Chapter 13
S teve lay on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. He tried to nap, but his mind was reeling. Jesus, what had he been thinking? That was...fuck, he didn’t know what that had been. Was it even sex? Yeah, sometimes it got a little rough between them. Diane liked it. But his head... He shook it. They weren’t in a good place and play-acting rough was very different from being rough because he was worried and, if he admitted it, angry. The thought he might have hurt her was killing him.
Our marriage has come second to your job for years. To me and Megan for years. Just because you’re with Onyx now and are home more you don’t get to demand more of our time.
Those words were still bouncing around his head. Did she really mean that? Had this all happened because she was trying to prove her career was as important as his? He had always encouraged Diane to follow her dream. He wanted her to succeed and be happy. These past few months she hadn’t been happy and the fact they she hadn’t trusted him to discuss what was going on made him feel like a complete failure as a husband.
He loved his wife. That hadn’t changed, but, dammit, with everything that had happened, could they move forward? He was angry, but he wasn’t sure if his anger was aimed at Diane for not talking to him, or himself because clearly, she had felt like she couldn’t talk to him. That was on him.
His phone buzzed. Dex.
Donnie and I are on our way over. Need to chat. See you in ten.
Great. Stretching, he stood. In the kitchen, he put on some coffee. He should go up to Diane, make sure she was alright. He didn’t. Right now, he didn’t have the mental capacity to deal with it. The boys would be here any minute and he needed to focus his attention on protecting his family and getting out of this mess. Hopefully, Diane was sleeping since it was almost four in the morning.
Another text alerted him Dex was coming in now. He went outside, unlocked the gate to let them in. The three of them, Dex, Donnie and him didn’t speak until securely inside the house.
“Where’s the family?” Donnie asked.
“Megan is asleep in the den. Diane is upstairs.” He walked back to the kitchen, got three mugs and poured coffee.
“How are you doing?” Dex asked as Steve passed him a mug.
“Had better time off.” They moved to the living room, sitting down. “What’s going on?”
“We’ve not been able to locate Volkov or the sarin. Looks like Volkov or the buyer has someone inside the airport. We think the sarin left under the wire.”
“Shit. What now?”
“We’re looking at employees at the airport,” Dex said, “to see if we can find a link to trace how it left. With the sarin still in play we need to keep things as normal as possible. Diane goes to work tomorrow, and Megan goes to school.”
“No fucking way!” He and Diane might not be in a good place, but no way in hell did he want her right in the line of fire. And Megan? Send her to school where she had already been approached? “What the hell Dex? What if he turns up instead of calls? What if he goes to the school?”
“Steve,” Donnie interrupted. “None of us like the idea, but there isn't another way.”
“There has to be another way.”
“If there was, we wouldn’t be here,” Dex said. “I don’t like it, but to keep them safe, we need to nail Volkov. Right now, Diane is our best chance at that. We need everyone to act like it’s another normal day. It’s what he’s expecting. Anything else will spook him.”
Steve knew Dex was right. They had nothing. “He’s behind the sarin deal? For sure?”
“We only know his company transported it. There is nothing to suggest that he is the buyer. He’s probably just the facilitator, but we cannot take that chance. The man has gone off grid. If that sarin is to be used here, he’s going to be in touch with Diane. He’s going to want to get his daughter and flee before the sarin gets released. The hearing appears to be the key to that.”
“Steve, Diane’s our best shot at finding Volkov,” Donnie said. “We get him, he can’t come after your family anymore.”
“He’s the best shot at locating the sarin,” Steve snapped. “Because that’s what this is really about, right? Don’t sit here and tell me the sarin isn’t Sam’s priority.”
Dex sighed. “Yes, finding the sarin is the priority. We don’t find that shit, it gets released, next week, next month. It could be right here in San Diego. Then we might not be having any conversations because we could all be dead, including Diane and Megan. And you can bet your ass Volkov will be back in Russia laughing his head off. But if you think for one minute, I would let anything happen to your family... Fuck, Steve, no way in hell is that happening. Nyx is back, and Liam and the boys are being read in now. I know asking this sucks, but we can protect your family, and get Volkov, and take the sarin. This is what we do.”
“Daddy?”
Megan’s voice startled all of them. She stood at the top of the den stairs, rubbing her eyes.
