Wheels of Justice (Fortress Security Book 4)

by Rebecca Deel

  Zane’s gaze focused over her shoulder. He eased away from her. “All set, Remy?”

  “We’re on the first floor, off to the right of the front desk.”

  They gathered their bags and crossed the lobby to the appropriate corridor. Although Claire appreciated the lush carpet, Zane worked a little harder to propel his wheelchair across the surface.

  Inside the room, Lily started a conversation with Claire about Nashville tourist spots she should visit while Remy and Zane checked the suite for listening devices and cameras. By the time they finished, they had collected seven bugs and disabled one camera. Remy ground each bug under his boot heel. When he finished, they all breathed easier.

  “We’re clear for now,” Zane said. “Each time we leave the suite, we’ll have to recheck.”

  “What’s the plan?” Claire asked, then yawned.

  “Nap,” Lily said. “I don’t think any of us slept more than an hour on the plane.”

  “I’ll take first watch.” Zane snatched up his bag, dropped it on his thighs and zoomed across to the couch. “I have work to do anyway.” A determined look settled on his face. “It’s time to cut off Collins’ information train.”

  Claire appreciated his dedication to his work, but her boyfriend hardly ever slept. Maybe when they returned home she’d talk him into taking time off. He could be her tour guide for all those sights Lily insisted Claire visit.

  She glanced around the living area, then focused on the recliner. “Will I disturb you if I nap on the recliner?”

  Zane blinked. “Of course not. Don’t you want to stretch out?”

  “Please. I’m not even five feet tall. I can stretch out almost anywhere.” She wrinkled her nose. “Don’t tell me if I snore.”

  “Two hours, Z,” Remy said. “I’ll take the next shift.” He and Lily grabbed their bags and headed for the room on the left. Silence reigned in the suite except for the clicking of Zane’s computer keyboard.

  A murmured conversation between Zane and Remy woke her two hours later. The lights were still off, but sunlight filtered into the room. Claire shifted on the recliner to find a more comfortable position.

  Zane’s head turned her direction. “Go back to sleep, baby. Everything is fine.”

  Her gaze shifted to Remy. His lips curved upward. “I told Z he needed to shut down his supercomputer brain for a couple hours. He’s not listening.”

  Once Special Forces, always Special Forces. Contrary to popular opinion, they weren’t supermen. Close, though. “Zane.” Nothing else, just his name.

  His expression softened. “A couple more minutes.”

  Amazing. He could have told her a flat no. Instead, he valued her enough to listen to her concern for his health. It was only fair, she decided, since she listened to his orders when her safety was on the line. Claire couldn’t wield a knife or gun to defend Zane’s life, but she could and would encourage him to take care of himself. She did the same thing for her brother. Adam was no better than the others in caring for his own wellbeing. The mission was everything.

  Several keystrokes later, Zane closed the lid on his laptop. “Two hours, no more, Remy.”

  “Copy that.”

  “Claire, why don’t you go lay down.”

  “You need to stretch out yourself.”

  He motioned to the couch. “I’ll stay here in case there’s trouble.”

  Supermen, indeed. She kissed him and shut herself into the second bedroom. When she emerged later, Claire felt pretty decent considering the chopped up night of rest plus jet lag. She needed to spend time in the sun today. That was the only way she’d found to acclimate her body to the time zone she was in. Wonder how long before Collins made contact? The man’s daughter was getting married tonight.

  Didn’t leave her much time to work. If this had been a standard job, she would have already scoped out the scenery and chosen the best shots. She also didn’t know anything about Collins’ daughter or her husband to be.

  “Morning, baby.”

  Zane’s baritone voice sent a surge of goosebumps down her back and arms. Good grief. All he had to do was talk and she reacted. Claire smiled and crossed to his side.

  He cupped the back of her neck with the palm of his hand and gently tugged her close for a deep, lengthy kiss. Oh, yeah, she could get used to this. “Anything happen while I slept?”

