Chapter 28
28
brODY
A firm knock echoes from the front door. It’s too loud, too impatient, and it cuts through the early morning solitude. I glance at the clock next to Harper’s bed and see it’s barely past six. It’s too damn early to deal with the Banks brothers.
“Ugh,” Harper whispers.
“It’s Asher and Nick. I’ll be back.”
She nods and rolls over, but her breathing is steady. I lean over, kissing her bare shoulder, drinking her in as the sun rises. The memory of last night’s confessions is still fresh, and her I love you still hums under my skin. Reluctantly, I slip quietly out of bed, going to her dresser and opening every drawer until I find my joggers. I pull them on with a smirk as the knocking comes again, sharper this time.
I take the stairs down to the front door as they continue to pound.
“Fuck,” I mutter, walking barefoot across the living room.
I yank open the door with more force than necessary, glaring at the two men standing casually in the hallway, both wearing that cocky-as-fuck Banks grin.
“I really can’t stand either of you,” I admit.
Asher smirks, holding a laptop under his arm as he leans against the doorframe. “Morning, sunshine. Did we interrupt something?”
Nick grins beside him, holding two steaming cups of coffee. “Aw, he still looks cranky, Ash. Maybe we should’ve let him finish getting his beauty sleep because we’re dealing with the beast.”
“Why are you here so early?” I snap, stepping aside to let them in.
“Some of us have to work today,” Nick says in his full voice as he moves past me.
“Keep it down. Harper’s still asleep.”
Asher strolls past me. “I’m sorry my brother is a dickhead.”
“I’m the entire dick,” Nick tells him. “Give me some credit.”
“Ugh,” I reply dryly, following them into the kitchen.
Nick sets down the coffee cups, sliding one toward me as a peace offering. He takes an exaggerated sip of his, watching me over the rim.
“Let’s skip your usual brooding and get straight to business,” Nick says, making himself comfortable on a stool.
Asher raises a brow at me, settling himself next to his brother. “Brooding is his best quality. Don’t take that away from him. It took years of being an ass to pull it off.”
“Fuck off, both of you,” I mutter, taking a grateful sip of the coffee despite my irritation. The caffeine does little to ease the tension. “Did you find anything new?”
Asher’s expression sobers instantly, his eyes sharpening. “More than we expected. Turns out, Micah has been busy—very fucking busy. Nick, show him.”
Nick grabs the laptop and types in a few things, then scrolls rapidly before turning the screen toward me. My blood goes cold as I see surveillance images—grainy but unmistakable—of Micah Rhodes.
“His car was spotted an hour and a half north of here after he took Mia. I just haven’t figured out exactly where, but I know who will know.”
My jaw tightens painfully, anger flaring white hot beneath my ribs. Another victim. Another life Micah will try to ruin because he can.
“Has the public been made aware that Mia is missing yet?” My voice is clipped, barely controlled.
Asher shakes his head grimly. “No. Bellamore’s keeping it quiet for now, but the police do know. We need to act fast. I’m afraid of what he’ll do when people start searching for her. Based on his pattern, it’s grim.”
I exhale, running a hand roughly through my hair, my pulse spiking as urgency takes hold. Harper is safe in the next room, but Mia’s situation is different—every second counts.
“We have another big problem though. Micah’s father has the police department in his pocket. They could tip him off if we call the authorities.”
I stare at Nick, understanding what this means. The three of us hold a silent conversation.
“This has turned into a rescue mission,” I say, and Asher exhales.
Nick’s gaze meets mine, serious and unflinching. “If we go there and find Mia, it’s enough evidence to put Micah in prison for a very long time.”
Asher slides the laptop around and opens folders, showing files upon files of evidence that he’s found regarding the missing women in Newport. “There are at least twenty missing between Newport and the city. Mia doesn’t deserve to be another one of Micah’s victims.”
I click through surveillance photos, transaction records, and partial transcripts of conversations. Each piece of evidence the Banks brothers have found is just another nail in Micah’s coffin. I sift through the documents, my jaw tightening with every new revelation.
