MERCILESS

by Christy Reece

  “Omar called. He’s set the auction up for two weeks from today. The timing is good. It’ll give us a chance to create some background stories, work different scenarios, and get prepared.”

  “I’m getting the feeling there’s a ‘but’ attached to that statement.”

  “Omar insists that you accompany me.”

  “Why would that be a problem?”

  “I need to know how you feel about going back there.”

  “I’m fine. I—”

  Ash held up his hand. “Stop it, Jules. I was there. I saw what happened…how you reacted. I need to know if you can handle it. If you can’t, I’ll tell Omar we split up, and Eve can attend with me. You can still be part of the op, working in the background with Jazz and Serena. But there’s no need for you to go as Elsa.”

  * * *

  Jules told herself that she should be touched that Ash had so much concern for his employee. And while intellectually she could accept that, she couldn’t help but feel she had disappointed him.

  “No, do not even get that in your head,” he said.

  “What?”

  “You handled yourself like the professional you are. I couldn’t have asked for more, but a lot has been thrown at you in a short amount of time.”

  Ash continued to terrify her in how very well he read her. “Then why—”

  “Because I need to know you can do this. Not only might this be our only chance to take Lang down, we’re dealing with some extremely dangerous people. I need everyone at the top of their game. If things turn sour…”

  He didn’t need to finish the sentence. These people, including Omar, would kill without a second thought. This wasn’t about her ego. This was about bringing down a man who wanted to kill hundreds of innocents. Her employer was asking if she was up to the task.

  “I can do the job, Ash.”

  He nodded and stood, apparently satisfied with her answer. “All right. Then let’s head to the conference room and brief the rest of the team.”

  They walked together out the door. “So Omar has recovered from his wound?”

  “He said he has. My sources have told me that the injury is healing much faster than Omar’s mental state.”

  “How so?”

  “Apparently, he was more than a little shocked and upset than what he let on.”

  “Is he blaming us?”

  “No. From his perspective, we saved his life. Believe it or not, that was the first time he’s ever been injured on the job.”

  “That doesn’t seem quite fair.”

  “Yeah.” Ash threw her a wry grin. “A weapons broker should experience firsthand pain from all the products he’s responsible for putting on the market.”

  Trying to ignore the way his smile affected her was almost impossible. For years, she had wondered if she was too screwed up to actually ever have strong feelings for a man. Her unimpressive dating life certainly bore that out. So why was it that the one man she couldn’t have was the one she found herself wanting more than anything in the world?

  This was just another example that confirmed her opinion that fairness was nothing more than a fairy tale.

  The conference room was already full when they arrived. Jazz and Xavier were engaged in a private conversation in a corner. Sean was talking to Liam Stryker, who still had a nasty bruise on his jaw. Rose and Serena were sitting beside each other, reading something on a laptop.

  When Ash closed the door, every one of them stopped what they were doing and went on alert. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen the OZ team react to their leader this way, but it again reinforced her opinion that Asher Drake not only had their respect, but also their loyalty.

  “Sorry for the short notice. Everyone take a seat, and we’ll get started. Schrader called. He’s got the auction scheduled for two weeks from today. That’ll give us time to put all our covers into place and run through several scenarios.”

  “Did he name names…say who will be at the auction?” Liam asked.

  “He didn’t mention any specific players, but I anticipate talking with him again to see if I can wheedle out a name or two. He’s throwing a slight wrench into the plan, but it may end up working to our advantage. He’s holding some kind of gala the same night. So while everyone is enjoying the party in one part of the house, there will be a party of another kind in another section.”

  “You think the invited guests will have any idea what he’s up to?” Jazz asked.

  “Some probably will. A few will likely attend both. I doubt that will include Carl Lang, but who the hell knows with Omar?”

  “I’ll get our people to start digging,” Serena said. “Check the usual suspects. Somebody has got to have access to a guest list.”

  “Do that. I doubt Omar is going to be so forthcoming as to share every name with me, but I’ll do my best to get some of the main players.” His eyes continued to focus on Serena. “Also, be on the lookout for chatter. Any kind of talk about either the auction or the party would give us a leg up.

  “Dig deep on the dark web. Look out for anything about possible big events. All these people, both famous and infamous, in one place will make it a prime target for their rivals. An uninvited guest, or even one who plans to attend, might take this as an opportunity to take down their competition.”

  Serena nodded. “Will do.”

  “So not only are we going to nab Lang, there’s a possibility of getting caught in the crossfire of rivals?” Jules said.

  “Exactly. That’s why this will involve everyone. Whatever special projects any of you have pending need to be put on hold until this is over. If you’ve got one that’s coming to a head, see me after the meeting, and let’s talk.”

  “Will Eve and Gideon be back in time?” Serena asked.

  “I talked to Eve yesterday,” Jazz said. “She said Gideon’s doing well in rehab, and he’s as grouchy as an old bear.”

  A slight grin tugged at Ash’s face. “Which means he’s getting back to normal. I talked to him a couple of days ago. He’s ready to get back to work. He’s still on crutches, but knowing Gideon, that’s just another weapon he can use. We’ll put him with Serena on comms.”

