by Casi McLean
“While Kara played dress-up, I hacked Star’s main computers and found the property, but no mention of Sebastian renting the place, which made me wonder if Ms. Janeen Waters could have arranged a rental off the books.” Sliding another screen into place, Steel stretched several past-due bills that were recently paid in full…and a bank statement showing a $20,000 deposit a few weeks ago.” He turned toward Wyatt. “Do you want me to dig deeper?”
“No time. But you two did a great job.” Wyatt snatched his phone from his pocket and scrolled through his recent messages, searching for any word from Emily. Nothing yet.
Harper chewed on her lip, still studying Water’s bank statement. After shooting a quick nod to Wyatt, she turned to Steel and Rhodes. “If you two will excuse us, we need to pull together a plan for tomorrow.”
“Wait, Director. We left the bombshell for last.” Kara edged closer to Harper and Wyatt. “We haven’t pinned down who Sebastian is, yet…but” ––she glanced at Steel then back to Harper and Wyatt––“we hacked into his secure connections and discovered a site on the dark web––and you won’t believe what we found.”
Chapter Fifteen
Harper leaned into the soft leather of the executive chair. Elbows resting on the arms, she clasped her hands and peered at her agents one by one as they interacted around the conference table. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this team with such diversified expertise. She knew the group would have a profound impact upon whatever they chose to undertake. The New Patriots could make a difference in securing America’s democracy. Though this case ventured outside the realm of her initial objectives and beyond the scope her experience afforded, the group of individuals––who through entirely coincidental circumstances morphed into what was now the team––complemented each other’s individual talents, creating a dynamic and unstoppable force.
Shifting her gaze, she observed Wyatt’s interaction with Emily, well aware of his need to protect her, yet respectful of her independence. If only he would see Harper through the same lens.
Steel and Rhodes were right…their discovery certainly threw a wrench into the plans. When they exposed the black-market online auction as a private event listed only through obscure high-stakes sites on the dark net, that meant their initial ideas for a plan to rescue Sarah blew up before it began. Slipping in and out of a crowd undetected would be impossible. There would be no crowd. The event could be broadcast from anywhere in the world. The signals could bounce off satellites, making it virtually invisible to anyone trying to detect the origin. And with a $100,000 entry fee for participants, only well-established high-stake bidders would have access. No way existed to break into the auction. They’d have to come up with a new plan to save Sarah.
Ash slammed his fist on the table, bringing Harper’s wandering thoughts back to the subject.
“Listen folks. Don’t lose steam just because the situation changed. Knowing this trafficking ring is international gives us a much better chance of getting in and out of that residence with Sarah alive.” Ash frowned.
“He’s right.” Emily placed a hand over Ash’s, easing the tension. “We know the house has extensive camera coverage, and no doubt armed goons monitoring the premises. But that’s nothing compared to devising an escape from a vastly attended high-security event.” She shifted positions and glanced around the room. “We actually got a huge break with this information. We just have to determine the best way to get in and out.”
“Why not hit the perp before he ever goes inside the house? From where I stand, that’s the safest choice. What if we grab Sarah before Damien reaches Sabastian’s Potomac residence?” Stephanie switched her gaze from Emily to each of the others.
Staring at the table, Harper spoke as she considered the alternative suggestion. “Safest…yes, but there are too many variables. Something we haven’t mentioned keeps niggling at me.” She raised her gaze to meet Wyatt’s. “Without Hanna as a second asset, Damien can’t deliver the two girls he arranged to auction. He must be scrambling for a solution. What if we arrange for Damien to stumble upon a replacement?”
“Perfect.” Emily’s eyes widened. “Add me to the mix at the perfect time and place, and voilà.”
“Right…Wait, no…” Ash twisted toward Emily and glared. “You aren’t suggesting we use you as bait? We put you in enough danger during our last case.”
“Exactly.” Emily lifted her hands and shrugged. “And we caught the guy, right?”
