“Darryl, if anything happens to those kids not only will you be going down as a co-conspirator to the murders of Randy Knight, Levi Watts, and Larry Foster, but the two kids as well. Trust me, the big bad guys in prison don’t take kindly to people who hurt kids.” Aaron stood with his hands fisted on the table as he leaned down over the scared looking man.
“I didn’t kill nobody.” Darryl spat with about as much aggression as a puppy.
“Don’t matter if you did it yourself. You’re part of the whole thing. You work for Slash, and he’s killing people. He’s got two twelve-year-old kids, Darryl. Do you want to be part of that?” Aaron slammed his hand on the table.
“No, but he’s fucking crazy. He’ll kill me if I rat him out.” Darryl rubbed his cuffed hands over his head.
“I just need to know where he hides out.” Aaron tried to calm his demeanor.
“You don’t get it. The man slashed his own head to prove what a badass he is. His girlfriend stitched him up, and he didn’t even have anything to numb it.” Darryl sat back in the chair.
“I won’t say where I got the information. Nobody knows you’re here with me. Just give me an address.” Aaron sat in the chair as to try not to be so intimidating to the man.
Darryl was only twenty years old. Practically a kid himself and probably got caught up in all the shit because of his brother. He had a few convictions on his record, but none were violent.
“Nobody will find out, right?” Darryl looked at Aaron with hope in his eyes.
“Not a fucking soul,” Aaron promised.
“Fine, give me a piece of paper.” Darryl shook his head as Aaron pushed a pad of paper and a pen across the table.
Aaron was almost to his car when he saw Bethany’s cousin, Elijah, and two other men walking toward him. The men looked like the guys that worked for Keith. Tall, muscular but obviously military.
“We want to help,” Elijah said as he stood next to Aaron.
“I know it’s your family, but I can’t let you in the middle of this,” Aaron explained.
“We were already talking to John, and he said he was going to text you. This is Damon Blackwood and Adrian Hudson. They’re retired military but Damon was one of the best snipers in the country.” Elijah introduced the men but before Aaron could respond, his phone beeped.
The text from John told him to take Elijah and the other men to meet up with them a block from where they suspected Slash was holding Mia and Cameron.
“Are you coming with me or following?” Aaron asked.
“With.” Elijah nodded as the three men jumped into Aaron’s car.
“John said you just got the address,” Elijah said from the passenger seat.
“Yeah, I just wish I knew where Quintin was at the moment.” Aaron hoped that the kid wasn’t about to make a huge mistake and get in the middle of a shootout.
The building Slash was using as a hideout was hidden back in the woods at the end of the base. Both Adrian and Damon said they used to use it when they first joined the army for practice. It was a concrete building that was crumbling because the military didn’t use that part of the base anymore.
“How close do you think we can get before being detected by this guy?” John asked.
“Damon is heading around to that high point up there and see if there’s any visibility inside the structure. He’s got his equipment, and he has a radio.” Adrian pointed to a hill behind the three concrete buildings stood at the bottom of it.
“I’ve got TAC moving into points as well,” John said, referring to the Police tactical unit that most people would call SWAT.
“Do we even know if he’s in there with the kids?” James asked as he secured his Kevlar vest.
Before anyone could respond, Aaron’s phone vibrated and he pulled it out. The relief overwhelmed him at the sight of Quintin’s number from earlier.
“Quintin?” Aaron tapped the speaker so everyone could hear.
“Mr. O’Connor, he has Mia. That bastard has my sister.” Quintin sounded panicked.
“We know. Where are you, buddy?” Aaron glanced around at the group of men hunched over his phone.
“I’m behind the building. He has your girlfriend’s nephew too,” Quintin whispered.
“Buddy, you need to come up from the building. We have our team closing in, and we don’t want you hurt if there’s any gunfire.” Aaron met Nick’s eyes.
“I can’t. My sister is hysterical, and Cameron’s trying to keep her calm, but he looks pretty scared too,” Quintin whispered.
“You can see them?” John cut in.
“Who’s that?” Quintin’s voice quivered.
