by Grady, D. R.
“Me, Helena, Jorge, Aleksi, and my friends from America.” He frowned. “To name a few.”
“I see.” She smiled at him and he was happy to bask in her glow.
“Thanks, Mom.” While he wanted to stay a little longer, that suspicious activity Aleksi mentioned loomed large. He frowned. “We have to go.”
He extricated Aleksi from his fiancée and hauled him out of the lab, waving at Tia as he left. “I wasn’t finished.” Aleksi kept glancing behind him.
“We have terrorists to discuss.”
That settled Aleksi’s arguments. Terrorists took precedence over everything else. At least neutralizing their threat did. Aleksi’s lovedaze drained and he was all business again. It was moments like this that reminded him he was definitely related to Aleksi. Maks joined them as they approached Aleksi’s office.
“What’s happening?”
“I just asked Mom to make us cinnamon rolls.”
Maks dark brows snapped together. “Good call.”
“Thanks. Now we’re focusing on terrorists.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Maks grimly waved his phone at them.
“Let me call in the team before we discuss this.” He yanked out his phone. The men materialized in moments. “You’re slow.”
“This is a big place,” Shively countered.
“We’re here.” Morrison ignored Vlad’s taunts.
Beaumont didn’t say anything. He just showed up, alert, prepared, and waiting. It was nice to have a team like this at his back.
Aleksi ushered everyone into his office and summoned Emerson. Who they waited a full minute and a half for. “Sorry I’m late. Had to take care of a situation in the kitchens.”
“Right.” How did one fix a kitchen situation?
He turned to Maks. “What did you find?”
Maks, using his phone, sent some files onto the blank wall behind the conference table. Using the device, he showed them their profits and then some suspicious hacking activity as well as what appeared to be obvious terrorist actions.
At least to them. He glanced at the SEALs and saw they were all intent on the data.
“This looks like the Freedom Fighters for Sovereignty.” Morrison’s tone was understandably grim.
“That’s what I was thinking.” He glared at Maks’s reports.
Shively grunted. “This is bad. These guys are well organized, ruthless, and in need of a lot of money.”
“So this is definite terrorist activity?” Aleksi leaned forward.
“Yes.” The ramifications resounded through his brain. “Looks like the Fighters are the first faction to find us.”
“They haven’t just found you, they’re after you.” Beaumont’s tone indicated the seriousness of the situation.
“We don’t know that for certain,” Maks denied. “This could merely be indicative of terrorist activity.”
When he turned to stare at the faces of the SEALs with him, he read that wasn’t true, just as his own gut screamed at him. “No, this is far worse than that.”
“What does it mean?” Aleksi was a man gathering information before he made weighty decisions.
He indicated to Maks to hand him the phone. When Maks did so, it took him less than thirty seconds to home in on the indicators. “This, and this, and this all show we’re in trouble.” Clicking on each marker that any new SEAL could have pinpointed in seconds.
Beside him, Morrison indicated for him to hand over the phone. He clicked through a few more screens and when an image of Tia popped up, one of them muttered something.
Aleksi leaned forward. “Why is Tia’s picture there?” His voice was cold.
“They know about your fiancée,” Vlad answered.
“Why would they leave all this evidence of their interest if they’re planning to attack Rurikstan?”
“They can’t investigate you without leaving evidence. Not the in-depth research they need.” Beaumont gathered information before he made a decision so he wasn’t surprised when the SEAL indicated to Morrison to hand over Maks’s phone. Once in hand he pulled out a powerful device only specially trained military personnel were familiar with.
Compact, efficient, and fast, the device enabled Beaumont to transfer the data from Maks’s phone and then he dug deeper into the evidence, his mouth growing thinner and grimmer. After a few long, silent, tense minutes, he glanced up. “We’ve got a problem, gentlemen.”
His heart dropped as he saw more information about Tia pop up. “They not only know about her, but they’re targeting Tia.”
“That was a given. These terrorists like female prisoners,” Beaumont said.
It was a trademark of the Freedom Fighters.
“What does this mean for Tia?” Aleksi bit out.
“We need to get her out of the country as soon as possible.” Ben’s voice turned hard, eyes cold. “Send her to our family, where she’ll be safe.”
“Her cousin is due any moment. She can accompany him back to Hershey.” Aleksi’s mouth formed a straight line.
Ben nodded. “That’s perfect. Mark is big and smart but will also be good company for her.”
“The sooner, the better,” Vlad added.
“So you’re saying these terrorists abuse females?” Aleksi’s voice sounded unbending in the quiet space of his office. His expression revealed that he was in full prince mode, not thinking like a man, but like the leader of his nation.
That was good. “These terrorists are about the bottom of the lot. If you can rank terrorists in the first place.”
Beside him Ben grunted. “You can’t, but yes, these are especially bad.”
“What are we going to do?” Emerson cut to the essence of the matter.
“We can’t do much until they make their move.” Ben held up a hand when Aleksi, Emerson, and Maks protested. “We can prepare and Vlad has already been doing so.”
The ire drained out of the three men who essentially ran their country.
