Twisted Truths

by Rebecca Zanetti

  The darkness outside suddenly lit up with red and blue swirling lights. Rapid firing filled the air. A gap in the curtains showed men in SWAT gear battling gang members wearing bright gang colors. It was mayhem.

  Then…silence.

  He slowly stood and moved toward the window, nudging the remainder of the torn curtain aside. Malloy was barking orders while leaning against a cop car. Richie and his buddies were handcuffed, facedown over another car.

  Denver caught sight of his brothers on the periphery, and then they were gone. Escaped into the darkness. His shoulders settled, and he patted the screaming baby. Then he gentled his hold. She was so damn breakable. “It’s okay.” At least Ry and Heath were safe.

  Holding the baby gingerly, Denver yanked open the door and strode outside. He caught Malloy’s eye. “We need her checked out.” He held her like she’d shatter, but he wouldn’t let her fall.

  An ambulance roared into the lot, and he hustled toward it, waiting impatiently until it parked. The second the EMTs stepped out, he handed over the baby to an earnest-looking blonde in her early twenties.

  Malloy tossed him his clothes. “We grabbed these on the way.”

  Denver pulled his jacket into place just as Noni and Tina emerged from another police car. Noni ran toward him across the ice, and he held out his arms. She lunged into him, panic on her face. “Talia?”

  He gently turned her toward the ambulance. “She looks good to me. Go check.”

  Heath instantly came around the other side of the ambulance, dressed in full SWAT gear.

  Denver paused. “Get the hell out of here.” They couldn’t get caught now.

  Heath shoved a file full of papers toward them. “Do what you need to do, and then run. You can’t stay.” He then tapped his ear as if getting an order and turned to stride toward a SWAT vehicle. He veered at the last moment and soon disappeared in the darkness.

  Denver glanced toward the motel room, where the police were swarming. He’d never get to the money. It was gone.

  This was a fucking shit-storm. But at least he had the baby—and she was all that truly mattered right now. He strode toward the car and yanked Richie up by his arms. “Uncuff him.”

  Malloy nodded toward a uniformed police officer, who quickly uncuffed Richie.

  Denver grabbed the kid by the throat. “Sign this. Now.”

  Malloy handed him a pen.

  The kid coughed out blood and then grabbed the pen, shakily signing his name

  “What is it?”

  “You just gave up any right to the baby.” Denver shoved the kid back at the cop and turned for the ambulance. The paper wasn’t exactly legal, but it was something to help with Noni’s case. It was doubtful Richie would show up and contest it.

  Malloy grabbed him by the arm. “Give me the papers.”

  Denver handed them over, his entire body rioting.

  “Get out, now. I’ll get your girl to the hospital,” Malloy said urgently as more police began to arrive. “The FBI will be here any second. You’ll have to trust me. Now.”

  Denver’s lungs compressed. Malloy was right. If Denver stayed, he’d be arrested and of no use to Noni. But what could he do? He couldn’t leave her.

  Malloy moved past him to the ambulance. “This is your one shot,” he muttered.

  Damn it. The cop was right. Denver looked around, feeling eyes on him. Had Madison’s soldiers found him? It was a stretch to think they hadn’t at this point, and they could be just lying in wait. He had to get free of this feeling of being watched, and leaving Noni might be safer for her. At least Malloy would have her covered. It physically hurt for Denver to turn away from Noni and stride into the darkness to find his brothers.

  He’d see her at least once more before he faced his past. But the déjà vu he felt in walking away from her again made him want to puke.

  She’d hate him for this.

  Chapter

  22

  Thank God Denver had gotten away. There was a little déjà vu in his leaving, but she had to let that go. She had to believe that he’d be back this time. That he wouldn’t just desert her. He’d have to check on Talia at the very least.

  She sat in the hospital examination room with a young female doctor, who was gently checking Talia. Armed police officers stood sentry at the doorway. It was nearly nine in the morning, and Noni’s stomach growled. How could she even remotely be hungry right now? Her life was a complete disaster.

  At least the baby gurgled and kicked her feet on the table. She looked around, already so alert.

