Reign of Fire

by Casi McLean

  A flush of compassion made her quiver. “Speaking about Duke, all three of us tore her place apart. Did you see any sign of a dog? Cuz I sure didn’t. We need to look for him as soon as we take care of the Steel situation.”

  In tandem, they gazed at Harper as she watched the Gunny Sgt. talk on his phone.

  “I guess he convinced her he was telling the truth.” Ash ran a hand through his hair. “We should get over there. She must have a plan, or she wouldn’t have let him make a call.”

  Wyatt nodded. “We’ll look for Duke this afternoon, but first, we need to solidify our new coalition and see if Harper has a game plan.” He quietly strolled toward Sgt. Steel.

  Emily turned to Ash. “Do you have any idea what Alyssa could have found that belonged to the Association?”

  “No…but I’ll bet he does.” Ash scowled in Logan’s direction. “Not that he’ll admit anything…maybe Harper has a theory.” His gaze met Emily’s. “Are you sure you’re okay? Hearing Alyssa must have really shaken you but seeing her…I can’t imagine how that must have felt.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Emily tightened her lips and shook her head. “Losing Alyssa was like losing half of myself. She’s a part of me and always will be…and knowing I can on some level talk to her is miraculous and such a gift. But at the same time, wrapping my head around the eeriness of how…shaken doesn’t even come close to what I feel. There are no words.”

  “If I hadn’t seen your reaction, I’m not sure I would have believed you. I can only imagine what you saw and heard, but I totally believe Alyssa spoke to you.” He drew her close and kissed her forehead. “I promise I’ll help you get through Alyssa’s murder. Please, lean on me for whatever you need, even if you simply want to talk…or vent.”

  Emily lowered her lashes and paused before replying. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be ‘through’ losing my sister, but thanks for supporting me. Your kindness means a lot.”

  “You ready to continue, or would you rather go back to my place and rest? I’m sure Wyatt would understand. He and Harper are more than competent to carry on without us for a few hours.”

  She gathered together her drooping ponytail and repositioned the band. “I’m actually okay. Let’s do this.” Tugging on his sleeve, she strode toward Wyatt, Harper, and Logan.

  Having finished his call, Logan should have appeared relieved, but the color in his cheeks had faded to an ashen tone.

  “Your wife and son are okay, right?” Concerned, Emily prodded.

  His stare bore into nothingness as he clenched his jaw before he spoke. “I recognized the voice.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “Whose voice? You were talking to Deep Throat, right? The unidentifiable guy on the phone?”

  Logan’s gaze met Emily’s. “Great analogy.”

  The reference to Watergate gave Emily a sense of satisfaction, knowing she and Alyssa nailed the Deep State theory far before The Association surfaced. The breadth and scope of the conspiracy would unravel over time, as well as the number of conspirators. Proving the mere existence of key players behind this corruption should provide enough evidence to open a federal investigation. The problem was determining who they could trust to further the probe. Now, they knew FBI Director Benedict Mathis, Department of Justice Carson Hamilton, and Secretary of State John Collins conspired to rig the upcoming election in favor of Carlton Hughes. No doubt other Washington DC elites pledged allegiance to The Association over the United States Constitution.

  Logan shifted his gaze to the bare wall and stared, his brows pinched together. “Yes, but at the end of the conversation, someone burst into the room, shrieking in a blistering tirade. I could tell Deep Throat scrambled to mute the phone or turn off the speaker, but not before I identified the voice.”

  Emily frowned. “Whose voice did you recognize? More importantly, what did he say?” She bit on the tip of her fingernail.

  Logan’s expression displayed utter dismay. Shifting his weight from one leg to the other, he drew in a long breath. “The voice wasn’t a man, but I have no doubt who burst into Deep Throat’s room.” He paused a beat before continuing. “Marcie Keaton.”

  The lines in Harper’s forehead deepened with her widening eyes. “You mean Senate Majority Leader, Marcie Keaton? She’s who you heard?”

