“Tell them what we learned but leave out the part about what Milton is up to now. I don’t want the Feds to interfere and stop our one chance to nab Milton.” He wasn’t about to tell Renzo all his intentions. That evil jerk has hurt enough people.
“You got it. Good luck,” Renzo said as he put his revolver back in its holster. “The chopper’s ready; I’ll call for local transport.”
Rafe put the safety on his Glock and tucked it behind his back. Blind rage poured through him; there was a fine line he wasn’t sure he could stop himself from crossing. He believed everything Peter said about his brother. Milton was pure evil, and right now he was after the one woman Rafe had ever cared for.
It was like a punch in the gut, knowing she had a target on her back and they were using him as bait to lure her out. Milton was freaking brilliant and knew exactly how to manipulate women. But he also snuffed them out when they pushed back. Milton has to think she’s going to talk.
He called her number but got no answer. Then he tried the house number, same result. “No freaking answer!” Rafe barked out.
“I’ll alert David and see if Gabe can track her,” Renzo said.
Rafe nodded to Renzo. “Only one of us is walking away from this.”
“Then make sure it’s you,” Renzo said as Rafe headed toward the door.
During the entire flight back to Rhode Island, Rafe continued trying Deanna’s number. Why the heck aren’t you answering? He’d never been so scared in his life. Milton could already have her in his grasp. For all Rafe knew, she could be dead. He’d never forgive himself for leaving her. He’d left to obtain information meant to protect her, but was the cost of that her life?
His phone rang, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw it was David. “Did you find her?”
“Negative. Your house is vacant.”
“Any sign of forced entry?” Rafe asked. So many scenarios plagued his mind; none of them were good. Right now he had one glimmer of hope. David hadn’t walked in to find a body. That means there’s still time.
“No. Everything looks normal except there is a large white box with tissue paper sitting on the kitchen table. She had a delivery of some sort. Any clue what that might be?”
Dang it. The dress. “Yeah. A dream come true for a woman.” Unfortunately, this is going to turn out to be a nightmare. “Peter said Milton had a red dress sent. He must be inviting her to some sort of event. A semi-private one where he will feel comfortable enough to make his move.”
“I’ll have Gabe search for listings locally. I don’t think he’d have to travel too far. I mean what better access than the ocean. Get her on a boat and—”
“I know,” Rafe said angrily. He didn’t need David to tell him Deanna’s screams would never be heard. Her body could easily be disposed of. Rafe knew the drill. He just couldn’t think of it being Deanna.
“Rafe, there’s a dozen pink roses in a vase as well. That doesn’t seem like something you normally have in your house. I take it these are not from you either?” David inquired.
“No. Part of Milton’s flipping plan. Darn him. Those were Phoebe’s favorite flowers,” Rafe said through gritted teeth. It pained him to know Milton knew so much. Rafe had no idea what Deanna’s favorite anything was. Not flower or music or movie. He wished he’d asked. Given the chance to do it again, he most definitely would do it differently.
“Yeah, I remember,” David replied somberly.
No one could take time to dwell on their loss right now. If they did, there might be another one to add to the list. For now, they had to be what they were: a highly trained and lethal team. “David, keep searching. There has to be a clue to where she was going. Check with every taxi company. She didn’t just walk out the door and magically disappear.” If she left willingly.
“We’ll find her,” David said in a tone that genuinely held concern.
Rafe appreciated that his family seemed anxious to find Deanna. Was it possible they knew what she meant to him? One thing about surrounding yourself with the best is not much slipped by them. Heck, maybe they knew before I did.
“We better. I don’t think I can—”
“Rafe, stay focused. Stay positive,” David ordered. “We’ve been against much worse, and those rats walked away empty-handed. This isn’t going to be any different.”
