Haunted General ePub

by Shirleen Davies

  “Dani, I—”

  “No. Please don’t explain. I understand this is what you want and I won’t create a scene. Just tell me how the transfer will happen.”

  Throat closing, she willed away the tears building in her eyes. She refused to let Ghost see her cry. Refused to let any of the men see how his defection affected her.

  “Dani, this isn’t—”

  “Ghost, is Dani ready to go?”

  Glancing over his shoulder with an expression that would make most men retreat, he glared at Fargo. His teammate got the message loud and clear. It didn’t matter. Dani pushed past him, heading straight to Fargo and Gunner.

  “Dani, hold up.”

  Ignoring him, she changed direction to his truck, retrieving the small backpack, then slamming the door. Purposeful steps had her reaching her newest babysitters in a few strides.

  “I’d like to get the rest of my stuff from Ghost’s. Will you be taking me?”

  Both shifted uncomfortably, Fargo flashing a confused look at Ghost.

  “I’ll make sure your clothing is sent to you, Dani.”

  Not turning to look at him, she stared at Fargo. “What vehicle are we taking?”

  After another uneasy glance at Ghost, Fargo indicated the large SUV they’d used when rescuing them from the shooters on the mountain.

  “Thank you.”

  Moving straight to it, she slipped inside. Slamming the door, she sucked in a painful breath, staring straight ahead. Refusing to acknowledge the tap on the window, she fought the moisture leaking from her eyes. If she ignored the tears, maybe no one would notice and leave her alone. Fargo got behind the steering wheel, Gunner in the seat in front of her. It was Gunner who turned to look at her.

  “We’re taking you to my place a few miles from town. It’s as safe as Ghost’s house. Fargo or I will be by your side until this is over.”

  Throat tightening, she nodded a reply.

  “We won’t let anything happen to you, Dani.”

  Again, she nodded, knowing neither of the men had any idea what was going through her head. All she had to do was keep to herself.

  Not waving at the women or looking at a sorely pissed Ghost, she settled against the seat. Dani was tired of men ordering her around, tired of being kept from her own dreams, sick at heart at being rejected by the man she’d been a fool to fall in love with a second time.

  She wanted her life back. Achieving it would fall into the hands of one person. Herself. As long as she stayed in Liberty Lake, she’d never be able to sever her feelings for Ghost.

  Dani knew Sully would be furious, as would Kell. Ali would be confused, as would Cara and Tessa.

  Ghost wouldn’t care as long as he no longer had responsibility. After bearing his soul, all he wanted was to get her out of his life, as far away from him as possible. He’d be relieved.

  Closing her eyes, she began to formulate a plan. It would be risky. Fargo and Gunner were trained to stop what she knew had to be done. If it weren’t for the raw ache over losing Ghost a second time, she might even be excited, seeing it as an adventure.

  Dani would give herself twenty-four hours to prepare. By this time tomorrow, she’d be long gone and on her way to a new life.

  “Fuck.” Ghost slammed his fist onto the desk, getting the attention of the others in the room. A hard hand tightened on his shoulder, digging in until he wrenched himself from Wrath’s grasp.

  “Knock it off, Lieutenant Commander.”

  All eyes lit on Wrath. No one ever spoke of their ranks inside the Eternal Brethren complex. Right now, no one would question their leader on the slip.

  “I know this isn’t the way you wanted this to play out, Ghost. Your job is to obey orders and do what’s needed to complete the op we’ve been assigned.”

  Ghost whirled on one of his two closest friends, hands fisted at his sides. “I obeyed your damn order, not the CF you created with this lame scheme.”

  Wrath stepped forward, his face inches from Ghost’s. “Are you questioning the operation?”

  “Hell yes, I’m questioning it. You went off half-cocked, formulating a plan without including me or Dani. You don’t know her the way I do. Believe me, we’re all going to regret this.”

  “If you don’t think I’m doing my job, take it up with Grayson.”

  Standing his ground, Ghost’s expression changed, something flashing Wrath didn’t like. “I’ll do you one better. I’m out.”

