Black Pawn (Michael Cailen Book 1)

by Mel LeBrun

  “I have to talk to him. Can you get me an address?”

  “I think I can get that for you.”

  “Good.” He glanced around the warehouse. “So how are you going to account for this?”

  Dmitri shrugged. “The men were complaining that they were hungry so I left to get some food. When I came back, everyone was dead and the girl and drive were gone.”

  “He's gonna be pissed.”

  Dmitri nodded. “Doubt he'll kill me though since I'm one of the few men he has left now that he can trust, thanks to you.” He grinned.

  Michael smirked. “Well, I suppose we should get out of here. How can I reach you?”

  They exchanged cell phone numbers and Michael walked back to the room where Josh and Jessica were. Jessica was lying down holding Josh's hand and resting her head on his lap.

  “She needed to lay down,” Josh explained.

  Opening her eyes when Josh spoke, she glanced at Michael in the doorway. He looked filled with concern. She closed her eyes again. Her whole body ached and she felt exhausted.

  “We should go.” Michael walked over to the bed and knelt down. “It's a short hike back to the truck. Think you can make it?”

  “I can try.” She forced her eyes open and Michael helped her stand up.

  Josh retrieved the laptop before heading to the outside door where Martin was keeping watch. Dmitri was there to see them off. The guys shook hands with him and wished each other well. Jessica, however, remained closed up with her arms crossed staring down at the floor. She felt mixed emotions as her mind flashed back to being drugged and nearly strangled. Even though now she knew it was a relatively harmless drug he used and that he would have never actually killed her, she didn't know that when it was all happening and she couldn't shake the feelings of anger and hatred released during those experiences.

  Dmitri looked at her.

  “I am sorry for everything you went through Jessica.” She still didn't look at him. “I hope you can understand why I had to do the things I did. If not today, maybe in the future.”

  Jessica could feel the anger melt away. As terrible as her ordeal was and as brutal as Dmitri seemed, he had been looking out for her. Hearing his apology and the genuine concern in his voice as he spoke to her made it hard to hold onto the negative feelings she had for him.

  She forced herself to look in his eyes. The hard, menacing look she remembered was replaced by a soft, warm and almost tender expression.

  He extended his hand to her. She reached out slowly, as if unsure if she wanted to, and shook his hand.

  “Thank you,” she said softly.

  He pressed his other hand on the top of hers and gave her a warm smile before relinquishing his grip.

  “Take care, Dmitri.” Michael shook his hand.

  “And you, Michael.” Dmitri bowed his head slightly.

  Josh and Martin took that as their cue to leave. Martin retrieved the sniper rifle at the top of the hill then headed to the truck with Josh, keeping an eye out for any unwanted guests.

  Michael escorted Jessica out of the warehouse, keeping a few steps behind Josh and Martin. They made their way up a large hill comprised of sand, loose rocks, and grass. It would've been relatively easy for someone in good health to climb but for Jessica, in her condition, it was most challenging. Every move hurt and she felt as though she were walking in cement shoes. Even with Michael's help, each step was exhausting. She stumbled a few times and when they reached the top she asked to rest. Michael decided they'd make better time if he just carried her, and so he did.

  “Where to?” Martin asked, once everyone was inside the truck.

  “A motel or something. She needs to rest and we need to regroup.” Michael sat with his back leaning on the door and one leg up on the seat. Jessica was sprawled across the backseat resting in his arms. She closed her eyes and started to doze off as they drove.

  Chapter 52

  The sun had just started to set by the time Michael, Josh, Martin and Jessica arrived at a suitable motel.

  Jessica sat on one of the beds. Michael stood next to her as Josh and Martin brought in the duffel bags filled with ammo and weapons.

  “So, who's the new guy?” she asked. She had been wondering that since the warehouse. The resemblance to Josh was striking and she assumed they were related, but she hadn't yet been introduced. Everyone had been so focused on getting away from the warehouse safely and then on finding a motel that introductions took a backseat.