  “What about Eve?” Jazz asked. “Will she be coming home, too?”

  “Yeah. She said she’s ready to get back to work. She and Liam will team up and attend as a couple.” Ash turned to Rose. “Omar indicated there will be some famous Hollywood faces at the event. Create a cover for Stryker and Eve. Nothing too bold. Up-and-coming power couple—film producers should work. Make their films somewhat obscure so people won’t be surprised they’ve never heard of them. Maybe give them a new project. They can attend the event as if they’re looking for financing.

  “Xavier and Jazz will be on overwatch. Stone will attend with me as Elsa. Seems Omar has taken a liking to the woman who helped save his life.”

  Ash was giving her more credit than she deserved, but Jules only gave a small nod of acknowledgment. The nightmares of killing Renee had disappeared. Though she wouldn’t ever look forward to taking another life, no matter how evil, she sincerely hoped that she handled the aftermath better. It hadn’t been her finest moment.

  “All right. Let’s start talking scenarios, problems and solutions.”

  With those words, the OZ leader was giving everyone a chance to voice their opinions and suggestions. As Jules listened, she became even more energized. No matter what happened in the future, she couldn’t help being glad that she was involved with this project and with the OZ team. They were going to apprehend one of the world’s most dangerous monsters. That, if nothing else, made the future pain worthwhile.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Washington, DC

  Her mouth bone-dry, Nora stared at the caller ID on her ringing phone. Chewing her lip, she hesitated, her finger poised over the answer icon. She could let it go to voice mail. Not only was she preparing an important speech before the entire Senate, she was on numerous committees. She was an extremely bus
y woman with little free time. Not answering a call should be the norm, not the exception.

  Unfortunately, the person on the other end of this call likely knew her schedule better than she did. Even knew about her meetings before she did and what she would say. If she didn’t answer, there would be a discussion. Speculation. Concern. That was the last thing she wanted.

  Knowing she had no choice, Nora swiped the answer icon and said, “Yes?”

  “How are things on your end?”

  There was never any unnecessary chatter, no lead-in to the reason for the call. Though her profession required her to be verbal, sometimes to the extreme, Nora had no problem reverting to this type of pointed conversation.

  “Nothing as of yet. I’m hopeful I’ll hear something soon.”

  “Hopeful?”

  Nora winced at the question. Hopeful was not a good word in this situation.

  “Confident. I’m confident I’ll hear something soon.”

  “I don’t need to reiterate the importance of this matter.”

  The statement was rhetorical, but Nora knew to answer anyway. “I understand completely.”

  “Then, considering what lies in the future, don’t you think it’s time to take things to the next level?”

  Again, this was not a question, nor a suggestion. Arguing would do no good. Besides, getting the go-ahead was a relief. This thing with Asher Drake had been hanging over her head for much too long.

  “The problem will be handled.”

  “It can be handled for you.”

  She knew exactly what that meant. The consequences would be catastrophic. If she couldn’t handle this one small problem, how could she handle future, larger issues?

  “No. No. I will take care of it.”

  “Soon?”

  “Yes. Soon.”

  “And you believe your employee can handle this matter without implicating you?”

  “Without a doubt.”

  “Excellent. You have a committee meeting in ten minutes, so I won’t keep you.”

  The statement wasn’t said out of politeness or generosity. It was a reminder that everything she did, no matter how minute, was monitored.

  “Goodbye, Nora.”

  Nora didn’t bother with a farewell. She dropped the phone onto her desk and drew in a ragged sigh. She did indeed have a meeting to attend, and two more after that. She wouldn’t be able to communicate with Jessie Diamond until late tonight. And when she did, it wouldn’t be to ask for an update. Her orders had changed.

  Asher Drake must die.

  Chapter Thirty

  OZ Headquarters

  Shaking the last of the dampness from his head, Ash walked into the main house, noting the silence. Yesterday afternoon, Mother Nature had dumped a foot of snow on half the state. All OZ employees would be working from home for the next couple of days at least.

  Fortunately they were ready for their next op. For the past nine days they’d worked their tails off preparing for the auction and the takedown of Carl Lang. Every scenario had been discussed and practiced numerous times.

  He’d used his new Polaris snowmobile to get here from his house and had enjoyed every moment. One of the reasons he’d wanted to move here was winter. With snowfall averaging about forty-five inches a year, the amount was almost enough to satisfy him.

  A noise in another room reminded him that the building wasn’t completely empty. As if he needed the reminder. There were very few waking moments that he wasn’t aware of Jules. And lately, she’d appeared in a couple of his dreams.

  Telling himself he couldn’t get involved with an OZ employee hadn’t made much impact on his libido. Good thing he was old enough to control those urges. Any relationship between him and Jules Stone would never work. She had too many secrets, and he went from one viper nest to the next. Neither of them was a candidate for anything stable.

  “Ash?” Jules said behind him. “How did you get here?”

  “Snowmobile.”

