by Kell, Sheila
Jesse met his brothers, Ken and three team members and uttered something like, “Thank God,” when Ken gave him the good news the girls were secure. The brothers didn’t play their leftover childhood game of rock-paper-scissors to find out who broke the bad news to Emily. They left everything to Jesse.
Emily Hamilton, their baby sister, as all the men knew, was a handful. One would think growing up with five, actually six, overprotective brothers, she’d be some meek, mild woman who depended on her brothers to take care of her. Somehow they’d pushed her to become a strong-willed, independent woman who loved her brothers but didn’t want them interfering in her life.
If it hadn’t have been for her daughter Amber, she wouldn’t have agreed to a team at her home. She’d refused to go to the safe house. She’d told them to do their damn job and protect them where they lived.
That’s what they were going to do.
He looked around the room at his team. Even though there were chairs, the men preferred to stand, and today was no exception. He should just remove them to make more room. They could use it with the recent growth of the team. Huddled in groups, conversations ranged from arguments over the baseball game to replays of last night’s bar scene.
Jesse cleared his throat, and the room quieted. All eyes turned to him. Conversations forgotten. “As you know, someone recently tried to kill either myself or AJ’s partner, Kate Ross.”
The men nodded. After the shooting, they’d wanted to provide a protective detail for him, but he’d vetoed it. Brad and Matt went behind his back and sent a team to shadow him. He’d smiled and kept his mouth shut. He loved his brothers.
“Things have changed. Last night, I received a note on my car that says, “Because of you, I lost someone I love. Now you’re going to lose someone you love. Facilitator.”
“Since the note isn’t specific, we have to branch out in a couple directions,” Matt informed them. “Some of you will join the team watching Emily, Amber and Reagan.”
The room burst into laughter.
Catching his breath, Jamaal Lewis, an ex-deputy marshal, asked, “How’d that go over?”
Jesse grimaced. They knew Emily too well. “It went over as well as you can imagine.”
The laughter continued.
“Okay. Okay.” He waved his hands and his team immediately sobered. “For now, Reagan will stay with her.”
“Why isn’t she staying with you?” Steve Smith, an ex-FBI agent, asked. “We can cover both houses.”
The team loved Reagan. They treated her like she had ten extra uncles, and they spoiled her relentlessly. He knew they’d never let anything happen to her. She was too precious to all of them.
“Because we have someone else to protect. Someone who won’t want us. It’s not someone I love, but it’s a hunch I have that she’s the actual target. FBI Special Agent Kate Ross.”
After thinking through the note and the shooting, Jesse realized it had to be Kate the Facilitator thought he loved.
AJ raised his eyebrows. “What the fuck? She’s not going to agree with you on this.”
Jesse gave an exasperated sigh. How could he explain to her that he thought she was in danger even though the note said someone he loves? In his gut, he knew the note meant Kate.
“Well, I’ll have to find a way to convince her.”
“She already has an FBI detail. She doesn’t need H.I.S. protection, too.”
“Well, she’s getting it.”
“We’re not hiring you in to consult on this one.”
“I never asked you to. This is personal, AJ. We’re going to handle it no matter what the FBI does.”
“Okay, the women’s protection is set. Let’s get to the most important part. We need to find out who this guy calling himself Facilitator is and stop him.” Matt rubbed his leg.
Matt and Brad were identical twins at six-two and were solidly-built with the Hamilton standard issue broad chests, bulging muscles, jet black hair and trademark golden-brown eyes. They both sported noticeable broken noses as mementoes of their time growing up together.
AJ moved forward. “After Jesse called me last night, I made reviewing his old FBI cases a priority. I leave it to you to check his cases here.”
“I’m already on it. I also have copies of his FBI cases, too.”
“Dammit, Devon! I don’t want to hear that.”
Jesse saw several of the team’s chests shake as they tried to stifle their laughter. They liked AJ, but they liked poking fun at him even more. Not only was he the youngest brother and not part of H.I.S., but he had the unfortunate reality of being born on April first.
“Then don’t listen.” No one was sure what Devon’s job had been when he’d been in the CIA, but there was nothing he couldn’t find with a computer. Devon ran his hand through this long, curly, jet black hair stopping at the bump on his head.
“Still hurt?”
Devon shook his head. “No. It’s fine.”
Jesse had been called from a hospital in Vegas as Devon’s emergency contact when Devon had been admitted after the hotel found him unconscious in his room. He had a large knot on his head and short-term memory loss. His entire Vegas trip was gone.
The hotel room had been cleaned by the time Jesse arrived. The hotel confirmed there was a shattered lamp, but it had already been disposed of. No other signs of struggle had been evident. Unfortunately, the hotel’s security cameras had been down the entire weekend, so they had no idea who hit Devon or why.
Since nothing had been taken and his computer systems weren’t compromised, Devon didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. Jesse remained hopeful Devon’s memory returned.
“Okay, AJ. Tell us about this perp.” Jesse needed to find out who they were up against. Time to remove the threat to the women in his life.
