Shattered Duty

by Katie Reus

  Levi shook his head, every muscle in his body going rigid. “He’s dead.” Otherwise he would have been at the top of Levi’s list of suspects. Levi knew Vasily had worked for him at one time but Tasev had died about five years ago and Levi had assumed the man he was hunting had found a new boss. A Russian for sure; they tended to stick together. About a year ago Levi had embedded himself with a group of them working in Odessa but had quickly realized they knew nothing about Vasily and weren’t as violent as he’d originally thought. So he’d moved on.

  Alexander shook his head. “No he’s not. And he’s in Miami.”

  Too many emotions bombarded Levi at once as he realized Alexander wasn’t bullshitting him. Vasily, the man who’d tortured his precious wife beyond comprehension was dead and the man who’d likely ordered it was in the same city—if Tasev was actually alive. It was like kismet if he believed in that shit. “Tasev, you’re sure?”

  Expression grim, Alexander nodded. “I make it my business to know what goes on in my city.”

  His pulse thudded hard in his throat. “I want an introduction.” I’m gonna kill him, Meghan. I swear it.

  Alexander shook his head.

  Before he could say anything Levi continued, “Whatever the cost.”

  The arms dealer sighed and waited, watching him as if he was trying to read his mind. “Are you on a suicide mission? If you get in bed with him, he’ll eventually kill you. He kills almost everyone he does business with.”

  Levi knew all about Tasev, a monster who’d created far too much havoc for a decade. No one even knew if Tasev was his first or last name. Or even his real name. It was simply his moniker in the criminal underworld. “Not if I kill him first.” And it didn’t really matter as long as Tasev died by his hand. If Levi died in the process, so be it. It would be a kindness.

  Alexander’s eyebrows rose a fraction but he nodded. “Fine. I won’t introduce you but I’ll set up a meet with someone who will. His name’s Gregor; he’s a middleman.”

  “Gregor ‘the German’?” Levi knew him by reputation but their paths had never crossed. If someone wanted something—priceless antiquities, an organ from the black market, whatever—Gregor Winkler was supposed to be able to get it or introduce you to the person who could.

  “Yes. But—”

  “Make it happen.” He didn’t need Alexander trying to talk him out of this. Levi was so close to vengeance he could taste it.

  “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m attending a party tonight. Black tie. The German will be there.” A knock at the door made him frown.

  Levi had noticed that Alexander’s guards never interrupted him and they had serious respect for him. That said a lot in his world. Anyone could instigate fear, but respect was a different and rare beast.

  “What?” he snapped.

  A moment later, one of the men Levi knew was named Meza stepped in. He glanced at Levi, then strode toward Alexander. Leaning down he quietly whispered something to the arms dealer.

  The change in Alexander’s body language was subtle as he nodded and straightened, effectively dismissing Meza, who left the room but didn’t close the door, leaving a clear message for Levi that it was time to leave. Alexander seemed pleased as he turned back to Levi. “I have business to attend to but I’ll send you the information about tonight. It starts at eight and the German will be prompt. He has other meetings lined up but I’ll work you in, even if I think it’s a mistake.”

  “Thank you.” Levi let himself out, his shoes silent against the marble-tiled hallway as he made his way to the entryway.

  His body hummed with an anticipation he could barely contain inside him. If Tasev was the man behind Meghan’s death, Levi was going to find him, hunt him down, and make him regret he’d ever taken his first breath.

  • • •

  Selene smiled warmly at Alexander Lopez as he greeted her on his well-guarded lanai. The Olympic-sized pool glistened behind him as he stood and kissed her on both cheeks. For a criminal, she actually liked Lopez. He was honorable in his own way, with a code he kept to. He didn’t hurt women, didn’t hurt children, was picky about who he sold weapons to, and, surprisingly, donated a lot of money to various charities. The man was a walking contradiction.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure, Selene?” he asked as he sat across from her.

  He knew her as Selene Silva, a cover ID she’d been building for five years. She was supposedly an efficient assassin who worked for hire and her street name was The Wolf. It amused her that her real last name was almost the same as part of one of her many aliases. She wasn’t even sure how her cover ID had gotten the nickname but it had spread after one of her supposed kills and Wesley liked the idea that her ID was intimidating enough to garner a signature.

