Guarding Gabi - Kathy Ivan

by Special Forces - Operation Alpha

  “Boudreau, like your name, Sheriff?”

  “Please answer the question.” Rafe remained across the room from her, his back against the wall, one knee bent, his feet crossed.

  “I don’t think—oh, wait—I met somebody at a quaint little diner in town when I stopped to get directions. The cashier called her Gabi. She was nice and gave me information on a local antique shop. Is this the Gabi you mean?”

  “Has Tarik Amir ever mentioned the name Gabi Boudreau?”

  “Mr. Boudreau, Sheriff, whatever you prefer to be called, I think you are under a mistaken impression of the relationship between me and my half-brother. We do not speak often. Nor are we involved in the other’s life. Tarik doesn’t tell me what’s going on in his world. When we do chat, it’s about my job, my mother’s health. Not about the women in his life.” She leaned forward. “Is this Gabi involved with Tarik? She didn’t seem his type, although I suppose she might appeal to his taste.”

  “So you’re telling me you don’t stay in contact with Tarik Amir? You rarely talk with him, is that correct?”

  “This conversation is getting tiresome, Sheriff Boudreau.” She placed a strong emphasis on Rafe’s name.

  “I’m getting tired of your lies, Ms. Baptiste. I’ve seen Amir’s phone records for the last six months. Shall I tell you how many times the two of you have spoken during that timeframe?”

  Jennifer paled and swallowed nervously. Now, you’ve got her, Dylan thought. If she lies, Rafe can arrest her. Or she’ll tell the truth to save her own hide.

  “Is…is it legal for you to see his phone records? What has Tarik done wrong?”

  “Ms. Baptiste, if you simply cooperate with us, this can all be over and you’ll be free to go. Or I can place you under arrest and hold you for seventy-two hours—or longer, depending on the charges. Is that what you want?” Rafe stepped away from the wall and placed both hands flat on the tabletop, leaning closer to Jennifer. “I’ll make it easy. Have you spoken with Tarik Amir today?” He glanced at her phone, still clutched in Jennifer’s hand.

  “Yes.” Dylan barely heard Jennifer’s whispered admission, but the audible gasp from one of the others in the room confirmed it.

  “Do you know where Amir is right now, Ms. Baptiste? And don’t lie to me, because I’ll know.” Rafe’s question had the woman backing away from him as far as the chair allowed. She swallowed, her eyes downcast. A ribbon of sweat coated her forehead, and she drew in a deep breath.

  “If I tell you, can I leave?”

  “I’m can’t guarantee anything, Ms. Baptiste. But your cooperation will go a long way in helping your case.” Rafe pulled out the chair opposite hers and sat, putting himself on the same level as Jennifer, and Dylan recognized it for the tactic it was—first intimidate and scare your target—then show a moment of comradery before swooping in for the kill. Textbook interrogation one-oh-one.

  “First, I want you to understand, I have nothing to do with Tarik’s actions. He knew I was coming to the U.S., and asked me for a favor. It seemed simple enough, since I was already here.” Jennifer kept her head down, eyes lowered and not meeting Rafe’s.

  “What did he ask?”

  “He wanted me to drive to Shiloh Springs and see if I could locate someone. Yes, alright, Gabi Boudreau. He asked me to see if this Gabi Boudreau was in Shiloh Springs, and if she was, to find out where she was staying. Nothing more, I swear.”

  “What did you tell him?” There was an edge to Rafe’s question, sharp and to the point. Jennifer winced at his tone.

  “I…told him she was here. That’s all. I am leaving today. Then your police person grabbed me as I was headed back to the bed and breakfast. I am leaving this town and never coming back!”

  “You told Amir Gabi is here.” It wasn’t a question. “Is he here in Shiloh Springs?”

  Jennifer’s lips stayed firmly shut, arms folded across her chest. Dylan doubted Rafe would get anything else helpful from her, and her next words proved to be right.

  “Sheriff Boudreau, I’m finished answering your questions. If you intend to keep me here, I believe I would like to speak with an attorney.”

  Rafe walked to the door, and walked out without another word. Dylan met him in the hallway. “Think she was telling the truth?”

