For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  Filled with frustration, Hydria closed the dusty curtains. They practically fell off the rods. Is there anything in here that isn’t broken or disgusting? There was a chair in the room, but one of the legs was missing. There was no way the manager had missed that, but when you rent by the hour, why would his guests care about such amenities?

  She found herself sitting back on the bed. It was sad to admit, but she had stopped at a local store and purchased a blanket that she slept on, not under. She closed her eyes and tried to drown out the street noise.

  Living in LA wasn’t quiet, but after a few days, she’d gotten used to the different atmosphere. The night in York and then at Melissa’s house in Narragansett had been so . . . peaceful. Both locations had privacy, but they also shared something else, a sense of community. Neighbors knew each other. They smiled and waved as you passed by. That warm fuzzy feeling wasn’t happening here. Instead, she was afraid someone would flip the middle finger at her if she looked them in the eye. So she avoided contact, not out of fear, because she’d drop them to the ground in a heartbeat, but because she needed to stay low-key. She could not risk anyone knowing she was still on the East Coast. It wasn’t like anyone knew her here, but she didn’t doubt for a second she was being monitored.

  If she thought she could get away with it, Hydria would reach out to Renzo to see how he was doing. It was stupid to think he might actually have been upset she’d left, but one could always hope. Unfortunately, none of it mattered. Whoever was watching her, might be watching him too. I’m in this all alone again. The difference this time: it was by choice.

  As usual, there was a ruckus taking place outside. It wasn’t normally as close to her door though. This one wasn’t toning down. Instead, the man was getting louder, and the woman he was barking at sounded like she was crying. Oh hell no!

  The policewoman in her kicked in. Even without a weapon, she wasn’t going to lie back and let some asshole put his hands on a woman. Flying off the bed, she unlocked the door and flung it open. Sure enough, there was a man in his mid-twenties grabbing a young girl who looked underage.

  Hydria instantly went over and pulled his arm away from the girl. “Let her go,” Hydria ordered.

  The guy did as she said, but turned his anger toward her. Hydria watched as the now freed girl ran through the parking lot toward the street. He can’t hurt you. You’re safe. She wanted to bolt after her to make sure she was okay, but she couldn’t turn her back on the scumbag who was now eyeing her.

  His eyes roamed over her, and he sucked his breath through gapped teeth. “You’re gonna regret doing that. I’m gonna get what I paid for. If not from that scrawny bitch, then from you.” He reached out, but she moved to the left, and he missed. “You really think you can stop me? Cause I like it rough and putting up a fight is only gonna make it all the better. For me at least.”

  His cruel laugh sent a chill through her. Hydria’s heart beat rapidly as she took in her surroundings. Passersby weren’t going to come to her rescue. The jerk didn’t realize she wasn’t defenseless. Just a bit closer.

  The next time he went for her, she’d make her move. It wouldn’t be pretty, and the guy would be hurting for some time, but he might question trying to attack her or anyone again. Sure enough, the piece of crap lunged for her. Hydria clenched her fist and swung. Making contact with his throat, the guy made an awful gurgle sound and dropped to his knees.

  “B . . . it . . . ch,” he said, trying to breathe.

  “Damn straight,” Hydria said as she swung a second time, this time she nailed him square in the jaw. He dropped to the ground. Lights out!

  With the guy knocked out cold and lying face down in front of her door, people who normally didn’t give a crap what was going on now were very interested spectators. Of course, no one had approached her to see if she was okay. Instead, they had their cell phones out snapping pictures and taking videos. Yeah, the big bad man just got his butt kicked by a girl.

  Hydria stepped over the creep, went back into her motel room, and slammed the door. She had hated this place, but now she was going to need to watch her back. The lowlife was going to wonder who she was and what she was doing there. Not that she had much to pack, but she grabbed the few items she’d taken out of the rental car and decided it was time to check out.

