Bryce: The Project (Indie Rebels Book 3)

by Miranda P. Charles

“Why?”

  Addison hesitated. “We believe the Indie Rebels make some of their money from legitimate businesses to make themselves look rosy. One of our new suppliers stopped working with them recently, and they must think we’re responsible for that decision. So we’re now their targets too.”

  “Who exactly are they targeting? All of us Ferns?”

  “No, not all of the Ferns. Me and your Uncle Edgar primarily, since we’re the directors of our company. But because we’re talking of the Indie Rebels here, I’m worried they might use our partners and kids to try and hurt us.”

  “Have you told the police?”

  “We’re working on gathering evidence. But our supplier is in Asia, so it makes it difficult. Plus, they’re scared to provide anything concrete against the IR—the Indie Rebels. So until we have enough against them to bring to the cops, it would be safer to conduct our investigations privately. Remember that those bastards planted evidence against your Uncle Edgar so well that even our police believe he’s guilty.”

  Goosebumps formed on Emma’s skin. “Are you still working with that supplier? Maybe you should distance yourself.”

  “Yes, don’t worry about that.”

  Emma shook her head, stunned and shocked and, frankly, not understanding how something like this could happen at all, much less to her family. “How exactly do we protect ourselves against them? Who are they, specifically?”

  “No one knows who the hell they are,” Addison said with frustration. “What I mean by being careful is don’t be too friendly with anyone. If someone tries to stop you on the streets for whatever reason, don’t entertain them. Don’t try to help a person who suddenly trips in front of you. Be wary of those kinds of things because the IRs are not likely to be obvious. They have a public reputation to protect so it won’t be a matter of dragging you into a car kicking and screaming. You get what I mean?”

  “Yes, I think so.”

  “Good. I’m sorry I’m not there to help you with this, but I’ll explain a lot more when we see each other again. Okay?”

  “Okay. I’m looking forward to that.”

  “By the way…” Addison hesitated. “I’ve asked Myra and Jill to come join me on this trip. They’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

  “What? But I’ve been looking forward to spending time with Jill.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry. But they’ll be safer with me. I wish you could join us too, but I know you can’t because of your job.”

  “No, I can’t join you,” she said despondently.

  “I still promise that the three of us will visit you in Brisbane in a few months. I’ll be taking a long break then, so the four of us can spend quality time together.”

  “Sure. I’ll just miss Jill so much. I’d been looking forward to lots of bonding time with her.”

  “I’m really sorry. We’ll make up for it later. Anyway, I have to go.”

  “Okay.”

  “And, Emma, hire Kallan. You don’t have to worry about his salary because I’m paying him.”

  “It’s just too expensive. If I’m not really in the line of fire—”

  “Don’t forget where your Uncle Edgar is right now. I’d rather waste money on unnecessary security than worry about my family every day. But I don’t want you ruining your trip because of this. I know you’re here for work, but I also want you to feel free to play tourist anywhere and whenever you want. I just don’t want anything to happen to you,” Addison added softly. “Especially now when you’re free to be with me and the rest of the family.”

  Emma’s eyes misted. Every day, her heart opened to her father more and more. “Okay. Thanks, Dad.”

  “I really have to go so we’ll talk more about this later. Remember what I said about keeping safe.”

  “I will. You have to take care more than any of us.”

  “I’m out of the country. I’m not worried.”

  “So they can’t get you there? Where exactly are you right now?”

  “Uh, Thailand. But I’m flying to the Philippines tomorrow then off to South America and Europe before I spend a few days in San Francisco prior to coming back home.”

  “I suppose Myra and Jill would enjoy the travel.”

  “I’d rather you get to spend time with them, but it can’t be helped. I’ll speak to you later. Bye for now.”

  “Bye, Dad.”

  Emma placed the phone on the coffee table, sighing. She guessed she’d have to let Kallan follow her around for the rest of her stay in Sydney. A little bit of discomfort probably wasn’t too bad in exchange for some peace of mind.