Oh, yes it is. Milton isn’t walking anywhere. Everyone knew Rafe was too darn close to this situation. He could hear it in David’s voice even though he never actually said the words. Get my head in the game or mistakes can happen. If this had been one of his men facing off with the enemy of someone they loved, he’d have ordered them to stand down. It was the logical thing to do, yet Rafe couldn’t. He needed to be there. Not only for Deanna, but for himself. “Keep looking.” We’ve got find her.
“Roger,” David said before ending the call.
Rafe’s insides trembled. There was nothing wrong with a healthy amount of fear when you’re about to go into battle. Each of them prepared themselves mentally, knowing at any moment one or all of them could be lost. It was something you never got used to, but it was something they’d each experienced. And when you lose a man, you carry guilt no one else understands. You were always left wondering what you could’ve done differently.
Rafe was filled with guilt over Deanna being in harm’s way. Had his curiosity for her blinded him to what had been going on right under his nose? If he hadn’t been so captivated by her would he have seen the signs that Milton was watching and waiting? Rafe was disappointed at himself for lowering his guard for a second. Deanna needed him, and he’d failed her.
He looked out the window as the chopper traveled up the shoreline. The pilot said they’d be back in Rhode Island within the hour. That brought him closer, but without knowing where Milton had lured her to, he might as well be a million miles away.
He was enraged by his lack of control in the search for the person who meant the world to him. It was an unfamiliar feeling he was trying his darnedest to contain. No matter what anyone said, thinking clearly wasn’t an option. He wanted to rip Milton apart piece by piece, but that was too good for the son of a gun. Just let me get my hands on you, and so help me . . .
He took a deep breath as he gripped the M-16 tightly. Rafe needed to think. Act, not react. It was the only way he was going to be able to save her.
Deanna, I’m sorry. She’d asked him for the words, to tell her how he felt, and he didn’t give them to her. He couldn’t. Now he’d give anything to hold her again, to tell her what she so badly needed to hear. I promised you I’d protect you, Deanna. Hold on honey. I’m coming.
* * *
Deanna couldn’t believe Rafe had gone to such lengths to get her there. He’d never struck her as the mushy romantic type. Funny thing was, she wasn’t that type of girl. She’d much prefer a walk on a beach than some fancy affair like this.
She’d been tempted to call him and let him know, but he’d gone through so much effort, even picking out a gorgeous gown for her. He definitely knew her size, but she wasn’t so bold and confident to strut around in this thing in public. It fit her like a glove, a snug one. Not only did it accent the curve of her bust, but it was open almost down to her navel, with a rhinestone clasp which drew more attention from the opposite sex than she wanted. The back was entirely open with a few red satin strings accentuating her round hips and bottom. I wish I was wearing this at home for you, Rafe.
Deanna had to admit, she felt different as she entered through the crowd. It seemed like a fairy tale as people parted to let the princess by. She was a wallflower, and this attention made her uncomfortable. If she hadn’t known Rafe was joining her, she’d have told the limo driver to take her right back home. Who am I kidding? I’d never have left the house.
A waiter walked up to her with a tray of champagne. It’d been a long time since she’d relaxed with a drink. Tonight was a special occasion, and she could use a bit of loosening up. When Rafe arrived, she didn’t want him to se
e the bundle of nerves she was trying to control. She lifted the crystal stem off the tray, but in her attempt to steady her hand, she actually did the opposite, clanking her glass against the others. The waiter struggled to maintain his delicate balancing act, but to no avail. The silver tray crashed to the marble floor.
How could one little tap of a glass cause such mayhem? She hoped this wasn’t a prequel to how the rest of their date would go.
“I’m so sorry it’s my—”
“Miss, are you all right?” a gentleman asked from behind her.
Blushing, she turned and said, “Yes, I’m fine. I can’t believe I caused that.”
“You didn’t. He’s a clumsy fool.”
Deanna thought that was a bit harsh. It was her fault. “No, I’m the one who knocked the tray.”
The stranger laughed. “Would you feel any better knowing this is the third tray that has suffered the same fate at his hands today?”
