Chapter 21
S teve paced the war room. It had been three hours since Diane had left, and they were no closer to finding her or the sarin. He was about ready to lose his mind.
Mira was over at the FBI office still working on the money trail with Dale’s team. Kelly, Raven and Nyx were all here at the Farm, pouring through cameras, intel, phone records, the dark web, everything. Anything to lead them to Volkov, the sarin, or the target.
Steve was struggling to stay focused. Only last night, Diane had opened up and told him she felt alone. Unseen. A failure. Now she was alone again and believed Megan was in danger.
Despite ten years together, she had not been able to come to him. She’d been dealing with so much by herself. He’d seen the change in her, but assumed it was the pressure of trying to make partner. Assumed. Fuck, he’d been such an idiot. She was right. He’d put his job first. Mission after mission, he had delayed the conversation they should have had months ago. It was easier believing her when she said it was just the pressure of proving herself at work. Even if that was all it had been, he should have encouraged her to talk about it. Supported her. Instead, he’d sat back and let her get on with it, assuming she had it all under control. His angel had been struggling for months. He’d got complacent. He was the failure here. Not her. He was not going to fail her again.
“If he’s taken Diane,” Donnie said, absently tossing the baseball “then he’s definitely not planning on going to the hearing. If we had any doubts about when the attack was going to be, I think we can be sure it’s before Monday.”
“Yeah.” Tyler frowned. “It’s the only explanation after all the trouble he went to, following the family, the photos.” He looked up from his screen. “Yet Diane said, the case wasn't strong.”
Steve looked at Dex. “Do you remember what Diane said before? Volkov told her all he needed her to do was present the case at the hearing, and he would take care of the rest.”
“Yeah, I remember. She said she told him it was doubtful he would get full custody, and he didn’t care.”
“What if he had someone in place that was going to make sure he won?” Steve said folding his arms across his chest. “He has some very influential friends. Maybe a judge or two.”
“You think he might have a judge in his pocket?” Ryan asked.
Before Steve could reply, Kelly spoke. “He is a member of the Havana Club. There are a few judges that are also members.”
“If he had something on one of them,” Steve said, “he could be blackmailing them. And if that leverage disappeared, he isn’t going to risk a hearing he knows he won’t win.”
“Alright.” Sam stepped forward. “Get the names of those judges and dig into them quietly. See if there is anything that Volkov could use as leverage. I’ll speak to Dale, see if he can speak to each of them. Find out what they know about Volkov from being a member of the same club. If he does have leverage on one of them, he might still try and use it to get out of the US.”
The team nodded in agreement.
“He’s smart. He’ll know we’ll be watching airports,” Sam said. “My guess is he will be taking a private jet. Kelly, divert some more of your team to find that jet, in case he gets that far. Once he’s in Russia, it will be way harder to get to him, and he knows it.”
“No extradition,” Steve muttered in barely more than a whisper. What if he took Diane with him?
Sam nodded. “No extradition. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t get clearance to go get him. But it would take time. I’d rather not have any of you going into Russia to pull him out, so let’s find Diane and find him before he gets on a plane.”
“Steve, we’ve got this,” Dex said.
“Yeah?” Dropping his arms, Steve faced his team leader, his frustration rising. “We have no clue where he is. Why he’s even taken Diane. We know he’s going to want to leave San Diego before the attack, but that could happen any time. Let’s face it, we have nothing!”
His voice had risen, and his team were all staring at him. He didn't care.
“If he touches one hair on Diane’s head, I swear he will pay,” he vowed. “If he makes it to Russia, I am going there and dragging his fucking ass back here.” Steve finished through clenched teeth.
“Donnie, take Steve to cool down,” Sam ordered.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Steve snapped.
“Yeah, we are,” Donnie said. “Come on.”
Steve let Donnie lead him out of the war room, up into what they had named the ‘guest quarters’ of Onyx. This was the only part of the facility where visitors were allowed. It looked like just another naval office on base. Bland. A boardroom table and chairs. Coffee machine with paper cups. No one knew the extent of the Onyx facility beyond it except those with the highest possible clearance.
“Steve, I can’t imagine what you’re feeling but you know the team are doing everything they can.”
He accepted the coffee Donnie had just poured. “I know.” He took a sip and sat down at the boardroom table. “It’s just not enough. The bastard is clever, but he’s also desperate. Desperate people do desperate things.” He covered his face with his hands briefly before sitting back. “Diane finally opened up to me last night. Told me what’s wrong.”