  “I’m in town on business and calling in one of my favors,” she said pleasantly as she sat next to him on one of the cushioned outdoor couches. Turning toward him, she crossed her legs, making sure she kept her body language relaxed. She might adore Alexander but she never forgot they were on opposite sides of the law. It was a beautiful sunny Miami day and cool enough that she could get away with wearing loose cargo pants. Luckily his guards had missed one of the blades strapped to her inner thigh. She always felt naked without her weapons. Sometimes they used a metal wand to detect weapons but she’d been here enough times and they’d opted not to.

  His dark eyebrows rose. “I’m scared to ask what you want,” he said wryly.

  “It’s an easy favor. I need an introduction to the German. I know he’s going to be at Shah’s party tonight. And I already have an invite.” She just didn’t want to have to do a cold introduction. It would look much better if a third party did the introductions and she knew Alexander would have no problem setting up the meeting considering he often acted as a go-between for these types of things. Wesley thought there was a one percent chance Tasev himself might be at the party but they and the analysts running this op doubted it. Still, the German should be there and he was a piece of shit who would give her a meet with Tasev if the price was right. Or perhaps just give her Tasev’s location. She preferred that to a meeting. She wanted to infiltrate where he was staying and see if the intel on an antibiotic-resistant toxin they’d received was indeed true. If it was . . . she mentally shook herself. She couldn’t even think of the devastation Tasev could wreak on the country and eventually the world.

  Lopez watched her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “Why do you need the introduction? I can get you what you want.”

  No, Lopez couldn’t. Because she knew him well enough that he wouldn’t introduce her to Tasev for a multitude of reasons. He might not even know the man was a) alive and b) in Miami and she didn’t plan to tell him. Even if he knew, Lopez had a strange code and he wouldn’t introduce a female to someone like Tasev. Honorable but annoying. “I’m not explaining myself.” Her voice was light but had a slight edge to it. He’d never asked her to explain herself before and she didn’t like that he was now.

  His jaw tightened but he nodded. “Fine, I’ll introduce you. But you’re going with me and leaving with me.”

  Now she raised her eyebrows. “Putting stipulations on this? That’s not how favors work.”

  “Then humor me. I need a date anyway.”

  She eyed his gaudy shirt. “I hope you plan on changing.”

  The tension in his shoulders loosened as he leaned back against the chair. “Fucking Shah. I should show up wearing this just to piss him off. I hate black tie stuff.”

  “I don’t know why. I bet you clean up good.” She hid her smile when he flushed. For a badass arms dealer he sometimes got flustered around women. It was charming. “But what’s up with all this?” she asked, motioning to her face.

  “Some women like beards,” he said almost defensively.

  “I never said I didn’t. I was just asking about the change.” He shrugged, not giving her an answer. “Well, it looks good. Very rugged. What time should I meet you?�
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  “I can pick you up.”

  She snorted and stood. There was no way she’d tell him where she was staying and he knew it. “Nice try. I’ll be here at seven if that works.”

  He nodded, amusement making his eyes twinkle. “It works.”

  They made small talk as he walked her to the front door. Once she’d left his exclusive neighborhood she’d have to pull over and scan her vehicle for tracking bugs. Lopez was decent enough but if he could get info on anyone, he would. It was the nature of his business and probably why he was so successful.

  She didn’t care if Lopez had planted a tracker. If she could meet with the elusive man known as the German—and hopefully keep Levi Lazaro from finding out about Tasev at all—their team might stop what could be one of the worst terrorist attacks the country had ever seen. The bombing that had happened weeks ago at the Westwood mansion would be nothing in comparison to what Tasev wanted to unleash. They had to stop him at any cost. And killing the man who’d likely murdered Meghan Lazaro was a bonus.

  Chapter 4

  Agent: a person officially employed by an intelligence service.

  Claus stared at his dry-erase board, his heart thumping erratically in his chest. He’d done it.