Narrowing his brow, Ash glared and stiffened his back. “Yes, but only because you were her identical twin. This pimp is far too dangerous. We need an experienced detective who trained for this kind of job…and I happen to know several who fit the desired description.”
Emily sat up straight. “None of whom belong to our off-the-grid team. Look around the table, Ash. How many detectives do you see…for that many how many female marines?”
“I agree with Ash.” Wyatt stared at Emily. “Rhodes is too valuable behind the computer, but Brewer has the kind of experience we need, right, Stephanie?”
Having just sipped a large swallow of cola, Stephanie spewed a mouthful across the table and coughed profusely.
Harper snatched a pile of napkins from her end of the table and tossed them toward Stephanie.
“Thanks.” Dabbing at her mess, she spoke. “I’d be more than happy to take the risk, boss, but I don’t think my body type fits the necessary description to infiltrate a worldwide selection of hot teenage girls.” She gazed downward at her ample figure then ran her fingers through her thick, red mop and shrugged.
Harper shot a gaze to Stephanie. “Nothing’s wrong with your body type, Brewer… and though I’m sure you’re quite capable of being the bait, we can’t afford to put you at risk.” She eyed the team with a don’t-argue-with-me glare. “Once we rescue Sarah, Stephanie will have her work cut out for her dealing with the girl’s trauma. So, that leaves only one qualified marine team member to be our plant…me.”
Wyatt rapped his knuckles on the table then stretched his neck to each side until his bones cracked. “As much as I agree with your stellar capabilities, Harper, you need to be at the helm. If something goes wrong, the entire team would fall apart. Your ability to weave in and out of NCIS without drawing attention allows us to be mobile…and you’re position as Director gives us the means, supplying all of our transportation and technology. We can’t jeopardize any of those factors.”
“That’s why we have an assistant director, Wyatt. You can’t deny everyone––including you––says I look like a teenager. I can accentuate that fact with clothes and hair style, too. With my background, I’m the only logical choice. Besides, I have no intention of being hurt or compromised during this sting. Case closed.”
His stare hurled daggers directly into Harper’s eyes. Wyatt slid back his chair and stood, took five intentional steps toward the rear wall where everyone could see him from head to toe then yanked his pants upward to display his titanium legs. “I had no intention of being hurt…or compromised when an IED blew off my legs either.”
Eyes widened on every face around the table. Not because they didn’t know about Wyatt’s amputation. But because they all recognized the impact the accident had on his life, leaving him fighting to prove his remaining ability. He never mentioned the elephant in the room.
Harper scanned the team’s reaction before aiming her gaze to meet Wyatt’s. “Point taken. But––”
Wyatt pinched his brows together, his gaze still locked on hers. “When you agree to something, following up with the word ‘but’ negates everything previously said.” He dropped his pant legs then approached her. “No one need put himself or herself at risk. Other solutions exist.”
Not knowing whether to display anger for his usurping her authority or hug him for caring, Harper remained silent for a long beat.
“Then we plan everything down to the minutest detail.” Emily’s voice cut through the silence like piss through snow. “We’re tal
king about a young girl’s life, Wyatt, maybe more than one.”
His stare remained steadfast, glued to Harper’s.
Standing, Emily shoved her chair toward the wall and scanned the team, settling her gaze on Wyatt. “So, we set up the chain of events and––as Dad taught you in baseball––we anticipate the overthrow.”
At the mention of their father, Wyatt’s gaze shifted to Emily. The tension clenching his face softened. “Right. We anticipate the overthrow with backup plans regarding every possible scenario. I know you too well, Em. If you have a plan, spill it.”
She leaned into the back of her chair then pushed until it tilted. “We don’t know where Damien hid his stable after he left the boathouse…but we know where he’ll be heading on Saturday morning and what time he intends to arrive.” She shifted her gaze to Kara. “You hacked into Sebastian’s computers as well as his camera network, right?”
Kara nodded then tied her long, golden brown hair into a bun.
“Do you think you could go through the surveillance recordings and find the license tag on Damien’s black van?” Emily flipped her hair behind her back.