“How long have you been tracking him?”
Asher leans forward, elbows resting on the counter, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “The moment Harper started dating him. But after you rescued Harp, we doubled down and went to the dark web. Nick made some calls, asked for some favors, and turned over every goddamn rock he could find.”
Nick shrugs modestly, though a smirk tugs at his lips. “I might’ve pissed off a few people along the way, but it was worth it. Turns out, Micah has powerful friends in high places—people who prefer to stay anonymous. I can relate.”
I flip through more information; frustration boils even hotter. “And these ‘friends’ protected him?”
“Until now,” Nick replies smoothly. “Let’s just say, after he showed up to confront you, his friends no longer think he’s worth the risk. This morning, Micah pulled large sums of money from several accounts, and I think he’s getting ready to run. His lies and deceit are falling around him like a house of cards.”
“But not fast enough,” I say.
Nick nods, his expression sobering again. “After he left Tennessee, he returned to the city and was seen entering an investment firm that I have confirmed is helping him. They have the answers we need.”
“Give me the firm name,” I tell him, and then I glance at Asher.
Nick interrupts. “We’ll visit them tonight,” he says firmly, with no room for argument. “Once we find where Mia is, I’ve coordinated the rescue with one of my friends at the FBI. He’s waiting for my confirmation and an address.”
I glance toward the stairs, half expecting to see Harper standing there, listening. But the penthouse remains quiet, peaceful. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos stirring within me.
Asher catches my gaze. “Don’t worry. Billie won’t let Harper out of her sight. They’re stronger together. Easton and Weston are staying behind to protect them. We just have to stay safe.”
Nick chuckles, breaking the tension. “Aww, look at how in love you two are. Kinda gross.”
I roll my eyes at him as Asher closes the laptop.
“We need to finish this. Tonight,” I say.
Asher stands, sliding off the stool, determination hardening his expression. “I agree.”
Nick nods. “Great. Tonight then. The sooner we move, the sooner we get Mia home—and put Rhodes behind bars.”
As Asher scoops up his laptop, Harper comes down the stairs, wearing pajamas. She narrows her eyes at Nick and Asher.
“What happened?” she asks, her voice full of worry.
I move to her instantly, pressing a reassuring kiss to her forehead. “We’re going to find Mia.”
Harper pales visibly, her gaze locking on mine. “When?”
“Tonight. It’s turned into a rescue mission,” I say firmly, cupping her cheeks. “Before he hurts her.”
She nods, understanding but clearly torn. Harper’s eyes soften, worry still clear, but trust wins out. She squeezes my hand, turning her gaze briefly toward Asher and Nick. “The three of you are going?”
“Yes,” Asher confirms.
Nick tips an imaginary hat, the faintest smirk on his lips. “We’re going to threaten some bastards, fuck up Micah, save Mia, then watch him get arrested. Bing, bang, boom. Easy.”
“What time will we meet?” Asher asks.
“Before sunset,” Nick confirms.
Harper glances between them as they move toward the door.
“Have a good day, Harp!” Nick calls out. “Also, I got your voice message. Let me know when you plan to fuck me up so I can be prepared.”
She shakes her head at him. “Sometimes, I wonder why my brother ever liked you.”
Laughter roars from me.
“Good one, Harp,” Asher tells her as he follows his brother out the door.
It clicks closed, and when we’re alone, I turn to her.
She looks me up and down, smiling. “You found your pants.”
“And they fit exactly how I remember.”
“They look better than I remember.” Harper falls into my arms, and I stand there, holding her in the early morning sunlight. The silence captures us. “I don’t like this.”
“I know,” I say, stealing a soft kiss. “But it’s almost over.”
* * *
We spend the day together, lounging around, and I can’t help but notice how she holds on to me. When night falls, Asher texts me and lets me know him and Nick are downstairs waiting for me in an SUV. I grab my bag of weapons and swing it over my shoulder.
Harper kisses me like tomorrow will never come. It better.
“Please, please come back to me,” she says.
I kiss her nose, then capture her lips again. “I will. I promise. This is a cakewalk. I love you, Harp.”
