“Do you think we’re stupid? Might as well raise your hand and shout out who did it. The only way to make sure no one talked was to kill them all,” Peter said coldly, and Rafe knew he felt no guilt for what had happened. But you’re going to wish you never met us. That I can guarantee you.
“But one did live.” He refused to say Deanna’s name to this asshole.
“Yeah, that bitch almost screwed everything up. The announcement about the attack had already been broadcast on the news. Somehow one of those fucking idiots over there decided they would let her live so they could continue to collect money from Milton.”
He was missing something. Milton could’ve had her killed any time when she returned to the United States. “Why let her live?”
“They let her make one phone call to some police department in the States. She told them some story about everyone being killed in the camp except for her. And she was safe with the Morieran authorities. Her dropping dead after that would’ve seemed odd, don’t you think?”
Rafe hated to admit it, but Milton’s plan was impressive. It explained why no one questioned it further. Deanna had corroborated all their lies because she felt her life was in danger. Still is until that fucker is stopped for good.
“So how much did it cost Milton to have this . . . taken care of.”
Peter huffed. “Ten grand. I told him I’d have knocked the bitch off for half that amount. Now look. He’s stuck paying them ten grand every year to keep their mouths shut.”
Rafe felt ill. Eleven people dead for less than the price of a new car. And Peter sat in front of him arrogantly stating he’d have done it for less. He knew the men of Moreira didn’t value the lives of women, but he wanted to think men in the States were better than that. These assholes aren’t.
What he hadn’t heard was any mention of Shadoa. Was it possible Milton didn’t know about her? What would be the point of keeping her a secret from him? He knew the men had said Shadoa was their meal ticket. If they weren’t collecting from Milton, then who?
He hated missing pieces, but he could tell Peter didn’t have the answer to that question. Looks like Gabe has more digging to do.
Rafe turned to Renzo and said, “You want the honors or should I?” Rafe reached behind him and pulled out his Glock, taking off the safety.
“Hey wait. You don’t have to kill me. I . . . I can deliver Milton to you. He’s the one you want,” Peter pleaded as he shook in his seat.
“I don’t believe him,” Renzo said. “Just finish him, and let’s get the hell out of here.”
Peter was practically crying as Rafe lifted his gun and took aim. “I’m not lying. Milton is about to . . . to finish what he started.”
Rafe could see Renzo out of the corner of his eye. He gave him a nod. They both knew what that meant. Time to step up the game. Renzo walked over and stood between Rafe and Peter. “Listen punk, I might not be able to stop him from blowing out your brains. So if you have something real to say, you better talk fast.”
Peter peered around Renzo at Rafe. Their eyes met briefly before he started blabbing to Renzo.
“Milton located the bitch. Man, he was madder than fuck. You know . . . the one who got away in Moreira. Looks like she thought she could hide by changing her name and looks, but it didn’t work. That accomplished nothing except to piss Milton off.”
“Why?” Renzo asked.
Peter said, “Because she was supposed stay home and keep her pretty little mouth shut. Guess Milton realized he couldn’t trust the bitch any longer. Milton was going to follow through with his promise to ruin her family, but there was no fun in that. So he’s going after her instead.”
Fuck no! “How did you find her?” Rafe asked. He’d taken every precaution not to let anyone know where she was.
“Milton didn’t say, but he knows she’s in Rhode Island, and he’s going to take her out himself.”
Himself? Milton hadn’t struck Rafe as the type of guy who got his own hands dirty. Something changed. He’d hoped Peter was talking out of his ass, trying to stall. But if they knew Deanna was in Rhode Island, it possibly wasn’t a bluff. Renzo had picked up on Rafe’s grave concern.
“What’s Milton’s plan?”
“He sent the bitch a red dress and flowers, telling her he had a surprise for her. A romantic evening planned for the two of them,” Peter said.
“Why would she go with someone she doesn’t know?” Rafe asked. He’d left her strict instructions not to leave. There was no way she’d go out because some asshole asked her out.
