Regan Harris Box Set

by Kelly Wood

  “I wanted revenge more.”

  Chapter Six

  Regan Harris

  Magari Hotel and Casino

  Las Vegas, Nevada

  I turned toward Michael. “Where? Where has Guy been all this time?” I screamed the question at him. We could be on a plane and only moments behind them. He just had to tell us.

  “Where?” I asked again. “This is Gray. Where is he going?” I lunged forward and grabbed Michael by the lapels of his jacket. I shook him to get my point across.

  “I don’t know,” Michael said.

  “You’re right.” I blew out my breath in frustration. I let go of his coat. “You’re right. We don’t know where he’s going. Yet. But, where has he been? Where did you send him? He may go back there, where he’s comfortable.”

  “I don’t know,” Michael said, again.

  “Stop saying that! Where?”

  “I don’t know where he’s been. I don’t know what he’s been doing.” Michael shook me slightly with each word. The roles had been reversed.

  “What?” I couldn’t comprehend what he was telling me.

  “I sent him to South America. He disappeared about a year later. I don’t know where he’s been or what he’s been doing. I’ve been looking for him ever since.”

  I banged my fists against his chest before pushing away from him. I slowed my breathing and tried to calm myself. I needed to think. I needed away from all these people. I felt too on edge with them surrounding me. I couldn’t go for a run right now so I settled for a deep breath and a quick prayer. I shook the remaining energy out through my arms and jumped up and down for a moment. I centered myself before speaking again.

  “Don’t you see? He left us a clue.” I pointed to the screen.

  “A clue? He flashed his passport. That’s not a clue.” Michael raised his voice. I matched him with mine.

  “It is. Why would Guy take him back to our room? It would raise his chances of being caught before they could get out of the hotel. They went back for Gray’s passport! Now we know they are leaving the country.”

  “Regan, he had a bag, too. We don’t know what was in it,” Frank pointed out.

  I stamped my foot in frustration. Nobody seemed to get it. “Exactly. He could’ve put his passport in the bag. We never would’ve seen it. He purposefully showed it to the camera. It’s a clue. They are leaving, or have left, the country.” I tugged at my hair but stopped myself before ripping any out.

  “She’s right.” I looked up at the voice. Edwards stood behind his computer. “He took a risk making sure we saw it. He used his body to block what he was doing from the other guy.”

  Edwards played back the digital file in slow motion. All of us watched as Gray looked directly into the camera and then down at the passport in his hand.

  “Regan, I think you’re right,” Liam said after the tape had finished playing.

  “What?” I asked.

  Liam took a step toward me. “This is what I do. We need to follow the clues.”

  I searched his eyes with mine. “How do we find the next clue?” I asked.

  “We follow the first one. What do we know?”

  “He’s leaving the country,” I said.

  “Where are we?”

  “Las Vegas.”

  “Exactly.” Liam continued to guide me down the trail, one baby step at a time. “How do you leave the country from Las Vegas? A town in the middle of the desert? In the middle of nowhere?”

  The lightbulb clicked on. This wasn’t New York or Los Angeles or Miami. There was only one way to leave the country from landlocked Las Vegas.

  “An airplane.” I smiled at Liam. “He’s on an airplane.”

  Liam smiled back. I knew I could trust him. He would help me.

  “This is all well and good, but there’s another question still unanswered.” My dad spoke up for the first time.

  “What, Dad?” I asked.

  “If we go with your assumption that Guy took Gray specifically for his passport to take him out of the country. Why? Passports can be tracked. Guy has no idea if we’d call the police or not. Using Gray’s passport would be a giant red flag.”

  “Or a red herring,” I said. “They could just as easily be driving away.”

  Chapter Seven

  Regan Harris

  Magari Hotel and Casino

  Las Vegas Nevada

  I fell back behind the crowd as we walked through the casino and back to my suite. I touched my dad’s arm, pulling him back as well. We slowed our pace and let the others move farther ahead.

  “What is it, kid?” Dad asked.