  Turning, he got his first full view of Jules and had to work to keep a straight face. How anyone who was wearing at least four layers of clothes could still be so enticing was a mystery. She wore a thick navy sweatshirt over a flannel shirt over a turtleneck sweater. Getting a jacket on over all of that must’ve been a struggle. She wore sweatpants, but beneath those pants he caught a glimpse of jeans. Her head was covered with a ski cap, and she was carrying a pair of heavy boots in her gloved hands. She would quite likely have difficultly getting them on over the thick socks she was wearing.

  He nodded at her apparel. “Feeling a little chilly?”

  She grinned and tried to shrug, but the multiple layers kept her from being able to move much. “I know I look ridiculous, but this is the first time I’ve been warm all morning.”

  Noting that the temperature in the house was warmer than usual, he said, “It feels warm in here to me. Are you getting sick?”

  “No, I’m just trying to thaw out. I had to get something out of my car, so I just threw on a jacket, thinking it wouldn’t be that bad. I slipped and fell into a snowdrift. By the time I got back into the house, I was soaked.”

  “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just decided wearing everything I own was the best way to warm up.”

  “Is it working?”

  “Think so, but I’m not taking anything off until I’m completely sure.”

  “I take it you’re not a cold-weather fan?”

  “It’s one of the reasons I moved to Arizona.”

  Ash frowned. “Jules, you do know that the area of Arizona you lived in gets a lot of snow, don’t you?”

  Her face lighting up with laughter, she shook her head. “I didn’t until I moved there. I visited during the summer and impulsively decided to move there. I ended up falling in love with the area and decided I’d learn to live with the snow.”

  “It can be fun if you’re dressed right. I’ll take you out on my snowmobile sometime.”

  She smiled again but didn’t answer. He got the feeling it would take a lot of encouragement to get her to enjoy snow the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

  “What about breakfast? You have any yet?”

  “I was just headed to the kitchen for some cereal.”

  “You can’t have cold cereal on a day like this. Especially after falling into a snowdrift. Come keep me company while I whip us up a hearty winter breakfast.”

  Not waiting for a reply, Ash headed to the kitchen. He hadn’t planned on cooking breakfast. He wasn’t hungry…he’d had some cereal and a bagel at home. But he hadn’t been able to turn away from her and go to his office. The thought of her eating cold cereal alone in the kitchen while he worked in his office didn’t sit right with him. He didn’t try to analyze why.

  The kitchen was one of the largest rooms in the place. The original owner had been a rancher with dreams of filling the house with a large family. Instead, his wife had died young, and the brokenhearted man had never remarried. Ash had read about the man before he’d seen this place. Didn’t take a psychiatrist to explain why he’d identified with a man he’d never met.

  Jules stood in the doorway as he went about his work. From time to time, he glanced at her, wondering if she would ever sit down. Then a thought came to him. “Can you sit down in those clothes?”

  She flushed a perfect pink and shook her head. “Not well.”

  “The oven is heating the kitchen up. Why don’t you discard a few layers and see if you’ll be comfortable?”

  When he turned back around, he was pleased to see she’d discarded the jacket, cap, scarf, and sweatpants and looked a lot more comfortable. He nodded toward the table. “Have a seat. It’ll be ready in about five minutes.”

  “I can make coffee.” Showing she was familiar with the kitchen, she grabbed the canister from the cabinet. They worked in companionable silence for several minutes. Once the coffee was brewed, she poured two cups and set them on the table.

  “Where did you learn to cook?” she aske
d.

  “My mom. After my dad left home, it was just her and me. We took turns.”

  “Your father abandoned your family?”

  “Not exactly. I finally got big enough to kick him out.”

  “He was abusive?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “We got through it. We had each other. And good friends and neighbors.”

  “Is he still alive?”

  “No.” Ash didn’t elaborate. The old bastard wasn’t worth the breath required to tell her how he’d died.

  Apparently sensing a change in subject was needed, she said, “Does the team use this kitchen often?”

  “On occasion, we’ll pull an all-nighter. Rose has fresh food delivered weekly, so we always have something on hand. What food we don’t use goes to a food pantry in Missoula.”

  “Whatever you’re making smells delicious.”

  “Cold-weather food is the best.”

  “I agree. My mom used to make the best vegetable soup.”

  He glanced over his shoulder. “You don’t talk about your parents. They died in a car accident a few years back?”

  “Yes.” Her eyes met his. “It was horrific.”

  “I’m sorry. Losing a parent is rough.”

  “Your mom’s gone, too?”

  “Yes, about seven years ago. Cancer.”

  “We’ve both lost a lot.”

  “Yeah.” Hoping to dispel the grim silence, Ash placed two plates loaded with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and biscuits on the table. “Maybe this’ll warm you up.”

  “Oh my.” Her eyes wide, she shook her head. “I’ll never be able to eat all of this.”

  “Eat what you can.”

  Suddenly ravenous himself, Ash sat down and dug in. After a few moments, he looked up, pleased to see that she’d done a decent job on her own plate.

  Catching his eye, she grinned. “I’ve never eaten that much at one sitting. It was delicious. Thank you.” She sat back in her chair with a pleasure-filled sigh. “And I think I’ve finally warmed up, too. Not sure I’ve ever been that cold.”