by Drake, J. L.
He clears his throat and shoves the crushed cup into the pouch hanging off the wall. “I fucked up when I was on the team. I was young and dumb.” He shrugs, but I can see what he did weighs on him. “So maybe this will show them I can be trusted, that I can get you back safely, and with answers.” He lets out a laugh. “Or maybe not, since this is insane.”
The captain’s voice blares over the speakers, announcing our arrival. Jeez, I hadn’t noticed we landed.
“If it means anything, Derek, thank you.”
“Yeah, sure thing.” He looks out the window, and I know our heart to heart is over.
***
Cole
Cole goes over his checklist, finding what time fifty-nine is scheduled to complete the blind navigation course in the woods. The candidates have to navigate through the woods with only a map. If they’re caught using their head lamp, they get a point taken off. It’s no surprise fifty-nine, Adam Roth, is at the head of the pack.
Since he is so close to finishing, Cole decides to meet Roth at the last checkpoint to talk to him about the possibility of joining the house. He’s on his way when he spots Keith pulling up to the main house. It’s dark, but he can see there’s something wrong when the other man jumps quickly from the car.
“Keith?” Cole shouts. Keith stops, then turns and begins to head in his direction.
Cole sees his father coming out of the main building to join them. Obviously his father knows something isn’t right either.
“What are you doing here?” Cole asks, once he’s close enough.
Keith points at the main office. “Let’s talk inside.”
Mark joins them as well. Keith clears his throat, looking pale and sweaty.
“Where are John and Paul?” he asks, seeming to gather himself.
“They’re still out in the field. What's going on?” Cole asks between clenched teeth.
“I don’t have all the details yet, but Derek took Savannah to town this morning and they haven’t returned.”
Cole's stomach drops as his head tries to process what was just said.
“What do you mean?” Daniel asks, crossing his arms. “Did you trace the SUV? They all have trackers, you know that.”
“I did, and it was parked outside Christina’s store. We checked, of course, and she said they didn’t come in but figured they were planning to after they did some errands. She didn't think about it till later, as she got busy. She did remember seeing a black truck drive by a couple of times. I got the plate number, and it’s registered to an Agent Michael Stall.”
“Did you get hold of Stall?” Mark asks, shaking his head.
Cole’s hands ball into fists at his sides—something’s off. Derek is an ass, but he wouldn’t hurt Savi.
“Yes, and after some threatening, it turns out Derek paid him to drive him and Savannah to the airport.”
“Airport?” Mark hisses, glancing at Cole. “Why the fucking airport?”
Keith glances at Cole and lets out a long breath. “I have a theory.” All eyes turn to Keith as he continues. “This morning Savannah was acting really strange. Abigail said Savannah was acting almost like she was saying goodbye. She did the same to me. I could tell she was lying about something. She’s a bad liar.” He pulls out a piece of paper from his back pocket. “I found this in her wastebasket in her room.” He hands it to Cole.
Cole quickly unfolds it and scans the words. Fuck!
“What is it?” Mark moves to his side, trying to read the paper.
“She found the email from her father to Frank, and my reply.” Cole’s words are quiet. “Dad,” he looks to Daniel and feels all the blood rush from his face, “she’s walking into a trap.”
Cole,
I came to this house stripped of everything, and you built me into something. I have never felt whole, never felt a sense of belonging, never felt true love until I met you.
My leaving is to give you something you gave me—peace. There are so many lies that surround me. They need to be dealt with, and only I can find the answers. I’m tired of being broken. I’m ready to fix this. I will not let you hurt for me again. I know I can do this and I'll soon be back in your arms.
You will forever be my knight who stormed the castle wall and saved me from all the evil that held me prisoner.
I love you, Cole Logan.
Forever yours,
Savannah x
Cole sits on the edge of the bed, his hands shaking as he re-reads her letter for the tenth time, fighting back the nausea that’s pooling in the back of his throat.