  Stone-faced, he nodded. “Not because I recognized her from the news, though. She grew up in the same neighborhood as I did…in Potomac, Maryland. For years, she lived a few houses down from my family. I heard her voice every day at the bus stop when I was in elementary school. She was older than me, but I’ll never forget her shrill tone. That hasn’t changed. I’m absolutely positive she burst into Deep Throat’s office.”

  “So now we know the Senate is compromised.” Wyatt leaned against the wall and rubbed his bristly chin. “I wonder what upset her to cause her to slam into the room unannounced?”

  Astonishment still etched across his face, Logan turned to Wyatt. “Something about text messages leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, which might have jeopardized the campaign. That’s all I heard before the mic went dead. A moment later, Deep Throat returned and told me where and when to meet him and said to be sure to bring the ring…then he abruptly hung up.”

  Wyatt scowled. “What ring? You never mentioned a ring before.”

  Logan flashed his gaze toward Emily’s brother then to Ash. “Detective Frasier questioned me about the ring when he cuffed me. Deep Throat gave it to me so I could identify their property. He told me to search for an envelope with the same insignia.”

  “He’s telling the truth. I’m already on it.” Ash dug into his pocket for the ring and again inspected the unusual pattern––the same pattern he saw etched into Alyssa’s neck only days earlier when he dragged her body from the river. Without saying another word, he slipped the ring back into his pocket.

  “Do you think you can identify deep throat from the ring?” Logan’s questioning stare begged for an answer. “I doubt his prints are still visible.”

  After a long silence, Ash shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  “What do you mean we’ll see?” Emily spit out. “That ring didn’t look like a cheap piece of costume jewelry. Isn’t there some way you can trace the owner?”

  He raised a brow. “I meant…we’ll see.” He turned toward Harper. “Right now, we need to focus on Logan’s meeting with Deep Throat. What say you, Harper? Do you think we can coordinate a sting?”

  “Definitely.” Harper crinkled her eyes. “Logan, we’ll wire you with a mini-cam and have eyes on you at all times. If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to ID your blackmailer, then highjack and re-route him here before anyone misses him.”

  Rubbing his chin, Ash squinted and stared blankly at the cold, steel wall.

  Emily whispered. “You just blew me off about that ring and now you’ve got an odd pensive stare. Something has your attention and if it concerns my sister’s death, I need to know.”

  He turned and locked his gaze to hers. “Sometimes listening can be more productive than speaking.”

  Emily rolled her eyes then marched across the room toward Wyatt, Harper, and Logan. Noting his drawn features, she could tell he hadn’t slept in weeks. Her heart ached for Alyssa, but she couldn’t help identifying with Steel’s position. If given the same circumstances, Emily would choose her family every time. Seeing him now, she felt a pang of compassion. “How about your wife and son? They’re okay, right?” She crossed her fingers behind her back, unable to bear the thought of being responsible for the death of an innocent woman, let alone a baby.

  “Deep Throat said they’re alive, but he gave me no proof. He was pissed I didn’t kill Alyssa, but he said I had a chance to redeem myself. I assume the meeting means another dirty job he wants done. Damn it. There’s no way out. And if that bastard does anything to my family, I’ll…” Logan lowered his head.

  “This group will stop at nothing to achieve their agenda.” Wyatt cleared his throat. “That includes murder. They simply chal
k it up to collateral damage and move forward with no remorse.”

  “We’ll make sure your family is safe, Gunny.” Harper said. “But we have to ID Deep Throat and using you as bait is our best bet. You okay with that?”

  He nodded.

  “Does anyone realize the scope of what’s unraveling here?” Ash glanced at everyone and was met with solemn stares. “We’ve opened Pandora’s box. None of us can un-know what we’ve discovered. These elite officials covertly positioned in key roles of several government factions now challenge the very core of the United States Constitution.” He strolled across the room and rested his hands on Emily’s shoulders. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have stumbled upon more than government corruption. This secret society implemented a silent political coup d’état––the likes of which America has never imagined.”