“Already done, ma’am.” A grin stretched across her face, crinkling her green eyes. “We ran a search through the metropolitan area. The tag was stolen, but using traffic cams, we triangulated his van and pegged where he’s staying to a small area.”
“Perfect.” Emily gazed toward Steel. “Can you track every route from the quadrant Kara found to the Potomac residence?”
“On it.” Steel turned and tapped on his keyboard.
“Brewer.” Again, Emily switched her gaze.” Can you scan each route Steel finds and locate the best spot for Damien to encounter a broken-down car with a young woman alone and in need of assistance? Make sure the spot is remote…even if we have to throw up a quick detour along the way to provide the perfect storm.”
Leaning forward, Harper smiled. “I see where you’re going, Emily. This plan could work. I dress up as a teenager and play the part of a helpless, naïve girl.” ––she gazed around the room, then continued––“With my conked-out car blocking the road, we force Damien to slow in order to get around the vehicle. Seeing a young girl, alone and vulnerable, his greed and ego will take over.”
Emily grinned. “Exactly. He’ll be compelled to stop. Then we can move in and save Sarah, who will undoubtedly be in the back of the van.”
Harper shook her head. “Maybe, but we have no proof Sarah will be there. Not only that, she isn’t the only child in danger here. We need to target this ring farther up the ladder.” She paused and tapped her fingers on the table. “What if we let Damien kidnap me?”
Emily threw her a stare. “No. That’s too dangerous.”
Harper stood then held up a hand. “Hear me out. Let’s look at the big picture. If we allow Damien to snatch me, he could then bring two girls––two assets––to the Potomac auction as was originally expected. Once I’m in, we can find out…or at least come closer to determining who’s running this operation.
Wyatt shook his head. “I don’t like it, Harper. Once you’re inside that house, we can’t know what could happen––”
“Unless the team is already in place, Wyatt.” Harper stood and paced the floor. “That’s our team’s specialty. We have a van parked close by. Rhodes hacks the security system and with the existing cameras, Brewer leads us in and out…and I’ll have ears. I can keep Sarah close. When I see an opening, I make my move.”
“That could actually work.” Ash took a swig of water from his bottle.
Leaning against the wall, Wyatt dug into his pocket and drew out a toothpick then bit on the tip. “I’ll stake out the property and have Parker strategically placed to cover the premises.”
Placing her palms on Ash’s shoulders, Emily bit her bottom lip. “We’ve got this, guys. With everyone working inside their wheelhouse, what could possibly go wrong?”
The entire group gave her a pointed stare.
Wyatt raised a brow. “Anticipate the overthrow, Em.”
Chapter Sixteen
Tucking Mikey into bed, Harper marveled at his innocence. She couldn’t bear the thought of what he experienced at the hands of Damien. Thankfully, Brewer discovered enough from talking to the boy to narrow the missing child search. With luck, they’d return him to his parents by Sunday. Touching Hanna’s arm, Harper glanced toward the door.
The girl nodded and followed her into the hallway, closing the door behind them. “He’s such a good kid, and so smart.” She rubbed her upper arms and glanced toward Harper. “Did you know he hid behind a loose wallboard so Damien couldn’t take him with the others?”
Turning, she strode down the hall toward Ops. “Brave little boy. I sure hope we can find out who he is so we can take him home.”
“Me too. All I know is his father is an important man who works for the president.”
Harper halted and clutched the girl’s shoulder. “You never mentioned that before.” Working for the president could mean a congressman, or senator, or myriad other government positions. But for Harper’s money, she’d bet Congress. Clearly, Damien would sell his soul if offered enough money. Hanna and Sarah already proved the greedy scumbag wouldn’t hesitate to kidnap a child. Why not aim his sights higher? A high-profile daddy would bring-in far more reward for his risk. This information could change everything. “Hanna, did Mikey tell you anything else? He’s our best source to find his parents.”
“Sorry. Everything’s been so crazy. I mean you were gone when we woke up this morning, and when you returned, I was angry…and then everyone turned their attention to finding Sarah.” Hanna’s gaze dropped to the floor and she shook her head.