“It’s my brother, John. He’s my supervisor,” Aaron assured the kid.
“Okay, I can see Slash. He’s pacing on the other side of the building. I’m in the middle building watching him through a crack between the two.” Quintin seemed to be in a great spot.
“Would you be okay with one of my team coming in there with you?” John asked.
“As long as he doesn’t let Slash hear him,” Quintin whispered.
John smiled as he glanced around at the men. Aaron shook his head. If a teenager could get there without Slash hearing him, they were pretty sure a trained TAC officer could get there.
“Okay, great, Quintin. His name is Steve Parker, and he’s making his way to you,” John informed the kid.
“All right, but if Slash touches my sister, I’m going to shoot him,” Quintin growled.
“I understand but until then just put your gun down and wait for Steve, okay?” Aaron couldn’t blame the kid.
They waited for what seemed like forever for Steve to give the confirmation that he’d made it to Quintin and everything was okay. When John raised his hand to let everyone know that Steve was in place, Aaron breathed a sigh of relief.
“How is Slash not hearing Quintin talking to us?” Nick must not have realized that Aaron still had the kid on the phone.
“He’s going around with his headset in talking to his girlfriend,” Quintin responded.
“Can you hear what he’s saying?” Nick asked.
“No, he’s too far away.” Quintin sighed.
“It’s like he’s waiting for something.” Steve’s voice came through the ear that all of them were now wearing.
As they waited for everyone to get into place, Aaron glanced down the hill. Sandy was watching the area with a drone and Cory was with her. Seconds later, Cory ran toward them holding his phone.
“Someone called Allyson’s phone and threatening Cameron if Bethany didn’t change her story and say she didn’t see the shooter.” Cory handed the phone to Aaron. “It’s Crash.”
“Crash?” Aaron put the phone to his ear.
“The voice was altered, but they told Allyson that she was to force Bethany to make a statement to the press saying she was wrong about the shooter. I mean, is this asshole stupid?” Crash sounded pissed.
“We got eyes on him now. Tell Allyson and Bethany not to worry.” Aaron knew that was probably a stupid thing to say, but they were about to move in.
“He just took out his headphones.” Steve’s voice crackled in his ears. “Quintin just ended the call with you.”
“Got ya,” John said. “We’re moving in.”
Aaron followed behind the members of the TAC unit with his weapon ready. The door of the building had a piece of board placed against it. They waited for Steve to give the okay for them to go in. They wanted to wait until Slash was far enough from the kids they could become a wall if he just started shooting randomly.
“He’s on the phone again. Go,” Steve said.
The board was kicked down, and Aaron followed the unit as they flowed into the building in a smooth formation. Cory and James quickly made their way to Mia and Cameron. Slash had tied them to a wooden bench on the other side of the structure.
“What the fuck?” Slash shouted as he turned at the crash of the makeshift door.
“Drop your weapon, A
rcher,” John shouted.
“The name is Slash, and I’m not droppin’ nothin’.” He pointed his gun directly at Mia and Cameron.
“Okay, Slash. How many guns are pointing at you right now?” John smirked.
“Only takes one to shoot one of those kids,” Slash yelled.
“Those kids are surrounded by police with vests.” John returned. “You don’t want to add shooting a police officer on top of the charges already waiting for you, do you?” Aaron stepped next to his brother.
“I’d be a hero in the lock-up if I killed a fucking pig.” Slash raised his gun and slowly moved it back and forth between Aaron and John.
“Drop it, asshole.” Quintin’s voice echoed through the building as he stood behind Slash with a rifle pointed at the criminal.
As if in slow motion, Slash turned his weapon toward Quintin. There was a swoosh and Slash’s head snapped back. He fell backward, and his body hit the concrete floor sounded like the clap of a hand.
“I didn’t shoot him. I didn’t shoot him.” Quintin dropped his rifle and held up his hands.
“I did.” Damon’s voice echoed through the earpiece.
Aaron handed his phone to Cameron to let him talk to his mother once the paramedics cleared him and Mia. Mia and Quintin spoke with their sister on the phone the kid bought.
