Chapter 17 #3
Lena looked at Henry again and understood. “You’re doing all of this because of your father?”
His expression hardened. “I’m doing this because of what your people did to my family.”
“Your father killed an innocent woman in cold blood.”
“He had no choice.”
“Oh, Henry.” She tsked. “There’s always a choice.”
“He lost everything!” Henry took an angry step toward her.
“Amanda Owens lost her life.”
His jaw tightened. “My mother and I lost everything, too.”
And there it was. The real motive. This wasn’t about finding so-called justice for his father or collecting a hefty ransom.
Henry had arranged it all as a way to finally get his revenge.
“You blame Rafe for what happened to your father.”
It wasn’t a question.
“I blame him for destroying my family.”
Lena chuckled. “I’m pretty sure your dad did that all on his own.”
The man’s eyes flashed with arrogance and rage.
“My father had resources. Even in prison. Connections and more money than anyone will ever know. He spent years building relationships inside the Agency.”
Lena’s stomach twisted with understanding of the man’s words.
He’s talking about Michael Stanton’s dirty connections.
Roger was the first face to come to mind, and that damn near destroyed her. Her next thought was of Alexei Kozlova, and the man’s obvious hatred for the CIA. His disappearance nearly thirty years earlier and the timing of his sudden reappearance.
Lena thought about Caleb and Sabrina. She tried hard not to picture Damien’s body in that cabin tub.
Her mind raced.
“You used Kozlova.” When he didn’t answer, she continued, “You found him. You used his disdain for the Agency. Probably encouraged him to go after me and my team. Is that how it went, Henry? You manipulated the old man into believing that taking the hits on us was his idea?”
Stanton blinked but said nothing. That was okay. His silence told her everything she needed to know.
Lena stared back at him. “You and your father planned this whole thing from the very beginning.”
“We gave Alexei everything he needed. Contact. Intelligence. Access. He took care of the others in Syria.”
More pieces came together to form a much broader picture. One by one, they fell into place.
She and Rafe hadn’t been chasing Kozlova. Not really. They’d gone after a weapon they couldn’t see. Henry was the true threat, and they’d played right into the twisted man’s hands.
“You used Kozlova to eliminate everyone from that operation.”
“Yes.”
“But you kept Rafe and me alive.”
“Until now.”
Lena’s stomach dropped as Henry stepped even closer. “I wanted you afraid. Looking over your shoulder. Every attack kept you on the move and your attention on Kozlova.”
“You’re insane.”
“Maybe.”
“Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
His lips flattened into a hard, sinister line. “I’m going to kill you.” He said the words matter-of-factly, as if he were discussing something as mundane as the weather. “But first, I’m going to make your precious Rafe watch.”
“And then you’re going to kill him, is that it?” She kept her expression schooled and her chin lifted.
But on the inside, Lena was struck with a wave of fear for the man she so desperately loved.
“Now you understand.”
Lena gave a slow shake of her aching head. “Whatever you think you’re accomplishing here, you have to know you won’t get away with it.”
A hint of amusement filtered into his uncaring gaze. “Maybe not.” He snapped a finger toward the man standing outside the room.
The other man joined them but said nothing.
Lena watched as Henry faced him with an ominous order.
“Make sure the marks show up on camera.”
The man nodded, and Lena’s stomach grew tight as the muscled guy walked her way.
She barely had time to brace herself before the first blow struck. Pain exploded across her face. In her eye. Her head snapped sideways, and the room instantly blurred.
Another hit followed. And then another. Lena clenched her jaw, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a scream. The pain was brutal, but she had endured worse.
Somewhere beneath the agony, one thought remained clear.
Rafe.
Lena knew she had to stay alive. Not only for herself, but for him.
The beating stopped. Her breathing came raggedly, and she tasted blood. Henry came to where she forcibly sat, crouching down directly in front of her.
“Say cheese.”
A bright flash exploded and Lena flinched. Henry glanced down at his phone before wearing a sick smile.
“There. It’s been sent.” He stood tall. “I’m sure Rafe will want to print that one out. Might even frame it.”
Her stomach sank, but Lena refused to let this man see how deeply his words affected her.
“Actually . . .” Her voice came out rough. “I think you’re right.” Her watery gaze locked on his. “He’ll probably hang it on his wall next to your head.”
His smile vanished. Henry turned and nodded toward the guard. The next blow sent Lena’s entire world tilting.
Darkness rushed over her like a cruel blanket. Her last thought was a memory of Rafe. His face. His smile. The way it felt to be in his arms.
A moment later, everything turned black.