“How do you know?”
“Bennett picked them up in his rifle’s scope. He’s good, but we’d prefer to avoid any more bloodshed if possible.”
Ziva had to agree. She wasn’t one who believed in taking a life for no reason. All these years she’d been able to avoid such action. I’d like to live out the rest of my life in the same way.
She slid into the passenger’s seat of a Jeep as Doug slid into the driver’s seat. He handed her a pistol and asked, “Can you shoot?”
Ziva shook her head. The only time she’d held a gun was on Alex, and that one hadn’t been loaded.
“Damn. Well, those goons don’t know that, so if they start shooting at us, shoot back. Maybe you’ll get lucky.”
That wasn’t her goal. She wanted to hold them off but would do what she needed to. However, she’d be shooting above them. Probably would even if I were aiming at them.
Their Jeep sped away, and she held on to the roll bar as they hit bumps at high speed. The dust made it almost impossible to see if anyone was following. She assumed Doug was in contact with Bennett through an earpiece, because he was talking to someone she couldn’t hear.
“Roger that. We’ll be there in five.”
She wasn’t sure where there was, but they were heading in the opposite direction from her hometown. Whoever this Doug and Bennett were, she needed to make them understand she had to get back. The girls needed her. Myla needed her. And I need them.
“Just pull over and let me out. I can make it from here.”
Doug didn’t even look at her. “That isn’t happening.”
“Am I your prisoner now?” she asked sarcastically.
“We were sent to retrieve you and protect you. There is no way I’m letting you out of here so you can get yourself killed.”
“If you want to help someone, I can give you the name of a man who was held captive with me. He’s still there.” Ziva’s voice cracked as fear for Alex came rushing through.
“You’re first. He’s next.”
She hoped they were talking about the same person, but it didn’t make any sense to her why they’d rescue her and not him. “You do know who I’m talking about, right?”
“Alex Henderson,” Doug stated matter-of-factly, while they made a sharp turn.
“Right. You know you can’t leave him there. I mean, you know who he is, so you know he’s important.”
The Jeep rounded one more bend, and she saw what they were rushing toward. There was a chopper waiting, and two men with some big guns standing there as well. I hope they’re expecting us.
Doug slammed the Jeep into park and said, “Let’s go.”
She didn’t hesitate and rushed to the chopper. Doug gave her a hand, helping her inside, then climbed in beside her. The two men did the same. The door was still open, and she could see the SUVs Doug had mentioned, pulling up beside his Jeep. Several men leaped out and raised their weapons. Shots rang out from inside the chopper before the men on the ground got any rounds off.
Ziva leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to watch. Bloodshed was inevitable, but she didn’t need to witness it.
It felt completely surreal.
This whole scene was happening all because of her. No life was worth taking over her. I’m nobody important.
It wasn’t long before the chopper was out of range, and the gunfire ceased. Ziva didn’t open her eyes. Her nerves were in overdrive. She’d always lived her life quietly and out of the spotlight. Now she was getting rescued, as though she was in a movie. Nothing felt real except the pain that still rocked her body.
“You’re important.”
She opened her eyes and looked at Doug. “What?”
“You said to go after Alex because he was important. So are you.”
She’d forgotten all about saying that. “Not compared to Alex.”
Doug turned and looked at her seriously. It was odd, his voice wasn’t commanding, yet he had a way of talking that made her listen. “Your value is no different from any other human being. Don’t put him or anyone else above yourself. Besides, I have a feeling Alex would disagree with you, since he’s the one who sent for us.”
That made no sense. Alex was in no position to orchestrate a rescue for anyone. This was a well-thought-out plan. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe Alex was capable of doing such a thing, but he’d been with her all night. He couldn’t have been in communication with their team.
“I tell you what. Why don’t you go get him, and let him tell me that himself?”
Doug smiled at her. “I’m sure he will.”
The pilot said something to Doug and handed him a headset with a mic. He slipped it on. There wasn’t much talking from Doug’s end, but he obviously was getting more instructions. “Roger.” Then he handed the headset back to the pilot. “Looks like you have some friends that are anxious to see you again.”
“Friends?”
“Brice said he has a bunch of young girls that won’t quiet down until they see you’re okay.”
Ziva let out a heavy sigh. She had no idea who this Brice guy was either. All she knew was these men had rescued her, and they were also keeping the girls she’d been protecting safe. Good girl, Myla. You did what I asked.
Knowing all hadn’t been lost, she became teary. Sniffing, she said softly, “Thank you.”
The words were so simple in comparison to the debt she owed them. She’d been prepared to pay the price with her own life. She wasn’t, and never would be, prepared for it to happen to the others. They deserved a chance, and because of these strangers, they would get it.
“Miss, we should be thanking you. I heard what you’ve been doing here. Very impressive.”
She shot Doug a puzzled look. “You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
Doug shook his head. “Nope. You’ve changed the lives for six girls that we know of. If you think about the ripple effect, what you’ve done will continue, and eventually you’ll see the healing of the country begin.”
