“Hold up. I don’t think Max is done telling us everything,” Finn cautioned.
Max laughed. “You’re right.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?”
“You didn’t give me enough time, cowboy.”
“Apparently, Jackson has some dirt on the mayor and is forcing his hand. If you can find out what it is, maybe you can go public with it, and Jackson won’t have anything to hold over the mayor’s head.”
“You’re brilliant!” Drake pulled her into his arms again and landed a quick kiss. Then he turned to Finn. “See, now I have a girl too.”
“Oh my God, you’re a hot mess.” She giggled. “I could learn to like you.” She winked at Finn.
“Drake, flirt on your own time. We have to get out there and keep an eye on Jackson. It sounds like besides scaring the bastard, we need some information,” Finn surmised.
“Sounds like,” Drake agreed.
“How long are you going to be in town?” Max asked Drake.
“I have to go to San Antonio right after this.”
“That’s where Lou is. What’s going on?” she said encompassing both men with her question.
“It’s complicated,” Finn answered.
“Does it have anything to do with the Ukrainian guests Lou had out at the ranch for the past six weeks?”
“How did you know about his guests?” Finn asked Max.
“Lou has been introducing Sergei and Dasha to people when he plays chess in the park. Word gets around.”
Fuck! Did everyone in Austin know about Sergei and Dasha?
“Do me a favor, Max, please don’t answer any questions about them if anybody comes asking, and don’t mention San Antonio.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Okay, let’s go and see about our friend Mr. Jackson.” Finn’s lip curled in disgust.
He and Drake left the office, and in that little time, the number of patrons had doubled. The bouncer was waiting for them.
“Jackson’s to the left of the stage with four of his friends. I have a spot saved for you behind him.” He led them towards a table well back from Jackson, but they could still see him.
“I wonder if we’re going to get to see Max,” Drake said as he placed his drink order.
Finn continued to scan the audience and keep Paul Jackson in his peripheral vision. “Probably not based on how he’s already starting to act. His friends had to pull him away from the stage, did you see that?”
Drake sighed. “Yeah.”
“What?”
“I really wanted to see Max perform.”
“For fuck’s sake.” Finn turned on Drake ready to rip him a new one when he saw the twinkle in his eye.
“You really need to loosen up, Crandall. Seriously dude. It’s too easy to yank your chain.”
“There he goes.” Both men turned as Jackson tried to climb on stage, and another bouncer had to stop him. He turned to Paul’s friends, and they all laughed and made dismissive gestures. The bouncer escorted Jackson towards the front of the club.
“I’ll go first, and I’ll go left,” Drake said. He got up and unobtrusively made his way to the front as well. Finn gave them five minutes and then followed. By the time he made it outside they were nowhere to be seen. He went left, and a block away from the club he found them down an alley. It was dark, and Jackson was falling down drunk, it was going to be a great combination.
“Ah, here is my friend.” Drake was wearing the same type of ski mask Finn had just donned.
“Please, I don’t want any more trouble. Please don’t hurt me anymore.” Jackson was huddled against the dirty wall of the building looking at the huge Navy SEAL. It was clear that he had already put up a fight, the stupid man. Finn was pissed he allowed Drake to go first when he saw that Jackson was holding his ribs. He’d wanted to do that damage to the fucker.
“Has he told us what we needed to know?” Finn asked as he came to stand beside Drake.
“No, he hasn’t.” Finn hauled him up, and the man gagged in pain.
“I’ll tell you anything.”
Finn shoved him against the wall, pressing against his chest. Jackson screeched with agony. “Tell us why the mayor is helping you. What dirt do you have on him?”
Finn saw the indecision on his face. “If I tell you, I’ll go to jail for assaulting that bitch.” Finn hauled back and hit the man in the face, taking great satisfaction in watching his head bounce against the wall. He pulled back again, but before he could land a punch Drake grabbed his hand.
“Whoa, there son. We need him conscious to answer questions.”
