“Okay, I’ll do it.” He smiles and we high five. We are so cheesy!
“So, what do I do?”
“If you give him information that hurts your uncle, he is going to want to know why you would betray your own flesh and blood. Say you want to work for him or something.”
I nod, thinking… this could work.
“Okay. I got a plan.” I say.
“What do you want to do?” Logan asks.
“Well, I think it is time for Carter Drazen to come out of hiding.” I ignore the outbursts of protests. “I’m going to a party.” When I tell them my plan, they agree that it is the best way to start getting back at my uncle. They aren’t exactly thrilled, but we can’t think of anything better.
So, I guess I should go prepare for the reappearance of Carter Drazen….
Chapter Twenty-One
The plans are in place. I am a missing person. The press will be at the party and hopefully keep me in their sights. At least that is our hope because I’m going to need a lot of luck to get out of that party. My team wanted to come with me, trying to protect me, and we are still arguing about it.
“We can watch out for you. We know it is a trap. Someone has to be on your side.” Julia says with worry etched on her face.
“We’ve gone over this! If you all come it will make it easier for my uncle to trap me. He will do something to one of you and I will give myself up to save you.” They all start to protest.
“I don’t care what you say. I would never leave one of you behind.” I say with conviction.
“You did before.” Logan says. I turn to look at him, a little shocked.
“That was for your protection.” I say through clenched teeth.
“That didn’t work out like you thought.” He says, eyes wandering over to Julia.
“No, it didn’t and I’m sorry for that, but I need you all here. I can’t worry about you all and at the same time concentrate on my uncle.” I explain. I can tell by the exchanged looks that they finally see it my way!
“Besides, someone needs to save me if I get caught!” I say nailing it into the coffin.
“We have gone over the plan. I will be in the sights of the press all night and when I’m not, I will be surrounded by people.” I blow out an exasperated sigh.
“Your parents were surrounded by people.” Charlie mumbles. I turn and glare at him.
“I know that.” I say sharply before turning back to Julia. I grip her hands in mine. I look her in the eyes. “I will be fine.”
“Okay, fine, what do you need us to do here?” Logan stands up, asking.
“Logan!” Julia exclaims.
“What?” Logan says with a confused look.
“You seriously think this is a good idea?” She asks Logan, rolling her eyes.
“No, but I trust Sparks. She wants to do this and I’m going to support her. We all need to support her.” I give Logan a look of gratitude. Julia bites her lip. Charlie taps his fingers across the key board.
“Okay, I’m in.” Julia says. I smile at her and wait for Charlie. There is no response.
“Um, Charlie, what do you think?” Julia asks.
“I think she is reckless and crazy. She is going into the lion’s den without any physical back up.” He states, “but I think she can do this.” I give him a huge smile.
“We will be here and monitoring everything. You say the word and I will find a way to get you out if you get into trouble.” He says calmly, but I can see the worry in his eyes. I can tell he cares about me and what happens to me. I look around the room and meet the eyes of my team, my family and I can’t help the feeling of pride I have for them.
“I love you guys.” I say, shocking them.
“Aww, shucks, you’re going to make me blush.” Charlie chuckles.
“Same back.” Logan says, smiling.
“Love you too, girl.” Julia says with tears in her eyes, making the guys laugh harder.
“Shut up.” She says but starts laughing too. I give her a big hug.
“Okay, enough, girly shit. We need to get going.” Charlie says all business.
“Okay, girl, let’s get you fixed up. Hair, makeup, nails, dress. Oh crap…do we have a dress?” Julia asks panicking.
“I laid it on her bed.” Charlie says and we all turn to stare.
“What? I picked up something earlier. Oh, and shoes.” He says matter of fact. We all stare at him some more.
“Dude, hand in your man card.” Logan says.
“Whatever. I’m completely comfortable in my manhood, especially since I know what women like. Go on, check it out.” Charlie demands, turning back to the computers.
Julia and I run up to my room. Lying on the bed is a gorgeous shimmering silver dress. It has a thick one shoulder strap, a fitted bodice and skirt. It has a slit on the left side. On the floor, are matching strappy silver stilettos. I go to the bed and finger the material. It is so soft and silky. It will show off all my curves. I try it on, and it fits like a glove. It is perfect. The heels make my short stature look tall and lean.
“Oh my god, that boy has some taste! You look amazing!” Julia gushes, “now take it off, we need to do hair, makeup, and nails first.”
After taking a shower and getting primped, I stare back at my reflection. Julia did my hair in a beautiful up do that emphasizes my neckline. I look sophisticated and grown up. I look like my mother. I feel a pang in my chest. Julia notices my expression.
“You miss her?” She asks softly. I nod, holding back tears. She reaches around my neck, placing one of my mother’s diamond necklaces on. I finger the necklace.
“We are going to get him. I promise.” She says fiercely. I stare at my reflection again, thinking of my mother and father. The anger replaces the sorrow.
“Yes, we are.” I say to my reflection.
When I walk downstairs, I see a strange look pass over Charlie’s face. It is a mixture of awe and pain. He quickly masks it. Logan nods in approval and Julia hands me an ear piece.
