by Nicole Vidal
“Almost. I found fifty million, but I still have one more company to go through. So far the deposits in the Caymans match up.”
“Perfect. We’re pretty well set here too,” Jacob replies. A satisfied smile graces both of their faces.
After another brief kiss, I leave them in the office to start dinner. A wonderful dinner and conversation end with Connor leaving for the day. As much as I want this to be over, I’m nervous about how we work when I don’t need his professional services anymore. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter. I want to build a life with him.
Chapter 60
Jacob
Our plan is set, and we have prepared more than ever before. Every team member except Callen heads to Maine this morning. After a bit of wrangling and the promise of criminal activity by one of his agents, Special Agent in Charge Alex Bishop agreed to meet us in York Beach. We asked him to keep those in the know small.
“Morning, Cash,” I greet our pilot as I enter the plane.
“Hi, Jacob. Good to see you again. Hi, Norah.”
“Hi, Cash. How is Noelle?”
“Great. I’ll tell her you said hello.”
Norah refuses to release my hand. Her grip is extraordinarily tight this morning. We settle into our seats for the flight to Portsmouth. Only once during the flight does Norah let go of my hand. From there we’ll separate into two teams. Maia and Norah are both dressed the same and wearing blonde wigs this time. It’s simply an extra layer of security. I don’t think we’ll need it this time. William will have everything under control on his end.
Upon landing, Cash taxis to his private hangar. Once we deplane, I walk Norah to the SUV for a private moment, as private as we can get right now.
“If Bishop needs to talk to you personally, I’ll see you at the precinct. If not, I’ll meet you at your townhouse. I mentioned it before, but please prepare yourself, your home is trashed. I had the food cleaned and the doors replaced, but nothing else was touched.”
Norah nods.
“This is almost over. I’m sure you feel strange not being at the farm, it’s normal.” I slide my hand along her jaw, my fingers grazing the back of her neck. I draw my thumb across her lips before kissing her softly. “I love you, Norah. I’ll be back beside you as soon as I can.”
“I love you. I’ll be fine with Christoph and Nolan.”
I hesitate just a moment more as Nolan and Christoph walk toward us. Steeling myself, I walk to the sedan where Connor and Maia are waiting.
“Jake, you have prepared everything in excruciating detail. Let’s go clear her name, lock up Sergio, Rosita, and Morse,” Connor states.
I nod and start the car.
A short ride later, we enter the rear gate of the precinct and escort Maia inside as if she’s Norah. Intel from Blaine indicates that the Morettis and Agent Morse are aware of the meeting with Agent Bishop. I’m fairly confident that our carefully placed misinformation will allow me to present this evidence before they react.
“Captain. Good to see you again.”
“Jacob, good to see you as well. Connor, Norah, right this way.” William is aware of our entire plan. He knows its Maia but is playing along. “Sgt Washington will be joining us.”
If I recall correctly, he’s Gen’s brother-in-law.
“Special Agent Bishop, this is Jacob Blackthorne, Connor Michelson, and Maia Park of Blackthorne Security.” We exchange handshakes and take a seat.
“Thank you, Captain,” I begin while Connor distributes a summary of our findings as well as a timeline of events. “Agent Bishop, I have compiled evidence pertaining to the Moretti Family Brands with the assistance of Norah Cavallaro. She uncovered a scheme to siphon money into offshore accounts. When she brought this information to her superior, Stan Sterling of Quinn Sterling, he immediately removed her from the file. Since then, Miss Cavallaro has been threatened, intimidated, assaulted, and chased by members of the Moretti family. I want to be clear, there are two factions of the family. The first, led by Gustavo Moretti, is working with Robert Quinn, attempting to root out his family members embezzling money. We have determined that Sergio and Rosita Moretti are the culprits.” I take a moment and gaze over at Agent Bishop. He appears to be listening intently.
“In that file, you’ll find a complete forensic accounting tracing the monies from the Moretti Family Brands to seven offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands. Miss Cavallaro determined that either Sergio or Rosita and one additional unsuspecting family member hold the accounts.”