“Oh, baby, you just walked into the lion’s den,” he mutters as he picks up his duffel bag.
“Ready when you are,” Mark calls out softly from the doorway.
***
Savannah
I watch the familiar scenery fly by. As we ride in the tinted Ford Explorer to my father’s office, my mind wanders. Well, I’ve wanted to know what this would feel like ever since I was taken to my own personal hell almost ten months ago. It doesn’t feel like home anymore; it feels cold and crowded. I suddenly miss the wide open space of the Montana mountains, my friends, and yes, my family. New York City isn’t right for me anymore. I have found peace and happiness—I’ve moved on.
The weight in my belly that’s been forming since I stepped on the plane is getting heavier as we drive closer to the office. My fingers catch and run along the chain to the tiny snowflake that hasn’t left my neck since Cole gave it to me. I’m so nervous my leg is bouncing wildly, making a thumping noise on the floor.
Derek’s phone rings, and I flinch. I watch his face when he reads the caller ID. He swallows hard as he answers the call.
“Logan.”
I hold my breath and watch Derek’s eyes squeeze shut.
“Yeah, one second.” He looks at me and holds out the phone. I don’t want to take it, I can’t, but…
“Cole?” My voice gives away how much I miss him.
“Savannah,” the worry is thick in his voice, “what the hell are you doing?”
“Ending this.”
“It’s not the way!” he nearly shouts.
My anger surfaces. “Right, and you getting taken by The American again is?”
Silence.
“I heard you talking at the camp, Cole. I can’t go through that again. It’s time I finish this. I love you more than anyone or anything, so it’s time I get the answers. I deserve it, but without anyone else putting themselves in danger for me.” He attempts to say something, but I cut him off. “I’ll be all right. I’m just going to figure out who’s blackmailing my father so I can find out who is actually behind my kidnapping.”
“No, Savannah, you don’t—”
“I’ll be home tomorrow night. I love you Cole.” I quickly hang up, turn off the phone, and hand it back to Derek, who is wide-eyed.
“Problem?” I ask, feeling a new sense of strength. I knew I could do this. I have to do this, for Cole and me to move on with our lives.
“Not at all.” Derek smirks briefly and goes back to looking out the window.
***
“Here.” Derek gives me a tiny cell phone that fits inside a small pocket in my dress. It looks like a remote I had for the Apple TV back in my old life. “Just in case we get separated, speed dial one is me, and two is Cole. You don't have to look, just feel where the buttons are.”
I nod and feel for the little buttons until I am familiar with how to press them. I'm still not sure what the hell I’m going to say when I see my father.
We are in a café across the road from my father’s office building. I’ve changed into a black Ponte sheath dress with heels and stockings. I have to look like I belong in the corporate world so Derek and I can walk in and not stand out. Derek’s connections got us in contact with a woman on the tenth floor. She’s going to meet us downstairs and walk us in so we don’t have to give a name to the front desk, and then we can bypass security. We don’t want anyone knowing I’m here.
&nbs
p; “Put these on.” Derek hands me a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. I do, as Derek shrugs on a trench coat over his dark blue suit and then he helps me into mine.
“Ready?” he asks.
“Yeah…yes, I am.” I try to produce a brave a smile, but I’m a mixture of fear and, strangely, excitement.
We step outside, letting the freezing New York air swirl around us. Derek links arms with me and helps keep me from slipping on the black ice as we cross the street.
A woman with a friendly smile greets us at the door and speaks to us like we were old friends. Security eyes us but says nothing as the woman puts on a good show for them. I keep my head down, and my scarf wraps around most of my face. As soon as we step into the elevators, Derek thanks the woman and hands her an envelope. Hush money.
People shuffle in and out as we rise through the building. Finally we reach the tenth floor and she turns and leans up to my ear. I stiffen at her closeness and notice Derek reaches for something, but then stops when he sees she’s just whispering.
