by Kelly Wood
There was someone I could call. Someone I swore I would never see again.
Ben.
Ben would be able to find Gray. He had the resources and the capitol to hunt Gray and Guy down. Would we be able to put aside our past? Would he help me? Could I trust him?
The argument between everyone else flared up again. My dad and mom joined in the fight. Their voices were raised as my dad challenged Michael’s authority. Fingers pointed and insults were swapped. I decided to use the distraction to ease my way to the bedroom. I slipped my feet to the floor and lowered the blanket surrounding me. I eyed the group. No one glanced my way.
I slowly stood up and edged around the couch. My mom quietly stepped aside but brushed my arm in support. I refused to let myself look back over my shoulder as I made my way out of the room. I kept my pace natural, not wanting to tiptoe or race to the bedroom.
I walked through the open doorway before easing the door closed. I looked around the room for my cell phone. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d even seen it. I glanced around but didn’t spot it sitting on any of the tables. I dug out my suitcase and ran my hands along the edges. I crawled on the floor and felt along the carpet. I didn’t take a purse with me to Passion’s show, so it had to be here somewhere. But, where?
Where did I have it last? I pulled on my short locks of hair causing them to stick out even farther from my head. I had to find it. I didn’t have Ben’s cell number memorized and my contact list was the only way to get ahold of him.
I renewed my search. I emptied every drawer and closet in the room hoping to find it. I scattered my make-up across the counter trying to locate it among the mess. I even looked in the shower.
Nothing.
I sat on the bed chewing on my thumbnail, wondering how I could get in touch with Ben. He and Liam had been friends once upon a time. Maybe Liam still had his number? Before I could contemplate how to get Liam’s attention away from the angry horde outside, the bedroom door opened.
Gracie walked in and shut the door behind her. She leaned against the door with her hands behind her back.
“Looking for this?” Gracie asked. She pulled out her hand and held up my pink iPhone. I lunged for it as the memory of tossing it on the bar earlier tonight came back to me.
She held it out of my reach. One hand held the phone behind her again while the other was pressed against my chest, effectively stopping me from moving forward.
“Give it to me!” I lunged again, but the woman was much stronger than she seemed. I reached and clawed but was never able to grab it. Here I was, twenty-something Regan Harris, getting my butt kicked by a fifty-year-old mom. To make it more humiliating, I was still wearing my showgirl costume. The silver sequined bikini was still held in place by the nude-colored mesh bodysuit, but the bodysuit had seen better days. Small holes and tears littered the piece from running up the catwalk and snagging it. Feathers stuck to me in various spots, but I’d ripped off the tail completely, along with the headpiece, in frustration when Gray was kidnapped.
“I will,” Gracie said. I stopped fighting at her words. I held out my hand and waited for her to keep her promise. “But...”
“No buts, Gracie. I need that phone. For Gray.”
“Who are you going to call?” she asked.
“It doesn’t matter. Just give me the phone. Why are you even in here?” I asked.
Gracie ignored the question. “I will give you the phone, Regan, but,” Gracie held up a finger, “I need a promise, first.” Sadness filled Gracie’s eyes. I steeled my heart against it. I couldn’t be weak now. I vowed to do what was best for Gray. Promise or not, as far as Gracie was concerned. I needed to be strong to find Gray.
“What is it? I’m not promising anything. Just asking what it is,” I clarified the point.
“What is your plan? I know you are thinking something.”
“How do you know that? You don’t know me.”
“I know Gray. And he would never fall for some little wallflower who’d sit back and watch and do nothing. Now, what’s your plan?” Gracie demanded.
“What does that matter? I just need Gray back.” My voice cracked as I spoke. The emotion almost overwhelming me again.
“And I do, too! He’s like a son to me—” Gracie raised her hand to her heart. I eyed the cell phone in it.
“I know that,” I said. Gracie ignored me like I hadn’t spoken.
“—but Guy is my husband.”