  She paid the motel in cash as she still wanted off the grid as much as possible. Hydria didn’t have enough cash on her to stay at a better quality establishment. She had no idea how long she’d need to wait to hear from them again. She needed to stretch every penny.

  As she drove down the road, she looked for more suitable accommodations. She couldn’t believe there were worse places than the last one. Finally, she pulled off the main strip and googled B&Bs. Thankfully there was one not far from where she was. The rates were a bit more than she wanted to pay, but she hoped she could exchange a bit of work for a discount. Hydria found if you’re honest upfront sometimes things work out. She had nothing to lose by presenting an offer to the owners of the B&B. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they need help doing windows. She was far from afraid of hard work. Heck she could use the distraction at that moment. Idle hands make sleepless nights.

  Chapter Six

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  “I worked at the veteran’s home this afternoon. A few of the guys were laughing about a woman who’d kicked butt during an attack. I saw nothing funny at all until they mentioned she’d stood up for a defenseless young girl and ended up kicking the hoodlum’s butt. I had to ask my patient for his phone, so I could continue with his PT, and I saw the video they were talking about. At first there wasn’t much to see because the woman’s back was to the camera. But after the second punch and the creep was lying cold on the ground, I nearly dropped his phone on the floor. You’re really not going to believe it. You have to see this for yourself,” Melissa said.

  “See what exactly?” Renzo asked. His patience was running thin. He was on assignment with Rafe and David. He shouldn’t have answered Melissa’s call, but he figured she’d make it quick. Instead, she was rambling about nonsense.

  “I’ll text you the link.”

  “Yeah. Okay.”

  “Renzo, promise me you’ll watch it,” Melissa said firmly.

  He huffed but agreed. Doing otherwise would only be asking for this call to go on indefinitely.

  “Thank you. Love you.”

  “Goodnight, Melissa.” Renzo ended the call. Immediately he saw the text come in from Melissa. He’d promised to watch, but he never said when.

  Renzo’s kid brother, David, shot him a grin. “Glad she didn’t call me.”

  “I remember when she used to all the time. How’d you get her to stop?” Renzo asked.

  David laughed. “You honestly want to know?”

  Renzo needed to do something. Melissa seemed to have homed in on him lately, and it was getting to be too much. “If you can make it quick then yes.” The last thing I need is another long story.

  “Jada.”

  He arched a brow. “What does Jada have to do with it?”

  “Melissa doesn’t need to be calling and checking on me all the time because she talks to Jada.”

  “You mean that?”

  “Yeah, they plot and plan, and before you know it, I’m committed to doing or going someplace I never would’ve agreed to if asked.”

  Like hell that is going to happen to me. Renzo thought Melissa was so busy with work she didn’t have time for meddling. He obviously was wrong. But there wasn’t anything in Renzo’s life to manipulate. He was living the life he wanted. Single and happy. Renzo chuckled.

  “Something funny?” David asked.

  “Just thinking that Gabe might need some . . . watching over.” Renzo sent Melissa a quick text and showed it to David.

  IS EVERYTHING OKAY WITH GABE?

  David looked at the message then burst out laughing. “Oh, that’s cruel. Funny as hell, but cruel.”

  “And yet I don’t see you warning him,” Renzo sai
d, making sure not to say Gabe’s name. They all still had their earpieces in, and Gabe was listening like always. Good thing he can’t see the text messages.

  “Are you kidding me? I’m going to plant the bug in Jada’s ear too. They do say payback is a bitch.”

  “Stay focused you two,” Rafe ordered over the earpiece.

  They were all grown-ass men, but every once in a while they were just brothers. This place wasn’t the time for that. Most of their time together was spent on assignments now. After they returned to the States, they each went their own way. Rafe was now settled down with a family, and David seemed to be heading in that direction too. Jada wasn’t wearing a ring yet, but she was family as far as the Turchettas were concerned. I’m sure Melissa and Jada are already planning the wedding.