“Good it fits.” Charlie says, gruffly, looking away from me. I wonder what got into him?
“Come here.” Charlie then commands. I walk over to him and he places his hands on my bare shoulder, turning me around with my back to him. He unzips my dress and I gasp at the feel of his fingers on my bare skin. He slowly takes the zipper down and I feel him part the material. His fingers linger a second longer than necessary. Then I feel him place a transmitter in the middle of my back under my strapless bra. He tapes it up and then quickly zips it back up. I turn to face him when he is done, searching his face. His eyes
have a hooded look and I can’t tell what he is thinking. I give him a look of confusion, but he just gives me a pat on the shoulder. I push the questioning feelings in the back of my mind. I have too much going on right now to investigate it.
After getting wired up and going over the different scenarios and plans, I finally head out. I climb into one of my father’s cars that are in his safe parking garage. It is a brand-new red Porsche. It will get the attention I need. Charlie is making an anonymous call to the press to make sure they are waiting for me as soon as I get out of the car.
I tap my steering wheel in a nervous gesture. Here I go. I pull up to the lobby of the swanky hotel where the party is being held. The valet immediately opens the door for me, and the press is crowding around me like vultures. The hotel security which I was assured by Charlie did not contain any agents from the organization come to escort me inside.
“Miss Drazen, where were you?” And the questions begin.
“Carter, did you know you were a missing person?”
“What made you come out of hiding?”
Other questions were flying around so fast; I couldn’t even understand them. Flashes of light from the cameras were blinding me. I put up a hand to stop all the questions. I keep a smile on my face. The press goes silent, waiting for me to respond.
“I’m so sorry to worry everyone. I went on a little vacat
ion to get away from everything and mourn in peace. I didn’t want to watch any of the news to not be reminded every day of my loss. I just needed some time. I hope you all understand. I am truly sorry.” I say with my socialite smile on.
“Did your uncle know of your whereabouts?” One female reporter asks. I smile to myself.
“Of course, he did.” This got a huge reaction from the reporters and is followed by a slew of more questions.
“Why would he say you were missing?” The same female reporter asked, looking pissed.
“I really don’t know that answer. You should ask him. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a party to attend.” I say with a confident smile and with a wave I follow the hotel security inside.
I stay close to the security as I walk into the lobby. I catch sight of some agents from the organization. They are immediately on their radios.
“They have you in sight.” Charlie says through my earpiece. He can hear everything being said to me.
“Well, duh, I have eyes.” I say under my breath. He chuckles in response.
Once the security points out the direction I need to go, I take off before the organization can stop me. I pause before a pair of banquet doors. Pulling them open, I take a deep breath and step inside the glitzy party.
Looking around, I see the party guests mingling with their champagne in crystal glasses, expensive dresses and tuxes, and caviar. I want to roll my eyes at the fakeness of it all. This is all that matters to these people. Wealth, power, and corruption. Suddenly, I feel eyes on me. Facing the crowd, with a big smile, I hear the gasps of shock at my appearance. There is a stunned silence that spreads slowly throughout the room.
“Hello, everyone! Don’t mind me.” I say with a smile. Most are still staring at me, when my uncle burst through the crowd.
“Carter! Oh my god, we were so worried!” He says, pulling me into a hug. He squeezes me tightly as I let my arms hang loosely to my side.
“Nice to have you back. I hope you aren’t planning on escaping again.” My uncle hisses in my ear.
“Oh of course not, Uncle. I plan on being around for a while.” I whisper back.
He pulls away from me, but I grab his arm, smiling, “I’m going to love watching you die.” I say as sweetly as I can. His face turns red with anger. Someone comes up behind him and he paste on his fake smile.
“Carter, it is so good to see you. We were so afraid something happened to you.” Lana says with a fake smile. She has her hand on my uncle’s arm. So that is how it is.
“I see you moved on pretty quickly.” I state with an eyebrow raise. Lana’s face pales considerably.
“Excuse me, but there are many people I would like to see.” I say, walking away.
“Damn girl, you are badass.” Charlie says through the ear piece. I laugh. I admit the sound of his deep voice sends tingles down my spine. What the hell is going on with me? I mingle with some people. I tell them the story of being on an island and I love telling them that my uncle knew where I was the whole time. The look on people’s faces is priceless.
“If he knew where you were, dear, then why all the publicity?” A wealthy older woman asked me.
“I don’t know, I guess he liked the attention. I’m just so ashamed that he did this. I mean to mislead so many people, tsk tsk. I guess some people just need that. I just wish the death of my parents was enough for him.” I say with a sad smile.
“Shame on him.” She says, looking across the room at my uncle in disgust. She is not the only one that has looked at him with disgust since I’ve been here. My whole point is to slander my uncle tonight. He doesn’t have the money and I hope that he will lose the respect.
I’m walking through the crowd, smiling and nodding at people, when suddenly I’m grabbed by the elbow. I’m about to take the person down, when a voice hisses in my ear.
“What are you doing here?”
“Awe, Brooklyn, so good to see you. Congratulations! How is Tex or I’m sorry Jackson?” She gives me a confused look.
