Fervent

by Claudia Burgoa

  “He isn’t the dog owner. He’s a financial advisor to the parents of all these children,” Luna explains. “The kidnappings didn’t start until a couple of months after he arrived.”

  With her laser pointer, she shows the northern part of the city. “He lived there for four years under the name of Dawson Malone. Eighteen children were abducted. Only five came home.” She smiles. “However, only ten bodies were returned. We have a theory, but I won’t bring that up until later.”

  “Please, don’t change the current conversation. We focus on this first, then we talk about the other piece,” Mason encourages.

  “Why does he change the ransom?” Hawk is enthralled with the board.

  She stops right in front of the files, patting them with her palm. “The guy knows their worth. That’s why the amounts never match.”

  She points at the pictures we gathered from the CCTV during Esteban’s abduction. “The guy uses a way to distract everyone around and he or—” She points at another image where a woman is walking Esteban away from the scene— “His wife snatches the target while someone else is part of the distraction.”

  Her head hits her chest. “Also, that’s why the older children never come home. Because they might recognize them.” Her voice loses force, her eyes have a little moisture.

  “Do you think Esteban is alive?”

  “That’s a fifty-fifty possibility,” Luna answers. “He’s old enough to recognize them. Esteban went willingly with the woman in the picture. He could be dead, or . . .” She sighs. “Already left the country and he’s being sold to a new family.”

  She presses a hand to her heart. “We have to find him. Mason already has people searching the CCTV of the airport and keeping an eye at the gates. If they are driving him away, they’ll do it themselves.”

  “Why hasn’t anyone noticed it?” Tiago walks around. “He’s making loads of money, you can’t hide that.”

  “He’s wealthy. And he’s laundering the cash.” Mason is the one who responds. “He uses the arcades, nail salons, dry cleaners, and other businesses he owns around the city. Then, he transfers it to his account in the Cayman Islands.”

  Luna’s eyes land on Mason, she smiles at him. “Now that we know each other better, can I marry your brain?”

  “Just my brain?” He shakes his head. “I’m flattered, but my wife wouldn’t be too happy with that.”

  “Then, just your computers.” She shrugs. “They’re capable of everything I need.”

  “Luna,” Tiago protests.

  She rolls her eyes. “Chill, Santiago.” She points at me. “I doubt he’ll let me act on it.”

  “She’s right,” I agree with her.

  I’d be jealous if I didn’t see her teasing smile stamped on that beautiful, smart mouth of hers. Where has she been hiding all my life?

  “What’s the plan?” Anderson checks his watch. “We don’t have much time left. The crew is already waiting at the empty house for our instructions.”

  “We have a crew!” Luna claps, her bracelets chiming.

  “But we’re not sure where they’re hiding the kid.” Tiago brings up an important point.

  “If he’s still alive and in town, he’s either at an abandoned place or at this man’s home,” Luna suggests, moving toward the list of properties we found under his name, his companies name or his wife’s name. “Either way, I propose that we enter his house and either locate the kid or torture Mr. and Mrs. Wilson until they tell us where they have Esteban.”

  “There’s not going to be any torturing.” Mason glares at her.

  She looks at her phone, counts her fingers and then glances at the four of us. “How soon can we go in? If my profiling is correct, they have an operation almost as big as ours. Maybe even weapons and professionals to protect them. He’s smart and has plenty of resources. I bet that he can give us a fight—if we let him. We won’t allow him to scratch us.” She places her hands on her waist and says, “Just one thing, I’m going inside with you. I want to kick his ass. At least castrate him. Plus, the kid needs someone he can trust.”

  “And there she is, my bloodthirsty-justice-loving-ass-kicker girl,” I point out, walking to her and taking her into my arms. “I was wondering where you’d hidden her.”

  She smiles, wiggling her way out of my grasp. “I’m bloodthirsty, but not your girl, Everhart.”

  Luna salutes at everyone as she walks to the adjacent room. She stops at the door. “I’m taking a shower and getting dressed. Brief me once you have figured out a plan of attack.”