“You mean other than Volkov?”
“She’s been unhappy for months. I knew it, and I did nothing. I’m supposed to be her husband. Take care of her. I fucked up, Donnie. Big time.”
“You did know something was wrong. You told me you tried to talk to her, and she said it was just work.”
“I should have pushed harder. My gut said it was something more, but I kept putting it off. She said she feels like a failure, unseen. That everything is about me and my job. Worst of all, she said she’s felt so alone.” Steve shook his head. “And now she’s alone again.” Fuck, that word alone was haunting him.
“Shit. I’m sorry, man. You guys aren't splitting, are you?” he asked with genuine concern.
“No. I refuse to let that happen. I love her and despite everything, she said she loves me.”
“Then you’ll get through this. I’m sure it can't have been easy with this Volkov situation on top of everything.” Donnie took a seat opposite him.
“I handled this all wrong, too. I was so angry at first. Practically accused her of putting Megan’s life in danger to keep her job.” Steve sighed. “I’m a fucking asshole.”
“Come on man. We all say shit when we’re upset and angry. You will work this out.”
He closed his eyes. They had to find them. Once they knew where Diane and the others were being held, Raven could do what they did best and execute a rescue mission. His phone rang. Video call. Not recognizing the number, he answered. His daughter’s beautiful face came into view.
“Hi, Daddy. Uncle Dex called and said I could video you.” She beamed.
Steve smiled. That was just like his team leader.
“Since when do you have a phone, young lady?’ he asked teasingly, seeing Donnie leave the room.
***
D IANE WASN’T SURE HOW long she had sat there crying, crumpled against the door, when she felt someone kneel beside her.
“Here,” a female voice said as a tissue came into view. She took it, blew her nose, then looked up to Melanie Costas crouched beside her.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“I should be thanking you,” Melanie said. “You’ve kept me alive so far by coming here and agreeing to do whatever he wants you to do.”
“He hasn’t asked me to do anything yet. He said he had Megan. You haven’t seen her?”
Melanie shook her head. “No. I’m sorry. I’ve not seen or heard another child. Only Anya.” The other attorney stood and held out her hand. “Come on. Come sit with us.”
Diane took her hand and followed her down the stairs to the couch where Natalie sat. At least, they were not tied up or restrained in any way down here. Melanie held out another tissue.
“Your head is bleeding.”
Diane dabbed above her eye and saw the red blood on the tissue. Holding the tissue in place, she put pressure on it.
“I’m so sorry you got caught up in this. This has nothing to do with Melanie, or you. It’s between Vlad and me.” Natasha’s remorse sounded genuine.
“This isn’t your fault. Normal people don’t go around kidnapping other people,” Diane said. “I can understand why he might take you and Anya, but”—she looked at Melanie— “why would he take you?”
“I don’t think he meant to,” Melanie said. “I was visiting Natasha to go over the case. His men stormed the house and were clearly surprised to see me. Wrong place, wrong time.” Melanie shook her head. “The man is out of control.”
“Yes, he is,” Diane said. “He was having my family followed. Took photos. He knew I didn't think the case was strong enough to win, and he was trying to intimidate me to make sure I presented the case he wanted me to.” She considered that was breaking attorney-client privilege. Then she shook her head. Hell, what did it matter what she shared now? The man was holding them all hostage.
“So why has he brought you here?”
“I have no idea. He has my daughter somewhere. He sent me a photo. I thought it was to make sure we comply with the hearing.”
“No, there’s not going to be a hearing,” Natasha said. “He told me he is taking me and Anya with him to Russia today.”
That matched what Diane had heard in the exchange between Volkov and Oleg.
“I think he plans to take me with him, too.” She wouldn’t mention the sarin. These women didn’t seem to know about any attack. Diane asked Natasha, “So, he’s forcing you to go to Russia, instead of just taking Anya?”
“If I refuse, he is going to kill Melanie, and he’ll restrict my access to Anya. If I agree, he’ll set Melanie free, and give me full access to Anya. I agreed.”
“If you go with him, he’ll never let you leave,” Diane said, feeling sick for the poor woman. From what she had heard, he had no plans of letting Melanie go, but she didn't want to share what she heard. It was probably better Melanie wasn’t aware he planned to expose her to the sarin.
“What choice do I have?” Natasha said sadly. “Why does he want you?”
“I’m not sure yet.” Diane wondered how much she should say about Steve and the chance that his team could be looking for them. She wanted to give them a little hope.