“Mr. Blackthorne, I appreciate your presentation. I have no doubt the Morettis, at least some of them, are dirty. A small task force has been looking into their businesses for the last two years. Mr. Quinn has been working with us for the last sixth months, give or take. We are fully aware that Miss Cavallaro was not involved in the scheme to hide the money for the Morettis.” I nod as he continues. “I’m more interested in evidence that points to my agents assaulting Miss Cavallaro.”
I exhale slowly, moving on to the assault portion of the presentation. “If you flip to tab four. Miss Cavallaro was drugged in her townhouse the day after she told Mr. Sterling of her findings. At her interview in your office, she recognized tattoos and the voice of Agent Morse as her assailant.”
“I understand. Where is Miss Cavallaro?”
“She is nearby. Her findings speak for themselves, and her last meeting with your office didn’t go well. At the behest of the Morettis, Miss Park was abducted because she was mistaken for Miss Cavallaro. She’s rightfully concerned about attending another meeting unless absolutely necessary.”
Bishop nods. “I’ll review all of this information immediately and place Agent Morse on desk duty until such review is complete. At some point in the future, I insist on a meeting with Miss Cavallaro. It need not be in person.”
I release a breath as discreetly as possible. “She’ll be available upon your request.” Almost immediately, my phone, Connor’s, and Maia’s buzz in concert.
Christoph: Townhouse compromised. Told client to follow Plan K.
“Christoph, talk to me,” I bark into my phone.
“It’s me,” Norah replies in a shaky but not yet panicked voice.
“Norah,” I breathe.
Chapter 61
Norah
Leaving the hangar wasn’t as difficult this time. I’m confident in Jacob’s ability to clearly set forth everything that has occurred since my meeting with Stan.
Christoph, Nolan, and I head directly to my townhouse. Jacob attempted to prepare me for the condition of my home. Honestly, after the initial shock, I know I’ll be fine. I’m not staying. I just want to pack my clothes, decide what to keep or toss, and settle in at the farm.
“Nolan will go clear your house, and then will we follow,” Christoph indicates as we park along the curb. It’s just past the morning rush. The complex is quiet at this time.
“Okay.”
We sit in the SUV and wait for Nolan to report all clear. After a solid ten minutes pass, I note Christoph getting anxious.
“Norah, something is wrong.” I nod. Fear courses through me knowing Nolan went inside for me, instead of me. “I’m setting this timer for five minutes. If I don’t come out to get you before it expires, you send this text and drive to your sister’s. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
When Christoph escorted me back from Boston, we were going toward safety. Now, he’s walking away from it, into unknown danger. His work mode is equal to Jacob’s. It’s comforting both for me and his safety.
“Do not under any circumstances come inside. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
He sets the timer and takes off into my townhouse. The seconds tick by like molasses. My concern level increases the closer the timer gets to zero. Nolan could be injured. What if I could help? No. Do not go inside. They are doing their jobs. Risking their lives for me. Do what Christoph said.
Wrapped in the thoughts in my head, I jump when the timer
blares. Inhaling sharply, I send the text with Christoph’s phone and start the SUV.
Immediately the phone rings.
“Christoph, talk to me,” Jacob shouts when I answer.
“It’s me,” I reply.
“Norah, what happened?” His voice cracks as he speaks. I relay the circumstances, including that Christoph sent me to Kelly’s. “How long ago did you leave?”
“I’m leaving my complex.” My nerves are still steady at this point, although the crack in his armor doesn’t help.
“Tell me the route you’ll take to Kelly’s.”
About a half mile into the drive, an SUV cuts in front of me. Fear of crashing into someone who wants to harm me makes my throat constrict. I slam on the brakes, barely avoiding a collision.
“Noooo!”
“Norah!”
“I’m fine. An SUV pulled out in front of me and is crawling. It isn’t a coincidence. The vehicle is a rental. I can’t see the driver though.”
“Can you give me the plate?” he asks, I assume to relay it to William.
