“Since the words have remained consistent, maybe your gut is telling you something.”
I glance up, smiling that he’s making a point about trusting my earlier instincts with Mina when his comment hits me from another perspective. “Consistency! It wasn’t the report, but the location.”
“In what way?”
I realize he’s acting as my sounding board, but his perceptive skills are strong, so maybe a back and forth could help. “The first bomb/igniter was taped to the edge of my tire rim, which would’ve put a hole in my tire, but the second igniter was put on the gas tank flap…a much deadlier, but also a more obvious place.”
“Ah, I see. You’re wondering why the person changed the location they put the bomb.”
“And also when they did it, because where it was located—right there on the outside of the vehicle—would’ve been much easier to discover, even if it was just a little over two inches long.” I retrieve my phone and call the office. “Hey, Elijah, can you do me a favor and queue up all the church street footage we have from the night of the bombing? I know you’ve reviewed it, but I’d like to do so as well. Thanks, we’ll be there in five minutes.”
I hang up, anticipating scanning the videos with a keener eye. As Den turns on the road that’ll lead us to the office, two loud splats hit the windshield, sending something like black ink or paint scattering across the glass.
“Bloody hell!” Den hits the breaks and as we screech to a halt, I’m glad the road is clear of cars at the moment. He immediately flicks on the windshield wipers, but the wiper fluid only smears the black mess, instead of cleaning it off.
Punching the door locks, he starts to dial a number when smoke begins to billow through the vents. “Gas,” he mutters and drops his phone in his lap to turn off the internal vent button at the same time he hands me his pocket scarf. “Cover your nose and mouth, then call Sebastian.”
While he proceeds to shut all the vents, I cover my nose and mouth with the cloth and reach for the phone in my lap, but it must’ve slid off the paperwork onto the floor when he hit the brakes. Bending down, I blindly grope for my phone, the toxic smoke stinging my eyes. I still haven’t found it when Den pulls on my shoulder to get my attention.
“Talia,” he says, sounding groggy. I take a short breath and try to keep from breathing in the gas as I straighten. Den shoves something toward me. “Hide this on you somewhere it won’t be discovered.”
As I take what feels like a pen, Den wheezes a couple of times, then slumps forward, losing consciousness.
“Den!” I drop the cloth and quickly tuck the pen inside my bra against the underwire, then turn and try to pull Den’s limp body back against his seat. The smoke has made me so weak, it takes a couple attempts before I succeed. “Can you hear me?”
The inside of the car is completely filled with smoke now, making my eyes water and my lungs feel like they’re on fire. I blindly lift Den’s head back against the headrest, then slide my fingers down to his throat. I’m relieved his pulse feels strong under my fingers, but I’m woozy and my arms are too weak to shake him hard enough to wake him.
Everything feels like it’s moving in slow motion and fire licks my lungs with the need for oxygen. Just as I shake my head to stay conscious, a heavy thump hits my window. The car rocks with another hit and I gulp in a gasp of pain when flying glass stings the side of my face. I intuitively turn away, my vision dimming.
Chapter 16
Sebastian
“Slow your roll!” Banks throws a hand up and his dark eyes shift between Calder and me. “You think I had something to do with that bomb going off?”
“You threatened me the day before.” I narrow my gaze on the picture in his hand. “Your girlfriend helped you escape the scene by using her car to block our pursuit, and Vinny Karras just gave you up as the person who bought the igniter that caused the gas tank to explode. Yeah, I’d say you’re pretty fucked, Banks.”
“Well, I’d say this reeks of a setup, because that what’s going on,” he says as he reaches into his pocket.
“Keep your hands still,” Calder barks, holding his gun higher.
“Chill, Blake number two. I’m calling my girl. Sierra can at least clear up where she was when the bomb went off.”
“It’s Calder,” he snaps, then nods to Banks. “Move slow or you’ll find out how accurate my aim is.”
“Put it on speaker,” I tell Banks.