  Several curses sounded, including a strong string of expletives from Wrath. “What do you mean out?”

  “I’m done with this bullshit. Being left out of plans that include me and the person I promised to guard. I gave my word, Wrath, not yours or Fargo’s or Gunner’s. You might as well have announced to the whole damn team I’m incompetent.”

  Wrath’s mouth thinned. “That isn’t what this is about, and you know it.”

  “Damn straight it is. You’ve been trying to find an excuse to move Dani out of this. Well, you found it. In doing so, you also cut ties with me.” Reaching inside a pocket, he pulled out his Beretta. “This is yours. I’ll deliver anything else that’s not mine by the end of the week. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t cut off the security system until I’ve found someone to take it over.”

  “I don’t want your damned weapons, and I’m not cutting off your security system. And I’m sure as hell not accepting a decision made while you’re this angry.”

  Walking to the door, Ghost turned to face the prez of Eternal Brethren, his commander, and close friend. “You don’t have a choice. I’m taking a leave, effective now.” He nodded at the Beretta. “Keep it. I’ve got my own at home.”

  The instant the door slammed behind him, Rock rushed to it.

  “Leave him for now,” Wrath ordered.

  “Sorry, Commander. No can do. Maybe I can still salvage this POS operation.”

  Hanging his head, Wrath let him go. His two closest friends thought the idea he’d formulated with Grayson was not only ill-advised, but would make everything worse. For the first time, he began to think they were right.

  The room had grown so silent, he’d forgotten Wrangler, Fuse, Tracker, and Moses were standing around, faces solemn. That was what the meeting had been about. To explain the plan, get everyone on board. Instead, Wrath had jumped the gun and sent Dani away with Fargo and Gunner. He now saw what a huge mistake that had been.

  The door to his office opened, a solemn Rock entering. “Do you have a minute, Wrath?”

  Nodding, he motioned for the others to give them a minute. When they left, he leaned against the desk, his hands gripping the edges. “How bad is it?”

  Lowering himself into a chair, Rock scrubbed a hand down his face. “Bad. I don’t know all of it, but the timing of this couldn’t have been worse. Ghost and Dani had a long talk this morning. He told her everything about Kylie.”

  Closing his eyes, Wrath lifted his head to the ceiling. “Fuck.”

  “Yeah. They aren’t in a good spot. He needed time to explain, work through it all. Ghost planned to do that after the meeting. He loves her, Wrath, and he’s pretty certain she feels the same. Don’t take this wrong, but it would’ve been best if you’d stuck with your original plan to make a decision about Dani after we’d all had a chance to hash out the plan.”

  “Yeah,” Wrath ground out. After years in command, he rarely made such a rookie mistake. He’d let Ghost down. Cut him off at the knees in front of everyone who mattered. The Posse.

  “He’s headed home.”

  “Does he plan to head to Gunner’s?” Wrath asked.

  “No. I’m going to his place now to get Dani’s stuff and deliver it to Gunner. Ghost’s going to take twenty-four hours to cool down before making any other decisions.” Stretching his arms over his head, Rock stood. “You did what you had to, Wrath. Ghost reacted the same way either you or I would’ve in his position if it involved Cara and Tessa. I’ve got to believe he isn’t going anywhere. It’s been a real hard few mo
nths for him. Within a few days, he’ll be back in the fold.”

  Wrath wasn’t so sure.

  Chapter Nineteen

  No word from Ghost. Dani might’ve considered changing her plans if he’d gotten in touch, come by to check on her. Instead, he’d sent Rock with her belongings.

  After an almost sleepless night, she’d gone over the plan again and again, until it burned in her mind. All the while, she’d been grateful for her foresight. Stuffing a huge wad of cash into a hidden pocket of her bag, along with the alternate identity she’d set up, had been a last minute decision. Now it would pay off.

  Growing up with Sully as a father, she’d learned a great deal, taken most of it to heart. Preparation was the key to every successful mission. She refused to believe this one wouldn’t succeed.