  “At the end, yeah, I do. Which still doesn’t tell us if Amir is in Shiloh Springs.” He ran a hand over his face.

  “If he’s not, then he’s on his way. He knows Gabi is here, and she is his only way of getting to Salem. We need to move them ASAP.”

  “Agreed.” Rafe headed for his office. “I’m gonna call my momma, and let her know what’s going on. You get in touch with Gabi.”

  A loud clap of thunder rumbled, the floorboard beneath his feet vibrating with its intensity. Looking toward the front of the sheriff’s office, he noted the rain coming down in sheets outside. A flash of lightning brightened the darkness momentarily before another peal of thunder boomed. He knew Gabi intended to spend the afternoon with Salem, and couldn’t help wonder if she was still there.

  Gabi’s number rang and rang with no answer. Voice mail didn’t pick up either, and he wondered if the call even went through. Didn’t matter. He needed to get to her.

  Rafe stormed out of his office. “Momma says Gabi’s at the cabin. She’s been there all afternoon.

  “She’s not answering her phone. I don’t know if the call’s not going through or if there’s trouble.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “I’m coming, too.” Dax walked over, joining Dylan. “You might need the help.”

  “Count me in,” Antonio added.

  “Me, too.” This from Chance.

  “Boss?” Dusty stood by his desk. “I want to help.”

  “I appreciate it, Dusty, but somebody’s got to handle things here in town, and you’re the one I trust for the job. We’ll keep in touch. Be ready, though, in case we come back with Amir in tow.”

  “You got it.”

  Dylan headed for the door. “We’re wasting time. Let’s go.”

  19

  Gabi peered at the late afternoon sky. Thick, heavy clouds created a gloomy, overcast feeling, which kinda matched her mood. Frustration mixed with anger made her want to scream. Giving in to temptation, she let a loud yell loose, screaming at the top of her lungs. It reverberated through the car, because all the windows were rolled up, but it was worth it. She’d been tense all morning, irritated Tarik kept popping in and out of her life, and essentially ruined Salem’s. Why didn’t he just make a move already, so the police, or Dylan, or Carpenter Security, somebody—anybody—could force him to stop torturing her friend?

  Pulling up in front of Salem’s cabin, she grabbed her purse and the board games she’d hijacked from the Big House. If things didn’t come to a head soon, she’d have to look online and find something to occupy Salem’s time.

  “Hi, Gabi.”

  She looked up, seeing Salem silhouetted in the doorway. “Hey, girlfriend. You doing okay?”

  Salem absently rubbed her belly. “This little one has been really active this afternoon. Kept his mama from getting her nap.” Her words were accompanied by a sweet smile. “Before you know it, I’ll be holding him or her in my arms. It all seems, I don’t know, a little surreal, you know?”

  Gabi climbed up the steps and brushed an air kiss against her friend’s cheek, before leaning down toward Salem’s protruding belly. “Hey, kiddo, you giving your mama a hard time today? Give her a break, because I’m going to whip her butt today. I’ve got all kinds of games, some of my favorites. Lucky you, you get a ringside seat, kiddo.”

  “What did you bring?”

  Gabi walked into the cabin and placed the boxes on the table. “Let’s see. I’ve got Monopoly, Clue, The Game of Life, and Uno. Pick your poison while I get us something to drink.”

  “Definitely not The Game of Life. Mines already had so many twists and turns, I doubt the game could compete.” Salem laid her hand on the Clue box. “Le
t’s start with this. It was a favorite as a kid.”

  “Clue it is.” Gabi placed two glasses of soda onto the table, and sat, unboxing the game board and all the game pieces.

  “Have you heard anything? About Tarik?” Salem’s voice was hesitant, her fingers picking absently at one of the cards.

  “Dylan’s in town with Rafe right now. I’m sure if there’s any news, he’ll call. They aren’t going to hide anything from you, Salem. There’s too much at stake.”

  A boom of thunder followed Gabi’s words, and Salem jumped at the unexpected noise. Gabi noted how pale she looked. There were dark circles beneath her eyes, and they were red-rimmed, like she’d been crying. Her heart wrenched, hurting for her friend, and despising Tarik even more because of what he’d done. Even when he’d been halfway across the world, he’d found ways to torment and taunt Salem. She wished he was dead. That might be hateful and unchristian, but it was the truth.

