For Honor

by Jeannette Winters

  “No, thank you. I can’t leave. He’ll be here any time now.” You better be, Rafe. This date is not going the way I expected.

  “I’m not suggesting we go on my boat, just view it from the overlook.” He stood up and extended his hand to her. “Come. There is no harm in looking. Besides, you look as though you could fall asleep. I’m sure the walk will put some color back in those cheeks.”

  It was sad that it was so obvious, yet he didn’t take the hint it was he who bored her. Deanna rose from her seat but ignored his hand. “A quick walk might do me some good.”

  They walked through the crowd once again and stumbled upon the same waiter. “Champagne?”

  Although she was parched, there was no way she was touching anything on that tray. “No, thank you.”

  She and Milton continued down a path to a stone wall that overlooked the ocean. Dusk was approaching, and she wished Rafe was here to enjoy the view. The waves were a bit choppy, but the breeze was still warm enough to stand outside comfortably. “Is that your boat?” Deanna asked, pointing to a sleek black high-performance boat anchored out at sea. There was no doubt it was built for speed. It wasn’t what she’d pictured he was traveling on. That seemed more like Rafe’s style. A bad ass, not a wimpy ass.

  She felt bad for judging him. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. He looked the part of Mr. Prim and Proper. Spoke the same. That boat presented an entirely different image.

  “What do you think?” Milton asked.

  “Very nice. I’m sure you can get from here to New York in no time.” Maybe you should go now.

  Milton laughed. It wasn’t a funny ha-ha laugh, and she hadn’t said anything humorous. She looked up at him, and his face confirmed her suspicions. The devious tone of his laugh reflected in his eyes. A shudder of fear rushed through her. Why hadn’t she seen it before? She knew him. Not personally, but she’d met him before. The angry look was unmistakable now. He wasn’t a nice man, but she had no idea how not nice he was.

  “I think it’s time you took a ride with me, Miss Glenn,” Milton said as he pulled a gun from his pocket and jammed it into her ribs.

  She winced in pain and wanted to scream. He knows who I am. Who I really am. That meant he hadn’t bumped into her by coincidence. This entire thing was planned. Set up as a ploy to lure her away from Rafe’s home. Damn it. It had worked brilliantly. She’d fallen right into his trap, and Rafe wasn’t coming. Why didn’t I call him? He told me not to leave. She’d been so thrilled to hear from him she never questioned whether all this was really from him.

  Her worst nightmare was coming true. Whoever had threatened her all these years was finally done. There’s no way Rafe would’ve told anyone. How do they know I told someone the truth? She used to believe in coincidence and fate. That was a long time ago, before she realized things didn’t always have an explanation. But she knew there was someone behind all the evil that had taken place. She just didn’t know who it was. And I don’t think I ever will.

  If she left with him, he’d kill her. Deanna didn’t need to look into his cold eyes for confirmation. It was apparent as he continued to increase the pressure of the gun against her ribs.

  Searching for anyone close by who could come to her rescue, she found no one. They weren’t exactly alone, but those in the near vicinity and above on the pavilion were engaged in their own conversations. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to recall any patrolling security. None had stood out. Who throws a party like this without bodyguards? This is the twenty-first century. Shit happens. Hell, shit is happening to me right now.

  Drawing attention from guests who were equally unarmed wasn’t right. There had already been enough loss of life. Years ago she’d cowered behind a bush, and it had saved her life. If she screamed, she was sure one or more of the gentlemen would try to help her. But if he opened fire on them, she’d never forgive herself. No hiding, not anymore. This should’ve ended three years ago. I just hope it ends with me.

  “I don’t want you to hurt anyone else,” Deanna pleaded.

  “Then I suggest you come quietly with me. One wrong move, or if your voice gets a bit too loud, and this will have an entirely different ending.”

  She looked at his gun. Deanna wished it was as easy as fighting him for the weapon. It was pressed firmly against her, and she knew it’d go off long before she could pull away.

