by E. E. Borton
“Good morning, sunshine,” greeted Grey.
“Hi, Grey. You look much better than you did yesterday.”
“A little sleep can change everything. Did you get any?”
“I did. I’m just waiting for my parents and Evan. They should be here any minute.”
“What? That is such a bad idea,” said Grey. “Obviously, Kate couldn’t care less about her security.”
“She cares, but I think she cares more about being around us,” said Abby. “We talked for a little bit this morning. She has a plan.”
“I can only imagine,” said Grey, continuing down the hall to the posted agents. “Is Carlos around?”
“He’ll be here in twenty minutes,” replied the sentry. “He said you might want this.”
He handed Grey a small brown leather pouch. Inside were a holster, semi-automatic pistol, and extra magazines. He clipped the weapon onto his belt.
“That feels so much better,” said Grey, un-tucking his shirt to conceal the gun.
“I bet it does,” said the sentry. “She’s doing some exercises with the staff, but she wanted to see you as soon as you arrived. Go on in.”
“Thanks, again,” said Grey, tapping his weapon. “And thank Carlos for me when you see him.”
He walked inside the activity room to see Kate sitting on a workout bench doing arm curls with a small weight. It was still early in the morning, but sweat was dripping off her red face and she was grunting with each flex. He stood at a distance until she finished.
“Good morning, Grey,” said Kate with a beaming smile. “Did you sleep well?”
“Very. But I can’t say the same for Abby. A little cruel, you making her babysit your parents, huh?”
“I know you’re not a fan of theirs, but it makes me feel better knowing they’re close. I also need their help with a few things.”
“Is this part of the plan Abby was telling me about?”
“Yep,” said Kate, continuing to smile.
“You having a plan is scaring me a little, but it’s good to see you smile, Kate. Very good.”
“Well, come give me a sweaty hug, and I’ll tell you what I need from you.”
He complied and they both took seats at the table near the window. It was a brilliant day, and the view put them both at ease. They shared an affinity for the water, and both were thinking of Paul. Neither of them shared those thoughts.
“My parents are here to finalize the purchase of my new house in Miami. It’s a place Paul and I were thinking of buying this summer before Caleb went back to school. It’s on Key Biscayne just south of Miami Beach. It’s more house than I’ll ever need, but you guys are going to need a place to work.”
“Work?”
The door to the activity room opened. “Did you miss me?”
“Are you kidding me?” asked Grey, turning around while getting to his feet. “What the hell are you doing here, Chief?”
“So you didn’t miss me.”
“A pleasure to finally meet you in person,” said Kate, looking pleased with Grey’s surprise.
“The pleasure is seeing you awake and doing so well,” said Chief Hill, ignoring Grey and walking up to Kate. “You look fantastic.”
“Thank you so much for coming,” said Kate, accepting a hug. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure if you would.”
“It was an offer I’d be an idiot to refuse,” said Chief Hill, turning to acknowledge Grey. “I take it you don’t know.”
“You’d be correct,” said Grey. “If Doyle finds out you’re here, you’re done.”
“I’m already done,” said Chief Hill. “I have a new job now.”
“Please, sit down,” said Kate. “I was just about to fill him in.”
Chief Hill took an open seat at the table and smiled at Grey. He didn’t smile back. The door opened again and Agent Ramirez entered the room. Under his arm, he was carrying several folders. He introduced himself to Chief Hill and sat down at the last open seat. He handed a folder to each of them.
“I highlighted the areas that require your signatures,” said Carlos. “I’ll walk them through the appropriate offices today. I don’t see a problem having everything cleared and approved by tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry, Carlos,” said Kate. “Grey has no idea what you’re talking about.”
“He doesn’t know?”
“I’m sitting right here,” said Grey. “For the love of God, please fill me in.”
“We’re all starting businesses,” said Kate. “Your folder contains all the paperwork needed to apply for a private investigator’s license in Florida. Chief Hill’s folder is for a private security business, but you both will be working for me.”
“Also in each folder is an application to carry a concealed weapon,” said Carlos. “I’ll have that approved for you by the end of the day. That includes yours, Kate.”
“Thank you, Carlos,” said Kate. “Thank you so much for everything. I’d like to speak privately with my employees if you don’t mind. The less you know right now, the better. We’re going to need you in the very near future, and I don’t want there to be any conflict of interest.”
“You’re welcome, Kate. If you need anything else – anything – don’t hesitate. Okay?”
“Okay,” replied Kate.
Kate hugged Carlos and he left them alone in the rehab room. Grey was flipping through his folder. Most of the information required had already been completed.
“What’s this all about, Kate?” asked Grey.
“I’m leaving this place at the end of the week and finishing my first round of rehab at the house on Key Biscayne. My parents are here to help me finalize the purchase today as well as assist you and Chief with whatever you’re going to need.”
“What do we need?”
“To build a fortress,” said Kate. She leaned in closer to him and took his hand. She always had the ability to calm the situation and put people at ease in almost any circumstance. She was being very effective with Grey.
