Vendetta

by Iris Johansen

  “You’ll recover when you get back among all your sycophants. A little ego stroking, and you’ll be just fine.” She was blinking hard and trying not to look back over her shoulder as the car roared down the road toward the beach. It had been harder than she’d thought. She wanted to turn around and go back and tell Rachel to forget everything she’d said and let her take over. “And it was the truth. How would your brave new world survive if you let Huber start ruining the oceans?”

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t the truth,” he said mildly. “But you might remember that I’m sending a number of my extremely talented sycophants to both Eagles Rest and the Katrina to help your Rachel tonight.”

  “I never said that they weren’t brilliant and talented, just misguided.” She was looking straight ahead. “You wouldn’t promise her, but she has a chance, doesn’t she?”

  “She has Brandon and an amazingly efficient group of some of my best people. She has passion and dedication and intelligence. She might have a very good chance.”

  Might.

  Don’t question, just accept and go on to something that she could do. “You said it was important for your people to have time to get Dillard and his team in place. That means arranging delays to keep Rachel from being taken to Eagles Rest too soon.” She didn’t want to think of how dangerous and painful it would be for Rachel if Huber were to get his hands on her with time to spare for the kind of treatment he’d meted out in Sazkar Prison. “We have to think of some way to—”

  “No,” he said quietly. “You turned it over to Rachel and Brandon. Step back, Catherine. You can’t do everything.”

  But she wanted to do everything. She drew a deep breath. “Okay, what about Van Deek? I know he has something to do with it. I feel it. But we haven’t found any firm proof that he’s guilty of anything. There are just those checks and bank records that couldn’t be explained. And those sidesteps that you want to question him about. And now he’s offered to let Homeland search his ship? We might be wrong. We still don’t really know that much about him.”

  He shrugged. “Sure we do. We just have to see where it takes us. He was born in Amsterdam and grew up on the waterfront. His father was a sailor and his mother worked in a souvenir shop. He hardly ever saw his father, but he had a good enough life until his mother died of heart failure when he was eight. His father disappeared into the sunset, leaving him in an orphanage. He took off when he was twelve, and the next time he appeared on the radar was when he was eighteen and working on a ship out of Madrid, Spain. He liked ships, it was a passion with him.” He shrugged. “And the rest is history. We’ll find out anything else we need when we make direct contact.”

  “You mean you’ll find out,” she said dryly. “I don’t believe you’re going to invite me to sit in on one of your weird mind sessions. At least, I hope you’re not.”

  “Whatever you choose. It might not involve anything of the sort. We’ll have to see. He’s obviously an interesting man and worth a second glance.” He added, “And, if that second glance tells us it’s also necessary to shut down the Katrina Notalo to make sure Rachel has the time she needs to survive, I don’t believe you’re going to object to doing anything we have to do.”

  She shook her head. “Anything,” she said jerkily. “I’ll do anything.” She looked away from him. “And thank you, Cameron.”

  “Ah, at last, a word of gratitude. And now it’s over and we don’t speak of it again.”

  “It’s not over, it’s barely started. What you’re doing is … damn wonderful.”

  “No, it’s only what you wanted.” He parked before the helicopter pad. He added quietly, “And I’ll always try to give you what you want from me. Because there’s so much I can’t give you.” He got out of the car and came around and opened her door. “And I know you’re aching to go back and fight Rachel’s battle, but she can’t give that to you, either. Some battles have to be fought alone.” He took her hand and helped her out of the car. “So we’ll have a great time fighting the battles we can.” He was whisking her toward the helicopter. “I promise to keep you entertained.” He was laughing as he lifted her into the copilot’s seat. A strand of hair had fallen down on his forehead, and those bright blue eyes were no longer serious. “Both before and after. You’ll have to keep yourself amused during the action itself. We might be busy. I have a few ideas…”

  “I’m sure you do.” She fastened her seat belt. She was suddenly feeling that heady sense of excitement and exhilaration she always felt with Cameron, that tingling knowledge of something waiting just beyond the next corner. “And I can keep myself entertained. What kind of ideas?”