  “Oh, right. I'm sorry. That's Martin, Josh's cousin,” Michael replied as Martin set a duffel bag down on the floor by the dresser.

  Martin stepped forward and held out his hand to her. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” She smiled and shook his hand. “You and Josh look so much alike I would have thought you were brothers.”

  “We get that all the time,” Josh chimed in with a grin on his face.

  Josh's smile was infectious and Jessica couldn't help but break into a huge grin herself. She was so relieved to be back with Michael and Josh. She had been hoping and praying for it, but in the back of her mind she really thought she would die. She almost felt like she was dreaming.

  “Can I take a shower?” she looked up at Michael as if seeking his permission.

  “You don't have to ask Jessica. You're not a prisoner.”

  “Can I go for a walk then?” she asked sarcastically.

  As if perfectly choreographed all three men replied, “No” in unison.

  She rolled her eyes. “Right.”

  “Don't be a smartass,” Michael playfully responded. He grabbed her hand, helping her off the bed. He pulled her close to him wrapping his arms around her waist. “I have to do a few things. I'm going to pick you up some clothes and get everyone some food.” He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Just take it easy and relax until I get back.”

  She nodded then rested her head on his chest. He squeezed her tighter and kissed the top of her head. As he held her in his arms, his heart felt as though it wanted to leap out of his chest. It scared him how much she meant to him, but he couldn't help it. He had lost control of his feelings for her a long time ago. He whispered something to her in Russian.

  “What does that mean?” she asked, her head still resting on his chest.

  He gently touched her chin, lifting her head and tenderly kissed her lips. He gazed down at her with a soft smile. “I'll be back in a little while,” he assured her as he pried himself away.

  Jessica watched him leave, then eagerly headed to the shower. She felt gross from the disgusting cot and being manhandled by the guards. She couldn't wait to wash away everything that happened in the last twenty-four hours. Slipping off her dirty, blood-stained clothes, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was cut, bruised and still swollen. A large purple stripe ran across her torso where her seat belt had been. No doubt it saved her life, but left a nasty bruise in doing so. Bruises covered her arms and legs from being held down during the druggings. There were a couple others, but she couldn't think of where they came from.

  She stepped in the shower and as the warm water washed over her face and hair, she let out a huge sigh of relief. She began to feel more and more relaxed until suddenly a well of emotions sprung up in her. She burst into tears and began sobbing. She dropped to her knees as she lost all control. The full impact of all the events that had transpired came crashing down on her. She could no longer repress all of the anger, fear, distress and despair brewing inside her. As she curled up in a ball on the shower floor, her emotions spilled out.

  MICHAEL'S FIRST stop was to find a pay phone to call Kevin and tell him they had Jessica. Kevin was immensely relieved to hear that Jessica was safe. Michael told him it would be a few more days before they were back. He still had unfinished business. Kevin said he would use the time to continue planning for the hack.

  After picking up some clothes and other basic necessities, he stopped at a pizza place and ordered two
large pizzas. His phone rang while he was waiting in his truck for them. He didn't recognize the number, so he answered but didn't speak.

  “Michael?” It was Dmitri.

  “Dmitri. What's up?”

  “I got that address you wanted.”

  “That was quick.”

  “I figured it was urgent.” Dmitri recited Alonso Gomez's address.

  “I owe you, Dmitri. More than once now.”

  “Be careful, Michael. They will not hesitate to kill him if they think he is a threat.”

  “Yeah. I got that,” he agreed. “Where are you calling from?”

  “Pay phone.”

  “Good. I'd hate for them to know you were talking to me.”

  “I didn't start doing this yesterday, Michael. In fact, I've been doing it longer than you.”

  Michael chuckled. “You never let me forget it either.”

  “I have to have at least one thing over you.”

