Two FBI thrillers: Before Nightfall and Mistake Creek

by Rachel Amphlett

  Once he’d left, Kate had taken full advantage of the facilities, making liberal use of the complimentary shampoo and soap.

  Slipping a t-shirt over her head, she stepped into new denim jeans and buttoned them up while walking through the spacious apartment.

  Another impatient knock on the door hammered through the living area.

  ‘Hang on – I’m coming.’

  She threw the towel onto an armchair and ran her fingers through her hair, tucked her shirt into the waistband of her jeans, and padded barefoot towards the door.

  ‘Who is it?’

  ‘Me.’

  She ripped the door open, pulling the price tag off the back of her jeans and throwing it into the wastepaper basket. She glared at the man standing in front of her.

  ‘What do you want?’

  Finn stood in the corridor, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. ‘I wanted to explain.’

  ‘There’s nothing to explain,’ said Kate. She pushed a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

  ‘But I wanted to.’

  She sighed. ‘Finn – thank you for rescuing me. I’m sure Hart Enterprises will reward you for everything you’ve done, but I’m tired of hearing about bombs and any other sort of weapons. I understand that you probably have some issues to work through, but I’m not the one to help you with that.’

  She began to close the door and jumped when his hand shot out and pushed against it.

  ‘Wait.’

  Her heart drummed in her chest. ‘What?’

  He pulled his other hand from his jeans and held it out to her. ‘I wanted you to see these.’

  She frowned, and slid the chain off the door, opening it fully. ‘What are they?’

  ‘Take them.’

  She held out her hand and he tipped two metal cylinders into her palm. She looked up at him, confused.

  ‘They’re what Ian was meant to give to Kaan. That’s what this was all about. In case Ian doesn’t tell you.’

  She sighed and took a step back. ‘You’d better come in.’

  He followed her through the door, closed it behind him, and then frowned when he saw her limping.

  ‘Is your ankle still hurting?’

  ‘It’s fine. Have a seat.’ She waved a hand towards the sofa, pulling out a chair from beneath the small dining table for herself. ‘Please.’

  He sat down awkwardly on the soft fabric seat and leaned forward, resting his arms across his knees.

  Kate rolled the cylinders in her hand.

  ‘What are they?’

  ‘Some sort of part which goes into a rocket-propelled grenade,’ said Finn. He shrugged. ‘I don’t know the specifics, but apparently Ian had just signed a deal with the Turkish military to develop these and provide them in batches over the next twelve months.’

  ‘Legitimate?’

  He nodded. ‘That part was.’

  She raised an eyebrow and waited for him to continue.

  ‘Six months ago he was approached by a man calling himself Claude van Zant. Van Zant had apparently heard about the Turkish deal and wanted to buy the same parts. Ian agreed in principal, with a view to finalising the deal with van Zant when he arrived in Istanbul three weeks ago.’

  Kate frowned. ‘I don’t know the name.’

  ‘You won’t. This is something Ian was pursuing without your knowledge. It’s not the first time he’s done this either – trying to do a deal outside of the business to avoid paying tax.’

  ‘What happened? What went wrong?’

  Finn stood and began pacing the room. ‘When Steve and I arrived, we’d never heard of van Zant so we used our contacts to start running some checks.’ He walked over to where she sat and ran his fingers over the metal cylinders in her hand. ‘Van Zant didn’t exist.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Kate blinked and tried to ignore the shock which travelled through her skin at his touch.

  ‘The man Ian who had agreed to sell these to was someone whose real name was Yusuf.’

  Kate shuddered.

  ‘He worked for someone called Kaan who’s the self-appointed leader of a rebel group,’ said Finn. ‘He wants to overthrow the Turkish government and stop them from joining the European Union. Kaan is a terrorist. He wants to control the eastern part of the country for himself, and he’ll use the current situation between the Kurdish rebels and the Turkish government to fuel his cause.’

  ‘What did Ian do?’ Kate whispered.

  ‘Tried to pull out of the deal,’ said Finn, taking his hand away. ‘Except Kaan wouldn’t let him – he was too close to getting a brand new state-of-the-art weapon which would put him on a level playing field with his sworn enemy – the Turkish military.’

  ‘So he kidnapped me to get Ian to hand over the parts,’ said Kate. ‘Why didn’t the Harts go to the police? Why get you and Steve involved?’

  ‘Kaan told Ian that he’d kill you immediately if they went to the police.’