It was her dream, yet that’s all she ever knew it would be. The saying that it only takes one sounded great, but in reality, one person couldn’t combat the amount of evil in Tabiq. “I would like to hope so. It’s not easy going—”
“At it alone?”
Ziva nodded. “This is the first time anyone has helped. But you’re not from here. You’ll leave, and we’ll be faced with the consequences.” The wrath for escaping so publicly was going to end with heads rolling.
“I don’t believe the plan is to leave you or the others behind. I’m sure Brice will fill you in shortly. We’re almost there now.”
She looked out the window and off on a hill she saw another two choppers. These were guarded heavier than the one she was on. They looked military, but she didn’t see any insignia on them. Looking back to Doug she asked, “Did the United States send you?”
He laughed. “No, ma’am. I served my time in the Marine Corps. Now the others and myself . . . freelance where needed.”
She’d heard all about distinguished retired military men being paid for their specialties, doing unimaginable things. They had plenty here from all over the world. The guards she’d seen where she and Alex were held weren’t originally from her country. Yet the two who took her away were. “You mean mercenaries?”
“This is not about money. It’s about what’s right.” He met her gaze as though trying to convince her he spoke the truth.
It was hard to trust in people she didn’t know, when it had been impossible for her to trust the ones she’d known all her life. Ziva knew there were other people in the world, wanting to do good. She’d never met them in person.
Not until I met Alex.
His heart was good.
“You didn’t just find us on a map. Who brought you here?”
“Henderson.”
“Alex?”
“Yes. And his brothers, Brice and Dean.”
She was having difficulty getting used to one Henderso
n here. There were more? She wasn’t sure Tabiq could handle it. Unless they’re all like Alex.
“You’re telling me his brothers are here, and you rescued me instead of Alex? I don’t think they’re going to be very happy to see me when we land.”
“They all have women of their own. They wouldn’t expect anything different if they were facing the same situation.”
Women of their own? I’m not Alex’s anything. We have a connection of some sort, but we’re two different people. I’d never fit into his world, and he’d sure as heck never want to come live in mine. Telling that to Doug wasn’t appropriate. Saying it to his brothers wasn’t either. This conversation would be between her and Alex. If we ever get the chance. Until I know you’re safe, I won’t be able to rest.
Their chopper landed, and two men approached her. They had some similar features to Alex, but she would’ve guessed a more distant relation.
“You must be Ziva.”
She nodded.
“I’m Brice, and this is Dean. Glad to see you made it here safely.”
“I’ll be happy when you tell me Alex is safe as well.”
Brice turned to Doug. “Bennett?”
“In position,” Doug replied.
“The others?” Dean asked.
“All within range. When we have the choppers in the air, we’ll give the signal to go in.” Doug’s tone was so different than what he’d used when speaking to her. He was all business. She wasn’t sure what their plan to extract Alex involved, but she was glad to see they had one.
“I want to go,” Ziva sputtered out.
All three men said in unison, “No.”
She knew it didn’t make any sense, but she wanted to be there as he emerged. She wanted to run to him and wrap her arms around him. It wasn’t just about holding him tight. It was about holding on to each other. For the first time since she was a child, she hadn’t felt alone. Even though she knew it wouldn’t be forever, she wanted every second they could have together so she’d have memories to last her a lifetime.
While the men went back to their discussion, Ziva saw the girls rushing over from one of the choppers. There was nothing left for her to do here, so she made a mad dash to meet them halfway. There wasn’t a dry eye as hugs were exchanged. Although she was still sore, their tight squeezes brought back the hope she’d lost. “I’m so glad to see you’re all okay.”
“Your Mr. Henderson made sure we were,” Myla said.
Ziva was too happy at the moment to correct Myla. There had been so few times in her life that she’d felt this elated. She wanted to share in the joy with them. Yet, no matter how she felt at this moment, she couldn’t be content until she was able to lay eyes on Alex and know he was safe as well. Only then would all be well. And I can truly be happy. If only for a short time.
Alex had once again been summoned to join Rajani. This time it was for a late dinner. He wasn’t so sure about eating anything they were serving. The odds of her poisoning him was fifty-fifty.
Not having much choice in the matter since his escort took him to the dining room with an M-16 pointed at his back, Alex decided he might as well eat. If I’m going to die, may as well be on a full stomach.
The guard stood in the dining room with him, never taking his eyes off Alex. It wasn’t like he was protecting anyone at the moment. Rajani was nowhere in sight. The food was getting cold, and he was positive this hadn’t been part of her plan. How he hoped that meant Bennett had put a kink in whatever Rajani had in store for Ziva. I need to know she’s safe.
The door finally opened, and Rajani entered, dressed in a long, red formfitting gown, slit high on one thigh. Her hair was pulled back, and he noticed she wore a flower behind one ear. This better not be on my account, because it ain’t going to fucking happen.
She walked over and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder and asked, “Do you like what you see?”
He didn’t look up at her. Instead, he replied, “Red is a bold color.”
“Only someone very passionate and confident can wear this color, don’t you think?” Rajani asked in a seductive tone. Alex wanted to hurl. Everything about her made him sick. The last thing he wanted was her touching him. No matter what, he would never physically hurt a woman. If I could, I’d reach up and break every one of those fucking fingers. I don’t want her near me at all. But until I know Ziva is safe, I have no choice but to play games.
