Exposed On the Run

by Wylder Stone

  Working often with the agency Owen was employed by, it was easy to pass on a lead to a handful of people and watch it spread like wildfire. Now they just sat back to see who made a move and shared Owen’s location. All they had to do was wait for whoever it was to leak the information to Cesar.

  Owen and Trista were back on the grid and out in the open. Only this time, it was on their terms. Cesar was calculated and smart. The man would take his time and circle his prey. Toy with it, then attack when least expected. A true predator. But he didn’t see them coming, and they were a step ahead, masterminding the whole charade that was about to unfold.

  The plan was to beat him at his own game and lead him to his demise. They were already leaving him a trail, and Cesar and his men were following it. By the time Cesar and his goons got to Catalina Island, Owen and Trista would be long gone.

  They’d follow the carefully plotted trail to a small mountain town outside LA, Bear Springs, and then Los Angeles where they wouldn’t find Owen and Trista, but they would confirm that Trista’s sister and son were alive. Coming face-to-face with Becca and her new friends in Los Angeles would blow the case wide open and set the trap. Finding Lizzy and Mason would lead Cesar to believe Trista was nearby and that he had a bargaining chip.

  It was risky, but Cesar needed Lizzy, who now went by Becca Maine to be alive if he was going to get to Trista. Bear Springs was heavily guarded, but should he find a way to get too close, they knew Lizzy, or Becca as she was known locally, would be safe. Becca didn’t know she was the key to this whole thing, and telling her could jeopardize everything.

  Finally, the trail would end in Bear Springs. Becca would live out in the open with Mason, but the one he really wanted, Cesar would wait for. She would be in the air. He would sense her, but she’d always be just out of sight…Trista. It would drive them mad, they’d make mistakes, and Cesar would expose himself.

  “His ego will get the better of him, and we’ll grab him. Put him away…forever,” Owen said, explaining the plan to a nervous Trista.

  “Forever…that’s a long time,” Trista said, her words having little to do with Cesar and more to do with their relationship.

  “It is.”

  “I’m worried about Mason. I don’t want to put him at risk. Liz…errr…Becca either.” She voiced her concerns, and her worry was to be expected.

  “They’re safe. They’re never left completely exposed or unprotected,” he stated with confidence. “I sent them to Bear Springs because I knew they would be looked after, protected. Some of the best people I know are there. She’s built a good life with these people, just as I expected, my sister being one of them. This was all intentional from the beginning. There is always someone at an arms length to help and eyes on them at all times. ”

  “Sister?” Trista questioned, remembering how fondly he spoke of his over their months together.

  “None of them know who Lizzy really is, or Mason. The relationships are completely organic, but I knew putting them there, my friends and family would take care of them.”

  “Your sister, she doesn’t know…?”

  “None of them do, but they’re about to. Cesar’s men have already been in Bear Springs. Everyone knows they’re there, but they just don’t know why. We’re going to tell them when the time is right. We need things to play out this way if we’re going to get him,” Owen promised.

  “It just feels so unpredictable,” Trista admitted.

  “We need him on our heels. Do you trust me?” Owen asked.

  A long pause stood between them while Trista worked over the details in her head. It was risky, it was frightening, and there was a lot on the line. But…she trusted him. After nodding her head, acknowledging such, he pulled her into a warm embrace and held her tight. He wouldn’t let her down.

  “I wouldn’t do any of this if I didn’t think I could keep you all safe. I have just as much on the line – my family, my friends. It’s all on the table – moving targets everywhere.”

  It was their last night in Catalina Island, and Trista was going to miss it. It had quickly become her favorite place. They had lived like a couple, albeit for a short time, and had to frequently remind themselves why they were really there because being there together felt so right. It wasn’t lost on either one of them that once all of this was over, they could be over, too.

  While the tide was out, they had a picnic on their beach in the cove. It was quite possibly their last night together because they weren’t sure what was next, not entirely. This thing could pull them a hundred different directions. It was bittersweet

  Owen confessed his feelings for her, admitting he’d loved Trista. In the off event that something should happen, he wanted her to know before it was too late to share. But love came at a cost, and he’d have to pay the piper. He couldn’t be the reason behind anything happening to her, and Trista was already a target. He had a lot of loose ends to tie up and a past to sort out before they could be anything. He wanted a life with her, but not one that had them living like they were now. They both deserved better.

  14

  After a hour long ferry ride, followed by a quick drive through Los Angeles traffic, bu wasn’t, Owen and Trista pulled up to The Elite Building – where Elite Force was run and each of the Force brothers lived. The couple was meeting with all four of the brothers as well as their cousins for a debriefing. They would also get Trista up to speed on the who’s who in Bear Springs before their stealth-like arrival so Trista knew who was safe and who she could trust.

  “This building…it’s enormous. Is it all yours?” Trista asked as they pulled into the gated underground garage.

  He nodded.

  “How the heck do ex-military, security guys manage a place like this…it’s incredible,” she admitted in total awe as they took the elevator several floors up to the conference room they would be using.