  A rush of maternal love washed through Noni, and she stood closer, touching Talia’s hand. Nobody would ever hurt this baby. She said the vow inside her head, her entire heart full. Would Denver want to be a part of their lives? Suddenly she wanted that with a clarity she’d never had before. Oh, she’d always wanted him, but now she felt a trust in him she hadn’t had before. He’d risked his life for Talia. That meant something. Was there a chance he could be a part of their family? Of their future?

  Dr. Laraby smiled and finished replacing the baby’s purple dress. “Talia is in good health, and I can’t see any sign of abuse. Whoever has had her this last week actually took fairly good care of her.” She lifted the baby and handed her over to Noni.

  Noni’s knees almost gave out, her relief was so strong. Her mind had wandered to some pretty dark places on what evil people could do to an innocent baby. Thank God they hadn’t abused her. She cuddled the snuffling baby close and held her tight, where she belonged. “Why does she keep crying?”

  “Her general health is good.” The doctor pushed black curls over her shoulder. She had to be around thirty and was strikingly beautiful with dark coloring and Asian features. “However, she does have an ear infection, and I’ll write you a prescription for antibiotics. Also give her infant Tylenol for the pain.”

  Noni stiffened. She had no clue what she was doing. She had to find books on motherhood. “Ear infection?”

  The doctor grinned. “It’s quite common. Don’t worry. Just follow the directions on the medication, and if you have any questions, give me a call.”

  Detective Malloy hitched on crutches through the door. “Hey, Doc.”

  Laraby’s dark eyebrows rose. “Malloy. Somebody finally kicked your feet out from under you?”

  Malloy rolled his eyes. “A couple of bullets can’t stop me. What’s the news?”

  “The baby is fine. Slight ear infection.” Laraby scratched on a notepad and handed the prescription over to Noni. “She’ll need antibiotics and rest. No flying for a couple of weeks, but I’m sure that’s not an issue.”

  Noni shook her head. All right. That may be an issue. “It’s okay, baby.” She soothed Talia.

  “Nope,” Malloy said. “Noni and the baby have a date in court first thing tomorrow morning.” His brown eyes were serious and lacked any semblance of a smile. “It’s the only way I could keep Child Protective Services off you at the moment.”

  Noni’s lips trembled, but she forced a smile. The awesome responsibility that just descended on her nearly dropped her. But she could do this. The baby needed love and protection. “I understand.” Would they take the baby away? What should she tell them? She suddenly felt so alone the room went cold. She needed Denver. Then Talia sniffled, and Noni looked down at her smooth face. No. She didn’t need anybody. This baby was her responsibility, and she’d protect her. “It’s okay,” Noni whispered. It was all going to be okay. No matter what she had to do.

  Malloy gestured toward the hallway. “Let’s get going. We have a safe house ready for you as we finish rounding up the gang members, and the FBI wants to interview you. Like, right now.”

  Noni swallowed. The walls seemed to close in, and the atmosphere grew heavy. “We’ll need, ah, supplies.” She looked down at the trusting baby in her arms. Talia looked back, her dark eyes already serious. “Um, diapers, food, and stuff.” Stuff? She’d just said stuff. She had no idea how to care for a baby all by hersel
f without Sharon’s guidance. The thought of Sharon was like a punch to the stomach. She’d died way too young. Man, she missed Sharon. This was crazy. She was crazy.

  Malloy patted her arm. “Not a problem. Tina is at the store right now. She has a bunch of nieces and nephews, so she knows all the shit we’ll need. You’ve got to concentrate on the immediate issues.”

  Oh yeah. The fact that Denver was gone. That a whole stack of money had just been confiscated by the FBI—money she couldn’t trace to her business or anywhere else. There was also the dark web and the obvious fact that she’d been on it to make a deal to buy a baby. “How much trouble am I in?” she whispered.

  Malloy shook his head. “You don’t want an answer to that question.”

