Innocent Target

by Katie Reus

  “You never have to thank me, little sister. Dad, will you take me off speaker? I need to talk to you.”

  As her dad picked the phone up, she turned to Axel and wrapped her arms around him as she buried her face against his chest. “I know it’s not completely over, but it sure feels like it. I feel like I can breathe again.”

  He hugged her tight, resting his chin on top of her head as she inhaled his spicy scent. “As soon as this is officially over and you’re free to leave, I’m taking you anywhere you want to go.”

  Smiling, she pulled back to look up at him. “Actually, the only place I want to go is to a rescue shelter. Even with my school schedule, I still have enough time for it and I really miss having a dog around the house.” C-4 was adorable, but she was Skye’s dog now and Hadley really wanted one of her own.

  He laughed lightly. “Then it’s a date.”

  She was almost afraid to feel any relief, and knew that things weren’t settled yet but…she had hope. And her future seemed brighter than ever because of the very sexy man in her arms.

  Chapter 20

  —Whatever doesn’t kill me, better run.—

  Skye leaned back in the plush leather seat of Brooks’s private jet as she scanned her tablet. After dropping Barclay off to the DEA, they were making good time on their flight to Miami. “Man, this guy is crazy or stupid. Probably both,” she said to Colt, referring to the man who’d hired contract killers to kidnap Hadley.

  Barron Fuller III. A former frat boy with not only a cocaine problem, but a gambling one as well. He’d had everything given to him and amounted to nothing.

  “Definitely crazy. Probably because of all the cocaine he’s done,” Colt muttered, scanning his own tablet.

  “He should have been thanking Douglas for basically bailing him out. He bought the guy’s company because of the respect he had for his father. Instead this guy took it as some weird slight against his pride. Or I’m guessing that’s what this is. There’s no way he would have been able to sell it for any more. And clearly he couldn’t manage it.”

  The guy had been driving his business into the ground, skimming so much off the top that sooner rather than later, the IRS would have caught up with him. So what did the dumbass do? He took out a loan from a vicious, well-known loan shark in Miami. Gage had searched hard on this guy and the info he’d found was pure gold.

  “I’m still not sure how we should deal with this guy,” Skye said.

  Colt nodded once in agreement.

  They’d set Fuller up to meet with Barclay—who was now in custody of Agent Moore. In reality Fuller would be meeting with Colt, who was posing as Barclay. Since the two had never met in person, and Skye was going to be posing as an unconscious Hadley, it would be easy to fool the guy long enough to take him down. But they were also breaking some laws and didn’t want to deal with a trial because there were so many loose ends. Like the fact that two of the hired hitters were dead and their bodies were missing. And the third was now in custody for an outstanding warrant. And there was no way Barclay was going to admit to being involved in this.

  “It looks as if he has some outstanding debts with this loan shark,” Colt said.

  She let out a low whistle as she saw the number. “This guy really likes his cocaine.”

  “He’s likely betting on getting money from Douglas in exchange for Hadley. Even though it seems pretty clear he never planned to turn her over anyway.”

  Barclay had admitted as much to them. And he hadn’t cared either. He’d known that he’d be dropping the girl off with Fuller to be raped and tortured before being ransomed. And Barclay said he was pretty certain Fuller never planned to give her back. He was garbage too. She hoped he rotted in prison.

  “If the loan shark is looking for him, we can just drop Fuller off on the guy’s doorstep with a bow wrapped around his neck. Let him take care of the problem.” Skye shrugged. It was a tactic they’d used before when they’d been with the CIA—and since starting Redemption Harbor Consulting. That way, they didn’t have to clean up any messes and things basically took care of themselves without any involvement from them.

  Her husband lifted a shoulder, his mouth kicking up in a grin. “I kind of like that idea. Then maybe we can spend a couple days in Miami before heading home. I wouldn’t mind a few down days with my very sexy wife.”

  She smiled wickedly at him. “That sounds like a plan to me.”

  * * *

  Skye was slumped over in the trunk of the car they’d rented, her wig covering most of her face as she feigned being unconscious. She’d done something similar before and though she hated remaining still, she could do anything for an op. And she could do just about anything right now because it would bring down an asshole and keep Hadley safe.

  Forcing herself not to focus on the discomfort of lying on top of the spare tire, she listened as Colt talked to Fuller, who’d just arrived at the hangar to meet them. Now they simply needed to confirm that yes, Barron Fuller was behind everything.

  It was pretty clear that he was, but before they tossed him to the wolves, they’d make sure.

  “Did you hurt her?” A man’s voice trailed closer.

  “Nah.” Colt. “Just knocked her out using a sedative. She might have gotten a little banged up in the trunk, but she’s fine.”

  “You fuck her?”

  “I don’t touch the merchandise. Now where’s my money?” Colt’s voice was hard and nearby.

  He’d be right at the open trunk now. There was a slight shuffling sound then the sound of a round being chambered. “You’ll get paid when I get paid.”

  “That wasn’t the deal,” Colt snarled.

  “Yeah, I know, but I’m changing things. I’m not double-crossing you!” The man sniffled. “I just gotta get my ransom and you’ll get your money.”