  “It’s high-end security. Our clients aren’t your average citizens. They are corporate tycoons, celebrities, government officials, and some are just private-sector citizens with more money than half the population combined. The rich don’t always deal in money. They deal in assets, too. That’s how we landed The Elite Building.”

  “Someone paid you with a building, a skyscraper no less…I don’t even know what to think of that.” Trista laughed. “For such a privacy driven business, you’re sure out in the open, sitting here mixed in the hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles area.”

  “That’s intentional – hiding in plain sight. This place is more secure than Fort Knox and completely untraceable in every way. It doesn’t even show up on a Google map.”

  “That is brilliant.”

  “And for the record, we are just outside LA. We’re more beach people than city people.”

  “I stand corrected.” She said, peering at the ocean view in the distance as they exited the elevator.

  The Elite Building sat in a trendy business district in Santa Monica where urban lifestyle was all the hype. Oceanfront meaning they really were near the beach. Like all of the buildings in this particular oceanfront neighborhood, the street-level floor was all retail – from grocery to boutiques, florists, coffee shops and salons, even restaurants and insurance agents. Above was the urban-lifestyle living – apartments. The neighborhood boasted some of the most beautiful beaches, recreational attractions, and pretty much anything one could need or want within walking distance. One never had to go far from home for anything.

  “Leasing out all of the retail space at street level lends to the disguise. The rest is all us,” he informed.

  “You and your brothers use this entire building…” A statement, not a question.

  “Sure. We each live here on our own floor for space and privacy so we don’t feel like we are living on top of each other. We also have guest quarters for our cousins and close family friends. The only other person who lives here full time is one of our employees. She sort of works around the clock, so it’s just…easy. The rest is Elite Force S
ecurity, which also includes a few temporary housing arrangements for relocations.”

  “That’s impressive. I had no idea,” Trista admitted.

  “Well, the less you knew…” he teased, tossing one of his favorite old sayings that used to bother her to her core.

  She giggled at the reference. “Right…the safer I was.”

  They stood outside the conference room door, ready to go in. “Tomorrow, everything changes. Are you ready for that?”

  She smiled shyly, nerves getting the best of her. “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I can’t believe, after all of this time, it’s going to be…over.”

  “Yeah,” he said, with sadness in his eyes, “over. Remember, it’s not all over. We still have an entire trial to prepare for and get through once we do apprehend him.”

  Both hung on those words, reading into them what they really meant. They didn’t know what was next for them. Once Cesar was out of the picture, they were no longer forced to be together. Owen said he had a past to sort but didn’t mention if she was a part of that process. Time would tell, and they would take it one day at a time. But first, they had to locate Cesar.

  They entered the room where everyone on the case from Elite was already seated – the Force family. There were quick introductions, but Trista already felt as if she knew them and of course they’d known her from a distance as well. It was fast, but friendly, then they got to work. First, they passed pictures to Trista with names and quick bios so she would know who everyone was, the people they would be working with in the coming days and engaging with. Her sister’s new family of friends in Bear Springs.

  It was overwhelming at first, but Trista went through the pictures over and over, learning names and faces. One, in particular, stood out. Tyson Neil. He was Lizzy’s love interest, well, Becca’s…she needed to remember her sister’s name was now Becca. Trista was happy that her sister was able to build such a good life for herself, and even find love in what could have been the worst of situations. Lizzy – Becca – had done well with the situation, that was not of her own doing, maybe even handled it better than Trista. More importantly, she’d Mason the life she promised she would.

  15

  “You’re awfully quiet tonight,” Owen said, stepping out onto his balcony where she was sitting.

  She sipped her glass of wine and smiled, her gaze stuck on the view that twenty-something stories above the sea boasted. “Just a lot to think about. Today was pretty crazy, right?”

  He sat next to her on the plush outdoor loveseat and took her wineglass, placing it on the small table next to him. He pulled her back against him and held her. “I know this is hard, but we are so close to getting him. You can do this, Tris. You’re strong, smart, and you can beat him. You’re going to get your son back and won’t have to worry so much or run anymore. That entire room of men were there for you – that’s your team.”

  “I know. It seems so weird to be so sullen. I should be happy, and I am, but it’s all so overwhelming, ya know?” A single tear streaked her cheek. Trista didn’t know if it was one of joy or sorrow.

  “I know. This is what we have been fighting for, and it’s all about to come together, but then what…” he said, knowing her sadness was less to do with a chapter closing and more to do with them possibly ending. Owen had the same fear and worry. “Once we get what we’ve wanted, and Cesar is apprehended, a new chapter begins and we don’t won’t know what that looks like until we get there. Then there’s always, what do we do the day after?”

  “Exactly.” It was like he was reading her mind. Trista was getting her son back, her sister…but where did Owen fit into all that? If they weren’t running, what were they doing?

  “How about we go back to one day at a time. Focus on the now and deal with tomorrow when we have to. I love you, Trista, and that doesn’t change just because our circumstance does,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

  She turned her head to look up at him, “How can you know that for sure?”

  He paused, considering her words while choosing his carefully, “I just do.”

