Payback (Otter Creek Book 5)

by Rebecca Deel

  “Move it, ladies,” Stella said. Her voice revealed tension.

  They walked between two cars, headed to the next aisle. A nearby engine revved. Tires squealed. A black Lexus raced toward them.

  “Go!” Stella shoved Ivy and Del toward the safety of the next row of vehicles. They sprinted the last few feet, turned to see the marshal draw her weapon. The driver’s side window was down, the driver’s head covered in a black hoodie. He raised one of his hands.

  “Down!” the marshal yelled and fired her gun.

  Before Ivy and Del could react, gunshots shattered vehicle windows. Bystanders screamed. Del threw herself at Ivy. Pain exploded in her head as she fell.

  “Are you serious?” Nate asked. “Who could have possibly known about that? We were on a different mission, just happened to stumble across the traitor in the act of selling more American military secrets to terrorists.”

  Alex rubbed the back of his neck, massaging the knotted muscles. What a mess. He’d taken out the target because hundreds of American soldiers’ lives were at stake, the information being bartered too valuable and dangerous to allow in the wrong hands. “Too many people knew. There are always leaks, you know that. Somebody greased the right palm and sold us out. The shooter knows who we are and where to find us. Zane is positive the shooter is Neil Evans, son of Roger Evans.”

  “Unbelievable,” Quinn said. “So Junior is out for revenge. He shot your father to get back at you for killing his old man. What I want to know is how he found out you were the shooter? That was supposed to be buried so deep no one would have access to the information.”

  A wry laugh. “Once you’ve been around politicians long enough, you realize there are no secrets in D.C. Everybody knows everything about everyone else. They use that information to blackmail others into cooperating with their agenda.”

  Josh shook his head. “Sounds like the Otter Creek grapevine with an ugly twist.”

  “We need to find this clown and take him out.”

  “How?” Rio asked.

  “Dig into this guy’s background, get to know him better than his own mother. Spending habits, behavior patterns, friends, enemies, the works. We have to be able to think like him to catch him.”

  “That’s a good start,” Josh said. “We also need to find out what happened as a result of Roger’s death. There may be a lot more to this than simple eye-for-an-eye tactics. He’s obviously fixated on Ivy. We didn’t touch Evans’ wife or family. I’m afraid Neil may try to one-up the damage. He may not be satisfied with killing your father, Alex.”

  “All the more reason to find him before he gets to her.” His hands fisted. “Quinn, tap your contacts. See if Neil has enemies or connections. Rio, check out his friends and behavior patterns. Nate, you’re on spending patterns since you used to keep the books for your father’s restaurant. You’ll see something before the rest of us will. Josh, use your cop card and find out if this guy has a record. I’ll concentrate on the remaining family members.”

  His teammates scattered to complete their tasks. Alex strode to his father’s computer and logged on. He spent several minutes chasing an electronic paper trail for Roger’s widow and his two daughters.

  An hour later, he shoved his fingers through his hair. Nothing. From all appearances, the family resumed a normal life after Roger’s death. Lots of speculation about the state of their finances, nothing confirmed. Rumors about the widow possibly remarrying in the near future. One of the daughters got a divorce in the past year. Normal life. No catastrophic shift as a result of Roger’s death.

  Frustration gnawed at his gut. He shoved away from the desk. Hopefully, the others would come up with something because he’d struck out.

  Footsteps running down the hall. Alex turned toward the door as Josh cleared the doorway. “What is it?”

  “Give me your keys and come with me.”

  Alex dug the keys from his pocket and tossed them to his partner. “Where are we going?”

  “Hospital. Ivy’s been shot.”

  Breath froze in his lungs for a split second. “No!” He raced out of the house behind Josh. His friend climbed behind the wheel and sped out of the drive.

  “Which way?”

  “Right at the end of the street. Straight shot for 20 miles. Are Del and Stella okay?”

