Echoes

by Angela Verdenius

  “Got her in my sights. She’s safe inside the servo at this time.”

  “Stay on her, do not let her out of your sight.”

  “Got it.”

  Ryan hung up. But for some reason he couldn’t relax. Sitting still, not a muscle moving, he couldn’t put a finger on what was wrong, but something started to eat at him, the need to check Ella himself. He trusted Kennedy, but-

  His mobile rang again, the Control Centre number coming up. “Ryan.”

  “Kelly. The surveillance cameras have picked up someone outside Ella’s house. He’s going around checking the windows.”

  “Who’s out there?”

  “Paul’s moving in now. We’ll have the prowler in the next few minutes.”

  “Contact Edward as soon as you do, he’s going to want to talk to whoever it is.”

  “Roger that.”

  “My place?”

  “All quiet. The cameras show nothing, but Grant’s heading there now to check it out.”

  “Call me.” He hung up.

  His internal radar was starting to ping. “This isn’t just a coincidence.” No, he needed to see her. Now.

  Before he could open his mouth, however, his boss spoke without taking his gaze from the road. “Do you want to check in with Ella?”

  “Kennedy’s watching her like a hawk, but yes.”

  With a nod, Aaron indicated, turning off the road onto the freeway. While they were on it, his mobile rang again.

  This time Ryan flicked it on. “Ryan and Aaron.”

  “Felicity. We’re out of the property on our way to the safe house. The feds and cops are just pulling up at the house now.”

  “How’s Rose?”

  “I’m fine,” a small voice answered with a definite teary quaver.

  “You’re doing fine, Rose,” Aaron assured her. “Felicity will stay with you. Do everything she says, no matter what. Got that?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll do another report when we arrive at the safe house,” Felicity stated.

  “We’ll be waiting.”

  At Aaron’s nod, Ryan turned off the mobile. A street sign flashed past and he rested his palms on his thighs, centring himself as an unaccustomed impatience trickled through him.

  “Thoughts,” Aaron requested.

  “Something’s not right.”

  “And?”

  “I don’t know. I just feel it.” He cut his eyes to Aaron. “A prowler right at the same time this case is breaking? My radar’s going off.”

  “Agreed.” Reaching up, Aaron turned on the communicator at his ear. “Armed Response, where are you?”

  “Almost back to base,” Kelly’s replied immediately.

  “Turn around. New destination is the Harcourt Service Station.”

  “Roger that.”

  “May be nothing, may be something.”

  “Turning now.”

  “Everyone on the communicator, keep mobiles clear for the feds, police and Felicity.”

  “Roger that.”

  Ryan switched on his own ear piece, rang Kennedy, relayed the communication order.

  “On to it,” Kennedy replied tersely, a clear indication that he was ready for trouble and donning his own ear piece.

  Turning off the freeway onto the off ramp, Aaron rounded the bend to merge with the late traffic.

  Ryan made one more phone call.

  “Harcourt Service Station, Ella speaking,” came the cheerful greeting.

  “Ryan. No time to explain. A security guard called Kennedy is coming in to get you. Do exactly as he says, no matter what.”

  “Ryan?” She was surprised. “What’s going on?”

  “Just do it, Ella.”

  Thankfully, she didn’t insist on an explanation. “Okay.”

  “I’m coming.”

  “Okay.”

  “Be careful.” He hung up as the car turned into the car park of the service station.

  Ryan spotted Kennedy bleeding out from the darkness into the light, making his way quickly towards the front door of the service station at the same time Kennedy’s voice came through the ear piece. “A black Ford Falcon FG X sedan has passed by twice, the second time driving right through the bowsers. It’s gone around the back. I’m heading in to pull out Ella.”

  So Ryan wasn’t the only one who’s radar was going off. A seasoned ex-military SAS, Kennedy had razor sharp senses. If he noticed something odd, then it damned sure wasn’t good news.

  Ryan was out of the car before it had drawn to a stop, the dark colour of it blending into the shadows. Aaron was close on his heels, both of them sweeping their gazes assessingly over the building and open car park.