Aaron leaned against the side of the ambulance and blew out a huge breath. It was over. Bethany was safe, and they could finally get on with their lives.
“Mr. O’Connor?” Quintin stepped in front of Aaron.
“Hey.” Aaron smiled at the kid.
“I’m sorry.” Quintin dropped his head.
“It’s okay, buddy. I understand why you did what you did but it was dangerous, and you could have gotten yourself killed.” Aaron dropped his hand on Quintin’s shoulder.
“Yeah, but if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have gotten a clear shot at that prick.” Damon walked up next to Aaron. “But don’t ever put yourself in that situation again.”
“I won’t, apparently I’m grounded until I’m fifty.” Quintin smirked. “Don’t know how Denise is gonna do that but I wasn’t arguing with her when she was so pissed and a little hysterical.”
“Can’t say I blame you there, buddy.” Aaron laughed.
“Quintin, come on. I’m going to take you and Mia home.” Cory stood with his arm wrapped around a shaking Mia.
“Thank you for helping to get justice for my family.” Quintin held out his hand to Aaron.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you at basketball next week.” Aaron shook Quintin’s hand.
“Thank you for shooting that asshole.” Quintin turned to Damon.
“I don’t like shooting anyone, but when there’s a choice between them and an innocent person, they go down.” Damon smiled. “Do me a favor?”
“What?” Quintin asked.
“Stay innocent for a while. Enjoy it while you can.” Something in Damon’s eyes told Aaron the man had a lot of pain behind them.
“I will.” Quintin walked away leaving Aaron and Damon staring after him.
“I hear your brother is hiring for his security firm,” Damon said quietly.
“I’m not sure but why don’t you come back to The Compound and I’ll introduce you.” Aaron walked toward his car.
“If that includes a cold beer, I’m in.” Damon grinned.
Two hours later, the safe house was full of most of his family, friends, and co-workers. Bethany had met him at the door when they arrived and practically launched herself into his arms.
Cameron was shaken, but when Ian showed up with Lily and Evie, he seemed to relax as he gave his version of what happened to Aaron’s two nieces. Aaron smirked when Cameron said he wasn’t afraid and he had to make sure Mia was safe. Typical teenage boy bravery stories.
“Pam’s picking Isabelle up, and they’re going to bring some more beer.” Jess handed Aaron a beer.
“I think we’re going to need it.” Aaron laughed.
“No shit. This family keeps getting bigger and bringing their friends.” Jess waved her hand around the house.
“Why weren’t you on the scene?” Aaron hadn’t realized his cousin wasn’t there until that moment.
“My damn car broke down again.” She sighed. “I was on my way back from town, and it died. By the time I got a tow truck and got home, you guys were on the way home.”
“You need to give that shit box a funeral.” Aaron pulled away as she swung at him.
“Bite me,” Jess returned.
“No thanks, but seriously it’s a death trap.” His cousin’s car was ten years old, and Jess seemed to have some weird sentimental connection with it.
“No, it’s not,” Jess whined.
“Come on, the last time I had to bail your ass out when it broke down, there was smoke pouring out of it, and I’m pretty sure the fluid was supposed to be in the car.” Aaron laughed.
“I don’t know what to do with it.” Jess leaned against the counter.
“I told you. Bury the fucking thing.” Aaron chuckled.
Jess gave him the middle finger as she grabbed another beer and left Aaron in the kitchen. He would let her stew over her car for a little while before he’d introduce her to the mechanic that took care of the NPD’s cars. Aaron wouldn’t trust his car to anyone else. He’d also be able to find a good deal on a used car.
“I want to take you into the bedroom and lock the door.” Bethany sidled up to him and whispered into his ear.
“Let’s go.” Aaron tugged her, and she giggled.
“No way. Too many people here.” Bethany smiled.
“We can go to my bunkhouse.” Aaron wiggled his eyebrows, he hadn’t been there more than a few times since everything started and that was only to get clean clothes.