“Right,” Finn agreed, shaking his head to clear it. “Answer me. What dirt do you have on the mayor?”
Jackson was crying, his nose and mouth were bleeding profusely. “He has a personal Cayman Island account where he funneled most of his Deep Black Oil campaign contributions.”
“How do you know this?”
“I helped him do it.” Finn patted him down, and found the man’s phone, and shoved it at him.
“Give us the account number.” Jackson looked at him in shock.
“I don’t have it with me.”
“Hit him again,” Finn said to Drake. Drake pulled back his fist.
“No, I’ll tell you.” He fumbled with his password, and shuffled through items, then turned the phone around to show them. “This is the account.” Finn went to pull out his phone to copy it and realized he didn’t have one.
He could almost see Drake smirking beneath the ski mask as he tapped the numbers into his smartphone.
“Stay away from Angie and Lorna. We’ll be watching you,” Finn said as he pulled the man up by his collar and breathed into his face.
“I promise.”
“I think you need just one or two more reminders.” He let go of Jackson and watched dispassionately as he fell to the ground. Then he kicked him in the hip. He gave a satisfying scream.
“Are you going to bother Lorna or Angie ever again?”
“No, I promise.”
Finn knew one more kick would break his hip, and as much as he wanted to do it, he knew he couldn’t. He had promised himself he would just replicate Angie’s beating. He kicked the man in the knee, happy when he screeched again.
“Are we done?” Drake asked.
“Nope.” Finn smiled. He hauled back and kicked the man in the hip, hearing bone crunch. “Now we’re done.”
***
They made their way back to Finn’s truck.
“What are we going to do with this information, oh great mastermind?” Drake asked.
“This is an election year. It’s going to go to the mayor’s opponent.”
“I like it. I like it a lot. You’re an evil bastard. I keep forgetting you grew up with Declan.”
“Don’t bring up his name,” Finn growled. “And by the way, what’s this bullshit about you going to San Antonio?” Finn demanded.
“There was this other conversation I overheard,” Drake began.
“Do you spend your entire life listening in on other people’s conversations?” Finn asked sarcastically.
“It’s the best way to find out what the hell is going on. Also, I can find out if someone is talking behind my back. They often are. Some people are under the mistaken impression that I speak before I think. I don’t know where they have gotten this idea. I’m always thinking. Hell, I’m the idea man of this team.”
Finn choked out a laugh.
“Don’t even, it’s true. How often have we been in a tight situation, and I have come up with some counterintuitive solution?”
Finn thought about it and realized it was true.
“But still, you’re listening at doorways.”
“All part of being a smart man, and coming up with the plans, my boy. You should try it some time. That’s why I like your man Declan so much. If I knew how to tap into all of your cell phones, I would be doing that twenty-four seven.”
“You are such an asshole
.”
“At least I’m up front about it.”
“So who did you listen into to find out about San Antonio?”
“Jack. As soon as Clint told him that his ranch might be overrun by the Ukrainian Special Forces looking for Dasha, the man was ready to defend it like the Alamo. He spoke to his stepdad, and brother. Apparently, they have a fucking army of ranch hands. But he’s going to go and coordinate things.”
“Is he taking Beth?”
“He sure as hell doesn’t intend to. But three bucks says in her quiet, determined way, she manages to talk him into going. That girl has a spine of steel.”
“So he’s going to be in San Antonio with his mom and the displaced girls. He’s not planning on going with us to Lake Texoma, is he?”
“He didn’t mention it.”
“Did you even talk to him about this?”
“Nope, I heard both conversations the same day, and figured I would just go with the flow when I got to Austin.”
Drake was kind of making Finn’s head hurt.
Chapter Twelve
The familiar sound of the Skype incoming call rang at five in the morning. Finn was already awake, and contemplating making coffee. Even though it had been a late night, he was anxious to make the hour drive to San Antonio. He and Drake both made it to the computer at the same time.