  He’d finally figured out the rest of the coding sequence. He was positive.

  But he couldn’t let anyone know. It was way too soon. He wasn’t even sure if he’d managed to get his message out. He was ninety percent sure he had by using the iPad Tasev had given his daughter to use, but until he knew without a doubt, Claus had to keep this to himself. That fool Tasev thought he was so smart but it didn’t matter that he’d disconnected the wireless system on the iPad. Claus had easily bypassed the block. He nearly snorted at Tasev’s arrogance.

  As Claus stood there staring at his work, he felt Aliyah’s hand gently touch his forearm. He almost jumped, but steadied himself and turned. She hadn’t cried today at all so that was good at least. This was the wrong time and wrong place for him to start being a father. It was his fault she’d been dragged into this. Somehow she didn’t seem angry at him. Or maybe she was putting on a front. If she was angry he wouldn’t blame her. He almost wished she was. Maybe it would give her an outlet for the pain he knew she must be feeling right now.

  “Come eat with me?” she asked.

  Eat? He glanced at his watch and frowned. It was well past his normal lunch time. “I’d like that.” That was when he noticed she’d cleared off space and set up plates and food for them on one of his metal lab tables.

  A guard must have brought food down and Claus hadn’t even noticed. He inwardly chastised himself. He knew he needed to pay more attention to stuff like that, but he often got so caught up in his own world that everything else funneled out. But with Aliyah here he needed to be sharper.

  “I’m sorry you were taken because of me,” he said as he sat.

  “You don’t have to keep apologizing.” She wore a pair of light blue scrubs Tasev had provided. They were loose fitting and she seemed comfortable enough. Her face was pale and it was clear she was distressed but was putting on a brave face since there was nothing they could do to escape. “How’s your project coming?”

  He grunted, not wanting to answer. He wasn’t sure if Tasev had video cameras watching him, but he knew the man had placed audible recorders in the room. He’d found one early this morning and it was new, so clearly Tasev thought he’d confide something of use to his daughter. “Tell me about your work, your life, everything.” After the shock of last night she’d fallen into a deep sleep so he’d left her alone and continued his work. This morning they’d had breakfast together but she’d mainly picked at her food, still confused and terrified.

  “Um, well, I’m sure you know some of it, but I’m an advisor at a financial consulting firm. Our captor made me call in with a family emergency so no one would know I was missing. He’s very thorough,” she muttered.

  “Yes, he is.” Claus wanted to reassure her that help was on the way but since he didn’t know if that was true, and he would tip his hand if he said anything, he said nothing about it. “Do you like your job?” he asked.

  She nodded, half smiling as she picked up one of her fish tacos. It was mahimahi with ceviche, something he ordered all the time. He was glad she seemed to like it too.

  For a few brief moments he was going to pretend that he wasn’t in a prison and his daughter wasn’t alive only because a monster had decided Claus was necessary. He was going to pretend that he was merely having lunch with his daughter for the first time—and hope that the NSA got his SOS message. Whatever happened, he just wanted her safe. If he had to sacrifice himself to get her to freedom, he’d do it.

  • • •

  Levi jerked out of his reading when his watch beeped. Blinking, he glanced at the face and turned off the alarm. He couldn’t believe it was time to get ready for the Shah party. Since returning to the abandoned mansion he’d been hiding out in, he’d been devouring the files Alexander had given him and cross-referencing what he knew about Vasily and Tasev. What the hell was up with no last names?

  At least Vasily was dead. And now that Levi had an actual name, Tasev, he’d reached out to some old contacts. So far no one had gotten back to him, but with the time differences it wasn’t a surprise.

  Before he killed Tasev he had to figure out why the hell he’d gone after Meghan. Nothing she’d been working on at the time would have warranted what happened to her. A year and a half ago his old boss had discovered a mole at the NSA. The guy had been killed by the very man he’d been leaking information to. From what Levi had gathered, that mole had had nothing to do with Meghan. Some days he wondered if the problem had even originated within the NSA or if it had come from somewhere else.