“Guy stabbed Gray and then kidnapped him. I don’t care who he is as long as he doesn’t hurt Gray any more.” I slammed my hand into the door causing it to rattle in its frame.
“Please, Regan.” Gracie grabbed my arm. I tried to shrug it off.
“I don’t even know what you are asking of me.” I pulled harder this time. Gracie released me.
“I’m just asking that you don’t hurt him. Please. This isn’t him. This isn’t the Guy I know.”
“How would you know? You haven’t seen him in thirty years,” I pointed out.
“I know.” Gracie’s hand hit her heart with each word.
“You don’t know anything. I’m not planning on hurting Guy. I just want Gray back safely.”
“I know you won’t hurt him, but what about who you’re about to call?” Gracie asked.
I hesitated and Gracie knew the answer. I couldn’t honestly say that Ben wouldn’t hurt Guy. Ben was a loose cannon. He was also my best shot at finding Gray.
“Gracie, Guy has a better shot at getting hurt if they”—I pointed toward the other room— “go after him than if I make this call. Think about it.”
Gracie’s face crumbled as the shock of the last hour wore off. Seeing her husband after thirty years took its toll. Especially when he’d been presumed dead the whole time. Gracie had raised their daughter alone, never expecting to see him again. She tentatively reached out toward me with the phone.
I snatched it out of her hand and scrolled through my contacts. Ben’s name flew by in my haste. I scrolled in the other direction but slowed my pace down. His name came back onto the screen. I hesitated. I was about to make a deal with the devil. Was it worth it?
Absolutely.
I touched the phone icon and turned away from Gracie for a little privacy. Ben answered after only one ring. I skipped the nonsense and jumped straight in.
“I need your help.”
Chapter Two
Ben Jackson
Chicago, Illinois
Ben ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. He pressed a button on his desk phone, signaling his personal assistant in the other room. They were both here late wrapping up the previous assignment’s paperwork. Ben rubbed the weariness from his face. He’d just returned from the east coast. A US senator had been caught with his pants down. Literally. A local reporter had photographs of the exploits. Ben had been called in to clean it up before word got out. The senator’s platform of family values and religious fervor would crumble under his feet if his exploits were revealed. Ben paid off the reporter with money and intel on a House Representative. The reporter was more than happy to pad his bank account and still get a story. Unfortunately for the representative, the information was false and the photos were faked. He would have to resign in a cloud of scandal before the truth would be revealed, but Ben’s client would be safe. Until the next time his urges overcame him and he picked up another young man for a night of hanky-panky. With the reporter on the senator’s scent, there would be a next time. And another payoff. Thank goodness the senator has a very rich wife, Ben thought. His services weren’t cheap, either.
“Yes, sir.”
“Get the jet ready. I need to fly to Vegas, ASAP.”
His assistant ended the call without another word spoken. Within the hour, Ben would be wheels up and headed out. He quickly changed out of his suit and into jeans and a button-up shirt. He rolled his sleeves up before slipping into a pair of leather loafers.
His transformation was complete. Now he c
ould blend in with the throngs of tourists running through Las Vegas. He pulled his duffle bag out of the closet and double-checked the contents. Along with a gun, extra ammunition, and a knife, clothes for different occasions filled the rest of the space. Ben checked the side pouches for his passport and a wad of cash. He ran his hand along the underside of the bag. The secret compartment was secure, carrying another passport—with a different name—and even more cash. He zipped it up and secured the bag before tossing it by the door where he’d be able to grab it on his way out.
Back at his desk, he sent out emails to associates to hack any camera feeds in the hotel where Gray was kidnapped along with flags for his passport or airline tickets. Ben thought flagging the passport was a stretch but wanted to cover his bases.
On a hunch, he asked for any information on private planes flying out of Las Vegas shortly after the time of the kidnapping. It may be like trying to find a needle in a haystack with the number of personal flights in and out of Las Vegas, but it was worth a shot.
