He moved toward them, keeping a safe distance from Daniel. “Mr. Knight, please remember, we’re at 30,000 feet. I’d hate for you to go skydiving without a parachute.” He laughed a little too hard at his own joke.
“This isn’t funny,” Katie retorted.
Daniel glared at the stranger and he sobered. “Depends on your perspective I suppose. I would have killed you after what you did at that quaint hiking place.”
“Looks to me like you took the coward’s way and attacked a restrained man,” Katie said.
“Katie,” Daniel warned.
“I didn’t do that to your boyfriend.” The man pointed to Daniel. “Although I’m sorry I missed the opportunity. By the way, Jack isn’t thrilled with his new cast.”
“You all tried to shoot us,” Katie belted.
“Jack would disagree. Of course, he’s not as rational as I am. I warned him and Greg not to try that atrocious climb, but they’re both too pigheaded. I watched from the car and between the three of us, I must admit, it was funny to see them topple off. Like two overgrown Humpty Dumpties.” He chortled. “Fortunately, for you, they’re still recovering so they weren’t able to join us on this trip. Besides, Mr. Marino wants you both delivered alive.”
“Really? Why’d they keep trying to kill us? Seems to me, that goes against the ‘delivered alive’ strategy,” Daniel challenged.
The stranger moved to the bar area at the back of the cabin. “Let’s just say there were conflicting directions.” The clinking of ice cubes into a glass reminded Katie of her own thirst.
“Could we get some water?” she asked.
He turned, acknowledging her. His leering glance sent an involuntary shiver up Katie’s back. After several seconds, and two more sips, he set his glass down.
The man opened the mini fridge, withdrew a bottle of water and walked toward them.
“First, give the water to Daniel,” she insisted.
The man ignored her, twisting off the lid, and tilted the bottle into her mouth. She gulped greedily. The assistance left her feeling like a toddler with dribbling water on her chin. “Can you please remove the handcuffs?”
He guffawed and set the bottle on the table. “I’m not crazy. Your boyfriend here would talk you into attempting an escape.” Using a napkin from the bar, he gently dabbed at her face and chin, lingering longer than necessary on her neck.
She flinched and shrank back into the seat.
His dark eyes flashed.
“I’m sure Mr. Marino would love to know how you mishandled his daughter,” Daniel interjected.
The man’s jaw tightened and he returned to the cockpit, slamming the door.
“Thank you.” Katie ducked her chin, wiping it on her shirt.
“I would’ve preferred to punch him,” Daniel growled.
“Was it me, or did he look like a college professor?” she whispered.
The corner of Daniel’s lip lifted slightly. “I like that, we’ll call him The Professor.”
“Where are they taking us?”
“Marino’s got several houses. Could be any one of them.” Daniel shifted in his seat.
“Florida,” the man answered over the speaker.
Daniel gave a sideways glance toward the ceiling. “Guess that answers whether we’re being watched,” he murmured.
Katie tried again to work on the kidnapper’s humanity. “Would you please remove my handcuffs? It’s not like we can go anywhere. They’re hurting my arms.”
“You’ll live,” the voice responded over the speaker. “Be quiet and enjoy the ride or I’ll be forced to add a gag to your accommodations.”
Katie clamped her mouth shut.
“The good news is, if they wanted us dead, we’d already be dead,” Daniel said.
“I guess. I’m sorry you’re in the middle of this mess. I know I acted like a two-year-old when you told me about Anthony being my father and all.” Katie didn’t meet his eyes. Sorry for kissing your cheek and making a fool of myself dancing on the top of the Incline. She wasn’t going to remind him. If he didn’t bring it up, neither would she.
“You had every right to.”
“Maybe, but I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you. You didn’t deserve that.” Katie let out a long exhale.
Where was the backpack? She leaned closer to Daniel. The faint smell of earthiness from their hike drifted to her.
She searched around her legs. “I don’t see my backpack.”
“That’s because I have it,” the voice on the speaker answered.
“Can I have it back?” Katie asked.
Silence.
“Daniel?”
He met her gaze but didn’t say anything.
“I’m scared.”
“Like I said, if he wanted us dead, we would be.”
The sound of the plane’s engine created background noise filling the small, quiet space. After several long minutes, Daniel spoke. “I had it all figured out, ya know?”
Should she respond? She didn’t.
“Garrett spent twenty-plus years without having to outrun Marino at every turn. I thought I could do the same.” He sighed, and she watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed. “I underestimated him.”
“Did Marino ever come close to finding us?” Katie wondered aloud.
“Not really. His efforts increased tenfold when he was released. He had some pretty hefty charges. Garrett never mentioned him getting wind of your location.”
“What’re they going to do with us?”
“I suspect we’ll get to Marino’s home. He’ll find a way to get rid of me. But I won’t make that easy for him. He’ll try to manipulate you.” Daniel met her eyes. “Katie, you need to remember that no matter how charming or terrifying the guy might be, every word out of his mouth is a lie.”
“Now, now, that’s no way to talk about the man who holds your life in his hands,” the stranger spoke over the speaker.