“Hey, Pumpkin.” Steve walked over and scooped her up in his arms. “What are you doing awake?”
“I woke up and you and Mommy were gone.”
“Mommy went to bed. You, my darling, were snoring, so I thought I’d leave you there a little while. Then Uncle Dex and Uncle Donnie stopped by.”
Megan smiled at them, but the smile turned into a yawn.
“I think we need to get you into bed, it’s not time to get up yet.”
“Can you tuck me in and sit with me?” Megan laid her head on his chest and his heart squeezed.
“Pumpkin, I got—”
“How about I sit with you?” Donnie offered.
Megan nodded. Donnie walked over and took her from Steve. “OK, squirt, but you need to go back to sleep. You got school tomorrow.”
Donnie headed to the stairs. Steve watched them go. He had to keep them safe, nothing else mattered.
“What would be the plan?” He turned back to Dex.
“You take Megan to school as normal tomorrow. If you’re still being watched, the fact that you’re taking her to school sends the message that everything is fine. Agent Jessica Adams will be in school undercover. A teaching assistant in her class. She will be with Megan the whole time. More plainclothes agents will be outside. If we haven’t secured Volkov by the end of the school day, we will decide then what’s next.”
“And Diane?”
“And Diane what?” Diane appeared in the living room, hands on hips. “Steve?”
Fuck, he could barely look at her. Guilt at what happened earlier swept over him.
“Why don’t you explain it to us both?” he said to Dex.
When Diane sat in the other chair, Dex went over the plan.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, Diane,” Dex said.
“You’re sure Megan will be safe?”
“I promise. FBI will have eyes on her all the time.”
“Steve? You’re OK with this?” She turned to face him, waiting for his agreement. He wasn’t OK with this, but he needed to reassure his wife.
“Megan will be safe. And it’s probably better that she’s not near you. I know Agent Adams. She’ll make Megan feel comfortable and protect her.”
“So long as Megan is protected, I’ll do whatever you need me to. I want that bastard gone.” Diane turned her attention back to Dex.
Steve heard the determination in her voice and was proud and scared for her at the same time. Goddamn, this whole thing was a nightmare.
“OK. You know Nyx, Diane. Liam, Jay, and Lucas will have eyes on your office building from outside. Ethan will monitor camera feeds. Scottie and Logan will be in your office tomorrow right beside you.”
“How? That will look kind of suspicious.”
“Sam will clear it with your firm.”
Diane shook her head. “No.”
Steve and Dex looked at her in surprise.
“I can’t be sure, but I think maybe the partners are involved, or are at least covering some not so legal stuff for Volkov.”
“Like what?” Steve asked.
“Pay offs, maybe. I went to them, and they shut me down. Wouldn’t listen. I’m just not sure I trust them anymore.”
“Alright,” Dex said. “Sam has someone combing through everything you gave us. If they are helping Volkov in any way, they’ll find it. But to be safe we won’t tell them. We’ll find another way to get Scottie and Logan inside.”
Steve studied his wife as she listened to Dex. She’d had these suspicions and had been trying to deal with all of this completely alone? That took strength and courage.
“Why Nyx? I’ve known you for years, Dex. I’d feel more comfortable with you.”
Steve answered, “If Volkov has been poking around asking questions about me, he may know who the rest of Raven are. We’ve been a team a long time. It’s not worth the risk that he might have pictures, might recognize someone. They wouldn't have found a connection to Nyx.”
“OK.” She didn’t sound thrilled.
“Diane?” He waited until she turned to face him. “I trust Nyx. They are as much family as Raven. You are in good hands.” Steve softened his voice, offering the comfort and reassurance she needed.
“I know. I’m sure they will be great.”
“I wouldn’t let them do this if I didn’t trust them with yours and Megan’s life.”
Diane nodded. “I trust them, too. What if Volkov doesn’t contact me?” she asked, turning back to face Dex.
“If he doesn't, we will find him another way.” Dex said.
“What about Natasha, the child’s mother. Maybe she knows where he is?”
“We have FBI agents going to talk to her, see what she knows. Do you know if Volkov visits his daughter there?”
