Jeb

Chapter 28

The ride didn’t last long before the helicopter began to descend. The dawn was just breaking over the horizon, giving a hint of the landscape below. A modest-size city in the distance. A river just below. And a group of warehouses that appeared unoccupied if the lack of humans or traffic was any indication.

Natalie touched Skylar’s hand, and she looked over. “Touch my watch,” Natalie mouthed. “Tap it twice.”

Brows lowering, she didn’t question the strange request but stretched her fingers over to barely reach the black-faced watch on Natalie’s wrist. Tapping it twice, she saw no change in its appearance.

“With the sun just peeking, it looks like civilization in the distance,” Natalie said aloud.

Skylar twisted her head, her gaze dragging from the window to the Keeper sitting next to her. She pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

“A river snaking along. That’s pretty,” Natalie continued.

“Shut up!” came the order from the pilot.

“Just enjoying the view,” Natalie quipped. “At least with the sun rising over the city in the background, it’s nice to have something to look at other than dark.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t give a shit about your constant comments,” he groused. “So shut the fuck up.”

Natalie made wide eyes at Skylar and dipped her head to indicate the window.

Uncertain of what was expected of her, she was sure she needed to say something. “Um… those warehouses next to the river look big…” Her eyes were wide, but Natalie’s little smile and nod let Skylar know she must have said the right thing. Her gaze moved over Natalie, then landed on the watch on the Keeper’s wrist and remembered Jeb using his as a radio. Lifting her brows, she watched as Natalie gave an imperceptible nod.

“Jesus, not you, too,” the pilot groused. “Shut the fuck up, both of you, or when we land, I’ll shut you up in a way that you won’t like.”

Skylar’s chest depressed in fear, but Natalie’s lips simply quirked upward. Both women fell silent, and Skylar prayed that what they’d said aloud would give whoever was listening to Natalie’s radio more information to help guide them in case the trackers weren’t working.

The helicopter landed with a thump. Skylar had wanted to be out of the air, but now, seeing the desolate building rise in front of them, she wasn’t sure this was better. It looked very much like a good place to dump a body. She shivered and swung her head over to the pilot exiting the helicopter.

With the morning light providing more illumination, she was able to see a door open on the side of the warehouse. Two men walked out, one in a uniform with a rifle slung over his shoulder. “Shit, Natalie, do you see?—”

“Yeah,” Natalie groused.

Completely out of her element, she blurted, “I have no idea what to do.”

“Do whatever they say,” Natalie advised. “We want to stay alive long enough to be rescued. And believe me, the Keepers are on their way.”

“What were we telling someone earlier?”

“They’ll have the time coordinated with me saying it was a city in the distance with a river to the west. Knowing there were warehouses nearby helps, as well.”

“I thought our tracers would do the job,” Skylar said. Fear now ran through her, and she knew it would be harder than she had hoped for the Keepers to find them.

“They will have me since mine is a tattoo. But there’s always the problem of wondering where you are in case someone took away your necklace. This way, they could hear both voices, know we are together, and not just that perhaps someone jerked off the necklace and had it in the helicopter with me.”

“Jesus, that’s complicated and so incredibly simple.”

Natalie snorted ruefully. “Remember, even when we have the best intelligence at our fingertips and all the technological bells and whistles, sometimes it’s the simple things that keep us safe.”

The two women remained quiet as they watched the pilot greet the other men who came from the warehouse. They didn’t have to wait long before the three men walked back toward the helicopter.

“Would you think less of me if I told you I was scared?” Skylar, her heart threatening to beat out of her chest.

“I’d think you were crazy if you weren’t scared,” Natalie replied.

“What if they try to separate us?”

“Then make sure you stay compliant and stay alive.”

She understood Natalie”s words but was so out of her element that she had no idea what to do. Stay compliant. She almost laughed aloud. If there’s one thing I can do, it’s be a follower! She couldn’t decide if that thought made her want to laugh, cry, feel confident, or be angry.

The door to the helicopter opened, and she had no more time to give in to musings.