Katie’s heart drummed in her chest.
“Get ready to land,” the man advised over the speaker.
The descent was quick. As they touched down, the velocity pushed Katie back into the seat. The wheels growled as they slowed and taxied. She’d flown more in twenty-four hours than she had her entire life.
Katie turned to Daniel. He shook his head, indicating he didn’t want attention drawn to him.
“Don’t get yourself killed,” she warned, concentrating on the cockpit door.
The plane stopped, and The Professor—as she deemed the man—returned, gun in hand.
“I hope you enjoyed your ride with Air Marino,” he chuckled.
The guy really thought he was hilarious. He would be the only one.
Katie glared him.
“Try anything and I’ll kill your boyfriend,” he cautioned, moving to her side and removing the handcuffs. He pulled her to a standing position.
Another man entered the cabin—the captain, Katie surmised—blond, blue-eyed and wearing a dark uniform shirt and pants.
“Take her out of here while I deal with him,” The Professor instructed.
The captain walked toward her and took her arm.
“No, I won’t leave without Daniel.” Katie planted her feet.
“Don’t worry, your boyfriend’s coming too.”
Katie gave Daniel one last pleading glance and reluctantly followed the captain. She turned to look over her shoulder but neither man moved.
“He’ll be out in a minute,” the captain said. He had a thick accent. German maybe?
She wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat. Anxiousness flowed through her system, gushing adrenaline like a raging river.
A wave of thick humidity met her as she ducked through the doorway and descended the plane’s steps. Katie took in the sight of the small airport e
mpty of other planes. Only the large white hangars witnessed the scene.
A driver in black pants and jacket, complete with black cap, opened the back door of a waiting limousine.
The captain tugged her toward the car. “Get in and don’t make trouble.”
Katie obeyed and slid into the backseat. The new-car smell overpowered the darkness inside. She faced the window, watching the door of the plane.
Where was Daniel?
The captain slid next to her. He flipped a switch, sending a cold blast of air through the vents.
Katie shivered. “Could I get my backpack?”
“Eventually.”
She turned away from the man and ran her fingers through her hair. The locket pressed against her leg and Katie instinctively knew not to draw attention to it. “What’s taking them so long?”
“They’ll be coming.” He pulled out a gun, inspecting the magazine.
“What’s that for?”
“Insurance.”
NINE
Daniel sized up the man Katie had appropriately nicknamed The Professor. His neat appearance was not the attire of someone intending to do battle. He acted as though they had all the time in the world, while Daniel considered each passing second he was apart from Katie.
He yanked on the handcuffs, frustration building at the man’s leisurely attitude. Too many minutes had passed since Katie had been taken from the plane. Where was she? Desperation filled his chest. He had to get to her.
“What’re you waiting for? Remove these handcuffs now!”
An amused sneer crossed The Professor’s face. He stood, shoulders back, head held high, yet his attempt at demonstrating confidence failed. Daniel didn’t miss the radius of space he kept, or the way his gun-wielding hand shook ever so slightly. One swift attack, and he’d have the criminal unconscious and secure his newer model Sig Sauer.
“Relax. You’ll be reunited in a few minutes.”
A morsel of reprieve at his promise of getting to Katie lessened Daniel’s panic.
As if sensing Daniel’s scrutiny, the man said, “Mr. Knight, you’re only alive as a courtesy. I could easily kill you and explain it as an accident.”
“So, what’s holding you back?”
“To be honest, I like you. You’re not afraid to battle against the strongest men in the world. That takes guts. Or stupidity.”
“I’m glad I impress you.”
“Impress? No. Let’s not get carried away. However, you do interest me. You’ll find the Marino house to be...challenging. Be sure you pick the winning side.”
“And what side would that be?”
“You’ll figure it out. One way or the other.” His smug tone fueled Daniel’s agitation.
“Is that some sort of threat?”
“Take it however you wish. I’m only offering a friendly word of advice.” He cautiously approached Daniel. “Remember, your girlfriend is waiting outside. Do anything stupid, and she’ll be dead before you make it down the stairs. Understand?”
“I’ll be as gentle as a kitten.”
“Yes, you will.” The man unhooked the left handcuff and jerked Daniel’s arm, wrenching it backward. Pain jolted through his shoulder.
Daniel gritted his teeth.
“We won’t have any trouble, will we?”
He shook with adrenaline but if the man twisted one inch higher, he’d pull Daniel’s shoulder out of the socket. “No.”
“Good. I’m going to release the other handcuff. If you make any sudden moves, I will shoot you.”
Every part of Daniel fought the urge to jump up and beat the man senseless. Without knowing Katie’s status, he couldn’t afford to take the risk.
“Get up.”
Daniel pushed back from the table and got up. Once again, only Katie’s safety stood in the way of him clobbering the idiot.
“Now, secure the open ends of the handcuffs around your wrists.”
Daniel did as he was ordered.
The Professor used the Sig as a pointer, waving it toward the plane’s open door. Daniel led the way off the aircraft, and halted at the encountered wall of humidity. He continued toward the sleek limousine while gauging his surroundings.