  Zane handed her a mug of steaming coffee. “Jon spotted a couple guys watching the hotel and one other keeping an eye on the SUV in the garage.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “They got off the plane safely.”

  “Of course.”

  “Anything from home?”

  “I uncovered another mole.” Zane’s voice conveyed his disgust and anger. “Maddox wrapped him up, spread the word through Fortress that this guy was out on special assignment and would return by the end of the week.”

  “Where is he?”

  “Being kept off grid at a black site.”

  Uneasiness twisted through her gut. “Doesn’t sound pleasant.”

  “It’s not a vacation.” Lily dropped onto the recliner. “Don’t feel sorry for him. He’s being treated more humanely than Adam.”

  At those words, bone-deep cold replaced her uneasiness. “Any change in the plan?”

  Zane shook his head. “We ordered breakfast. One of Collins’ henchmen delivered it along with another listening device which Lily destroyed.” A quick grin from the SEAL. “I’d say the drug lord is pretty frustrated with the lack of knowledge.”

  “Remy will be awake in thirty minutes,” Lily said. “You have time to eat and organize your gear.”

  Claire started across to the kitchenette, stopped, sighed.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the man watching her with concern. “I didn’t have time to buy work clothes in Otter Creek. Assuming that our scheme actually works.”

  “Seems to be working. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have the extra company. As far as work clothes, clothing shops abound near the hotel. In fact, there are a few boutiques in the hotel itself.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll find what you need,” Lily added.

  A nod, then Claire circled the counter into the kitchen and set her mug down on the stone surface. She climbed on the barstool and served herself a blueberry bagel, sliced oranges, and scrambled eggs. She wasn’t hungry, but knew she must keep up her energy. Claire didn’t know how long she might go without eating again today. On normal wedding shoots, she might consume breakfast and a very late supper.

  Zane continued to type on his laptop while Lily stood by the window, peering out from the side as she talked to a family member who’d called. Claire finished the last of her meal as Remy opened the bedroom door. His face lit at the sight of his wife.

  Claire reached over the counter for her camera and lined up her shot of Remy and Lily. When she ended her call, a beaming smile curved Lily’s mouth. While they were engrossed in each other, Claire snapped picture after picture. Money shots, all of them. She wanted that kind of relationship with Zane. Hadn’t taken long to realize what a treasure he was. Claire’s mother had trained her to value character and integrity above all else. Zane had those traits in spades. That he was drop-dead gorgeous was a happy side benefit.

  Remy glanced over as she snapped her last shot. His eyebrow snaked up. “Really?”

  She shrugged. “I know a spectacular shot when I see one. It’s my gift to you for helping me and Adam. If you don’t want the pictures, your families will.”

  A small smile appeared. “Thanks. You ready?”

  Claire slipped the lens cap on and stood. “Let’s trap a tiger.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Zane watched the limousine keeping pace with them as they walked toward a church for Claire to photograph. He appreciated her choosing locations handicap accessible. What amazed him? She didn’t seem to mind the accommodation. In fact, he seemed to mind the limitations of the wheelchair a lot more than C
laire. After her first sight of his wheelchair, she hadn’t appeared to notice it any more. Maybe he’d found the right woman to share his life with.

  A few hundred feet from the entrance of the church, Claire stopped and sat on a bench in the shade. “I need a new memory card.” She grinned. “Giving those bozos time to make their move filled one.”

  He reached into the side pocket of her camera bag for a new memory card and made the switch while maintaining vigilance. Remy and Lily spread out on either side of him and Claire.

  What was taking Collins so long to make contact? His daughter’s wedding was in a few hours. Lilah Collins must be frantic with no photographer secured yet. Zane frowned. Unless Collins had assured his daughter that Claire would do the shoot before he’d asked her.

  “Showtime,” Remy murmured.

  Claire froze in the act of reaching for her camera.

  “You can do this,” Zane said softly. “We have your back, baby.”

  A beautiful smile appeared.

  Footsteps drew near.