Peering over her shoulder, she saw the waiter gathering the glass off the floor. “Really?” He nodded. Deanna smiled. “I guess that does make me feel somewhat better.”
“Maybe a walk would help?”
Deanna looked around, hoping to see Rafe somewhere close by. “I’m waiting for someone.”
“Is there any reason why you couldn’t wait closer to the water? I’m sure he’ll find you.”
She felt lost standing all alone, and she was grateful to have someone to chat with. Yet, the last thing she wanted was Rafe to come looking for her and find her on the beach with another man. “I’m sorry, but I don’t even know your name.”
The man extended his right hand and took her hand to his lips. Before placing a light kiss on it, he said, “Milton Enwright at your service.”
It was odd, like something out of a cheesy chick flick, and she fought the urge to laugh. Really? You think you’re that charming, do you? There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t place it. Deanna was horrible with names and faces. It was possible she’d met him at a function she had to attend years ago with her parents, but he didn’t seem to know her. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m De—Alice.”
Deanna gently pulled her hand away from his, pretending to check her hair. She wasn’t sure what brought that on, but somehow she felt the need to use her alias. It wasn’t that Milton was creepy, just odd. He appeared to look like most of the other men there. Tall, middle-aged, and dressed in a sharp tuxedo. He wasn’t unattractive. For all she knew, he was there with someone and was only showing her a bit of kindness. “I don’t want to pull you away from your date.”
“Unfortunately, she has fallen ill and can’t attend this evening, and I’m obligated to attend.”
If he didn’t wish to be there, he was hiding it well. Maybe it was a bit of paranoia, but right now her trust level was nil. Guess that’s what happens when you seclude yourself too long. You forget your social skills. Not that I have many to start with. She didn’t want to take that out on Mr. Enwright, but she wasn’t about to go blindly away with him either. “Instead of the water, how about we move a bit farther from the music. I saw a bench on the other side of the room. That way my. . . date will have no problem finding me.”
Milton grinned at her and offered his arm as he escorted her through the crowd. Once they were seated, they spoke about a variety of things from politics to economics. He was so polite, but boring as well . . . right up there with the classical music playing. Many people enjoyed both, but she wasn’t one of them. Please, Rafe, hurry up. I can’t take much more.
She needed to change the subject or fall asleep. “Do you enjoy the ocean, Mr. Enwright?” There wasn’t much she could elaborate on, but right now rushing down to the beach and jumping in for a swim sounded wonderful.
“I do very much. Actually, my boat is out there waiting for me.”
That piqued her interest. She loved boats, especially sailboats, which she could lie on for hours, silently enjoying the waves. “A yacht?” She assumed so by his attire.
“No. Although, they have a purpose, I enjoy something a bit different. Your date hasn’t arrived yet, so maybe you can take a few moments for me to show you.”
“No, thank you. I can’t leave. He’ll be here any time now.” You better be, Rafe. This date is not going the way I expected.
“I’m not suggesting we go on my boat, just view it from the overlook.” He stood up and extended his hand to her. “Come. There is no harm in looking. Besides, you look as though you could fall asleep. I’m sure the walk will put some color back in those cheeks.”
It was sad that it was so obvious, yet he didn’t take the hint it was he who bored her. Deanna rose from her seat but ignored his hand. “A quick walk might do me some good.”
They walked through the crowd once again and stumbled upon the same waiter. “Champagne?”
Although she was parched, there was no way she was touching anything on that tray. “No, thank you.”
She and Milton continued down a path to a stone wall that overlooked the ocean. Dusk was approaching, and she wished Rafe was here to enjoy the view. The waves were a bit choppy, but the breeze was still warm enough to stand outside comfortably. “Is that your boat?” Deanna asked, pointing to a sleek black high-performance boat anchored out at sea. There was no doubt it was built for speed. It wasn’t what she’d pictured he was traveling on. That seemed more like Rafe’s style. A bad to the bone man, not a wimpy man.
