Danker frowned. “I’m concerned about the two men who tried to murder you. Do you have any idea what that was all about?”
He shook his head. “Do you?”
“It’s a mystery we’re looking into, but nothing has come up so far. Are you worried about it?”
“Not much I can do.”
Danker leaned forward. “Exactly. I called because we have another Op we want to run ASAP. We need you and want to know if we can count on you. This one’s top priority.”
Steel sat back. “I’m thinking of getting out.”
“Bruised by the interrogation after the Komodo Op?”
“The missions have gotten too intense for me.” He shrugged. “I’m older.”
“Understandable. I won’t be going on any more Ops. Too slow with this bum knee.” Danker fixed his eyes on Steel. “One more Op, what do you say? This one’s in hurry-up status and there’s no one else with your credentials and experience that we can drag in right away.” He paused. “We’ll even brief you first on the target, what he’s charged with and how we want to take him.”
“Why brief me?”
“You’ll be heading the Op. They were going to groom you for my position anyway.”
He watched Danker carefully. Was this a bribe to keep him quiet about the Komodo Op?
Danker spread his hands flat on the desk. “You’ll call all the shots. Even if you want out, how about taking this last Op, then deciding? The target’s important and we’re desperate for you, Steel. We’ll listen to whatever you want.”
He sat back and locked eyes with Danker. “Are we killing civilians?”
Danker gripped the arms of his chair. Then he nodded and relaxed. “I didn’t feel good about that either, but I was following orders. I assumed those above me had a legitimate reason for that decision and that they acted for the good of the country.”
“And if not?”
Danker frowned. “Do you think we can have every soldier on the battlefield ask that question and still have an army that functions?”
“We shouldn’t have to ask.”
“There has to be trust, Steel, in our leaders, our army, and our country—the way things operate. Otherwise there’s just chaos.”
“Trust can’t be blind obedience.”
“We’re at war with terrorists and I want to keep our country safe as much as you do. That sometimes means doing things you or I don’t like for the greater good.”
“We may have to commit a small evil to prevent a greater evil from occurring.”
Danker nodded. “That’s right. It’s not a perfect world. I wish it was.”
He shifted his gaze off Danker as he considered the colonel’s words. Danker was a good soldier, one of the best. That bothered him in ways and to a depth he couldn’t quite understand. He looked up, curious about how much control they would give him. “Do I pick who goes with me?”
“General Morris does that, but you’ll decide everything else.”
“Morris?”
Danker lifted a few fingers. “General Sorenson is going to retire. Morris is his replacement. He has a career as distinguished as yours. Look it up. It’s up to you, but your country needs you, whether you like it or not.”
He didn’t. “Give me a few days to consider it.”
“That’s all we have.”
On the way out to the parking lot his private investigator, Larry Nerstrand, called. Steel held the phone tightly.
“Jack, I don’t want to get your hopes up, but the guy I’m tracking has made a habit of picking up young girls and selling them into sex trafficking. I’m close to finding him.”
His heart beat faster. “I can help. I can be anywhere you need me to be.”
“I need calm and no violence, Jack. If I need help, you’re the first person I’ll call. Give me a few more days.”
He almost began arguing that he should join him, but quickly decided against it. “Thanks, Larry.”
His palms were sweating and blood rushed to his ears. If he found Rachel, no matter what she had been through, he would do whatever it took to get her healthy again. He wanted to scream.
CHAPTER 25
He met Carol in Richmond at a cozy place called Rudie’s—she had sent a text. Small, tables for two, dimmed lights and soft music. Before he joined her, he casually walked through the restaurant, scanning the patrons. No one looked suspicious. No one had followed him.
She had ordered soup and salad for them. It was waiting for him on the table. In the past if she ordered their food before his arrival it meant she had little time.
He sat down and watched her face for any sign of what was to come. A man in a waist-length leather coat sat at a corner table, eyeing them. Kergan’s watcher.
Carol wore a deep blue suit, her auburn hair falling on her shoulders, her sharp chin in her palm braced by an elbow on the table. She looked beautiful. But who was she? His wife? A stranger?
He wouldn’t tell her about Larry Nerstrand’s call. He had done that too many times in the past, raising her hopes about finding Rachel, only to dash them again.
“Jack,” she said softly. Her hazel eyes settled on his plate. “I hope it’s all right.”
“Spinner almost died. Someone shot her.”
“Oh, Jack.” Her eyes widened and she slid a warm hand over his. “Why didn’t you call me?”
He frowned. “I did.”
“She’ll be okay?”
“She’ll be with the vet for a few days.” He took a deep breath. “I miss you.”
She removed her hand. “I don’t like needing someone to chauffeur me around. What’s going on?”
He detected anger and couldn’t blame her. Guilt swept him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m trying to find out.”
She stared into his eyes for a few moments. “Jack, part of me wants to give us another chance.”
His heart beat faster. “We can make it work. I’m different now.”