  “You’re very confident to come here alone.”

  He grunted. “I’m not. The clumsy waiter is not as accident prone as you may believe. And of course, the men on my boat have been watching us from the moment we left the crowd. Did you really think I hadn’t planned for everything?”

  From where she stood it appeared he had. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

  “It is simple. I am cleaning up loose ends. Both here and in Moreira.”

  That’s it. She knew exactly who he was. He’d been married to Abby. She’d never had a conversation with him and had only met him briefly in passing. What she could remember was, he’d had a beard and much longer hair. I wished I had paid more attention. Maybe I wouldn’t have walked away so easily with you.

  It didn’t matter anymore. Whatever was going to happen was out of her control. The only thing she wished for was a chance to tell Rafe how she felt about him. God, she knew he was going to be riddled with guilt, believing this was his fault. That was the furthest thing from the truth. He’d given her instructions, and she failed to keep them. Rafe, don’t hate me, and don’t hate yourself.

  As they walked toward the stone wall, she could see the steps leading to the beach. There was a man standing by a dingy, dressed in black, with the bulge of a holster across his chest. There was absolutely nothing she could do but die here and take others with her or go with him and die out there somewhere. I’ll go and maybe get lucky and have a chance to break free.

  She was a strong swimmer, but that speedboat was farther offshore than she could swim. Even if she jumped, they would shoot her in the water as she tried to get away. Yeah, he thinks of everything. Probably that as well.

  “You really don’t have to do this. Enough people have already died.”

  “And if you open your mouth one more time, a lot more will. Now move.”

  She turned and started down the first step. The heel of her shoe caught on one of the stones, and she stumbled slightly before grabbing onto the wall. The pain shot up her leg from twisting the same ankle she’d hurt back in Moreira. Deanna wanted to cry and tell him she couldn’t walk, but the cold barrel of his gun was now jabbing her bare back.

  She forced herself upright, steadied herself, and took another step. The wind blew, and she heard a slight popping sound. The pressure on her back eased, and the cold metal slid farther down until it was no more.

  The popping continued, and chips of stone blasted past her. She dropped to the ground not know what was going on. She expected Milton to grab her by her hair and yank her back up, but he didn’t. She stayed down and turned around to see him. He was lying on his back, his eyes wide open with a pool of blood forming under his head. Deanna didn’t need to check. He was dead.

  She thought about running, but she knew the popping was gunfire, and it was coming from the beach. Moving meant becoming a target, and she didn’t want to end up like Milton. She had no idea why his men had turned on him, but she was grateful they had. Now all she needed to do was live long enough to get away.

  The gunfire increased, and she heard people screaming. Oh, God, are they shooting into the crowd? Her heart ached for those innocent people. She wished there was something she could do. Milton was armed. Crawling over, she didn’t see his gun, but his right hand was tucked behind his back. She rolled his dead body onto his side to free his hand. His finger was still on the trigger, and she gently removed it. She was armed, but this weapon was a different model than the one she had and much larger. She looked for what she thought was the safety and released it. She was tired of being a victim. If I go down, I’m going d
own fighting.

  Deanna heard a small explosion echo overhead. It sounded like it came from the beach. It was more than just a gunshot, though.

  The gunshots stopped, and the loud screams from above seemed distant now. Was it over? Had they given up once they realized Milton was dead? Did they think she was too? She was frozen with fear and couldn’t bring herself to stand and check. At least I’m sheltered until they come looking for me.

  Footsteps were fast approaching. She held the gun with both hands, trying to steady it. Whoever was coming around the corner was in for a heck of a surprise. She was alive and kicking.

  With her finger on the trigger, she held her breath. They’d be there any moment now. Her eyes closed as she envisioned all her friends who’d died senselessly. She’d always told herself if she’d had a gun she could’ve made a difference. This was her chance. Not for her, but for them. The chance they weren’t given.