“I love you. Please hurry. I’ll be waiting.” She walks me to the door.
Billie is on her way and should arrive at any minute.
We share one final look—silent understanding, a promise exchanged without words—before I turn toward the door, prepared for whatever comes next.
The drive is tense, silence heavy inside the SUV as we navigate Manhattan traffic. I needed to drive to keep my mind busy so Nick got out and forced Asher in the back. My fingers tap restlessly against the wheel, adrenaline and urgency pulsing beneath my skin. Nick’s directions are clipped and precise.
I glance at Asher in the rearview, unable to ignore how his fingers fly rapidly across his phone screen. Every so often, he mutters under his breath, clearly coordinating something. He and Nick both have connections and resources that interconnect with mine, but his contacts can make things happen fast, without red tape or hesitation.
Nick glances briefly at me from the passenger seat, eyes sharp. “You good?”
“Yeah,” I reply shortly, jaw tightening as we roll to a stop at a red light.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “A man of few words. Shocker.”
“Maybe you should take notes,” Asher chimes in from the back, tone dripping with sarcasm. “Could be a good look for you.”
Nick’s lips twitch with amusement. “You’re both so serious; lighten up.”
“I just want to make it back to my fiancée, unscathed,” Asher counters smoothly, glancing up from his phone.
From the rearview, I see the concern etched on his face.
I exhale, cutting off their banter. “Where exactly are we going?”
Nick’s amusement fades. “Micah’s been funneling money through a small investment firm so we’re going to pay them a visit. He used the company to cover his tracks, buy properties under false identities, and I believe that includes a house upstate. If we confront them and get someone to talk, we can nail down the exact location of where he’s hiding Mia.”
The memory of Harper’s terrified face back on the mountain claws at me, and I tighten my grip on the steering wheel. If I find Rhodes first, I might tear him apart with my bare hands.
“And if they won’t cooperate?” I ask.
Asher meets my gaze in the rearview mirror, voice ice cold as he says, “They’ll cooperate.”
The determination in his eyes leaves no doubt. This isn’t business anymore; it’s deeply personal for him, too, especially after everything Micah put Billie and Harper through.
We pull up outside a sleek glass-and-steel building that blends seamlessly into the upscale buildings surrounding it. My heart pounds steadily as I park the SUV and kill the engine.
Nick glances at me, his expression grim. “Let’s keep it professional, gentlemen. We need actionable intel, not more headaches.”
Asher scoffs, adjusting his jacket. “Speak for your-fucking-self.”
We exit the SUV swiftly, moving through the bustling lobby like shadows, drawing curious stares from late commuters. My pulse remains a steady drumbeat as we step into the elevator, moving rapidly toward the top-floor offices. When the doors slide open, a sleek reception area greets us. I step forward first, posture rigid with barely restrained anger. The receptionist looks up, startled by our sudden arrival.
“I’m sorry, do you have an appointment?” she asks.
“No,” I reply shortly. “But we need to speak with whoever’s in charge. Right now.”
She hesitates, eyes flicking nervously from me to Nick and Asher behind me, clearly weighing her options.
Asher steps smoothly forward, placing his business card firmly on her desk, his tone dangerously calm. “Tell them it’s urgent. I promise they’ll want to hear what we have to say.”
She picks up the card, her eyes widening in recognition. Asher is known as the Boogeyman of Business and can destroy any company’s reputation if he wants. Most in the city are scared of what he can do. Without another word, she quickly picks up the phone, dialing with trembling fingers.
The clock ticks louder with each passing second.
Mia is counting on us. Harper and Billie are counting on us.
Micah Rhodes won’t see us coming.
Within minutes, we’re ushered into an expansive corner office. Its large windows reveal an incredible view of downtown Manhattan. At the desk sits a well-dressed man in his late fifties, clearly used to this. His gaze narrows suspiciously as we enter, taking in our expressions carefully before gesturing for us to take the empty seats in front of him.
“I’m Garrett Vaughn. What’s so urgent?” His voice is calm but cautious. He glances up at the clock on the wall, making note of the time.
