The door closed on Jonah’s frowning face. He knew the man hadn’t missed the veiled nuances of Grey’s promise. Jonah would learn all he needed to know. That didn’t necessarily mean he would learn everything, though. At least not yet.
And when he did? Who knew what he would do?
Chapter Two
London, England
Waiting to be kidnapped was a little like sitting on a keg of sizzling dynamite. She knew the where, she knew the when. That was all. Who and how it would go down were nerve-rattling mysteries.
In one way or another, Gabriella Mendoza had been working and planning for this event for most of her adult life. Dreaming and scheming, but without any clear idea of how she could accomplish her goal. By happenstance, design, or small miracle, she wasn’t quite sure yet, she’d been given the opportunity to make her plans a reality.
For a girl who had been told what to do for most of her life, that had been a heady, mind-blowing experience. Directed where to go, what to say, what to think, smothered to the point of insanity. Her every action analyzed, judged, discussed, and corrected. She had always consoled herself that she had never given in, not really. But with each day that passed, she could feel herself disappearing more and more. One day she would no longer exist, and she would become a shell-like version of her original self.
Some would look at her life and laugh or sneer in disgust. What did she have to complain about? They would see the house she lived in, the clothes she wore, the food she ate, and see nothing more. She lived a life of wealth and privilege few people could fathom.
If one were willing to look closer, the evidence of a miserable, lifeless existence was apparent.
Raiza, her friend, mentor, and teacher, would be thrilled for her. With stalwart determination, Raiza Torres had combined methodical training and incredible wisdom to prepare her charge for this day. And though her friend was no longer with her, Gabriella could feel her spirit driving her, guiding her toward the freedom they had both wanted for her.
If this didn’t work? No. She wouldn’t even think that thought. There were no other options. She would never have another chance. It was either this, or accept the invisible chains she would never be able to shed. She would not, could not, fail.
Knowing worry would get her nowhere, she pushed it aside. Crossing the bedroom suite, she went to the window looking out at the vast estate. The winter had been a cold and bitter one, but like a little schoolgirl full of mischief, spring was teasing with tiny buds on the trees. From the ground, hardy crocus heads were popping up, and little blades of green were shooting out in the dead brown grass.
Spring was her favorite season. Rebirth and renewal…a farewell to the old and the cold. So much hope lived in the spring. It was where she lived. No one knew of her hopes, of her plans. They, like her thoughts, were carefully guarded secrets stored away in her head, held close in her heart. She might have no privacy, and her daily activities might be planned from dusk till dawn, but there was one thing no one could invade or take away from her. Her dreams. They were hers alone.
A guard, one of the many who patrolled the perimeter of the estate, clomped across the ground. Gabby winced as his heavy boots stomped the fragile new grass. She had felt that way more than once.
But that would soon change. Hiding her bubbling excitement behind a composed, placid veneer had been more difficult than she’d anticipated. She was so used to disguising her real thoughts, she had believed this would be no different. But this was completely different. The hope she’d held on to for so long now had a solid foundation. She was finally going to be free.
Last night, she had gone through her studio and said goodbye to her work. Her paintings had been her only outlet, the only freedom of expression she had been allowed. Her art held her spirit, her essence, her very being. And she knew to her soul that the paintings would be destroyed. Her grandfather would see to that. She felt as though she was turning her back on them, but she had no choice. If she were to survive, she had to leave everything behind, including the work that had sustained her.
She had woken this morning sad but resolved. She would look to the future, and to have a future, she had to leave everything behind.
“Are you ready?” a harsh voice barked.
Unstartled by the abrupt intrusion, Gabriella turned. Having someone burst into her room without knocking was normal. Prisoners didn’t deserve privacy.
“Yes, I’m ready.” Her calm statement gave no hint of just how ready she was. In her handbag were all the things she could not live without. How very odd that there was so little. A photo or two of her parents, a necklace that had once belonged to her mother, and her favorite drawing pen. If anyone looked inside, and it wouldn’t surprise her if someone did, they would see nothing out of the ordinary. Treasures to her would mean nothing to these heartless men.
“Let’s go. I have more important things to do than escort my little sister to a doctor’s appointment.”
She had learned the hard way that Mendoza women were to act in a certain way. At age fifteen, when most young girls were dreaming of their future and all the possibilities, she had learned of her grandfather’s plan for her future. The reinforcement of that news had put her in the hospital for two weeks.
For years, she had followed the rules, biding her time. But soon, very soon, the bird would leave her gilded cage and fly away forever. The time for wishing was over. Now was the time for action.
“If you don’t get moving, I’ll be glad to give you some incentive.”
Carlos’s oily voice, with his evil reference, made no impact. She knew why he was here. Raiza was gone. Until a replacement companion could be found, she would be under heavier guard. Her brother had been charged with seeing to the reinforced security. Little did they know that this worked into her plans as if heaven sent. Giving Carlos the responsibility of her security was laughable. Not only was her brother an idiot, he was also lazy. Which made it that much easier for her plans to succeed.
