On His Honor

by Jean Brashear

  “What the—Sage, what the hell are you doing?”

  “That’s more a question for you, I believe. Did you think I didn’t have someone watching your house? You weren’t getting a massage, Avery, you were making preparations to run.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  In the parking lot, JD watched Joe cast a glance into Lofton’s car, then shake his head and return to the club. JD raced for the door as quietly as he could and stuck a foot through to stop it from closing, then replaced his foot with a small stone he eased inside.

  “You’re a coward,” he heard Sage say through the earpiece.

  “Screw you.”

  “Been there, done that.” The woman was cool as a cucumber. “Lost your nerve, Avery?”

  “We were only laundering money. There wasn’t supposed to be any violence. But then you murdered Bately when he decided to stop paying blackmail.”

  JD stood for a second to let his eyes adjust to the dark hallway. He didn’t dare miss a word if he had to speak to Vince, so he keyed the mic, instead. Vince gave an answering click to acknowledge.

  “You were setting up a side venture, may I remind you? Cutting me out. That isn’t going to happen, Avery.”

  “What are you going to do, kill me next?”

  “Don’t tempt me.” Hard as diamonds. “Jorge will want to weigh in on your fate when he gets here, I’m sure.”

  Lima was coming here? Capturing him had been one of the primary goals of the case from the beginning, but JD couldn’t risk Violet’s safety by waiting.

  “Let Violet go. She’s no part of this.”

  The woman’s laughter was like nails on a blackboard.

  Say something that verifies Violet’s location, goddamn it, Lofton.

  “Ah, yes, Joe. What’s in Mr. Lofton’s car?”

  JD couldn’t hear the words, but he didn’t have to.

  “A suitcase? My, my. What would we find in your pockets, pray tell? A passport?”

  “Up yours, Sage. Is Violet upstairs? I want to talk to her.”

  “You’re not in charge, Avery. You never were. Search him, Joe.”

  “For God’s sake, not here,” Avery spluttered. “Let’s go upstairs. People talk. Don’t create a spectacle in front of the staff.”

  A deep sigh. “Bring him along, Joe.”

  “I want to talk to Violet when we get there.”

  JD ran through the layout mentally. There was no easy way to get upstairs unnoticed. He wouldn’t be able to get ahead of them in time to get to Violet. He’d have to let them go first.

  “Did I say she was upstairs? Maybe she’s in one of the back rooms,” Sage said.

  If only…that would make extracting much easier, JD thought as he checked his weapon again.

  “You won’t get away with this, Sage. I—”

  Suddenly, the three of them approached JD’s position. He flattened himself into a recess as a woman—Sage—preceded Lofton up the stairs, followed by the muscle JD had seen in the parking lot.

  JD waited until they were out of hearing distance. “Going up, Vince. I think Violet’s upstairs, but I’m checking the downstairs rooms on my way. Lofton, Holland and one guard are on their way up. And apparently, Lima’s due in town.”

  Vince whistled his appreciation. “To snag Lima…”

  “I’m not waiting.”

  “I understand. I’m two blocks away with Trini. Keep your mic open, so we know what’s going on.”

  “Copy that.” JD slipped from his hiding place.

  Then he heard Lofton yell.

  And Lofton’s phone went dead.

  * * *

  WHEN SHE FIRST HEARD VOICES and footsteps, Violet moved closer to the door but stayed carefully back, listening.

  “Jorge will be here soon, Avery. I don’t imagine he’ll think much of your travel plans. Joe, take him to his office. Restrain him.”

  “You won’t—” Avery yelled.

  The sound of a blow.

  A moan.

  A thud on the floor outside where she was trapped.

  “Stick him in his office and watch him,” Sage said coldly. “I have a call to make.”

  Oh, no. What had they done to Avery? Violet scrambled for her phone, then moved to the far wall and scrolled to JD’s number. What if he wouldn’t take her call, after what had happened between them?

  This situation is far more deadly than you can imagine, maybe more dangerous than he ever expected. You could simply be collateral damage, but you’d be just as dead. And I couldn’t live with that, Violet.

  Oh, JD… She hesitated for a second. What could she tell him that would help? She didn’t have any details, and she didn’t want to expose him to danger, too.

  I want you safe, and I don’t care what I have to do to guarantee that.

  She pushed the button. Immediately the call was sent to voice mail. Her heart sank, and she nearly disconnected. Maybe she should just call 911.

  But the sound of his voice on the message made her remember how safe she’d felt with him once.

  She stayed across the room and spoke softly. “JD, I…you were right. I—”

  A text popped on the screen.

  Cant talk. Im downstairs. Where r u?

  She stifled a gasp. She had no idea what miracle had brought him close, but she was beyond grateful. Upstairs. VIP. 1st door on rt. Door locked. Want me 2 call 911?

  No. Help comg. Hide. Stay away fr door.

  Avery hurt. In 1st ofc down hall on L. 1 guard. Sage in her ofc nxt dr.

  Good. Now hide. Im here.

  Her eyes prickled with tears of gratitude. Im sorry. U were rt.

  Will keep u safe. Got 2 go.