“Milton has been watching the house. She was staying with some guy, I don’t know his name. Milton found out who the loser was and put his name on the note. As far as that bitch knows, she’s meeting her lover. Boy is she gonna be shocked to find—”
Rafe watched as Renzo’s fist came crashing down on Peters left temple, knocking him out. Then he turned to Rafe. “Sorry. I’d heard enough. I think your ass better get back to Rhode Island.”
“I’m going to fucking kill him,” Rafe said, pulling off his ski mask.
“Want me to come with you or deal with this asshole?” Renzo asked.
Rafe had all he wanted from Peter, but they couldn’t let him walk. Not after everything they’d learned. “Make the call. Meet with your buddies at the Feds and make sure they know to keep him on ice until you hear from me.”
“What exactly am I going to tell them?” Rafe had some close connections from his days on SWAT, but they were going to want something more about a guy who obviously had been held captive and beaten.
Rafe hated bringing anyone on a government payroll into this mess at this time. Feds were still bound by rules and would never allow him to go after Milton himself. They’d want a wiretap, tracking device, their own surveillance team. That’d be great, but they didn’t have time to play their games. With the cash flow Milton seemed to have at his disposal, even if he was taken into custody he’d make bond. That meant Milton could walk away and go after Deanna again.
“Tell them what we learned but leave out the part about what Milton is up to now. I don’t want the Feds to interfere and stop our one chance to nab Milton.” He wasn’t about to tell Renzo all his intentions. That bastard has hurt enough people.
“You got it. Good luck,” Renzo said as he put his revolver back in its holster. “The chopper’s ready; I’ll call for local transport.”
Rafe put the safety on his Glock and tucked it behind his back. Blind rage poured through him; there was a fine line he wasn’t sure he could stop himself from crossing. He believed everything Peter said about his brother. Milton was pure evil, and right now he was after the one woman Rafe had ever cared for.
It was like a punch in the gut, knowing she had a target on her back and they were using him as bait to lure her out. Milton was fucking brilliant and knew exactly how to manipulate women. But he also snuffed them out when they pushed back. Milton has to think she’s going to talk.
He called her number but got no answer. Then he tried the house number, same result. “No fucking answer!” Rafe barked out.
“I’ll alert David and see if Gabe can track her,” Renzo said.
Rafe nodded to Renzo. “Only one of us is walking away from this.”
“Then make sure it’s you,” Renzo said as Rafe headed toward the door.
During the entire flight back to Rhode Island, Rafe continued trying Deanna’s number. Why the hell aren’t you answering? He’d never been so scared in his life. Milton could already have her in his grasp. For all Rafe knew, she could be dead. He’d never forgive himself for leaving her. He’d left to obtain information meant to protect her, but was the cost of that her life?
His phone rang, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw it was David. “Did you find her?”
“Negative. Your house is vacant.”
“Any sign of forced entry?” Rafe asked. So many scenarios plagued his mind; none of them were good. Right now he had one glimmer of hope. David hadn’
t walked in to find a body. That means there’s still time.
“No. Everything looks normal except there is a large white box with tissue paper sitting on the kitchen table. She had a delivery of some sort. Any clue what that might be?”
Damn it. The dress. “Yeah. A dream come true for a woman.” Unfortunately, this is going to turn out to be a nightmare. “Peter said Milton had a red dress sent. He must be inviting her to some sort of event. A semi-private one where he will feel comfortable enough to make his move.”
“I’ll have Gabe search for listings locally. I don’t think he’d have to travel too far. I mean what better access than the ocean. Get her on a boat and—”
“I know,” Rafe said angrily. He didn’t need David to tell him Deanna’s screams would never be heard. Her body could easily be disposed of. Rafe knew the drill. He just couldn’t think of it being Deanna.
“Rafe, there’s a dozen pink roses in a vase as well. That doesn’t seem like something you normally have in your house. I take it these are not from you either?” David inquired.