He took charge. “We need more research and details before we make decisions.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Maks did not look happy. He had a family to protect now, as well as many other loved ones. Not to mention the entire principality.
“Right now, you need to continue business as usual.”
Behind him, the SEALs all nodded. “We’ll tap our resources and get back to you.” Ben commanded some of the toughest, best trained men on the planet so most tended not to argue with him.
Aleksi stood staring at him, straight, tall, powerful in his own right. “This is my country. My people are at risk. I will not take this threat lightly.”
“That’s why we’re here.” Ben was not one to raise his voice or flex his muscles. But he managed to infuse his words with the same authority and respect Aleksi employed. They were two leaders who were on the same team and they both understood that.
Emerson stirred. “Let them do their job. As Vlad mentioned, we have our own duties and we need to act like everything is fine.”
“Why?” Maks asked in a tight voice that he knew from experience didn’t bode well.
“Because we need in-depth research, and then we can plan how to combat this.” This time it was Beaumont with his easy, quiet drawl that cut through the tension in the three men facing them. He was Ben’s second-in-command and like Ben, had earned that rank. The man had a master’s degree in some sort of special computer mumbo jumbo.
Beaumont could cut through a computer with ease, and he’d been able to do so before their extensive SEAL training.
“How long do you need?” Aleksi finally asked.
“Give us a few hours.”
Maks blinked. “Hours? You only need hours?”
His lip curled up. “This is what we’re trained for.”
The respect that gleamed in the three sets of eyes facing him should have made him feel wonderful, but it was greatly overshadowed by the threat looming so close. Respect wouldn’t matter much if these people he cared about were har
med in any way. It would matter even less if he couldn’t keep them alive.
***
“So Aleksi runs the country here?” Ben asked later in their control room.
Shively frowned. “It is a country, right? Or is it a principality? Europeans make life so difficult.”
“As of a recent change it is both. We are a principality since we have a ruling prince. Now we are also a country because we are independent.”
“Since you’re a country, you need someone to run it. That’s Aleksi?” Beaumont typed rapidly at a computer in the corner.
“Yes. Aleksi makes all the decisions about the country but he doesn’t make them alone.”
“He has a counsel?” Ben looked up from his own research.
“No, he has Maks and Emerson.”
“That’s scary, Emerson advising the prince,” Shively spoke all their fears out loud and a rumble of laughter undulated through the room.
“Yes, but Prince Aleksandr, Aleksi’s father, didn’t have friends who are also relatives, like Aleksi.” He breathed deeply for a moment. “He had a few trusted advisers but mostly he had to make the life-altering decisions alone.”
Ben let out a long, low whistle. “Talk about a lonely, grueling responsibility.”
“The way Aleksi runs this principality makes better sense.”
“How exactly does he do this again?” Shively inserted.
“By utilizing his own and his friends’ skills and strengths.”
“Like?” Beaumont kept typing.
“My brother’s money skills are phenomenal. He oversees our country’s wealth.”
“And Emerson?” Shively removed some pages from the printer.
“Emerson runs this palace, but his skills for organization and efficiency run to the deepest levels of government here in Rurikstan. The governmental easy flow probably has far more to do with Emerson’s skills than Aleksi’s.”
“So then what does Aleksi do?” Beaumont probably already had a database started with all this information.
“Aleksi is the one who takes Maks and Emerson’s skills and advice and combines them into his decision making process.”
“So they become greater sources of information.” Ben hit a few commands. The printer whirled to life.
“Yes. He uses their knowledge and winds it all together to make the best possible choice. Aleksi has always been good at seeing the big picture, but he’s not so good at the details. Emerson is.”
“Emerson is the details guy while Aleksi is the big picture guy,” Beaumont summarized.
“Yes. Maks also helps with the details, but also the big picture. He’s the bridge between the two.”
“They’ve formed a formidable team and probably don’t even realize it.” Ben turned to stare full on at Vlad. “All three are trustworthy?”
It was an important question so Vlad didn’t bristle. “Yes. They won’t fail you, not without a worthy fight. Aleksi also isn’t afraid to ask for advice and help from those a lot older and wiser than him. Like my dad and others he trusts.”
“That’s good to know.” Shively didn’t speak in his usual buffoonish manner. His eyes were narrowed as he stared at the computer screen in front of him.
Since that was unusual for him, he and the other two crowded around Shively. “What is that?” They read through the information scrolling on Shively’s screen.
“There’s a traitor here?” Beaumont asked with brisk calm, but deadly precision too.
Ben leaned further over Shively’s shoulder. “That appears to be what this is saying.”
“Who could possibly be stupid enough to enter into an agreement with terrorists?” he bit out. Especially someone from the nation of his birth. A deep sense of betrayal swept through him. It only grew when he thought about his family and Helena. Then her family, who he had known all his life.
“Someone who has no idea how rough terrorists play.” Ben glowered at the computer screen.
“How could you miss that terrorists don’t play fair?” Shively gestured toward the same spot Ben was still busy scowling at.
Beaumont stirred. “Does this person know he’s dealing with terrorists?”
