The drive to the exchange location seemed to take hours. They turned down a number of streets that led into the city of Los Angeles. Slowly the houses changed from luxurious mansions to smaller well-kept bungalows and two storey homes. When they passed a group of conical towers, she knew they were in Watts.
“Is this the right spot?” Selena’s voice was hesitant. “I thought this was a neighbourhood where gangs arranged drugs deals, not kidnappings.”
“We’re following the instructions we were given.”
They pulled up in front of small bungalow. It stood out from the rest of the houses on the street because of its state of disrepair. The paint on the siding was peeling off and some of the windows were boarded up. An old van in the driveway was the only indication that someone lived at the place. She moved forward in her seat when Agent Bakker opened the side door of the vehicle and jumped to the road.
“You stay here.” He slammed the door shut.
Catal reached past her, released the handle and pushed the door open. “I’m going in. I’ve let the other Hunters know the location.”
Selena frowned. He wasn’t wearing a wireless ear set. How had he told them? Perhaps they were following. There was comfort in knowing that reinforcements were coming, but it wasn’t enough. She had to see for herself.
Selena slid off the seat and out of the van. “I’m coming with you.”
Catal hesitated for a second and then nodded. He pulled her behind him, blocking her view. When she tried to move around him, he stopped her with his arm.
“Stay behind me.” Catal’s voice was low. “That is the only way I can protect you.”
“The boys need to see friendly faces, not policemen.” Selena gripped his shirt. “My safety doesn’t matter.”
Catal turned to face her. He leaned in close enough so that his words could only be heard by her. “I lived through the hell of not knowing what happened to you. I won’t put your life at risk now that I’ve found you.”
“No one is going to hurt me.” Selena’s voice faltered at the look of pain in Catal’s dark eyes.
“If anything happened to you I would die.”
Selena’s breath caught in her throat at the sincerity in Catal’s voice. “I promise to be careful.”
“Once I know it’s safe, you can look.” Catal took a step forward. “I’ll try to get us closer.”
Selena peeked around his back. There were police everywhere, most of them in protective vests that said FBI. She shuddered at what the boys would think about the show of force. Nikki was standing close to Agent Kelly. The two of them were leaning against the hood of the van they had arrived in. Catal took a step to the side and she followed.
“They’ve broken the door in.” His voice rumbled through his chest.
Selena leaned closer to him, taking comfort in the shelter he provided. Her body was shivering with anticipation. A second later, a loud gun blast ripped through the air. It was followed by a second one. She moved to go around Catal. Before she could take a step, he grabbed her close.
“Wait.” He stroked her hair. “The police know enough not to hurt the boys.”
“How can you be certain?” Selena’s voice cracked with a sob. “What if the kidnappers decided to kill the boys at the last minute?”
“That would make no sense.” Catal put his hands against her cheeks and looked down into her eyes. “You said you could feel him with you. You would be the first to know if something had happened.”
Selena gulped back her panic and focused. Tarrin’s presence was still there with her. It was faint, though. “He’s alive.”
The FBI came out of the house leading a large man in front of them. He was bald, with a torn tee shirt and black sweatpants. Dried food clung to a grey streaked dark beard that reached his chest. His arms were behind his back and he was yelling.
“You’ve no right to barge into a man’s home.” He twisted his body in the agent’s hold. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“We have it on good authority that you are holding two boys here.” Agent Kelly stepped in front of the man. “Where are they?”
“You’re crazy lady.” The man’s eyes bulged wide. “I know nothing about kids. I hate them.”
“Then that would explain why you kidnapped them.” Agent Kelly’s voice was neutral. “Tell us where they are and it will go easier for you.”
“I ain’t saying nothing without a lawyer.” The man’s chin jutted out. “I’ll sue you for the damage to my house too.”
Another agent came out the side door. He shook his head. Selena’s heart stopped for a second. Did that mean the boys were dead? She started to run toward the house, but Catal’s strong arms held her close. Warmth and comfort flowed through her.
“Remember, you know he is still alive.” His words where a whisper against her ear. “Chances are the boys were never here.”
She looked up at him. “Why?”
“Nothing about this kidnapping has made any sense.” Catal kept his voice low. “Partlan and the others are investigating another suspect.”
“Do you know who did it?”
“We have our suspicions.”
“Have you told the FBI?”
“No.” Catal’s finger pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “They don’t want our help. We have only one goal and that is to get the boys back. They want to make an arrest.”
Selena nodded. “That’s why I called you. I knew you would do whatever it took to bring them home.”
“We won’t rest until they are safe.”
Tears pricked Selena’s eyes. “I remember how determined you could be in the past.”
“I would never hurt you.” Catal’s hand smoothed against her cheek. “We are bonded.”
Selena turned her head away. He might not hurt her now, but what of the betrayal and pain he’d caused in the past? She couldn’t forget what her brother had said. Right now all that mattered was that he save her son. Whatever it took, she didn’t care.
“You still don’t trust me.” Catal’s voice shook. “Whatever you think I’ve done, you’re wrong. I’ve searched for you. All I care about is your safety and the return of your son.”