  “They’re fine. Del said they stopped for lunch. When they left the restaurant and were crossing the parking lot, a black Lexus raced toward them. The driver had a gun, fired several shots. One of them hit Ivy.”

  “How bad?”

  “Del doesn’t know.” Josh paused, shot him a grim glance. “Alex, you should be prepared. She says the bullet struck Ivy’s head.”

  Alex closed his eyes. He couldn’t lose her. If he did, her death just might finish him. He prayed hard every mile of that journey, dimly registering that Josh was pushing the speed limit, maneuvering like a NASCAR driver through heavy traffic.

  Josh swung into the hospital parking lot, raced toward the entrance, screeched to a halt at the door. “Go.”

  Alex bailed out of the SUV and ran into the hospital’s emergency entrance. Del was waiting at the desk, tears streaking her face. Oh, please, no. “How is she?” he choked out. Del just cried and threw herself into his arms.

  He wrapped her in his arms, dragged in a breath. “Del, please. Tell me something.”

  “I don’t know. They’re still working on her.” More sobs. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get to her in time.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Stella told us to get down, but we couldn’t drop fast enough. Everything happened so fast and the next thing I knew the driver was firing a gun at us. Ivy was frozen in place. I tackled her to get her down. When I raised my head to check on her, she was unconscious, blood pooling on the ground under her head.”

  His stomach threatened to hurl its contents. He’d seen the damage done by head shots. His mind rejected even the possibility of Ivy’s vibrant life draining out of her on an asphalt parking lot. “Where’s Stella?”

  “Still at the scene, talking to the police. I didn’t want Ivy to come here alone.”

  Josh ran into the lobby, spotted Del and changed direction. “You okay, baby?”

  Del ran into her husband’s open arms, buried her face against his neck. She nodded in response to his question. “The doctors are still working on Ivy. Stella shouldn’t have to deal with this by herself.”

  A spurt of amusement shot a small hole through the bleakness of Alex’s thoughts. “She’s a federal cop, Del. She won’t have any trouble handling local law enforcement.”

  “Someone should be with her,” she insisted.

  “She’s not alone, honey.” Josh rubbed his wife’s back. “Nate’s with her.”

  Watching his friend comfort the woman who meant everything to him made Alex even more aware of his own empty arms. His skin felt too tight, the tension crawling through his body. He needed to move, do something, anything. He couldn’t just stand still waiting for a doctor to give him his life back or take it from him permanently.

  On some distant level, he was shocked at the emotions rocking through him. His military buddies would be astonished at his lack of control. He’d been known for the ice in his veins. Alex gave a huff of bitter laughter. Yeah, his icy control was shot when it came to the woman who owned his heart.

  While Josh talked in low tones with Del, trying to help her process what happened and digging out more information they could use, Alex gave up the fight to remain motionless. He paced the large waiting room. The minutes dragged by in agonizing slowness. Glancing at his watch again, he pivoted, intent on dragging information from somebody when a man dressed in hospital scrubs walked down the hall to the waiting room.

  Alex headed his direction.

  “You here for Ivy Monroe?” the man asked.

  “How is she?” he demanded. “I want to see her.”

  “She’s being transferred to a room. The left side of Ms. Monroe’s head
was grazed by a bullet. Bled a lot, but not a serious injury.”

  The relief was so great Alex swayed on his feet. On his right, Josh steadied him with a hand to his shoulder. “She’ll be okay? You’re sure?”

  The physician smiled. “Positive. She’ll have a headache and some tenderness, but she’ll make a full recovery. I’m keeping her overnight for observation because she has a slight concussion. Barring any complications, she should be able to leave tomorrow morning.”

  “When can I see her?”

  “Wait about five minutes, then ask the desk for her room number. You can go on up. No wild parties or anything, though. She won’t thank anyone for subjecting her to a lot of noise or light right now.”

  Alex shook his hand. “Thank you.”

  The man tilted his head. “Would you be Alex Morgan?”

  He stilled. “That’s right.” What now? Would he connect him to James Morgan, accuse him of being a murderer? No one better think they could keep him from Ivy’s side.

