Justice from the Shadows

by Nadirah Foxx

  “Two months?” Had it really? The pain was so fresh it felt like it happened yesterday. I shook off my stupor. “Even more reason—”

  Josh cocked his head and looked at me. “Kerrie, I’m not some jerk ready to make you choose.”

  “Then, what the hell is this about?” I shouted.

  “A chance. I want the opportunity to love you, but you’re so hellbent on solving a case—”

  “That’s my right! I lost my family!” I yanked out the bobby pin holding my hair up. “Josh, I need my friend right now more than I need a lover.”

  He nodded. “But you also need love, Kerrie. You’re shutting down that side of you. Don’t let it happen.”

  I sighed. Last thing I wanted was to be analyzed by him. “What would you have me do? Leave it to the cops?”

  “That would be the right thing to do, but I know you won’t do that.” Josh shrugged. “I’d settle for you letting others help you.”

  He had a point. I couldn’t do what had to be done on my own. Maybe it was more about my recklessness rather than a relationship.

  “What else?”

  “No more secrets.”

  “What are you talking about?” I sat down again.

  Josh exhaled loudly. “I know about the hospital, Kerrie. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I didn’t want you to think less of me,” I whined.

  “That would have never happened.” He ran a hand through his slightly tousled hair. “If anything, it makes me respect you more.”

  Yeah, right. He would have felt sorry for me. “What else do you think you know?”

  “I spoke to Jeremy two nights ago, and he told me about what was going on with Ryan too.”

  Shit! The next time I saw my brother, I’d kill him. “He didn’t have the right to tell you anything.”

  “I’m glad he did. Your brother is worried about you. I’m worried too.”

  I rested my elbows on my thighs and buried my head in my hands. “Nobody was supposed to know.”

  The only reason Jeremy knew was because I had to confide in someone. Hell, Mom— I cut off the thought when I realized my brother probably told her too.

  The sofa cushion dipped, and then Josh’s arm was around my shoulders. I flinched.

  “Why didn’t you tell me, Kerrie? I’ve always been here for you.”

  I remembered what Josh said years ago. “If I’d told you, you would have jumped at the chance to break up my marriage.”

  He tsk-tsked. “I’m not that kind of guy. Despite how I feel for you, I never wanted to wreck your life.”

  “I was trying to make things work with Ryan. We had a child together. RJ deserved to have both his parents.”

  “Only if they loved each other,” Josh stated.

  Ryan and I had our ups and downs—lots of them. Before I checked into the facility, I nearly lost him. After we were married, life was so good between us, and then he became obsessed with work.

  His days started before dawn and ended long after what was considered decent for a family man. Not once did I speculate that he was cheating on me. Ryan wasn’t the type. The problem was with me.

  I had always been the issue and would always be one. I was a demanding spouse who was tired of the long hours and dedication Ryan gave to Sentinel Security. If it had been left up to me, I would have sold the house and the company. Packed it up and moved to the coast. It wasn’t Ryan’s dream. He wouldn’t give up his precious company. We’d spent a considerable amount of time arguing about the matter. After every single argument, however, the man always swore he loved me more and more each day.

  So I stuck by his side. Any thoughts I had of leaving disappeared. I figured I owed it to him and our son to make it work.

  “We did love each other, Josh. We just had some issues.” I glanced up at him. “I can’t do this with you.”

  “Do what?”

  “Arguing over feelings. You know I love you. I have ever since we were teens, but I married Ryan.” I swallowed hard. “I owe it to his memory to at least take it slow with you.”

  Josh nodded. “Does that mean I have a chance?”

  “Don’t make me choose now. I need your help and support. Can you do that? Or do we have to keep our distance?”

  He pushed the stray hairs away from my face. “I’ll try, Kerrie. That’s all I can do.”

  “Thank you.” I stood and looked down at him. If Josh had proposed years ago, I probably would have said yes. Instead, Ryan asked. “I’m running late.”

  “To where?”

  “I’m meeting with Walter.”