  Meghan had been quirky and highly intelligent. A supernerd, as she’d liked to call herself. She’d kept a journal and even that had been in her own personal code. She’d loved numbers, codes, and figuring out puzzles and while she’d been deadly in her own right, she’d preferred working behind a computer to being in the field. They’d been different in so many ways but they’d fit. It hadn’t been a love-at-first-sight thing, but a slow build that had developed over years of friendship. Hell, she’d been his best friend so he’d lost his wife and closest friend at once.

  After her death he’d figured out the key to her journal because he’d known her better than anyone else had. From it he’d discovered that the week she died she’d had a meeting scheduled with one of her old friends, Dr. Claus Schmidt. Schmidt had been a low-level asset for the NSA for Meghan’s recruiter, Louis Bachman, years ago. Bachman had introduced Meghan and Schmidt at a conference, but they’d never worked together in an official capacity. Despite their age difference, the two had become friends. They’d loved talking science and numbers together. Unfortunately Bachman had died of a heart attack so Levi had been unable to question him further.

  And Schmidt had been missing for two years.

  Ever since Meghan was killed. The timing wasn’t a coincidence but Levi couldn’t figure out how the two events were related or where the hell Schmidt was. But he knew the doctor was somehow connected.

  Hurrying, he showered and dressed in the tuxedo he’d bought on the way back to his hideout. It wasn’t custom but the fit was decent. He didn’t care, as long as he blended in well enough to do the meet tonight. He’d already contacted Jasmine/Allison about the party and planned to knock out two birds with one stone. When he’d mentioned that Alexander wanted to talk to her she’d seemed stunned but also pleased. The two couldn’t be more different but what the hell did Levi know.

  The drive to Allison’s place took him less than five minutes. Even though he was staying in an abandoned mansion, it was still in a prime part of town close to her high-rise penthouse suite. Luckily he didn’t have to park; she was waiting inside the lobby. When she waved at him through the glass door, her doorman opened it and escorted her to Levi’s SUV. He would have normally opened the door for
her but the doorman was determined to, fawning all over her and practically drooling as he helped her in.

  He understood why. The woman was exquisitely beautiful. She was like one of those pinup models from half a century ago with a perfect hourglass figure. Not that his dick seemed to notice. Beautiful women just didn’t do it for him these days. Nothing did. Deep down, he knew it was because he was dead inside. When he’d lost Meghan and their unborn child—without even the chance to bury their daughter—something inside him had cracked wide open and not just broken, but shattered.

  The only good thing about that was that he didn’t care if he died. Death might even be a mercy. It made this mission easier than any he’d ever done. As long as he took out everyone guilty with him, Levi didn’t give a shit if he burned too.

  “You look beautiful,” he murmured to Allison, flicking her a quick glance as she strapped in.

  “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.”

  He grunted as he looked in the rearview mirror, checking for a tail. So far he didn’t see one but that didn’t mean anything. “Thanks for coming with me to this.” He’d offered to pay her but she said she didn’t want his money, that she didn’t want any man’s money even if he hadn’t been offering to pay for her body. He was glad to hear that and he wasn’t sure why. His dead wife’s ghost would probably tell him it was because he still had a conscience somewhere in his hollow chest, but that couldn’t be it. He didn’t care about anything other than avenging her.

  “Does Alexander know I’m going to be there?” Her breathing rate kicked up a notch when she asked and even though she was perfectly still, seeming at ease, he saw the pulse point in her throat fluttering faster than normal.

  “No, but he’ll be pleased.” That being an understatement.

  She didn’t say anything, just turned to look out the window.

  The drive to Shah’s mansion in Coral Gables was quiet, which was just as well. Levi had already pulled the building records to get the layout of the place and used Google Earth to scan the area so he was familiar enough with the place to be comfortable about heading in relatively blind. If he’d still been with the NSA he’d have had better intel, but fewer resources was part of the price of going off the grid. The ten-bedroom, ten-bath place was around thirty thousand square feet of livable space, lavishly furnished, had a private beach, and was located in the gated Tahiti Beach neighborhood. Levi wondered if Shah’s neighbors knew he was a highly sought-after thief.