Suspicion At Sea

by Nichols, Amie

  Information found on Victor Allen's computer confirmed my innocence. It wasn't me that betrayed his country, it was Victor. He knew of Operation Talamarin and informed Fausto. He sent his son to his death that day knowing if his body was found he would be presumed to be Alejandro Cortez. There were to be no survivors.

  I watched from the water after the boat blow up. The impact made massive waves that pushed me under. After fighting to the surface, all I could see in the blackness were flames and small pieces of what was left of the large craft. All of our intelligence had told us that the ship was carrying massive weaponry, but nothing was what it seemed.

  Everything was altered, with Victor having assets in our intelligence room. Five good men died that night all so a man could fake his own death. You would think complete and total vindication would feel better.

  After the two hours of being informed and debriefed, my only question being ‘where is my girl?’

  I walk in the room where Ellie is, her eyes puffy and her cheeks wet. Denny has his hand on her arm, but removes it instantly. Ellie is in hysterics, laughing and crying at the same time when she sees me.

  “Hey, gorgeous,” I whisper. She instantly gets up from the chair and is in my arms. I don't know everything yet, but enough to know she has been played hard.

  If I could get my hands on Carl Parson, or Victor Allen, I would fucking beat them to death.

  “Justin, I owe you an apology.” Denny stands, stretching his hand out for me to shake. With my left arm still wrapped around Ellie, I reach my right hand out to shake his.

  “I'm sorry about Lyle,” is all I can think to say at the moment. This is the first time I've seen him since our fight. The look in his eyes tells me that he's contrite thinking I was part of Fausto's team. We both just nod, a silent agreement we were both wrong about each other.

  “They had my parents killed.” Ellie is trembling in my arms, and although I did not know that for a fact, I had been told enough to assume it.

  “Ellie, I am so sorry, but we still need your help,” Denny says and I glance up at him.

  “Can we have a moment?” I ask and he nods, leaving the room.

  “When you're ready meet me in the office. We don't need to be in this room.” His eyes scan the gray interrogation room, identical to the room I was just in.

  “Hey.” I hook my finger under her chin and lift her head up so I can see those beautiful eyes, her lashes wet from tears. “They will pay, all of them,” I tell her, strong and confident.

  She grabs a fistful of my shirt, burying her face into my chest. I can feel the wetness of her tears as she cries, and hold her to me tightly. Things seem so hopeless to her right now, and just like me she is tired, sore, and confused.

  I take her out of the room, her head staying buried against me. Down the hall of the main FBI building, I see Cody stepping out of a room. He has the same look on his face. When he notices me and Ellie, his face grows even more solemn. He has no doubt learned that Ellie's parents died as a ploy to motivate her into going undercover. Not only that, but what she did covertly for LDR when all along there were so many that could have shut down their drugs and human trafficking.

  “Ellie,” he says softly. She tears her face away from me at the sound of his voice. No doubt he could comfort her just as well as me, being the only other man in the world she has.

  He reaches out and puts his hand at the nape of her neck and she goes into his embrace. I feel the loss immediately, but I know she needs all the support she can get at the moment.

  I hear him whispering something to her, but can't make out what he is saying. She nods her head, resting on his shoulder as they embrace. Off to the right is a room with a leather couch and some chairs. Cody gives Ellie a kiss on the cheek, letting her go from his embrace, and we go in the room sitting with her on the couch. She lies up against me and falls asleep in an instant.

  I know it is night again, but not sure what time. Denny walks into the room and sees that Ellie is asleep in my arms.

  “We will talk tomorrow,” he whispers, shutting the door as he exits. I move her slowly and lay on the couch, positioning her in front of me. She snuggles into my chest using my arm as her pillow. I close my eyes and am out in a second.

  Chapter 51

  Ellie

  Last I remembered was laying in Justin's arms. What seems to be only a matter of minutes has really been hours. I awaken still in the same position with Justin's arm around me. Holding me tight against him on the couch, it is like we are one person. My arms hurt when I move them, but I don't care. I glance up at my sleeping man, and want to touch his face. I want to kiss his soft lips. Just being in his arms made everything better, the horror of what I learned didn't change anything.

