aHunter4Life (aHunter4Hire)

by Cynthia Clement

  “I’m in charge here.” Agent Kelly shook her head. “I’ll have you guys locked up. By the time you get out, we’ll have the boys back home.”

  Partlan crossed his arms. “It would be easier if you stopped wasting time and let us help.”

  Agent Kelly frowned. She seemed to consider it for a few seconds and then shook her head. “No. Bakker get these men out of here.”

  Catal released her hand. “I’ll contact you when we have more information.”

  Serenity eased through her. She knew that the Hunters wouldn’t leave it to the FBI. That’s why she’d contacted them in the first place. They would use whatever means possible to be at the drop site.

  Partlan shrugged off Bakker’s hand and left the room, followed by the other three Hunters. There were a tense silence once they were gone. Nikki gave her an accusatory look before turning her attention back to the FBI.

  “What is the plan?” Nikki’s voice was matter of fact. “I assume that you will leave the money once we know that Gates is alive.”

  Selena’s stomach sank.

  “The money was given by the men I hired.” Selena forced her voice to stay firm. “I need to know that Tarrin is alive too.”

  “Of course.” Nikki waved aside her objections. “We want both of the boys alive.”

  Agent Kelly looked at Nikki. “We will do everything we can, but I have to warn you that these exchanges are not always straight forward.”

  “What do you mean?” Selena’s voice caught in her throat. “Are you saying the boys won’t be given back?”

  Agent Kelly raised her hands in a conciliatory motion. “I’m saying that the drop may happen first, and the boys returned later. Our goal is to follow whoever picks up the money. They should lead us to the boys.”

  “What if they don’t go to the boys or you lose track of the kidnappers?” Selena’s voice was a whisper. She fought down nausea and straightened her shoulders.

  “Then we wait until they keep their part of the bargain.”

  Silence followed Agent Kelly’s words.

  “Is that the best plan you have?” Nikki’s eyes were narrowed. “Wait and see?”

  “We could have done that ourselves.” Steve crossed his arms. “We risked Gates’ life just by calling in the FBI.”

  “You were right to call us, Mr. Walters.” Agent Kelly lifted her chin. “We’ve done this many times. You have to trust us. The best chance you have of getting the boys back safely, is with us.”

  Agent Kelly turned on her heels and left the room. The rest of her agents followed. There was an eerie silence after the FBI left. Agent Kelly’s words hadn’t inspired hope. The authorities had their procedures to follow, but surely they had a better plan for getting the boys back.

  Selena cleared her throat. “Now you know why I called in outside help.”

  “Let’s just hope they don’t mess things up.” Nikki turned and walked to the fireplace. “Gates is all we have in the world. I couldn’t bear to lose him.”

  “It’s no different for me.” Selena pushed back her pain. “Both of the boys have to be saved.”

  “It won’t be because of anything you did.” Steve’s tone was an insult.

  Selena looked at the two people she had considered friends. It was insane that they should think she had something to do with this kidnapping. She loved Gates. She’d die if anything happened to Tarrin. A wave of weariness washed over her. Suddenly, she was too tired to deal with anymore accusations.

  “You called in the FBI and I didn’t object or doubt your decision. Show me the same courtesy.” Selena stood. “If it wasn’t for the Hunters, we wouldn’t even have the ransom money. We can rely on them to get the boys back alive.”

  “Are you suggesting I’m not reliable?” Steve jumped off the couch, his face contorted with rage. “I’m not the one with a criminal brother. I’ve done everything possible to get the boys back.”

  “You’re the reason they were taken in the first place.”

  The words were out of Selena’s mouth before she could stop them. The past week had been hell. She had tried hard not to blame Steve for leaving the children alone, but when all was said and done, he had failed. He had let his career come before the welfare of the boys.

  “You bitch.” Steve spat the words at her. “If Nikki hadn’t taken you in where would you be today?”

  “Nikki has been a true friend.” Selena nodded. “This wouldn’t have happened if you had picked the boys up from the soccer game on time.”