  “Do you remember the last time we were here in San Francisco and spent a memorable evening at that firecracker factory in Chinatown?”

  “How could I forget? The damn factory blew up. What does that have to do with anything?”

  “Nothing directly. Just something to build on and mull over.”

  “What ideas?” she repeated.

  “But that would spoil the surprise. It might even disappoint you.” He turned on the rotors. “And I’d never want to do that to you.” The copter lifted off. “Have I ever?”

  HYATT HOTEL

  “I’ve got Rachel Venable, Kraus,” Claire said as soon as he answered his cell. “Or I will have her if you give me a few more hours. I have her positioned, and all I need to do is get rid of Brandon.”

  “I don’t need you any longer,” Kraus said. “Huber is handling it himself. He’s given her until nine to turn herself over to him.”

  “You mean you’re handling it. And that means that if anything goes wrong, you’ll get the blame. And it will go wrong, Kraus. He’s counting on Rachel’s being all soft and sentimental about the kid. He doesn’t know her.”

  “And you do?”

  “Much better than you. Why else did you turn me loose on her? You were willing to pay me a fat bonus for Rachel because you knew that I’d manage to lure her to you. But now that you’ve got the kid, you think you can shut me out. I’m not about to give up the money you promised me when the entire deal goes south.”

  “We’re handling it,” he repeated coldly. He hesitated, then asked, “Why do you think that she won’t cave about the kid?”

  “Self-preservation. We both know that’s what’s important to everyone. She is soft. But Huber did a number on her in that prison. She’s scared to death of that happening again. I watched her break down and tremble like a baby after she hung up from Huber. And she still has nightmares. You blew it, Kraus. She’s not going to come meekly when you snap your fingers. She’s going to ignore that little girl, go to bed, and pull the covers over her head.” She paused. “It has to be force and trickery. I can deliver her. Just give me an extra three hours.”

  “He wanted her by nine.” Kraus was silent. “And I told him using the child would work.”

  “Then tell him you have this brilliant backup plan in case it doesn’t. You know you can manipulate him to suit yourself. All he cares about is getting what he wants.” She paused. “He wants Rachel Venable as the showpiece of his little celebration. What difference do a few hours make?”

  “It matters to him. He wanted her here before four. That extra few hours would cut it close.”

  “Your decision, give me the extra time, and I’ll give you Rachel. Or you can deal with Huber’s tantrums when she backs out.”

  Silence as Kraus thought about it. “If she refuses Huber when he contacts her at nine, I’ll expect you to deliver. I won’t be in a forgiving mood if you don’t.”

  “She’ll refuse him. As I said, she’s probably as terrified as that little girl you’re holding over her head. Remember to transfer funds to my account by 10 P.M.” She pressed the disconnect.

  Then she smiled and turned to face Rachel, who was sitting in the chair across the room. “Brilliantly handled?”

  Rachel nodded. “But then you know each other so well,” she said dryly. “And you have such similar aims. I
n spite of your heady ambition to take out Red Star, I notice you didn’t forget to hit Kraus for the bank transfer.”

  She smiled. “He would have found it suspicious if I hadn’t. And a woman always needs cash, doesn’t she?” Her smile faded. “But I’d be on the Red Star hit list if I don’t produce you. I’m taking a chance that you’re telling me the truth about agreeing to my plan to give yourself up to Huber. Though you don’t have much choice now. I’m going to be there when Kraus’s helicopter picks you up, and I’ll initiate the GPS tracking with Andrews Air Force Base on the spot.”

  “I assumed you would.”

  “But you’ve put strings on my little deal.” Her eyes were narrowed. “Why do you want that three-hour delay, Rachel?”

  “Perhaps I’m still looking for a way to save Maria.” She smiled mockingly. “Or perhaps I remembered that Catherine told me that you thought that Huber’s grand spectacular might take place close to dawn. I’d really prefer not to go through a night of sheer hell before he kills me.”

