Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
E sme
Twilight.
I adored the look of the crystal-clear skies when I’d moved to Danger Falls. I’d never seen the stars so bright and so close in my entire life. Now, with the skies gray, the scent of snow in the air, I was horrified of the thought of another storm rolling in. Plus, the darkness was ominous, keeping the boogeymen who’d taken over parts of my brain alive.
Fear.
The distress and horrible dread flowing through my mind and every blood cell were palpable.
My stomach had been in knots from the moment Hunter had walked out the door. As usual, the dominating man had left instructions, expecting and even demanding we follow their orders.
We’d met at the resort, pretending we were checking in. Then one by one, we’d left at different times, each taking back roads until we reached our ultimate destination, their parents’ house. It was a way to ensure our safety. I’d learned Dexter Fox had a security system installed that would rival Fort Knox. No one was getting within three hundred yards of the house without being noticed by infrared cameras.
I’d also learned bulletproof glass had been installed on the majority of windows, extra locks that I hadn’t noticed placed on every door. No one could get inside the home without being allowed.
Not that my twisted sixth sense was taking much comfort from the heavy artillery I also knew Dexter had locked in a cabinet. My gun was in my purse where hopefully it would remain. But I wouldn’t hesitate to use it if absolutely necessary.
None of the preparations had taken away my anxiety.
What the hell was Hunter thinking? He and his two brothers were on a crazy mission to hunt down the perpetrator. They were nuts. They could easily get themselves killed. I closed my eyes as I finally cut the engine. I’d always been able to get my shit together my entire life, even after the horrors of what I’d experienced inside my parents’ house.
Sadly, this whole experience continued to drag the ugliness from what I’d gone through smack into the light. I yanked my phone from the seat, staring at the screen. I’d wanted Hunter to call. I’d almost called him, although I knew the distraction wasn’t what he needed.
How long was this nightmare going to continue?
Not just terror of the unknown or what I might be forced to endure in the future, but also of what Hunter might face as he fought an unknown war. I hated that he’d felt the need to leave. I was furious that someone had placed us in this position. But I had to respect the man and his determination to keep both me and his family safe from harm.
And death.
The entire situation was daunting, so much so I remained inside my truck, staring at the Fox estate, the one belonging to his parents. I’d remained immobile for almost five minutes, trying my best to find a smile before walking into their home. Hunter had insisted we all be together, every member of the family safe and sequestered.
I don’t know why I was having such a difficult time. I adored his family, every single member. Denise had already arrived, but Bella wasn’t here yet. That also made me nervous. It was entirely possible the asshole responsible for attempting to destroy our lives was out to get anyone in the family.
As soon as I stepped from the truck, I heard barking. Denise had brought her dog with her. I’d met Pepper a couple of times, the beautiful Malinois constantly by her mommy dog’s side. It was the same with Bella, Xena becoming her mistress’ constant companion. I continued to think getting a rescue dog was necessary in my life.
Especially if Hunter chose to return to his former life. The thought hit me harder than it had before. I’d pieced together what Hunter’s father had offered to all three of his children. A return to the lifestyle they’d adored in a higher position. They’d call the shots. They’d have control of the missions and potentially the outcome. They’d regain what each one believed they’d been forced from.
Where would that leave the women they supposedly adored?
I’d been terrified to push Hunter into telling me which way he was leaning. Maybe I just didn’t want to know. And maybe that’s why my heart felt even heavier than before.
Just as I reached the stairs leading up to the house, I heard a vehicle. Turning, I felt some sense of relief seeing Bella’s car. At least with having my best friend close, I wouldn’t feel quite so alone. As soon as she got out, I headed toward her. Xena bounded ahead, immediately jumping on my legs.
“Hi, baby girl.” The golden fluff ball could always make me smile. The girl was such a true angel, saving Bella’s daughter from certain death in a similar snowstorm to what we’d experienced a couple of months before.
Bella moved closer, shoving her keys into her purse as she headed in my direction. With the outside lights on at the Fox house, I was able to catch a glimpse of her expression. She was just as concerned as I was, perhaps even more so. When she wrapped her arm around my neck, pulling me in for a tight hug, I could swear I heard a single sob before she took a step away.
“See?” She held out her hand, faking contentment while she showed off her ring.
“That’s gorgeous. Your man has good taste.” I grasped her hand, trying my best to fawn over the huge diamond. Meanwhile, I sensed neither one of us were in the mood to fake happiness.
“Yeah, sometimes Jagger can surprise me.” She pulled away, glancing down at Xena while she rubbed the pup’s head. “I don’t like this.”
“Me neither. I tried to stop Hunter from going.”
“You know you couldn’t have. All three brothers are the same. Pigheaded.” Bella laughed, but the sound was flat.
“They’ll be fine.”
“Do you really think so?”
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and guided us up the stairs. “I think Jagger would walk through miles of coals to return home to you. Plus, he knows you’ll kick his ass if anything happens.”
“So true. And you’d do the same.”
After a light knock, I opened the door without waiting for anyone to greet us. “Yes, without question.” I allowed her to walk in first as I turned back around to stare at the sky. The chill in the air cut through my bones.