She felt bad for judging him. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. He looked the part of Mr. Prim and Proper. Spoke the same. That boat presented an entirely different image.
“What do you think?” Milton asked.
“Very nice. I’m sure you can get from here to New York in no time.” Maybe you should go now.
Milton laughed. It wasn’t a funny ha-ha laugh, and she hadn’t said anything humorous. She looked up at him, and his face confirmed her suspicions. The devious tone of his laugh reflected in his eyes. A shudder of fear rushed through her. Why hadn’t she seen it before? She knew him. Not personally, but she’d met him before. The angry look was unmistakable now. He wasn’t a nice man, but she had no idea how not nice he was.
“I think it’s time you took a ride with me, Miss Glenn,” Milton said as he pulled a gun from his pocket and jammed it into her ribs.
She winced in pain and wanted to scream. He knows who I am. Who I really am. That meant he hadn’t bumped into her by coincidence. This entire thing was planned. Set up as a ploy to lure her away from Rafe’s home. Darn it. It had worked brilliantly. She’d fallen right into his trap, and Rafe wasn’t coming. Why didn’t I call him? He told me not to leave. She’d been so thrilled to hear from him she never questioned whether all this was really from him.
Her worst nightmare was coming true. Whoever had threatened her all these years was finally done. There’s no way Rafe would’ve told anyone. How do they know I told someone the truth? She used to believe in coincidence and fate. That was a long time ago, before she realized things didn’t always have an explanation. But she knew there was someone behind all the evil that had taken place. She just didn’t know who it was. And I don’t think I ever will.
If she left with him, he’d kill her. Deanna didn’t need to look into his cold eyes for confirmation. It was apparent as he continued to increase the pressure of the gun against her ribs.
Searching for anyone close by who could come to her rescue, she found no one. They weren’t exactly alone, but those in the near vicinity and above on the pavilion were engaged in their own conversations. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to recall any patrolling security. None had stood out. Who throws a party like this without bodyguards? This is the twenty-first century. Bad stuff happens. Heck, it’s happening to me right now.
Drawing attention from guests who were equally unarmed wasn’t right. There had already been enough loss of life. Years ago she’d cowered behind a bush, and it had saved her life. If she screamed, she was sure one or more of the gentlemen woul
d try to help her. But if he opened fire on them, she’d never forgive herself. No hiding, not anymore. This should’ve ended three years ago. I just hope it ends with me.
“I don’t want you to hurt anyone else,” Deanna pleaded.
“Then I suggest you come quietly with me. One wrong move, or if your voice gets a bit too loud, and this will have an entirely different ending.”
She looked at his gun. Deanna wished it was as easy as fighting him for the weapon. It was pressed firmly against her, and she knew it’d go off long before she could pull away.
“You’re very confident to come here alone.”
He grunted. “I’m not. The clumsy waiter is not as accident prone as you may believe. And of course, the men on my boat have been watching us from the moment we left the crowd. Did you really think I hadn’t planned for everything?”
From where she stood it appeared he had. “I don’t know what you want from me.”
“It is simple. I am cleaning up loose ends. Both here and in Moreira.”
That’s it. She knew exactly who he was. He’d been married to Abby. She’d never had a conversation with him and had only met him briefly in passing. What she could remember was, he’d had a beard and much longer hair. I wished I had paid more attention. Maybe I wouldn’t have walked away so easily with you.
It didn’t matter anymore. Whatever was going to happen was out of her control. The only thing she wished for was a chance to tell Rafe how she felt about him. God, she knew he was going to be riddled with guilt, believing this was his fault. That was the furthest thing from the truth. He’d given her instructions, and she failed to keep them. Rafe, don’t hate me, and don’t hate yourself.
As they walked toward the stone wall, she could see the steps leading to the beach. There was a man standing by a dingy, dressed in black, with the bulge of a holster across his chest. There was absolutely nothing she could do but die here and take others with her or go with him and die out there somewhere. I’ll go and maybe get lucky and have a chance to break free.
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