Surviving Jordon (Surviving Series Book 3)

by Virginia Wine

  I walked toward the car, curious if she recalled that I would be driving her back. Twenty long minutes in close quarters might be my lucky break.

  “Shit.”

  I heard her say quietly behind me, as I opened the passenger door and waited for her to get in. Once secure, I closed her door, quickly working out what I should say.

  Starting the engine, I veered into the traffic.

  “Nick, let me explain.” I glanced over for a brief second, but I was met with cold indifference. “There’s a difference between us.”

  “What us? There’s no us. There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “Is that so? Then tell me, have I been so off that I’ve imagined the chemistry, the attraction between us? Because if what is happening here is only one-sided, I need to know right now.”

  She was pushing me away, I felt it. Then there was the awful possibility that I had been reading more into things from the start. Maybe she didn’t have a clue, after all.

  “If we were to take this to a personal level, I felt confident you could handle any threat you were faced with. You are my equal, with parallel skills that could rival any threat that strikes against either one of us.”

  Silence, but I felt the thawing begin. A slight flicker of warmth radiated off her.

  “That’s why it didn’t work between Jordan and I.”

  Her stomach rumbled. We’d hadn’t eaten anything today. I exited off the next off-ramp and pulled into the waffle house. Then I rounded my SUV and opened her door, but she stared straight ahead. She was staying put, I supposed.

  “Come on, already.”

  I leaned over and grabbed her purse from the floor, and she reluctantly got out.

  If she did have any personal attraction toward me, she sure as hell wasn’t acting like it.

  The hostess sat us in a booth, menus in hand.

  “Breakfast for dinner?”

  I nodded my head across the room.

  “You haven’t lived until you’ve had the pancakes for dinner.”

  “Well, then, pancakes it is.”

  I noticed her fingers shook. If I made her nervous, she triggered the complete opposite reaction in me. She had a calming effect on me whenever she was close.

  I glanced over her features admiring each detail but refrained myself from brushing a stray lock of hair. It was time I fixed this, whatever this was between us. So, I sat up straighter and looked at her. And even though I knew I shouldn’t, I pushed.

  “Consider this our first date.”

  I waited for the words that would cut like a knife. Would I be tossed aside, or given a chance? Sudden nerves hit like a tidal wave, crashing and churning within me.

  “Questionable methods of persuasion, Mr. Archer.”

  But that wasn’t a no.

  “Circumstances as they are, professionalism is our number one priority, so we need to stay focused. Afterward? We’ll see.”

  She was unable to meet my gaze, but I heard her loud and clear. It didn’t mean I would adhere to her decision, though.

  “Why the FBI?”

  I could see the question threw her, but how else was I going to break down those walls?

  “That’s a long, boring story.”

  “Try me.” She released a sigh just as the server joined us. “Two all-you-can-eat pancakes, and a side of bacon for me. Nick, anything else?”

  “Coffee, with cream.”

  She politely handed the menu back. Her good manners instantly faded once our eyes locked on each other.

  “Right out of college, I entered the Kansas City Police academy, at age twenty-two. I was on the streets for several years, then Vice. I received a couple of awards, catapulting my career on the fast-track.

  “Awards? Don’t be so humble. Go on.”

  I was fully aware she was sharing her professional path to success, keeping her personal life private.

  All in good time.

  “Early on I acquired my firearms proficiency ribbon and was promoted to teach at the academy. Then I was awarded the Medal of Valor. It was then that I was approached by the FBI. Soon I was receiving the FBI shield of bravery. My options expanded, but being a woman didn’t come with many privileges. In fact, just the opposite. Interestingly enough, only twenty percent of police officers are women, compared to twenty-five percent within the FBI. Now I’m the associate deputy director, but I still answer to the director.”

  “Impressive. I can see you’re very determined in your professional life.”

  Wary tolerance flashed over her features.

  I wanted more, but I wouldn’t press—for now.

  The day dragged, even though I’d been busy all morning with the team, strategizing over safety once again. Analyzing the new information, we had uncovered more facts concerning our Russian predator, Artur Grischa, Echo-Assassin. He had a younger sister, Dina, who was only nineteen. He had kept her hidden very well.

  Then we organized a plan that included two men making the trip to the small town of Livny. If we had to use her as leverage, we would.

  When the text arrived, my heart picked up as I read her words.

  Can you pick me up at four today? Meeting scheduled for Myles Carrington at five.

  On it.

  It made me even more eager to face the man, look him in the eye, and establish if he was capable of the sins raining down on me. My men were the fallen soldiers. God help him if he was the one behind their deaths. I’d kill him and bury his body in a shallow grave where no one would ever find his sorry ass.

  “We’re meeting at his office. Most employees will be gone by five, giving us uninterrupted time with him,’ Nick explained.

  “Billionaire industrialist, and Graham Carrington’s father,” I read aloud.

  We were sitting in my SUV, updating each other on our latest findings.

  While I dug into her file, I protected my own. The sister was ours, and I planned to keep it that way. Come tomorrow morning, I should have her location nailed own.