  I've mourned my parents’ horrible, gruesome death already, I was not going to allow myself to go through it all again. I will do what I do best, push it away and focus on justice.

  I reach up and touch his cheek that has a few days of stubble on it. His eyes open almost immediately from the contact.

  “Hi, gorgeous.” He smiles, our faces very close together.

  “Hi, baby.” I smile back. He knew I needed sleep. That all my emotions were running rampant, feeling like my parents’ murder was a fresh wound. He knew I couldn't handle any more and took it upon himself to take care of me like I know only he can and always will.

  My mind goes instantly to Carl and what he has done, all in the name of money. When I get my hands on him he's going to wish he were dead.

  “You look determined,” Justin says, kissing the tip of my nose.

  “You could say that.” Just like always, he is reading my mind.

  “You also look amazingly beautiful.” He gives me another kiss, this time on the forehead. I don't know what day it is or the last time I showered, but I do know that I need one and I am starving.

  “Oh yeah, well I'm pretty sure I need a shower and some clean clothes.” I laugh, but admire the love in his eyes.

  “I'm sure we can find a place to shower and grab something to eat.” He kisses me gently on each cheek. Just then we hear a light knock on the door.

  I sit up, swinging my legs around so my feet are on the floor. Justin doesn't move, my back against his waist.

  “Come in,” Justin yells. The door opens, Cody peeking his head in. Seeing us, he opens the door all the way. His hair is wet and he is wearing clean clothes.

  “Found a shower and had an agent go out and get some clothes for us,” Cody says, sitting on the chair next to the couch.

  “God bless you.” I smile, the thought of a warm shower sounds like heaven.

  “I also ordered in some breakfast. Should be here soon after your shower.” He's like a ray of sunshine with all his good news.

  “I love you.” I beam at him, and he tells me the shower is down the hall. Justin still hasn't moved and I give him a quick glance to see if he's going to join me or not.

  “I'll be there in a minute,” he says with a warm smile.

  “I told them to bring breakfast to the conference room, so go there when you're done. Your clothes are in the bathroom.” Cody nods, and I get the feeling that the two of them are wanting to talk without me present. Right now I don't give a damn. I leave the room in search of this bathroom.

  When I find it the first thing I do is rip open one of the new toothbrushes that is on the counter and brush my teeth for five minutes. The simple pleasures in life. I laugh to myself, feeling like I could go out and kick some royal ass. I can't wait to find out what they need us to do to bring down these pricks.

  Chapter 52

  Justin

  I wait until she leaves the room because I don't want her feeling bad that I can't move. She slept on my arm all night and it is dead.

  “Some help man,” I chuckle as I try to get up from the couch. My shoulder is locked, probably from being tied up then lying in the same position for seven hours. I'm in a lot of pain and have been for hours.

  “Did you
lie like that all night?” Cody laughs, taking my arm, helping me upright.

  “Yeah, she was sound asleep and I didn't want to wake her.” I grimace from the pain searing through my shoulder.

  “There's some pain meds in the bathroom. I needed them last night before I went to sleep. Have you had anyone look at your wrists?” Trying to rotate my shoulders to loosen them up, I examine my wrists. The ropes cut into them pretty badly, the bottoms look like shredded meat. It's all dried blood now, but probably should have them cleaned up and bandaged.

  “Yeah, I'll work on that.” I stretch my arms above my head trying to work out the kinks. I have strong shoulders from all my years swimming, so they can take a lot.

  “I'm going to go find those pain meds now,” I tell Cody, who gives me a nod as I stand up. Even though I'm in a lot of pain, I am ready to see my hot girl in the shower. She will take my mind off all of it.