  While a part of Ryan - the lover - wanted nothing more than to rush in and grab Ella, the bodyguard in him, the security side, made him take stock of the surroundings, be cautious but act decisively, making plans fast. The mission was to get Ella out safely.

  It might be nothing, might be something, but his internal radar had never steered him wrong yet.

  Seeing Kennedy enter the building, Ryan said, “I’m coming around the back.”

  “Roger that.” The door slid shut behind Kennedy and he started striding towards the counter behind which Ella stood. He moved confidently, appeared deceivingly unhurried.

  Aaron took a key ring from his pocket, flipped to a key and handed it to Ryan before they split up, melting into the darkness, skimming the lit areas on each side of the building.

  As he moved, Ryan continually assessed the area - cars, the building, the few bushes. No black sedan in sight but that didn’t mean anything. Stealthily sliding through shadows, he scrutinized the surroundings but nothing moved, no evidence of anyone or anything in the vicinity.

  Arriving at the back door, he carefully tried the door handle and found it still locked. Slipping the skeleton key in, he turned the lock, felt it tumble over, and opened the door a crack, listening for any indication that someone was standing beyond.

  Silence greeted him. Pushing the door open only enough to go inside, he slipped through into the staff room.

  Chapter 10

  No sooner had Ella hung up the phone than a man entered the service station and strode up to the counter, holding out an identity card. “I’m Kennedy. I work for Wells Security. You’re to come with me, please.”

  “Okay.” Habitually, she glanced briefly at the card.

  Even at a glance she could see that the facial picture matched the calm-looking bloke’s. In the flesh he was a lot bigger. Muscular, his plain navy blue jacket hugging broad shoulders, and no doubt his boots big enough to kick a heavy drum into the middle of next year. He had that same look about him that she’d noticed in Ryan, Aaron and even Marietta. Observant, composed, controlled, confident, and definitely not to be argued with.

  “Your safety is of paramount importance right now.” He slid the card back into his pocket. “Where is your co-worker?”

  “Cassidy? He’s in the office out back doing his usual paperwork, or taking a nap.”

  “Come.” He was already moving for the end of the counter.

  Even as she hurried, she couldn’t help but cast an anxious look over her shoulder at the big glass window. Nothing was outside in the glow of the lights, no one looking in - well, that she could see, anyway.

  Kennedy was already coming towards her on her side of the counter, passing to fall in behind her, effectively shielding her with his own body as he crowded in close, one big hand on her shoulder guiding her deftly forward towards the door leading into the back of the service station.

  They were halfway to it when it opened to reveal Ryan. His hard gaze swept around, landed on her and Kennedy.

  “Clear in here,” Kennedy said curtly.

  Ryan nodded, strode out to meet them.

  Seeing him was a huge relief, and she went willingly to him, being passed from Kennedy’s hands to Ryan’s.

  Ryan didn’t linger, in complete professional protection mode as he hooked his
hand around her upper arm, his gaze cutting over her face before returning to Kennedy. “Out back.”

  Kennedy nodded and they started moving, Ella between them feeling suddenly very small and vulnerable as the two men towered over her.

  Alarm pounded at her. Ryan hadn’t spoken to her, and that meant he was focussed on whatever was happening. Or going to happen. Whichever it was, it couldn’t be pleasant.

  Now, as she obeyed his voiceless command through his grip on her arm and Kennedy behind her, she could appreciate how reassuring it was to have a bodyguard. In this case two. Except, to be honest, her heart was racing regardless.

  As though sensing her anxiety, Ryan briefly looked down at her. The hardness of his eyes softened slightly. “Just follow instructions, Ella.”

  She nodded.

  Suddenly Ryan touched his hand to his ear, Kennedy behind him turning slightly.

  It happened quickly. Ryan’s grip tightened and propelled her forward with a forceful “Move!”

  Three things happened at once.

  They were at a run when Kennedy shouted out, “Incoming!”

  The big front glass window behind them exploded inwards, accompanied by squealing tyres and revving engine.