  We approached the high-rise. It was condensed within the business district, one after the other in a grid pattern. The precise engineering left me cold as one steel building followed the other. Once inside, the mixture of coffee bars, shops, and food court settings warmed the cold exterior.

  “I don’t want to regret this later, so check the attitude at the door, Steel.”

  “I can’t promise anything.” I was being honest, but her glare spoke of consequences I didn’t want to hear. “Fine.”

  We reached the nineteenth floor, and the elevators opened to a cream-colored marble floor where the receptionist awaited our arrival. Once we were ushered into the private wing housing Myles Carrington’s office, she informed us that she would be leaving for the day.

  “Mr. Carrington.”

  The door remained open as she walked away.

  My eyes widened as I scanned the lavish room. Each piece had a meticulously hand-crafted appearance. There were exquisite leathers and a wall of screens. Technology at its best. The man behind the desk sat silently as we took in his extravagant lifestyle.

  Once our gazes locked, a smirk appeared on his face, giving him a slight advantage. I wasn’t in the mood for games as he sneered my way.

  “Miss Lancaster, have a seat.” He gestured her, then his gaze racked over me. “Mr. Archer.”

  He had an edge of anger within him, spilling over into his words.

  “FBI, National Security Branch, Deputy Director.”

  Nick reached out for his hand, matching the smirk resting on her face, shifting the power back to our court.

  “Ah, yes, excuse me,” he said, returning to his seat.

  Nick and I took the opposing leather chairs facing his massive mahogany desk.

  He radiated power, but anyone would in these surroundings.

  “As I mentioned on the phone, we are investigating a series of murders.”

  “For the life of me, I can’t imagine why you would want to speak with me.”

 
His hands rose in question, but his disingenuous act wasn’t fooling me. I watched Carrington like a hawk when Nick pulled out an eight-by-ten picture of Artur Grischa. Then she stood and sat it on his desk.

  He picked it up, barely studying the image.

  “Do you recognize this man?”

  Nick rested her palms on this desk, hovering over him, but her intimidating stance didn’t seem to faze Carrington.

  “No.” He handed the photo back, folding his hands. “Why? Who is he?”

  “The killer,” she replied boldly.

  “I don’t make it a habit to coerce with criminals.”

  His arrogant tone seeped through his well-rehearsed facade. I wanted to call his bluff. The animosity on his face told a different story as a chill settled over me.

  “But a man such as yourself meets countless men and woman throughout an ordinary business day.”

  I could tell that Nick’s assuming tone was grinding on Carrington.

  “True, but I’m quite certain I’ve never met this man.”

  This cat-and-mouse diversion was getting old. I was boiling, about to blow, fighting the rage that was building with each denial he spewed out.

  “I believe you have a personal vendetta against me for killing your son.”

  I knew I was dredging up a sore spot, an open wound that would soon fester. Not to mention the blazing look suddenly coming from Nick.

  “He always had a bit of a temper. My Graham clearly had issues. But you can’t fault me for the actions of my deceased son.”

  Correction: his good-for-nothing son.

  “It’s a logical motive.”

  I stepped over Nick again, and her anger flared in my direction. I would be surprised if she didn’t pummel me once we were outside.

  “You must be mistaken. I’m a far cry from my son’s notorious temper tantrums.”

  “Is that what you’re calling murder and kidnapping, Mr. Carrington?”

  Nick stood now, taking control, ripping the ball right out of my hands.

  I assumed my contribution was finished.

  “We are presently subpoenaing your cell phone records. Of course, you don’t have anything to worry about, if indeed you’ve never had any contact with the man.”

  “I’m far from being a fool, Miss Lancaster. Proceed.”

  Alongside my obvious distrust of him, I was concerned he’d hid any evidence far too well.

  “Maybe you’d surrender the records of all your employees,” she offered.

  “Interesting. I’ll bring it up at the next board meeting.”

  Fire rolled through my veins, revenge licked at my heels, and the taste retaliation was on my lips.

  “The truth will be exposed. I will personally see to that.”

  I leaned over him menacingly. Control seemed out of reach until I felt Nick’s hand wrapped around my arm, yanking me back.

  “You do not want to make me your enemy, Mr. Archer.”

  Those rage-filled eyes focused on me with pure hatred.

  “That’s all for today,” Nick replied. “We’ll see ourselves out.”

  Once safely in the elevator, I braced for what was to come. To my surprise, she let it go.

  “I don’t trust him. He’s lying,” she says.

  “I know.”

  I drove her back to the parking garage and escorted her to her car.

  “What’s the next step, Nick?”

  “Phone records, but I’m certain he’s covered his tracks. It’s unlikely I’ll have probable cause for a search warrant, but I’ll still try. His office or his home may be approved.”

  “Or…” I took a step closer to whisper to her. “I could plant a bug, monitor his conversations.”

  I felt the nod of her head as my breath whispered over her ear. She tilted her head to one side, listening intently.

  “No one needs to know.”

  Her scent took hold of my thoughts. Then lust overtook reason, desire surpassed logic, and my passion burned with need. My body pressed against hers, caging her against her car. It only took a second to meet her gaze.

