by Katie Reus
There were people in this building, so he’d have to be careful as he left. But he’d planned his escape. Because of the acoustics, it would be almost impossible to pinpoint his location. The Feds would do it later using all the technology at their disposal, of course, but there wouldn’t be a trace of him left here by the time they figured out the location. And he had no connection to the building either.
Easing open the door, he peered out into the hallway. All clear.
No way was he using the elevator. Though carrying the rifle was bulky, he made it down the stairs in record time.
As he stepped out into an alleyway, his heart rate kicked up just the slightest bit when he didn’t spot Gage. But a moment later two headlights flipped on, showing Brooks where his friend was waiting. Just as quickly they turned off. Their signal.
He glanced around again, just to make sure, but he didn’t see anyone. Pulling his ball cap down low, he waited as Gage started the engine and pulled up next to him.
It was time to go home. Time to go to Darcy.
Chapter 25
—Life is full of surprises.—
“Is that the doorbell?” Darcy asked, snuggling closer to Brooks under the covers.
It felt surreal that barely half a day had passed since the insanity of yesterday.
“Yes,” he murmured, kissing her. It wasn’t obscenely early, but early enough that neither of them wanted to be bothered. He’d kicked everyone out practically the moment he’d gotten back to her house last night. When he’d shown up with enough food to stock her place for a week, Emma had given him a big hug and thanked him for taking care of her sister. He couldn’t actually take credit for shopping for the food since his father had paid someone take care of that with no questions asked. But he’d needed a reason to be away from her that made sense. “Stay here, I’ll grab it.” Picking up his discarded jeans and sweater, he quickly got dressed before hurrying down the stairs.
He knew Darcy would be right behind him, but he hoped she took her time. She’d been through a lot and he really hoped this wasn’t her sister coming by. Markov had been arrested by now, and he didn’t want Darcy to have to deal with anything else.
After looking through the peephole, he stiffened. Not a friendly visit. Or maybe it was, but he kind of doubted it. He disarmed the security system and pulled open the front door.
Special Agent Blake didn’t seem surprised to see him standing there. She nodded once, her expression polite. “Is Miss Cooper here?”
“Yes.” He stayed where he was, and shoved his hands in his pockets. There was a chance she’d pull him in for questioning for Polzin’s murder, but he knew for a fact the Feds had no proof of what he’d done. In addition to all the precautions he’d taken, there were no witnesses and the gunshot residue on Brooks was easily explainable from what had happened after Darcy had been kidnapped. “What kind of visit is this? I don’t want her upset right now. She’s been through a lot and because of her, you guys stopped a massacre.”
“Technically, you stopped it.” A pause. “It’s a friendly visit. I promise. I just wanted to give her an update in person.”
“Brooks, please let the woman in, it’s freezing out.” Darcy’s sweet voice trailed from behind him. He turned to find her moving slowly across the foyer. She might be technically fine, but she was banged up and sore and that wasn’t fine, in his opinion. He didn’t want her doing anything.
He stepped back so Hazel could enter. “Would you like any coffee?” There, he still had some manners.
“No thanks, this won’t take long. How are you feeling, Miss Cooper?” Hazel asked, her voice gentle.
Darcy smiled. “Please call me Darcy. And like I got run over by a truck. But I’m incredibly grateful to be alive. I know this could have ended up a lot worse.”
“Is there somewhere we can sit?”
“Of course. This way,” she said, indicating the living room right off the foyer.
Brooks helped Darcy onto one of the couches and wrapped his arm around her shoulders when she leaned into him.
The federal agent sat across from them. She hadn’t even bothered to take her coat off so he figured she was telling the truth and this really wouldn’t take long. Not to mention he’d noticed that it was just her, no partner waiting out in her vehicle. So at least she wasn’t here to arrest him. Not that he was worried if she did.
“I’m going to get right down to it. I just stopped by as a courtesy. I wanted to let you know that Polzin was killed last night. During his prison transport.”