  He came around the corner and, in one swift move, knocked her arms up into the air as the gun went off. No! Her only chance had been lost. He grabbed her, pulling her off the ground.

  “Deanna, are you okay?”

  Rafe? It couldn’t be. He didn’t know where she was. No one did, thanks to Milton’s plan. But as her hand reached up and touched his face, she knew it was him. “How?”

  He cupped her face and said, “I promised you.”

  Another small explosion sounded, and she looked out over the ocean. Milton’s sleek boat had flames rising from the rear with thick black smoke filling the air. It was over. “They’re all dead?”

  “They are. You’re safe, Deanna. And so is your family. No more running. No more hiding and, mostly, no more lying.”

  Rafe wrapped his protective arms around her. In her heart she knew, for the first time in many years, she was going to be okay.

  As the sun started to set the sky turned several shades of orange and pink, as though the universe was showing her there was still much beauty in the world, and she should be thankful she was alive to see it.

  “I don’t know how you found me.”

  “You’ve become important to the Turchettas. Important to me. Nothing was going to stand in our way of finding you.”

  She was glad he was there, and she was alive. But with everything that had just taken place, she knew tomorrow—hell the next moment—wasn’t guaranteed. “Rafe, I need to tell you something.”

  He looked at her and put a finger to her lips. “Honey, you have no idea how badly I want to hear it, but right now I need to get you the hell out of here. I have some business I need to take care of.” He waved his arm, and his brother David appeared.

  “Ma’am, glad to see you’re okay,” David said.

  “David, get her back to my house and don’t leave until I get there.”

  “Roger.”

  Deanna held onto Rafe. “I don’t want to leave you.”

  He looked down at her. “Honey, this place is about to be flooded with authorities. I think it’d be better if you’re not here when they arrive.”

  She knew he was still protecting her. Arguing was a moot point. He was right. If they asked her questions, she would probably get them all in trouble. Some things were best handled by someone who knew what the hell really went down there. All she could offer was her gratitude that the scumbag was dead. That might do more harm than good.

  “Trust me, honey. I’ll be home soon.”

  Home. It was all she had, but she’d take it. They were alive, and that was a great place to start.

  Reluctantly, she left the security of his arms and followed David. Her ankle was killing her, but she needed to be strong for Rafe. She could tell by the look on his face he’d already done enough worrying about her.

  Chapter Sixteen

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  Rafe walked into the house expecting to find David watching over Deanna like he’d asked, but that wasn’t the case. Everyone except Gabe was there. It was great they’d all rallied around Deanna, and any other day he’d welcome it with open arms, but right now he wanted to be alone with her. There were things left unsaid on that beach, and he wasn’t about to let them go unsaid much longer.

  Rafe thought she would jump up and greet him with a hug or something at the door, but she was leaning back on the couch. Maybe he’d misread the situation earlier. He’d saved her life. People are emotional at such times. What he thought they were about to say to each other might have been one-sided. Damn, I hope not.

  He was struggling to contain his feeling for her, and if they weren’t reciprocated, he wasn’t sure what he’d do. Rafe had accepted his life as it had been. Now that she’d entered it, he wasn’t sure he could go back. Don’t know that I want to.

  Rafe walked around the couch and noticed Deanna’s leg propped on pillows. “What the—?”

  “Pretty, I know,” Deanna said as she pointed to the swollen ankle. “I’m not usually this accident prone.”

  “I can’t believe you put on heels after everything I told you,” Melissa nagged. She turned to Rafe. “You’re out there shooting an M-16, and God knows what else, when you’re not even supposed to be out of bed. I won’t be surprised if you’ve pulled a stitch or two.” She shook her head. “You two really are a pair.”

  Rafe met Deanna’s eyes. Yes, we are. “Does it hurt a lot?”

  She smiled at him. “Only when I laugh.”