  Noni smoothed a hand down Talia’s back. “I need to call my aunt.” If Noni ended up in jail or detention or wherever, she had to make sure Talia was safe. They couldn’t put her into the system. What if Noni never got her back? Even when Sharon made the colossal mistake of dating Richie, Noni had been there for her. They’d been close—Sharon was her foster sister. She’d promised Sharon she’d protect Talia, and even if Noni went away, Franny and Verna would take care of the baby. “Please.”

  Malloy moved with purpose. “You can call her on the way to the FBI office. I told the FBI they could interview you at the safe house, but they disagreed and got all threaty. So we’re off to the FBI office.”

  Noni stumbled as she followed him from the room. At the last second, she turned. “Thank you, Doctor.”

  The doctor watched with obviously curious eyes. “Any time. I meant what I said. Call me if you have any questions or concerns about the baby.” Then she smiled at Malloy. “Don’t get shot again, Detective.”

  “No promises,” Malloy said dryly, moving with ease on the crutches.

  Noni shook off her fear and self-doubt. “What did the doctor say about your wounds?”

  “I’m fine, but I have some explaining to do with my superiors,” Malloy said grimly.

  “How much trouble are you in?” she whispered.

  He shrugged. “Not sure. I let Denver and his brothers slip away, and it was obvious that I’d been shot before the take down. But we did just bring in an entire drug-dealing street gang, so we’ll see. First things first. Let’s make the FBI happy by showing up for your interview. Think of a good story, if you can.”

  Her story? She had a story? “All right.” Her entire life she’d been a terrible liar. Wasn’t it actually a felony to lie to the FBI? She recalled reading something about Martha Stewart and federal charges from lying to a federal agency. “This is so not good.”

  “Preaching to the choir here,” Malloy agreed.

  He led her through the hospital, and the police followed. Then he loaded her and the baby into the back of a nondescript brown car with a few dents in the side. “We don’t have a car seat yet, but Tina is picking one up. Just, um, hold tight.”

  Noni winced. She was already a terrible mother. “Okay.” She gently rocked Talia back and forth until the baby finally fell asleep. She called her aunt and Verna, and discovered they were only an hour away. Apparently they hadn’t rushed right off to South Dakota like instructed, no doubt wanting to help get Talia back. Malloy gave her the address for the safe house, and she rattled it off. Good. They’d be with her soon.

  After a quick trip to a pharmacy, they finally drove through town and ended up at a stately brick building. She allowed Malloy to assist her from the vehicle and quickly followed him into the building, through a couple of secured doors, and ultimately into a rather nice interrogation room.

  She sat just as Tina poked her head in.

  “Oh, what a cute baby.” Tina came inside and leaned down. “My buddy at the FBI let me in since I promised to help with the baby while you’re interviewed. I have a little crib thingy for her. Why don’t I take her into the other room, give her the medicine, and let her sleep a little? She could probably use some food, too.”

  Noni looked at her new friend. She trusted Tina, but even so, it felt wrong to give up the baby. “All right.” She handed her over, and Tina cooed and rubbed Talia’s little face. “I really appreciate your help,” Noni said.

  “Of course,” Tina said, her adoring gaze not leaving the baby as she left the room. “I don’t know, Jamie,” she murmured. “We might be ready for one of these.”

  Malloy paled.

  Noni bit back a smile. Smiling felt inappropriate at the moment.

  Footsteps approached outside the door, and then a large man with deep brown eyes and slightly darker hair came into the room. He wore a blue power suit with a green striped tie, and he moved like he could seriously…move. “Miss Yuka?” The guy slapped a manila file on the table. “I’m Special Agent Fred Reese.” He pulled out a chair and took a seat. “Malloy? You can go.”

  Malloy snorted and dropped into a chair off to the side. “Not a chance. This is my case, and I brought you in only because of the federal charges against the Kingdom Boys gang. My witness isn’t staying with you.”

  Reese barely smiled. “We’ll see about that.”

  Noni shivered. The agent didn’t seem like a guy she wanted to mess with. How could she explain everything without giving Denver and his brothers away? She’d have to lie, and she wasn’t sure which direction to take. If crying and turning into a sobbing mess would help, she’d do it. But one look at the agent’s implacable face, and she realized that wouldn’t work. “So.”