  She licked her lips as my gaze fell to her mouth. It was too tempting as I brushed mine over hers, once , changing the angle of my kiss. The bold caress of my tongue entwined with hers. I couldn’t breathe, I was so desperate for more, but I dragged my mouth from hers. I wouldn’t jeopardize what was growing between us.

  I placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

  “I want you, us…”

  She had the ability to fill that empty space, and that was precisely what I intended her to do. I drove away, leaving her to consider her choices. Then I scrubbed my hand over my face. I would not fuck this one up.

  The house was lit up like a Christmas tree as sweat trickled down my back. I hadn’t been in a full-operation detail with my men for too long now.

  Taking matters into my own hands, I had teamed together with my men. Mac was the intelligence specialist who’d provided us with the intel for the mission tonight.

  Abe, our weapons specialist, knew more about bombs than he’d ever admit. He also had the knack for planting bugs, cameras, and hidden surveillance, and that was our objective tonight.

  Intel had put Carrington at a meeting in Carson City, ninety minutes away. Plenty of time to accomplish the goal. His wife was at their Lahoya California home, where she resided permanently. That made total sense. She had probably got a whiff of his criminal activities and disengaged physically, but that didn’t cut ties to his bank account.

  They should have reached their target by now. I tapped the earpiece.

  “Mac, what do you see?”

  We knew he had a small security detail at his house, but his inconsistencies left us going in blind. “All clear, northeast corner, sir.”

  “Abe?”

  “Southwest all clear, sir.”

  My heart pounded steady and hard as I heard the faint sounds of leaves rustling in the trees above.

  “Meet me at the south entrance. We’re going in together.”

  Everything grew silent, but the pounding in my ears. I waited, still questioning the absence of security. There was always the chance that we’d run up against resistance inside the house. It would be highly unlikely that Carrington would leave his home unprotected.

  I surveyed the back of the house as both Abe and Mac silently approached in their combat fatigues.

  “Flynn, SP, our start point is at twenty-two hundred hours.”

  He was stationed at our home base office, our safety net if anything went wrong.

  “Roger that.”

  “Let’s go.”

  We took position, moving as one. Abe led, his Glock lifted. I followed, my hand on his shoulder, and Mac was the rear. We approached the basement door and were inside in less than thirty seconds.

  “Mac, you’re on.”

  Disarming the sophisticated home alarm was crucial, and I watched his fingers move within the hundred or so wires held in the main box. Once I heard the wires snip, followed by complete silence, we proceeded up the stairs.

  “Clear left.”

  “Clear right.”

  After the main floor was clean, I pointed up, signaling the second floor as we assembled together as a unit. Step by step, we were prepared for any hidden threat. Once the search was completed, however, the results didn’t add up.

  “Mac, still confident in your report? Could this be a trap?”

  “Sir, the word I got was Carrington was not a creature of habit. He mixes things up never one to establish a pattern.”

  “I don’t like it, but we have a job to do. Abe, your backpack.”

  We planted covert listening devices, audio and visual, in key locations, concentrating on in his library, great room, and bedroom.

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  We resumed position. Once we reached the point of entry, Abe opened the main alarm box, reconnecting the wires. Then he bit off a portion of black electrical tape and proceeded as Mac and I cleared safety
at the basement floor grounds. Once the wires were firmly in place, we had seconds to get out.

  In minutes we were safely hidden by the plush landscape, the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath my boots seemed to drown out my thoughts.

  “Too fucking easy.” We made the mile hike through the thick brush, and in the distance sat our van. “Abe, check the van.”

  Never one for taking chances, I waited as he carefully searched for any evidence that the van had been compromised.

  “All clear, sir.”

  “Call it in.”

  “Flynn RP, release point twenty-two eighteen.”

  “Roger that,” Flynn’s muffled voice answered with a sigh of relief.

  “Rendezvous back at base,” I added.

  When we reached the office, the four of us gathered in the conference room, still in full military garb.

  “We’ll be all over him now,” Flynn said.

  “It didn’t strike you as odd, that the detail was so easy? Too easy?”

  “His security may have escorted him tonight. Just accept the fact it was a job well done. Don’t overanalyze it, Steel. There are more important things coming up.”

  Flynn opened the file.

  Maybe I was overanalyzing, but instinct told me otherwise.

  “The sister.”

  All eyes flew to Flynn.

  “We found her, and she’s been mostly corporative. I believe Artur Grischa is intentionally keeping his distance from Dina, to protect her.”

  “What does she know?”

  “She knows he’s a bad guy, but she’s conflicted because he deposits checks into her account on a regular basis” Flynn explained.

  “I get it. The question is, do we bring her here under false pretenses? Use her as leverage when we need it?”

  “If I may suggest.”

  I nodded.

  “Keep the men in place for another week. If things heat up, we bring her in. The focus should be on surveillance, starting immediately. “

  “I agree.”

  It had been two weeks now, monitoring Carrington, and we had nothing to show for it other than needless chitchat. It was as if he knew we were listening. And that could be possible, I thought, as I watched Abe approach. His shift began after mine.