  “Kerrie.” Josh grimaced.

  “I’m playing the role of the grieving widow. I want him to think I want to get rid of Sentinel.”

  My best friend jumped to his feet. “Then, I’m coming with you. Let him think I’m swaying you to make the decision.”

  “I couldn’t ask—”

  “You didn’t ask. Besides, if he’s responsible for my godson’s death, I want him to know you’re protected.”

  I couldn’t argue with that.

  30

  Facing the Enemy

  When Josh offered to come with me to see Walter, I had no idea how it would work out. Hell, I barely knew what I would say during the meeting. In my mind, I knew I had to discover his role in the heists. Was Walter the mastermind? Or was he simply another pawn being manipulated in a game that took lives and property?

  Deep down, I’d hoped I was wrong. I wanted to believe my assumptions and obsession with finding the truth had led me down an erroneous path. Fortunately, Josh was the sound mind I needed. He suggested I might learn more if I weren’t at the meeting. In other words, if I donned the suit. Which meant a stop at the bunker to secure the prototype.

  “We need a real plan, Kerrie. You just can’t barge into an executive’s office, especially one located in one of the biggest companies in the area, and accuse someone of wrongdoing,” Josh stated.

  As kids, he had always been the one to come up with extravagant schemes. To Josh, there was no such thing as simply slipping out of a house to cause havoc. He would formulate such complicated, multi-level plans that if we were caught, the adults would be so flabbergasted they didn’t think to punish us.

  So the cunning mastermind put into motion his idea.

  First, he phoned Walter. “Mr. Puckett, it’s Josh. We met… Yes. I understand Mrs. King is meeting with you today… That’s why I’m calling. Poor thing suddenly wasn’t up to it… Exactly… I thought we’d have a chat instead. We might be able to help one another… See you soon.”

  Next, I’d tag along wearing the suit. As long as I covered it with sweats and skipped the balaclava, I remained visible.

  As we drew closer to the Martin Company’s security checkpoint, we went over the details once more.

  “I’m representing you in this endeavor,” said Josh. “My lie is I’m trying to convince you to sell. It’s honestly about my own interests. You know, the wannabe boyfriend finally gets to make a play for the girl.”

  I was unnerved by the way he said that. Possibly too much truth behind it?

  “Yes, and I’m the reluctant widow. I want to hang onto everything I can of Ryan’s, but you see value in off-loading the prototype. You saw the notes and would like to negotiate a deal,” I added. “You have to sell it, Josh. Walter has to believe you’re more interested in how much money can be made than what I want.”

  “Understood.”

  Words were one thing, but Josh’s voice sounded distant and full of pain. Honestly, I had no right to ask him to do it.

  But he volunteered.

  I tried to keep that in mind as he continued speaking. “Bottom line is I have to learn everything he knows about the project. While I’m in the office, you snoop around the department. Find out if any of those characters we saw at the warehouse work at Martin.”

  Frankly, our plan had to work. I was tired of wondering who the guilty parties were. I slipped into the backseat of the
SUV.

  Josh pulled up to the gate. “Don’t worry about me, Kerrie. I think I can shovel bullshit just as well as the next guy. Besides, this is for Ryan and RJ. They deserve justice.”

  “Yeah, they do.” I slipped off my sneakers, removed the sweats, and put on the boots that went with the suit. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Of course I do, but I’d do anything to help you find a little peace.” He lowered the driver’s side window as the guard approached.

  Josh’s words gave me pause. Would finding Ryan’s and RJ’s killers give me serenity? Would I be able to move forward? Could I entertain being more than just friends with Josh? Be the woman he needed? Honestly, I didn’t know, but part of me hoped for the best. Unless my timeline was destined to be a short one, I had a long road ahead of me, and I sure as hell didn’t want to live it alone.

  “You’re here to see…” the burly guard prompted.

  “Walter Puckett,” my friend said. “I’m Josh Reynolds. He’s expecting me.”