  After how she’d doubted him, accused him…

  He’d warned her, and she’d refused to listen, yet still he was trying to take care of her. I love you, she wanted to type. But she had no right.

  Pls be careful, she typed.

  U 2.

  Relief mingled with fear for him, but, oh, how glad she was that he was nearby. She searched for a good hiding place, but first she scanned every surface for something to use as a weapon. She didn’t like feeling this helpless.

  The place was too clean. Then she remembered that they catered up here. She opened the drawer below the counter and found a knife. She knew next to nothing about self-defense, but it had a point and it could hurt. It was better than nothing.

  She longed to linger by the door, to hear JD pass by. To reach out and touch him.

  But she’d gotten them both into danger by ignoring his warnings to stay away from Avery.

  This time she’d listen.

  * * *

  JD CREPT DOWN THE DARKENED HALLWAY.

  A figure appeared at the opening into the dance area.

  He ducked into the restroom alcove.

  The figure passed him. A woman, meeting Lofton’s description of the manager, Leslie.

  JD crept up behind her and clapped a hand over her mouth.

  She struggled against him.

  He kept his hand tight and leaned next to her ear. “Leslie, I’m Detective Cameron. Avery tell you to let me in?”

  She nodded, tried to speak.

  “Can I trust you to stay quiet if I remove my hand? I’m here to protect Violet, not to hurt you.”

  She hesitated then nodded.

  He removed his hand slowly, ready to clap it back on if need be.

  She faced him, whispering. “Sage and Avery went upstairs. What’s going on?”

  Lofton had sworn she knew nothing of the way the club had been used illegally. Since he’d said she liked him and not Sage, JD decided to omit Lofton’s par
t in the criminal enterprise. “Sage is involved in some illegal activities that could bring down the whole club. She’s going to use Violet as a hostage.”

  The woman’s eyes went round. “No.”

  “Yes. I don’t have time to explain more. Sage is expecting company, right?”

  She nodded.

  “Know when?”

  “No.”

  “I need to get Violet out of here now. Do you have a key to the VIP lounge?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “She’s locked Violet in. Give me the key.”

  “I like Violet.” She withdrew a key ring and searched for the right one.

  When she put it in his hand, he nodded toward the main area. “I don’t want anyone else hurt. Can you get the staff to leave without Sage noticing?”

  “Some of them, but her office looks out on the main floor. She’ll be suspicious if it’s completely empty.”

  “Then keep a couple of people you trust not to panic. Get everyone else out of here now and warn them not to talk to anyone but my team who’ll be waiting outside to take care of them. Be sure the back door stays unlocked and propped open. Are there exterior cameras that Sage can see?”

  “We have cameras, but the monitors for the exterior are down here in my office.”

  “Good. I’m going to go upstairs and bring Violet out quietly if I can. Put your number in my phone, and I’ll let you know when I have her safe, then the rest of you get out, too.”

  “What about Avery?”

  He couldn’t tell her Lofton was hurt. No predicting what she’d do. “I can only take one at a time, but my team will be coming for him.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  Not you, too. But he didn’t argue. “I’m trusting you to keep things calm down here.”

  Her gaze was resolute. “You can count on me.”

  “Thanks. Can you think of something to call Sage about, to distract her while I get Violet away?”

  “I’ll figure out something. How soon?”

  “Spread the word to your people as fast as possible, then call Sage as soon as you can. Three minutes cutting it too close?”

  “I’ll manage.” She entered her number on his cell then retraced her steps.

  JD followed silently, but detoured to the left to mount the stairs.

  * * *

  BEING STUCK BEHIND A SOFA let the mind run rampant to create every possible nightmare scenario. Violet longed to go to the window to see what was going on downstairs, to listen at the door.

  Don’t be that idiot heroine in the Gothic novel who goes into the darkened basement. You’ve already created problems enough.

  She subsided against the corner wall. She flexed her fingers, realizing that she’d been gripping the knife handle as if it was her one remaining hope.

  But JD was nearby. That thought brought her more comfort than she was entitled to, given the lack of faith she’d shown in him.

  He’d deceived her, yes—repeatedly—but she could look at the situation with new eyes now, and she realized how difficult the situation must have been for JD. He was an undercover cop—he had to be a convincing actor, too, only the stakes were life or death, not mere box-office receipts.

  What happened between us was no job, Violet. You felt it, too.

  She had. And if she got a chance to be with him again, she wouldn’t squander it.

  Please. Give us that chance. Keep him safe.

  A noise outside. A moan, like someone in pain. Avery? What if JD was hurt? She wanted to act, to help.

  Then a sound, a key in the lock. She edged toward the end of the sectional nearest the door.

  Her phone vibrated. Unlockd but dont come out.

  JD. Relieved by his nearness, Violet eased closer. She would be ready for whatever happened next.

  * * *

  JD’S GOAL WAS TO SPIRIT VIOLET out without anyone noticing, to send her away before the raid went down. He listened to Sage talking on the phone to what he hoped was Leslie. From the sound of it, Sage wasn’t happy, and he knew he couldn’t count on her being preoccupied for very long.