  Kate put the cylinders down and walked over to the balcony window, the net curtains billowing in the breeze. She pushed a wisp of hair from her eyes and willed her mind to stop working overtime. She reminded herself that she was safe, that the terrorist was on the run, hiding from the authorities.

  She looked back at Finn where he stood, his arms folded across his chest as he watched her.

  ‘How is Steve?’

  ‘Sore, but he’ll be okay in a week or so,’ said Finn smiling, and then his face grew serious. ‘He’s had worse.’

  Kate bit her bottom lip and turned back towards the open window, not trusting herself to look at Finn. With a few days’ stubble across his face and his hair mussed up, his scent permeating through the room, she was all too aware of the effect he was having on her.

  She closed her eyes. It’s just a reaction from the danger, she reminded herself. And the fact that a few hours ago, he walked into a building full of terrorists and rescued you.

  She opened her eyes and turned to him. ‘Where’s Cynthia?’

  Finn looked down at the floor. ‘I think it’s called “helping the police with their enquiries”,’ he mumbled.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  Finn sighed. ‘Cynthia thought you were the one Ian was having an affair with. It was Cynthia who told the terrorists about you to make Ian hand over the parts.’

  Kate gasped. ‘Cynthia did this to me?’

  Finn nodded. ‘Once Ian had been exposed for selling the parts to Yusuf – or van Zant as they thought he was – Cynthia was going to take over the business and run it herself. Turns out the woman who Ian had been having an affair with was a prostitute – used by Yusuf as a trap to capture you. Once they had mapped out your usual route to the boutique store where she insisted Ian buy her gifts from, the rest was easy.’

  Kate turned, strode across the room, picked up the cushions from the sofa and threw them across the room, hitting a picture frame, the frustration burrowing out of her.

  She’d been used – first by Ian, then by Cynthia – and all for their own selfish ideals of money and power.

  She kicked over one of the stools next to the breakfast bar, and then swept a vase of flowers off its surface, sending the glassware and its contents crashing to the floor.

  With a low growl, Finn strode across the room. He grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her towards him.

  ‘Stop it, Kate. It’s over. It’s all over.’

  Seizing her face between his hands, he traced his thumbs over her jaw line, his green eyes smouldering.

  ‘Cynthia told me what happened to you as a kid. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop it happening again,’ he said.

  She struggled first, angry, then as his fingers began to smooth her hair, she gazed up at him, her breathing heavy. She gasped as he moved closer and bent down, his mouth only a fraction from hers.

  ‘You drive me crazy,’ he murmured, ‘did I ever tell you that?’

  His hands moved slightly as he drew her face to his, then he parted her lips with his tongue and t
asted her.

  She groaned as his mouth moved with hers, then melted into his grip as his hands moved down her neck, over her shoulders and began to stroke her breasts through her shirt. She felt her nipples turn hard, erect under his touch. A warm sensation began in her chest, worked its way down her stomach and flushed between her thighs.

  He drew back, his breathing heavy. ‘If we start this, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to stop – are you okay with that?’

  She nodded, mutely.

  He groaned, and then pulled her close to him.

  She could feel him now, the hardness of him against her stomach. She lifted her chin to meet his kiss, and whimpered as he began to gently nibble on her bottom lip.

  She ran her tongue against his teeth, teasing, and then drew away with a gasp as he ran his hands over her still erect nipples.

  She pulled away, and he frowned.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘I want you,’ she whispered. ‘Right here, right now. I’ve never felt so safe.’

  He pulled her to him, lifted her up and carried her across the room. He kicked open the door to the bedroom and deposited her on the bed.

  The curtains danced in the breeze through the window, sunlight flickering across their faces as he began to pull at her shirt, tearing it free from her jeans.

  ‘Let me,’ she said, unbuttoning her shirt as he watched, his eyes never leaving her. When her shirt was undone, she tugged it down her arms then tossed it onto the floor. ‘Your turn.’

  He smiled, sat up and pulled his t-shirt over his head, then began to unbutton his jeans, lying on his back and thrusting his hips upwards. She moved closer as the buttons came undone and he freed himself.

  ‘I would have thought it was too cold to go commando,’ she smiled.

  ‘I was in a rush.’

  He kicked his jeans to one side, rolled over and pulled her to him. She groaned as his hands moved over her body, caressing the lean muscles under her skin, until his fingers reached her belt buckle.