  Heart sinking at the thought of utter futility, Emily lowered her gaze and stared at the floor. She could almost see America’s broken dreams pooling around her feet. Deflated, she leaned her head against his chest. “You’re right, Ash. We can’t take on this conspiracy alone. They’ve got money, power, and the means to crush us with no consequences.” She reached for his hand still grasping her shoulder and squeezed it then peered at Harper. “Do you know who we can trust? Is NCIS our only ally?”

  Harper shook her head. “If Ash is correct––and my conclusions align with his––the deck is stacked against us. The innocent rank and file military have America’s interest at heart, but like Gunny Steel, they could be coerced if the safety of their family was at risk.”

  Wyatt tapped his fingertips on the metal table. “I’m guessing the rank and file of the other factions are in the dark. I’d say we tread softly until we determine whom to trust. There are a lot of other federal organizations besides those compromised.”

  “I can gather intel on major players to get us enough room to proceed.” Harper pressed a finger on her forehead and pushed in a small circle. “This bunker must remain top secret. We’ll open doors on a need-to-know basis but only after they’ve been thoroughly vetted.” She glanced at Wyatt. “Again, my guess is the vast majority of the military will vet patriotic. As long as we keep identities secret, that’s a huge ally with tough officers, intel, and operations.”

  Nodding, Wyatt gazed at Harper. “Semper Fi…”

  “Let’s take this situation one step at a time.” Ash angled his head to peer at Emily. “First, we focus on Alyssa’s murder…and Logan’s family. After we bring down Deep Throat, we find out where he is in the food chain and determine our next step.”

  “Yes, Alyssa…and family first.” Emily squeezed her brows together and drew in a long breath. “We need a plan. Battle by battle.” Staying underground for the time being would give them a distinct advantage. She hoped the bunker and limited allies would at least be enough to crack the case and find Alyssa’s murderer.

  “Deep Throat might be up to his neck in corruption.” Harper turned toward the others. “From all indications, the powers that be controlled him like a pawn. Discovering who’s blackmailing Steel is key––”

  “What if he’s gone rogue?” Ash stared at the door as if he looked right through and into the corridor.

  Harper flashed a look toward him. “What do you mean ‘gone rogue?’”

  Shaking his head, Ash turned around. “Maybe nothing. I’m just thinking out loud. Sorry. Go ahead, Harper.”

  “When and where did Deep Throat demand you meet?” Her stare bored into Logan. “Once we know who he is and why he’s apparently responsible for getting the dirty work done, we’ll have a better idea of how to take him down. Then we can begin to peel back this nefarious onion.”

  Before Alyssa’s death, both she and Emily’s Deep State fantasies thrived, blossoming into a flourishing garden from the seeds Wyatt planted in their imagination. The notion made sense. America’s Congress took forever to pass bills, and when a simple issue finally ratified into law, what should have been a short and sweet decision morphed into thousands of pages, making bills unlikely to be read in full by Congress, let alone digested.

  As far as Emily could deduce, special interest lobbyists injected pay-for-play forcing political compromises that hid within the massive bills. Alyssa alleged that unbeknownst to the American people, something inside the system had broken over the last several decades. And Emily concluded more than a handful of career political officials sold their souls in exchange for cold, hard cash. But never in her wildest dreams did she imagine the corruption of directors of key government intelligence agencies and heads of state.

  The Association didn’t simply prove the Deep State theory a reality––it put in jeopardy the Constitution and the stability of American democracy. A chill dug tiny needles into the base of Emily’s neck then prickled down her arms. For the first time, she realized the threat was real. The conspiracy theory no longer niggled at her imagination. Her worst fears stood smack in front of her. These people would sacrifice anything to put Carlton Hughes into the White House…they’d even commit murder.

  Shivering, Emily gazed at Wyatt then Ash. How had they landed in the middle of a corruption conspiracy? More importantly, if they chose to fight this deadly monster, how could they possibly survive the viscous ooze slithering around them?

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The drive to McLean felt silent, cold, and empty around Ash as the adrenaline of the last twenty-four hours drained, leaving only exhaustion in its wake. Nonetheless, the determination to find Duke before nightfall kept him focused. Whatever he could do to alleviate some of the pain and anxiety Emily exhibited, he resolved to do regardless of his own needs. Gazing at her distant stare as she feigned watching the scenery flash by, he knew her thoughts whirled into a cyclone of haunting dreams. Her lashes flickered as she dosed off.