Angie was on the screen, she looked frantic.
“You’re okay! Oh God, you’re okay. Thank God.” Then she burst into tears. Jack was beside her.
What the fuck?
“Jack, what’s going on?” Finn demanded.
“There was an explosion at her grandfather’s ranch. She couldn’t reach you on your cell phone.” There was nothing left to say, Finn connected the dots.
“You bastard! Why didn’t you answer your phone?” She wiped her nose and glared at him.
“He–” Drake started to say something.
“Shut it.” Finn elbowed his friend.
“When did the explosion take place?” Finn leaned forward and demanded.
“A half hour ago. Pops was alerted on his phone’s security system. He wants to drive up, but Jack won’t let him.”
“Good man,” Finn praised Jack.
“Finn, he keeps horses,” Angie explained tearfully.
“We’re going over there now. Jack, as soon as I check on the damage, I’ll be heading on down to San Antonio. Have everybody ready to leave.”
Jack nodded, his eyes clear and alert.
“We.” Finn turned to Drake and sighed.
“We,” he said.
“What’s Avery doing there with you?” Jack asked.
“It’s a long story,” Finn said shaking his head at Jack. He didn’t want to take the time to explain.
“Finn?” Angie asked.
“Yes, honey?”
“You’ll be careful when you go to the ranch, won’t you?” She touched the computer screen, he could almost feel her caressing him.
“Always,” he promised.
“I’ll keep him safe,” Drake chimed in.
“Who are, oh never mind. Just be safe Finn,” she said wearily. The fact Angie’s normal curiosity was gone told him just how badly this was affecting her.
“I’ll be in San Antonio soon. Just hold on for me, okay lady?”
“I’ll try, but I worry for Pops.”
“Where is he?” Finn asked. When Angie didn’t answer, he turned to Jack.
“He’s with my mom,” Jack answered.
“I’ll see you soon, Angie.”
The connection went dead.
“She’s gorgeous,” Drake said as he got up from the table. Both men were heading to their respective bedrooms at a run. Finn came out dressed and packed and was waiting for Drake.
“Hurry up,” he yelled.
Drake came out still stuffing things into his duffel.
“We’re taking your rental truck,” Finn told Drake.
“Okay. Tell me which way to the ranch.”
“No need, I’m driving. Hand over the keys. I want to get to the ranch in one piece.”
“Oh ye of little faith,” Drake said as he handed over the keys.
Finn made the trip in record time. From miles away, they could see the plume of smoke.
Firemen were at the scene, and it was cordoned off.
“I’m Lou Donatelli’s son-in-law,” Finn lied easily. “He called me and wanted me to check on the horses.”
“The horses are fine, just jittery. Maybe you can help get them calmed down. Let me take you to the stables. This was definitely arson. Do you know someone named Dasha?” the fire marshal asked.
On the side of the stable, painted in huge letters, was Give Me Dasha. Finn’s step faltered, but then he kept going into the structure. He could hear the horses stamping their feet.
A truck pulled up. Soon another man was in the barn with him and Drake.
“Hey, my name is Herb. I’m Lou’s neighbor on the north. I brought a horse trailer. I figured I would board, Willow and Lefty until Lou rebuilds.” Finn looked at the man gratefully.
“I’m Finn Crandall, this is my friend Drake Avery.”
“Is this about Dasha?” Herb asked. “I saw the writing on the stable. She’s a pretty young thing. I really like her uncle. He served.”
“Yes, it is about Dasha. If you could keep it under your hat right now, even from the fire marshal, I’d appreciate it. We’re handling it with Lou. Dasha’s in trouble.”
“I figured that much. Holler if I can help.”
“Will do. We’re going to meet up with Lou now.”
“Where is he?” Herb asked.
“He and Angie are staying with some friends.”
“Gotchya. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
Finn liked these Texans, they knew how to handle a crisis.
***
“You think he has a target on the others,” Drake said.