  Renzo peered through the scope again, waiting for a signal from Rafe. All was quiet. The intel they’d received said there were hostiles in that rundown bunker. But they’d been in position for almost three days, and there was no sign of movement. It wouldn’t be the first time false information had been planted. That’s why Rafe had split the teams in two. Renzo and David obviously had drawn the short straw.

  When he said he wanted back into action, this wasn’t what he’d planned. “I hope Rafe and Josh are seeing more than we are.”

  David nodded. “Can’t be less than us. Damn, I could be home with Jada right now. She’s been trying a whole bunch of new recipes, and I have to say, she’s one hell of a cook,” David said, rubbing a hand over his stomach. “Then again, maybe it’s good I got away for a while.” He laughed and continued, “You know, a few months ago I couldn’t picture myself settling down.” Renzo knew that was the case because they’d spent enough time over the years working together. His brother had not been one for commitment or putting down roots. All that had changed, and the whole family loved Jada like she was one of their own. He was a lucky bastard. David cleared his throat and continued. “Now . . . well, it’s awesome knowing there’s someone home waiting for me. Makes times like this more bearable.”

  David and Jada were a match he’d never seen coming. As a sniper, David spent hours, days, alone in solitude. It’s how he thought David would spend the rest of his life. But he’d changed, and Renzo could tell during this assignment. It wasn’t that David was distracted, but he was chattier than before. It wouldn’t bother Renzo if they were talking about something other than women. I can’t seem to run away from it.

  “I was thinking about asking her to marry me when we get back.”

  Wow. He stopped looking through the scope and said, “I’m sure she’ll say yes. She seems crazy about you. Crazy being the keyword,” Renzo teased.

  David laughed. “Seriously. How she puts up with me, I’ll never know. But when we do this, get married, I’m hoping you’ll be my best man.”

  Renzo was honored to be asked. “Guess that’s your way of ensuring I wear one of those uncomfortable penguin suits.”

  “I shouldn’t have to suffer that alone,” David laughed.

  “Maybe if you two started wearing something other than jeans, a tux wouldn’t be such a stretch,” Gabe chimed in.

  “We’re here to work not to discuss wardrobes,” Rafe said firmly. “Since your location is coming up flat, I think you two are clear to pull out. Head back to the States. Josh and I have this covered on our end.”

  “You sure?” Renzo asked. “We can join you guys for backup.”

  “Speak for yourself, Renzo. I can’t wait to get back,” David said.

  Not me. There wasn’t anything, anyone, to return to. “You want me to come and relieve you, Rafe, so you can go home?”

  “Enjoy your R&R. I’ve got a feeling you’re not going to get much of a break.”

  “Something in the pipeline?” Renzo had been out of the loop since Hydria needed his help. Or thought she did.

  “Stone said the Hendersons might need our support again in Tabiq. Keep those bags packed.”

  Renzo couldn’t let Rafe go back to Tabiq. Last time they were there for almost a year. Rafe had a family now. With David’s little announcement, he wasn’t going to be far behind either. “I’ve got time. I’ll reach out to Stone when I get back. Maybe the Hendersons can use a hand.” The last thing he wanted was to be home, staring at the walls, thinking of Hydria.

  “Roger that. Keep me posted,” Rafe instructed.

  Renzo looked through the scope one last time. Once he reconfirmed all was clear, he put the safety on and sat up to break down their equipment. He wasn’t in a rush. David, on the other hand, was. Taking his earpiece out, he placed it in his vest. He didn’t need it now, but until they were in the air and out of danger, he would keep it close by. David followed suit.

  “You really doing this when you get back?”

  David nodded. “Yeah. I have the ring picked out and waiting at the jewelers. Always thought it’d be Josh who’d be taking the leap next.”

  “Hey, what about me?” Renzo asked jokingly.

  David laughed. “Yeah, you and I are a special breed. Not many women can put up with us. Don’t know if anyone has ever told you, but we can be assholes.”

  Every day. “Hell, all along I thought I was the charming one.” Renzo had no time for charm or romance. Neither was it a priority in his life. “Just don’t be getting all soft on me, or I’m telling Rafe I want a new partner.”