  ✰ ✰ ✰

  “This is not a good idea,” I protest, looking at Luna who wears a flouncy dress, her sandals, and her chopsticks holding her hair—three of them. “You’re going inside that house like that. Unarmed and willingly.”

  My pulse is racing, my jaw clenches. I divert my attention to Mason. “You’re sending her just like that,” I said disapprovingly.

  Luna turns to study me. Her face is unreadable. Those full lips pressed together into a thin line.

  “Are you new to the team?” Mason’s chest puffs. His chin rises, and his frown deepens. “I’ve never sent anyone, ‘just like that,’ Everhart. There’s always a purpose and a backup.” His voice booms through the room.

  “Also, there’s you. The sniper on top of the roof, ready to pull the trigger if something is about to go wrong.”

  I curl my hands into fists getting closer to him. “She isn’t wearing any armor.” I touch my bulletproof jacket. “There’s no space on her body to hide a weapon. Please, enlighten me, what is the plan?”

  “She’s looking to buy the house across the street. Tiago is her real estate agent, and they’ll go across the street to ask them questions about the neighborhood.”

  Luna taps her stomach twice. “Like any other pregnant woman, I’m going to have to do a quick stop to their restroom.”

  “Again, she doesn’t have any weapons with her.”

  “She does,” he corrects me.

  “But Luna doesn’t need them. Tiago is with her, and you’ll be watching her from across the street. I gave you the infrared goggles. But if you have a problem with any of that, you can stay behind.”

  “She is here. I already told you that I hate when you talk as if I’m not in the room.” Luna marches toward us putting herself between us and pushing us to opposite sides.

  Her eyes find mine. Her hands rest slightly on my chest. “Are you doubting yourself or me?” Her chin is up. Her eyes are burning with that fire she had when I broke into her house. She looks like a spitting cat. “Because your attitude is telling me that you either don’t trust what I can do or that I shouldn’t trust you.”

  She crosses her arms. “Which is it?”

  Her nostrils flare, her skin tone darkens. “I expect this behavior from my superiors at the FBI. Not from you. I want you to treat me the same way you do the rest of the guys.” She smooths her dress. “At least during the mission.”

  God, she’s sexier than fuck when she’s angry. Fuck, I’m an asshole. I want to grab her by the waist and kiss her deeply, but I don’t do it. Because this is work, and we have to be professionals.

  “You’re right.” I sigh, feeling sorry for snapping at everyone, and at her the most. “I trust you.”

  It’s just that the fucking pandemonium of emotions that she’s causing inside my chest are preventing me from thinking straight.

  The lust I have for her still predominates all those feelings. But there are so many new ones blossoming inside my heart. They are spreading like wildflowers during the summer rain. I can’t fathom the thought of her being hurt. How do I push them away while we are working? Do I want to drive them away or will they help me during the operation?

  I should at least forget about them for the time being. She needs me to concentrate on her. Focus on what’s about to come.

  “As long as you’re under my watch, nothing will happen to you.”

  Finally, a corner of her mouth quirks.<
br />
  “I trust you too,” she says, stretching her neck and cupping my chin. “As soon as we are out of this room, I’m one of the guys. Don’t forget it.”

  She gives me a peck and saunters away. Her feet light as feathers, her sunshine spreading around the room.

  “A hundred,” Hawk pulls a bill setting it on the dresser, “he’s proposing in less than a month.”

  “She’s my sister, asshole.” Tiago slams his hand on the table, his eyes filled with rage just like his sister’s. “Stay away from her, Everhart. After this shit ends, I’m killing you.”

  “Too late, T.” Bradley takes the bill. “Though, I think I won the last bet. Didn’t I say he’d fall for her when they met?”

  “Whatever,” I say, snatching the money from his hold and walking to the door. “The rest of the team is waiting for us. Let’s go and save this kid.”