  She’d already heard Fargo and Gunner talking about one of them going to town for more food. Getting them separated was the chance she’d hoped for, the key to getting away. She didn’t want to hurt either one of them, but if forced, she’d bring all her years of training into play.

  When the clock hit eleven in the morning, she joined them in Gunner’s living room. The house was large and beautiful, up in the mountains a few miles from Ghost’s. Settling into one of the big, leather chairs, she did her best to hide any hint of anxiety.

  “Gunner’s going to the store. What can he get you?”

  “I’m good with whatever you guys eat, Fargo. Except I’d like some diet colas if you don’t already have them.”

  “No problem, Dani. I’ll pick you up a case.”

  “Thanks, Gunner.” A stab of guilt hit her at what would happen once he left. The best case was she’d slip out while security was disabled for Gunner to drive out. Worst case, she’d have to confront Fargo. Definitely not what she wanted.

  Gunner’s phone sounded, sending him into the hall to talk to the caller in private. A minute later, he returned, pocketing the phone.

  “Ghost called to make sure you’re doing all right. If you want, you can call him, Dani.”

  “No, thanks. I’m fine. You guys have been great and your place is spectacular. Thanks for taking me in, Gunner.”

  A flush hit his face before he turned away. “You’re important to Ghost, which means you’re important to all of us, Dani. Any of the guys would do this for both of you.”

  Unable to stop a snort, she stared into her lap. “Yeah. Thanks anyway.”

  She refused to talk about or think about Ghost. He’d made his decision and she’d made hers.

  Dani didn’t miss the concerned glances between Gunner and Fargo. Either they suspected she planned something, or they felt some guilt at their part in replacing Ghost. It didn’t matter. The instant Gunner left, she’d be on her way out of Liberty Lake.

  “Before you leave, give me a minute to check if I need anything else.”

  Jumping up, she headed to her room. Instead of rummaging through her belongings, she grabbed her go bag, setting it beside the sliding door.

  Gunner had spent an hour showing her around, letting her know the extent of the system. He wanted her comfortable. He’d also given her all the information she needed to finalize her plans.

  Pulling the note from her pocket, she placed it on the counter in the bathroom. Not allowing herself to change her mind, Dani headed back to the living room as Gunner grabbed the keys to his truck.

  “Anything else, Dani?”

  “Nope. I’m good.”

  “Okay then. I’ll be back within an hour.” Gunner shot Fargo an indecipherable look.

  She no longer cared about their silent signals, or the orders from Wrath. Dani had to focus on what was right for her.

  No matter what her father, Ghost, or Wrath thought, she’d never believed the threat was against her. It had been her misfortune to be in the line of fire. Not once had she thought the assailants specifically targeted her.

  Seeing Fargo walk in the direction of the main security panel, she made her move. “I’m going to lie down for a while.”

  Stopping, he faced her. “Good idea. I’ll let you know when we’ve got food ready.”

  “Thanks.” Not wasting another second, she hurried to her bedroom, slipping into the backpack. Counting to five, she opened the sliding glass door. Not hearing an alarm, she raced across the yard and into the trees.

  Legs pumping, she remembered her days in high school and college, the track competitions she’d won. Thankful she’d kept up the training after all these years, she did what had won all the races. Got into the zone.

  Mind clear of everything except her goal of getting away, she focused her breathing, felt the muscles in her legs and arms rally. It felt great. Heart fitting into the rhythm, she pumped harder, increasing her speed.

  She knew her destination lay two miles away. A piece of cake. Even dodging trees and shrubs, she’d be there in less than fifteen minutes.

  Eternal Brethren Clubhouse

  The door to the belowground dungeon flew open, Wrangler charging into Wrath’s office. “Dani’s on the run.”

  “Fuck. What direction?”

  “The highway. The way the tracker’s moving, she’ll be there in,” Wrangler checked his watch, “two minutes.”

  “Dammit. She’s going to try and catch a ride. Alert Rock, Tracker, and Moses. Tell them to saddle up and meet us at the old market on the highway. We’re a go in five minutes. Also, call Gunner and Fargo. Let them know their target got away.”

  “Roger that. What about Ghost?”