“I need to feel safe again, Grey. I need someplace where I can feel comfortable while I recover and begin to put my life together. I don’t feel comfortable or safe here. And I can’t go back to our house. I’m just not ready to be around the things that made it a home for me and my boys.”
“I understand that,” said Grey, “but you’re trying to do too much too soon.”
“That’s why I need help,” said Kate. “And I need it from people who can’t be manipulated by that monster. I need a place to feel safe, but so does my family, and so do you.”
“I’ve already been to the property,” said Chief Hill. “There’s really only two access points. One is a road leading on and off the Key, and the other access point is the water. The house sits on over three acres and is completely isolated from the neighbors. There’s a lot of money on that Key, so there’s a lot of security as well. We’ll be using that security to our advantage.”
“Okay, let me back this up just a little,” said Grey, trying to catch up. “Did you quit the force?”
“I did,” said Chief Hill, “I’m betting for the same reasons you did. But we’ll talk about that later.”
“So now your job is to secure Kate’s house?”
“Yes, but that’s your job as well,” said Chief Hill. “I just happen to be your new boss.”
“Do I call you boss?” asked Grey, finally managing a slight smile.
“Nope. I’m still kind of partial to Chief if you don’t mind. You can drop the Hill.”
“Okay, Chief,” said Grey.
“My family, but mainly Abby, will be helping me with my recovery and rehab,” said Kate. “I still have a few surgeries scheduled over the next several months, but we’ll cross those bridges when we get to them. The immediate plan is to get the new house squared away so you’ll have a secure place to work, and I’ll have a safe place to rest.”
“Again, work?”
“Yes, work,” said Kate. “You and Chief are going to find the
man that did this. Carlos has agreed to help you with any database or forensic support you’ll need. He’s taking a risk, but I think it’s minimal. But I also think it’s very important you still have at least a few of the resources of the Bureau at your disposal. I can support you with the other aspects of the investigation as soon as we move into the new house.”
“What aspects are those?” asked Grey.
“Turning Paul’s life inside out so we can find the connection between him and the bad guys,” said Kate matter-of-factly. “I know it’s how you’re going to find him because I agree with you. Paul knew who did this to us.”
24
A View to Die For
IT WAS TWILIGHT WHEN GREY pulled up to the security gate of the large seaside home Kate had purchased two days earlier. With a down payment of six million dollars, it was closer to a palace than a house. He left Chief to complete the preliminary security setup to return to his home in Atlanta and gather his things for an extended stay in Florida. He knew Chief was watching him when the wrought iron gates opened.
Kate was due to be transported to her new home in seventy-two hours. Carlos and his team of agents would assist him and Chief with the logistics and security. But once Kate was settled, she would be officially losing her protection detail. Carlos and Chief worked out a plan to have at least one agent on the property at all times. Several of the men assigned to Kate agreed to rotate through the lineup when they were off duty. Most would’ve volunteered without pay, but each man would be compensated very well as consultants for Kate’s new business. She left no room for argument about the large amount each would receive.
Grey was greeted by Chief at the front door. After a brief update on the new security measures and equipment, they grabbed a bottle of bourbon and headed to the backyard. They were both impressed with the accommodations at their new offices.
“This house is something else, huh?” said Chief.
“I’ve only seen places like this in travel magazines,” said Grey, walking toward the boat dock.
“There are seven cameras located in and around the house,” said Chief, continuing his brief. “We’ll have six more installed before Kate gets here. There are both optical and motion sensors around the entire perimeter. Once everyone retires for the evening, we can activate a second layer of sensors that cover every square inch inside these walls.”
“I take it you’ve set up something like this before?”
“Not personally, but I brought one of my longtime friends who owns a company specializing in high-end installations. I trust the guy with my life, so don’t worry about him giving up anything to our buddy.”
“That’s good enough for me,” said Grey, taking a seat in a small pavilion located a few feet from the water. He opened the bottle and handed Chief a glass. Both men sat, looking over the water and enjoying the breathtaking view. “Things have changed quite a bit over the past few weeks.”
“You can say that again,” said Chief, taking a sip. “But from where I’m sitting, the change isn’t all that bad.”
“How much did she offer you?” asked Grey, irritating Chief.
He took a longer draw off his drink to keep from answering with the first words that popped into his head. “More than I made in the last ten years.”
“Is that why you’re here?” asked Grey.
Chief Hill didn’t take another drink to avoid saying what came to his mind. “Watch your mouth. You’re coming dangerously close to getting the boot.”
“You just met her,” said Grey. “You may have talked to her, what, two times since she’s been awake. And then you suddenly flush a thirty-year career and move to Miami to watch over her. That doesn’t sound odd to you?”
“I’m gonna let this one go because sometimes you’re not very smart,” replied Chief. “I have a pretty good idea what you’re doing and I get it. But you need to tread lightly with where you’re going. I like you, Grey. Don’t go changing that because you’ve finally decided to be a big brother to her.”