Darcy sat up and let out a little gasp even as Brooks feigned surprise. “Was anyone else hurt? Were the police hurt?” she asked.
“No. He was shot once. In the head. He died within moments of the bullet impact.” She flicked a quick glance at Brooks, but her expression revealed nothing. Just as quickly she looked back at Darcy. “I’m also going to tell you something else, and if you say anything, I’ll deny it. Markov was killed last night as well.”
This surprised Brooks. Holy hell. Someone had decided to clean house fast. And he knew exactly who’d done it. Had to be Kuznetsov.
Darcy put a hand over her mouth. “Do my sister and Peter know?”
Hazel nodded. “Someone is on their way over there right now.”
“I don’t even know what to say. I want to ask if you know who did it, who killed them, but you probably can’t tell me anything, can you?” Darcy asked.
“Officially I can’t comment on an ongoing investigation, but you stepped up when most people wouldn’t have. You put your life on the line and saved hundreds of lives. So while I can’t directly comment about the investigation, I can tell you that we are almost certain you are not in danger anymore. You were never listed as the source who tipped us off. Your name hasn’t been in any memos or official files. And whoever killed Markov and Polzin… Well, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to come after you.”
Next to him, Darcy shuddered and laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m glad this nightmare is over, but I feel so bad for Peter.”
Standing, Hazel simply nodded. “He’ll likely deal with some media scrutiny but he’s not dirty, and as of now, I can say that we have no plans to arrest him. We’re still continuing our investigation so that could change, but I don’t think it’s going to. Thank you again. I might be in touch again as we continue investigating the murders of Markov and Polzin.”
Darcy frowned at that but simply nodded.
Brooks stood and when Darcy started to move, both he and Hazel motioned for her to sit down.
“I’ll walk you to the door,” Brooks said quietly.
As he stepped outside with Hazel, she paused on the front stoop as she slid her sunglasses on. It wasn’t early enough to need them but he figured this was part of her FBI armor. “Whoever killed Polzin was a really good shot.”
He kept his expression neutral. “Okay.”
She tilted her head slightly to the side, as if trying to figure him out. “I might bring you in for questioning later.”
“Go ahead. You can go through my lawyer. And I can already tell you what his argument would be if you’re stupid enough to suspect me. If I wanted him dead, I would have killed him when he was in the van.” If she had proof or a witness, he’d already be in handcuffs.
She gave him a half-smile and nodded. “That would be the smart defense.” She paused for a moment then held out a hand. Surprised, he took it as she said, “Thank you again for what you did at the church. There are a lot of families that are still whole right now because of you.”
Brooks locked the door behind her and took a moment to himself before heading back to the living room. “Do you want to go back to bed, or do you want coffee?” he asked Darcy.
“What I’d really like is some hot cocoa and my laptop. I need to call my sister. Then check on some clients and—”
He shook his head, having been ready for her to say this. He hadn’t expected it so soon. “No. Absolutely not. I mean, yes to the ho
t cocoa. But no to work. Not today. You’re taking the day off.” And a few more after.
Frowning, she crossed her arms over her chest. “My hands and brain are fine. I’m just a little sore.”
“Fine, then humor me.”
Instead of arguing she gave him a curious look. Then she said, “Will you be okay with the FBI?”
He scooted closer to her on the couch, trying not to jostle her too much. “What do you mean?”
“I’m just saying that if you need an alibi, I’m it. I’ll lie my face off to the FBI for you.”
Her meaning sank in, shocking him.
Holy shit. Leaning forward, he brushed his lips over hers and forced himself not to deepen it too much when all he wanted to do was consume her right now. He’d been debating whether he would tell her what he’d done—and he’d been leaning toward a ninety-nine percent hell no. He’d been worried it would change her opinion of him.
But it turned out she’d figured it out on her own. “I didn’t kill Markov,” he said quietly.
“I didn’t think you did. You seemed surprised when Special Agent Blake said he’d been murdered.”