Diane shook her head. “No. Since the arbitration hearing, and the accusation of him hitting her, her lawyer requested a temporary restraining order that was granted. Volkov didn’t contest it, only asked if he could still see his daughter. He sees her once a week. A visit that is supervised by a social worker at a specified location.”
“Natasha living in a house he pays for, with his daughter, and he’s not allowed to go there. Bet that pisses him off,” Steve mumbled.
Diane turned her head to look at him. “Having now seen just what type of man he is, I can see it’s all just a power play. He’s doing exactly as he is asked so the hearing will go smoothly. He said something to me that didn’t make sense.” She paused, biting her lip.
“What?” he probed.
“He said all he needed me to do was present the case, and he would take care of the rest.”
“Do you know what he meant by that?” Dex asked.
“No. I don’t understand. I warned him the case we have is not strong. But he didn't seem to care.”
“He’s going to a lot of trouble if he doesn't care about the result,” Steve said.
“Regardless, let’s be safe. We want to keep everything to routine like he said to you.”
“Then, if there’s nothing else, I’m going to go and take a shower, no point going back to bed now.” She smiled weakly.
“Thank you, Diane. We have your back, always.” Dex stood.
“I know you do.” She left them, heading upstairs.
“You, OK?” Dex asked.
Steve looked at him. “Not by a fucking long shot.”
***
A S STEVE WATCHED, DIANE and Megan ate breakfast at the kitchen island. A regular Monday morning. Only it wasn’t. Megan was going to school under the watchful eye of the FBI and Diane would be at work waiting for Volkov to get in touch, with Nyx responsible for her safety. Scottie and Logan would be there under the pretense of emergency repair work of the ventilation system on the fifteenth floor. Steve wasn’t sure how that had been arranged in a matter of hours. He was just glad the guys would be there protecting his wife. Now he needed to explain to Megan what was going to happen today without making it a big deal. Dex and Steve agreed she should be prepared in case they had to get her out of school quickly to somewhere else. He didn't want Megan refusing to go because Agent Adams was a stranger.
“Megan, today is not going to be a regular school day,” Steve said, sliding onto the stool next to her.
“I’m not going to school?” she asked.
“You are, but there is going to be a new lady in your class.”
“Like a new teacher?”
“Yes. Miss Adams is going to help the teacher, but she’s also working with my team.”
“Teachers work with your team?” She frowned at him.
Diane reached over and ran a hand over Megan’s hair. “You know how Daddy sometimes has to do training with his job?”
“Uh huh. To make him better at his job,” she said between mouthfuls.
“And sometimes you practice lockdown at school. That’s training, too.”
“Uh huh.”
“Well, today is kind of like a training day. Miss Adams is training with Daddy’s team, and you get to be a part of it.”
“I do?” When Megan’s face lit up, Steve smiled.
“Yes, you do. But we need your help.”
His daughter grinned widely. “OK.”
“Whatever Miss Adams asks you to do, do it without question. Can you do that?” Steve said.
Megan nodded. “That’s easy. Will you be there?”
“Not at school, no. Miss Adams is my friend and a really nice lady. You’ll like her. Just make sure you can see her at all times. OK?”
“Even if I need the bathroom?”
“Yes. Where you go, she will go. A secret mission, just the two of you know about.”
Megan smiled. “I get to be a part of your team for the day. This is so cool!”
Steve smiled back as Megan drank some orange juice, taking this whole thing in her stride.
“Yes, it’s cool but it's also important,” Diane said. “It will really help Daddy if you are a really good girl today and do whatever Miss Adams tells you. Whatever it is.”
Diane was smiling, but he could see the fear she was trying to mask. He felt the same. He could refuse, keep his family here under his protection. If he did that and they were still being watched, Volkov might sense they were on to him and take action. Like releasing the sarin. For a brief moment, he considered whisking them away. Getting on a plane and out of the US. He dismissed the thought just as quickly. He would not be able to live with himself, knowing he’d left his team when they, and thousands of others, were killed when he could have done something to help stop it.
“I understand the mission, Mommy,” Megan said in a serious voice. “I will be good.”
“Alright then, Pumpkin,” Steve said. “Go wash your hands and get your backpack. We have to leave soon.”
Megan put her bowl and cup in the sink and headed upstairs.
“She will be safe, right?” Diane looked at him. Conversation had been limited this morning. Both were focused on keeping things normal and light in front of Megan.
