Playing Jax [Wylde Shore 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Jan Graham

  “You take charge of young Patrick Johns when we get to the scene Barry. I want that young man protected at all times. He’s the only reason we know where Rhia is, understand me?”

  Barry smiled and nodded. Steve’s theory was keep the civilians together and back from the action, not that Barry needed to know his reasoning.

  Steve acknowledged the presence of the others. Trevor and his team members looked concerned when he explained the situation. They’d been involved in the incident four years ago when Kathy had been taken. He was glad they were on board. Like Christian and Daniel, they knew the score. He was confident they’d be watching his back. He quickly briefed everyone present. They’d arrive silently, and proceed with caution. If Harper and Kevin realized they’d been discovered, one or both might just trigger the fire out of spite, or as a distraction to aid their escape. That wasn’t an option Steve even wanted to consider. According to Patrick, the farmhouse was surrounded by bush land, perfect for camouflage. It also appeared neither Harper nor Kevin were looking outside the four walls. It showed a confidence and arrogance that should make apprehension easier.

  “Okay, I have one last thing to say before we roll.” Steve drew in a long, slow breath. “You all realize this is a difficult situation for me. I want assurances that if, for any reason, I become unable to command, Trevor and Christian will step in and take over. Barry, if they take charge, you look after me. We clear?”

  “Look after you as in?” Barry looked slightly confused.

  “If either of these guys takes over, I won’t be thinking rationally. Whatever you need to do to protect Rhia and the rest of this team from my stupidity, then do it. I’m asking you to immobilize me, take me down. You’re probably the only bastard in this room big enough to do it single-handedly. That’s why it’s your job.”

  “It will be my pleasure, buddy.” Barry nodded. “I’m sure it won’t come to that though.”

  Steve was glad everyone else seemed to have faith in him because his own conviction wasn’t that strong. As they made their way to the farmhouse on the outer limits of the town, Steve hoped Patrick’s assessment of the surrounding area was accurate. An ambulance, two fire trucks, Cal’s fire investigation four-wheel drive, and three unmarked police cars looked more like an emergency services fucking convoy than a silent mission to surprise two fugitives. Once they got onto the road leading out to the farm, the dust cloud they created was something to be believed. He called a halt to their progress. This wasn’t going to work. They’d have to move closer one by one to prevent detection.

  His message alert sounded. Rhia’s name showed up on the display which meant Patrick had news to report.

  They are packing the car. Black BMW rego number Harp59.

  Rhia not with them, will text when they leave.

  Steve checked the map. The road was a one-way-in, one-way-out setup, apart from the old fire trail Cal mentioned, which apparently required an all-terrain vehicle to cross. Harper would have no option but to use this thoroughfare to make her exit. He sent Trevor and Carlie with Cal in the four-wheel drive to the fire trail. They’d park back off the road in case Harper decided to take her chances and use that. Steve thought she’d be too concerned to risk her precious car, but the possibility needed to be covered. They moved forward to a bend in the road. They positioned the vehicles to give them the best advantage of success. One car faced back in the direction they’d just travelled ready to take chase in case, by some miracle, the BMW managed to get around the rest of them. The fire trucks were angled left and right across the road, blocking any escape as best they could. If the BMW went to the grassy area on the left they’d more than likely wedge in a slight ditch. On the other side they’d plow into fairly large trees. The ambulance sat behind the trucks, out of sight. Barry and Dan stayed in the back with the two paramedics who were driving the vehicle, all of them securely out of harm’s way. The two remaining vehicles positioned centre front covered the remaining officers as they waited for the arrival of their prey.

  Steve’s mobile rang. This was it. Unknown lit up the caller display. The game was now on.

  “Hello, Steve Jax speaking.”

  “Well, just the pig I wanted to speak to. Listen carefully.” Kevin Johns sounded too confident. That was good. He wouldn’t be prepared for his downfall, which would give Steve the element of surprise.

  “I don’t suppose I can get your name before I start listening carefully.” Maintain the element of surprise. Don’t give anything away.