But he hadn’t been surprised by the mention of Polzin’s murder even if he had put on the appropriate expression of surprise.
It was a relief that she knew. He didn’t want to hide anything from her. “So, you know what kind of man I am. Is this the kind of man you want to be married to?” he asked quietly. “I’m not sorry for what I did and I’d do it again.” He wanted that much clear. Because he didn’t want secrets between them.
“First, I know what kind of man you are. You’re a good, kind man who protects those he loves. And second, you keep talking about marriage, Brooks. But I still don’t see a ring on this finger.” She lifted her left hand and wiggled her fingers.
Leaning forward again he kissed her, careful not to jostle her too much. She was definitely going to get a proposal, the kind she deserved. She’d just surprised the hell out of him, had been willing to lie to the Feds for him. This woman owned him. After kissing her he said, “I’m going to get that hot cocoa now.”
“Marshmallows, please.” Then she gave him a cheeky grin. “If you’re going to make me be an invalid today, I might take advantage and let you wait on me hand and foot. And…other places too.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”
Her grin went pure wicked. “Oh yeah.”
Laughing under his breath, he headed to the kitchen. Even if she wanted to get him into bed, that wasn’t happening. Not now, maybe not for another day or two. Not when she was still so sore and bruised. But he definitely didn’t mind waiting on her hand and foot in the meantime.
* * *
Brooks looked around the conference room table at his friends—at the cofounders of Redemption Harbor Consulting. Though he’d hated to do it, he’d had to leave Darcy for a little while this afternoon—but not before inviting Olivia and Valencia over to keep her company.
Before he got back to her, everyone at this table had some serious decisions to make about how they were going to go forward regarding the murder of Markov—meaning, how they were going to handle Kuznetsov.
Skye polished off the rest of her taquito and wiped her hands on the napkin Colt handed her. “It had to have been Kuznetsov. It’s the only thing that makes sense. He must have been worried that Markov would cut a deal. Or who knows, but my bet is on him being the one behind the murder. We’re already sure he was behind the death of Olivia’s ex-husband during the Miami job—same MO and everything.”
Everyone around the table nodded.
“Have you talked to Darcy’s sister and Peter Markov?” Colt asked.
Colt and Skye had just gotten back in town and they hadn’t even debriefed everyone on the Oregon job. They’d come straight to the office for this meeting.
Brooks shook his head. “No. As soon as we’re done here, I’m picking Darcy up and we’re going over to see the two of them. They’re both distraught.” Something he understood, considering all of this had come as a shock, and right after their wedding. Literally one day after saying “I do,” they were dealing with Peter’s father being arrested and then murdered.
Skye’s expression was grim. “Kuznetsov might come after Peter.”
Brooks nodded. “I know. Which is why I wanted to talk to you guys in person. I’m going to set up a meeting with him.” Technically, he was going to ambush the guy into having a conversation with him.
When no one spoke up to say it was a bad idea, he continued. “I want to use those blackmail pictures from the Miami job.”
The room went impossibly quiet, as he’d known it would. He couldn’t just take those pictures without asking the team. The flash drive—a treasure of information—they’d stolen in Miami was basically their “get out of jail free card” if they ever needed it. And Brooks wanted to use part of what they’d taken, which opened them up to scrutiny from Kuznetsov.
Finally, Savage spoke. “What are you thinking?” Savage and Olivia had been the ones to extract a whole lot of blackmail material on a lot of very important people. Including pictures—and video—of Kuznetsov’s married-to-a-woman son engaging in extracurricular activities with a very married and publicly straight male senator. Nothing illegal, but they knew for a fact that Kuznetsov didn’t want it getting out to the public.
“I just want to give him some pictures and tell him to leave Peter and Emma—and anyone related to them—alone. I’ll make it clear that if he goes after them, I’ll destroy him.” It was a risk, and he would use more finesse than that, but he had to talk to the man. Because Darcy was related to Emma. And sometimes people like Kuznetsov took out anyone they wanted, as a message. So anyone related to the Markov family would be in danger. That included Darcy.