“Who’s Tex?” Oh crap, I used his code name. I panic for second and then I hear Charlie.
“His name is Brant.” Charlie supplies.
“I meant Brant.” Her eyes narrow. I have a cheesy smile on my face.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She says, sticking her nose up in the air.
“Sure. Have a good night!” I say, starting to walk off, but she grabs me again.
“Stay away from Jackson. He is mine, do you understand me?” She says through clenched teeth. Her grip is hard on my arm.
I turn towards her.
“Look, bitch, you have two seconds to let go of my arm or I’m going to break your nose.” She releases me and I see a little fear in her eyes.
“Bye now.” I say and walk away from her. I see Jackson across the room looking breathtaking handsome and watching our little pow wow.
“Your uncle has commanded eyes on you and to take you down when the opportunity arises.” Charlie says.
“10-4, good buddy.” I say. Suddenly, I come face to face with Max.
“Sparks.” He says, looking at me with puppy dog eyes.
“Hello, killer.” I say with a scary smile. His face drops.
“I’m so sorry.” I slap him across the face, hard. His hand goes up to his cheek. I see tears forming.
“Don’t even, Max. I don’t want to hear it. You have no right to apologize and there is no way, I will ever forgive you. Jesus Christ, Max, you killed my parents. You were my friend…. Never mind! Just know your day is coming.” I threaten. I see his face pale as I push by him.
“I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’ve been ordered to take you in.” He grabs my arm.
“Just like you were ordered to kill my parents? Once a traitor always a traitor?” He looks down in shame. He is such a pansy.
“Come on, now. I have my orders and they are just trying to help you. Let me take you in.” He starts to pull me through the crowd, but I push a pressure point on his hand until he let’s go.
“Not today, you don’t.” I back away from him and quickly engage myself into a group conversation.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the men and women talking in their earpieces. Looks like Charlie is being kept busy. I notice I’m being followed throughout the room and it is logical that I’m surrounded. I’m sure all exits are blocked, but I’m not worried. I continue talking to people and telling them how I was fine, and my uncle knew, he likes attention, and he needs money…blah blah blah. I will say anything to put him in a bad light. I have one main target. I finally locate Brooklyn’s father. I walk over to him, swaying my hips a
little. It is well known that her father believes himself to be a lady’s man, no matter if they are his daughter’s age or not.
“Hello, Carter. You look stunning. How are you doing? You’ve been through quite an ordeal.” He inquires politely. I lay a hand on his arm, grabbing his sole attention.
“I’m doing fine, that is no nice of you to ask.” I lean closer and whisper in his ear.
“I have some information that I think you would really like to hear.” I say. He narrows his eyes.
“About a certain… shipment.” I say, immediately gaining his attention. He excuses himself from the group around him, escorting me over to a table. Sitting down, he gestures to his body guards to keep people away.
He scrutinizes my face. “What do you know about it?” He asks bluntly.
“To tell you the truth, I do not know exactly what the shipment contains. I do know that my uncle is going to double cross you. You hired him to send security to watch over the transfer of the shipment. All the information that you gave him, he is handing over to the United States government. I recommend changing your plans.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I find you as an extremely important friend that I may want to have future business dealings with. You do realize that I am an extremely wealthy heiress now.”
&nb
sp; “Why should I believe you?”
“Like I said, I see an opportunity for future investments, and I have a feeling we are going to be great friends.” I say with a wink, then continue, “You can do what you want with the information. Go ahead with your original plans, but I guarantee, you will be in prison for a long time. Is it worth the risk?” I say with confidence. He leans back, pursing his lips, in deep thought.
“Alright, young lady, I will take your information into consideration.” I get up and pick up my clutch from the table.
“That’s all I ask. Good luck, sir and I look forward to our future interactions.” He gives me a nod and I walk away. He calls his bodyguards over. I take a glass of champagne off a tray and watch from the corner of my eye as he gestures towards my uncle. The bodyguards look over at my uncle and then nod back to Brooklyn’s dad.
I’m getting ready to order my extraction when Jackson comes into view. Brooklyn is clinging to his arm and they are smiling and nodding to an older couple. I watch her smile adoringly at him. I think I just puked in my mouth. Jackson glances my way and I give him a little finger wave. He excuses himself from the older couple and leaves Brooklyn with them. He is headed straight toward me. I see Brooklyn shooting daggers at his back.
He doesn’t say anything, just grabs me in a tight grip and pulls me through the room. I see the curious looks from the other guests.
“You’re causing a scene.” I say in sing song voice. “Ouch, seriously let go, that hurts.” He doesn’t loosen up, but in fact tightens his grip. He pulls me into an alcove. We are not hidden from anyone, but it is quiet over here.
“What the hell are you thinking?” He asks, anger etched in his features. His icy blue eyes focused on me.
“I came to celebrate your engagement.” I say, smiling brightly. His jaw tightens.
“There is no way for you to get out of here.” He says and I’m surprised to hear the concern in his voice. I seriously thought he still hated me.
“Don’t worry about me.” I say with a wink. He rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his dark hair.
No Regrets Page 16