“Yes,” he said softly. “No one will get to her. I promise.”
She nodded. “Then I guess I should get going, too.”
When Diane got up, he was struck again by how tired she looked. She’d lost weight these past few months, probably from the stress of everything going on.
“You will be safe, too. Logan and Scottie have your back, no matter what. You can trust them.”
“I know. I just wish it was you there with me.”
“Volkov knows me. It’s too risky. If I could be there, I would.”
Diane tilted her head. “Would you?”
“Of course I would, Diane. You’re my wife.”
“Yes, I know. But doing something out of duty or out of love are two very different reasons. I guess I’m just wondering which it would be.”
Megan bound back into the kitchen before Steve could respond.
“OK, Daddy. I’m ready!”
Diane leaned down and kissed Megan on the cheek. “I’m leaving too, sweetheart. Be good today and enjoy your adventure. I’ll see you really soon and you can tell me all about it.”
“Bye, Mommy. See you tonight.”
Diane left without even looking in his direction.
“Wait here a minute, Megan.”
Steve went after Diane, catching up with her on the driveway.
“Diane. Wait!”
She turned facing him, her eyes moist.
“I’d be doing it out of love. I didn’t suddenly stop loving you overnight.”
He walked closer, stopping right in front of her. With a quick glance both ways, he saw the street was empty. The silver sedan from the night before was gone. He placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders and gave her his full attention.
“I still love you. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“I love you, too, Steve, but things aren't right. We both know it. I don’t want another fight, so let’s just go do what we need to do.” She went to pull away, but he tightened his hold.
“Things aren’t right, Diane. My priority right now is yours and Megan’s safety. When this is over, you and I will talk. No more putting it off.”
She nodded weakly and got into the car. Standing in the driveway, Steve watched her drive down the street, his heart tied up in knots.
Megan’s voice came from behind him.
“We’re going to be late, Daddy.”
“Come on then, Pumpkin. Let’s go.”
He dropped Megan at school, relieved to see Agent Jessica Adams waiting at the main entrance with Megan’s teacher, both greeting the children as they came in. He had already spotted additional agents on the side street opposite the school and the brief had said there was one more on the school grounds somewhere disguised as a janitor.
Reluctantly, he left the school parking lot and headed to the Farm on base, because on a normal day that’s what he would do. He took the long route, though, doubling back several times to ensure he wasn’t followed. He hadn't seen anything suspicious on his street or at school this morning and no one appeared to be following him.
He joined the team in the war room wishing he was the one protecting his daughter and Diane. Not that he could be in two places at once. Megan was secure, and Scottie and Logan would protect Diane with their lives. Nyx were brothers, but this was his family. It was hard handing over protection of them to someone else, despite how much he trusted them.
As if reading his mind, Dex put a hand on his shoulder. “FBI have Megan and Nyx have got Diane.”
“I know they have. Doesn’t mean I’m not worried.”
“Guys, I have something.” Kelly’s voice was strained. Whatever it was, wasn't good.
Steve and the rest of Raven gathered around Bertha where Kelly had been working.
“I think I found who helped get the sarin out of the airport,” Kelly said. “David Myers. Worked at the airport for three months. Didn’t show up for work today.”
“Maybe he’s just sick? Why do you think it’s him?” Steve asked. She glanced at Dex, then Sam, before she responded.
“He’s active on chat rooms supporting The New Dawning of Allah.”
You could have heard a pin drop in the silent room. Steve looked around at the rest of his team, their faces tense as this news registered. Fucking Reborn. They were not giving up on their cause.
“If Reborn has access to sarin, I think we can narrow down the targets,” Sam said.
“Any mention of the sarin in this chatter?” Dex asked.
“None.”
“Do we have an address?”
“Yes. Home address is a rental, but according to the landlord, he moved out yesterday. He has a driver’s license, but no car registered in his name.”
“You got a picture?” Dex asked.
Kelly brought up a picture of a young white male.
“He’s nineteen. Worked as grounds crew, primarily overseeing cargo planes.”
“All that fucking intel we recovered on Reborn,” Steve directed his question at Kelly. “After the bombing, the intel Tyler found out, not to mention what was recovered from the houses we raided. You’re telling me we had no idea about the sarin, or a connection to Volkov?” His accusatory tone didn't go unnoticed.