  Claire took the camera from Zane and glanced at the dark-haired, swarthy-skinned man standing mere feet away. Zane recognized the beefy henchman. Claude Marsh. Law enforcement had a file on him filled with suspicions and zero proof of guilt. As one of Collins’ main enforcers, Zane had made it a point to study his background. The man was a piece of work. Extortion, blackmail, assault, assault with intent, and murder covered his record, but not one charge stuck.

  “Claire Walker?” Marsh asked.

  She frowned. “Have we met?”

  Beef man looked stunned for a minute, then said, “My employer wants a word with you.”

  “About?”

  “A photography job.”

  Claire shook her head. “Tell your boss I’m on vacation. I’m not in the market for a job.”

  “Mr. Collins ain’t used to people telling him no, Ms. Walker.” Marsh closed the distance and grabbed her arm.

  Immediately, Zane clamped his hand around the other man’s wrist and squeezed hard on the pressure points. With a muttered curse, Marsh let go of Claire. “Keep your hands off my girlfriend.” His voice came out low and mean.

  A mixture of contempt and fury swirled in Marsh’s gaze. “Mr. Collins will make it worth her while. Look, the least she can do is talk to him. He’s waiting in the limo.”

  Without taking his attention from Marsh, Zane said, “Your choice, sweetheart.”

  Claire paused a moment, as if thinking over the invitation from Collins. Finally, she sighed. “Fine. I’ll talk to him. But I’m not promising anything.”

  A nod. “This way, please.”

  Zane shook his head. “Tell Collins Ms. Walker will talk to him here. She is not getting into that limo.” She could be whisked off to the compound in seconds and he wouldn’t be able to protect her.

  Marsh scowled and stalked to the vehicle. When he reached the side of the car, a heavily tinted window slowly lowered. He leaned down and spoke to the person seated in the back.

  Too bad the wind wasn’t blowing the right direction. Zane bet the conversation with Collins was entertaining. Satisfaction filled his gut when Marsh stepped back and opened the door.

  A tall, thin man with black-rimmed glasses and steel-gray hair climbed from the limousine. When he drew closer, Zane was able to positively identify him as Peter Collins, the heroin king. Anger radiated from him even while he pasted on a smile. Probably thought it was a disarming smile. Claire didn’t seem to agree. She laced her fingers with Zane’s, her hand trembling. Man, he hated his girlfriend was afraid. If there had been another way to do this, he would have taken it.

  “Ms. Walker, I’m Peter Collins.” As he shook her hand, his cold gaze raked over Claire. “I appreciate you speaking with me.”

  “I’m sure your assistant told you I’m on vacation.”

  Collins’ eyes narrowed. Guess he didn’t like Marsh being called his assistant. “He did inform me. However, my daughter, Lilah, is getting married in a few hours and her photographer was called to the bedside of a sick relative.”

  “There must be many photographers in Belize who would suffice.”

  “Of course. However, the notice is short and they aren’t Claire Walker, world-class photographer. Lilah is my only child, the beat of my heart. I want the best for her. Whatever your usual fee, I’ll quadruple it because of the short notice and inconvenience.”

  Zane swallowed a bark of laughter. The man could afford to be generous since he never planned to pay the debt.

  “Generous,” Claire said. “When is the wedding?”

  “Seven o’clock. You’ll do it?”

  “I won’t have time to do the usual setup and photos I prefer, but, yes, I’ll do it. Every woman deserves excellent photos to remind her of the best day of her life.”

  Collins beamed. “What’s your usual fee, Ms. Walker?”

  Claire named a fee that stunned Zane. He didn’t know if she inflated the price or not, but he enjoyed the shock on Collins’ face.

  “That price is outrageous!”

  She eased her cell phone from her pocket. A few taps of her fingers and she flipped her phone around for Collins to see the screen. “This is an invoice from the last wedding I worked.”

  The heroin king’s eyes widened. “I see. I apologize. I should have realized a professional of your caliber would demand a premium price for her work.”

  “You still want me to shoot the wedding photos at the agreed upon fee?”