“Maybe later, I’m just enjoying that it’s all over.” Bethany wrapped her arms around his waist and stood up on her toes.
“Me too.” Aaron bent his head and pressed his lips against hers.
“Move it,” Isabelle grunted as she pushed Aaron and Bethany aside to place a large box on the counter.
“You know the house is full of men that could have helped with that.” Aaron peeked in the box, and the smell of food had his stomach grumbling.
“There are three more boxes, and they are being carried in by them.” Isabelle pointed to where Crash, Adrian, and Hulk were heading toward the kitchen.
“Let me guess, Nan?” Aaron laughed.
“Yep and Pam’s pulling up with the booze.” Isabelle grinned.
A few minutes later the floor was piled with cases of beer and Bethany was chatting with Pam, Isabelle, and Kristy. Aaron stood quietly with his arm around Bethany’s waist with a cold beer in his hand. Heaven.
Aaron spotted Damon, Adrian, and Elijah chatting with Keith. Damon turned his head as if he sensed Aaron looking at him and nodded his head. He said something to Keith and strutted toward Aaron.
“Did you get the job?” Aaron chuckled.
“We’re going to meet next week with all the details.” Damon grinned.
“Since you’re going to be staying, let me introduce you to some of my cousins and my beautiful lady.” Aaron squeezed Bethany, and she turned to look up at him.
“Beautiful she is.” Damon winked.
“Bethany this is …” Before Aaron could continue, a soft gasp came from one of his cousins.
He turned to see Pam’s face pale and eyes wide. Damon’s face mirrored her surprise, but recognition in his eyes had Aaron curious.
“Trixie?” Damon drew out the unfamiliar name.
“Trixie?” Isabelle glanced between Pam and Damon much the same as Bethany, Kristy and he were doing.
“What … what… are you doing here?” Pam stammered over her words and looked about ready to bolt.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Damon raised an eyebrow.
“Pam? Do you know Damon?” Aaron started to feel a little protective over his cousin especially with
the way she seemed to squirm under Damon’s glare.
“Pam?” Damon’s attention turned to Aaron.
It was enough for Pam to squeeze by Isabelle and practically run out of the house. Damon took a step to follow her, but Aaron grabbed him by the arm.
“What did you do to her?” Aaron growled.
“I didn’t do anything, but I’m about to find out why she lied about who she was and why she took off without a word after I told her I loved her.” Damon pulled his arm from Aaron’s grasp and disappeared through the door.
“Well… that was interesting.” Kristy raised an eyebrow.
Aaron glanced down at Bethany who seemed to be ready to fall asleep. He was prepared to fall into bed himself, and since the threat to her had ended, he could get a good night sleep and deal with the aftermath of the investigation in the morning.
Chapter 29
Bethany stood in her old bedroom and waited for Aaron to pick her up for their first date since she’d returned to Hopedale. It seemed like a step backward, but since their reunion had been out of the ordinary, that couldn’t be helped.
Aaron made plans to take her to Isabelle’s restaurant for a romantic dinner and then they were going to meet Matt Carter at the site of the property that she and Aaron had just bought.
Billie’s older brother was an architect, and they were going to give Matt some ideas of what they wanted in their new house. She was beyond excited, but a voice in her head still needled at her that maybe they were moving way too fast.
She’d mentioned it to Aaron and in his sweet calming way, made her push that annoying voice to the back of her thoughts. Bethany didn’t doubt she loved Aaron. She’d never been surer of anything in her life. It was still difficult to believe that she was finally with the only man she’d ever loved.
Over the past six days, Aaron, John, and James were clearing up the investigation into Randy’s and Levi’s murders. They found several firearms in the concrete structure where Slash hid. Aaron told her they matched both shootings as well as Randy’s.
They’d also found a large hunting knife with traces of blood from Levi as well as Larry Foster. They closed the case on all three murders, and the other three men pleaded guilty to some charges that she didn’t hear because she’d zoned out when Aaron and James were explaining it. Although they had not located the mystery woman, they still wanted to talk to her.
Dangerous Witness (O'Connor Brothers Book 7) Page 21