“I think we need to get the fuck out of San Antonio as fast as possible. They are too fucking close.”
“You know they probably found them through the Sergei and Lou connection.” Drake reminded Finn.
“If the general has ties to the Ukrainian Embassy, he has ties to our government. The baby ring is known to the government.”
“But still, it’s been our team that placed the girls, and we’ve kept it on the down-low,” Drake insisted.
“Think Drake. They left that demand for Dasha. They had to have something to back it up. What else do they have? They’re coming after the girls.”
“Let’s call Clint,” Drake said already dialing.
“After that, I want to call Declan. I’m sick of waiting around for the general to get in touch with us. It’s about time we get in touch with him. I might have an idea.”
***
It was structured madness when they got to the ranch. Drake won the bet. Beth Hidalgo was there with Jack Preston, and that was part of the problem. She and her soon-to-be mother-in-law were in the great room, explaining in very sweet terms why it would be beneficial for the two of them to go to Lake Texoma with the young women. Jack was sweating bullets. Where in the hell were Jack’s father and brother?
Finn pulled Angie aside. “Where are the girls?”
“They’re upstairs. Rosa is keeping them there while the debate is going on.” Finn remembered that Rosa was the Preston’s housekeeper.
“What about Jack’s dad and brother?”
“He called them. They left early to check out one of the outer perimeters. They’re heading back now.”
“Damn, his mother planned this, didn’t she?”
“Oh yeah, she’s diabolical.” Angie sounded so tired.
“How are you holding up?”
“Better than Pops.”
“Where is he?”
“With Sergei. He’s sitting in the kitchen in a daze.”
Angie and Finn walked back to where they were all standing. Finn wasn’t surprised to see Drake standing beside Jack.
&nbs
p; “Jack, you know the girls have been with me for over a month. They’ll feel safer if I’m with them,” Grace was explaining.
“Beth, I understand Mom’s position, why do you think you should come?” Beth looked calmly between Grace and Jack.
“I’ve been in their shoes. I was taken by men intent on selling me. They’re still trying to heal from their experiences, and I might not have worked with these girls, but I’ve been helping the girls in San Diego, and I know I can help these girls.” Finn saw Jack waver. Damn, Beth sure knew how to play him. Actually, both women did.
“Enough! We’re going into a war. They just blew up Angie’s grandfather’s ranch. You want us to put the two of you at risk? Are you out of your fucking minds? Pardon me, ma’am. We need two more civilians at risk like we need to drag around fucking anchors! Pardon me, ma’am. Your husband would string Jack up by his fucking balls if he let you go! Pardon me, ma’am.”
“I don’t know who this man is Grace, but I tend to agree with him.” Everybody turned to see Richard Preston crossing the foyer into the great room. He looked grim as he reached his wife and put his arm around her waist. “Just what trouble are you stirring up?”
“Man, she wants to do the craziest shit you wouldn’t believe–”
“Drake, we’ve heard enough from you,” Jack said tiredly. “Hi, Dad. Your timing is perfect as always.”
“Want to explain things to me?”
“I was trying to logically explain to Beth and Mom why going to Lake Texoma was a bad idea.”
“Actually, we were just being told, by Drake Avery, isn’t it?” Grace asked.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. Yes, my name is Drake Avery.” He flushed. She pulled away from her husband and held out her hand, and he gave it a gentle shake.
“As I was saying, I think Drake did an exemplary job of explaining why it would behoove us to stay here at the ranch, even if his delivery left something to be desired.” Finn smacked Drake on the back of the head.
“Would I really be an anchor?” Beth asked Jack.
“I’d be worried about you twenty-four/seven, instead of focused on my job. So yeah, you would hold me back. I’m sorry, honey.” She put her arms around him.
“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” she said placing a gentle kiss on his lips. Finn’s arm tightened around Angie.
Her Fierce SEAL: Midnight Delta Book 6 Page 16