“No,” she answered calmly. “We found nothing to indicate this.”
“The Aziz brothers are obviously the buyers.” Steve was pissed. “Something like this takes months to plan and requires a lot of money. You haven't found that money trail either?” How could they not have uncovered something?
“Watch it, Steve.” Dex growled.
Steve ignored him. “These bastards are getting the better of us. I thought only the best worked for Onyx, yet we cannot get a lead on them? Meanwhile they’re buying sarin from Russia? This is bullshit.”
Steve threw up his hands and turned his back on the team.
“Williams. Enough.” Sam’s tone silenced him.
Sam’s phone rang and he stepped aside to take the call. An uncomfortable silence fell on the room until Kelly broke it.
“The Aziz brothers know we’re looking for them,” she said quietly. “They know what intel we collected and are covering their tracks. Every time we find a new lead, it ends up a dead end.”
Steve went to speak, but Donnie caught his eye with a glare. He turned away, sensing he better keep his mouth shut. He wasn’t mad at Kelly specifically, but she was the intel team leader.
Sam rejoined them, face like thunder. “Mackie, Dale’s going to call. Bring him up on screen and loop in Liam.”
An all too familiar feeling churned in Steve’s gut. Sam said nothing. He didn’t need to. The look on his face said it all. This was going to be even more bad news. Seconds later, Dale Sanchez appeared on screen.
“Boys, I won’t waste any time here. First, Megan is safe. Nothing out of the ordinary at the school so far today. No strange cars or suspicious activity. Agent Adams has checked in.”
Steve nodded. “Thanks, Dale.”
“Let’s read the team in on the new information,” Sam said.
“What new information?” Steve asked, voice tight.
“I sent agents to see Natasha’s lawyer, Melanie Costas. Ms. Costas didn’t turn up for work this morning. They went to her house. No sign of her there either.”
Steve swore under his breath as Dale continued.
“Sam sent me the information Diane had on Volkov and we’ve been digging into his life. Volkov’s previous family lawyer, Arnold Janssen, is also missing. His office is closed and there’s been no sign of him in two months. Bank accounts, credit cards, untouched.”
“Family? Friends?” Dex asked.
“Yeah, we checked them out. He’s a bit of a loner. No friends to speak of. Only child. Parents deceased. We found an uncle, but he has no idea where he might be, and says they barely talk. Apparently, it was just him and his cats. It’s not a close community, but a neighbor said he hadn't seen him in a few weeks, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary. He keeps himself to himself. Police checked his house. No signs of a break in, nothing out of place, but there were two dead cats. There’s a good chance that Mr. Janssen is, too.”
“Janssen disappears and now Costas has? That’s no coincidence,” Steve said.
“I agree,” Dale said.
“What about Natasha? Any luck on finding her?” Dex asked.
“Yeah. That’s where it gets interesting. Ms. Costas’ car was on Natasha’s driveway, but no one is answering the door. Pinged both of their phones. Nothing. Working on a warrant to search the place.”
“You think Volkov snatched them?”
“Not ruling it out. I have a car stationed outside the house while we wait for the warrant.”
“What about the Ford? The sketch I did?” Steve asked.
“Ford was found burnt out and, of course, Volkov reported it stolen. No match on facial recognition for your sketch. The silver sedan that was outside your house wasn’t watching you either. Guy was creeping on an ex-girlfriend,” Dale added.
“OK. This makes no sense. Volkov has been insistent that Diane continue on his case, be ready for the hearing. If he was planning to snatch Natasha and Anya all this time, why does he need Diane?” Steve said, looking around the room at his teammates.
“Diane said his case wasn’t strong,” Ryan said. “He could be planning on just forcing them to go with him.”
“So he might not need Diane, may not make a call,” Steve said in hope. “No one appeared to be watching the school or my house today. Liam, anything happening there?” He asked, knowing Liam was listening from his position outside Diane’s office.
“Nothing yet.” Liam's voice came through the speaker phone.
“Too many unknowns right now,” Sam said. “Dale, let us know what you find as soon as you search the house. Until then, we keep eyes on Megan and Diane.”
Steve grunted, not liking it, but understanding. Volkov was a ruthless fucking killer, and this situation was escalating by the second.