  It was nice to see she still had a sense of humor after everything she’d faced today. Damn, you’re an amazing woman. But knowing she was even slightly injured because of that asshole pissed him off. If Gabe hadn’t found her, Enwright might have actually gotten away with it. He and David had been able to secure the event and take out all of Enwright’s men without any civilian causalities.

  Renzo was sitting at the table with his laptop open, and Rafe heard the incoming call. “It’s Gabe.”

  No shit. “Put him on.”

  Renzo arched a brow and looked at Deanna then back to Rafe. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I am. I’ve got nothing to hide.” Or at least I don’t want to anymore.

  “Okay.” Renzo hit receive call and turned the computer in Rafe’s direction.

  “Good work, Gabe,” Rafe said.

  “I got lucky. There was only one formal event taking place today. If not—”

  “Did you find the other information I asked for?” Rafe cut in. Although Deanna was there, she didn’t need to hear how badly it could’ve gone.

  “Yes, I did. Bennett Stone took a trip to Moreira and met with some of the locals. Let’s just say they were persuaded to come forth with certain information.”

  “Any . . . fallout?” They both knew that meant wounded.

  “Nothing that affected Stones’s team.”

  “Good. What did he learn?” Rafe asked.

  Gabe leaned closer to the monitor. “That country is as fucked up as Tabiq.”

  “Knew that. Tell me about the money. About why she was so important.” He wasn’t ready to say Shadoa’s name yet. He needed to know exactly why they felt she was the key to it all.

  “Enwright didn’t know about the kid. From what Stone was told they were holding her in their back pocket as leverage if Enwright ever decided to cut them off and turn the tables to blame this all on them. She was their insurance policy to prove motive for everything Enwright hired them to do.”

  “So no one knows about her?”

  “There may have been a disagreement between Stone and the people he was meeting with. Let’s just say, no one from their side will do any talking. Ever.”

  Gabe delivered the message as gently as he could, but Rafe could see Deanna was still disgusted by it all. Death. Murder. Hate. That wasn’t her life. She was sweet and gentle and full of love. All things he admired about her. It’d been his choice to let her listen in on the call. Was that wrong? He wasn’t sure. Could it be any worse than what she’d experienced over there? No way. The woman, although she didn’t know it, was a rock. Most people would’ve broken down long
ago. Not her. She stood up to them yet protected the ones she loved. The world needs more people like her. He looked into her eyes and thought, I need someone like her.

  Gabe interrupted, asking, “What about Josh?”

  Rafe hadn’t forgotten him, but what should they do from here? There was no way he could send Shadoa back to Moreira. Her mother was gone, and it was very possible she’d suffer the same fate. That left only one thing to do.

  “Bring them home.”

  “All of them?” Gabe asked.

  “Roger.”

  Renzo closed the laptop and asked, “You sure about that?”

  Rafe looked around the room and said, “I’m sure about a few things. Let’s start with this one. I really appreciate you guys. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Now if you don’t mind, get the hell out. There are a few things Deanna and I need to discuss. Alone.”

  Renzo chuckled but headed toward the door. David shook his head and followed. Melissa walked up to Deanna before leaving, bent down, and in a soft voice Rafe heard her say, “Guess he means to keep his promise.” When Melissa stood back up, she gave Rafe a wink before leaving with their brothers.

  Rafe could tell there was something he’d missed between Deanna and Melissa. He’d have to ask her, but right now he didn’t care. Everything that was important had been resolved. Almost.

  He sat next to her on the couch and said, “Deanna, I need to talk to you.”

  “Me too. There’s so much I want to say.”

  “Let me go first.” Deanna nodded, and he continued, “I know you want to go back and continue what you started. I admire your dedication, but you don’t need to run halfway around the world to make a difference.”

  “You want to talk to me about work?” Deanna looked disappointed, and he understood why.

  “Yes. No. Well, not entirely. You asked me to do something for you when you were leaving Moreira. Do you remember what that was?”

  She nodded again. “Check on Shadoa. Did you find her? Is she okay?”