  Part of him wanted to draw her into a passionate embrace. The spell she cast totally bewitched him. Not simply intrigue or ardent lust––although he felt an emotional high since they met––but this woman touched him on a deeper level. This enchantment engendered a protective response to her needs and desire before anything else.

  Again, he glanced at Emily now curled into the bucket seat, her head resting on the passenger window. In the midst of all the chaos, watching her sleep induced a slow burn that somehow warmed his heart. Zayn’s “Let Me” played softly on the satellite radio, lulling him even more in direct opposition to the last few hours. His thoughts swirled.

  All morning, his jaw had clenched with his resolve to keep silent and let the mystery of Alyssa’s death unfold. He and Quint were the only two present when the body revealed the single clue no one else noticed. Now, as much as he wanted to share the truth with Emily, sharing that knowledge might sway the trajectory of the case.

  Had Alyssa really materialized to Emily earlier? He’d never believed in paranormal activity or supernatural manifestation before, but seeing Emily’s reaction, he would have sworn under oath she had indeed seen and spoken to her sister. Still, wouldn’t an apparition be aware of the facts of her own death? According to Emily, Alyssa believed Gunny Sgt. Steel told the truth, but Ash knew Logan’s version of the facts left out some key information.

  “Are we there yet?”

  Emily’s sleep-dusted voice tugged at his heart. “Almost.” He glanced at her.

  Tousled deep-brown locks curled over her shoulders, she yawned and rubbed her emerald green eyes. “Sorry, I completely dozed off.”

  A wave of pure sexual pleasure sizzled through his core and his body reacted. Turning slightly, he adjusted his position. “I’m glad you had a few moments of rest. What you’ve been through…I honestly can’t believe your stamina.”

  A slight smile briefly creased the corners of her mouth, and she turned away. Gazing through the windshield, she drew her brows together. “Why do you suppose Duke ran off?” she asked, pulling her hair into a ponytail and fastening it with the black band on her wrist.

  Turning onto Route 123 from Chain Bridge, he inspected t
he landscape. “Scared, maybe. But Pets for Vets train their dogs well. I can’t imagine an animal like that just taking off… he could have been hurt…” He let the statement trail off, hoping he hadn’t added to her worry.

  Again, her brow pinched together. “Are you suggesting Logan hurt Duke?”

  “Not necessarily. But despite the affluent homes around here, Chain Bridge Road is a busy highway. Anything could have happened to a dog wandering loose along this stretch.”

  “Oh…I didn’t consider that. Poor pup.” She twisted in her seat to face him, yanking on the seatbelt. “We have to find Duke, Ash. I promised Alyssa.”

  Placing a hand on her jean-clad thigh, he squeezed softly. “Don’t worry. We’ll find him.” Perhaps touching her thigh was too much, considering the situation? He hoped she could see his honest concern.

  The mention of a dog at the crime scene caused his senses to ratchet up. Steel might have been telling the truth, but something about the man’s story nagged Ash from the beginning. Even now, the Gunny Sgt. knew more than he admitted, and he sidestepped, evading direct questions. What was he leaving out of the story?

  Ruminating over past cases. Ash remembered what he believed was the answer. An hour earlier, he had asked Quint and Brad to investigate his theory. The premise taking hold, Ash snatched his phone from the console to check on their progress…then thought better of the idea. He and Emily would arrive at Alyssa’s home within minutes and he didn’t want to raise her hopes needlessly. With any luck, his friends found Duke and uncovered Steel’s secret in the process.

  As they turned into the driveway, Emily stared at the two cars parked ahead of them. “Who the hell is here?” She scowled at the vehicles then turned to Ash for answers. “Why would anyone be visiting Alyssa in the middle of the afternoon? Unless…do you know who those cars belong to?”

  Ash nodded just as Quint rounded the corner of the house.