  “Fuck you. I have Rhia McCabe. She’s at the old Creswell farmhouse out past the freeway juncture. Can’t remember the address exactly but I’m sure you’ll be able to find it. The place is set to explode in thirty minutes with her in it. Hope you can get there in time. Oh, and have a nice day, Superintendent.”

  Smarmy prick, he must be taking lessons in how to be ingratiating from Harper.

  A few seconds later Patrick texted to say they were leaving the farm. Steve hoped his reply of we’re ready for them would at least reassure Patrick they were close by.

  The BMW approached them slowly, stopping a distance away. Kevin Johns emerged from the car, dragging Harper out after him by the hair. The gun he pointed at her head as the two of them stood by the car added a nice effect.

  “Move the vehicles and let us past or she’s dead,” Johns demanded.

  “Well, that would be a delightful treat to see. Go ahead, I’m not moving anything.” Steve stepped out from behind his cover, followed by Christian and the other two detectives.

  Kevin Johns glanced over his shoulder as Cal pulled up. Carlie and Trevor alighted from the vehicle with weapons drawn. Steve smiled casually as the air turned blue with the string of expletives that left Kevin’s lips.

  “Please, I don’t want him to kill me. Do as he says. He’s crazy. He called me to come and help him, something about his son Patrick. It was a trick. Please, I don’t want him to kill me.” Harper put on a lovely show. She even shed crocodile tears. Steve knew he had to be careful, but this little charade needed to be over ASAP. The option to just shoot them both and say they tried to evade arrest crossed his mind.

  “Drop the gun, Kevin. We’re not really interested in you. It’s Harper we want. I’m not saying there won’t be a few more charges on your rap sheet when you go to court, but we know she’s the mastermind. So, throw the weapon aside and let’s get this over with.” Steve kept his voice calm, controlled. Kevin really was a stupid man, but Steve was betting he had some instincts of self-preservation.

  “I told you this wouldn’t work, you stupid bitch. But no, you had to put on a fucking show.” He still held the gun at her head. Steve hoped in Kevin’s agitation he might just pull the trigger accidently. “She did it, all of it. She even drugged me and tortured me to get me to help her.”

  Surprisingly, that statement wasn’t unbelievable, but Steve had run out of patience.

  “Drop the gun, Kevin, and put your hands on the car, or I’ll shoot both of you myself.” Steve took a few steps forward. “Last chance…you’ve got till the count of three. One…two…”

  Steve didn’t get to three. Harper pretended to struggle, reached up toward the gun, and somehow managed to discharge it right in Kevin’s face.

  As Kevin’s body and the gun hit the ground, officers sprang into action.

  “Oh my god!” Harper screamed, clearly trying to feign surprise. “He killed himself rather than go to jail. You could all see how insane he was. Thank you so much for saving me.”

  Carlie and Trevor were the first to reach Harper, quickly cuffing her. Carlie began reading her rights.

  “What are you doing? Take those off me,” Harper demanded. “Can’t you see I’m the victim here, you stupid woman. The man was holding me hostage.”

  Steve didn’t want to waste time as he started shouting orders. “Get these trucks down to the house. Cal, I want a concrete plan of how we get inside by the time I get there. Braxton, get a tow truck and impound the BMW, and a
nother ambulance to take that fucking body away.”

  “You don’t happen to carry a straitjacket in any of the cars do you? I think that crazy bitch needs more than handcuffs.” Christian’s look of surprise wasn’t the only one Steve noticed. Most of the team was wearing a similar expression as they started moving vehicles and heading toward the farmhouse. Steve looked over at Harper. Christian was probably right, a straitjacket would be more appropriate.

  “You have to be joking. What drugs? Do you know what a drugs charge would mean for me? I’ll never be able to travel overseas again.” Harper screamed as a chunk of flesh fell from her hair and landed against the BMW. “Oh God, please tell me I don’t have brains in my hair! Can someone wash it out? Please, I won’t tolerate it. I shouldn’t have to suffer the indignity of having a man’s gray matter all over me. It’s obscene.”

