Chapter 26 #2
I glanced at the others. “Name’s Joe,” the guy said as he leaned against the console. “They’re the master of disguises, especially during the last few years.”
“A group of men out of Savannah?” Emmeline threw in.
The woman moved from where she was working on the computer. “I’m Marcy. They have several central locations, Savannah included. Why do you ask?”
“My lovely wife was being stalked by a photographer hired by William Dreyfus of Southern Comfort Magazine. Ring a bell?”
Through the vents on the walls, noise could be heard. There were at least a couple more of the bastards roaming around the old church.
“He’s one of the faces of the organization. Keeps his nose clean. Old money. Two sons who are high up in the organization.”
“They want Emmeline.”
As soon as I made the suggestion, Francoise whistled and the other two shared a moment.
“Then you need to get the hell out of here.” Francoise was more insistent than before.
“Why the sudden urgency?” My question sounded more like a demand.
He headed to one of several computers, his finger flying on the keyboard.
“I’ll give you the crib version. They go by the Brotherhood, but depending on their mission, they will use their identities from crime syndicates, royal families, third world politicians, and corporate moguls.
It just depends on their operation and what they’re going for.
But their name change doesn’t matter. They are powerful and ruthless.
If they’ve set their sights on the Prince family, which it seems they have, you should warn them that they don’t give up easily.
They also use women as tools, which is why you should be very concerned they’ve targeted Emmeline.
I’m printing a copy of a few known players. There are thousands.”
Emmeline didn’t falter, but I could tell she was angry that anyone had placed a target on her back. “Is there one leader?” Her question was a viable one.
“Not that we know. They exist in every country throughout the world.”
“Why the Prince family?”
As Francoise handed me the group of photographs, Emmeline leaned over my shoulder. “That’s William Dreyfus.”
I didn’t recognize the others, or at least that was my initial reaction. Although at least two of the men did seem familiar.
“Is your family on the way?” Francoise asked.
“Last I heard.”
“Well, you should find somewhere truly safe to hole up. Here’s a list of a couple places.”
I took the offer, folding that and the pictures, sliding everything into my jacket pocket.
Hearing the warning and the concern in his voice, every muscle tightened. “Don’t worry. We’ll handle them.”
“There will be more. Let’s get you out of here.” As if on cue, several muffled explosive sounds jetted through the thick walls. “We’ll handle these assholes. The room is secure, also fireproofed.”
“They don’t want to cross me and this lady is tough.”
When I offered Emmeline an appreciative look, she batted her eyelashes. “Ah, thanks, honey. At least I’m training you well.”
While one of the others moved to yet another hidden compartment, the priest headed toward Emmeline. “I knew your father. Believe it or not.”
She cocked her head. “You did?”
“Yes,” he continued. “We crossed paths early in my career. I found myself in a very difficult situation, all alone. I was hoping to score big on my first case.”
“Taking my family down.”
“Yes. Your grandfather was a formidable enemy, a legend within the ranks of the CIA. His work internationally was brilliant, a master criminal.”
I wasn’t even entirely certain I knew that the true patriarch of the family had handled business outside of the United States.
Emmeline and I shared another look. “My grandfather was an old codger who refused to accept he wasn’t in charge of the world.”
“I can see very much of your grandfather in you.”
“How so?” Her eyes opened wide.
“The stubbornness. Now, go.” He pointed toward the door.
I held out my hand for a shake. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“You’re welcome.”
As soon as I took her arm, we heard another explosion, close enough part of the ceiling caved in. We moved to the opening, but before she walked inside, she leaned around me.
“Just one question. Are you a licensed priest?”
I noticed she was twisting her ring.
“I am,” he told her. “I’ll find a way of sending you your marriage certificate when I get a chance.”
When I pushed my hand against her back, she reluctantly moved into the entrance, a dim light showcasing where we were supposed to go.
Down the two stairs and into the shadows.
“I don’t like the odds,” she said softly.
“You know I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re just one man.”
“What happened to me being Superman?”
“I realized the truth.”
Groaning, I offered a pouting look. “You love to wound me.”
“Just sharing the truth.”
She said nothing as we headed into the tunnel, yet only after a couple hundred yards, the lights began to flicker.
As soon as she turned on the flashlight, she turned toward me. “I knew it was the Brotherhood.”
“No, you did not.”
“You’re doubting your wife?”
“Let’s just say I deal with facts while you deal with fiction.”
“Oh, here we go.” She took long strides, powering away from me. “I don’t deal in fiction and what do you mean about following your rules?”
“Well, since we’re married, you’re required to do as I say at all times.”
I knew that would get a rise out of her. She stopped on a dime, spinning around to face me with such anger on her face as she stormed toward me, I was certain she had intentions of slapping the hell out of me.
Kind of kinky if you ask me.
I knew the little woman far too well. She raised her hand and as she likely expected, I grabbed her by the wrist, even pinning her against the wall.
“I would think twice about your actions, little girl.”
“Very funny. It will be a cold day in hell with your body decomposing before I obey you.” Even though the words were harsh, her tone pushed me to full arousal.
“You should be very careful what you say to me, my luscious wife. Your words do turn me on very much.”
“Forget it, buddy. You’re not touching me.” Yet even as the words slipped from her lips, she wrapped her free hand around my jacket, dragging me closer.
“And what do you think you’re doing?”
“Our kiss was interrupted. You owe me.” She crushed her lips across mine, two of her fingers driving through the gap between buttons on my shirt. Her touch always managed to calm me. Very few things did.
Yet the kiss itself was combustible, too much so for the level of danger we were in. I had to admit, the taste of whatever peppermint candy was lingering in her mouth was as much a powerful aphrodisiac as the woman herself.
Seconds later, I decided it was best to control my desires. While the trio upstairs might eliminate the remaining soldiers, that didn’t mean we were out of the woods. I had a feeling they’d brought in reinforcements. The same questions applied as before. Were they after my new bride or both of us?
The Brotherhood.
Goddamn it. I’d had a very bad feeling our time spent with the motherfuckers hadn’t been over.
If only I’d followed my instincts years before then maybe we wouldn’t be going through this.
Then again, I also likely wouldn’t be married to the beautiful woman determined to drive me to my knees.