  “None of us are free of blame here.” Nikki stood between Selena and Steve. “We all could have taken better care where the boys were concerned. Selena could have trusted us with her past, and we should have taken better precautions. Children of famous people are always targets for kidnapping.”

  Steve’s shoulders sagged and he flopped back on the couch. “I never thought something like this could happen.”

  “None of us did.” Nikki turned to Selena. “We know you love Gates. If we had known about your background that might have influenced the steps we took to protect the boys.”

  Selena’s chest tightened. She recognized the look Nikki was giving her. Her beautiful face was poised in lines of remorse, but her chin was lifted high. The tone of her voice dripped regret. Selena had seen this act before. It was one that Nikki used when she was preparing to fire one of her assistants. The years of friendship counted for nothing. Once the boys were brought home, she’d be expected to pack and leave.

  “I told you I was running from my past when we first met.” Selena’s voice was defensive. “You knew that there were things I couldn’t talk about.”

  “True, but I thought I could trust you.” Nikki shook her head. “I let you take care of my baby and gave you a home to live in. The least you could have done was be truthful.”

  “I was honest.” Selena’s voice shook. “I told you I had escaped from a horrible life in Columbia. You said you didn’t want to hear about it.”

  Nikki shrugged. “You made it sound as if you were the victim. I was already upset enough about having to leave Gates with a nanny. If I’d known you were one of the perpetrators I would never have let you in my home.”

  “I’m not guilty of what the FBI is accusing me of.” Selena’s voice rose as she put emphasis on each word. “I never hurt anyone.”

  “What about Tarrin’s father?” Nikki’s words hung in the room for a few seconds before she continued. “You swear you were an innocent, but you lived in your brother’s home. That means the only men you would have met were those that worked for him.”

  Selena’s breath caught in her throat. “Why are you asking me this now?”

  “Maybe Tarrin’s father is ruthless enough to kidnap him.”

  “He doesn’t know he has a son.”

  Selena’s voice was low. The memory of the torment she’d gone through when she’d found herself pregnant threatened to overwhelm her. She was alone and without a job. Nikki’s offer of employment had been heaven sent. Nikki and Steve were just starting out in their careers and lived quietly. The fame and paparazzi had come later.

  “Who is he?” Nikki’s voice was strident. “We need to know so the FBI can investigate him.”

  “I suppose the FBI has already suggested him as a suspect?”

  “They’re very thorough.” Steve spoke from the couch. “Especially when it comes to background checks. I’ve learned a lot from them.”

  “He betrayed me and I left. I found out I was pregnant after I was living here. He doesn’t have any idea about Tarrin. If he did, he would be here helping to find him.”

  “I suppose we’ll have to take your word for that.” Nikki crossed her arms. “Did you have any enemies in Columbia?”

  “Everyone is fighting each other.” Selena sighed. “Do you really want to know about the life I lived in Columbia? I’ll tell you every detail, but I can promise that neither Juan, nor Tarrin’s father, had anything to do with this abduction.”

  Nik
ki bit her lip. “I don’t want to listen to your horror stories. It was bad enough learning that you were involved with mercenaries and have a brother who is now a drug lord.”

  “We don’t know that for certain.” Selena shook her head. “Juan believes he is doing what is right for his country. I don’t agree. That’s why I left.”

  Nikki raised an eyebrow. “You’ve told us yourself that you are not the same person you were in the past. You don’t know who your brother is now, or what he is capable of.”

  Selena sighed. “True. I still don’t believe he would kidnap family.”

  “Well the FBI think Juan is responsible. That’s why there isn’t a huge concern over saving Tarrin. He’s not in danger, but Gates is.”

  Selena’s hands clenched into fists. “I sense he is in danger. I’ve always had an instinctive connection with Tarrin. He is afraid. That’s why I called in the Hunters. You need to let them help.”

  Nikki looked at Steve, who shook his head. She shrugged and looked back at her. “We’re going with the FBI.”

