacon is going to shit himself. All his instruments are inside.”

  I don’t tell him that he has plenty of instruments and his favorites are at home. That’s a problem for another day.

  “Let’s talk with the sheriff,” Pierce says.

  While the conversation is happening, I look toward the gates where the police are blocking the unauthorized people. There are a lot of people watching. I’m sure we’re featured on the town’s social media speculating what they think happened here?

  Among the crowd is Jerome Parrish. The fire department is doing its best to contain the inferno consuming Beacon’s studio. There aren’t any trees close to it. Still, they want to make sure it won’t spread.

  The land bots found explosives around the house. My biggest concern at the moment is Beacon and the mission. Nathan and Lang will be with them—via drones. They are aware it’s a trap. Leaving someone behind isn’t optional.

  When the authorities leave, Dad says, “I’m staying until the team is back. We’ll be at the hotel. The security room has the equipment necessary to oversee it.”

  Henry looks at him, then at me, and shakes his head. “I feel like you should give me my money back for letting you run your business from mine.”

  Dad grins. “Just think about it as a good cause—we’re not charging you for monitoring your properties. That’s usually a lot extra.”

  “What’s next?” Pierce asks.

  “Stay where you are at until we have neutralized the threat,” I order.

  “There’s still a threat?” Henry asks, looking at the angry flames trying to reach the sky.

  I nod.

  “Is Beacon okay?” he asks, concerned.

  “He’ll be fine,” I assure him.

  I’m not sure how my voice comes out because Dad grabs my hand and squeezes it. Okay, so I’m worried about him. The guy is walking into a trap. I trust him—all of the team. Still, a lot of things can go wrong. I’m not there to help. I feel useless—powerless.

  “We have to discuss this with the lawyer.” Pierce clears his throat. “Fuck, how do I explain that we were out.”

  “Easy. You went to hang out with the Heywoods, and Sophia went to check on her parents’ place.”

  “You must’ve skipped curfew several times,” he jokes, then looks at Dad, who growls. “Or not. I’m sure she’s a great kid.”

  We approach Jerome, and Pierce says, “A word, please.”

  I don’t hear what is said. I can only see a couple of nods from Parrish and the worry on his face.

  “It’s all good. We are allowed to stay away until the security team allows us to come back in, and it won’t affect the stipulations.”

  Da
d looks at me. “Where do you want to be?”

  The security room, with Beacon… “I don’t know.”

  “You should come with us,” Pierce suggests. “Mozzy is there along with the kids.”

  “That’s a good idea,” I say and hug Dad. “Call me when you have good news, Dad.”

  All night I pace back and forth. I haven’t heard anything from Beacon, Dad, or anyone for that matter. Around six in the morning, Henry arrives at the house.

  “You woke up early,” he says.

  “I haven’t gone to sleep yet.”

  “You should,” Blaire, who is climbing down the stairs, prompts me. “I don’t like to be that doctor, but it’s best if you follow the simple recommendations to stay healthy.”

  “I eat well.”

  “Your sleeping habits aren’t that…” She pauses and smirks. “They leave me wondering if you’re following the medical advice.”

  “Often,” I answer with a word that makes no sense. I often disregard it. I usually follow it, but it all depends on the day.

  “What do you have there, Henry?” she asks, staring at the box he holds.

  “Casseroles,” he answers.

  “You’re a married man,” I remind him.

  Since they moved in, the single women have been dropping off food at their home every day. Well, they only do it to flirt with the single Aldridges.

  “It’s actually for the family.”

  “For us?” Blaire asks, confused. “That’s nice, but why?”

  He arches an eyebrow. “You don’t know about it?”

  “The studio?” she asks. “Everyone knows. I felt the shake and saw the flames. I am glad no one was inside when it happened.”

  “I just wish someone can update me on what’s happening with Beacon.”

  Henry looks at me. “They didn’t tell you?”

  My stomach drops, and I shake my head.

  “Your dad called around midnight asking if we could set up him and his team with some rooms—he offered to pay. I didn’t accept it, though. They saved my family. I owe them a lot.”

  “Why would they want to stay?”

  “There’s a change of plans about the operation. Something about waiting for the right time,” Henry explains to us. “Vance stayed up all night. He’s been in the security room, monitoring the area along with other people from the nerd something.”