The pilot stepped in, pulling a knife from his pocket. She gasped and held her breath as he slid the blade close to her wrist. With a flick, he sliced the zip tie, and it wasn’t until he stepped back and sliced the zip tie between her ankles that she realized she was unfettered. He grabbed her by the arm and jerked her from her seat. He lifted her onto the ground, growling, “Try to get away, and you’ll find a bullet in your back.”

Even if she wasn’t compliant, she could barely get her legs to propel her forward and wasn’t about to leave Natalie behind. Plus, looking at the man standing a few feet away with a rifle slung over his shoulder, she knew trying to escape at the moment would be ludicrous.

She watched the pilot as he walked around to the other side and repeated the same procedure on Natalie. He kept his arm on her bicep as he walked around the front of the helicopter and shoved her next to Skylar.

“These were the two women in the van. I didn’t know which one I was supposed to get.”

The guard shrugged. “We’ll find out inside. Stick around because you’ll be taking the boss back to wherever he says.” Then looking at Skylar and Natalie, he said, “Head to the door. We’re right behind you. You won’t get far if you try to run.”

With a glance toward Natalie, the two women walked to the open door in front of them. By now, the dawn illuminated the desolate area, giving evidence that there was no activity around. Weeds sprouted through the spiderweb cracks in the asphalt parking lot. Skylar had no idea where the warehouse was located. The paint was faded on the side of the warehouse, offering no evidence of what it was used for or who it belonged to. It loomed ahead, now seeming to serve as a hideout for sinister deeds, such as hiding kidnapped computer engineers.

Following Natalie, she stepped inside the dimly lit interior and blinked as her eyes worked to focus. They entered an empty room that appeared to be a reception area with a built-in counter on one side. The man who hadn’t spoken yet led the way while the guard and the pilot brought up the rear. Continuing down a hall, they moved through a metal door and emerged into the vast expanse of the main warehouse. Skylar’s breath caught, and her feet stumbled at the sight of the massive room filled with wooden crates and large tarps covering unidentifiable shapes.

Her attention snapped to a figure emerging from behind a stack of crates. Recognition flooded her as Gerald Butler stepped into view, his presence making her blink, not believing her eyes. His disarmingly cordial smile belied the tension that crackled in the air. He stopped in front of them and inclined his head as he greeted them. “Skylar, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. You look well.”

A knot of fear tightened in her stomach, but it was quickly overtaken by unsuppressed anger. “I suppose the extended vacation on the island resort did wonders for me,” she retorted, her voice laced with bitter sarcasm. “After all, it was only supposed to be for about two months, but here I am, six months later.”

She caught a brief hint of surprise when his eyes flickered. Though Natalie had advised compliance, Skylar bristled at the thought of being manipulated and trapped again.

He nodded without appearing angry with her words. Inclining his head slightly to the side, he said, “I’m afraid things became more complicated.” His gaze moved to Natalie.

Suddenly, she was afraid that now that the kidnappers had identified who she was, they might attempt to get rid of Natalie, considering her to be extraneous. She continued without giving anyone a chance to speak, “This is another computer programmer. She was working with me.”

Gerald’s brow lifted, offering a sardonic grin. “Yes… an agent, I presume.”

The way he sneered the word agent caused a trickle of unease to slide through Skylar’s blood. “No, she’s a private programmer who was helping me.”

He stared, saying nothing, his gaze assessing. She had no idea if her words had the effect on Gerald that she wanted. She hoped that whatever she said would keep Natalie alive and with her. But for all she knew, it was just going to enrage Gerald. Her insides quivered, and she prayed he couldn’t see how much she was shaking.

“A private programmer,” he murmured. “Somehow, I doubt that just anyone would be in an FBI van with an agent in the middle of a mission.” He glanced at Natalie’s arm. Stepping closer, he held out his hand. “I’ll take that very interesting watch. And don’t even think about refusing. I have no problem making Skylar hurt.”

Skylar was unable to halt the gasp from leaving her lips. She watched in numb silence as Natalie slid off her watch, knowing it was their only radio contact with the Keepers. Natalie gripped it tightly in her palm before handing it over. Skylar had wondered if Natalie would throw it at him, but the Keeper’s face was neutral.