I watch him, keeping my gaze directly on his.
Nick closes the door behind us, subtly positioning himself to block any easy exit. I lower myself into one of the chairs, leaning forward, locking eyes with Vaughn.
“Micah Rhodes,” I say coldly, skipping pleasantries. “He’s one of your clients. We need everything you have on him. Now.”
Vaughn’s eyes harden. “I’m sorry, but client confidentiality?—”
“Your client has kidnapped another woman,” Asher interrupts, tone deadly serious as he drops casually into the seat beside mine. “Mia Karrington, the chief marketing officer of Bellamore. There are handfuls of women tied to him who have disappeared, and trust me, you do not want your company tangled up in this. It’s enough to destroy you.”
Vaughn visibly pales. He swallows hard, trying to regain control. “I hope you have proof because that’s a very serious accus?—”
“We have plenty,” Nick cuts in smoothly from behind us. “More than enough to send Micah away for life and drag your firm down in the process if you keep stonewalling.”
The man’s gaze flickers nervously between us, hesitation clear in every subtle movement. My fists clench; impatience takes hold.
“Every minute wasted is a minute Mia might not have,” I growl. My voice is barely restrained. “You really want that on your hands?”
The color drains further from his face, beads of sweat gathering at his temples. Finally, he exhales a shaky breath. “I wasn’t personally involved. Rhodes insisted on absolute secrecy. He used one of our junior associates, Trevor Merewood, to handle most of his transactions.”
“Where’s Merewood now?” I demand.
“Gone,” Vaughn admits reluctantly, shaking his head. “He resigned days ago. Cleared out his desk without explanation.”
Frustration boils hot in my veins. Days ago is when Mia was taken. How fucking convenient.
“We’ll need access to his records. Every file, every transaction involving Rhodes—every-fucking-thing,” I say.
Vaughn hesitates, voice uncertain as he says, “This isn’t standard protocol?—”
Asher leans forward, tone dripping with icy threat. “Let’s make this really fucking easy for you. You either cooperate fully, or tomorrow morning, your firm’s name will be splashed all over the news, permanently tied to kidnapping, extortion, and whatever else we uncover. The FBI is involved, and either you help us or I will ruin you. And trust me when I say, I’ll sleep incredibly at night, knowing this company no longer exists.”
It’s not a threat; it’s a promise.
Vaughn freezes, eyes wide with fear. After a brief staredown with Asher, he finally nods stiffly. “Follow me.”
He leads us swiftly from the office, down a quiet hallway, lined with closed doors, finally stopping at an empty office. Quickly unlocking the door, he flips on the lights, illuminating rows of filing cabinets and a lone desktop computer.
“Everything Merewood left behind is here,” he says. “Take whatever you need, but I never saw you here.”
“Agreed,” Nick replies smoothly, moving swiftly to the computer. “This will stay strictly confidential. I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Vaughn.”
“Don’t ever let me catch you wrapped up in this type of bullshit again,” Asher warns, staring at him before he leaves us in the office.
Nick immediately sits down, placing a USB drive into the computer. He works so fast as he downloads every file from their database, clicking between windows so quickly that I can’t keep up. I look between him and Asher.
“You’re hackers. Both of you,” I whisper.
“You didn’t see shit, Brod,” Nick warns.
Asher is amused by the whole operation as he oversees what Nick does. My pulse races with fresh urgency as I flip through files in the cabinets, desperate for any hint that could lead us directly to Micah’s safe house. Every second counts now. We’re running out of time.
An hour passes in tense, heavy silence, broken only by the quiet hum of the computer and the rustle of paper as Asher helps me sift through countless documents. My eyes blur from scanning over financial records, transaction statements, and obscure, coded notes.
“Anything?” I snap, glancing toward Nick, who’s still typing away on the computer.
He rubs a hand over his jaw, his usual smirk replaced by concentration. “Micah’s actually really good at covering his tracks. But Merewood got sloppy near the end. I’ve got something here about an off-book property purchase upstate. Cash transaction. Remote area. I think this is it.”