  “Understandable.” She added thoughtfully, “And you’re probably not telling me everything. Brandon might have some plan or other in the wind. But as long as I get what I need from you, I can tolerate that.” She met her eyes. “Because I’m the one who will be in control. I can allow you a small safety margin, but no more than an hour or so after I know you’ve arrived in Huber’s loving arms. Kraus was most adamant about Huber’s wanting you there before four. I won’t risk waiting much longer than that.” She suddenly smiled brilliantly. “But, of course, I’ll arrange to have that SEAL team staged to rescue you just as soon as I track the aircraft Kraus sends for you. I wouldn’t send you on a suicide mission, Rachel.”

  “Perish the thought.” But that warning had been very explicit. She doubted if Claire would risk tipping off Kraus and Huber about a pending drone attack by sending any SEALs to the area. Rachel got to her feet. “And I’m not allowing you to send me anywhere, Claire. I came to you, on my terms, because I wanted that three-hour delay, and I knew you might get it from Kraus. You met them, and tonight I’ll meet your terms.” She headed for the door. “I’ll be at the helipad on the beach at 11:30 P.M. But you’ll know by then that I’ve already done it because Kraus will have transferred your money.”

  “Yes, I will.” She smiled. “And I meant it, Rachel. I’ll try to keep you alive. I owe it to your father. I told you the truth about Venable’s saving my life when we were working together.”

  “It didn’t seem to make an impression during those last months before he died.”

  “I believe in gratitude … when I can afford it. There was … pressure.” She shrugged. “Whether you believe it or not, I do pay debts.”

  Claire seemed sincere, but who knew how she related to any emotion? “If you can afford it,” Rachel repeated. “I’ll see you later, Claire.” She closed the door behind her.

  Those last few sentences had been bewildering and bizarre, but so had the rest of this day. But she’d accomplished the first stage of what she’d set out to do with Claire Warren.

  Now to do the follow-up with Monty, who was waiting at the elevator.

  “Okay?” Monty asked.

  “Good as it can be. Use Catherine’s room to set up and monitor what Claire’s doing.” She smiled. “And Brandon’s already given you your other orders.”

  He nodded soberly. “Lousy orders. Brandon never leaves me behind while he and Nate go hunting. I don’t want to stay back here, Rachel.”

  “I know you don’t,” she said quietly. “Hey, but you might be the one to save the day.” She reached out and squeezed his arm. “I’m counting on you. Maria’s counting on you.” She got on the elevator. “Just remember that Claire won’t take any chances with failure in this. Move fast, Monty. And be careful.”

  “Yeah, sure.” His eyes were on her as the elevator door started to close. “You be careful, Rachel. I’ll watch your back, but don’t let them—”

  The elevator was beginning to descend, closing him out.

  It was just as well, she thought. She was choking up, and she didn’t need that right now. In these last weeks, she had grown to know Nate and Monty so well. They had become friends and companions, and now she’d had to ask them to also run the same risks she’d asked Brandon to. The responsibility was becoming overwhelming.

  She drew a deep breath.

  I don’t know how you took it, Daddy. How did you make it all those years? If Maria weren’t at stake, I don’t know if I’d be able to do it.

  But Maria was at stake, so there was no question. Maybe in the end, that had been her father’s answer, too. There was always someone to save, someone who counted, some idea that was worth preserving.

  I don’t know about all that, Daddy. But if you have any influence where you are, Maria is worth saving. I could use a little help tonight …

  BEACH HAVEN

  8:05 P.M.

  The sun was just starting to sink toward the horizon when Rachel pulled into the driveway and turned off the ignition. She could see Brandon sitting at a table on the veranda, waiting for her. His tense body language told her that this meeting was not going to be easy. She sat there gazing at him for a moment before she reached for her phone. But then she couldn’t expect anything to be easy tonight.