“Too much has happened.” Selena’s voice was hesitant.
Catal sounded sincere. She sensed more than saw his pain whenever he looked at her. He had done everything she asked without question. He believed her. What more proof did she want that she could trust him? Her head ached and her stomach felt heavy. She would worry about this later.
Selena turned away and watched with unseeing eyes as the FBI agents left the house. They were carrying boxes and papers, but nowhere was there anything the boys might have used. No clothes, no toys.
“Take me home.”
Catal led her back into the van and together they waited in silence until Agent Bakker jumped into the front seat. The drive back to the Walter’s residence was quick. Selena held herself together, willing the pain away before it overcame her. How had a once happy and safe life become this?
At the house, she shook Catal’s arm away. “I need to be alone.”
She walked to her own quarters holding her body straight and tense. She was close to breaking and she didn’t want anyone, least of all the man she had once loved, to see her cry. She was a strong woman, but there were limits.
She flicked on the light and locked the door to her quarters before stumbling to the couch. Tears blinded her. She sat and dropped her head into her hands. She knew Tarrin was alive, but where did they search now? Her chest tightened with agony.
“Don’t tell me you’ve given up little one?”
Her head shot up.
Her brother Juan stood in her kitchen.
Chapter 9
Eight years had passed since she’d last seen him, but he looked the same. He was a tall and handsome man, ten years her senior. Their parents had died when she was eight, so he’d become more of a father to her than a brother. She had rejected the life he led, but he was still h
er brother. A surge of love raced through her veins.
“What are you doing here?” Selena wiped away her tears.
“I heard about the kidnapping of my nephew.” Juan took a sip from the mug he was holding in his hands. “You did not think a little thing like a border would keep me away.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I have always known where you were.” Juan’s tone was indulgent. “You are my baby sister. You might have run away from Columbia, but you can never lose your family.”
Warmth flowed through her. “You weren’t angry about my leaving?”
“It pained me that you felt a need to go without my knowledge.” Juan shook his head. “I know I was strict, but your safety depended upon it.”
“I understand that now.” Selena nodded. “When I was younger, I thought you were overprotective.”
“The massacre at the compound should have taught you differently if nothing else.” Juan’s voice dipped low. “Every day I thank God that you were in town that day.”
A shudder shook Selena as she remembered the horror she had returned home to. “The FBI are all over the place. It’s amazing you got past them.”
“They are careless. You all left in vans and only one agent remained.” Juan shrugged. “It was easy to enter undetected.”
“The police think you were responsible.” Selena straightened her shoulders. “You can’t stay here. It’s not safe.”
“Why would I kidnap my own flesh and blood?” Juan snorted. “It is good to see police everywhere are imbeciles.”
“They think you’re running drugs and the cartel has something to do with it.”
“My men know better.” Juan put his mug on the table and walked over to her. “I would never endanger my family.”
“What have you been doing then?”
“I work the ranch.” Juan gave her a crooked smile. “I am good at it. I have expanded our land and resources. I maintain a security force, though. Perhaps that is why the authorities are suspicious.”
Selena sighed. “I knew you were innocent. Unfortunately, the FBI think I arranged the kidnapping with you. That’s why they’ve kept me in the dark.”
“Stupid.” Juan sat down beside her. “You would never hurt Tarrin.”
“My background makes me look suspicious.” Selena clasped her brother’s hand.
“You could not hurt a fly.” Juan gave her a reassuring squeeze. “You hated carrying a gun even for protection.”
Selena shuddered. “I left the fighting to you.”
Juan raised her hand and kissed it. “You were a saint compared to me.”
“No.” Selena shook her head. “I was frightened and a coward. The only time I felt safe was when Catal and the other mercenaries joined us.”
“You do not still think about him.” Juan’s tone was incredulous. “He has been out of your life for years.”
Selena bit her lip. “I called the Hunters in to help. Catal was one of them.”
Juan threw her hand down. “How could you trust them?”
“I had no choice.” Selena’s voice begged him to understand. “The FBI cut me out. They considered me a suspect and wouldn’t tell me anything. I needed someone to get Tarrin back.”
“Has Catal succeeded?”
Selena shook her head. “They are working on a lead. Catal says they should know something soon.”
“They think they are better than the FBI and all the government resources at their disposal?” Juan leaned back on the couch. “Maybe they are. They were the best soldiers I ever fought with.”
“Catal put up the ransom money.” Selena’s voice was quiet.
“You mean the rich movie stars couldn’t come up with the cash?” Juan’s voice held disgust.
“They needed more time.” Selena kept her voice neutral.
“They had a week.” Juan grasped her chin and turned her to face him. “You should have come to me for help.”
“I couldn’t risk it.” Selena held her brother’s gaze. “The FBI would have been happy to arrest you. Besides, I wasn’t certain you’d want to hear from me after all these years.”
“The authorities would have had to catch me first.” Juan released her chin. “I’m here now. As long as you were safe, I did not interfere in your life. You always have a home with me. It is your heritage too.”