He dropped it to the pavement before stomping on the device, crushing it under his boot. His lips curved upward as though in a win, but Natalie simply cocked her brow with a bored expression on her face.

His smile slid into a sneer. “I have a use for both of you.”

Skylar tried to mimic his expression but was fairly certain she couldn’t replicate a sardonic smile. “You’re interested in my skills as a programmer for Alistair Montague. If not, you would’ve had your lackeys shoot both of us instead of kidnapping. Well, now you get two programmers.”

Gerald threw his head back and laughed, sound echoing in the warehouse. Shaking his head as his laughter slowed, he said, “Alistair is interested in wining and dining other multibillionaires, heads of major corporations, and politicians. His sense of power comes from manipulating elections to keep the political environment conducive to his interests.” He leaned closer in an exaggerated whisper. “I make sure his cybersecurity not only protects Montague Industries”—he paused for emphasis—“but also is used to further Alistair”s interests.”

“The feds are looking into him. Into everything his hand is in,” Skylar said, glancing toward Natalie, gaining an almost imperceptible nod.

Gerald shrugged, the news obviously not surprising. “His billions protect Alistair Montague. He isn’t the most intelligent man. Not nearly as smart as most people think. He surrounds himself with too many yes-men, terrified to voice an opinion that goes against what he thinks. He’s afraid that someone around him might be smarter than him. He took his inheritance and managed to invest decently. At least enough to increase his money into the billionaire status. And he likes to throw the money at the politicians who will make it easier for him to do business.”

“He’s the puppeteer,” she said, repeating what she’d said to Jeb.

“Yes. He’s a master puppeteer.” Gerald inclined his head. “But not for everyone.”

“You’re telling me that he doesn’t hold your strings?”

Gerald belted out laughter again and shook his head. “I make sure to do everything Alistair asks of me. As far as he’s concerned, I’m the perfect employee. For now. But I’ve seen enough people come and go from his orbit and his employees over the years to know he can eliminate anyone. If he ever decides to get rid of me or goes down in a federal investigation, I want to have enough money that makes working for that pompous shit worth it. I’ll never have to work again.”

Clarity struck, and she nodded. “The black market sales of military equipment. That’s not Mr. Montague, is it? It’s you. All you.”

He threw his hands out to the side and then clapped slowly, the sound reverberating throughout the cavernous space. “For someone so gifted, Skylar, you have been incredibly slow reaching that conclusion.”

She winced. Not at his insult, but that he’d masterminded the entire scheme. “You’re the one who had me working just for you, but everything points back to Alastair Montague, doesn’t it? Even though the FBI is after him, you remain hidden.”

“You’re exactly right. The feds can go after Alastair Montague because, thanks to you, all the trails lead to him.”

Her heart plunged as more revelations dawned. His revenue stream is getting ready to close now that the FBI knows about the black market. He doesn’t need me. He’ll kill us both. She glanced to the side, but Natalie’s face held no emotion. But she has to know the same thing! She looked back at Gerald as Natalie stepped closer to her. “But how did you know the FBI was going to raid the thefts tonight?” She jerked. “For that matter, how did you know I was going to be there?”

“Poor FBI government workers. They make very little money, and it wasn’t difficult to find one to employ.”

She gasped but noticed that Natalie didn’t seem surprised. “But he killed one of his own! Another agent!”

“By God, you are naive, Skylar,” he said. “Haven’t you realized that money will buy anything?”

Natalie moved next to her and reached over to latch onto Skylar’s hand. Drawing strength from Natalie’s presence, she said, “What now?”

Gerald rubbed his chin. “The mistake I made before was thinking that if I stuck you on an island with no hope of rescue, I left you unguarded. The precautions I had would keep you from alerting anyone on the outside.” He lifted his head and smirked. “I should congratulate you. But I won’t make that mistake again.”

Her heart threatened to stop at the idea that suddenly they were going to die. Jeb flashed through her mind. I never told him that I loved him. For me, it’s always been him since I was ten years old.