  “I need a favor and you aren’t going to like it.” I stopped walking and faced him. Dad’s face shut down as he prepared himself for my request. I touched his arm, giving us a connection.

  “You know I love you and Mom to death, right? I love that you are friends and continue to parent us all together, even though you are divorced.” I looked up through my lashes, using a trick from when I was a kid. He could never say no to me when I smiled at him like this.

  “Stop buttering me up and spit it out.” Dad brought his arms across his chest and looked down at me with his sternest expression. I kept my hand on his arm.

  “I need you to go with Mom, Grams, and Passion. I need to know there is someone there who can protect them.” I glanced down the hall at the others. Their backs were still to us as they continued to walk. No one noticed that we weren’t with them.

  “No.”

  “You can’t say no.”

  “I just did. Someone needs to be with you,” Dad said.

  “Liam and Jax are staying with me. Liam is a cop. He can protect me just as well as you can.” I left out the knowledge that Ben was on his way. Dad would never leave with ‘that low-down, dirty scum’ coming near me. His words. Though, I tended to agree.

  “No,” he said again.

  “Stop saying that. Listen, Dad.” I took a step closer to him and looked in his eyes. “I need to know our family is safe. I can’t trust them. I would feel better knowing you were with them.” I nodded my head at Frank and Michael while I spoke. “Please. If the passport thing pans out, you can’t go anyway. You’d either be here, in Vegas, helping no one, or at home. At least at home, you can be with everyone else.”

  Years ago, when he was involved with a motorcycle club, multiple felony convictions prevented him from ever being able to obtain a passport. He knew I was right. He wouldn’t be able to follow me.

  “I could stop you from getting on a plane.”

  “How? I’m a grown woman.” I threw my arms up in the air.

  “I’m still your father. I should just drag you home with me.” Dad pointed his finger in my face.

  “I’m not a child. You know there is nothing you could do to stop me.” A small smile spread across my face. “Does this mean you are going home?”

  Dad growled at me. Literally growled. I knew I’d won the battle, but I kept any gloating to a minimum.

  “One more thing.” I held up a finger.

  “What?”

  “I need a gun.”

  Dad didn’t answer. He looked around us, making sure the coast was clear, before pulling me into a recessed alcove that featured a small statue. Dad bent down at the knees and removed a Glock 43 from his ankle holster. I knew from previous experience that he would have a nine-millimeter hidden on him as his main weapon. The 43 was perfect for me. The gun fit my hand well and I was a pro at shooting one since I owned one in Tiffany Blue. It was locked in my mother’s gun safe at home. Everyone in our family knew how to handle guns. Target practice and hunting were the main hobbies back home. Most of the women could outshoot the men. A fact they admitted to with grudging pride.

  Dad handed me the weapon. I quickly tucked it in the waistband of my jeans, pulling my shirt down over it. I’d dressed specifically to hide it, knowing I’d eventually ask for one. Legally, Dad shouldn’t have guns either, but I knew he always carried. He probably h
ad Mom pack them in a gun case in her suitcase to get them here. The rest of us could legally carry since we didn’t have the checkered past Dad had. Every one of us was authorized to conceal carry in Indiana. Lucky for me, Nevada reciprocated the license.

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “Let’s go.” Dad grabbed my arm and led me toward the others. We picked up our pace to catch up with the group, again. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you with them.” Dad practically spit the word out.

  “Don’t worry. I have a plan to ditch them, too.”

  “How?” he asked. “This hotel is covered in cameras. They will find you.”

  “Logic.” I winked up at him.

  I WRUNG MY HANDS TOGETHER. So far, my plan was coming together. I’d said a quick goodbye to my family before they were loaded up in a limousine and sent to the airport. Now, to get rid of Frank and Michael. Ben was expected in an hour or so. He would be able to provide me with the same resources that Frank and Michael could.