  Steve stopped Carlie as she led Harper to the police car.

  “The gray matter stays. It’s evidence to murder.” He gave Harper a piercing stare as he continued to address Carlie. “Make sure you cover the backseat of the vehicle before you put her in, we don’t want any bits of brain to go missing and stink up the car. I’m sure Ms. Hastings won’t mind wallowing in her own filth for a while.” Carlie gave a curt nod, and began moving Harper toward the police vehicle once more.

  “Don’t you have somewhere to be, Steve?” Harper called out, as Carlie pushed her into the car. “Tick-tock and all, times running out for you and someone you love. Better break down the front door and rescue her.”

  Yeah, like that was going to happen. He still needed to rescue Rhia, but the game was over as far as Harper was concerned. He’d avoided the loaded barrel in their game of Russian roulette so far, but he couldn’t claim victory until Rhia was safely out of that house.

  * * * *

  Rhia stirred lightly, and a shiver ran though her body as it began to cool. The burn on her leg stung, little biting pinpricks snapping at her flesh. She whimpered and reached for the site, but her hands didn’t make it. Sore…parts of her ached. Her arms tingled as blood rushed back into her extremities. Her ankles throbbed and when she flexed her feet, one cracked. Her eyes burned. The water hadn’t reached them yet. Her throat was dry, and her head ached. She heard a voice…soft…gentle…feminine, yet not.

  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside still waters…

  Water ran across her face. She coughed as some went in her mouth then she drank. More water flowed across her face. When it stopped she blinked her eyes. The room was either white or a bright light shone around her. She wasn’t certain. Rhia cleared her throat to speak.

  “Where am I?” No, not I, we… She was with the man from the closet.

  In the bath, she’d been put in a bathtub. Something splashed into the water. She smelt lemons. Her leg stung again, and she winced.

  He restoreth my soul, he leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake…

  He washed her as he said the prayer. Her clothes clung against her skin, and her hair floated around her shoulders, down her back. What had he told her before, that it was all about the timing?

  “I’ll be still and wait, wait for the timing.”

  He chuckled. Rhia closed her eyes again. She still needed to sleep. Maybe she was asleep and dreaming. Her head ached furiously. She could still sense the fumes of the liquid Kevin had poured over her, but it wasn’t as pungent in this room.

  Yea though I walk through the shadow of death…thou anointest my head with oil…

  “Dear Rhia, you must wake now, it’s time. Show me you can stand.”

  Rhia blinked and tried to orient herself. She did keep falling asleep. She had to stay awake. She was going to escape with…the man from the cupboard. Water ran from her body, and her hair and clothes stuck tight to her as she stepped out of the bath. He pulled something out of the water. She wished she could focus properly, but she was having enough trouble standing on the cold tile floor. Wet shoes…her shoes had been in the water. She stepped back into her wet ballet flats. He held her hand as they walked to the back door.

  “I would carry you, but it will be quicker if we run. I will hold you by the waist in case you stumble, but you must run. They have a delay to allow your rescuer to enter. We will use that delay to escape.”

  Rhia saw the blinking light as he slid the door aside, and then he ran with her, through the door, off the verandah and to safety. She stumbled more than ran, but he kept hold of her waist, only letting her go when they were under cover of the trees.

  * * * *

  By the time Steve arrived on the scene, Cal and one other fireman stood at the front entrance of the farmhouse. He watched as they made their way across the wraparound verandah to the side, inspecting windows as they went. He felt sick. The knot in his gut twisted and turned as he stood with the rest of the team, a safe distance from the house. The fire team prepared hoses and any other equipment they might need. They were suited up ready to go. The only adjustment for action any of them would need was to flick down the visor and face the flames. Even in the open space of the yard, you could feel the tension.