Not acceptable.
“I don’t like it, but I think you need to do it,” Skye finally said. “How are you going to approach him? As an employee of Redemption Harbor Consulting?”
“No. I’m going to come to him like a rich asshole businessman. I’m going to talk the same language as him.”
“He’s already left town,” Gage said.
“I know. I want to leave tonight on the jet and confront him tomorrow.” Kuznetsov would feel better on his home turf, would think he had the advantage. Brooks didn’t care. Once he’d said what he had to say, the ball would be in Kuznetsov’s court. And if he decided to come after Peter or Emma—or Darcy—Brooks would keep his word and destroy him. He was aware that Kuznetsov might just try to put a bullet in him, but he’d be beyond stupid if he did. And Brooks didn’t think the man was stupid. It was one of the only reasons Brooks wasn’t putting a bullet in the man’s head outright. He didn’t want to risk doing that, however. Not now. They didn’t know enough about his organization yet and what type of potential enemies they might make.
“Well, we planned to go after him anyway. We can just move the timeline up.” Skye shrugged slightly.
Brooks shook his head. “I don’t want to go after him. Not yet. I just want him to back off.” Technically he did want to take the guy down. Kuznetsov was a piece of shit running humans and drugs up and down the East Coast. But for now, he needed Darcy safe. And they didn’t have enough intel on Kuznetsov to declare war on him.
Skye watched him for a long moment. Then she said, “I need to make a call. I know one of his associates and I might have something that can help you. Something more than the blackmail.”
Brooks nodded. He hadn’t known Skye that long, but he trusted her with his life. Pushing up from the chair, he said, “I’m going to head out now. I’ve got my phone on me.” It was time to get back to Darcy.
“You need backup,” Colt said.
“I can do this—”
“I’m not asking.” His friend, who’d gone all lone wolf on the crew a year ago, looked dead serious. “At least one of us is going.”
Damn it, the man was right. “All right. I’ll let you decide who.” Because he trusted any on
e of them to have his back.
They nodded and started conversing among themselves. He’d grab what he needed later from Gage before flying out tonight.
As he headed down the hallway, Savage ducked out after him.
“You going to tell the others it was you who killed Polzin?” his best friend asked.
Brooks lifted a shoulder. “I kind of figured they already knew.” It wasn’t a secret and Gage had helped him make a clean getaway.
The corners of Savage’s mouth kicked up. “Yeah. Skye pretty much called you out before you got here.”
“They pissed about it?”
He snorted. “Skye was just mad you didn’t ask for her backup.”
Feeling awkward, he rubbed the back of his neck. “Darcy said…” Brooks cleared his throat. “She said that if I needed an alibi, she’d give me one. I’d never planned to tell her what I did, but she knew.” It still floored him.
Savage squeezed his shoulder once. “Marry that woman as soon as possible.”
He planned to.
Chapter 26
—It’s the unexpected that changes our lives.—
Darcy took solace in Brooks’s presence next to her on Emma and Peter’s couch. They’d been living together for the last six months and she could see her sister’s touches everywhere. Throw pillows and blankets on the couches, the place smelled like warm vanilla cookies, and there were pictures of the two of them everywhere.
“I just don’t understand everything that’s happened.” Peter looked so lost, and nothing like the confident man she’d come to know. Next to him, Emma held his hand tightly in her own.
“We might be able to shed a little light on some things for you,” Brooks said. “But it’s going to be very hard to hear.”
Darcy looked at her sister and gave her a small and what she hoped was reassuring smile. “I don’t even know how to say this so I’m just going to get it all out.” She went through everything, starting from when she’d overheard that conversation in Semyon’s office between the detective and Oleg, to the involvement of the Feds and then the bombing on their wedding day. She hadn’t even found out about the bombing until later, after Brooks had come back from…well, what he’d done to Oleg. As she wrapped up, both Emma and Peter had gone very still. And Peter looked sick.