“How can you not—”
“Because they don’t advertise what they are. They present themselves as legitimate businessmen. We know they’re not, but we’re in the terrorist business,” Beaumont reminded them. Vlad forgave him for cutting him off.
That was true. They were professionals when it came to terrorists. But the average person, even the average military person might not spot a terrorist or their activity because they weren’t trained to do so.
Some of his vengeance waned. “Whoever this is has probably gone underground.”
“What’s that mean?” Shively continued sending data across the screen.
“I’m guessing Aleksi doesn’t have any idea about this contact.”
All of their mouths drew into a straight, grim line. “There is that.” Ben ran a hand over his hair.
Beaumont nodded, and his narrowed eyes matched Shively’s as he watched the other SEAL type fast. The new search results brought up a myriad of new communications. “How did you get all this info so fast?”
Shively shrugged. “Hacked into it.”
“I thought I was the computer expert.”
“You are. But this has been bothering me.”
They all knew that when something bothered Shively, it meant there was something wrong.
“Uh oh,” Ben said as they watched their clown act all mature and grownup.
This was not normal. “I hate when this happens.”
“Yeah, it’s scary.” Beaumont continued reading the information on the screen.
They all looked at each other before Beaumont nudged Shively. “Trade places with me.”
Shively did so with what looked like relief. “Thanks. I was getting to the end of my skills and this looks like it goes a lot deeper.”
“I’ll find it.” Beaumont positioned in fingers on the keyboard. It wasn’t a boast.
“You’re going down, Mr. Traitor man,” Shively promised.
Beaumont tapped away at the keyboard like a demented woodpecker. His fingers moved so fast he wondered how they didn’t end up with major errors.
He stepped over to a monitor and flipped through the various screens, checking on all his cameras. “You know, Beaumont, you could get a job as a secretary.”
Sniggers from the other two SEALs lightened the taut atmosphere. “Yeah, that’s been mentioned before. I’ve got higher aspirations.
“I’ve also got a pattern here.” Beaumont stayed focused on the screen.
“What’s that?” He finished checking out the cameras and saw the palace was still bustling with people who were in danger and didn’t know it.
“Whoever this is, he’s military.” Ben’s voice could have chilled the artic.
Chapter 19
“Are you certain this is going to be okay?”
Helena glanced at Beau in surprise. They were in her flat waiting for Vlad and Molly to arrive. “I know I don’t make pizza often, but it will be fine.”
“I’m not talking about the pizza.”
He slanted a frustrated glance at her, but she was confused as to what he was asking. Weren’t men supposed to be simple?
“Never mind,” he muttered.
“I have no idea what you’re asking.” She spread her hands out, completely baffled.
“What if she doesn’t show tonight?”
“Who doesn’t show?” That quickly she finally understood why he was so concerned. “Oh, Molly will come, never fear.”
“I wasn’t fearing.” Although quiet, she still heard his comment, but she didn’t call him on it.
Instead, she dusted off her hands and strode out of the kitchen to stand in front of him. She grasped his arms just above the elbows and squarely faced him. “Molly Wellington is one of the most talented, sweet, friendly women I know. You have nothing to be concerned ab
out.”
“I’m not concerned,” he denied, but the tension in his body eased.
What a big fat liar, she thought but didn’t voice.
“Good, because there’s no reason to be.”
“Is she younger or older than Vlad?”
“Younger. He’s a year younger than Maks, and then Molly is four years younger than Vlad.”
He nodded. “Is their other sister younger than Molly?”
“Yes, she’s the baby, which makes her two years younger than Molly.”
She wandered into the kitchen again to see how the dough was rising. It was ready to be spread on the pizza pans Beau had produced. He stepped forward and nudged her out of the way. At the same time, someone knocked on her door.
They left the kitchen to answer the summons. When she opened the door, Molly launched into her arms. Laughing and hugging her friend, she was really pleased to see her.
“I’m so glad you’re home.”
“It’s wonderful to be here for a little break. Not that I don’t adore America but I do miss home.” Molly brushed her strawberry blond hair out of her face. Her eyes, exactly the same vibrant shade as Maria’s, were warm.
Beau stepped forward at the same time Vlad picked up his sister and shifted her into the flat so he could step inside. The two men exchanged looks she didn’t care to interpret. Instead she smiled at Vlad and then tugged Molly forward. “Molly, this is Beau DuBois.”
Molly’s bright blue eyes widened in shock as she stared at him for a moment. “Beau DuBois, as in the composer?”
He appeared modest for a moment before a lazy smile crossed his handsome face. For all the anxiety he showed five minutes ago, now he was all easy, laid back male. She would never understand men.
“Yes, I’m a composer.” He offered Molly his hand and she stared at it for long moments before realizing she was supposed to shake it.
Then she did so with gusto, and a minor case of hero worship spilled out as she told him how much she loved his work.
“I’ve certainly admired yours.” He led her into the living area.
Deciding that Beau and Molly were fully occupied, she turned to the silent, watching man beside her. He had closed the space between them with ease and next to no detectable movement. But where before he hadn’t been all that close, now he crowded her space.