“No, honey. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You’re right, things have been crazy. So much has happened in the last thirty-six hours, we’re all stretched. But anything you can tell me about Mikey could help us find where he belongs.” She smoothed away Hanna’s hair from her shoulders.
“Mikey didn’t tell me about his dad, Damien did.” She turned her head toward the wall. “Damien scared all of us. But I don’t think he ever locked up Mikey like he did with the rest of us. Mikey hadn’t been with the stable for very long. Only a few weeks and Damien always kept him close. I told him stories like I used to tell my baby brother.” She leaned against the wall, one knee bent, and drew up a foot into a pelican-like stance. “One day last week, Damien grabbed him before my story ended and Mikey didn’t want to leave.”
Harper rested against the opposite side and crossed her legs. “Did Mikey throw a temper tantrum?”
“No, he just stomped his feet and said, ‘My daddy will find me, and you’ll be sorry.’ That’s when Damien said, ‘You think your dad is so smart cuz he works with the president, but he’s not as smart as me.’ Then Damien grabbed Mikey, slung him over his shoulder, kicked open the door and slammed it behind them.” She stood and shrugged.
Harper’s stomach fluttered with butterflies. She pushed forward and gave Hanna a hug. “You, my dear, are the smart one. Let’s go. We need to tell Stephanie.”
Bursting through the Ops door with Hanna in tow, Harper called out. “Brewer, we’ve got a lead on Mikey’s parents.
Turning, Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Thank God. I’ve been running his first name and description through every missing child forum I could find, including the sleazy sites on the dark web. I have a lot of hits, but none look even remotely like Mikey.” She glanced at Hanna then toward Harper. “I…uh…”
“I know, Hanna shouldn’t be in Ops” –– Harper gazed at Hanna––“but she has crucial information critical to the case.”
“Yes, ma’am, Director.” Brewer lifted her brows. “I’m ready, what do you have?”
Drawing in a deep breath, Hanna puffed-up her chest. “Mikey’s dad works with the president.” She smiled.
Patting her on the shoulder, Harper added, “Not only that, he hasn’t been missing long…maybe a few weeks. My guess woul
d be a congressman or senator, and if he’s being held for ransom, there would be no report.”
“On it, Director. I hacked into government security earlier. I’ll check the files.”
Harper drew Hanna close into a sideways hug. “See, you might have just broken this case.”
She smiled then scanned the room taking in the massive screens, computers, and blinking lights. “Wow. What do you do in here?”
Harper cocked her head. “Let’s just say we keep America safe.”
“Can you shoot missiles and watch people on the other side of the world?”
“We can do just about anything in this room, but this entire space is top secret, so you can’t tell anyone, deal?”
Wide-eyed, Hanna nodded. “Deal.”
“Got it, Director.” Stephanie pecked on a few more keys then several pages scrawled across the screens. She spun to face Harper. “Senator Majority Whip, Randall Fletcher’s son, Michael James Fletcher, six years old, went missing seventeen days ago. Foreign nationals claim responsibility. Expecting a ransom, Fletcher liquidated most of his assets, but as of today, no such request has been issued. That’s all I could find, but at least we know who he is.”
Harper whished out a sigh of relief and dropped her head. “We’ll obviously need a name and address—”
“I’ve got it, Director.” Stephanie slid the screen to the side and the senator’s personal information, including name and address, popped up front and center.”
Harper bit the tip of her fingernail.
“Is something wrong?” Brewer’s stared at the screen.
“No.” Harper paused. “I’m just wondering how the hell we can return such a high-profile kidnapped child and stay under the radar.”
“What do you mean, Harper? Just call them.”
“I wish taking Mikey home was that easy, sweetie.” She turned to Brewer. “But technically, this department of NCIS doesn’t exist.” Again, she offered a soft smile. “You did great, though. Without you, we’d have no idea where that little boy belonged. Or where Sarah will be so the team can rescue her––which we plan on doing tomorrow morning. Can you take care of Mikey until we return?”