  But who exactly were those blasted Indie Rebels?

  She sat in front of her laptop and entered “Indie Rebels”. She had to assuage her curiosity regarding this dangerous group.

  Multiple entries appeared on her screen, mainly from news outlets that had reported the crimes that the group had helped solve. She checked their official site first.

  Her brows rose. It appeared that the Indie Rebels had helped the cops catch some high-profile criminals. The cases they claimed to have closed were pretty impressive.

  Interestingly, the team encouraged people to contact them for help by completing a secure online form, stating that their site was one of the most secure in the world to allay people’s fears regarding giving sensitive information via the internet.

  Wow, big claim for a mere vigilante gang. She wondered how they could afford it, when a system that secure would have to cost a fortune to set up and maintain.

  Plenty of people must reach out to these Indie Rebels, though, considering they found it necessary to put in big, bold letters that they do not promise to respond to every request. People would hear from them if they’d been chosen or there’d be silence if it was the opposite.

  Emma huffed. Couldn’t they at least appoint somebody to respond to all requests, even if it was a no? That would have been polite.

  She left the official site and checked out the other links, and she started to see a pattern. Where the Indie Rebels had been involved, the police had found criminals already tied up, ready to be picked up. However, the cops had repeatedly given warning to the public to not get involved with the Indie Rebels, saying that if there was a crime to be solved or stopped, citizens should call the police, not some group unsanctioned by law enforcement agencies. Obviously, some people didn’t want to listen to that message.

  Funny how there wasn’t a single picture that showed any of the Indie Rebels’ actual faces. None, no matter how many links she clicked, had any details regarding the individuals behind the masks. The only thing that made the IRs identifiable was their all-black head-to-foot attire, complete with a pair of dark glasses.

  Emma shuddered. How scary that these so-called anti-crime vigilantes were the people that had set up her uncle. They were hailed as heroes in every one of the news reports.

  She narrowed her eyes. These Indie Rebels probably wanted the police and the public to believe they were the good guys so they wouldn’t be suspected of criminal activities. She could see why her dad was wary.

  How on earth could her family fight a group like this?

  She got up and grabbed her bag. She’d ask Sharryn more questions. Her cousin had to know more than the one-sided reports on these IRs.

  She stepped out of her apartment building, smiling at the beautiful, sunny day. Luckily, those Indie Rebels appeared to only do their shenanigans in the cover of darkness.

  Chapter 6

  Emma looked up from the menu and saw Sharryn enter the café carrying an expensive handbag, a man following closely behind her. He had to be Sharryn’s bodyguard.

  She admired that Sharryn chose to pursue a career despite being wealthy. Or maybe it was Edgar who was wealthy. He’d have to be, considering he was business partners with Addison.

  Emma got up and greeted her cousin with a kiss. To her relief, Sharryn’s bodyguard sat a few tables away.

  “I love taking an early lunch break,” Sharryn said. “We can
talk without having to whisper.”

  Emma nodded, appreciating that the tables surrounding them were still empty. Still, she leaned towards Sharryn and spoke in a low voice. “I Googled the Indie Rebels before I came here.”

  “Yeah?” Sharryn said unconcernedly, checking the menu.

  “On the surface, they seem to be an impressive bunch—being responsible for catching some big-time criminals.”

  Sharryn put the menu down and frowned.

  “I’ve been tossing things in my head and I’m thinking, what if some copycat gang set your dad up? It’s not hard to get all-black costumes.”

  Sharryn took a deep, long sigh. “It’s possible, but I very much doubt it. There hasn’t been any news anywhere that there might be Indie Rebel copycats out there. You’d think those bastards would be the first to say it and warn people, if that’s what’s happening.”

  “I just can’t believe that with all the positive articles about them, they’re actually the opposite of who people think they are.”

  “I bet they’ve been somehow manipulating the stories about them too. And if they’re such heroes, how come the police themselves don’t want them helping out? I’m sure there’s more to them than what you’ve read in those articles.”