“No. Part of Milton’s fucking plan. Damn him. Those were Phoebe’s favorite flowers,” Rafe said through gritted teeth. It pained him to know Milton knew so much. Rafe had no idea what Deanna’s favorite anything was. Not flower or music or movie. He wished he’d asked. Given the chance to do it again, he most definitely would do it differently.
“Yeah, I remember,” David replied somberly.
No one could take time to dwell on their loss right now. If they did, there might be another one to add to the list. For now, they had to be what they were: a highly trained and lethal team. “David, keep searching. There has to be a clue to where she was going. Check with every taxi company. She didn’t just walk out the door and magically disappear.” If she left willingly.
“We’ll find her,” David said in a tone that genuinely held concern.
Rafe appreciated that his family seemed anxious to find Deanna. Was it possible they knew what she meant to him? One thing about surrounding yourself with the best is not much slipped by them. Hell, maybe they knew before I did.
“We better. I don’t think I can—”
“Rafe, stay focused. Stay positive,” David ordered. “We’ve been against much worse, and those bastards walked away empty-handed. This isn’t going to be any different.”
Oh, yes it is. Milton isn’t walking anywhere. Everyone knew Rafe was too damn close to this situation. He could hear it in David’s voice even though he never actually said the words. Get my head in the game or mistakes can happen. If this had been one of his men facing off with the enemy of someone they loved, he’d have ordered them to stand down. It was the logical thing to do, yet Rafe couldn’t. He needed to be there. Not only for Deanna, but for himself. “Keep looking.” We’ve got find her.
“Roger,” David said before ending the call.
Rafe’s insides trembled. There was nothing wrong with a healthy amount of fear when you’re about to go into battle. Each of them prepared themselves mentally, knowing at any moment one or all of them could be lost. It was something you never got used to, but it was something they’d each experienced. And when you lose a man, you carry guilt no one else understands. You were always left wondering what you could’ve done differently.
Rafe was filled with guilt over Deanna being in harm’s way. Had his desire for her blinded him to what had been going on right under his nose? If he hadn’t been so captivated by her would he have seen the signs that Milton was watching and waiting? Rafe was pissed at himself for lowering his guard for a second. Deanna needed him, and he’d failed her.
He looked out the window as the chopper traveled up the shoreline. The pilot said they’d be back in Rhode Island within the hour. That brought him closer, but without knowing where Milton had lured her to, he might as well be a million miles away.
He was enraged by his lack of control in the search for the person who meant the world to him. It was an unfamiliar feeling he was trying his damnedest to contain. No matter what anyone said, thinking clearly wasn’t an option. He wanted to rip Milton apart piece by piece, but that was too good for the son of a bitch. Just let me get my hands on you, and so help me . . .
He took a deep breath as he gripped the M-16 tightly. Rafe needed to think. Act, not react. It was the only way he was going to be able to save her.
Deanna, I’m sorry. She’d asked him for the words, to tell her how he felt, and he didn’t give them to her. He couldn’t. Now he’d give anything to hold her again, to tell her what she so badly needed to hear. I promised you I’d protect you, Deanna. Hold on honey. I’m coming.
Deanna couldn’t believe Rafe had gone to such lengths to get her there. He’d never struck her as the mushy romantic type. Funny thing was, she wasn’t that type of girl. She’d much prefer a walk on a beach than some fancy affair like this.
She’d been tempted to call him and let him know, but he’d gone through so much effort, even picking out a gorgeous gown for her. He definitely knew her size, but she wasn’t so bold and confident to strut around in this thing in public. It fit her like a glove, a snug one. Not only did it accent the curve of her breasts, but it was open almost down to her navel, with a rhinestone clasp which drew more attention from the opposite sex than she wanted. The back was entirely open with a few red satin strings accentuating her round hips and bottom. I wish I was wearing this at home for you, Rafe.
Deanna had to admit, she felt sexy as hell as she entered through the crowd. It seemed like a fairy tale as people parted to let the princess by. She was a wallflower, and this attention made her uncomfortable. If she hadn’t known Rafe was joining her, she’d have told the limo driver to take her right back home. Who am I kidding? I’d never have left the house.