“About two years ago, not long after you left the agency, this guy pops up. We only know who he is by the card with “Facilitator for Hire” imprinted on it that he leaves at his kills. He likes to kill in a variety of ways. A bullet between the eyes, broken neck, strangulation…you get the picture. Our profile says he enjoys it, considers it art and that’s why he leaves his card. It’s his signature on his masterpiece.
“We’re not sure what made him choose a drive-by shooting this last time. It was risky.” AJ shook his head. “Unfortunately, no one knows who he is. He’s like a ghost.”
“Then how does he get hired if no one knows who he is?” Matt asked the obvious question.
“You don’t select him, he selects you. If you want someone killed, you quietly get the word out, and if he chooses you, he’ll come to you. Not personally, of course. That would make it too easy for us. We’ve sent people undercover, putting out the word we want someone killed but haven’t been contacted. It’s a gut feeling, but I think he knows who we really are.
“Since no one will admit to hiring him, we don’t know how he gets paid. We’ve looked through our suspect’s financials and haven’t found anything.”
“Give me their names. If there’s something there, I’ll find it.” Devon loved a challenge.
AJ nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“What about the car and the note?” Ken asked.
“We found the car this morning. He’d left his calling card. No prints. The car had been wiped clean. Whoever this bastard is, he’s careful.”
“How can you label a drive-by in Fells Point careful?” Jesse asked. His thoughts returned to the panic he’d felt thinking Kate was going to be killed. He didn’t even think. He’d reacted automatically, moving to save her. But he’d been too slow. She’d been shot anyway.
“Well now,” AJ drawled, “I didn’t say he was smart.”
“I want Steve and Joe to comb through the files with Devon then follow up on any leads.”
Joe Stone was another ex-FBI agent who’d worked with Jesse and was familiar with some of his old cases.
“Ken, keep a team on Emily’s house and a team on Kate. Make sure Kate do
esn’t know you’re there until I contact her.”
“The girls are secure. We’ll head out right after this for Ms. Ross’ protection. What do you want us to do about the FBI detail?”
AJ grinned at Jesse. “Yeah, Jess, what are you going to do about the FBI detail?”
Jesse’s eyes narrowed at AJ. “We’re going to have to cover their asses, too, now won’t we?”
The room broke out into laughter again. AJ glowered at everyone.
“Matt and Brad will stay inside with Emily and the girls. I’ll stay inside with Kate.” Jesse wanted Reagan with him, but if Kate was the real target, as he suspected, then it would be too dangerous. Best she stayed with his brothers for now.
AJ burst out laughing. He caught his breath, his hand held his side. “You really think she’s going to let you stay inside with her? You really don’t know Kate.”
He knew she wasn’t going to willingly let him stay with her. He hadn’t worked out yet how he was going to manage it, but he would. She had to be protected, and he wasn’t leaving that to the FBI. He didn’t understand it, but he knew he had to be close to her and protect her.
AJ sobered. “What are you going to do, Jess?”
“Don’t worry about it. She’ll agree.”
AJ smiled. “I can’t wait to see this.”
Jesse ignored his statement. “Team, we always treat everyone we protect as if they were our own. This time, it is our own. They’re mine. Nothing happens to them. Protect them with your life.”
The men nodded and a few hoorahs were heard as they grouped around Ken for orders.
“Why do you think it’s Kate?” AJ asked.
“Because we were together at the shooting then together when I received the note.”
“Wait a second. Where were you when you got the note? You never said exactly.”
“At her apartment.”
“You got the note at her apartment? What the fuck were you doing there?” AJ moved closer to Jesse his nostrils flaring and his face red.
“We had a date.”
“A what?” AJ exclaimed.
“A date. You know, it’s where two people get together and do something fun. The night usually ends with a good night kiss.”
His attempt at humor went unappreciated.
AJ surprised him with a right hook, knocking him back a step. Their brothers stepped forward, but Jesse waived them off. He rubbed his jaw and looked at AJ. “What the fuck was that for?”
“Leave her the hell alone. She’s not for you to use and toss aside. She’s a good person who’s been hurt too much.”
“I don’t use and toss aside women. They know what they’re getting into with me. I’m upfront about it. And I don’t plan to hurt Kate.” Hurting Kate was the last thing he wanted to do. It made his insides churn just thinking about it.
“Why her? Why can’t you find someone else?”
“I like her, AJ.” He knew he shouldn’t chase her. She was the marrying kind, not the affair kind, and he wasn’t getting married again. Yet, he couldn’t walk away from her. Especially not now.
“No, you don’t. You’ve been an ass to her this past month. I’m surprised she even let you in the door.”
A sly smile crossed Jesse’s face. “I can be lovable when I want to.”
AJ growled and rubbed the swelling knuckles on his hand.
“She’s a big girl, AJ. She can decide if she wants to see me or not.” She was about to see a whole lot more of him whether she wanted to or not.
“You hurt her, and I’ll kick your ass.”
Jesse nodded. “Fair enough.”
They stared at each other a minute longer and broke apart with an assumed truce.
“Devon, I’m counting on you to do that magic you do with computers and find out who this guy is before it’s too late.”
Devon nodded his head. “You can count on it, Jesse.”