  “Yeah, I guess. They’re so devious, aren’t they? Pretending to be crime fighters and yet heartlessly setting up an innocent person to cover up their misdeeds.”

  “Exactly! That’s exactly what they are.” Sharryn pointed at her for emphasis.

  “Is it that they’re so powerful that people are scared to say bad things about them?”

  “The big problem is it’s not easy to prove anything against them. My dad’s case is proof of that. See how difficult it is for Dad to work on his defence in light of all the evidence that’s been pointed at him.”

  “There have to be other people they’d victimised who can help Uncle Edgar’s case.”

  “His lawyers and private detectives are working on it. Until then, we have to be careful, like your dad said.”

  “Yeah. He said he spoke to you.”

  “Uh-huh. He said he’ll ask you to hire Kallan.”

  Emma nodded. She still hadn’t fully wrapped her head around having her own security detail but, she had to admit, she’d gotten quite scared of the Indie Rebels. They seemed to be capable of so much.

  Sharryn ordered her food then looked at her expectantly. “So, what’s your decision about Kallan?”

  “Well, Dad was so insistent I didn’t have the heart to say no, especially when he’s paying for the whole thing.”

  “Oh, thank God! I’m so glad.” Sharryn looked up to the heavens. “So can we call Kallan and confirm it with him?”

  “Okay. Might as well,” Emma said reluctantly. “But how would it work? I’d hate for him to hang around with me in my apartment when I just want to be alone and relax.”

  “He won’t be going inside your place unless you want him there. Hey, how about we have a meeting with him at around eight tonight? You and Kallan can have dinner with me and Kerrod, then you can tell Kallan all your concerns. I’m sure he’ll be flexible as long as you’re not asking something that would be risky for you.”

  “That’s a good idea. So how come you didn’t pick Kallan to be your bodyguard. He would have been ideal for you.”

  “Oh, no. Have my bro-in-law work for me? It’ll never work. Kerrod would want to micromanage Kallan, and Kallan wouldn’t like it.”

  “I guess. But it’s not a problem if he works for me?”

  “Nah. The brothers don’t have a reason to clash because of you. So I’m calling him right now, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Sharryn grinned as she pulled out her phone, clearly thrilled.

  Their food was delivered to their table and Emma could only look at it. Suddenly, she didn’t feel like eating.

  “Done!” Sharryn said. “He’s free to have dinner with us tonight.”

  “At least I only have to put up with it for three months,” Emma said with a sigh.

  Sharryn stared at her. “What are you talking about? You’ll still need him when you go back to Brisbane.”

  What? “Why would I need a bodyguard when I go home? Surely those IRs won’t be after me there.”

  “The Indie Rebels are everywhere, Emma. Not just here in Sydney.”

  “Really? Do you mean I need a bodyguard indefinitely?”

  “Uh-huh. But hopefully we’ll figure out how to turn the tables on those assholes soon. Anyway, your dad will tell you more when the time comes.”

  “Why can’t you tell me?”

  “He knows more than I do. Just be patient.”

  “Be patient?” Emma tried to keep her voice low. “How can we sit here and pretend everything’s normal when our lives are being turned upside down?”

  Sharryn patted her arm. “You’ll get used to it. When you get to that point, you’ll see that it’s not bad at all. Going through all this will be well worth it for the whole family.”

  Emma furrowed her brows. That was an odd way of saying Edgar’s release and exoneration would be worth all the effort.

  “Eat,” Sharryn ordered. “You should learn not to let the IRs or the cops ruin your appetite—or your enjoyment of life, for that matter.”

  “You’re such a positive person,” she muttered, only half-joking.

  Sharryn chuckled. “Despite everything, there are plenty of reasons for us Ferns to be optimistic. We’ll get my dad out from that hell hole. I’m sure of that. We just need time. And as long as we keep ourselves safe, the world’s our oyster.”