“Come back to me,” I whispered into the wind.
As soon as I walked inside, Denise nodded from where she stood in the living room near the bar. There was a huge fire in the fireplace, Pepper already playing with a few dog toys that hadn’t been in the house the night of the dinner, and almost immediately Mrs. Fox headed to greet me.
“You’re here, darling.” Sally was dressed in jeans, which surprised me. She obviously noticed my look of surprise and laughed. “Did you really believe I didn’t dress to the occasion? We have another storm rolling in. We need to be prepared for everything. I’m so glad all you girls could make it.”
Bella shot me a look. “We didn’t want you to be alone.”
Which even Sally knew was bullshit. She knew her sons far better than we did.
“Well, Dex and I appreciate the company. Including from those two gorgeous pups. Now, let’s get you ladies a drink.”
We allowed her to lead us closer to where Denise was standing, yet I continued to look at the massive windows.
“Stop worrying,” Denise said as she poured me a glass of wine. “Everything will be fine.”
“Why don’t I buy that?” I asked.
“Trust in your gut.”
“My gut is telling me something is wrong,” Bella piped in.
Denise handed her the second glass. “Why do you say that?”
“A feeling,” both Bella and I said at the same time.
“You two are like peas in a pod.” Denise laughed, but I sensed she was equally as nervous. “Remember. No one knows we’re here.”
No one.
Why did I have a terrible feeling we’d been watched and followed the entire time? Yes, I’d come here by going around my ass to get to my elbow, but I’d had a feeling the entire time eyes were following me. Even after following Hunter’s directions to the letter.
“What about the guys?” I asked.
Denise sighed. “Try and remember they’re highly trained.”
What about the element of surprise? What about being blindsided?
As Sally walked toward the front door, locking it quickly, another wave of nerves rushed into me.
“We’re all together now,” she said absently as she walked back in our direction. “We’re safe.”
The three of us quickly glanced at each other as Dexter walked into the room. He looked entirely different than he had on the night of the dinner. It was as if he knew he had to be strong for his sons and his wife.
“Thank you for letting us stay here,” I told the two of them.
“Yes, thank you,” Bella added. “I hope Xena won’t be any trouble.”
“Not at all. We love dogs. As a matter of fact, I have puppy treats,” Sally said enthusiastically as she clapped her hands. The dogs immediately responded with several woofs, racing toward her as if they’d known her all their lives.
After they scampered away, I walked closer to the window, staring out at the darkness. “What if something happens?” I don’t know why I asked the question. There was no good answer.
“We’re not going to let it.” Denise’s answer rang loud and clear.
No, we wouldn’t.
I might be the one to walk through fire to ensure Hunter made it back home safely.
And I’d happily do it.
That’s what every woman did who’d fallen in love.
Right?
Hunter
“We’re not turning back now,” Shephard insisted. “We’re five miles from where Anastasia’s truck was seen. I want this shit over with.”
“So do I. But I’m telling you that this is a setup.” I was just as insistent. “They know our entire family is at that goddamn house. What a ridiculous idea.”
“Do you have a better one?” Jagger threw in.
I shook my head in anger.
“They’re safe inside the house. Pops made certain of it. Remember?” Shephard was so certain our family wasn’t in danger that it pushed my instincts into overdrive. “No one knows a goddamn thing. Our people have no clue they left the hotel.”
“If this is an act of revenge, then the Carlotto family has eyes and ears everywhere. The best way to begin their insidious act is to take what matters to us the most. Just like I did all those fucking years ago.” If only Giuseppe hadn’t sent his son that terrible night.
“Hold on. You’re suggesting the person who called you with the information on Anastasia is a traitor?” Jagger pushed as he glanced into the rearview mirror.
I snapped the magazine into my Glock after checking to see how much ammunition I had. A full load. “No. Pops would know,” I stated with conviction. Our father would never send us on a wild goose chase. If he had, I swear to God, I’d never forgive him. “I’m saying Giuseppe’s daughter isn’t working alone. There’s no way she could be.”
“You have no clue if that’s true. Not really.” Shephard suddenly glanced out the passenger window, which prompted me to turn and look out the back window.
“She also has a brother. Donovan Carlotto. Remember, he’s been prominent in his father’s world since he was a kid. He served as Capo for the firstborn son until I killed the man.”
Shephard turned his head. “I’m already aware. But supposedly he’s off the grid and has been. At least that’s the intel I received.”
“He’s not off the grid. From what I read and suspect, he gunned down three of the Saudi’s closest men almost two weeks ago. No, he wasn’t identified, but his method of murder using a machete is known.” I’d learned that news from the contact when he’d sent the initial email.
“Two weeks? Hunter is right, Shep. Plenty of time to head to the United States, stalking the family. Learning everything about us while baby sister took the reins of terror,” Jagger suggested.
A moment of silence fell over the vehicle, but I noticed when Shephard once again looked into the side mirror.
“Fuck,” he whispered. “You’re right. I don’t like this shit. Someone is playing us hard.”
Now he had a bad feeling.