I move toward him, leaning over his shoulder, scanning the transaction records glowing on the screen. My pulse kicks as I go to the Maps app and look at the house from above. “This is it.”
Asher steps beside me, eyes narrowing. “He’s repeating his patterns. The place must be isolated enough that he thinks no one will find him.”
Adrenaline rushes through me. “We need to move. Now. This might be our only shot. If he’s got Mia there, he’ll be on high alert. We hit him fast and hard,” I say, my voice clipped. “No warning.”
Asher nods, determination in his eyes. “I’ll coordinate with the authorities. One misstep, and Rhodes could panic. He’s desperate now, which makes him more dangerous.”
“Already on it,” Nick replies, grabbing his phone and stepping toward the doorway to make the call.
Asher watches him briefly, then turns back to me, his expression grim but resolute. “You ready for this?”
“More than ready.” My voice is edged with anger and urgency. “He’s not hurting anyone else.”
Asher grips my shoulder, silently conveying his solidarity. “We end it tonight, Brody.”
I hold his gaze, grateful for the unspoken understanding. “Tonight.”
Nick returns quickly, pocketing his phone. “They’ve got a team mobilizing that will meet us near the property once we confirm Mia is there. This stays quiet until we have Mia. If we show up and the house is empty, we keep searching. There is no room for crying wolf in this situation. We need solid evidence, or Micah will continue to escape. He has too many people in his pockets.”
“Let’s go.” I’m already moving toward the door, impatience driving my steps, every nerve in my body tightened like a coil. “We’re running out of time. Less talky, Banks.”
We exit the firm and ignore the startled glances from employees as we rush toward the elevators. My pulse races faster with every step, knowing that everything—Mia’s safety, Harper’s peace of mind, our entire future—depends on what happens next.
Tonight, we’re taking Micah Rhodes down. And I’ll make damn sure he never harms anyone again.
* * *
The sleek black SUV slices through traffic, Nick at the wheel, navigating the chaos of Manhattan like a race car driver. Asher sits up front, coordinating with his friend at the FBI through clipped phone calls, confirming their tactical approach and planning the extraction.
I’m quiet, rigid in the back seat. My fists are clenched so tight that my knuckles ache. Every passing second is torture. My heartbeat is a relentless drum as Harper’s pretty face flashes through my mind.
“Hey.” Nick’s voice interrupts my thoughts from the front seat, his gaze flicking up briefly to meet mine in the rearview mirror. “You okay back there?”
“Fine,” I reply.
“Yeah,” Nick says dryly, taking a sharp turn that jolts us all sideways. “You’re the picture of Zen.”
Asher snorts, still focused on his phone. “He’s about five seconds from punching through the door and sprinting there like a fucking Terminator.”
“Not helpful,” I mutter.
Asher looks back at me with a smile. “If you need a pep talk, I can put Billie on speaker.”
“Jesus,” Nick groans, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Don’t threaten us like that.”
Despite myself, a low laugh escapes me, easing some of my tension. Nick grins, clearly satisfied that he broke me.
“That’s better,” he says, checking the GPS on the dashboard. “At least we know you’re not fully robotic yet.”
“Close enough,” Asher says, shooting me a look. “If you need a motivational speech, I’m sure I could come up with something.”
“I’m motivated enough,” I say.
My jaw tightens when we leave the city behind. The glowing lights are replaced by darkness as the SUV barrels steadily toward our target.
Nick navigates onto the interstate, and silence falls again.
Asher finishes another call, finally lowering his phone and sighing deeply. “I’m going to owe my friend a huge favor,” he announces. “He’s got a team and is going rogue to help us.”
“Great,” I say. “Rogue FBI agents. Just what we need.”
“Focus, boys. Micah won’t make it easy,” Nick warns. “Cornered men make desperate moves.”
“So do we,” I tell him.
I lean back into the seat; my gaze is focused forward. Harper’s fear, Billie’s panic on her twenty-first birthday—it all blends into raw, simmering rage that demands resolution.
Justice, not revenge , I repeat to myself, even though I want blood.