“Then explain this to me,” said Grey. “What the fuck is going on here? I’m the last one to know what’s happening, but all of you look at me like I’m a piece of shit if I don’t blindly follow Kate’s orders. She had no idea what she’s doing or what she’s asking of you and everyone else. She’s put her family and friends in danger, so don’t even think about telling me I’m overreacting. You saw what that thing out there is capable of doing.”
Chief finished off his drink and poured another. He motioned for Grey to do the same. He complied and both took their fresh drinks to the end of the boat dock.
“I’m only gonna say this once, so listen up,” said Chief, resuming his gaze over the water. “When I saw Kate’s little boy strapped to that chair and covered in blood, something inside me snapped. I’ve seen little bodies before, but the level of brutality and complete disregard for his life is what got to me. You say he did that to send a message. I say he did that because he enjoyed it.”
“I agree with you, Chief.”
“Good,” he replied, turning to face Grey. “I know what she’s asking of me, and I know what I stand to lose if this goes sour. This guy is a pro and he could probably take me out whenever he wants. But until then, I’m gonna hunt that freak until my last breath. I’m gonna see him suffer like he made Caleb, Kate, and Paul suffer.”
“So you’re on the same page as Kate,” said Grey. “You’re not going to find him so he can stand trial. You’re going to find him so she can end him.”
“Bingo.”
“I believe you, Chief. And if you tell me you know what you’re doing, then I won’t bring it up again.”
“I know what I’m doing,” said Chief without hesitating.
“It doesn’t seem like things are spinning out of control to you?” asked Grey.
“The complete opposite,” said Chief. “To me, it seems like she’s in control of the situation in spite of her circumstances. Like her, I have a clear and focused path to resolution and recovery. And that path leads to him. I’ve never been so ready to put my hands on someone in my life. I just find it hard to believe you don’t feel the same way.”
“Are you kidding me?” asked Grey, putting down his drink. “Of course I feel the same way. But I try not to let it overtake my better judgment. You may find this hard to believe, but my priority is keeping her safe. Once I know she is, then I’ll focus on finding him. And I’ll know exactly what to do when I have him.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
“Fuck you,” said Grey. “Don’t even think about giving me any kind of approval for what I’m thinking or doing. You haven’t earned the right. I remember who Caleb was when he was alive. I remember who Kate was before she was raped, tortured, and left for dead. Don’t forget you’re at the end of the train that I’m driving. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“I’m sorry, Grey. You’re right. I apologize…and I don’t do that often. Especially to a new partner.”
“I thought you were my boss?”
“We’ll start that tomorrow,” said Chief with a smile.
“Here’s our biggest problem,” said Grey, changing the subject. “Kate has no idea what she’s doing. It may look like she does from the outside, and I know we all want to bend over backwards to help her, but she’s killing us.”
“How’s that?”
“She broke silence and lost her protective detail,” explained Grey. “She thinks if she throws a ton of money into personal security for this place, it’ll actually be a safe haven. But instead of only having to look out for her, we now have to look out for Abby, her parents, Evan, and anyone else she decides to bring on board. Right now it’s just you, me, and a couple agents that have to watch over this place and them. That doesn’t leave us much time to go after the bad guys. We’re the professionals, Chief, not Kate. We need to be the ones calling the shots from here on out.”
“I agree, but if she feels better being here with her family, then we’re
just gonna have to suck it up. But I still believe the best defense is a good offense.”
“What do you mean?” asked Grey.
“You and I are civilians and actually have more power to investigate than if we were still tethered to our jobs. I’ve got a few favors I’m gonna call in to help us with personal security. Right now, you’re just gonna have to trust me on that one. That’ll free up you and me to go balls to the wall after our unsub. It’s about time we put him on his heels instead of being on ours. And we’re gonna start pushing him tomorrow.”
“At this point I’m all ears,” said Grey.
“We already know where to start,” continued Chief. “Kate has granted us access to all of Paul’s business dealings and partners. As soon as reinforcements arrive here, we’re gonna pay some folks a visit.”
“You bringing the boot?”
“I always bring the boot.”
*****
He stepped away from the camera that was equipped with a telephoto lens worth more than many of the automobiles in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. He was the most recent addition to the many vacationers who had to save for years before being able to rent the house he occupied – and it had to be that house.
Two days earlier he had scanned the shoreline from a boat to make sure he selected the rental with the best viewing angle. With the highly sensitive optical equipment set up on the deck, it was as if he were a third person having a drink with Grey and Chief. His only disadvantage was being unable to hear their conversation. It proved difficult finding a device that could pick up their voices five miles away across Biscayne Bay. His solution to that problem would be calling him the next day as scheduled.
He scribbled down several lines of notes and then reviewed the file on the screen of his laptop. He brought his eyes back to the optics, but the two men were walking back toward Kate’s new fortress. The unsub powered down the equipment and turned on a small lamp to better see the pages inside the folders.
Picking up Chief Hill’s file, the unsub leaned back in his chair and stared at his photo. “You’re not as easy as I thought,” he said to himself. “Who do you love, Chief Hill? Who would you do anything for to keep safe?”