  A sense of defeat flooded Selena. There was no point in arguing. Nikki never changed her mind once she made a decision. She was on her own now because the FBI weren’t looking for Tarrin. She had to trust that the Hunters would get her boy back alive.

  “For the boys’ sakes, I hope you’re right.” Selena turned toward the door. “I don’t believe the FBI will be successful.”

  She left the room. All her years of happy memories had been wiped out in one week and there was nothing she could do. Nikki and Steve would never trust her again. No matter what the outcome of the abduction, she had lost her friend and her home. Hope and prayer were all that was left to her.

  That and the skill of the Hunters.

  Catal was waiting for her when she reached her room. He was standing with his arms crossed in the middle of her kitchenette. When she opened the door he looked up. His face was emotionless, but she sensed he wanted to speak with her.

  “How did you get in?” Her voice caught in her throat.

  “You know that doors and alarms don’t stop me. That’s why you called for our help.” He leaned back against the counter. “We will not stop until the boys are safe.”

  “Nikki and Steve seem to think the FBI will be successful.” Selena sat at the table and put her head in her hands. “I can’t make them realize that they are wrong about Juan.”

  “Your brother was an honest man when I knew him.” Catal reached to touch her shoulder, but she shifted away. “I will find your son.”

  His words sounded like a vow.

  It was too much for Selena. The tears she had been holding at bay filled her eyes. She sniffed them back, but still they fell. A tissue was waved at her and she took it, sopping up her tears and fears. She knew that Catal would find her son. She had never doubted his skill, she just couldn’t trust him enough to let him into her life again.

  “The FBI are wrong about the drop.” Catal’s crouched down beside her. “They are missing something about this situation. No kidnappers would change their mind so quickly and easily.”

  “You think the boys are dead?”

  Selena’s heart stopped. Her stomach churned with nausea and her eyes widened as she watched Catal’s face for any indication that he was going to lie to her. His eyes held hers for several seconds before he shook his head.

  “You believe your son is alive. That is enough for me.”

  “I feel him here. His distress is mine.” She put her hand over her heart. “It might sound crazy, but I know something has changed. He’s afraid. That’s why I contacted aHunter4Hire.”

  Catal opened his mouth and then shut it. He looked away and then stood. “You shouldn’t have to carry this alone. I’m here for you. Don’t block me.”

  “I had no idea you would come when I asked for help.” Selena shook her head. “I have questions, but I’m exhausted. All I want is to get Tarrin back.”

  “I’ll do what you ask.” He walked to the door and opened it before turning back to her. “Trust your instincts. We will find your son.”

  Chapter 7

  The sun was high in the sky. For June it was an abnormally hot day with the temperature already in the high eighty’s. Catal blinked the sweat from his eyes and eased the kink out of his neck. The smell of fresh cut lawns and roses filled the air. He had been waiting in position since early morning. The drop was scheduled for one in the afternoon. At the rate the visitors were coming, the gardens would be full by then.

  Greystone Park was located above the city off Loma Vista Drive. Built in the early twentieth century as the home for the heir to a financial empire, it had been given the name Greystone because of the amount of stone used in its construction. Now a heritage site that the city of Beverly Hills operated, it was open daily so people could stroll through its formal gardens and the mansion. The view was spectacular. The gardens immaculate. That’s what made it a favorite with wedding parties. The parking and grounds were free which made it popular with visitors.

  Catal had hidden himself on one of the stairways leading to the pool and change area from the formal gardens. The brickwork was cool, but not enough to alleviate the heat of the sun. He was accustomed to hiding for hours on end. This was a minor inconvenience. What he wasn’t used to was having to avoid all the park visitors and wedding guests who were making their way to the change rooms.

  It seemed as if everyone decided to get married today. Catal had counted at least three wedding parties arriving for pictures. There were also guests assembling for ceremonies at the mansion, the gardens, and the courtyard. At this rate, there would be no place for the FBI to drop the ransom off that wasn’t being used by wedding guests.