Admittedly, having him here had been unpleasant. Carlos had made numerous threats, but hadn’t, as yet, made good on any of them. Gabriella had already decided that if he tried, it would be the last thing he ever did. She might not survive whatever punishment her grandfather devised for such a sin, but it would be much better than having the monster who was her brother touch her in any way.
To know this man was her blood relative was a nauseating fact she had worked hard to forget. She had been successful for many years, mostly because Carlos was occupied with his own pleasurable pursuits. Little did he know that his life was about to take an abrupt plunge to the bottom.
“You know, if I wasn’t quite sure you hate me almost as much as I despise you, I’d assume you were delaying so I could carry out my new duties.”
Unwilling to deal with the confrontation and its aftermath on a day that would be challenging enough, Gabby allowed herself one lethal glare as she passed him to go out the door. His mocking laughter sent chills of revulsion up her spine, but she quieted them with the reminder that, very soon, his vileness would disappear from her life forever.
***
Sitting in an unobtrusive tan-colored panel truck he’d parked behind a large clump of trees, Wyatt Kingston held the high-powered binoculars to his eyes as he spoke into the radio mic. “They just left the estate.”
The British-accented voice of his employer was crisp and clear. “How many following?”
“One SUV. Three guards inside.”
“The brother is definitely with her?”
“Yes. They’re in the back of the limo together.”
“Your recommendation?”
“Looks good.”
Silence followed the statement. Wyatt wouldn’t act until the go-ahead was given. His team was doing the heavy lifting, but this was all Grey Justice’s mission.
“Take them.”
“Copy that.”
Seated at his desk thousands of miles away, the Dallas skyline at his back, Grey lis
tened as final preparations were made for the abductions of Gabriella and Carlos Mendoza.
If the op went down as planned, both would soon be living very different lives. If this thing went sideways, Carlos Mendoza would be out of their reach forever. As for Gabriella? He didn’t kid himself. A failed mission might be the end for her as well.
Chapter Three
London, England
The large waiting room was filled with people, both standing and sitting, but the instant Gabby appeared, a nurse rushed forward and ushered her into an exam room. Not having to wait was a perk she probably didn’t fully appreciate. She supposed being related to the doctor was an advantage, but it was one Gabby would gladly do without. When they were small children, she and her cousin Antonia had been occasional playmates. But the adult Antonia, having had all her education paid for by their grandfather, followed his dictates. She did his bidding in all things. Gabby trusted her as much as she trusted anyone in her family, which meant not at all.
The reason for this appointment was a mystery. She had no health issues and had endured a physical exam only a few weeks ago.
Gabby had barely sat down when Antonia glided into the room. Her black Dior dress probably cost more than the monthly rent on the high-priced office space. Her face beautifully austere, she gave an impersonal smile. “And how are we today, Gabriella?”
She couldn’t allow Antonia to know that this appointment, no matter the reason, had been a godsend. If she didn’t put up at least a little resistance, there would be speculation. She could afford none.
“Why am I here, Antonia? I was here only a few weeks ago.”
“Yes, and you were quite ill. I’m just following up to make sure you’ve recovered.”
Gabriella rolled her eyes. “I had a little cold. It was nothing more than that.”
“Your health, just like everyone’s in our family, is of paramount importance.”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly healthy. Feel free to take my temperature or whatever, and you’ll see.”
“Nonsense.” Her gaze shifted to someone standing behind Gabby. “Martha, please help my cousin remove her clothes. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Gabby turned and faced the sternest, most dour-faced woman she’d ever seen. Gabby had been to her cousin’s office many times and had never seen her before. “Are you new?”
The woman’s expression never changed. “Please remove your clothes.”
An inkling of concern rose inside her. This suddenly felt like more than a casual let’s see how you’re doing exam. Why would she need to take her clothes off for a simple recheck?
Not liking where this was leading, Gabby took a step toward the door. The nurse placed herself in front of Gabby, preventing her from leaving. With a just try it expression on her grim face, the woman was as intimidating as any of her grandfather’s armed guards. Gabby knew she could fight her way out of here, but then what? All the plans she had made would be for nothing. There might never be another chance.
She drew in a breath. Very well. As frustrating as this might be, she would endure a pointless, useless exam, and then she would be on her way.
She nodded at the nurse in dismissal. “I don’t need any help taking my clothes off.”
Thankfully, the woman took her at her word and went to stand in front of the door. Leaning against it, the nurse crossed her arms and waited.
As her heart pounded with anxiety, Gabby tried to reassure herself. Antonia would never hurt her. There would be no reason.
She turned her back to the nurse and undressed, her shaking hands and trembling knees slowing her a bit. When she was nude, she felt a soft robe descend on her shoulders. Grateful for the warming comfort, Gabby wrapped the robe around her body, then sat on the edge of a chair, trying to prevent her teeth from chattering.
Seconds later, Antonia returned, holding a steaming cup. “Sorry for the chill. Here’s your tea, prepared just the way you like it—one sugar, no cream.”
Telling Antonia that the chill in the air had nothing to do with her shivering would do no good. Taking the cup, she breathed in the aromatic fragrance of spring flowers. At least this felt normal. Their love of tea was one of the few things she and her cousin had in common. Antonia always gave her a cup of tea during an office visit.