A waiter walked up to her with a tray of champagne. It’d been a long time since she’d relaxed with a drink. Tonight was a special occasion, and she could use a bit of loosening up. When Rafe arrived, she didn’t want him to see the bundle of nerves she was trying to control. She lifted the crystal stem off the tray, but in her attempt to steady her hand, she actually did the opposite, clanking her glass against the others. The waiter struggled to maintain his delicate balancing act, but to no avail. The silver tray crashed to the marble floor.
How could one little tap of a glass cause such mayhem? She hoped this wasn’t a prequel to how the rest of their date would go.
“I’m so sorry it’s my—”
“Miss, are you all right?” a gentleman asked from behind her.
Blushing, she turned and said, “Yes, I’m fine. I can’t believe I caused that.”
“You didn’t. He’s a clumsy fool.”
Deanna thought that was a bit harsh. It was her fault. “No, I’m the one who knocked the tray.”
The stranger laughed. “Would you feel any better knowing this is the third tray that has suffered the same fate at his hands today?”
Peering over her shoulder, she saw the waiter gathering the glass off the floor. “Really?” He nodded. Deanna smiled. “I guess that does make me feel somewhat better.”
“Maybe a walk would help?”
Deanna looked around, hoping to see Rafe somewhere close by. “I’m waiting for someone.”
“Is there any reason why you couldn’t wait closer to the water? I’m sure he’ll find you.”
She felt lost standing all alone, and she was grateful to have someone to chat with. Yet, the last thing she wanted was Rafe to come looking for her and find her on the beach with another man. “I’m sorry, but I don’t even know your name.”
The man extended his right hand and took her hand to his lips. Before placing a light kiss on it, he said, “Milton Enwright at your service.”
It was odd, like something out of a cheesy chick flick, and she fought the urge to laugh. Really? You think you’re that charming, do you? There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t place it. Deanna was horrible with names and faces. It was possible she’d met him at
a function she had to attend years ago with her parents, but he didn’t seem to know her. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m De—Alice.”
Deanna gently pulled her hand away from his, pretending to check her hair. She wasn’t sure what brought that on, but somehow she felt the need to use her alias. It wasn’t that Milton was creepy, just odd. He appeared to look like most of the other men there. Tall, middle-aged, and dressed in a sharp tuxedo. He wasn’t unattractive. For all she knew, he was there with someone and was only showing her a bit of kindness. “I don’t want to pull you away from your date.”
“Unfortunately, she has fallen ill and can’t attend this evening, and I’m obligated to attend.”
If he didn’t wish to be there, he was hiding it well. Maybe it was a bit of paranoia, but right now her trust level was nil. Guess that’s what happens when you seclude yourself too long. You forget your social skills. Not that I have many to start with. She didn’t want to take that out on Mr. Enwright, but she wasn’t about to go blindly away with him either. “Instead of the water, how about we move a bit farther from the music. I saw a bench on the other side of the room. That way my. . . date will have no problem finding me.”
Milton grinned at her and offered his arm as he escorted her through the crowd. Once they were seated, they spoke about a variety of things from politics to economics. He was so polite, but boring as hell . . . right up there with the classical music playing. Many people enjoyed both, but she wasn’t one of them. Please, Rafe, hurry up. I can’t take much more.
She needed to change the subject or fall asleep. “Do you enjoy the ocean, Mr. Enwright?” There wasn’t much she could elaborate on, but right now rushing down to the beach and jumping in for a swim sounded wonderful.
“I do very much. Actually, my boat is out there waiting for me.”
That piqued her interest. She loved boats, especially sailboats, which she could lie on for hours, silently enjoying the waves. “A yacht?” She assumed so by his attire.
“No. Although, they have a purpose, I enjoy something a bit different. Your date hasn’t arrived yet, so maybe you can take a few moments for me to show you.”
For Honor Page 18