  Just then he heard footsteps in the office across the hall, the one Violet said was Lofton’s. He sprinted to the wall next to that door and flattened himself against it, his weapon at the ready.

  The door opened, and the burly man walked out, weapon drawn.

  Headed for the room Violet was in.

  “Don’t move,” JD said quietly. “Police. Drop your weapon.” Be smart, please. JD didn’t dare fire because Violet was somewhere behind the man. Bullets could go through walls.

  The man whirled, instead. Fired.

  JD tried to dodge but there was no time. The bullet slammed into his shoulder, knocked him back against the wall. His weapon tumbled from his grasp.

  “JD!” Violet’s voice.

  The man kicked in that door.

  The team would hear the gunfire on his mic and move in, but quickly enough? He scanned the floor to see where his weapon had landed, gritting his teeth against the fire in his shoulder.

  While Joe was looking away, JD grasped his weapon in his left hand and braced himself against the wall.

  The man yanked Violet out, brandishing her in front of him like a shield.

  “You’re surrounded. Let her go,” JD said. He wanted to look Violet over to be sure she wasn’t hurt but couldn’t afford not to watch Joe closely.

  “I’ve got him, Joe,” Sage said from her doorway.

  JD couldn’t watch both at once, and the goon was closest to Violet. He could sense Sage nearing and spared her one quick glance. She was armed and approaching.

  A form hurtled through the door beside JD and barreled into Sage.

  Lofton.

  He knocked Sage to the ground.

  JD eased back so he could see both Joe and them.

  Lofton struggled with Sage for her weapon.

  “Avery, watch out!” Violet cried.

  Joe raised his arm and fired a head shot. Lofton collapsed on top of his partner.

  “No!” Violet screamed and lunged for Lofton.

  “Violet, don’t!” JD shouted.

  But the man grabbed Violet and yanked her in front of him again, one beefy arm around her throat, his weapon rising toward her head.

  JD’s vision wavered. He couldn’t get a clear shot.

  Violet’s right arm rose from her skirt. JD spotted the gleam of metal.

  She jammed it into the man’s thigh.

  With a roar, he backhanded her into the wall. She collapsed like a rag doll.

  JD fired. The goon fell to the floor.

  JD staggered toward Violet.

  A sound came from his left. He whirled to see Sage’s weapon aimed at Violet.

  JD threw himself in front of Violet.

  The bullet plowed into him.

  “Violet—” he called.

  But there was no answer as he collapsed.

  * * *

  FOOTSTEPS POUNDED UP THE STAIRS, and Violet stirred. “JD—”

  She heard Sage screaming with rage, but the sound was getting farther and farther away. She saw double and closed her eyes, trying to rise.

  “Easy now. It’s Vince Coronado, Violet. Don’t get up. Someone will be here to take a look at you.”

  “Vince?” She tried opening her eyes again. Blinked hard to focus.

  “Yeah. Where are you hurt?”

  “Just my head. JD—is he—he got shot. Where is he?”

  “He’s alive.”

  But the look in Vince’s eyes made her heart stop. “How bad?”

  “Don’t know yet. He took two hits. Lost a lot
of blood.”

  “Two?” She’d only seen one. “What happened?”

  Vince stared at her. “Sage tried to shoot you. JD took the bullet to save you.”

  “No. Oh, God, Vince.” Grief bent her double.

  “Sage and her henchman are in custody. JD’s in the ambulance now.”

  “Where are they taking him? I have to go to him.” She struggled to her knees but swayed.

  “You’re not going anywhere yet.” Vince caught her. “He’ll be taken to University Medical. It’s a level-one trauma center. He’s in good hands.”

  “This is my fault.” She wrapped her arms around her middle and rocked herself. “All of it. He told me to stay away from Avery, but—” Then she remembered more. The vision of Avery charging Sage, and his head— She swallowed back the sour sickness. “Avery… .”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “He’s been my best friend for years.” Violet clapped her hand over her mouth in horror at what she’d set in motion. Forced herself to meet Vince’s gaze. Don’t fall apart. You don’t have the right.

  “I did this, Vince, all of this—if I’d believed JD, none of this would have happened.” She gripped his arm. “JD has to be okay. Are the doctors good enough?”

  “We have to hope so.”

  Hope? She wanted a guarantee. “If he needs anything…anything, Vince. I’ll give every dime I have if it will save him.” But you weren’t willing to give him your trust, were you? You were too busy feeling sorry for yourself.

  Once again, she tried to rise on unsteady legs. Vince assisted her, but she felt the distance in him, saw the looks on the faces of his men.

  They knew why JD was hurt. Knew she was the reason he might not make it.

  She’d placed her faith in someone who didn’t deserve it.

  And hadn’t believed in the best man she’d ever met.

  “You would be right to despise me, but—” She fought to steady her voice. “I want to be there at the hospital to wait until—” Her voice broke. He has to make it. Please. “However little I deserve the privilege.” Once again she lifted her eyes to the man beside her. To her surprise, his gaze was more sympathetic than judgmental. “Would you—please, Vince…could you get me a cab or…?”

  “After you let the paramedics check you out, I’ll drive you. If you’ll wait right here…”