Sipping the brew, Gabby gave a grateful hum. “It’s delicious.”
Antonia smiled. “It’s my new favorite. I’ll have my office manager get you a tin of it to take home with you.”
Gabby took another sip and sighed. With the warmth of the soft robe and the delicious tea, she was feeling much more relaxed. There was no reason for her to worry. Antonia would give her a quick exam, note that she was indeed perfectly healthy, and that would be that. She would leave here and begin a brand-new life.
The feeling of happy anticipation was the last thing she remembered.
***
Gabby walked out of the doctor’s office under her own steam, but it took every ounce of determination to do so. Her body ached, but for some odd reason, she couldn’t determine the location or the reason. Her mind was a blur of vague images and soft words, but she couldn’t piece together who had said them or what had happened.
Though all she wanted to do was lie down and take a long nap, she struggled to comprehend what had occurred. She remembered sipping tea, feeling warm and cozy, and then nothing. When she woke, Antonia had been standing over her, and Gabby was once again fully clothed.
When Gabby had asked if she’d been drugged, Antonia had given her a slightly guilty look and admitted slipping a light sedative into the tea. She claimed that because Gabby had seemed so anxious, she had drugged her to make her feel better, nothing more.
A harsh curse came from Carlos, who was standing at the door of the elevator, glaring at her. “Would you come on already? I have important people waiting on me.”
One guard followed behind her, and two guards flanked her, but unless she tripped no one would touch her. The rule of the house—no men outside the family could touch a Mendoza female.
She made it to the elevator just as the doors opened. Carlos stepped on and then watched with a smirk as she followed, stumbling. The instant she entered, Gabby grabbed the bar to steady herself. Their faces as expressionless as robots, the guards stepped inside, and one pushed the button for the ground floor. The car moved, and a wave of nausea rolled through her. With every bit of determination she could muster, she fought the sickness. Admittedly, while throwing up all over Carlos and her guards would give her a sense of satisfaction, the temptation was one she dared not indulge. The guards would take the insult like any loyal soldier, but humiliating a Mendoza in public would not be tolerated. Swallowing back the nausea, Gabby gripped the bar tighter.
She arrived at the first floor without humiliating herself and breathed a prayer of thankfulness. Carlos was the first one out of the elevator. Two of her bodyguards went ahead of her. Gabby stepped out, followed by another guard. Too sick to notice the stares and whispers from a lobby filled with strangers, Gabby kept her eyes focused on the prize. The limo waited on the street, the back door already open. She walked through the revolving door and onto the sidewalk. Just a few more steps, and she could collapse into her seat and take a nap. That was all she needed, just a short nap, and she would be fine.
Three feet from the car, she heard a slight whisper of sound and turned.
Chaos erupted.
The targets exited the building and headed to the limo. Taking them on the street in front of dozens of witnesses held risks, but an open-road abduction held more danger. The chances of a target being injured were greater. The mission was abduction without harm. This scenario was the only way Wyatt could ensure their safety.
His men waited for the signal, and Wyatt spoke quietly, “Go.”
The van jerked to a stop beside the limo, obstructing its exit from the front. An SUV stopped a few feet behind the van. The limo was blocked front and back. The only exit was the sidewalk, bu
t a parking meter and concrete post prevented escape that way.
Wyatt’s men jumped from their vehicles and surrounded the small group. Three men went for the bodyguards. Wyatt went for Gabriella. Another man reached for her brother Carlos.
A second from securing his target, Wyatt jerked to a stop when Carlos grabbed hold of his sister. Showing just what a sleazeball he was, he jerked Gabriella in front of him and yelled, “Take her. She’ll bring you more ransom money than I would.”
Wyatt wrapped his hand around Gabriella’s arm and snatched her away from her brother. Holding her with one arm, he used his other arm to shove the asshole toward one of his men. A yelp of pain erupted from Carlos, and Wyatt smiled. The tranquilizer needle jabbed into the idiot’s neck had apparently hurt. Good.
Gabriella began to struggle in his arms. Whether she did it to make the guards believe she had no part in the abduction, or she really was afraid, he didn’t know. Easily holding her, Wyatt pushed a pressure syringe filled with a sleeping agent against her neck. She slumped like a wilted flower in his arms. Surprised at the quick reaction—the drug wasn’t nearly as potent as the one her brother had received—Wyatt made a quick check to make sure she wasn’t faking. Sure enough, she was out like a light. Deciding she must be a total lightweight, Wyatt covered her face with a hood, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the SUV. He placed her in the back of the vehicle and quickly tied her hands and feet together.
Another man carried Carlos to the van. The three bodyguards, all in various stages of consciousness, would be transported to a densely wooded area miles away. After a few hours, they would be set free.
Gabriella should stay unconscious until he was out of the city, but if she didn’t, she was restrained and shouldn’t cause any problems. Since he didn’t want her to be able to identify him if things went south, she would remain blindfolded and tied up until the transfer. Then she would become another man’s problem.
Too Far Gone: A Grey Justice Novel Page 2