  “It was getting pretty gray out there on the drive over. Might get ugly out there later tonight.”

  “I knew Texas was hot, but I didn’t realize it rained so much.”

  Gabi chuckled. “I asked Aunt Patti about it. Normally, it doesn’t rain nearly this much. They’re having an unseasonably wet season. On the bright side, it’s kept the temperature outside cooler than normal, otherwise, you’d want to kill me for parking your behind in Texas, pregnant and in plus one-hundred-degree heat.”

  “I worry about flash floods. I remember reading about how fast the water rises with these Texas storms, and I’m not fast enough to outrun racing water.” If anything, Salem looked paler than before.

  “Nothing to worry about. This place isn’t too close to a river or lake. If there’s even a chance of that happening, I’ll pop you into the car and drive you to the Big House. Nothing is going to happy to you or Jelly Bean there.” She pointed toward Salem’s protruding stomach.

  “Jelly Bean? Really?”

  “Well, I’ve got to call the baby something, and since we don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl…”

  Salem shook her head, but a smile played around her lips. Gabi felt a little better, having lifted her friend’s spirits, even if only for a few minutes. While they’d been talking, she’d spread out the playing pieces and cards, sliding the clues into the envelope. “I hope you’re ready to lose, because I rock at Clue.”

  They played games for the next few hours, snacking and chatting. Salem paused their latest game for a bathroom break, and Gabi walked over to the door, gazing outside. The sky had darkened, and a soft rain pattered against the roof, but the booming thunder from earlier had passed over without any severe weather. She pulled out her phone, checking for a text from Dylan. Nothing.

  “Everything alright?”

  “Just checking to see if Dylan texted. No news is good news.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Salem held out a hair brush. “Would you mind?

  “Course not. Gimme.” Salem resumed her seat at the table, and Gabi began stroking the brush through Salem’s long auburn hair. With each stroke, she felt Salem relaxing a bit more. Good. She had enough on her plate, and if a small act of kindness like brushing Salem’s hair made her feel better, Gabi would keep brushing until her hand fell off.

  “After the baby—Jelly Bean—comes,” she corrected at Gabi’s playful frown, “where am I going to go? I can’t go back to New Orleans. I know it sounds crazy, but I think I should change my name, maybe my appearance, and disappear. Move someplace where I can live off the grid. If there’s no trail, if Salem Hudson disappears, maybe he’ll stop looking.”

  “Honestly, girlfriend, I think until and unless you have legal documentation filed with the United States court system stating you have sole custody of Jelly Bean, he’s going to come after you. I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but Samuel is working with attorneys to ensure you have sole permanent custody, but it’s a process and takes time.”

  “And money. Lots of money I don’t have.”

  Gabi shook the brush at Salem. “Don’t even start with that nonsense. Samuel has a gazillion dollars, and loves to throw his money at good causes. And you, my friend, are a worthwhile cause. It’s all a waiting game, because Jelly Bean has to get here first. There might be a long, drawn-out court battle. Are you ready if that happens?”

  Salem rubbed her hand against her belly. Gabi had noted it was something she did almost subconsciously, as if reassuring herself her baby was still there and safe. “I will do anything to keep this little one safe.” She paused and stared at Gabi, determination written across her features. “Anything.”

  Tarik stared at the text message on his phone. Damn Jennifer. She’d been stupid enough to be picked up by the police or sheriff’s department, or whatever passed for law enforcement in this one stoplight town. She was on her own now. There were more important things which needed handling; specifically, finding that traitorous bitch, Salem, and getting his child.

  His son. There could be no other outcome. While a female child would be acceptable, every fiber of his being bespoke a male heir. Someone in his image he could mold and train—the same way his father trained him. A son he would love, the way he’d once loved his faithless mother, before she turned away and ran from him.

  “Are you still following the coordinates on the tracking device?”

  “Yes, sir,” his driver responded. Fortunately, he hired true and loyal men, ones who wouldn’t be swayed by the promises America broadcast worldwide. The land of opportunity? Bah, the people who worked for the Amir family were well taken care of, paid generously and respected by their peers. This engendered the kind of unwavering loyalty he paid for and deserved, as was his right.