“Yeah, they are,” I said, my tone even more exasperated.
“Then I’m turning around like Hunter suggested. We need to prepare for a home front invasion if necessary.”
When headlights came into view after a large vehicle made a sudden turn from one of a few side roads, I half laughed. “Too fucking late, gentlemen. We’re being followed. Get ready for some unwanted action.” Although I was itching to end this at any price.
“Shit,” Jagger huffed. “Let me see what I can do.”
As the driver had done before, the person was gunning for us. Yet I couldn’t see a goddamn thing to confirm if a woman was driving.
“You’re right, bro,” Jagger hissed as he accelerated. “We’re they’re target. And they’re gaining on us.”
“The gas station is up ahead on the right, maybe three miles. Turn in there,” Shephard suggested.
I sat staring out the back window. In realizing my instincts had been right, I yanked out my phone, hopeful for at least a single bar so I could try to make contact with Esme. There was no signal.
“We need to get back to Danger Falls. Our entire family is in danger.”
My words were forceful.
“Remember that word on the street is they’re staying at the resort,” Shephard mentioned almost in passing as if the planned ploy would stop the perpetrators from hunting their prey.
But I sensed his obvious concern.
“That won’t matter. If Donovan is in town, he’s likely not alone,” I told them. “Get ahead of the goddamn driver. We need to turn around.”
The snow continued to fall, the road already covered in a half inch. With the rate increasing, the road would soon become slick.
Jagger laughed. “Let’s see what this baby can do.” He gunned the Rover, making decent headway, but I knew it wouldn’t last for long.
“Go. Go!” Shephard’s voice was laced with anxiety.
As soon as he rounded a bend, a neon sign flashed, indicating the gas station was fifty feet ahead.
Jagger swung into the parking lot seconds later, the tires squealing in resentment. “Let’s see if the fucker follows.” He roared to the side of the main building, immediately cutting the lights before turning around to face the street.
Thankfully, the storm had been predicted a couple of days earlier, which had kept the road mostly free of vehicles. It was the same for the gas station. Only the gas pumps remained open, the indoor facility already dark.
Seconds later, we noticed the truck following us zoomed past without slowing down.
There was no sigh of relief, no breather coming from any of us. Once the person realized they’d lost us, the driver would likely turn around.
When it didn’t happen after five minutes, Jagger instinctively headed out. He didn’t waste any time leaving the area, taking the curves sharply as he roared down the mountain.
The snow was falling now at a rate of an inch an hour minimum. Soon it would be considered white-out conditions.
“Get us down the mountain fast,” Shephard told him.
“I’m trying, buddy. The roads are getting slick. Any cell service?”
“None,” I told him. I’d sent a text, hoping at some point it would go through even if we caught a few seconds of service. Given these conditions, I was beginning to doubt the possibility.
Less than three minutes later, another set of headlights could clearly be seen all throughout the cab of the Range Rover.
“We’ve still got trouble,” Jagger said.
Shephard turned around just before I did, the look on his face mirroring what I was feeling.
We were both now out for blood.
“And a second set of headlights,” Jagger said, almost laughing at the turn of events. “You were right. We have more trouble than we can handle.”
Jagger could easily maneuver his vehicle, winding around the curves with clear control. But every time he did, I heard the tires squeal in opposition. The road was getting slicker by the minute.
“We’ve got real issues, boys. Hunker down.”
Pop! Pop!
The shots pummeled against the back of the vehicle.
“Well, fuck,” Shephard hissed. “Time for some action.”
I rolled down the window, sticking half my body out through the small space. Without hesitation, I fired off several shots, the pinging sounds an indication I’d hit my target.
Shephard did the same. With the winding roads, all our skills were being put to the test.
I held the stance, trying to keep my arm steady.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
The three shots slammed into the back window, shattering a portion.
“Fuck!” Jagger yelled, once again pressing down on the gas pedal.
I thumped back, using both feet to kick away a portion. When more than half the glass flew out the back, I reared up, yanking off my jacket and knocking out the rest of the glass.
“Hold it steady!” I yelled and took aim.
Jagger did his best to keep the vehicle on the road while avoiding the continuous shots being fired.
The pinging sounds continued, but none of the bullets the perpetrators fired were major hits.
“Slow down,” I told my brother.
“You’re nuts,” he yelled back.
“Just do it.” The two trucks were weaving all over the road in their attempt to get a shot that would force Jagger to lose control.
“We’re coming into a major turn,” he said. I could hear the grit in his voice. This shit was becoming even more dangerous.
I waited, taking time to try to ensure the few shots that could be direct hits were possible. But as Jagger started to head into the sharp curve, there wasn’t time to waste or second guess my skills.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
“We’ve been hit!” Jagger’s yells were drowned out as I fired off shot after shot.
Tires squealed.
Brakes were slammed on.
As the vehicle directly behind us lost control, I sensed Jagger was having a difficult time keeping the Rover on the road.
“Hold on!” he shouted.
As the second vehicle smashed into the third, the force pummeled the truck closer.
And Shephard and I kept firing.
“Fuck!” Jagger yelled. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!”
Boom!