  “That’s my job. Get moving.”

  Picking up his phone, Wrath made the call.

  “What do you want?”

  Ghost’s question made him wince but didn’t surprise Wrath. “Dani’s on the run.”

  “What the fuck? Where’s she headed?”

  “Old highway. We’re alerting the men. Meet us at the old market on the highway in five.”

  “Roger. I’m on my way.”

  Ghost grabbed his wallet, set the alarm, and ran for his bike. He could cover more ground with it than the truck and maneuver in tight spaces if he ran into traffic.

  “Fucking running,” he muttered, screeching out of his driveway. It would take him less than five minutes to get to what remained of an old market set just off the highway. It wasn’t much more than a crumbled shell, perfect as a landmark.

  Gunning the bike, he raced around the curves, praying she didn’t do something stupid, such as hitchhike. Jumping into a car with a stranger would be one fucked up decision. Then again, she’d been put in a real fucked up position.

  Everything that happened in the last few months flashed through his mind. Hell, he couldn’t even blame her for running. It was what he’d been afraid of when he’d exploded on Wrath. Dani had a will of her own, someone who’d take only so much before rebelling. They’d pushed her to the limit, getting the expected result.

  Swerving around a few slow movers, he finally saw the landmark ahead. A couple bikes were there, ready to roll. Wrath and Rock. Turning into the gravel lot, his tires spun, spraying rock and dirt all around.

  “Status?” Ghost asked Wrath.

  “Wrangler says she’s standing still about five miles south of here.”

  “Fuck. She’s hitchhiking.”

  Wrath nodded. “Seems so. Shouldn’t take us long to pick her up.” He glanced up, seeing Moses and Tracker arrive. “We’re a go, men.”

  Taking the lead, Wrath’s comm unit kept them on a course toward Dani. Ghost rode right behind him, alongside Rock, with Moses and Tracker at the back. In less than three minutes, they’d be on her.

  Dani stuck out her thumb once more, hoping to catch a ride. Several vehicles had passed by her, ignoring the outstretched hand. She couldn’t blame them. Hitchhiking was risky for both the hiker and driver.

  “Yes, yes…” she muttered when a gray truck with an enclosed back slowed, then came to a stop. Walking to the door, she stood on the running board. “Where you headed?”

  A man wearing a b
all cap, sunglasses, and wide smile leaned toward her. “All the way to Quartzsite. You?”

  “All the way to Quartzsite.”

  “Great. Hop in.”

  She’d just latched the seatbelt when the truck lurched forward, claiming a spot on the highway. “What’s your name?”

  He flashed her another grin. “Rex.”

  The name was familiar, but she couldn’t place from where.

  “Yours?” Rex asked.

  “Daniella.”

  “Well, it’s very good to meet you, Dani.” Touching a button, the doors locked.

  Her body stilled. “How did you know people call me Dani?”

  Before she had a chance to react, Rex aimed a SIG .45 at her.

  “What the hell?” Frantically glancing around, Dani saw no chance of getting away. Her SIG was in the backpack, as was the pepper spray.

  Rex motioned with his gun, rolling down the window on her side. “If you’d be so kind as to toss your backpack out the window.”

  Anger overcoming fear, she straightened her back. “Hell no. I’m not tossing it anywhere.”

  “So much like Sully.”

  Rex kept the surprises coming. “You know my father?”

  He shot her a sideways glance. “Knew Sully, your mother, and you. ‘Course, you were just a little thing back then.” The smile morphed into a feral grin, making her skin crawl. “Now, toss it out or Sully will never see his precious daughter again.”

  Breath catching, she thought of her father, how devastated he’d be if anything happened to her. “Why should I bother? You’re going to kill me no matter what I do.”

  “Now that’s where you’re wrong. I’d never hurt you, Dani.”

  Hoping to get a chance to grab the gun while his focus was on the road, she leaned a little closer. “Then why take me?” She edged closer still.

  “Stay where you are. And don’t kid yourself into thinking you can take the gun from me. I’ve been at this a lot longer than you, little girl. Scoot back next to the door.”