“PR340, but it isn’t Maine. It’s Rhode Island.”
“I’m sure you know the roads better than whoever is in the SUV. Is there somewhere with a large, accessible area without a lot of people?” he asks, and I hear talking in the background.
“I would say the high school, but school is in session. The golf course would be closed at this point.”
“Hold on, let me talk to William for a moment. He’s driving.” Minutes pass as I move along the route to Kelly’s.
“Okay, I need you to take as many backroads as you can to get to the golf course. Once you turn away from that SUV, they will follow. Drive safely but as fast as you can. I’ll be at the golf course.”
“Don’t hang up!” I can’t handle this alone. He’s keeping me calm as I wind through these backroads.
“I won’t. I just need to update William. I’ll be here the entire way. Read out the streets as you turn. That way we can estimate when you’ll get here.” I exhale and hear talking over the line but not his actual words. “Norah?”
“I’m here.” I call out the next street name. Just three more turns and I will be at the golf course. Almost every member of Jacob’s team has been injured to protect me. It’s a lot to process.
“Any change?” His voice is calm. The crack allowing vulnerable Jacob through from before was a momentary lapse in his demeanor. Protector Jacob is fully in charge right now.
“Now there are two SUVs behind me.” A list of potential drivers filters through my mind. It could be… I have no clue who it could be other than Morse. I highly doubt that Sid and Carlo would drive all this way.
“You’re almost here, gorgeous. You’ve got this.” His confidence in me is unwavering. I’m terrified. My hands are turning white from clutching the steering wheel. I’m vibrating with fear. I have no idea how this will turn out. I keep reminding myself that Jacob and William have a plan.
“Norah, when you get here, speed up, drive to the right of the row of cars, continue around, turning left, and drive straight behind them parallel to the clubhouse,” Jacob calmly relays through the speaker.
“I will.” I channel my training and breathe in and out in regular intervals.
I take the last turn and slow for the speed bump before speeding up to the next bump. I don’t see them yet because of the curvy driveway, but I’m sure the vehicles are there. As I round the bend in the road, I see a row of police cars in front of the clubhouse. There’s approximately a full car length between each one, ten vehicles long. As I turn right toward the end of the row, additional units pull between me and the two SUVs. I continue driving as instructed to the end of the row of cars. As I move past the cars, I hear crunching, breaking glass, sirens, and shouting.
“Norah, you can stop driving, but stay in the truck.” Jacob’s voice breaks my cold stare out the windshield.
“Uh-huh.” I glance out my window and see the two SUVs at a halt, the second one crashed into the first, likely due to the spike strips running along the ground. Red and blue lights are flashing, and there are at least fifteen officers in various uniforms, mostly YBPD, surround the two SUVs.
“Breathe, beautiful. It’s almost over.”
I let out a shaky breath.
“Again, sweetheart.”
I exhale again.
“I’m coming over to you. I’ll approach on the passenger side of the truck.”
I lower my head to the steering wheel, regulating my breathing even further.
The door flies open, and I slide across the seat into his strong arms. The only place I want to be every single day.
“Are Nolan and Christoph all right?” I rasp against his lips.
“They’re being checked out at York Memorial. Just let me… please.”
I melt into his embrace. His arms wind around me so tightly his fingers grazing my rib cage from behind, my feet barely touch the ground. Feeling his heartbeat against my chest solidifies that my Jacob, vulnerable Jacob is resurfacing as he holds me close. Honestly, I’m surprised he isn’t running his hands over the length of my body to make sure I’m uninjured.
“Is it over?”
He lowers me to the ground, interlaces his fingers with mine, and leads me around the line of police vehicles. We’re just in time to see Agent Morse, Agent Brown, and another woman shoved into the rear of police cruisers. “Damn! I was really hoping to be able to knock him out.”
Jacob laughs, loud and genuine. “I would have liked a front row seat.” We stand off to the side watching the scene. A few minutes later, a tall man wearing an FBI jacket and William approach us.