  A scuffle sounded outside, and a huge barrel of a man lumbered in. “Questioning stops right now,” he ordered, his Southern-accented voice booming.

  Noni jumped in her seat, her breath catching.

  “I haven’t started,” Agent Reese muttered.

  “Good,” the man roared. He had a couple of files in his hand, and he opened one to toss a piece of paper in front of Reese. “I’m Carl Symington the Fourth, attorney out of Alaska.” Then he threw down another piece of paper. “I have reciprocity here in Washington.” His plain brown suit had certainly been purchased at the big-and-tall store. His entire torso was just…large. No beer belly, just a lot of girth. A dark brown beard covered the lower half of his face, but his jowls still jiggled. Tinted glasses veiled what looked like deep brown eyes, and his hair was a mix of brown and gray, slicked to the side. He shambled around the table, laboriously drew out a chair, and settled his impressive bulk into it. “I represent Miss Yuka.”

  Noni’s mouth gaped. Who in the world was this guy? The smell of pipe tobacco and mint gum wafted toward her. “Hello.”

  He gave her a short nod, his large head moving with effort. “Hi. Don’t speak.”

  She blinked. “Gladly.” There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t quite place him.

  Reese glared at the lawyer. “All right. Let’s start here. Where did your client get the three hundred thousand dollars we found in the motel?”

  Noni stiffened.

  Symington just calmly reached for another piece of paper to nudge across the table. “My client hired a firm called Krill Associates.”

  Reese leaned back. “I’ve heard of Krill.”

  Noni barely kept the surprise off her face. She opened her mouth to speak, and her lawyer shook his head. Oh yeah. Silence.

  “I have no doubt,” Symington murmured, handing over another paper. “Here’s the agreement with signatures, and here’s a trace of the cash to the corporation’s account. They’d like that back as soon as possible, by the way.”

  Malloy leaned forward. “I haven’t heard of Krill.”

  Reese sighed. “Krill is an international security firm that specializes in kidnap prevention and hostage release services. Usually overseas but apparently sometimes in the States.” He dropped his chin and focused on Noni. “How in the world did you find them to hire?”

  Symington shifted in his seat. “She posted information online, and the firm found her. They don’t like street gangs kidnapping babies. I’m sure the FBI doesn’t, either.”
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  Reese studied the attorney for a moment and then took something out of his own folder. “You’re telling me this guy works for Krill.” He shoved a picture of Denver across the table. The picture looked like it had been taken by a security camera when he’d been in the truck driving with a gang member early that morning.

  A pit formed in Noni’s stomach.

  Symington shrugged. “I don’t know the players. Never seen that guy. If he is a Krill operative, he’s long gone. You know that.”

  Reese’s lip curled. “This guy is being sought by the law in North Carolina. Supposedly killed an owner of a boys home years ago.”

  “Don’t know anything about that,” Symington said. “Sorry.” He handed over a stapled set of papers. “Here’s the correspondence on the dark web about the gang, their site, and the baby exchange. You can use this to find their drug trade.”

  This time, Reese didn’t even look down. “Right.”

  Noni’s hands started to shake, so she set them quietly in her lap. This was crazy. Who was this lawyer guy? She scooted away from him just a little. The pipe smell was getting a little overwhelming. She cut a look at Malloy to see fire burning in the cop’s eyes. He was furious. Oh, this was so not good.

  Symington kept acting like nothing was amiss. “All righty, then.” His accent somehow deepened.

  “How did a Southern attorney end up in Alaska?” Reese asked, his gaze sharp.

  Symington smiled. “My mama married a fisherman. It’s the oldest story in the book.”

  Reese frowned so hard, lines cut into his forehead. He obviously didn’t like what was happening, but there didn’t seem to be much he could do about it. “I want the Krill employee, or your client is in a world of trouble.”

  Symington shook his massive head. “Sorry, but I have no clue where he is. He’s probably already on another case, perhaps in Colombia. Krill is the international kidnapping champion, you know.”

  Reese slowly lowered his chin, obviously not liking the sarcasm. “Your client is going to need to cooperate if she wants to keep that baby.”