“October TMZ, top left corner. You’re not the only one making it in the media.” She gives my arm a small squeeze and disappears out the elevator doors.
I’m confused by her comment, but I memorize what she said so I can deal with it later. Derek looks at me, puzzled, and I shake my head, needing to prepare myself for what is ahead. Besides, we don’t have time to talk, as the doors soon open to the twenty-sixth floor.
Oh shit.
As much as I’m bundled up, I am cold, and I feel the hairs rise on my arms. Derek and I stop to see if Luka is in his office. His door is closed, so my guess is he is in a meeting. We move on, and before I can think, Derek opens my father’s office door.
“Mayor Fox?” Derek says in a direct voice.
My father’s grey eyes look up and lock with mine.
Holy…
Chapter Six
Dad.
He blinks a few times before he stands, rounds his desk, and stops a few feet from us. I hear rather than see Derek shift my way.
“Savannah?” my father whispers in disbelief. His face is white as a sheet. “Is that really you?”
“Hi, Dad.” I feel the words catch in my throat.
His hands outstretched, he makes his way toward me but hesitates as he comes in for a hug. As soon as his arms are around me I feel…uncomfortable? Weird? Strange? I don’t know, but I don’t like it.
“I can’t believe you’re alive.” He pulls back and grasps my shoulders. “Look at you.”
“Dad, we need to talk, and I don’t have much time.”
He looks over at the door. “Did anyone see you? Do you think you were followed?”
“No, it’s okay. I have some questions that need answers, Dad. Like who’s blackmailing you? Do you know why I was taken? Why was my ransom so low?”
“Whoa, slow down, dear.” He smiles at me, still with his hand on my shoulder. He thinks for a moment, then says, “Tell you what, we need a proper place to talk about all this. Meet me for an early dinner this evening.” He smiles at Derek. “Both of you. Come to the house so we can talk without worrying that the media or anyone else will see you. I'll answer your questions then, but not here. It’s not safe. You really should go.” He suddenly looks uneasy and makes a show about looking over his shoulder.
I glance at Derek, who doesn’t like the idea and is obvious about it, but he takes his cue from me and agrees unhappily. “Umm, yeah, okay.”
“Great, four sound all right?” Dad asks, as I check the time. It’s a little after one. “I’ll call ahead and have dinner ready for us.”
“All right, we’ll meet you there.”
My father turns to Derek. “Thank you for bringing her here.” He extends his hand for a shake. Derek takes it quickly and moves toward the door.
“Savi.” Derek flicks his head for me to follow.
“See you at four, Dad.”
“All right, dear.” He kisses my forehead. “Be careful. I love you, sweetheart.” He sounds so sincere my earlier uneasy feelings evaporate. Wow…it’s been a long time since my father uttered those words to me and meant them. There’s no media here to make a show for.
“Me too.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Derek explodes as soon as we make our way across the street. “That guy is as fake as a three dollar bill, Savi. What are we doing letting him call the shots here? Why—”
I cut him off. “Derek, it's okay. We have no choice. My father was right; his office in broad daylight isn't the right time.” Giving him a look, I walk away from him, my own thoughts in a jumble. It was such a shock seeing him again. I need time to process all this myself, and Derek doesn't know my father and how complicated it is being in his position in the Mayor's office.
Derek starts making calls out on the patio as soon as we arrive at our hotel. Derek chose this hotel because it is so close to my father’s home. I stare out the window, seeing his penthouse condo across the street with its dark gray curtains. I always thought they were so heavy and dreary for the room, but he insisted on keeping them.
I shower and change into pants and a cream colored blouse. I curl my hair and add earrings and a few bangles to my outfit. I may have been gone for some time, but I know my father will still expect me to dress appropriately, and I will not disappoint.
“Yes, honey, I’ll see you soon. I love you too.” Derek speaks quietly with his back to me.
I pick up my purse and slip the tiny phone into my bra. I didn’t know Derek was seeing someone. He must have noticed the look on my face, because he smiles and rolls his eyes.