  “Good luck with that. I mean you were ornery before, but damn Renzo, I could’ve been out here alone and still had better company than you. You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

  He arched a brow and asked, “Has the heat gotten to you? I know you didn’t just ask me that.”

  “Jada told me that you and Hydria looked like there was a connection. I thought maybe you were missing her.”

  Renzo’s tone was sharp. “First off, Jada never met Hydria, so don’t put any money on her opinion. Jada’s only going by what Melissa told her, and you know what that’s worth. She’d have us all married off in a year if she had her way. Second, I was hired to do a job. The job is over. Just like this conversation.”

  David just laughed again then said, “Yup, just as I thought.”

  Renzo shot him a warning look. There wasn’t anything more to be said. He wasn’t going to talk about Hydria to David or anyone else. If she can’t talk to me, what’s the point?

  “Keep it up, and your ass is being left behind, David.” Renzo was only half joking.

  David didn’t say another word on the subject. They finished what they needed to and boarded the chopper. They were going to make a stop to refuel, then head to the airport to meet the Turchetta’s private jet. Getting back to the States was a process, especially because they tried to travel under the radar as much as possible. Turchetta’s Promise was out to do good in the world, but in some countries, that put a mark on their backs and a price on their heads. It was best no one knew where they were, or someone might set them up.

  Once they were in the air and had cleared the danger zone, Renzo pulled out his cell phone. He figured he’d show David the video Melissa sent him. It was going to be a long flight, and he hoped it was as funny as she made it out to be.

  “Got a message from Melissa. She was rattling off about some video I need to watch.” He pulled up his messages, and then clicked on the video link. Then he held the phone, so they could both see whatever crazy thing Melissa insisted he view.

  She’d told him what it was about, but honestly, he hadn’t been listening. His concentration had been on the bunker. But as the video began to play, Melissa’s words started coming back to him. Why do I want to watch some random couple fight? They could see it was a woman, and she was arguing with some rough-looking guy. The guy looked pissed and reached out. Sure enough, the woman outmaneuvered the guy and landed two punches.

  “Holly shit! Look at her go,” David said.

  Renzo had to admit it was nice seeing a woman put that piece of shit in his place. What shocked him was what he saw next. Hydria. “Wh
at the fuck?”

  “Hey, isn’t that—?”

  Although David hadn’t met Hydria, Renzo had made sure each of his brothers had been sent a photo of both Hydria and her brother, Steve. “Yes,” he grumbled. It wasn’t that Hydria had practically been attacked. Although, he’d like to beat the shit out of the guy all over again. It was that he knew the motel where the video was taken. It was a motel known for prostitutes and drug dealers. He had no idea what she was doing there. And where the hell is Steve? No way in hell was he there and not protecting her.

  “I thought you said she was going back to LA.”

  He didn’t need David to remind him of that. Hydria lied. Angry didn’t begin to describe how he felt. He stopped the video and had to restrain himself from flinging it out of the chopper. “Guess I misunderstood,” Renzo said through gritted teeth.

  David looked at him long and hard then said, “Maybe you should call her and find out what happened.”

  I know what happened. She lied. “I don’t care where she went. The job is done. That’s all I need to know.” He wanted to know a hell of a lot more, but nothing else mattered. He had just had the wind knocked out of him. His gut felt like he’d received a physical blow because the one thing he always thought he knew about her and never doubted was she’d never lie to him. But she did, and he didn’t need or want to learn anything more than that.

  “I think you’re making a mistake.”

  Renzo glared at him and said, “It’s mine to make. Now drop it.”

  David didn’t utter another word for the remainder of the flight. Instead, he grabbed his phone and probably chatted with Jada. Renzo didn’t care what David did as long as he left him the fuck alone. Renzo hadn’t wanted to be home, and now knowing Hydria was still in Rhode Island and purposely avoiding him, no way in hell he was staying there.

  Renzo texted Stone.