  I walk into a small bedroom that has a bathroom with a shower. I hear the water running and when I open the door the steam rolls out. There is the bottle of pain killers, and I pop the top immediately taking one. When I see the new, unopened toothbrush, I open it, brushing my teeth fast before I strip off my clothes and slide open the curtain to the large tiled shower.

  “Took you long enough,” Ellie says, glancing over her shoulder at me. Her body is wet and glistening, water running down her back and over the finest ass ever. My cock grows fast at the beautiful sight. I waste no time to be up against her, the hot water hitting me.

  “Here, baby.” She turns, facing me, backing up toward the wall, her hands on my waist pulling me under the water. “The hot water will help loosen you up,” she says with a knowing look. Her hands traveling up my arms, she starts to rub and massage my muscles.

  Her eyes travel down my body, “Oh my God,” she gasps, taking my arm to examine my wrist. The water wetting the bandage causes the bleeding to start again. She unwraps the gauze to examine the wound. The hot water stings as the spray hits it. “Why didn't they stitch it up, it is so deep?”

  She grabs a wash cloth from the side of the shower and wets it, wrapping it around my wrist applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

  “We'll get that all doctored up,” she says, leaning down and kissing the terry cloth fabric. Her lips move up my arm, kissing as she goes. I watch her, her beauty so breathtaking. I am so proud of my girl, so strong, so amazing. Nothing in the world could ever change the feelings I have for her.

  “I love you,” I whisper when her lips reach my neck. Next her mouth is on mine, our kiss so deep, so passionate. Her tongue in my mouth, I suck on it, wanting every inch of her.

  All pain is forgotten as I reach around her, grabbing her ass and lifting her to me. Her legs wrapping around my waist, I reach down positioning my cock at her pussy. She's so wet that I slide right in. Her tightness swallowing my cock. Her arms wrapped around my neck, she arches her back with moans of pleasure. Her firm tits in my face now, I kiss in between them. Moving to her hard nipple, my thrusts quicken. I bite lightly on her nipple, making her moan even louder. Her pussy tightens even more around me, telling me she is getting ready to come.

  “Give it to me, beautiful, come for me please,” I beg, my orgasm not far behind.

  “Yes, fuck,” she screams and I feel her wetness drench my cock. She drives me wild, I can't control myself. I shoot my load so deep inside her that it makes her moan even more.

  “Oh my fucking God,” I groan, her legs trembling. I push her up against the wall to give her more stability, because I don't want to leave her yet. I want to stay inside her as long as I can. I rest my forehead on her shoulder, her hands everywhere, on my back, on my chest, in my hair. It's like she has to touch every inch of me.

  “I love you so much,” she moans. I lift my head to kiss her; her lips wet from the water pouring down on us. Her hands fisting my hair, pushing my lips harder on hers. Our teeth clash as we fight to get into each other's mouths.

  “I will never get tired of this beautiful mouth,” I hum next to her lips when we break the kiss.

  “Mmmm, baby,” she smiles against my mouth.

  We spend the next half hour washing each other until we are both water logged and ready to get out.

  “I think they got the sizes wrong.” She laughs, putting on jeans that are really tight and too long, and an over-sized sweatshirt.

  “They got mine right.” I pull on the jeans that fit just right, and a t-shirt that is a little tight.

  “Yeah, they did.” She gives me a wicked smile running her hands over my chest and shoulders, the shirt tight enough to show everything. She licks her lips then bites the lower one.

  “Fuck, don't do that,” I scold her. She is making me hard again.

  “Okay, let's go eat then.” She pouts at my scolding at first, but the thought of food perks her right up.

  Chapter 53

  Ellie

  We find the conference room and Cody is just pulling out Styrofoam containers from a large bag. It looks like there's enough food to feed a small army.

  We all sit and dig into pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

  “Oh my God, I can't believe how good these are.” I put a big bite of pancake in my mouth.

  “It's Friday, so we officially have not eaten for three days,” Cody enlightens us. “Here are some burner phones until we can get new ones,” Cody remembers, getting up and grabbing two phones out of his coat pocket.