He nods and we all listen to the phone ring four times before it goes to voice mail. “This is Sierra. I’m out blowing all the boys. Hahahaha! I’m just joking, Banksy. You know what to do.”
When her voicemail beeps, Banks says, “Hey, babe. Call me back ASAP.” Hanging up, he dials another number and tenses as he glances my way. “Paulo might know where she is. They both work at the Crazy Horse club.” When Paulo’s phone goes to voicemail too, Banks leaves him a message. “Hey, Paulo, forget that errand I asked you to run. I need you back here now.”
“Two down. Ready for your third strike,” I say in an impatient tone.
Setting his lips in a line of annoyance, Banks punches another number with vengeance. It rings and rings, then he hangs up and snaps his fingers at the young guy beside him. “Call Vinny’s number.”
His phone rings and he holds his hand up to the kid, telling him to wait while he answers. “Paulo, are you heading back?”
“No, man. I just got to the store. I’ll just grab what’s needed then—”
“I want you back here now,” Banks bellows.
“What’s going on, Banks?” Paulo asks in a calm tone.
Banks’s gaze shifts between Calder and me. “Do you know if Sierra had to work? I can’t get in touch with her.”
“I’m not sure. I’ve had a few days off.”
Banks blows out a frustrated breath. “What was I doing on Saturday night?”
“I don’t know. What were you doing? I was out, remember.”
“What do I usually do on Saturday nights?”
“Well, you usually have a beer with your uncle.” As Banks shoots me an “I told you so” look, Paulo says, “Except you left early.”
Confusion flickers in Bank’s eyes. “No, I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did. You got mad at the server about the bill.”
“I didn’t leave early.” Banks shakes his head, his forehead furrowed in frustration. “You weren’t even there.”
“You told me about it later. Maybe you were too drunk to remember?”
Banks opens his mouth to speak, but Paulo continues, “Listen, I’m already here, so I’m grabbing what we need. Then I’ve got some other errands to run. Be back later.”
When Paulo hangs up, Banks grunts and nods to the kid beside him to complete the call. Once the kid dials Vinny’s number, Banks snatches his phone and puts it on speaker.
“Vinny’s Electronics, what can I help you with?”
“You can tell me why the fuck you’re lying about me buying certain parts in your store, Vinny!” Banks barks.
“Sorry, I can’t talk right now, Banks. A customer just walked in.”
“Answer me, right now—”
Banks growls at the distinctive click and throws the phone against the wall across the room. I raise my eyebrow as the cell bursts into pieces. “And strike three.”
“How can you not see this is a set up?” Banks rails, flinging his arms wide.
“Seems it’s your word against Vinny’s,” I say. “Why would he lie?”
Banks puffs his chest up. “Exactly, why would he lie?”
Narrowing my gaze on him, I pull out my phone and call the office. “Hey, Elijah. I need you to dig a bit deeper into Vinny Karras. Call me right back.”
As soon as I hang up, Banks crosses his arms and stares me down. “I think you’re asking the wrong question.”
I scowl at him. “What question should I be asking?”
“Whoever is setting me up...why did they drag you into it?”
I don�
�t like Banks trying to mess with my head, but if there’s even an ounce of truth to what he’s saying, then whoever blew up that limo is still out there with devious planning skills. That makes them even more dangerous.
I call Talia’s number and when it goes to voicemail, I glance at Calder and quickly tap the number for Den’s phone. The moment I get his voicemail, I hang up and call Elijah back. “Before you work on the other, I need you to ping Talia’s cell. Something’s not right.”
“She was on her way back to the office.” A pause, but that was longer than she said it would take. Let me check…” A couple seconds pass. “Her phone’s not even a mile from the office, but that’s weird. The signal’s on the road and not moving. I also just pinged Den’s phone. It’s the same.”
“You’re closest. Get there now! We’re on our way.”
I nod to Calder and tuck my gun away. Just before I reach the front door, Banks says, “What about me?”
I follow Calder out. “I’ll deal with you later.”