No surprise, the tarmac was private and empty. His gaze flew to the driver, who leaned against the rear passenger panel of the car.
Katie better be inside and unharmed. Daniel maintained a hurried clip, and The Professor struggled to keep up. That was satisfying.
The man moved around to the driver’s door, and The Professor strode to talk with him. With one last glance, Daniel ducked into the cooled car’s interior.
“It’s been a pleasure.” The Professor closed the door.
The captain and Katie sat across from Daniel; both had their backs to the driver, who was separated by a smoke glass window. The gun pressed against her head kept Daniel cemented to the seat.
Her green eyes were wide, and her lip trembled. Between the rage at seeing her in distress and his need to hold her again, Daniel shook with restraint. “Is that really necessary?”
“For her? No. For you? Yes.” The man pushed the muzzle harder against her temple, and she winced.
“What would I do? You have the gun and I’m handcuffed,” Daniel countered.
The captain seemed to consider that. He started to lower the weapon, then must’ve thought better of it. “Just in case.”
“Daniel,” Katie’s voice shook, and she’d dug her fingernails into the seat.
“She’s not the one you need to worry about.” Daniel leaned forward. “Put the gun against my head.”
“Sit back, or we’ll finish this transaction with one less participant,” the captain threatened.
“It’ll all be over soon, right?” Katie’s eyes pleaded with Daniel for reassurance.
The car lurched forward, causing him to teeter slightly off-balance. That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.
* * *
The beast of a bodyguard stood in front of the open French doors. A massive gray slate patio stretched toward the ocean beyond. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a translucent barrier to the outside world. The guard’s position and the MP5 he held prevented any attempted escape. To make matters worse, Daniel and Katie sat with their backs to the entrance of an extravagant living room, leaving them vulnerable from every direction.
Daniel had used the extended wait time to evaluate the aviator-sunglass-wearing-human obstacle. Easily two hundred pounds and six foot four. Bald with a handlebar mustache, dressed in cargo pants and military boots. Equal in physical stature, but his weapon gave the Neanderthal a serious advantage.
Comparatively, Daniel sat unarmed next to Katie. Both bound at the wrists, anxiously waiting for their fate on an expensive leather couch that cost more than his annual salary.
Hand to hand, Daniel could hold his own. Alone, he’d make a run at the guy. He wouldn’t risk Katie’s life trying. If he was dead, he was no use to her at all.
“How long are we going to sit here?” Daniel jerked his chin toward the motionless guard.
The man ignored the question, remaining stoic in his military attention posture.
“Why are they making us wait?” Katie whispered.
Ocean waves slammed against the shore, and the salty sea air drifted in. The sun had begun its evening descent, and hung low in the sky, filling the atmosphere with varying shades of pink, purple and orange. The view was fabulous; too bad he couldn’t enjoy it for fear of their lives.
Daniel attempted to engage the bodyguard again. “What time is it?”
The man didn’t move an inch.
“Thanks,” Daniel snorted.
Katie shifted closer to him.
He inhaled the scent of her shampoo. Focus on a plan of escape.
Daniel leaned forward scanning the be
ach. Hard to do from this position. From what he could see, they were on Marino’s private property. There were no people running around. No boats either. Which meant no help.
He’d spent the last hour flipping through his mental file cabinet, trying to remember Marino’s multiple known home locations. Thanks to the kidnapper in the plane, he knew they were in Florida. Possibly on the western coastline.
The effects of the tranquilizer finally dissipated from his brain, unfortunately, no brilliant plan had sprouted.
“It’s going to be okay.” Katie paused. “Isn’t it?”
Daniel should be the one to reassure her. He wasn’t dumb enough to believe everything would be okay, and he wouldn’t insult her intelligence by lying to her. Not like everyone else in her life.
The whooshing of the door behind them and three sets of footsteps on the black marble floor got Daniel’s attention. He twisted to get a better visual. Katie scooted closer, her leg pressed against his.
Anthony Marino sauntered around the couch dressed in an expensive custom-fit gray suit. He was flanked by two armed ugly bodyguards.
Older looking in person than the pictures Daniel had seen, Marino’s more than two decades in prison had clearly been hard ones. He moved toward a chair opposite where Daniel and Katie sat, his gaze transfixed on her.
No one spoke. Normally, that wouldn’t faze Daniel, but sitting here waiting for Marino to bless them with his presence was irritating. He knew their intimidation tactics, and the silence was a feeble attempt.
Daniel wrenched his wrists, trying for the hundredth time to loosen the handcuffs, but they were securely locked.
Marino’s slow gait appeared painful as he lowered himself onto the contemporary steel armchair. “It is really you, my Isabella,” he crooned, leaning forward. “I apologize for the harsh manner in which you were transported here. Time is of the essence and I knew you would not come voluntarily.”
“Having me attacked, kidnapped and handcuffed was hardly the way to introduce yourself into my life. And my name is Katie Tribani.” Katie lifted her head higher and sat straighter.
Daniel gave her an approving nod. The last thing she needed to do was be a cowering wimp in front of Marino.
Secret Past Page 8