  All right, it was time to “wake up.” Skye whipped her SIG up as she rolled over and pointed it right at the guy’s groin. “Drop your weapon and hands in the air!”

  “You’re a narc!” Former frat boy let out a squeal as he dropped the weapon he clearly had no business owning.

  “Oh, you’re going to wish we were cops by the time we’re through with you.” Colt’s voice was silky smooth and quiet. A more terrifying sound than if he’d raised his voice.

  Skye slid from the trunk and quickly surveyed the interior of the airplane hangar. They’d let the pilot go a while ago and told him they wouldn’t need him for a couple more days. She was glad the guy hadn’t returned unexpectedly because this might have been difficult to explain.

  “You work for Douglas?” Fuller sniffled again, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. God, this guy was gross.

  Colt motioned toward the ground. “Face down, hands behind your back. Don’t make me ask again.”

  She loved it when he started giving out orders. Yeah, the timing was highly inappropriate but she couldn’t help it that her husband turned her on. Always.

  “Come on, who do you work for?” Fuller whined even as he complied. At least the drugs hadn’t completely addled his brain.

  Colt restrained Fuller’s arms and legs and taped his mouth shut in less than thirty seconds. Seriously, could he get any hotter? Skye didn’t think it was possible.

  As Colt tossed the guy into the trunk, he leaned close to a wide-eyed, sniffling Fuller. “You’re going to tell us everything we want to know or we’re dropping you off at Jeremiah Dixon’s place.”

  Fuller’s eyes got wide at the mention of the brutal loan shark and he started trembling and attempting to shout against the tape even as Colt shut the trunk door.

  “How long should we leave him in there?” she asked, striding over to the cooler where the pilot had left them a couple hoagies for an early lunch. She was starving.

  “Twenty minutes should do it.”

  “You won’t even need to threaten torture with this one.”

  “No shit.”

  Once they got what they needed from Fuller, they’d still
deliver him to Dixon. Because this guy deserved it. Gage had done an even deeper search on Fuller and it turned out the guy had more than a drug and gambling problem. Seemed as if he didn’t understand that no meant no. Yeah, Skye wouldn’t be losing a moment of sleep for turning him over to another criminal.

  Chapter 21

  —Being a sister is way better than being a princess.—

  “What exactly did Skye and Colt say?” Hadley perched on the cushioned chair in Brooks’s office since he’d asked her to meet him in here alone.

  AKA without Axel.

  He was really going to have to get over his dislike of the man because Hadley was pretty much over the moon for Axel. And she didn’t think that was going to change anytime soon. Probably not ever. Which was sort of scary in and of itself but she’d worry about that later.

  “They had a talk with the man who ordered your kidnapping and retrieved all of the information possible.”

  “Retrieved or extracted?”

  Her brother simply grinned as he adjusted his cowboy hat. “Same difference.”

  “So you guys really just make your own rules, your own laws.” The knowledge was a lot to take in.

  He lifted a shoulder, clearly not apologetic. “I’m sorry if any of this makes you uncomfortable. We’ve all seen how shitty the legal system is, and honestly, I sleep fine doing what we do. I take care of my people.”

  She liked that last part a lot. “So…I’m okay to return to my life?”

  “Fuller said he’d hired three men, all of whom match the descriptions of the men that Axel or we came in contact with. And Skye and Colt believe him.”

  “Is it normal that I’m still kind of afraid?”

  “Yeah, of course. I would actually like it if you’d stay at the ranch through the rest of your spring break. We still want to make sure the threat is truly neutralized. And that way you and I can spend some time together.”

  She narrowed her eyes at his guileless expression. “That sounds really sweet, but what I’m hearing is that you want me to stay here and you’re planning to kick Axel out.”

  He grinned again. “I didn’t say it out loud—even if I was thinking it.”

  Hadley pushed up from her chair and placed her hands on Brooks’s shoulders. Since he was leaning against the desk he was closer to her height though still a bit taller. “Look, you’re my big brother and I get that there are rules or whatever that come with that. But I’m a grown woman and I like Axel. I know who he is and I’m okay with it. So I need you to be okay with him too. Because I really want to have an honest, grown-up relationship with my family. I dealt with enough manipulative garbage from my mom, and honestly I can’t see either you or dad doing that, but I still want us to be open about everything. And yes, I would really like it if you were okay with my boyfriend.”

  Saying the word boyfriend felt kind of weird but she and Axel were exclusive so she guessed that was what they were. Right? She really needed to clarify that with him. Though the man had said he wanted to move to Redemption Harbor for her and give up his life as a hit man. So maybe she didn’t need to clarify.

  “Why did you have to go and be all logical?” Brooks laughingly pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. “Fine, I will make a serious effort to like him. I already invited him to go out practice shooting with me and the guys.”

  When she and her girlfriends hung out, they liked to go shopping or watch movies and eat bad food together. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

  He slung an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s go find Darcy and Axel. Olivia, Savage, Valencia, Martina and Mercer and Mary Grace should be here in a couple hours. Oh, and the baby. And Darcy was talking about cooking a big feast for everyone.”

  “Darcy is cooking?” Hadley asked doubtfully.