  “Ms. Monroe has been asking for you. She’ll be very happy you’re here.”

  His voice husky with emotion, Alex said, “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. No one means more to me than Ivy.”

  Icy black fury settled into his bones. No one threatened to take what was his without deadly repercussions. Neil Evans’ days were numbered.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Ivy turned her head a little, winced, wished she hadn’t moved at all. She had no idea a headache could be so painful that even turning slightly made her want to throw up. Not good. The last thing she wanted was for Alex to witness that. Too embarrassing. She closed her eyes, focused on breathing. A smile curved her lips, remembering Alex’s voice on the phone the night she and Del ran from a killer. That’s what he’d told her then, too. Just breathe. Had to admit she loved hearing his dark, smooth voice in her ear. Made her shiver each time he called. She loved his voice. The truth was she loved him. She prayed one day he would love her. She could easily envision building a life with the handsome sniper.

  A light knock on the door was followed by someone pushing the door open slowly. Del poked her head in, smiled when she saw Ivy was awake. “You look lousy.”

  “Thanks a lot.”

  “Up for a little company? There’s someone here who wants to see you. He’s been ready to knock down and throttle hospital personnel for the last hour for keeping him from your side.”

  “Shut up and get out of my way,” Alex demanded from the hall.

  Ivy grinned.

  With a soft laugh, Del stepped aside. Alex strode into the room, Josh following close on his heels.

  Between one heartbeat and the next, Alex was at her side, his lips claiming hers. Her hand curved around his neck, holding him to her. When those bullets started to fly, Ivy had been afraid she would never see him again. If she had a choice, she’d never let him go.

  When he finally drew back, he stroked her hair on the right side of her head with a hand that trembled.

  Her heart clenched at the sight. “I’m okay,” she whispered.

  “So close, angel. A couple millimeters more and I could have lost you forever.”

  “That didn’t happen.” She captured his hand, brought it down to her side and laced their fingers together.

  “How are you holding up, kitten?” Josh raised her free hand to his lips and kissed her fingers before releasing her. He chuckled at Alex’s glare.

  So, the sniper didn’t share well, even with a friend. “Massive headache. Nauseated.”

  He winced. “Been there before. The good news is it will pass.”

  “And the bad news?”

  “It won’t pass soon enough to keep you from descending into bad-tempered comments.” He smiled. “And on that note, I’m taking Del back to the house and letting you rest in my partner’s capable hands. Feel free to sharpen your claws on him.”

  She frowned. “You just want to get out of Dodge before I turn mean.”

  “You bet, little one. My mother didn’t raise a fool. My partner is tough. He can handle your tiger-in-training scratches.” He patted her hand and moved toward the door. “See you in the morning, kitten.” Josh waited in the hall for Del.

  Her cousin kissed her forehead, her touch so light it could have been butterfly wings brushing against her skin. Ivy appreciated the care since her head felt like it could explode at any minute. “I love you, Ivy. Rest. Let Alex take care of you. He needs that right now.” Del went around the bed to where Alex stood watching the scene play out. She tugged him into a hug, kissed his cheek. Then she and Josh left.

  In the quiet that settled over the room with the couple’s departure, Alex dragged a chair close to her bedside, dropped into it. “Can you talk about what happened, baby?”

  She recounted the events in the parking lot. Most of what happened seemed to go in slow motion. Funny thing about that. Maybe it was because the brain had the ability to slow things down so she could react appropriately. If so, her reaction had been way off. Ivy froze in place. She’d always heard people’s lives flashed before their eyes when they thought they were going to die. All she’d seen was Alex’s face as Del tackled her.

  When she finished telling everything she remembered, Alex nodded. “Del’s account matches yours. Did you notice the car?”

  “A black Lexus.” She swallowed hard. “It has to be the man who shot your father.”

  He sighed. “Yeah, angel, it probably is.” A small smile curved his lips. “Unless you have an enemy I don’t know anything about. Got any secrets in your closet, sweetheart?”