  Daniel was treating Patrick’s injuries, Barry standing closely by the young man’s side. He’d done an excellent job, giving them vital information about what had been set up inside the house. Steve wasn’t sure how he was going to charge the young man with the drug-associated crimes after all he’d done to assist them today. Life was cruel. Harper would probably end up in some cushy mental facility, while Patrick fought for survival in prison, surrounded by men like his father, the type of man he’d tried to escape. Trevor and Carlie had taken Harper back to the station to commence the interrogation, that was, if they could get any sense out of the woman.

  “You okay?” Christian asked as Steve began to pace in a small circle.

  He kicked at the dirt in the driveway as he contemplated his response. “The silence is making me nervous.” It was eerily quiet, and storm clouds had started to darken the sky. “I need to get her out of there. She must be terrified.”

  The calm before the storm. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a roar filled the air. He saw the look on Christian’s face and turned back toward the house. Cal flew through the air, shards of glass following him. His colleague jumped down off the front of the veranda, landing in low crouch on the driveway.

  Chaos reigned around Steve as he ran toward the building calling Rhia’s name. Flames, there weren’t meant to be flames. As long as they didn’t go inside the house Rhia was meant to be safe. Now she was…his heart raced. He had to get to her before...

  Christian shouted out something. The elongated no reached Steve’s ears as he plummeted to the ground. A body landed on top of him. Steve bucked Christian away and struggled to stand. He called Rhia’s name again. He had to get to her, save her. Christian tackled him again as Steve let fly with his fists. Damn it, what was his friend trying to do? His fist connected with Christian’s jaw, causing his friend to stumble back. He went to get up again, but Christian had one legs ensnared in a bear hug.

  “Fuck it, Steve, you can’t go in there.” Christian’s words had no impact. If he couldn’t get Christian to let go of him, he’d just drag the bastard with him. “Barry, Barry Reid. We need containment.”

  A human wall appeared in front of him. He couldn’t see the house or flames anymore, just a black T-shirt stretched over a hard chest. Tattooed arms gripped his shoulders, pushing him to his knees. He screamed for Rhia, railed against the constrictive arms that now held him pressed into the hard chest. His body compressed into a kneeling position, Barry’s weight holding him in place.

  “Be easy, my friend, they’ll bring her out.” Barry’s emotion-filled voice caused Steve to still. He stopped fighting Barry, no longer trying to get away, instead he sobbed, his face pressed into Barry’s chest. At what point had that happened? He gripped the black shirt, and he hung on for dear life. His world shattered
around him. They’d bring her out, but she’d be gone.

  The woman he loved, their child. The scream of agony that left his lungs and filled the air seemed endless. The pain in his chest was excruciating, the tears streaming from his eyes offered no comfort to his soul. He should never have told Rhia he loved her, because it had killed her. He knew he shouldn’t love, because it only ended in death.

  He pushed away from Barry and got to his feet. He couldn’t look at the house. He didn’t want to see them carry her remains out. As he turned toward the bush he saw a man, standing under the cover of the trees. What the fuck?

  Steve started moving forward as the man stepped back into the shadows. By the time he reached the point where the shadow had been, the man was gone. Had insanity struck? Steve doubted there’d there been anyone here to begin with?

  The smoke from the house drifted into the trees. He looked toward the back entrance to the house where firefighters now assaulted the fire with sprays of water from all sides. He began to walk back to the driveway. Christian and Barry watched him from a distance. God, how was Barry going to tell Meg? And Angel, she’d be devastated.

  He heard someone cough and paused. He listened again, hearing another cough and a moan. Steve spun around and walked toward a thick clump of trees, and heard movement again. Maybe his mind was still intact.

  A lump formed in his throat as he watched her struggle to stand and not do a very good job at it. He moved quickly toward her, catching her as she stumbled. Once he held her in his arms he accepted the reality of his discovery. Rhia was alive.

  “Rhia, baby, look at me, tell me you’re ok.” The shaking in his body eased. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  “Steve?” Her voice sounded croaky, barely audible.

  “Yes, sweetheart, it’s me.” He kissed her cheek, noticing she had a slight bruise and a horseshoe-like imprint on her cheekbone just under her eye…