“My husband is in the Navy. Part of a team. I can’t say too much, but I know they will be looking for us.”
“How will they know where to find us?” Natasha asked.
“They’ll work it out. They are very good at what they do.” She wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure the two women or herself. “Do either of you have any idea where we are?”
“Yes. Arnold Janssen’s house,” Melanie said.
“His former lawyer? You’re sure?” Diane asked in surprise.
“Yes. I overheard him talking to his men. I guess police have already been through this house, so they figured they won’t be back.”
“That explains the pictures of the cats.”
“What?” Natasha asked.
“Oh, I understand Arnold Janssen liked cats.” She remembered Steve had told her that. “I don’t understand where Megan is then? Perhaps he has her in another room?” The thought brought tears to her eyes.
“How old is she?” Melanie asked softly.
“Eight. Well, she will be nine in two weeks.” Diane swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “She must be so scared.”
“I’m sorry,” Natasha said.
“It’s not your fault,” Melanie and Diane said together.
“I saw Anya when I was upstairs. She was happy and being taken care of.”
“Vlad is a lot of things, but he does love his daughter. It’s the only bit of comfort I have.”
Perhaps his love for his daughter extended to all children. Maybe Megan was being taken care of, too.
Diane sighed and closed her eyes. Was it only a few hours ago she and Steve were making love? It had felt so right, and she had a spark of hope everything was going to be alright. God, she wished he was here. She had once prided herself on keeping everything together. Being the best wife and mom she could be, taking care of life back home while her husband was out saving the world. But she’d wanted more, and being a lawyer was meant to be the missing piece of the puzzle. Except the puzzle piece didn’t fit. No matter how much she tried. It felt like her life had been smashed to smithereens. Megan was in danger. If she hadn’t wanted to be a lawyer so desperately. If she hadn’t taken the job at the swanky firm. If she had refused this case, instead of allowing the partnership to be dangled as a carrot. If she had talked to Steve earlier. If she had done any of those things, she and Megan would be home safe.
Silent tears rolled down Diane’s cheeks and her heart ached. Ached for Megan and ached for Steve. She ached for the life they once had, which she desperately wanted back. When she told Steve last night how she was feeling, he hadn’t interrupted. He didn’t brush it off. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t tell her she was being oversensitive or over emotional. He didn’t throw her dream in her face.
She had imagined all those scenarios when she had considered talking to him before and yet he hadn’t done anything but be supportive. She had just been too damn scared and ashamed to admit she was struggling. She was miserable. She didn't want him to look at her and feel sorry for her. See her as weak. She didn’t want to lose him.
The door to the basement unlocked. Her eyes flew open. Oleg came down the stairs.
“Come.” he said, looking directly at her.
“No,” she said, not moving from the sofa. “Not until I see Megan.”
Oleg pulled her off the sofa by her arm. She bit her lip against the pain but resisted, trying to get out of his grip. He slapped her across the face.
“Stop, or the next person I hit will be your daughter.”
Immediately, she stopped fighting. They could hit her as much as they wanted, if it meant they left her baby alone.
Oleg led her out of the basement, locking the other two women back in. She followed him back to the dining room. Volkov stood waiting, arms folded, looking angry. A chair had been set in front of the fireplace.
“Sit.” he hissed. Obediently, she sat on the chair.
“Your husband and his team have proven to be a problem to one of my business partners, and now to me.”
Diane stayed quiet.
“I warned you I do not fail. I will get what I want, and not even your Navy SEALs are going to stop me.”
Though her palms were sweating, she faced him. “Why am I here and where is Megan?”
“It’s terrible being separated from your daughter, isn’t it?” Volkov sneered. “Get used to it. You won’t be seeing your daughter again.”
She gasped and tears filled her eyes. “What have you done to her?”
“Mrs. Williams. I am not the monster you think I am. I have not done anything to your daughter. She is safe right now. You, however, might not be. You are my insurance to get out of this country. They’ve been digging into my business, my financials. Talking to my acquaintances. If they thought I wouldn’t notice, they were wrong. You led them to me and for that you will pay.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He slapped her face.
“I am done with your lies. You think you can stop me taking my daughter? You think you can stop the sarin attack? You think you can stop me going to Russia? You do not have the power to do any of that, and soon your husband and his friends will understand that, too.” He gestured to the camera. “We’re going to make a little video. I think it’s time your husband sees just who has the power here.”