  “How long until we get there?” His patience wore thin. Too much time away from his home and his family, all because of a stubborn woman who didn’t realize her place, her lot in life. Had he not treated her well? Provided her with all manner of worldly goods? And this was how she repaired his generosity. He’d actually planned to marry the little harlot. Instead, good fortune had shown him the error of his ways before he’d made a grievous mistake.

  “About one hour, sir.”

  “Excellent.”

  Soon, he mused, he’d have everything again. Salem would pay for her treason and he’d take his son home, where he belonged.

  20

  Gabi plated up the bacon and eggs and added a slice of bread and butter to the plate. Salem said she wasn’t hungry, but Gabi wanted her to eat least try to eat a little. She needed to keep herself nourished since she wasn’t just eating for herself. Jelly Bean needed the food, too. A boom of thunder ripped through the air followed by the scent of ozone as lightning crackled. Dang, that seemed like it was really close.

  “Here you go.” She set the plate in front of Salem. “Eat.”

  Salem picked up her fork, and prodded at the scrambled eggs. “Still the only thing you can cook, huh?”

  “Pretty much.” Gabi sat across from Salem. “I wish this storm would pass. They don’t usually bother me, but I don’t like leaving you here alone in this.”

  “I’ll be fine.” She moved around the eggs on her plate, and Gabi noted she hadn’t taken more than one bite. It broke her heart, seeing her best friend so unhappy, and not able to do more. Damn Tarik.

  “I’m gonna text Dylan, let him know I’ll be late.”

  “Gabi, don’t—”

  “Hush. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Pulling out her phone, she typed in the message and hit send. The message failed. Lifting the phone toward the lamp to better see, she noted there were no bars. The storm must be interfering with the signal, she mused. Not a big deal, she’d try again in a bit.

  “Have you heard from your brothers or your dad?” Salem finally took another bite of egg, and broke off a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth.

  “Dad’s still in London. I haven’t talked to my brothers, though I know Dylan has. They’re working nonstop, tracking Tarik. You’re not alone
anymore. Lots and lots of people are helping to keep you safe from him. Aunt Patti and Uncle Douglas, Rafe. Ranger, Etienne, Bas, and Jean-Luc. And don’t forget Samuel. Plus, you’ve got me and Dylan. With all these ex-military alpha men watching your back, Tarik hasn’t got a chance. Even if he finds you, he won’t get close.

  “Really, Gabi?” Gabi jumped at the sound of the man’s voice, and Salem screamed. Tarik stood just inside the door, rain splattered on his Armani suit. His hair was slick with water, and at the obvious smirk on his face, Gabi took a step toward him.

  “No! Gabi, don’t!” Salem grasped her arm, her fingers digging in deep enough to bruise.

  “She’s right, Gabi, don’t.” It was only then Gabi noticed the 9mm in Tarik’s right hand. Crap. After everything they’d done to keep Salem hidden and safe, the monster found her. Gabi’s mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. Nothing worked. She was alone with Salem. Unarmed. Phone service was limited at best, and then only if she could get any bars. Then again, how likely was Tarik to let her make a call or text? Not bloody likely.

  “How’d you find us?”

  “It wasn’t easy. I will admit, Gabi, you have been a worthy opponent, but the game is over.”

  “Game? You think this is a game, and you’re the winner? This is real life. You harassed and stalked me, threatened to kill me. You terrorized Salem. Beat her. Scarred her. I’ve seen the marks on her back. The ones you left on her breasts. The one on her face. Look at her, Tarik! You did that! Do you really think I’m going to let you take her again?”

  “Let me?” Tarik chuckled. “You act like you have a choice, Gabi.” He gestured with the gun. “You don’t. Salem and my son belong to me. They are mine, and I am taking them back home, where they belong.”

  “Gabi?” Throughout all this, Salem had remained silent, her entire body shaking in fear. “I have to go with him. I won’t let him hurt you.” She released Gabi’s arm, and took a step toward Tarik. It was Gabi’s turn to latch onto Salem’s arm, stopping her.