  Truth be told, nothing would change how he felt about her – but that didn’t mean they’d still be together when all was said and done. He didn’t know anymore than she did. He was guessing. Maybe wishing. Sharing what he wanted not what he could promise. It was the best he had for now.

  It was clear Trista was hanging on every moment too, taking everything she could and committing it to memory. They sat together in silence and watched as the sun fell behind the sea and the beautiful blue water darkened, reflecting the night sky. It was quiet. It was peaceful, but it was full of something neither recognized. Something emotional. Something Cesar, even in his absence, was plotting, scheming, and stealing from them. It felt like an emotional, heartfelt goodbye.

  16

  Bear Springs was nestled in the mountains of San Bernadino National Forest – it was also where the Forces’ old hunting cabin in the woods was located. Though they didn’t use it for hunting, it was more of a place to get away from the city and the family to gather for the holidays and special occasions – it was less of a cabin, despite its reference, and more of a luxurious home that was common for the California tourist town. It was currently being used by Owen and Trista – to hide.

  The four brothers had accompanied them and set up a mobile command center. They each took turns rotating in and out of the woods where Owen had mobilized his team from the agency, finally bringing them in so a proper arrest could be made by those with the authority to do so in a case they needed to stick. The team worked tirelessly doing surveillance and keeping eyes on Cesar’s men at all times as they slowly began to filter in.

  Elite Force Security was scattered around Bear Springs, having been called in from around the country to help close this case, and keeping watch from every angle, protecting the innocent who didn’t even know they were bait. A plan was established, and they were preparing to fully execute it. When Cesar’s highest-ranked associates found their way to Bear Springs, it meant that Cesar wasn’t far behind. Likely already in the area – where he goes, they go.

  “Let’s recap,” Owen said to his brothers and the closest member from his team, Mark Thomas. “What do we have?”

  “We know the subject,” Mark stated, “Becca, as she’s known here, went to Los Angeles with her boyfriend and another couple…a…Trent and Casey Davenport. They were followed and had a face-to-face encounter in a mall before abruptly leaving and coming back here to Bear Springs.”

  Jackson Force chimed in, “It seems Lizzy, or Becca, is still holding cover despite making Cesar’s guys. They are all on their way back, Cesar’s men right behind them.”

  “Can we just call her Becca from now on? This is getting confusing,” Troy, the youngest Force brother, mentioned, earning a nod from the men. “So what’s Becca going to do? Stay or run? She knows she’s been made. Protocol says to call us, and we do an extraction and relocation, but she hasn’t made the call.”

  Trista frowned. “She hasn’t called? Are you sure? Why would Liz – Becca – stay? Why would she stand in harm’s way like that? My sister wouldn’t do that, not with Mason.”

  “Boyfriend maybe?” Derek, one of the Force brother’s, inserted. “Maybe she doesn’t want to leave him.”

  “No. She’s been selflessly doing this for well over a year, nearly two. My sister wouldn’t just risk it all like that. Not even for love. It’s too dangerous, especially for the boyfriend, and anyone else around them,” Trista defended.

  “Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. It just happened. She’s surrounded by people she likely wants to protect, and they are driving through a no-cell zone,” James Force reasoned, realizing part of maintaining cover included not blowing theirs, and she was aware of that. “We have guys right behind them, a couple of miles ahead of them, and people all over town when they get here. She’s safe either way. Let’s just see what Becca does when she gets back to Bear Springs.”


  “Good point, brother,” Owen inserted. “I think it’s time we get some local help and let this group in on the ruse. Cesar’s men are getting pretty bold, approaching her like that. Our friends and family here need to know so they can all take precautions. If nothing else, to keep them out of the line of fire. Suspicion has already circulated with a few of them – Cesars guys stood out a little too well and were noticed.”

  “What’s the plan, Owen?” Jackson asked, ready to get on with whatever they needed to do.

  “I paid a visit to an old friend this morning, Tayler Brock. He heads up the local PD and just happens to be right in the middle of this group she’s befriended. He’s one of us or used to be. He’s the main reason I sent Liz…Becca here in the first place. He’s been watching out for her all along and didn’t even know it. He’s the one raising an eyebrow and intel shows he’s been running faces through the recognition software trying to identify them.”

  Jackson laughed. “And how did Tayler react to you sending this shit his way and leaving him blind?”

  “He got over it quick. Turns out he was on the verge of cracking this thing wide open anyway. The boyfriend found my name and number, along with a newspaper article about the sisters dying. Someone had left it on Becca’s porch. There was also a guy plowed down in front of Becca’s flower shop. A John Doe who had been lurking just before he was hit. I saw the photo. It was one of Cesar’s headhunters.”

  “Oh, my God.” Trista panicked. “That’s twice they got close to her. I don’t like this. Not at all.”

  “It’s okay,” Owen assured. “They’ve been here a while. They’re just messing with her to flush you out. There was an explosion at her house in the middle of the night, but it was in her garage. They also arranged a problem with a tire so they could catch her down and off guard. If they wanted to kill her, they would have by now. This is all about you.”