“I don’t want to live in fear and worry anymore. I need to know you’re out of the military for good, and I need to feel you want to be part of my life too. Get more involved with my friends and social gatherings.” She paused. “The reason I began talking to this other person is he makes me feel safe. I don’t have to worry if he’ll make it through another mission.”
He swallowed. “I can do that. Get out and stay out. And you know I’ll always protect you, Carol.” He thought about the three men that had recently tried to kill him. She was right, his life wasn’t safe. “Can you give me a few weeks to work things out?”
A long silence followed while she looked at the table, then up at him. “I want some time away from you, Jack. To think about all this. A month. No calls, no letters.”
“Are you taking a break from him too?” He put his fork down and clutched his knee. She had decided this alone, without him. Not a partner. An acquaintance.
She looked down and said softly, “I’m deciding whether I want to be with him.”
He dug his fingers into his thigh. “Is it a contest? Strongest man wins?”
She mechanically stirred her soup, her lips trembling.
“You didn’t answer the question. Are you taking a break from him too?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“Great. Maybe he’ll help you decide.” Blood rushed to his ears. “Glad you’re so fair about this. I’ve been with you for ten years, and he for one, and I’m the one you need a break from.”
“Please, Jack.”
He got himself under control and kept his voice calm. “How will you decide? By having sex with him? Talk it out with him? I’m sure he’s unbiased and will give me a fair shake.”
“Jack.” Tears sprang into her eyes. “I’ve never lied to you.”
“Has he promised you a child to make up for my mistakes
? Is that it? Or do you just want to punish me?”
“I don’t know.”
“We’re both to blame for what happened in the past, but you’re the only one to blame for what’s happening now.” He needed to get away from her. “I need some fresh air.” She didn’t answer, and he added gently, “Wait here, okay?”
“Sure, Jack.”
His last image of her was her face hidden by her hand. He decided he was pathetic. And maybe they both needed to punish each other.
Outside he heaved a deep breath and leaned against the building near the door. Light traffic moved back and forth in front of him. Sunset was close and shadows interrupted the sidewalk.
A black SUV with tinted windows was parked halfway down the street to the left. Nothing of note to the right. The SUV had been there when he had arrived. He didn’t think it meant anything. Still.
He walked back in, bypassed Carol’s table—she glanced up at him in surprise—and approached Kergan’s man. The watcher looked up at him, his eyes steady. A professional.
“I’m concerned about a black SUV parked out front. Maybe a spotter. You go out the front, as if you’re checking things out, while I take her out the back. Then come back in as if to get her. Call her in fifteen and we’ll meet.”
The man nodded. “Sounds good.”
Steel hesitated. “How were you going to take her out of here?”
“Out back. My car is parked on a side street.”
“Okay.” He returned to Carol’s table.
She looked up at him questioningly. “What’s wrong?”
“Maybe nothing. Come on.” He gently prodded her elbow and she rose without resistance.
Leading her to the back of the restaurant, he waited for Kergan’s man to exit the front door. Immediately he pushed through the employee door and hurried through the kitchen with her, past surprised cooks, busboys, and waitresses.
In his peripheral vision he spied someone in kitchen whites coming out of a stock room fast from the right side. He nearly pulled the Glock, but the man froze, a stack of pie tins in his hands.
“Evening.” Steel ignored Carol’s wide eyes and hurried to the back door, which was separated from the restaurant kitchen by a tiny entryway.
He pulled the Glock and quietly pushed the door open only an inch. An outside light above the door illuminated a shadow on the pavement. Peering out, he also saw a SUV to the right, facing away.
He stepped back a little and kicked the door open all the way. It banged into something, and he stepped out. A man was lying on the pavement, looking dazed, a gun lying near his hand.
The SUV’s rear passenger door opened. Steel put two bullets into it as a warning. The vehicle took off, the door closing on the way.
He stomped the fallen man’s hand and kicked him in the ribs. The man rolled over onto his side, groaning. Using his foot, he shoved the man’s gun down the alley.
He grabbed Carol’s hand. “Come on.”
They ran in the opposite direction of the fleeing SUV. Once out of the alley they dashed across the street. His Jeep was fifty yards away, his Glock beside his leg. At the corner he looked toward Rudie’s. The SUV was gone. So was Kergan’s man.
Police sirens.
They reached his Jeep, and in seconds he pulled away. In the rearview mirror he watched the police pull up in front of the restaurant.
Carol wrapped her arms around herself. “Why not just talk to the police, Jack?”
“The guys that tried to grab you are long gone and the police can’t keep you safe.”
He called Kergan, who picked up on the second ring. “We were at Rudie’s. Someone made a try for Carol.”
“My man?” Kergan’s voice was gruff.
“He’ll call me in fifteen.”
“I’ll call him. Bring her to me, Jack. Same place. Make sure you’re not followed.”
“See you in forty.” He hung up. His mouth was dry and his stomach churned. This was Rachel all over again. His actions had brought this to Carol.
She was curled up in her seat, her face ashen, her arms wrapped around her chest. “Are you going to tell me what this is about, Jack?”