  Thirty-Four

  Harrison

  Luna and Tiago are walking across the street to the Wilson’s home after touring the empty house. According to our scouts and the infrared equipment, there are at least ten adults inside the house. Mason has another team in Seattle running a background on the couple in hopes of finding fraud or kidnapping charges in the United States to take them home and make sure they pay for the shit they’ve done. In this country, they might end up paying their way out in less than a year.

  “I’ve reached Esteban’s parents.” Bradley’s voice comes through the communicator. “They are aware that we are here and ready to bring their boy home. I didn’t mention where we are, but if anyone from the inside reports that to Oliver, he might be trying to escape soon. Keep your eyes open.”

  There’s a long pause. “Everyone in place?”

  I scan the area, nod at Hawk, and speak, “Can I just say that you look hot, babe?” I touch my earpiece. “That number makes your ass look tight. I could tap it all night.”

  “Kick him, Hawk,” Tiago mumbles through the communicator. “How many times do I have to remind you, she’s my little sister?”

  “Please don’t kick him,” Luna pleas. “I want to be the one slitting his throat. I warned you, Everhart. Don’t call me babe.”

  “I was talking to Tiago, Luna. That’s my way of letting him know that everything is safe and I’m bored to tears. But I confess, you look hot too,” I add, looking through my binoculars. “Unfortunately, I can’t see your curves with the dress you’re wearing today. But I’m enjoying your long, tanned legs. We should go to the beach this weekend.”

  “Stay quiet, Everhart,” Tiago warns me. “One more word and I swear I’ll have someone shoot you.”

  “I want to see who’ll be brave enough to shoot me. They’ll be dead before their finger touches the trigger.” I roll my shoulders, trying to loosen the knots on my back.

  “What is it now?” Hawk murmurs. “Your family is far away. Why are you behaving like a two-year-old?”

  I grind my teeth, clenching my jaw. Luna, I mouth, tilting my head toward the other side of the street.

  “Imagine she’s Aspen. How would you feel?” I set the scenario in a way he’ll understand.

  His eyebrow arches at the mention of his fiancée. Luna isn’t my fiancée, but she’s the most important person in my world. He nods twice and pats my back.

  From the corner of my eye, I notice movement on the right side of the house. “The garage door is opening,” I announce, dropping the binoculars and grabbing my weapon. “Someone might be going grocery shopping, or escaping.”

  “Can I help you?” I hear a rough voice through the communicator.

  Focusing on the door, I see him. Oliver Wilson. He’s shorter than Tiago, about five inches taller than Luna. He’s lean but doesn’t look too strong. At least not from where I’m watching.

  “Buen dia,” Luna greets him.

  “Sorry, my Spanish is terrible,” he says, blocking the entrance. “But whatever it is, I’m not interested.” He taps the small bronze plate next to the doorbell.

  “Oh, nice sign.” She smiles.

  “I assure you, we’re not here to talk to you about God, vacuums, or any charity.” Luna brushes a strand of her hair behind her ear, straightens up and pushes her tits with her arms. “We are here looking for a house. Maybe, we’ll be your neighbors across the street.”

  She turns slightly to her left, pointing at the house where I am.

  “Call the realtor,” the guy suggests, his eyes focused on her chest.

  I move the target to his forehead. Motherfucker! Move your eyes away from her, or I swear her tits will be the last thing you ever see.

  “Oh, that part is over. Actually, we just finished the walkthrough,” she continues. “It’s lovely. Cozy and it’s big enough to raise a family. But I’m wondering if you could tell us more about the neighborhood? I’ve lived in the US for the past ten years, and the city has changed so much.”

  “Look, lady, this isn’t a good time for me.” Oliver looks around, signaling his wife. Then, looking at Tiago who hasn’t uttered a word. “No buen tiempo,” he translates in Spanish as he stares at T.

  Tiago blinks twice, crossing his arms. He’s served the guy his I’m about to kick your ass glare.

  “I need a shadow for that car in case Luna can’t stop them from leaving,” Mason requests. There’s urgency in his voice. “Santillan, ask him more questions. Bat your eyelashes or . . . keep him engaged. We’re going to try to break in through the back. I’ve disabled their cameras and the alarm system. Once I give you the okay, you can force your way through the main door.”