  His chest was tight with despair. He needed to focus on getting the boys back; not happy couples. Weddings, even though it was a human custom, were a reminder of how he had failed Selena. His last conversation with her kept repeating in his head. His throat tightened and he swallowed hard to push away the pain. She didn’t have faith in him. Despite everything he was doing to find her son, she still pushed him away.

  Could he blame her though? He had never told her anything about himself. He’d let old fears and prejudices about humans cloud his judgement. Selena was his pair bond. She was the only woman he would ever mate with, and she didn’t know he wasn’t from Earth. She thought that Hunters were soldiers for hire, not an alien warrior race. Until he was honest with Selena, he had no right to expect her trust.

  “Agent Kelly has arrived.” Partlan’s voice sounded in his mind. He was positioned opposite Catal on the path that led to the cypress walk. “She is holding the ransom bag.”

  “I’ve got her in my sights.” Malac, who was watching the parking area from high in a basket crane, cleared his throat. “Do the police on this planet always look so obvious?”

  Catal snorted. “You’re pretty conspicuous from your position.”

  “I’m repairing the lights.” Malac’s voice held a note of hurt. “I have blended in. Nobody ever looks up.”

  “What are the FBI doing?” Partlan interrupted their banter.

  “They’re sweeping the area with a small dish receiver.” Malac heaved a sigh. “They probably trying to pick up either our communications or the kidnappers.”

  “Have they spotted you?”

  “They’ve glanced at the truck, but moved on.” Malac hesitated a second before continuing. “They are moving down the stairs toward the formal gardens.”

  “I see them.” Partlan’s voice was serious. “Firbin and Breanon maintain your positions at the mansion.”

  “We have the area covered. Breanon is watching the reflection pond and I am at mansion courtyard.” Firbin’s tone was confident. “No one will get past us.”

  Catal’s eyes followed Agent Kelly as she ascended the brick stairs to the center formal garden. She had a large black briefcase in her right hand. He could hear the click of her high heels as she went up each stair. When she reached the top pathway
, a large number of people came up behind her. They moved around her and then proceeded to move onto the grass. Chairs and a bridal arbor were set up, at the end of the garden, near a fountain. Agent Kelly straightened her shoulders and turned right.

  She walked along the edge of the lawn, skirting past wedding guests and park visitors until she was behind the water fountain. Catal’s eyes narrowed. She moved out of his view for a second and when she reappeared the briefcase was gone.

  “She’s made the drop.” Catal connected with the others. “It’s behind the fountain.”

  “I am moving into position.” Partlan answered.

  Catal watched as Partlan turned and eased his way up the stairs from the Cypress trees to the formal garden. He wore a grey golf shirt and dark sunglasses. He moved with the stealth of a tiger along the opposite side from Agent Kelly. She was almost at the center staircase that led down to the parking area before she stopped. Her eyes narrowed and then she was talking into her earpiece.

  “She’s spotted you.”

  Catal inched away from the terrace where he had been lounging. If the FBI went after Partlan, then the plan was for him to take his place. They needed to keep the money within sight at all cost. Following whoever picked up the ransom was necessary to finding the boys. He had just put his foot on the first stair, when a commotion broke out from the center walkway. Catal pushed back into his vantage point against the wall.

  “What’s happening?” His voice was curt.

  “A mob of photographers have swarmed the parking lot,” Malac reported. “They are moving toward the garden area.”

  Catal glanced around the brick wall just as a huge crowd of paparazzi surrounded Agent Kelly. She tried to push her way free from them, but they only moved in tighter. Other agents came to help her, but they had even less success. The crowd moved onto the grass and into the wedding area.

  Partlan continued to move to the rear of the garden.

  “Can you see the briefcase?” Catal forced his voice to remain calm.

  Before Partlan could answer the crowd of paparazzi trampled the chairs that had been set up for the wedding. They were like a stampede of buffalo, moving relentlessly toward the fountain and surrounding it before they stopped. Everything fell in the crush of their movement; chairs, pedestals, podium, and bridal arbor. It was a disaster.