  Michael, Frank, Liam and Jax sat around my suite. Gracie was still in my bedroom. I’d checked on her when we’d returned. She’d fallen into a fitful sleep, tear tracks covering her cheeks. Even in sleep her eyes were red and swollen. I’d covered her with a blanket and shut the door quietly.

  “We need to discuss the clue,” I said.

  “You’re still on that?” Michael said gruffly.

  “It’s our only direction. Don’t one of you have a travel agent in your pocket? One who could find out if he boarded a plane?” I asked. I paced around the room while the others stayed seated.

  Michael and Frank glanced at each other but didn’t answer me. I kept up my act as an overly distraught wife. I needed them to want to ignore me.

  “Where’s Bob?” I asked. Bob was Gray’s go-to guy for any information needed that Gray couldn’t get himself. “He was at the wedding yesterday. Where is he?”

  “He left this morning,” Michael said. “I’ve tried to get ahold of him, but can’t.”

  “What? Why? Why aren’t you two doing anything?” I screamed at them. I pulled on my hair. I threw my arms up in frustration. “Where are Tony and Sal? Do they even know their brother was here? Do they know he’s alive?”

  Once again, no one answered me.

  “Well, do they?” I asked again. I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection from the windows. I looked the part of a woman on the edge of losing control. I was two screams away from a padded room.

  Frank took the lead. He stood up and walked over to me, giving me a hug. He held me against his chest. I blinked rapidly trying to summon up tears. It wasn’t hard, but I needed to stay in enough control not to fall apart completely. Frank took a step back and looked down at me, but he never let go of my arms.

  “Regan, this has been a very trying day. I think you need to get some sleep.”

  I nodded my head and sniffled. “I think . . . I think that’s a good idea. I’m just scared. I just wish there was more we could do.” I let one tear roll down my cheek. I looked up at Frank through blurry eyes, the other tears not falling.

  “Michael and I will make some calls. We do know people. You’re right. You rest and we can regroup in a few hours. How does that sound?”

  “Okay.” I nodded. I moved away from Frank and sat on the couch. I pulled a blanket over me and laid down.

  “That’s good.” Frank’s tone was soothing and condescending. He spoke to me like I was a four-year-old who needed a nap. I didn’t let my irritation show. I needed them gone. And I needed them to think it was their idea. If Frank and Michael thought I was resting then I’d be able to move freely without them watching over me.

  Michael stood, and I closed my eyes. I let my body relax while I waited for the sound of the door closing behind them.

  “Why don’t you two go back to your room, too? She needs rest,” Frank said to Liam and Jax.

  “No!” I screamed and sat up. I quickly got control of myself so I didn’t blow my cover. “I can’t... I can’t be alone. I need my friends.” I looked at Liam and Jax imploringly. Both sat back down.

  “We’ll stay. A few hours sleeping in a chair won’t kill us,” Jax said. I winked at her.

  “Okay. We’ll be back in a few hours,” Frank reiterated again.

  I didn’t respond. I closed my eyes. I counted their steps as Frank and Michael walked toward the door. The door opened with a swoosh and closed quietly behind them. I counted to one hundred, making sure they were away from the door before I bolted into action.

  “Let’s hurry.” Jax and Liam jumped from their chairs.

  “I knew you were faking it!” Jax said, pointing her finger in my direction. “What’s your plan?”

  “You” —I pointed back at Jax— “need to put on something low-cut and sexy. I’m going to need you to flirt. You,” I said, now pointing to Liam, “need to pack a bag for the both of you. Just be quick. Gray’s travel bag is in the bedroom. Use it. It’s more convenient than a suitcase. It’s bigger than mine so it’ll fit enough clothes for both of you.”

  Both of them nodded at me. I needed to sneak into the bedroom and get my packed bag along with Gray’s empty one for Liam.

  “Please tell me you both have your passports on you?” I called over my shoulder as I went.

  “We actually do. I always travel with mine and I had Jax bring hers. I don’t know why, I just had a feeling we might need it,” Liam said.

  “Regan, wait,” Jax said. “You saw the security office. You know there are cameras everywhere. Don’t you think Frank will be notified if we leave this room?”