  “Shall I shoot him?” I question, focusing on my target.

  “Not yet,” he answers.

  “And when you do, don’t kill him. We want him alive,” Bradley responds, exhaling loudly. “T, nod if you’re ready. Everhart, you know what to do.”

  My heart beats fast as I get ready to shoot. My finger is on the trigger, my eyes set on the guy.

  “Are you sure you can’t give us a few minutes?” Luna touches his forearm, not moving it. Her left leg bends lightly. “We’re driving back to the airport. Our flight leaves in a couple of hours. I just want to know about the area. This neighborhood seems friendly and safe. But we want to know more about the places where we can invest . . .” she clears her throat, “our money. Schools are important.”

  The man narrows his gaze at Luna, then looks to Tiago. “You’ll have to excuse me, but I have to leave. I’m on a deadline.”

  He takes a step forward. Luna swings his arm counterclockwise, kicking the back of his knee with her right leg. He falls on his back. With a swift movement, she lifts her arm, pulling one of the chopsticks from her hair. Squatting, she points it against his throat. “I’m on a deadline too, Mr. Wilson. Where is Esteban?”

  Tiago sets his industrial boot on top of his forehead. “I suggest you answer her.”

  “You’re too late,” he says, laughing.

  “To kill you?” Luna says. “I don’t think so.”

  “Big guy, there’s movement in—”

  A gunshot interrupts me. I fire my weapon, the first gunman drops to the ground, right by the entrance. But there’s a second one. Tiago moves his entire body to the left, covering Luna’s from the second round of bullets.

  “Motherfucker,” he groans. “This hurts like hell.”

  I move the target, shooting the man who is coming toward them with an AK-47. Luna throws her weapon like a knife, hitting his forehead. The two men fall almost simultaneously to the ground. With all the commotion, Wilson rolls to the side, pushing Luna away from him.

  “Watch my back, Harry. There’re more men inside coming after us. Someone help my brother,” Luna orders.

  Faster than I would’ve thought possible, she leaps to her feet and takes out another one of her sharp hair accessories. She throws it toward Wilson, hitting him right on his spine. His back arches. The hit makes him stop briefly, but then he continues jogging toward the car. Luna pulls one of her bracelets, straightening and using it as a
blade. She tosses it as if it were a Ninja star hitting him on the side of the neck. Then a second one lands on his left arm.

  She wears weapons, not jewelry. What the fuck? I went through airport security with an armed woman. And no one fucking noticed.

  This woman is my fucking hero.

  I move my attention toward the door, shooting two men who are opening fire as they rush toward the entrance. Tiago is no longer on the floor. Where the fuck did he go?

  “T?”

  “We are inside,” Bradley responds. “Keep an eye on the outside details.”

  “Shoot the tires,” Luna orders, taking her shoes off and speeding toward him. “Someone stop that car before they leave.”

  I fire three rounds to the back tires. “Done. Whoever is on the ground, go and help the driver,” I say as she’s about to leave the car. I shoot her once on the left leg and twice on her hand. “She’s going to need medical attention.”

  My eyes go back to Luna. She is about to catch up with Wilson. When she’s right next to him, she pulls the stick from his back making him jolt. Then, she kicks him in the knee, flips to the left, and kicks him with the other leg in the jaw.

  Wilson groans, as his head, snaps back and he falls to the ground. He rolls on the pavement and Luna pulls one of her ribbon bracelets off her arm. Her foot goes around his neck, and she lowers her body, grabbing his hands.

  “I suggest you stay put and start talking. Where’s Esteban?” She ties his hands together, then repeats the same operation on his feet.

  “You can kill me,” Wilson says. “I won’t talk.”

  She laughs, shaking her head. “Lovely wish, but I’d rather turn you into the authorities.”

  “And what do you think the authorities will do to me, bitch?”

  Luna touches her sternum. “Oh no, you called me a bad name.” She punches him right in the nose. I hear the crack of his bones.