  Michael never knew if Dmitri was just humble of if he purposefully tried to downplay his abilities so people would underestimate him. Michael knew not to underestimate him. Dmitri was as good, if not better, than him. He served on just two missions with Dmitri, but in that time learned things from him that later saved his life.

  “Thanks again, Dmitri. It was good to see you.”

  “You too Michael.”

  JOSH AND Martin were watching TV when Michael returned holding the pizzas on one arm and the shopping bags on the other. They circled him like hungry vultures as he put the boxes on the table.

  “Where's Jessica?” he asked when he didn't see her in the room.

  “In the bathroom,” Martin answered.

  “Again?” he seemed surprised.

  “She never left,” Josh replied as he opened one of the pizza boxes.

  “I was gone two hours!” Michael's temper flared at Josh and Martin as he walked quickly to the bathroom door. “Did anyone even bother to check on her?”

  He looked at them, disgusted.

  “I knocked and she said she was fine. I didn't want to push,” Josh tried to explain and calm him down.

  Michael just turned away and knocked on the door. She didn't answer. He tried to open it, but it was locked. “Jess. Open the door.”

  A few seconds later, the knob turned, releasing the lock, but the door didn't open. He opened it himself and stepped in slowly.

  She was sitting on the toilet wrapped only in a towel, her hair still wet and eyes and nose bright red. She had one elbow up on the counter, resting her head on her knuckles with a tissue clenched in her fist. She stared down at the floor and didn't look at him.

  He could see the bruise on her shoulder from the seat belt and it was the first time he saw the bruising on her arms and legs. He closed the door behind him and stood looking down at her, wishing he hadn't left.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

  “No.” She wiped a few tears away and returned to staring at the floor.

  Michael placed the bag of clothes on the floor and stepped towards her. He knelt in front of her and placed his arms around her legs resting his hands on her hips. He looked up at her and smiled softly. “You're a terrible liar.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut as more tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “What bothers you the most?”

  She took a deep breath.

  “That I couldn't stop it,” she replied tearfully.

  He was silent for a minute, not wanting to say the wrong thing and make it worse. He finally reached up, wiped a tear away and then cradled her face.

  “Sometimes things happen that you don't have any control over. It's not your fault.”

  “Yeah.” She pulled his hand away. “Coming from the man who's always in control.”

  “Not always, Jess.” He spoke softly and tried to keep his tone calm and disarming. He placed his hand back on her hip. “I had no control when they took you. I couldn't stop it. I didn't know where you were. I didn't know if I would even be able to find you.”

  She finally looked at him. She saw the warm, concerned expression on his face. The anger she was feeling started to subside.

  “I know what you went through was terrible. You don't even have to tell me that. It wasn't exactly a picnic for me, either. Talk about feeling helpless.” He shook his head. “You just don't know how much you mean to me.”

  She reached up, caressing his face as she looked in his eyes. He moved his hand up to her neck and pulled her towards him, tenderly kissing her lips. She placed her other hand on his shoulder and pressed her forehead to his. He gently caressed her cheek as he whispered the same Russian phrase he said to her before.

  “What does that mean?” she asked again.

  He grinned. “You must be starving.” He stood up, avoiding her question, and gazed down at her. “Get dressed and come out. The pizza is going to get cold.” He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head then left the bathroom.

  Jessica muttered the Russian phrase a few times after he left. She guessed it must be some sort of affectionate saying, but didn't understand why he wouldn't tell her. She turned her attention to the bag of clothes on the floor.

  Chapter 53

  After learning that Michael had rescued Jessica and all his men except Dmitri were dead, Milovich called for a meeting. He and his bodyguard arrived at Niko's shortly before Dmitri. He was pacing in the main office when Dmitri stepped in quietly. He stood silently near the door and waited to be addressed. Also in the room was the older man Michael had talked to earlier in the club and one other man Dmitri had never seen before. He appeared to be in his mid-to-late twenties, in good shape, tall, and looked like he could handle himself. His medium brown hair was cut short in military fashion.