  And there was one other thing she had to do before she got out of the car and went to face him.

  She quickly dialed Hu Chang. “I told you not to dare leave me while I was asleep that day, and you did it anyway,” she said as soon as he answered. “That was not courteous either, Hu Chang.”

  He didn’t speak for an instant. She could almost see his mind working, exploring the true reason for her call. “I left you a message with Brandon. I admit I’ve been having difficulty restraining myself from interceding again. I’ve been monitoring what’s been going on from the outside, and I believe the behind-the-scenes activity might be even worse. Brandon might be formidable, but I do like to be hands-on.”

  “I know that you do. But you’ll have to leave it up to us this time.”

  Silence. “This is not a call for help?”

  “No, I just wanted to thank you for all the gifts you’ve given me over the years. You’ve always twisted everything around whenever I’ve tried to do it before.”

  “Because they were not gifts. You just failed to understand. You still have much to learn. And that is why I do not like the tone of this conversation. It sounds very much like good-bye. I won’t tolerate good-byes being offered at this early stage in your development. Do you understand?”

  “I understand.” She drew a deep, shaky breath, “And I promise I’ll be everything I can be. But I had to say the words.”

  “You’ve said them, and I accept them.” Silence. “When?”

  “Tonight.”

  Another silence. “You have a chance?”

  “I have a chance. It might even be a good chance if we all manage to follow your creed.”

  “Then see that you make sure that happens. I didn’t train you to make mistakes. Will it change anything if I call Catherine?”

  “No, she might not answer. She’s a little busy.”

  “That’s promising. The only promising thing since I answered this call.” She could hear the harsh breath he took before he said, “I don’t believe I will allow myself to follow Catherine’s advice the next time I’m having doubts about my own motives. It’s far too traumatic not handling everything myself. I do not like it.” He paused. “But we have to get through this event first. There’s nothing I can do?”

  “You’ve already done it. You’ve made Catherine and me who we are.”

  “No, just honed down the rough edges. All the beauty and the artistry were already there.” His voice was low and hard. “And I will not let my work be damaged or destroyed by a careless savage. You will survive. You will make sure Catherine survives. You will both return to me safe and sound. Do you understand?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “And the f
irst thing you do when you know you’re safe is to call me. You’ll tell me that in spite of the fact I was foolish enough to let you do this without me, you managed to come out of it in splendid shape.”

  “The very first thing.”

  “Then get off this phone and go do it. You’ve said what you wanted to say, haven’t you?”

  “Exactly what I wanted to say. Good-bye, Hu Chang.”

  “No, I told you that you haven’t earned that word yet. We’ll discuss it in another forty or fifty years.” He ended the call.

  And she sat there, filled with aching regret, memories, love, and hope, and a dozen other emotions she couldn’t separate or identify. Then she opened the car door and started to walk slowly toward the veranda, giving herself time to recover. She’d had to make that call, but now it was time to put it behind her. As usual, Hu Chang was right, and she needed to forget everything now but what had to be done.

  Brandon watched her walk toward him. “You took a long time getting out of that car. Were you on the phone?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t volunteer any other information. She was still a little too emotional.

  He didn’t ask her anything else about the call. His gaze was narrowed on her face, and she was once again aware of that tension. “Ready?”

  She nodded as she dropped into a chair. “I told you on the phone driving back here that everything went well enough with Claire. She suspects that we might have a plan to rescue Maria, but she doesn’t care since she thinks that no matter what happens, she’ll get what she wants. She’s nothing if not confident.”

  “No, I mean are you ready?” His jaw was tight as he looked at her. “You’ve been holding on, fighting the good fight, stiff upper lip, and all of that crap. But you must be going through hell inside.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, that’s right, you only let it come to the surface at given times. The rest of the time it’s tucked safely away. Isn’t that the way you have to handle it?”

  “That’s the way it works for me,” she said quietly. “Would it make you feel better if I let it all flow out? I could try.”