“I’m being set up! Hey, you own that security company. You can help me—”
I close the door, cutting him off and instantly dial Den’s number again, my heart beating hard as his phone rings several times.
Banks yanks the door open and follows us out, his voice raised. “Wait? Deal with me later? What the hell’s that supposed to mean, Blackie?”
My phone rings and I quickly answer, barking into the phone at Elijah, “Tell me she’s okay!”
“That depends. You didn’t do your job.”
Paulo. Ice slides down my back and I halt my fast stride in the middle of the sidewalk. Barely resisting the urge to chew the little shit’s head off, I say, “Which was?”
“Banks is in my way.”
Calder looks at me with concern when I glance back at Banks. “What do you want?” I say, turning so Banks can’t see my expression.
“Fuck you!” Banks yells, then slams his door in the background.
“You want your wife back? Take out Banks, permanently. Isn’t that what you SEALs do?”
“Touch her at all and you’ll learn that monsters truly exist.”
“You do your part, she’ll stay safe. Do you understand?”
Is he so delusional that he thinks I won’t go after him later? Either that or he has help. “Yes,” I grit out.
“Good. Now go back in there and take care of him. Once I see video proof that it’s been done, I’ll let Talia go.”
I punch the End button and say in a low voice to Calder, “Back me up on this,” before I turn around and take the stairs to bang on the door.”
Banks pulls the door open and yells, “What do want now?”
“For you to die.” Throwing a fast, hard punch, I send his big body slamming to the foyer floor.
Following me inside, Calder kicks the door closed and draws his gun, his voice booming throughout the room as he addresses the guys ready to jump to Banks’s defense. “Stay back. This is between Sebastian and Banks.”
I bend on one knee and grab Banks’s shirt, then get right in his face and say loud enough for the tense men in the room to hear what’s going on, “Paulo is your traitor. He has Talia. In exchange for her safe return, he wants you dead.”
Banks’s eyes slit in anger and he grabs my fist on his shirt with one hand as he tries to punch me with his other. I quickly deflect his swing and pound my fist into his shoulder to keep him still. As he moans in pain, I snap, “You’re going to do exactly what I say. Is that clear?”
Banks grits his teeth and spits blood onto the floor. “Fuck you! You broke my nose, motherfucker!”
“Shut up!” Smashing my hand against his hurt nose, I grunt my satisfaction at his growl of pain, then wipe my hand off down the front of his shirt. “Where’s your liquor?”
“What?” Banks’s eyes widen, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“Might as well celebrate your impending demise,” I say, twisting my hand in his shirt once more.
“Kitchen,” the young teen whispers, eyes wide.
I glance up at the others staring at me with a mixture of fear and fascination as if they’re not sure what they’re seeing is really happening. “If you three want to survive this, do as Calder tells you.”
Standing, I use Banks’s shirt to haul him to his feet. He struggles and tries to fight me, but I pinch a nerve on his shoulder. The second he drops to his knees, I turn and tell Calder what I need from him. “Get moving,” I bark at Banks’s guys, then release Banks to grab a straight-backed chair near a side table.
Calder lifts his gun, his expression supportive and determined. “You heard him, back in the kitchen now!”
“Get out of my fucking house!” Banks hobbles to stand and tries to rush me, but I swing the chair, forcing him to jump back.
When I send it into the big window near the door and glass shatters, raining everywhere, Banks snarls, “You’re going to pay for this!”
I get right in his face, my voice lethal with my worry for Talia. “I’m going to burn this fucking place to the ground.”
Chapter 17
Talia
“Wake up!” a man’s snaps in my ear right before a splash of ice cold water hits my face.
I gasp and my eyes fly open. I’m sitting in a chair with my wrists bound together in my lap. I bend my fingers around and feel a hard plastic band, probably a Zip Tie. Everything is blurry and I blink several times trying to get my vision to focus.
A man is standing in front of me. He’s dark-headed, but I can’t make out any features other than his overall shape. My head feels like it’s full of fuzz and my mouth is so dry I actually lick the water off my lips just so I have enough spit to swallow.