  The guard walked back to the small building. Through the window, I saw him lift a phone receiver while staring at a clipboard. After a few minutes, he nodded, lowered the receiver, and then returned to our vehicle. “Go ahead. I’ve alerted the lobby. Just show the receptionist your identification.”

  Josh thanked the man and rolled the SUV through the gate. I drew in a deep breath as we neared the main building. I wasn’t worried for myself. What if Walter saw through Josh’s lies? What would happen to him?

  Seconds later, the vehicle came to a stop. He stepped out and stretched while leaving the door open.

  “I’m out.”

  He looked around the area before shutting the door. Silently, we walked up the path and through the sliding doors.

  A gaunt, older security guard sat behind a large rectangular desk. He waved Josh over. “ID?”

  My friend flashed his driver’s license. “I’m here to see Mr. Puckett.”

  The man squinted at it. “Mr. Puckett is expecting you. Sixteenth floor. Elevators are around the corner. Take the middle one.”

  “Thanks.”

  Once we were on the elevator, Josh took out his phone and held it to his ear. “Kerrie, do you have any idea where you’re going to look?”

  Pretending to have a conversation was a smooth move on his part. “No. I’m hoping who we’re looking for will be on the same floor. Otherwise, we’d need access to their research and development department.”

  “I might be able to get us in there. Come with me first.”

  “Gotcha.”

  A bell chimed, and the elevator doors slid open. As soon as we exited, Josh was stopped at a circular desk made entirely of silver with a bright-blue wraparound logo. An older woman with graying hair smiled. “Hello. Mr. Puckett is waiting for you.” She handed Josh a blue-and-white sticker with the word visitor across the front. “If you would be so kind to affix that to your shirt, I’ll take you to Mr. Puckett’s office.”

  Josh did as he was told, and the three of us walked down a gleaming hallway. The only sound was the woman’s heels against the shiny white tile floor. She opened a door on the right and ushered Josh through it.

  “Mr. Reynolds, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Walter said as he rose from his chair.

  “Same here, sir.” Josh took a seat in front of the desk.

  “What can I do for you, son?”

  “A little advice.”

  “About?”

  “Sentinel Security.” I moved around until I stood behind Walter. “I want Kerrie to sell it to the highest bidder.”

  “Really?” Walter rested his elbows on the desk. “And why would you want her to do that? Notwithstanding, the company belongs to her.”

  “True, but it’s holding her back. Kerrie needs to leave Liberty City. I want to take her on an extended vacation. She won’t go as long as she’s worried about the company,” Josh said.

  “Let me guess. You’re in love with the widow.” Walter chuckled. “You work fast. I admire that. What would you like me to do?”

  “Take it off her hands. Make an honest bid for it.” Josh leaned forward. “Whatever offer you make, be sure to include Project Triton.”

  Walter murmured, “It exists.” He turned to his computer, opened an email document, and typed a brief message—The project exists. We can get our hands on not only the prototype but all of Sentinel’s assets. Please advise. He hit the send button and then glanced up at Josh. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a peek at who the recipient was.

  Before he could speak, however, Walter had a reply. Offer twice what the company is worth.

  The name on the document sent a chill down my spine. I tiptoed around the desk and leaned close to Josh. “Walter sent off an email about the acquisition. He’s going to offer you twice what Sentinel is worth. Tell him you’ll bring it to me.”

  When Walter didn’t speak, Josh cleared his throat. “Is there a problem?”

  “No, no. I was actually checking the stocks. The Martin Company could make a generous offer. Say…two-hundred million.”

  My friend swallowed wrong and began choking.

  “Too low?” Walter asked.

  Josh shook his head vehemently. “No. I’ll need to discuss the offer with Mrs. King. Let her meet with her attorney.” He pushed to his feet.

  “Of course, but don’t take too long. I’d hate to have to lower it.” Walter returned to typing. Undoubtedly, he was informing his boss of what just happened.

  As we entered the elevator again, Josh lifted his phone to his ear. “Kerrie.”