  “My daughter deserves the best and that, Ms. Walker, is you.”

  She inclined her head at the compliment, however insincere it might be. “I’ll expect my fee to be paid when I arrive.”

  Hot anger filled Collins’ vision. “Of course.”

  “Where is the wedding taking place?”

  “At my compound. My driver will pick you up and transport you.”

  “We have our own transportation. My boyfriend and my photography assistants will be with me. They are invaluable and will allow me to work at the pace necessary to give Lilah the best results.” A smile from Claire. “If they aren’t allowed to come with me, I’ll have to pass on your charming invitation.”

  “I see. Bring them along, then.” Collins rattled off an address and turned to leave. He hesitated. “Oh, one more thing. I take the safety and security of my daughter and our guests seriously. No weapons are allowed in my compound.”

  Claire shrugged. “I carry cameras, not guns.”

  “Come now, my dear. Let’s not kid ourselves. I know your friends work for a private security company. All of them are well armed.”

  “Worked for a private security company,” Zane said. “Past tense. We separated from the company. You’re well informed Mr. Collins.” Not for long. As soon as the final piece of information was passed to Collins by Johnson, the last mole would be wrapped up.

  “Old habits. You will be searched before you’re allowed on the premises.”

  “Of course. We wouldn’t expect anything different.”

  Collins swung his attention back to Claire. “When should we expect you?”

  “Four hours before the wedding. I need access to Lilah before she and her attendants begin getting ready. I’ll document the whole process, then shift my attention to the groom and groomsmen.”

  A short nod. “I’ll let her know to expect you.”

  “Mr. Collins, I’ll expect my fee in full before I snap the first shot.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, Ms. Walker. I’ll see that you’re taken care of personally.”

  Remy’s eyes narrowed at that veiled threat. Zane shook his head slightly. Collins would have to go through the three of them to get to Claire. That wasn’t happening.

  Collins and his man returned to the limo. The vehicle glided away from the curb, reminding Zane of sharks he’d seen on underwater swims in the ocean.

  “How did I do?”

  He turned to Claire. “Perfect. He would have been suspicious if you’d been eager to accept
his invitation.”

  “Remind me never to play poker with you,” Remy said. “I’d lose my shirt.”

  “I hate to say this, but we need to go shopping,” Lily said.

  Claire laughed. “You hate to shop?”

  “I’d rather get stitches without anesthesia than shop.”

  An hour later, they returned to the hotel with a pair of slacks, shirt, lace-up flats in case she had to run, and a lightweight jacket, all in black. According to Claire, her job was to blend into the background while taking the shots. The rest of them already had brought their standard black uniform.

  Minutes before they left for the compound, Maddox called. “Sit rep.”

  Zane told him of their encounter with Collins.

  “Dangerous game you’re playing,” was his employer’s comment.

  “No choice. Adam is almost out of time.”

  “Agreed. Keep me posted.”

  He slid his phone away, turned to Claire. “Ready, baby?”

  She snatched up her camera bag. “Are the others in place?”

  Zane nodded. “As soon as darkness falls, they’ll be ready to roll.” He hoped they found Adam before Collins’ people realized they were under attack. Otherwise, this might be the last mission any of them undertook.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Claire squeezed Zane’s hand as the SUV cleared the gate at Collins’ compound. The grounds were beautiful, even if the man who owned the place was a snake in the grass she longed to crush like a bug beneath her shoe. The tall wrought iron fence looked solid. She wondered if the obstruction was electrified. Probably. Couldn’t imagine the drug kingpin missing something that obvious in his security.

  Not something she needed to worry about, she reminded herself. All she had to do was take wedding pictures in sight of Collins and his people, providing a distraction for the operatives hunting for Adam.

  From experience, weddings were chaotic. Collins wouldn’t be concerned about her whereabouts if she was in full view until Josh Cahill signaled them to leave the compound. Zane, Remy, Lily, and the others already had nearly invisible ear pieces in their ears to communicate with each other.