“Well done, Norah.”
“Thanks, William.” I’m still shaking a bit, but my nerves are calming.
“Miss Cavallaro, I’m Special Agent in Charge Bishop.” He extends his hand to me. “I appreciate your assistance with Agents Morse and Brown. I apologize on behalf of the Bureau for their actions. I will levy whatever charges are appropriate. When I can review the extensive documentation provided by Blackthorne, I may reach out with questions.”
“You’re welcome. I just want to clear my name.”
Bishop nods and turns to Jacob. “Mr. Blackthorne, I look forward to reviewing your documentation and working with you in the future to complete this case.”
“As do I, Agent Bishop.”
He walks away.
“Can we go to the hospital now?” I implore.
“You don’t need to go. They’ll be fine,” Jacob replies.
“I want to. We have no way to get there.” I sigh.
“You will in a few minutes. I had Officer Smithson escort Kelsey from home to your townhouse to get your car. She should be arriving any minute. Officer Cappelli went to York Hospital with Christoph and Nolan.” Just as he finishes speaking, Kelsey pulls into a parking spot to our right.
After parking she walks over to us and kisses William softly.
“Hey there, sweets. How are you holding up?” she asks, turning to me.
“I’m better now.” This nightmare is ending. I’ll be able to make choices for my life, both personally and professionally.
“Good. Your car is insane. If it weren’t for this little person,” she says, rubbing her belly, “I would consider getting one for myself.”
I laugh, taking my keys. William slides his arm protectively around her.
“Do you need anything else from me, William?” I ask.
“Not now. I’ll need you to review your statement and sign it, but nothing else. We can do that over email if you prefer.”
“That works.” I hug Kelsey. “Maybe I’ll see you in the morning, Kels.”
“Sounds perfect. A Maine Christmas might be in order too?”
“I don’t know about that. We’ll talk more soon. Love you, Kels.”
“Love you too, sweets.”
William and Jacob finish their conversation, and we leave for the hospital. As we approach the passenger door, I
hand Jacob my keys.
Chapter 62
Jacob
“You’re going to let me drive?” Surprise doesn’t begin to cover how this moment feels.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Um, you love this car.”
“I love you more. Let’s go.”
I wait for Norah to settle into the seat and close the door. Rounding the car, I adjust everything and head toward the hospital. Nurse Reynolds greets us as we enter the emergency department.
“Mr. Blackthorne, Miss Cavallaro. Right this way.” She leads us through two sets of double doors. Officer. Cappelli is standing guard outside the door. I feel Norah shudder.
Leaning over, I whisper, “I’ve talked to both Nolan and Christoph. It’s just a precaution.”
“Okay,” she whispers.
As we approach, I note a shift in Officer. Cappelli’s stance. He softens as Willa nears him. He’s interested in her. Can’t say I blame him. She’s beautiful. Long, dark hair, big blue eyes, and those scrubs don’t mask her curves at all. As we step inside the room, she pauses to talk to him. I only overhear a small portion.
“Hi, Willa. Nice to see you again.”
“You too. Glad your arm healed well.”
The door closes slowly, and I focus my attention to my team. Connor starts to speak immediately.
“Hi, Jake. Norah.”
Norah steps to the side of Christoph and takes his hand. The anguish on her face is difficult for me to see. She blames herself for his injuries. He has a large shiner near his left eye, and his arm is in a sling. However, she doesn’t understand it’s his job. Maybe she does understand that portion, but seeing it makes it all too real.
“I’m fine, Norah. Don’t blame yourself. Thank you for listening.”
“You’re welcome. I will admit, I considered going after you, but then both of us would be answering to Jacob.”
Christoph smiles at her admission. “You’re right.”
It appears Nolan sustained more injuries. He’s either sedated or sleeping. His left leg is resting on a few pillows, his knee wrapped. He has a bandage on his arm. Maia is pacing the length of the bed. Worry mars her face. I no longer believe nothing is going on between them. Her expression screams something more. If there isn’t, they both want something to happen.