  “You didn't see anything?!” Milovich turned to him suddenly.

  “No, boss. They were gone.”

  Milovich shook his head in disbelief. “Where's my phone?” He turned to his bodyguard who produced a cell phone from his pocket and handed it to him.

  RICK WAS sitting on his couch watching TV, trying hard to relax. After chuckling a few times at the sitcom he was watching he was almost there. That is, until his cell phone rang.

  He looked at the caller ID and could almost feel his face turning white. He didn't want to answer but he knew there would be hell to pay if he didn't.

  “Hello.”

  “I want you to do two things for me and I want it done right now!” Milovich demanded.

  Rick's hands were shaking already and he felt sick.

  “What do you want?”

  “I want you to tell me where this pest Cailen is. I will give you the number he's using. And I want to know where I can find Alonso Gomez.” He recited Michael's cell phone number. Rick quickly ran to the kitchen and scribbled it onto a piece of paper.

  “Umm. I have to be at work to do that.” Rick sat in a kitchen chair, afraid his legs would give out.

  “Then do it!” Milovich shouted.

  “That will raise suspicion. They'll wonder why I'm there so late.” Rick was petrified Milovich wouldn't accept that. It was true, but he didn't seem like he was in a very reasonable mood. He heard him shouting in Russian. He guessed he was cursing.

  “You have until nine o'clock tomorrow morning. You don't have what I want, you're dead!”

  MILOVICH SLAMMED his phone down on the table and allowed a few more obscenities to pass through his lips before he ended his tirade.

  “I thought Gomez was already taken care of,” Dmitri spoke up.

  “He's not taken care of until he's dead!” Milovich shouted. “I should have never listened to that man. I should have killed him a long time ago.” He was referring of course to Morgan who insisted that Gomez's death would bring too much heat.

  “I don't understand how Gomez is a threat. He no longer works for the CIA. What can he do?”

  Milovich gave Dmitri a look that would've made any other man back down in fear. Not Dmitri. It was a quality he both adm
ired and hated in him.

  Regaining his calm, he gave a disingenuous smile to Dmitri.

  “Okay, I will spell it out for you then, Dmitri.” He continued smiling.

  “The hacker tried to contact Gomez specifically for a reason. That reason is no doubt contained on the drive. If Cailen has seen the information on the drive, he may very well also try to contact Gomez. Tell me Dmitri, do you think Gomez knows anyone who still works for the CIA?”

  His smile vanished.

  Dmitri didn't respond to the question. He didn't have to. Milovich didn't expect an answer. “Let me do it,” he suggested instead.

  “No. I want you on Cailen.”

  “But it will be a piece of cake.”

  “Exactly. Which is why any monkey can do it. Your target is Cailen. Nothing else.” Milovich was firm.

  Dmitri clenched his jaw, not liking the direction things were heading.

  “Since we've had so much trouble with this Cailen, I've called in Andrei here to help out.” Milovich gestured to the young man who had been quietly watching the conversation play out. “Andrei is from the Russian Army Special Forces.”

  “Spetsnaz GRU?” Dmitri seemed intrigued.

  Milovich turned to him. “Yes.”

  “How do we know we can trust him?” Dmitri looked straight at Andrei.

  “Andrei has done work for me in the past.” Milovich smiled. “He's one of ours.”

  “I'll take your word for it.” Dmitri stared unflinchingly at Andrei.

  “Good, because he is your new partner.”

  “I don't want a partner,” Dmitri protested.

  “I don't care. From now on, you will be working together to stop Cailen. You don't leave each others side.”

  “Boss, how is having this man glued to my side going to help us find Cailen? We should split up. We would have a better chance.” Dmitri really didn't want to get stuck with him. He wanted to make sure Michael wasn't still using his phone and he needed to warn Gomez. Accomplishing either of those things with a GRU sidekick would be impossible.