Matt and Brad left to protect their sister and nieces. It was hard for Jesse not to be the one there to protect Reagan, but he knew he was doing the right thing. That allowed him to put the focus where it was needed to be, on Kate.
“Come on, AJ. You’re going with me to explain to Kate that she and Dottie are getting a temporary roommate.” Jesse would need AJ to help calm her, so he could convince her she needed him.
AJ groaned. “What did I do to deserve this torture?”
Jesse laughed. “It’s what you get for not joining H.I.S.” One day he would convince AJ to join his brothers. He’d sleep better knowing AJ was safely with the team. Then they’d find Jake, their foster brother.
AJ looked at his ringing phone. “Uh-oh. Speak of the devil. It’s her detail. There’s no telling what she’s done now.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
The worry of ever regaining the full use of her hand and being a field agent again ate away at Kate’s spirit. Although she’d gone into the FBI for personal reasons, she’d found it had been the right fit for her. Now, she may lose the ability to do something she loved.
Had her job as an FBI agent set a madman after her? She had to know.
AJ and Trent were doing their best, but the driver and shooter eluded them. Heck, they still didn’t know who the shooter was. She wanted to be out there, searching for him.
Whether she or Jesse was the target, or if it was a random shooting, had thoughts racing through her mind, searching for an invisible finish line.
Thinking he could be the target ignited a strange feeling inside her. She couldn’t identify it, but it overtook her concern for herself. While they’d enjoyed the evening, she’d forgotten about the possible threat over one of them. Last night, after he’d left, fear for him almost ruined what had been a great time. Worst-case scenarios flew through her mind.
She’d itched to call him and ensure he’d arrived home safely but managed to hold back. He didn’t need to think she was some crazy bitch like Elizabeth.
What was next for them? Nothing, that’s what. She’d turned him down, and he’d left without mention of seeing her again. But they’d had such a good time.
She didn’t try to fool herself, it was better it happened now, before she got attached since he’d never accept her. The crushing pain in her heart confused her. She had to put him from her mind. They’d never work. Best to avoid him at all costs in the future.
Enough. Sitting around bemoaning and hiding out wasn’t Kate. She faced her problems head-on. Why did she agree to cower in her apartment? She may not even be the target. It was because she’d received a serious dressing-down from AJ after leaving to have lunch with her friends. He may have been right, but she didn’t care what he’d said. She needed to go out again. She had something important to do and nothing would stop her. Not even a madman.
She picked up her handbag and walked out the door. Agent Keller immediately put his cell phone to his ear, probably notifying AJ that she wasn’t following his orders.
“I’m going to Ross Communication.”
Agent Brent cleared his throat. “Kate, you know that you really should stay inside.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I probably should. But, would you hide out?”
His lips tightened and he slowly shook his head.
The agents quickly moved into action to protect their departing assignment.
* * * * *
Kate strolled into the Ross Communication building and paused. She loved the lobby with its brightly shining hardwood floors, large two-tier crystal chandelier on the two story high ceiling, and the beautiful oak railing staircase she remembered racing up and down as a kid. The added cosmetic details her mother had incorporated made it the most spectacular office building lobby she’d ever seen.
The agents refused to wait in the lobby but agreed to remain as invisible as possible.
Smiling, she approached the receptionist. “Hello, Grace. How are you?”
“Hi, Kate. It’s good to see you.” Grace flashed her bright, welcome-to-Ross smile. “Things are good. How’re things with you? Arian
a told us about the shooting. Are you all right?”
She waved her injured hand. “I’m fine. I’ll be back in business in no time.”
“Well, I hope they catch the criminal soon. We don’t need more killers clogging up the streets.” She shuddered.
“How are the kids?” The staff at Ross liked she took an interest in their personal lives even though she didn’t work in the offices. Ariana knew every employee’s name but nothing about them.
“Dawn’s growing like a weed. She outgrows her jeans before she even has a chance to wear them a second time. Thankfully, her sister is right behind her and takes her hand-me-downs.” She raised her eyebrows at the agents following Kate. “Ariana’s in her office, but she’s with someone right now.”
Kate nodded. “I’ll just visit with some of the staff on my way to see her. There’s no need to announce me.”
She enjoyed her visits with the staff at Ross. They were good people who had devoted themselves to the success of the business. She couldn’t thank them enough.
“Go on up. Everyone will be glad to see you. I hope your hand heals soon.”
She thanked Grace, and then took the stairs to the third floor and the executive offices. Her first stop being Lee Genovese, Executive Vice President, and Ariana’s right-hand man. He was a middle-aged man, average height with thinning black hair and beautiful olive skin. He had a small belly that Kate knew his wife Valerie was on him to get rid of. You could always count on Lee to lighten the mood in a room. He was intelligent and the most impressive man she knew.
She entered his office and smiled brightly. “Hi, Lee.”
A large smile stretched across his face. “Kate, it’s been too long. What’ve you been up to? Besides getting shot at.”
She mentally shook her head. Did Ariana send out a company memo about it? “Just catching criminals.”
“When are you coming to work here? We’d love to have you run things with Ariana.”