Lastly, he pulled a file from his desk. He’d been compiling the information on Grayden Michael Thomas since he met the man years ago. He planned to study it on the plane again although he had every word memorized.
Ben shut down his computer and grabbed his bag. He left the office and headed to the airport. He now had a four-hour flight to make his decision.
Did he help Regan actually find Gray? Or, did he only pretend, leaving Regan single?
Chapter Three
Regan Harris
Magari Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
I quickly changed out of my showgirl costume and into jeans. I threw on the first shirt I could find that was long enough to cover my waist and hips before slipping my feet into socks and tennis shoes. Gracie stood in the corner, watching me while I zipped around the room.
I held my emotions at bay while I dressed. I needed clarity and focus, two of my biggest challenges. I’m flighty by nature and tend to jump in feet first without thinking. This time, I needed to keep my wits about me. Gray wasn’t here to help guide me or save me. I dug around in my travel bag until I found my security belt. I added my passport, all the money I had, and Gray’s Black American Express card before slipping it under my shirt and securing it around my waist.
“What are you doing?” Gracie asked.
I ignored her as I stuffed extra clothes into a backpack. I zipped it closed and headed for the door. I glanced back one last time, skimming the room for anything else I might need. I didn’t plan on returning until I had Gray with me. I hoped I’d packed for any need that may arise. I realized the chances of me finding him were slim, but I had help on the way.
I yanked the door open and stormed into the living room area. The argument was still in full swing. My dad and Michael were in each other’s faces, moments away from throwing punches. I tried to whistle to get everyone’s attention, but the sound came out weak and too quietly for anyone to hear. Instead, I put myself right in the middle of the chaos, throwing my arms out to either side. My left hand rested on Michael’s chest while my right hand was firmly planted on my dad’s. Both sides came to a halt. My dad glanced at the couch where I had been and then down at me, taking in the change of clothes and attitude. A small smile tugged on his lips. He’d always called me his little fighter, and I was finally showing my spunk, much to his delight.
I locked eyes with each person in the room before speaking. I was in charge now, and I wanted them to know it.
“Everyone out except Michael, Frank, Dad and Gracie,” I said.
“You will not tell me—” Mary Francis, Gray’s mother, started in.
Michael cut her off with a look. He nodded toward the door. Mary Francis stood up with as much dignity as she could muster. She held her head high as she walked toward the exit but shot daggers at her husband. It wasn’t often that Michael stopped one of her fits.
Passion hugged Frank and kissed him gently before leaving. Jax and Liam followed along with my mother. Liam touched my arm as he passed me.
“Regan, please, you need to call the police. The FBI.” Liam spoke in low tones, whispering the words only to me.
I shook my head in the negative. I couldn’t do that. Guy wouldn’t play by the rules so neither would I. Once the room was cleared, I sat down on the couch and waved for the others to join me in sitting. I wanted the room civilized. With everyone sitting, there was a smaller chance of violence erupting. I didn’t trust this group which was why I asked my dad to stay. He sat down on the edge of the couch next to me, ready to spring into action if needed.
Michael and Frank took the couch across from me, following my lead. Gracie sat in one of the chairs. She glared at Frank now that her fog had lifted. I’m sure she remembered Guy’s words in the theater. He left me for dead, referring to Frank.
“I want all the details. Everything. Frank, you first. Why did Guy say you left him for dead?” I kept my voice calm even though I wanted to yell and scream at him.
Frank looked at Gracie. He wrung his hands. A scar stood out on the back of his right hand as he pulled and twisted the skin. “Gracie, I—” Frank hesitated before starting again, “—it was an accident.”
“Don’t you dare say that!” Gracie’s voice spewed venom. “Don’t you dare try to justify it. He was your best friend.” Gracie pointed her index finger in Frank’s direction. “Just tell me what happened.”
Frank backpedaled and waved his arms, conceding to Gracie. “We got into an argument when he told me he was leaving with you. I got mad. I didn’t think, Gracie. I didn’t realize what I was doing. It just happened.”