  Ryan shoved sideways hard into Ella, knocking her out of the way, taking her down to the ground as something black and shiny crashed into the display stand not far from them to send metal shelves and tins flying into the air.

  Everything happened fast, Ryan tucking her beneath him in an expert move while Kennedy dropped to her other side, both of them protecting her from the worst of the sharp glass and debris that flew through the air.

  Stunned, she couldn’t even get her bearings before Ryan was on his haunches, tersely ordering Kennedy, “Take her!”

  Fleetingly she saw Ryan take something from his waistband under his jacket, the flash of black metal as he started firing the gun, arms straight out as he looked down the sights and fired, the sound ringing in her ears.

  Hauling her upright, Kennedy pushed her forward once more towards the back door while using the display stands for shelter, but she had no idea why Ryan was shooting.

  Until she heard shots firing back.

  Fear for him had her stumbling, only to be physically picked up by the behemoth behind her, one heavy arm clamped uncomfortably tight around her waist as he pounded forward.

  “Move!” Ryan yelled. “Move move move!”

  The urgency in his voice had Ella’s heart leaping. She’d never heard him speak above a quiet, controlled tone, not even when he was angry, but this was different.

  She knew why when she managed to glance back just as Kennedy made the door.

  Saw the man appear at the window, saw the bottle arc through the air even as Ryan shot the man straight through the chest. The bottle crashed to the ground not far from Ryan, exploded, and fire flared up.

  “Ryan!” she screamed, fear for him tearing the words from her as the flames shot up, the car catching fire from another Molotov cocktail thrown by a dark shape appearing from another direction. “Ryan!”

  She’d expected Kennedy to stop, to help him, but the big man took her through the door, slamming it behind him, cutting off sight of the roaring, spreading fire.

  But not before Ella spotted a tall, broad-shouldered man with blonde hair and pale blue eyes rearing up outside the window, gun in hand, putting a bullet into a second man already lighting up another Molotov cocktail.

  Her last glimpse of the room before Kennedy slammed the door shut was of Ryan getting to his feet, eyes as cold as death, as hard as ice, menace pouring off him, that hint of cruelty on his face. Even as the fires licked fiercely around him, he was calmly control.

  But still a man, a man who could burn, a man who could die.

  Then the door cut him from sight.

  “No!” She struggled. “Kennedy, you have to help him! Put me down!”

  “We keep moving.” Matching action to words, he ran down the hall.

  “Please! I’m fine! You have to help Ryan! Please!”

  “Let him do his job.” The words were snapped grimly into her ear.

  Almost immediately, despite the panic gripping her, the terror for Ryan’s safety, the pulse pounding horror of what had happened - was still happening - words echoed in her ears.

  Just follow instructions, Ella. Do exactly as he says.

  Ryan’s words. Ryan’s orders.

  It hit her hard, yanked her back to reality. Ryan knew what he was doing. Kennedy knew. She was the novice, the one needing protecting. Fighting the one charged with saving her wasn’t going to help anyone, only hinder them. Put them all in even greater danger.

  It was this that stopped her struggling as they entered the staff room.

  Dropping her to her feet, Kennedy shoved her against the wall behind the door, one finger under her nose. “Stay right there.”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  Without acknowledging that he’d heard her, he touched the door handle, opened it just a crack. Whatever he saw on the other side had him throwing open the door and tucking her into his side as he propelled them outside at a run, his arm around her guiding her to a nearby black van.

  Several figures passed them going in the direction of the service station. Flashes of eyes only, black ski masks of some kind pulled over their heads to hide their identities. Intimidating figures in dark navy cargo pants, dark navy long-sleeved shirts beneath bullet-proof jackets, black gloves and black boots. Several had guns.

  Relief swept through her - these had to be Tactical Response Group, or some other police group. They’d help Ryan, help Aaron.

  As Kennedy bundled her into the back of the van, she caught a glimpse of the back door of the service station, saw several figures go inside, saw a black silhouette on the roof, then the van door slammed shut and she was left staring at Kennedy.