  I stopped moving toward the bedroom. She was right. Why wouldn’t Frank be watching us? But, likewise, why would he? He thought I was asleep and resting. He also thought my idea of Gray sending us a clue was bogus. I didn’t know what he and Michael were up to now, but I had to assume it was more important that us. We were nothing to him. In his arrogance, he’d assume I was doing exactly what he told me to do.

  “I think it’s a chance we have to take. I can’t have them with us. They are dangerous. I need people I can trust,” I said.

  Jax searched my eyes for a moment before nodding her assent. “Okay. I’ll be in my room. Meet me there. Liam, I’ll get your stuff together.”

  “Only pack necessities. Comfortable clothes. I think we’ll be moving a lot,” I said.

  Jax left the room and I headed for the bedroom again. I eased the door open. Liam was right behind me. I peeked inside but didn’t see Gracie on the bed. Worry overcame me but dissipated when I heard the toilet flushing.

  I grabbed the bag and tossed it to Liam who headed for the door to meet Jax. I scanned the room for any other items I may need. Seeing nothing, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. Clothes still hung in the closet and my computer still sat on the desk. I was banking on the fact that Frank wouldn’t clear out our room when he realized we were gone. And, if he did, he’d at least kept our stuff for us. I turned away without another thought.

  “What have you found?” Gracie stood in the doorway to the adjoining bath.

  I suppressed the urge to run. I wanted to keep moving forward but I owed it to Gracie. I’m sure she was just as worried as me. I took a moment and filled her in on the footage we saw. She agreed that Gray was sending us a message. I appreciated the support but she took me by surprise with her next comment.

  “I’m going with you.”

  “No.” I started walking toward the door. Gracie followed and tugged on my arm.

  “I am, Regan.”

  “I don’t even know where we are going or where we will end up,” I threw out the lame excuse.

  “I’m going. Listen, Regan. Guy was—is—my husband. I don’t want Gray hurt. I don’t want anyone hurt. I can help. I swear.”

  “You don’t know him anymore. He could hurt all of us. Even you,” I told her.

  “No. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. I can’t take the chance Gray will be hurt. Let me help. I swear I will stay out of the way, but if
there is even a small chance we could end this without violence, then we have to try.”

  I thought over what she said. I wanted to push her away and run. I wanted everyone who was involved with Guy thirty years ago to be gone. I wanted Gray. And, I wanted Gray uninjured. At least not any more than he already was.

  “Fine. Go home. Pack a small bag. Bring money and your passport.” I thought for another moment. “Do you have a passport?”

  Gracie nodded her head yes. “I’ve never used it but I have it. Where will I find you?”

  “Call my cell phone and I’ll tell you where to meet us.” I started for the door. She restrained me again.

  “Not good enough. Gray always complains about how you lose your phone. I want Liam’s number. He’ll tell me where you are.”

  “Gracie. I don’t have time for this. Just call me.”

  “Stop arguing and give me Liam’s number. I’ll call you first. I just want backup.” Gracie held her phone up. “Or I call Frank right now and tell him what you are doing.”

  “You wouldn’t dare. Frank is the last person you want to talk to.” I called her bluff. The tension mounted between us.

  I blinked first. I gave her Liam and Jax’s phone numbers to pacify her before heading to the door. I opened it and walked out without looking around me. The elevator at the end of the hallway dinged. The door opened and two security guards walked out. I turned tail and went back into my room. Frank sent babysitters.

  Chapter Eight

  Regan Harris

  Magari Hotel and Casino

  Las Vegas, Nevada

  “There are two security guards heading this way. How am I going to get out?” I talked out loud, wracking my brain for a solution.

  Gracie turned on the TV. She flipped through the channels until she came to a movie station. She lowered the volume but kept it loud enough to mask any movement inside the room.

  “Give me two minutes. Then walk down the hallway away from the elevators. There’s an employee stairwell at the end. The door is unmarked,” Gracie said.