“What happened, Frank?” I asked.
“I picked up a hammer and hit him over the head.” Frank spoke quickly. Gracie flinched at the words.
My dad leaped off the couch before I could stop him. In a flash, he was across the room and in Frank’s face. “Don’t you ever go near my daughter again! Ever. No contact or I will bludgeon you with a hammer and nobody will ever find the body.”
Dad’s voice was low and deadly. I shivered as my dad transformed in front of my eyes. I knew his past involved motorcycle gangs and violence, but I’d never seen it firsthand before. He looked like he could kill Frank here and now.
“And I know how to make sure someone is dead.” At Dad’s last words, he stepped back from Frank. Frank swallowed loudly, true fear in his eyes.
“Why did you think he was dead?” I asked. Gracie quietly sobbed into a tissue, hearing about the night.
“I panicked. I could hear Gracie’s voice calling for him. I just left him and meant to go back,” Frank said.
“Meant to go back?” I asked. Frank and Michael locked eyes before Michael picked up the story.
“I found him,” Michael said, but stopped talking.
“This isn’t the time for games,” I said. “Your son, my husband, is missing because of your actions. I need to know what happened.” I swear if I had a gun, I would shoot them both myself. Maybe a shot to the kneecap would get their tongues wagging.
The anger I felt surprised me. I needed to get it under control. I took a deep breath and tried to channel it at the task at hand.
“I found him,” Michael continued. “He wasn’t dead but had a nasty head wound. I brought him to my home and had my private physician treat him. I let Frank believe that I had cleaned up the body for him. He was indebted to me to keep the secret.”
“Then where has he been? Where could he have taken Gray?” I asked.
Before Michael could answer, Gracie spoke up. “If you helped him, why was he gone? Why?”
“Leverage,” Michael said. His answer confused me. Frank stared at Michael, his face hard but with understanding in his eyes.
“What does that mean?” Gracie’s voice was shrill.
“All the families were at war. The Bianchis and I were partners, but new partners. The connection was weak. I needed leverage. Control. Frank thinking he’d killed Guy gave it to me.”
“Control of your stupid family?” Gracie spit the word at Michael. “Guy didn’t care about a war. He—we—wanted out. We were leaving. You could’ve just let us go.”
“No, I couldn’t.” Michael stood up and started pacing. “Guy threatened to go to the Feds. I made sure that wasn’t an option for him without killing him. I didn’t want another war. I didn’t want any more killing. I wanted to build, and I needed the Bianchis and Frank to do that. Don’t you get it? I sacrificed one to save all of us.” Michael squatted down in front of Gracie, holding her arms in his hands. “The Bianchis and I had to stay strong together or the New York families would’ve moved in. All of us would be dead. They’d have killed us, our families, our friends. But it worked. Sending Guy away meant all of us were safe. The bond between the two families was cemented.”
The ‘leverage’ clicked into place for me. Frank sided with Michael in fear of Antonio Bianchi finding out he had killed Guy. Frank kept the peace between the two families out of fear for himself, giving Michael the control over both families that he needed.
“You sacrificed more than Guy. My daughter was raised without a father. My life has been a lonely existence. You sacrificed my family that day.”
Michael gave Gracie a little shake before releasing her. He stood and Frank launched himself onto Michael’s back.
Chapter Four
Regan Harris
Magari Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
Michael and Frank tumbled forward and toppled onto the coffee table. The glass shattered and exploded around us. I lifted my feet off the ground as the two rolled around in front of me.
“For heaven’s sake,” my dad muttered as he headed toward the men. He reached down and pulled Frank off Michael, tossing him down on the couch next to me. Frank tried again for Michael, but my dad pushed him back down. Frank heaved next to me, his breath coming in gasps and starts. Blood ran down his chin from his nose. I pulled my legs closer to my body, putting more space between us.