  “Good, I want to call Suzy.” Justin takes the phone and calls her right then.

  I know something is wrong when I hear her wailing on the other end of the phone.

  “Calm down, Suzy.” Justin looks up at me with panic in his eyes. I push away from the table to stand beside him so I can hear.

  “They just came in and tore the place apart,” I hear her shrieking, and Justin pulls the phone away from his ear. She is so loud even Cody can hear.

  “Who were they?” Justin asks calmly, but when his eyes meet mine I can see he is really pissed. I glance at Cody who also is getting worked up. Cody pushes away from the table and runs out into the hall.

  “I thought you had a car on her?” I hear Cody shout at someone in the hall.

  Cody walks back in with Denny as Justin gets up and goes to the corner of the room. I can hear him talking her down.

  “There was, there is,” Denny answers. “Why?”

  “She said two FBI agents came in and wrecked the place looking for something,” Justin says after hanging up. He walks to the table and throws the burner phone down.

  “Nelson,” Denny shouts, and an agent comes in the room almost immediately. “Who is on the girl?” he asks the short, spiky-haired agent who comes into the room.

  “The girl?” Justin says with disbelief, slamming his hand down on the table. His wrist is bleeding again, and being on the inside it is bleeding a lot. He doesn't seem to notice or care.

  “I need a first aid kit,” I tell a woman agent who has since entered the conference room. She nods when she sees what I motion to, her eyes wide as it has really started bleeding now. The agent runs out of the room and I grab a napkin, pressing it against his wrist. He turns to me for a second to see what I am doing. I don't know how he doesn't notice the gushes of blood coming out of him.

  “Jesus, get a paramedic in here,” Denny yells, to who I don't know.

  “What were they looking for?” Justin ignores the fact he is bleeding to death as the napkin is soaked in blood. I grab another, putting pressure on it to try to stop the bleeding.

  “Justin, calm down,” I ask, pleading with my eyes. Him being upset is not helping. “Just for a minute at least,” I answer his look that tells me he's not going to be calming down. My statement does soften him a bit. I'm thankful when a medic comes in and takes over sitting him down and raising his hand.

  “I'll tell you everything, Justin, let's just get you fixed up first.” Denny motions to the medic, telling us that he's not going to be talking in front of him. Justin nods and sighs lou
dly, glancing at the poor paramedic, who can no doubt feel the tension in the room.

  “This will stop the bleeding,” the man says, applying an antiseptic of some kind on the wound. After a minute he has the bleeding stopped and his wrist wrapped. “If you get too excited it could start bleeding again, I will leave you with some of this quick clot and fresh bandages.” He pulls out some supplies from his bag and I take them from him. “It's too wide for stitches, so you are going to have to be diligent.”

  “Yeah, I got it. Thanks,” Justin says, practically shooing the man out the door.

  “Thank you,” I say to him and he nods, leaving the room.

  “So...” Justin says. I can tell he is getting worked up again.

  “We don't know who was at your sister's house, but we do know what they were looking for,” Denny answers.

  “This is how you protect her? Two men were able to tear her house apart.” I put my hand on Justin's leg hoping this will calm him down a bit.

  “They did it before our man arrived, everything was chaos. We thought she was still with your father,” Denny explains.

  “What were they looking for?” Cody asks.

  “One hundred million dollars in gold bullion,” Denny answers, and everyone is silent. “That was the last thing the McGill brothers hauled for Fausto, and has been missing ever since. Then they went missing, and that is what brought everyone out of the woodwork.”

  “Fuck!”

  “Yeah,” Denny agrees with Justin. “We still have no idea where it is or the brothers.”

  “Is Victor or Carl talking?” Cody interjects. That means Carl is in custody. God, I want to get my hands on him.

  “No, they are both exercising their right to remain silent,” Denny sighs, scooting back from the table. “That's what we need you gentlemen for...and lady,” he corrects himself, motioning to me.