“She’s the prettiest brown-eyed girl I’ve ever met.” He laughs. “And now she’s begging me to bring her home a souvenir from New York.”
“Oh, really?” I grin. “You should stop by Draped in Lace. They have—”
His hands fly over his ears, cringing. “That’s not something I want to buy my six year old niece!”
“Oh!” I laugh. “In that case, the gift shop downstairs may have something.”
“That’s where we're headed. I need your help.”
After twenty minutes of looking at every knick-knack the gift shop owns, Derek finally decides on a snow globe of the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink at Christmas. It makes a beautiful gift any six year old girl would love. I know because I have…had one.
Convincing him to stop for coffee, we take a seat near the back and enjoy a few minutes before we have to leave. My nose scrunches at Derek’s strong black coffee as I blow the steam off the top of mine, adding a little more cream and sugar.
“My parents brought me to New York when I was eleven,” he says, breaking our silence. “My sister and I were so excited to see the Rangers play the Kings. That’s when Gretsky was playing for them. My parents planned this whole day of fun for us, batting cages in the morning, lunch at Times Square, then the game and ice cream afterward.” He smiles, remembering. “Man that was a good trip.”
“I bet.” I sip my coffee, happy we’re talking about anything else but the real reason we’re here. “Where are you from originally?”
“Washington, born and raised,” he says proudly.
“Are your parents still there?”
His face falls a little. “My old man died a few years back, heart attack. My mom is there, though, with my sister and my niece. My sister left her husband around the same time Dad died, so she moved in with Mom.” He pauses. “I try to step up when I can, so my niece has at least some sort of male figure in her life.” He glances at me. “Sounds like Frank is moving me back to Washington, which is good because I was planning on transferring anyway. Shadows and me,” he shakes his head, “well, let's just say we ain't a good mix.”
I feel sad, as I do like Derek. He’s been a friend, but it's obvious for whatever reason the guys don’t like him, and I understand that. Trust goes hand in hand with everything in their line of work.
“Oh, Derek, I hope you’ll be happy there.” I didn't say Cole had already
told me.
He grants me a smile. “I’ll miss a few things.” He winks.
“Mmm.” I chuckle, finishing off my coffee.
“Let’s go back up to the room,” Derek mumbles, as he checks his phone for the hundredth time. I know he'll be glad to get this over with.
It takes him two times to open the hotel door with the key card. I pretend not to notice, but I can see he’s jumpy.
“You all right?” I ask as he pulls down the handle to open the door.
“Yes I am,” he mutters, letting me walk in first.
Two steps past the threshold, I'm met with a set of intense dark eyes that steals every last ounce of air from my body.
Oh...
We stand two feet apart staring at one another. My heart pounds loudly as he flexes his jaw dramatically for me to see. Instead of feeling nervous, I feel the inner pull that he brings out in me. My tongue darts out and does a swipe along my lower lip. His eyes narrow and I see that familiar flicker. He feels it too, I can tell, but I need to stay strong if I am going to do this. I draw in a deep breath.
“Cole.” My voice comes out raspy.
“Savannah.” He says each syllable slowly.
“And...I’m gonna leave now,” Derek whispers backing out of the hotel room. Neither of us talks until we hear the door close.
“When did you get here?” I ask, turning my back to him and calmly placing my purse on the bar top.
Suddenly both of his arms trap me and his mouth is at my ear. “I’m so angry at you right now…!” He is actually vibrating.
“Cole—” He bites at my neck, giving my nerves another jolt.
“Do you have any idea how scared I’ve been these last twelve hours?” he hisses as runs his hand along my stomach. “I want to handcuff you to me right now and drag your ass back to Montana.” His other hand grabs my ass, squeezing it and making my hand drop back against his shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I close my eyes as his hand slides in the front of my pants, running just shy of where I want him to be. “Because you would have said no.”