  Emma had to smile. She couldn’t tell if Sharryn was merely putting up a front to cover up her worry or if she was truly feeling upbeat. Regardless, it was a good attitude to take.

  “Hey, there’s something else I want to ask you,” Sharryn said.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “My best friend found out yesterday she’s pregnant.”

  “Oh, really?”

  Sharryn nodded. “She’s due two weeks before my wedding, and we decided that it’s better for her not to be part of the bridal party. So instead of being a mere bridesmaid, would you mind taking her place as my maid of honour?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes. I’d love for you to be my maid of honour. You were my best cousin and best friend when we were kids. I want us to grow close again.”

  Aw. Emma reached out for Sharryn and gave her a hug. “It’ll be my absolute pleasure. Thank you for asking even if we’d been incommunicado for years.”

  “You’re welcome! The whole family wants you to feel like you’ve never been estranged from us.”

  Emma blinked away the moisture in her eyes. Family. There had only been herself and her mother for a long, long time. Now she was rediscovering what it was like to be a part of a close-knit, loving family.

  “I know it’s early, but we’ll have to talk about my hen’s party.”

  Emma laughed, and the rest of their lunch was spent talking about wedding stuff.

  After a while, Sharryn checked the time. “Oh, shit. I gotta get back to work. We have our monthly meeting in a few minutes, and I better not be late for that since I already took an extra half-hour for lunch.”

  “Hope you don’t get in trouble.”

  “As long as I make up for it this afternoon, I should be fine.” Sharryn sculled the last of her juice then fished out some cash from her wallet.

  Emma waved it away. “This is on me.”

  “Why?”

  “For all your help with securing my bodyguard.”

  Sharryn laughed. “Okay, then. Thank you. Chat again soon. Bye!”

  “Bye!”

  Emma took her time finishing off her smoothie before calling for the bill and paying for their meal. Then she made her way to the door.

  She stepped out into the sunshine, her eyes immediately drawn to two men waiting by the traffic lights—because they were both wearing black shirts and trousers. Could they be Indie Rebels
? Even though those goons were only active at night, she bet they did reconnaissance work during the day.

  She inhaled sharply, her gut twisting at the realisation that she’d been robbed of some of her freedom. She could only hope that Edgar would be proven innocent very soon and the IRs caught for their deception, or this fear would continue to gnaw on her and her family indefinitely.

  She couldn’t help but glance around. For all she knew, she already had Indie Rebels watching her right that moment.

  And her heart skipped as she locked gazes with a pair of brown eyes looking straight at her from across the road.

  Bryce.

  Chapter 7

  Bryce waved to Emma, relieved that she seemed happy to see him. He waited impatiently for the green walk sign to appear. Things were urgent now, and Aidan had given him instructions to try and work his way into Emma’s life as soon as he possibly could.

  At least Kallan wasn’t around. That meant the man hadn’t started as Emma’s bodyguard yet, if he’d already been hired. If only Bryce had known that Kallan was being interviewed by Emma for the position during their dinner at the Chinese restaurant, he would have found an excuse to stay and disrupt their conversation. He could even have offered his own security services. But the IRs had only found out about this after doing some covert interrogation on Kallan’s temporary receptionist.

  Being a professional private investigator, Kallan only occasionally moonlighted as a security detail for some of his clients. On paper, he wasn’t a very experienced bodyguard, but the Fixers could have trained him. Plus, it would have been hard to explain to legitimate bodyguards the reason for Emma needing personal protection, so it wasn’t surprising that the Ferns had elected to go with someone they already trusted.

  The traffic lights changed and Bryce half-jogged to where Emma was standing.

  “Hey, what are you doing here?” Emma asked.

  “I was just about to ask you the same thing!”

  “I just finished having lunch with Sharryn. She’s gone back to work.”

  “Where’s her office?”

  Emma gestured towards the building behind her. “AS Engineering. She’s in the finance department. Kerrod, her fiancé, works there too as one of the consulting engineers.”