Rajani waved her hand in the air, dismissing the guard. He gave Alex a warning look before leaving the room. Her actions surprised Alex since she really had no idea if he was a man with honor. For all she knew, he was just like his father. If I were, you’d last thirty seconds alone with me. If that long.
She didn’t take the seat at the far end across from him, which he’d hoped. Instead, she sashayed and settled herself in the seat beside him. “I hope you’re . . . hungry.”
Not for what you’re offering. “Not really.”
Rajani walked her fingers up his arm and touched his jaw. Turning his face, he had to look at her. He imagined men found her very attractive, until she opened her mouth and they heard the darkness in her heart. She disgusted him in every way possible. When I look into those eyes, I’m reminded of my father. I’m not sure if either of you are even human, because no one with a soul could do what the two of you have done. Pure evil.
“Maybe we skip dinner and move right to dessert then?”
“Actually, I’m hungry after all.”
She removed her hand and said, “Disappointing. But since the guards told me you hadn’t eaten a thing since you arrived, I think some nourishment would be wise. You’ll need your strength for later.”
Rajani, playing the sweet hostess, rose and served him as though he actually was her man and would be impressed by such pampering. It wouldn’t matter if she danced on the table naked, he wasn’t interested. Why was she doing that? She couldn’t be interested in him. It was obvious he cared about Ziva. He knew damn well Rajani had been listening and watching. Even that thought disgusts me, that something so heartfelt between Ziva and me had been monitored.
He stuck his fork and knife into what looked like chicken, cut it, then brought it to his mouth. If it were poisoned, he’d know quickly. His only regret would be not knowing if Ziva was okay.
Alex continued eating, and Rajani kept her hands off him. He’d eat for hours if it accomplished that one thing. He’d cleaned his plate and was about to ask for more when he heard yelling in the hallway. Rajani rose from her chair. Alex didn’t need to know the language to understand shit was going down.
The sounds of gunfire echoed through the room. Rajani headed for the door. Alex grabbed the knife from the table and in two long strides, he reached out for her. Pulling her back up against him, he said, “Not waiting for dessert?”
Rajani shouted something in her language, and the door burst open. Two guards stood there with their guns drawn. Alex took the knife and pressed it against Rajani’s throat. He didn’t want to hurt her, but right now she was all that stood between him and bullets.
He’d written this showdown in his last book. In his story, the guards glared at the hero, but there was no way in hell the hero would back down. It was a battle of wills, and the bad guys always lost.
Alex knew what he needed to do to play this out. “Tell your boys to drop their weapons, or I’ll slice your throat.” Words he would’ve written in his novel but never thought he’d utter himself. He hoped she wouldn’t call his bluff, because he didn’t think he could go through with it.
This wasn’t one of his novels, and one of the guards pulled the trigger hitting Rajani in her leg, and grazing Alex’s thigh. Fuck. All these bastards are crazy. Alex knew they were playing for keeps, and their lives didn’t mean any more than his.
“Let me go, or the next one will be through my heart and trust me, with that gun, it won’t kill only me.”
She hardly flinched when she was shot. There was no way she was joking. These men would shoot to kill,
even if it meant her. Well bitch, I guess we go down together.
He pulled her closer and made sure the men saw the knife clearly. “Guess this is the end of our business arrangements.”
The guard raised his gun, and Alex prepared for what was coming. He knew she hadn’t lied. That caliber would go right through both of them at this close range.
At the last second, Alex turned quickly, so the bullet just missed them both. There’d only been one shot fired, yet both guards slipped to the floor. Looking from the dead guards, he saw Bennett standing there. He was holding his guns up with the silencer on them. He knew exactly who dropped those two guards.
Alex let out a heavy sigh. “That was too fucking close.”
“Looked like perfect timing to me. So, who’s this young lady?” Bennett asked.
Alex shoved her away from him and toward Bennett. “Trust me, she’s no lady, and she’s all yours. I wouldn’t take my eyes off her if I were you. She’s a fucking viper. I’ll update you on the rest on our way out of here.” There was nothing else he wanted but to see Ziva. Bennett hadn’t mentioned her. “Is she—?”
“Safe, sound and waiting for you.”
“Then let’s get the fuck out of here.”
Chapter Twelve
‡
Ziva stood alone on the top of the hill. Even though the girls all wanted to be by her side, she needed her space. Most of her life she’d wished to be surrounded by others, but right now, she needed to face this alone.
Her heart was racing as Dean approached her. Don’t bring me bad news. I can’t handle it. I need him to be okay.
“Mr. Hend—”
“It’s Dean. And you can breathe now. He’s on the chopper and safe.”
Tears of joy poured down her cheeks. She went from wanting to be alone to turning and burying her face in Dean’s chest. She felt ridiculous because they’d hardly spoken at all, yet here she was clinging to him and unable to let go.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if—”
“Don’t. Don’t think about it. He’s fine,” Dean said, rubbing her back to soothe her sobs.
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