  “Not now. We can’t discuss it here.”

  “Okay.”

  My friend moved so fast when the elevator doors opened again, I barely kept up. As he cranked the engine, I tugged on my street clothes.

  “Want to tell me now?” Josh asked as he steered the vehicle toward the gate.

  I moved to the front seat. “Walter sent an email to the mayor’s office.”

  The car swerved to the left before Josh got control. He pulled onto the side of the road. “The mayor of Liberty City?”

  “No. Arcadia. The mayor herself told Walter to make the generous offer.”

  31

  Phantasm is Born

  Josh sat with his mouth agape and eyes blinking. Frankly, I didn’t blame him for the reaction. When I saw the name on the email, I nearly gasped—which would have been disastrous given my situation. Too bad I couldn’t have accessed the file myself. I would have taken the info straight to the authorities.

  Which one?

  What did the email prove, anyway?

  The authorities would only see someone interested in purchasing a business. Nothing nefarious in that. They’d label me a paranoid twit. We had to get real proof, and I’d have to use every resource at my disposal to get it.

  When Josh pulled into the garage, I was delighted to see my car parked in its spot. After I spoke to Debbie, she sent it some place for an upgrade—her word not mine. The stealthy vehicle might come in handy for what I had in mind.

  “What are you thinking?” Josh asked, falling in step beside me.

  “A little surveillance and maybe a B and E.” I glanced up at him. “Can I count on your help tonight?”

  “Sure.” Josh inputted the security code to the bunker and opened the glass door. “My question is how do you plan on getting to Arcadia City undetected?”

  “Easy.” Rather than head into the apartment, I walked into the tech lab and over to the monitor station Debbie had commandeered for our operation. “I’ll use my car.”

  Josh flopped down on a chair. “You trust the RAM will work?”

  Personally, I had my doubts about radiation-absorbent materials—RAM—but so far everything Ryan had created worked. Going to Arcadia City and checking up on the mayor would allow me to make sure the car wasn’t a dud.

  “I’m willing to take my chances, but you don’t have to.”

  Josh’s gaze whipped toward me. “What does that mean
?”

  Facing him, I explained, “It means I need you to stay behind. Without knowing how the stealth tech works with the car, I can’t risk you being seen.”

  “You’re not going without me,” he stated. “We’ll come up with a way to do this together.”

  Actually, I was hoping he’d say that. I’d formulated an idea, provided he would help. Smiling, I said, “I have a plan.”

  We spent the next few minutes going over the details. Hey, I wasn’t completely reckless. I’d seen enough action dramas and superhero flicks to know I needed help. Unlike the movies and television, though, I couldn’t dodge bullets. There wouldn’t be a magical device saving my ass either. All I had was intelligence. My brain had served me well over the years, and as long as I used it, I’d be fine.

  Before we could put anything into motion, however, we had to speak with my assistant. She had to do the legwork I couldn’t tackle. Finally, I was willing to admit that Debbie was the key to making my mission work.

  “Let me make sure I understand. You want me to hack into Arcadia’s network?” Debbie pursed her lips as she leaned back in her chair. She removed her glasses and twirled them around as she thought. “I can do it. Possibly find a back door leading me to the mayor’s computer. However…”

  “What?” I said.

  “The best action would be breaking into the mayoral mansion. I could equip you with a storage device to copy whatever you find.”

  Josh’s forehead furrowed. “Couldn’t you find the information remotely? Keep Kerrie out of harm and—”

  “I don’t need anyone keeping me out of trouble,” I stated. “Debbie, do whatever is needed. If you do find anything tying the mayor to Walter—”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll download whatever I find.” Debbie turned back to her keyboard. “Anything else?”

  Josh added, “We need one of the company vans minus the logo. Between the two of us, we have to get it outfitted for surveillance in the field.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “For tonight?”

  “Yeah. Can you do it?” he asked.

  Debbie rolled her eyes. “If you help me, I can get it done in time.”