“What I’ve decided is that you can still be valuable to me. And now that I think about it, there’s no reason not to use your friend as well. Some of my money is in an off-shore account, out of the reach of the FBI, IRS, or Interpol. And your acceptance of my hospitality here will ensure I get the rest of what I’m due put in there, as well. While I get away, you’ll be held hostage here.”

She glanced to the side, but Natalie’s face gave away nothing. She felt sure that was to keep Gerald from having any idea what was going through her mind, but Skylar desperately wished she could tell.

He turned to the man who, so far, had remained silent. “You can take the vehicle we arrived in back to our designated location. Make sure it’s wiped down, then destroy it. Your money will be in your account as soon as the pilot lifts off with me safely aboard.” Shooting his gaze toward the pilot, he said, “Stay here. I’ll be back. Once I see the shipments safely on their way, we’ll take off.”

Barely glancing at Skylar or Natalie, he ordered, “Let’s go.”

With the guard holding his gun at their backs, Skylar and Natalie were herded across the vast concrete floor to the end of the warehouse. From this vantage point, her eyes were drawn to a metal staircase that rose three stories, connecting what looked like office rooms stacked on each other. As they continued forward, she could now see the first-floor door led to a barely furnished office with a window looking out into the warehouse. She imagined it once was a vigilant lookout for the original owner as they watched over their employees. She lifted her gaze and noted the second-floor office also had a large warehouse window. The third floor, however, presented a blank face to the warehouse.

They bypassed the first-floor room and were prodded to the metal staircase leading upward. The staircase creaked under their footsteps that echoed loudly on the metal. Skylar’s heartbeat thundered in her ears as each step amplified her growing sense of dread. They continued past the second floor, and by now, Skylar clung to the railing as she wondered how they would ever escape.

They continued to the top, where Gerald stepped into a room with two walls lined with empty, rusting metal shelves and a folding table and chair on a third wall. “When I found this abandoned warehouse,” Gerard began, his words echoing slightly in the barren space, “I realized how perfectly it would fit my needs, both in housing equipment waiting to be shipped out. I hadn’t planned to use this storage room, but now I see its use.”

Skylar reached to the side to grab Natalie’s hand, afraid she might drop to her knees if she didn’t have that human connection.

“So what’s the plan?” Natalie asked, her voice not giving away a hint of fear.

Skylar”s fingers flinched, and Natalie squeezed her hand in return. Skylar didn’t know if it was out of fear or solidarity, but the small act fortified her.

“That’s easy.” He pulled out a laptop from his briefcase and set it on the table. “You should recognize the security, Skylar. You set it up.”

“I thought it was for Montague Industries?—”

“I’m not responsible for your erroneous assumptions.” He laughed. “Now, sit down and transfer the money. Don’t try any tricks, or your cute friend and my friend with the gun will get acquainted in a way that will end with a bullet to the brain.”

Skylar felt the air rush from her lungs. She dropped into the chair and took the passwords he gave her, knowing he would change them as soon as they were finished. Her hands shook as she quickly moved through the necessary programs and coding. Several times, she battled lightheadedness as the oxygen seemed to be sucked from the air.

“What the fuck is taking so long?” he barked.

“It’s not like she’s poking a few numbers into an ATM machine!” Natalie bit out. “Give her a chance to work.”

“Shut up!” Gerald said.

Terrified that he would hurt Natalie, her fingers flew over the keyboard. Finally, she looked up and said, “Okay, it’s done.”

He checked his phone, tapping quickly. A slow smile moved over his face as he let out a breath. “Good.” He walked to the door, then looked over his shoulder. “The two of you will stay here until I get away. As soon as my pilot has taken me off the continent, I’ll let the FBI know where to find you.” He nodded toward the guard behind them with the gun, and the two women were pushed toward the back. Gerard stood in the doorframe and shrugged. “You see… I’m not quite the monster you think I am. Stay alive for a couple of days, and you’ll be found.”

With that, he went through the door, followed by the guard who kept the weapon pointed at them until the door slammed shut. The sound of a bolt being slid into place echoed in the room and deep inside the hollow of Skylar.