“Water,” I croak and a bottle is pressed against my lips. I drink several gulps before it’s taken away. My heart races once my basic survival needs are met. Where am I? Who has taken me? Why? I open and close my eyes several times, but my vision never clears. Panicking, my breathing ramps even faster than my heart’s beating. “Why can’t I see?”
He moves closer and waves a hand in front of my face. “You can’t see me?”
He thinks I can’t see at all? I try not to track his hand movement and keep my gaze slightly lowered as I shake my head and exaggerate my worry to I’m-freaking-out mode. I twist in the chair, looking left and then right. “What’s wrong with my vision?”
“Must be the gas we used,” he mutters.
We? He’s working with someone. Why does his voice sound familiar? “Who are you? What do you want?” I say in a much stronger voice than I feel.
“Just calm down. Once Banks is taken care of, you’ll be fine.”
The mention of Banks gives me a context for the voice. Paulo. Banks’s second in command. Is he here on Banks’s orders? Pretending I don’t know who I’m talking to won’t help me get answers, so I say, “Paulo?”
“The one and only.”
I fold my hands together to force myself to remain calm. He’s already killed once. I don’t need to rile him. “Was that bombing that happened outside the church some kind of screwed up revenge against Sebastian? What do you mean once Banks is taken care of?”
“Revenge?” the guy snorts and pulls a seat up in front of me. “No, Talia, this is about what I deserve. Sebastian has been targeted, but not in the way you think. Banks needs to retire and let the young bloods lead. Under my leadership, the boys will thrive and be what they once were before Banksy went soft.”
Standing, he shoves his hands in his pants pockets and paces behind the chair. “What kind of crew doesn’t carry guns? Or run drugs in their neighborhood?” He pauses to put his hands on the back of the chair and expels an annoyed snort. “Banks’s Boys are the only fucking ones! We may as well be a boy band. It’s a fucking miracle our whole crew hasn’t been gunned down before now.”
“You don’t have guns in your house at all?” That does surprise me.
“Of course we have guns, but Banks made it a rule to keep the
m put away and that we’re not allowed to be strapped. He said it’s the fastest way to get ourselves killed.” He lets out a derisive laugh. “I’ll bet Derrick, who was shot and killed coming back from a club last month, would argue with that pussy philosophy.”
Paulo slams his fist onto the table next to me, making me jump. “We need to be stronger. We need to be armed, not just with knives. We should fucking own the neighborhood, not just look like we do. All this is about to change!”
“How do you plan to change it?”
“By getting rid of Banks.”
“Why does he have to go?” Anxious, I lean forward and something jabs into my breast. Then I remember Den’s pen that I’d put in my bra. I’m not sure what it does, but I feel better just knowing it’s there.
Paulo steps forward and puts a hand on my shoulder. Pushing me back against the seat, he waves a gun in front of me. “You can’t see it, but I’m holding a gun. Stay there if you don’t want to get hurt.” Snorting, he backs away and sets the gun on the table. “It’s not like you can see to get very far.”
Since he didn’t answer my question, I give him my opinion anyway. “Killing Banks won’t get you what you want. You know his boys are loyal to him. What makes you think they’ll be loyal to you after you kill their leader?”
He tsks. “I’m not the one who’s going to kill him. Your husband’s going to do it for me.”
“What?” When I shake my head in fast jerks, my stomach lurches, but my vision is also starting to clear. “Sebastian will never do that.” As Paulo’s spiked, short hair takes shape, I lower my gaze so he can’t see that I’m trying to take in my surroundings: door with a flip latch, a bed to my left, window and small table to the right. Water damage along the walls near the door and the faint smell of mildew in the air. We’re in a motel room.
“Oh, but he’s already agreed. I’m just waiting for confirmation.”
The idea Sebastian would kill an innocent person to save me makes me feel light-headed. Stop thinking about it. Trust in him and stay focused. “You said we earlier,” I say. “Who is we?”
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