Chapter 11
11
Silk
I stand in the hall where I can see Melia and her mom. Agent Roja is next to me and I ask, “Any indication they’ve located her here?”
“No. You know I’d pull her in a heartbeat. I have everything I need to disguise her and get her away in a hearse out back. Thankfully all the bells and whistles she’s hooked to are just to monitor. Nothing is controlling her life force. The team has two game plans in place if we need them. And I have personal backup in town I could call on.
“Don’t worry about us. I’m more concerned about you and Malia. Detective Ford reported there are some secret meetings going on at the department that he’s been excluded from. He, we, never kept it a secret that he’s worked with HARDCORE in the past. He may have his own man inside and will let us know as soon as he can. He’s pulling in a couple IOU’s, too. Watch your six. This is starting to feel like Jenga. Just hope we’re pulling the right block, and their side is going to crumble.”
“You and me both. I’m gonna hit the head. You good here?” She gives me her battle smile that’s always a little too much like a cobra ready to strike. This is the soldier I want guarding what’s precious to me or mine.
Walking back from the bathroom I cross in front of the waiting area, glancing at the overhead TV.
“Breaking news. Lieutenant Governor, Neil Book has indicated in the past his concerns regarding the excessive restrictions on some businesses in the Love Beach area. He plans to present his new proposal to the governor tomorrow whom he’s publicly stated is dragging his feet on something that would be great for the state’s economy. Some constituents say it’s just another effort by Mr. Book to pad his own pocket.” Three images appear on the screen of Book glad handing crowds.
That’s him. Mr. Big. The man we’re looking for.
“In other breaking news another female body has washed ashore last night…”
Pulling my phone, I dial the office. I-Tee answers on the second ring. “Big Tipper is Lieutenant Governor Neil Book. Just saw a side view. Have Dax work with that forensic artist.”
“Got it. I was just going to contact you. The dead body that washed ashore was another girl who worked for a short time at Mescal. We’ve also found two warehouses that belong to Melia’s sperm donor. Both seem to have a lot of activity for being empty. Thought you should know. Pax and Dax are going to check it out tonight.”
“I’m in. Do we have anyone who can watch the women? They aren’t trained yet.”
“No. Normally I’d say Ford. But he’s not responding. Jed’s working on more backup as we speak. Nyla’s a good shot. Make sure the three are together. One of you may need to stay back.”
“We’ll figure it out and let you know,”
Heading back to the room I update Roja and go in to get my woman and say goodbye.
“…Remember momma, sissy Roja is watching over you. You do not need to be afraid. You’re safe. Rest and heal. We’ll see you again soon.”
Melia is exhausted and half out of it. I get her into the helo and strap her in. She sleeps the whole flight back to Love Beach. I’ve no more landed than my comm unity goes off. As I-Tee comes over my headset, a half dozen flood lights pointed at my helo come on.
“Don’t land!”
“Too late. What’s going on? I’m surrounded by spotlights.”
“Warrant for your arrest in the death of the woman who just washed ashore. Ford gave us the head’s up as soon as he could.
“I saw the announcement, but didn’t hear who.”
“They’re trying to say it was Trish. But we’ve confirmed she’s safe. They have photos of you leading her out of Mescal. We figure they’re going to try to pin them on you and set up shop somewhere else. Reggie and Jed are on the way. Gunner and Reba are with them.”
I vaguely hear a bull horn. “Rhys Oliver, come out with your hands up. Come out or we open fire.”
“They’re calling for me to come out. I’m not risking Melia. I’m putting her in the secret hold. Tell Dax to get over here and get her. I’ll put in the mini earbud. Good time to check it out. I just hit the outside camera. You getting the feed?”
“Roger.”
I squat next to where Melia is just starting to rouse. “Sweetness, we got a problem. Her eyes fly open. “I need you to do what I ask. I need to leave you in the helo in a hidden cargo hold. Dax is going to come and get you as soon as he can. We’re surrounded by cops that want to arrest me. It’s all going to be fine. But your life could be in danger if they find you.”
“What’s going on? I don’t understand.”
“I’m not a hundred percent sure either but my team and lawyer are on it. Please, promise you’ll do what I ask. I won’t be safe if you don’t. I need you to help Dax when he gets here.”
I hit the door latch. “Coming out. It’s caught. Give me a second,” I yell out through the crack.
I show her where the floor hold is. “You are safe. It’s bullet proof and ventilated. You can open it from the inside, but please don’t. If they leave someone behind, they’d find you. Dax will be here soon.
“If I’m going to get through this, I need you to be safe, sweetness. Do you understand? Dax will know more when he gets here.”
She nods and climbs into the space. “Rhys, I love you. I need you to come back to me. Promise?”
“I promise, love. Give me some sugar.”
Cupping my face, she kisses me and I know her whole heart is behind it. “I love you, sweetness. I’ll be back.”
I jiggle and wiggle the door like it’s stuck, then set it to lock the minute I cross the threshold.
The minute I’m out some big hotshot shouts, “Hands behind your head.”
Ford is standing next to the one shouting. He gives me an eye roll. Knowing Ford, he’s gonna let these assholes bury themselves. After they pat me down, Hotshot takes a cheap shot to my ribs. I drop to my knees to make the guy feel good, but I’ve taken worse sparring with my teammates.
“Not so tough are you, Silky?”
Ford reaches down, helping me to my feet and leads me to what I assume is his vehicle. Unfortunately, Hotshot rides with us.
Ford’s driving, I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. “What the hell’s going on? I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Got proof on camera of you abducting a girl from Mescal a couple nights ago. Found her body on shore yesterday,” Hotshot responds.
“It wasn’t me.”
“Sure as fuck was. Got your photo. Boss says it’s all the proof we need.” He slaps his forehead. “Sarge. Sarge says we need proof.” He tried to cover his mistake.
Ford meets my gaze again.
They take me to the station and book me then lead me to a walled cell down an isolated hall. Ford is still along for the ride but doesn’t look happy.
“Why this one?” he asks.
“Boss said we needed something real secure for this guy. He might try something.”
There’s that word boss again. I see a muscle twitch in Ford’s cheek.
A few hours later and well after midnight I hear the soft clink of keys. Then Hotshot appears in front of my cell, a loosely knotted sheet over his shoulder.
I nod. “I take it this is the point where I hang myself.”