  “You all right?” He appraised her.

  Man wasn’t even breathing hard. Several specks of blood peppered one cheek. He spoke steadily, definitely not as though he’d pulled her from the jaws of death, protected her with his body. Done his job.

  She nodded. “I’m sorry about freaking out.” Her teeth started to chatter.

  “It’s okay.” Grabbing a blanket, he wrapped it around her shoulders.

  “N-no. I panicked.”

  “Civilians aren’t conditioned for this kind of thing.” He gave her back a comforting rub.

  “Thank you.”

  He nodded.

  “You cheek is bleeding.” Hand shaking, she drew a tissue from her pocket and handed it to him. “It’s clean.”

  “Thanks.” He dabbed at his cheek while turning to check out the front windscreen.

  She looked around. “Cassidy. Where’s Cassidy?”

  “Ryan came in the back door. He’d have swept the office. Cassidy’s out.” At her worried look, he slid the door open enough to stick his head out, spoke to someone. Seconds later he pulled his head back in and shut the door. “Cassidy’s been taken off-site already.”

  Thank goodness. Ella’s hands shook, her heart thudded. Outside she heard voices, sirens. A black shape passed the windscreen, a pair of eyes and narrow strip of flesh the only thing visible in the slitted mask.

  Thank God she was on the right side. If she was a bad guy facing these intimidating people in their ominous outfits and menacing air, she’d have crapped herself.

  Biting her lip, she leaned forward to peer out the windscreen at the service station. A red/orange glow came from the front of the building, filling the sky, and she could see the flicker of flames. Inside that was Ryan. Her breath caught.

  “He’ll be fine,” Kennedy assured her.

  “How can you be sure?” She gripped the blanket tightly. “The fuel bowsers…”

  “Ryan knows his job.”

  That was reassuring in a small way - right until something exploded. Now figures came running from the service station as fire trucks roared into the parking lot. Cop cars p
ulled in, sirens blaring, followed by an ambulance which parked further back.

  Ella knew why. A service station filled with petrol and oil on fire? Recipe for disaster.

  The side door of the van opened, figures climbing in and taking seats. The front doors opened, the van rocking as more bodies piled in, then the doors shut, cutting everything from sight. The van’s engine started and whoever was driving put the van in reverse.

  It happened so fast, so many bodies inside that Ella couldn’t tell in the dimness who was who, but one thing she did see was that none of them were Ryan. Or Aaron.

  Anxiety ratcheted up another notch. Where was he? It ratcheted up even further when the van continued heading down the freeway, leaving behind the burning service station.

  Ella turned to Kennedy sitting beside her. “Kennedy?”

  The street lights fell across his face, his features impassive. “Ryan’ll be fine.”

  Biting her lip, she clutched his arm. “Why are we leaving him behind? And Aaron?”

  “They have things to sort out.” His voice softened just a little. “Trust him.”

  “I do.” Her bottom lip trembled against her will. “But if he gets hurt, I will kick his arse.”

  There came a chuckle from the very back seat, but Ella didn’t look around. “Where are we going?”

  “Safe place.”

  “What happened?” She studied his profile. “Back there. What was that?”

  “Ryan will explain when he arrives.”

  Everyone else was quiet, so Ella did the same, hugging the blanket around her as she shivered. Shocky, she knew. Better than dead. Be better if Ryan was by her side. No one else seemed worried about him, Kennedy seemed so sure he was okay - and Aaron, she couldn’t forget him - but until she saw Ryan or heard his voice, she couldn’t help but worry.

  From the front seat she heard low murmuring but couldn’t make out the words. Through the windscreen she could see they’d moved out of the main part of the city, headed out to a warehouse district. A stone fence loomed, high iron gates, and was that really a guard house and a guard dog? The guard exchanged low words with the van driver, returned to the guard house and the gate slid open. The van drove through the gates, across a big open area to pull up at what appeared to be a warehouse. A door opened in the wall and the van drove inside to park beside several other plain black vans and two plain black four wheel drives. Behind them the door smoothly shut.