  Her brother barked out a laugh. “Exactly. That’s why I want to see what they got up to. Let’s see if we can convince her to get takeout instead.”

  By the time they made it to the kitchen, Darcy, Axel and Hadley’s dad were standing around the island while her dad spoke in quiet tones to someone on the phone.

  She knew something was wrong by the expression on his face. “What is it?” she asked the others.

  He set his phone down before they could respond. “One of the horses got out and knocked down a fence. Impaled herself on it. I tried to get the vet out here but she’s on another emergency. Her whole practice is on emergencies.” Her dad raked a hand through his hair.

  “I can help,” she said, feeling sick for the poor horse. “I’m obviously not a vet, but I’ve watched enough surgeries and I might know what to do. It’s at least worth a try. And I can reach out to my friend from school,” she said, already moving toward the back door, her cell phone in hand. Her friend didn’t answer so she shot off a quick text.

  Her dad shoved his own phone into his pocket and nodded as he joined her. Axel was right behind him. When it was clear that Brooks was going to come too, she shook her head. “It’s okay, you guys get stuff ready for dinner tonight. We got this.”

  She knew that if a horse had been injured, the less people involved the better. The animal wouldn’t need or want a bunch of people around, crowding it in. She also knew there was no way Axel was leaving her side, something she was pleased about.

  “What kind of medical supplies do you guys have on hand in the barn?” Hadley asked as she rode shotgun in the ATV across one of the fields. The dirt road was a little bumpy but fairly smooth given that it wasn’t paved.

  Her dad glanced behind him as they pulled up to the barn. “Axel, grab that bag back there.”

  Axel picked it up as they parked and her dad took it from his hands before giving it to her. “I’d planned to give this to you later today as an early birthday gift. I know you won’t technically need it for a few years, but it’s yours.”

  She took the custom-made, dark brown leather doctor’s bag filled with instruments and supplies and when she peered inside she realized this had cost a lot of money. “Thank you so much,” she said. She would thank her dad again later because this was incredible, but now they needed to get to that horse. “What’s the horse’s name?” she asked as they hurried toward the opening of the barn.

  “Nelly. She’s young, new to our stable, and not quite trained yet. She got spooked by something. The fence was sturdy though so I know it’s not shoddy workmanship. She’s just a strong thing.”

  Hadley heard the horse before they saw it and her dad’s foreman stepped out of one of the stalls, his expression dark. “Did y’all get ahold of the vet?”

  Her dad shook his head. “No, but I got the next best thing.”

  It warmed her heart that her dad had so much faith in her. She just hoped she could help. She’d watched so many surgeries over the years and she’d been lucky enough to shadow the vet she’d worked for before. But taking responsibility for an animal’s life by herself was something else entirely.

  Her dad squeezed her shoulder once. “You got this.”

  His confidence in her, even if it was based on nothing other than fatherly love, gave her the shot of self-assurance she needed as she headed toward the stall with her dad. It was time to get to work.

  Chapter 22

  —The moment I met her, I knew I was looking at my future.—

  Hadley stepped out of the stall an hour later covered in grime, hay and a little blood. Still, she was so happy because she was fairly certain that Nelly was going to make it. The plank hadn’t gone nearly as deep as they’d feared. It had penetrated her pec muscle but hadn’t broken any ribs. She’d pulled the plank out and sewed her up, first the layer of muscle, then the skin. She’d seen the same injury before on different horses and was confident she’d done everything right. The vet would be here in an hour once her own emergency was over to check on the horse regardless. The foreman had already left so he could meet her at the front gate. Because of the security restrictions in place right now the vet was going to be escorted o
nto this part of the property.

  “You did a great job,” her dad said, pulling her into a hug. “I’m going to go grab you some water,” he said, stepping back and heading for the exit. She knew there was a cooler in the ATV and even though the water wouldn’t be cold she didn’t care. As long as it was wet.

  “You can go with him,” she said to Axel. “I just need a minute alone to decompress.”

  He frowned, but nodded and she was glad he didn’t push. The emotional toll of seeing an animal in pain was always draining. There was no way around it for her. Her former boss and mentor had warned her that getting into this profession wasn’t for the faint of heart and she’d been right.

  It was usually the worst when an animal had been injured intentionally by a human, whether it was their owner or not. But days like this still sucked too. There was no bad guy in this scenario, just an injured horse in a lot of pain and afraid. The fear from the animals was awful because she wanted to take all of it away.

  Running a hand over her face, she leaned back against a neighboring stall and simply took a deep breath. In and out. It helped to calm the riot of emotions inside her. Once she felt ready, she headed outside into the bright sunlight—and froze when she saw a man holding a gun on her father and Axel.

  “Get in the ATV or I kill your father.” The man’s voice was neutral, but ice cold. He had on a mask which made him even creepier. But it also meant that he might let her father and Axel live.

  Both men looked beyond pissed, like caged tigers ready to pounce. Their phones were on the ground next to them, smashed to bits.

  She was numb as she stared at the man with the gun. Getting into that ATV with this masked man would certainly mean death for her, but…she had to do it. She couldn’t risk him shooting her father or Axel. She simply couldn’t allow it.