“I need some air.”
As he stood in the parking lot, eyes closed, trying to ease some of the tension in his body, he contemplated texting Diane. This strain between them was killing him, but he didn’t know what to say.
“Hey man, how are you holding up?” Dex stood beside him a few minutes later.
Steve opened his eyes. “I don't do waiting around.”
“None of us do.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry about before. It wasn’t anything personal toward Kelly. It just feels like we are missing shit. We have a great intel team, but we have nothing.”
“I get it. Kelly’s team are following every lead. And there is a whole task force of people pouring over all the intel that’s been discovered about Reborn.”
“Yeah. I know.” He felt like an ass for snapping at Kelly.
“How are things with Diane?”
“Not great.” He settled on the low stone wall.
“That’s understandable. You’re both under a lot of pressure.”
“It’s not just that.”
Dex sat beside him. “You’re angry she didn’t tell you.”
“Yes, I am. Fuck, Dex, our daughter was in danger, and she didn’t come to me. I can’t get past it. I thought she would talk to me about anything, but she didn’t. What does that say about me? And what kind of special operator am I that I didn’t see what was happening?”
It ate away at him. Not realizing something more was going on sooner. Waiting too long to insist they talk. Not seeing someone taking pictures of him and his daughter.
“You couldn’t have seen this coming. You did ask Diane what was wrong, and she gave you an answer. A somewhat truthful answer. You can’t beat yourself up over not seeing this.”
“We had a fight, and you know what she said? She said her and Megan had come second to my job for years.” Steve shook his head. The words still cut like a knife. “She’s right.”
“That doesn’t sound like Diane. She’s scared, and I’m sure she regrets not coming to you sooner. Diane’s always known the demands of what you do and never had a problem with it. If it really is an issue, do you not think she would have said something years ago?”
There was logic in what Dex was saying but hell, those words had cut straight to his heart. Then again, he had said some pretty hurtful things, too. What kind of mother are you? Great thing to say to your wife, dickhead.
“Fuck, I don't know what to do. I don’t know if we can get past this, Dex.” Steve stared straight ahead, his eyes stinging.
They sat there quietly for a couple of minutes before Dex spoke.
“When we rescued Kelly, after she was captured by Reborn, tortured and raped by that fucker Lazir, she pushed me away. Told me we were done. I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t turn to me, talk to me, and let me help her. I was angry and hurt just like you. When I finally got over myself and listened, I began to understand. She thought she was protecting me. She pushed me away because she truly believed it was the right thing to do. She didn’t want me to have to deal with ‘damaged goods’ as she put it.”
Stunned, Steve stared at his team leader. He was aware Kelly had struggled with guilt and feeling responsible for some of Reborn’s actions, but Dex had never really talked much more about it. Not with him anyway.
“Fuck, Dex, that’s... Jesus... I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t tell you for your sympathy. I told you because I still don’t think what she did was right, but I accept it because I understand why. Why she thought that way at the time. Kelly wishes now she had made different choices, but we can’t go back and change what happened. All I know is I love her, and she loves me. I wanted that love more than I wanted to stay angry.”
“And you guys seem to have worked it out.”
Dex smiled. “Yeah, we have. You’ve heard her when she still blames herself for all the death and destruction Reborn have inflicted since then. But at least she talks to me about it. In some ways it brought us even closer. She’ll talk to me about anything now.” He paused. “When Diane explained why she didn’t come to you, did you really listen?”
Steve averted his gaze. “I heard what I wanted to hear,” he admitted. “There was a lot of shouting, and I said things I shouldn’t have said.”
“None of us are perfect, Steve. This isn’t some romance novel where the hero can do no wrong. We’re human. Not to mention, you guys haven’t really had time to talk properly, not when all this is still going on.”
Steve didn’t respond.
“Look, I’m no fucking counselor,” Dex said, “but all I’m saying is, maybe it’s OK to not agree with what Diane did. If you love her, and I know you do, then you need to decide if staying angry is more important than finding out why, and making sure she never feels like she can’t come to you again.”
Dex got up.
“One thing at a time, Steve. Let’s get this son of a bitch, make sure your family are safe. Then you and Diane can really talk.”
Dex went back inside, and Steve was left alone with his thoughts.