“I honestly don’t know.” He didn’t want to go into everything. And telling her about the Komodo Op wasn’t possible. “I hope to have answers soon. Then this will all be over.”
Her jaw hardened and she hit his shoulder several times with a loose fist, yelling, “You brought this into my life, Jack! You did this!”
He leaned away but didn’t resist.
She pulled back, her lips pursed as she wiped tears from her eyes. “Damn you.”
She was right. Nothing had changed. Secrets. Lies. Distance. He felt it himself.
In a little over a half hour they met Kergan on a deserted dirt road in the country. He was waiting by his car, another car parked behind his. Four men stood on the road with him, holding shotguns and FN P90s.
Carol got out of the Jeep in silence and rushed into Kergan’s arms. Feeling small, Steel got out and waited in his headlights. He couldn’t even protect his own family. In moments Kergan opened his rear car door and Carol got in. He strode to Steel, stopping in front of him.
Kergan’s deep voice was hard. “Do you have any idea who sent them and why?”
“I might have a lead late tonight.”
“I’ll hide Carol where no one will be able to find her.” He paused. “Find a way to end this, Jack.”
“I’m sorry, Kergan. Without your help…” He didn’t finish.
“That’s what friends do, Jack.” Kergan rested his palm on Steel’s shoulder. “Make it end, whatever it is.”
He watched Kergan drive Carol away, and sat in the Jeep, thinking. Carol had almost been kidnapped because of him. Whoever it was would most likely have killed her to get at him. Fury sparked his eyes. They had gone after his family.
They were going to pay.
CHAPTER 26
Steel remembered their honeymoon.
They sat on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island watching the sunset, his arms wrapped around Carol. Warm air, lapping water, and soft sand beneath them.
“I know it may sound silly,” he whispered. “But I’ll never leave you. No matter what happens, I’ll be there.” His lips were close to her ear.
“It’s not silly,” she said. “I’m committed. No matter what. I won’t go away.”
He had believed her. Carol used to be enthralled with his life in the military, but those sentiments had faded over the years. Living with the secrecy and constant unknowns was different than looking at it from the outside. It had worn thin. Especially over the last year when she needed his support after Rachel’s disappearance. He couldn’t blame her.
He was in his lower barn hideaway in thirty minutes. Tired. Impatient to do the Spirax login. He couldn’t sleep. He did some light weights in the upper level of the barn to calm down.
At two-fifty-five a.m. he sat down at the computer station, ready to go.
At three sharp, Grove’s passwords and access code got him into the system at Spirax. He brought up the MultiSec folder and the list of its subsidiaries. One by one he opened the subsidiary files. Nothing new. He stared at the computer.
Janet Bellue’s words Beatles and Blitz at three floated back to him. Maybe it wasn’t just a three-a.m. login. Maybe the whole sentence was a clue. A file search for Beatles found an audio file: Beatles.wav. He opened it and A Hard Day’s Night played on his computer speakers.
He closed the file, loaded the Steganos security software from Bellue’s flash drive, and applied it to the audio file. A password box appeared. He tried Janet and Tom Bellue’s birthdays, their address, street name, Mother Goose, and others.
Stumped, he sat back, going over the sentence Janet had given him again. Beatles and blitz at three. It seemed too easy, but he ty
ped in the word blitz. A file folder labeled Paragon appeared. He clicked it open. It looked like another audit. Complex. He stared at it with bleary eyes but couldn’t sort it out. There were also old account payable files and some copies of records of incorporation. The document was fifty pages long.
It was three-thirty a.m.
He copied the file to two flash drives and his computer, and then printed one copy. The print copy was for a quick assessment from Grove. He wanted a thin leather briefcase that was in the house.
Pocketing the flash drives, he took the print copy and walked the lower tunnel into the house. The briefcase was on the second floor. He put the paper copy and one flash drive in it, stashed the case, and returned to the lower level of the barn.
It was three-forty-five a.m. He waited impatiently. At five a.m. he called Grove. He hoped Grove would have time to look at the report before he went to work.
Grove answered on the first ring. “Yes?”
“I need to talk to you right away.”
Grove sounded annoyed. “Not possible. Do you know what time it is?”
“It’s important.”
Grove talked in a hushed voice. “I’m already pressed for time and I’ve got meetings all day, lunch with the board, and I’m booked all afternoon and early evening.”
“Any time during the day?”
“Impossible.”
Steel rubbed his eyes. “When?”
Grove hesitated. “It can’t wait?”
“No.”
“All right. Dixie’s. At eight.”
“Pick a new place.”
Grove hesitated. “The Fish Shack on the highway strip just outside of Richmond. It’s usually crowded so grab a table.”
Exhausted, Steel turned in, feeling momentum on his side. He fell asleep immediately.
CHAPTER 27
Danker’s throat had been parched for almost an hour, but he put off his thirst and called General Sorenson. He had thought it was a mistake to ask Steel to join the next Blackhood Op, but General Morris had ordered him to. And Sorenson had backed up Morris. It frustrated him.
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