“You are the oldest son. The ranch and land are yours.”
“Our parents left it to both of us.” Juan heaved a sigh. “They died too young to worry about inheritances.”
Selena rubbed her arms. “It must have been hard when they were killed and you were left with me. You were too young for the responsibility.”
“You were the same age when you got pregnant.” Juan’s voice was emotionless. “I did not do a good job of parenting, though.”
“You did your best.” Selena grinned. “I was stubborn and always knew best.”
“Are you telling me that has changed?”
“No.” Selena shook her head. “That’s why I’m insisting you go home. It’s not safe for you here.”
“I’m not leaving until my nephew is found.” Juan clasped his hands together behind his head. “Where were you just now?”
“The kidnappers had called to tell us that they were exchanging the boys.” Selena heaved a sigh. “It was a hoax. There were no boys at the house. All the FBI did was anger a man eating his supper.”
“Are you certain this man is innocent?”
Selena nodded. “Catal believes someone else is responsible.”
Juan frowned. “His instincts were always good. Does he know about Tarrin?”
“No.” Selena turned to her brother. “I’m torn about telling him the truth. Ever since the massacre at the compound and Catal’s betrayal, I have been afraid to trust anyone.”
“That was a harsh lesson.” Juan’s voice hardened. “One we both learned from.”
“You lost all your men.” Selena’s voice sounded small to her own ears. “What did you do afterwards? Did you continue with the paramilitaries?”
“What was the point?” Juan’s tone was bitter. “You think you are making progress, but someone is pulling your strings. You’re a puppet for them, and when they’re done, they kill you.”
Selena shuddered as she remembered the horror of what had happened to her brother. He had almost lost his life along with his men. It had been one of the rare occasions when she’d left the ranch for a day of shopping in the city. Her bodyguard, Pablo, had driven with her and they’d returned in the late afternoon. Catal and the men in his unit went out early in the day and they weren’t supposed to be back until late, or the next day.
She’d only been gone a few hours. When she’d returned her whole world had been destroyed. There had been blood and death all around her. Her brother, who had barely survived, had been helpless to prevent it. He’d remembered what he’d seen though.
“Are you certain it was Catal?”
It was a question she had asked over and over. Her brother’s description of what had happened did not sound like something Catal would do. The man who had held her close and loved her to distraction, could not have committed the atrocities at the compound. That’s what made it so difficult to accept.
“The man was a Hunter.” Juan clenched his jaw. “He said that his government had ordered us dead. When I begged for a reason, all he would say is that he followed orders. After that, he shot everyone at the camp. If Carlos hadn’t pushed me down and protected me with his body, I would have been dead too.”
“But you didn’t see Catal shoot anyone.”
“I saw a Hunter. He told me his name was Eogan when I asked.” Juan’s lips flattened. “Catal and his mercenaries were working against us all the time. They took our money and then left us for dead. The only reason you are alive is because you weren’t at the camp that day.”
“You would be dead it I hadn’t come back.” Selena rubbed her brother’s arm. “You were losing a lot of
blood from your wound.”
“There was no emotion in his eyes when he shot us.” Juan’s voice cracked. “We could have been figures in a video game for all that it mattered to him. My whole security force gone in the blink of an eye.”
“That still doesn’t prove that Catal was a part of it.”
“Where were he and his men when we needed them?” Juan’s voice was harsh. “The one time we could have used their special skills and they were gone. I do not believe in coincidence.”
“Catal told me he was going on a mission that you had ordered.”
“No.” Juan shook his head. “I gave no such order.”
Selena sighed. They had gone over this numerous times, and each time the result was the same. Catal and the other Hunters had been gone from camp when the attack had happened. The fact that it was another Hunter who had slaughtered everyone, made it even more suspicious. There was only one conclusion. He had purposefully left Juan and his men unprotected.
Catal had betrayed her brother.
There was no other explanation.
“You can’t stay here Juan.” Selena stood. “The FBI will find you and arrest you.”
“If you insist. I want you to know that I am staying in the city until this is resolved.” Juan pulled a cell phone from his pocket. “I have programed the number you can reach me at. It’s only good for one call. Let me know if Tarrin is safe or not.”
Selena took the phone and put it in her jean’s pocket. No matter what the FBI thought her brother had become, she still loved him. She wouldn’t endanger his life.
“I brought some money with me.” Juan pulled a brown envelop out of his jacket pocket. “When this is over you won’t be able to stay here. Use this to start a new life.”
Selena nodded. “I wish it could be different.”
Juan hugged her close. “All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. Find a decent man and make a new life for you and Tarrin. I never wanted to see you with a mercenary like Catal.”
“I loved him.” Selena held back the pain. “I’ll never be able to trust another man again.”
“Nonsense.” Juan gripped her shoulders and held her away from him. His eyes stared into hers. “You must start again. I blame myself for not seeing that you were involved with Catal until it was too late to stop it. If I had been there to take care of you, none of this would have happened.”
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