  “You already know my ugliest secret and he’s in jail.”

  “Safer for him if he stays there.”

  “Would you really hurt him?”

  A look from her boyfriend. “Do you need to ask that? He hurt you, baby. No one has the right to do that. He tries it again and I will destroy him. I won’t play nice with anyone who hurts you.”

  “Including Lexus man?”

  “He killed my father, tried to kill you. What do you think?”

  She stroked his jaw, feeling the rigid tension in him. “I think he’s going to be very sorry he messed with us.” She might be small, but she could be fierce when those she loved were threatened. A sword was hanging over Alex’s head, one that would take him from her if he wasn’t stopped. She didn’t intend to lose him now that he was hers. “Now, what are you afraid to tell me?”

  “How do you know there is something?” His voice sounded like he’d been eating gravel.

  “Because I know you. Tell me what’s eating at you.”

  Anguish crossed his features. “We know the identity of the shooter.”

  “Who is it?”

  “The son of a man I killed on a mission.”

  She drew in a deep breath. Now the expression on his face made sense. “This is not your fault, Alex.”

  “How can you say that? You almost died a few hours ago. It never would have happened if I hadn’t pulled that trigger.”

  “You were doing your job. I would never blame you for the fallout from saving American lives.”

  “You’re so sure I was saving lives?”

  “At your core, you are a protector. I’m positive. Can you tell me anything about that mission?”

  Alex was silent a moment and Ivy wondered if he would break the secrecy which shrouded his Delta days.

  “We were on a mission in some third world backwater. Our mission was to take out a terrorist who’d been targeting American forces overseas. Roger Evans showed up at a meet with the terrorist. He’d been selling military secrets, secrets that had been costing American lives. All black ops teams had been alerted to his identity and told to take him out if we spotted him. Durango was in the right place at the right time.”

  “Are you going to be in trouble for telling me this?”

  “No, angel. All of this is public record, except for the identity of the team. And you aren’t one to tell things that might hurt me or Durango.” A smile. �
��A fact that must have aggravated Evans when he failed to get information about us from you.”

  “So Roger Evans’ son is now out for revenge?”

  “Neil Evans killed my father in payment for killing his.”

  “But why come after me? Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to come after you?”

  “He will. That’s the end game. On his way to me, he’ll try to hurt anyone who matters to me. No one matters more than you, angel.”

  “What about the rest of Durango?”

  “If he takes me out, he’ll go after the rest of them.”

  She blew out a breath. Durango needed to find this guy before he tried to kill them all. Her blood ran cold at the thought he might hurt Del. “Your missions are supposed to be buried in some black hole, right? So how did Evans find out your identities?”

  “That’s the question, isn’t it? There’s a mole somewhere.” His expression darkened. “We’re going to smoke him out and take him down. No one sells us out.”

  “How will you unearth the mole?”

  “Tapping our connections. Somebody knows something. Wait long enough and they’ll eventually run their mouths to the wrong person. We’ll find him.”

  Though she didn’t want to ask the next question, she knew he had other things to do besides sit with her. “When do you have to leave?”

  “I’m not.”

  Her mouth gaped. “But you’ve got to have other things to do, planning for the funeral, tracking down the shooter, protecting your mother and brother. On top of that, you didn’t sleep much last night. You must be exhausted.”

  “The things I must do can wait. Durango is keeping watch at the house. There’s only one hospital in town. Evans doesn’t have to be a genius to know if you were hurt in the attack, the medical crew brought you here. I’m not leaving your side.” He leaned up, kissed her gently. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be here.”

  Charmed and comforted with that thought, she slid into an easy slumber. Throughout the night, she woke several times, some because the nursing staff stopped in to ask her the same aggravating questions and ask if she needed more pain meds. Other times she jerked awake after dreaming of the shooter coming after her with another gun. In the worst dream, the shooter had missed her and killed Alex. That time she woke with a gasp.