  ‘Wait,’ he whispered, before loosening her jeans and pulling them down over her bottom. He rolled then, and she felt the soft fabric of the sheets on her skin. He straddled her, carefully lifted her towards him and loosened her bra. She gasped as her stomach brushed against the fullness of him, swollen and erect.

  He pushed her back down to the sheets, and then lowered himself. ‘I’ve wanted to do this to you since I first saw you,’ he murmured. He ran his hand down the length of her body, his fingers rippling over her ribs until he found what he was seeking.

  Her hips moved in response as his hand first cupped her mound, and then she gasped as he extended his fingers. Immediately the wetness consumed her.

  ‘God you’re perfect,’ he said, lowering his mouth to her breasts, then slowly took one of her nipples between his lips and tugged.

  She cried out, arching her back as his fingers began to rub, his tongue matching their rhythm.

  Her breath came in small, desperate gasps, and he groaned, the vibration of his voice sending new sensations through her body. Her body began to shudder uncontrollably, and Finn raised his head, his liquid eyes watching her in the sunlight as she drew closer and closer to her climax, his fingers seeking it out, faster and faster until she could hold back no more.

  She cried his name as she crested the wave of sensations which tore through her body, before she shuddered through her climax.

  She lay, panting, until he gathered her up in his arms and lifted her.

  ‘Don’t think you’re going to get all the fun,’ he said huskily.

  He rolled over, and then pulled her towards him until she could straddle him.

  ‘Tell me that you want me,’ she said.

  His dark eyes flickered over her body. ‘You have no idea how much I want you.’ He cupped her breasts, sending shivers through her body once more.

  She smiled and put her hands on his shoulders, and slowly edged down him.

  His eyes closed and he groaned as she took him in.

  His hands moved from her breasts, then down her body until he had her bottom in his grip, their breathing coming in short gasps as he reached his peak.

  Suddenly, he was there. He thrust his hips up to meet hers, and she gasped at the depths he found within her. She cried out as her climax matched his, and gripped his shoulders tightly, digging her fingers into his skin as his body shook beneath hers.

  He shouted then, as he expelled everything within him, before falling back, panting, sweat pouring down his chest.

  ***

  ‘Who was she?’

  ‘Hmm?’

  ‘The girl in the photo.’ Kate raised herself up onto her elbow and traced her finger over the fine hairs across Finn’s chest. ‘Who was she?’

  Finn raised an eyebrow. ‘How did you know she was dead?’

  ‘Steve might have mentioned it.’

  Kate rested her cheek on the pillow. ‘She obviously meant a lot to you.’

  Finn turned his head away from her.

  She heard him exhale loudly, before he lifted his hand and rubbed the palm of it across his eyes.

  ‘I can’t talk about it,’ he murmured. ‘Not yet.’

  ‘Finn – I know you’re hurting, but I’d like to help you.’

  ‘Please, Kate. Leave it alone.’

  Kate flinched, and watched as he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

  Seconds passed, and then he stood and reached for his jeans. He pulled them on and turned to her.

  ‘I can’t talk about it,’ he repeated and held up his hands. ‘Don’t ask me to, please.’

  Kate’s jaw dropped. ‘I’m – I’m sorry. I just thought…’

  ‘Don’t, okay?’ Finn sighed, and then checked his watch. ‘I’m not going to discuss it now.’ His voice was muffled as he pulled his t-shirt over his head, before he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. ‘I’ll see you later.’

  ‘What?’

  She swung the sheet away and followed him out to the living area, tying a bathrobe around her body.

  Finn stood by the open door. ‘I should probably get back to Hart’s office.’ He turned and began to walk away down the hallway.

  Kate closed the door before Finn could hear her sob.

  She turned to the room, her hand over her mouth and closed her eyes, tears streaking her cheeks.

  After everything she’d been through, she’d hoped he’d show something other than a quick roll in the sheets if he had any feelings for her.

  She opened her eyes and looked at the metal cylinders on the kitchen bench, then shook her head, crossed her arms over her breasts and hugged herself.

  ‘Nice one, Kate,’ she murmured. ‘Got your hopes up again.’

  32

  Kate thanked the taxi driver, got out of the car and walked into the entrance of the modern hospital building.

  Pushing her way through the throng of people in the foyer, she approached the reception desk, got directions and took an elevator up to the sixth floor.

  It wasn’t hard to find Steve’s room. Emrah had taken the liberty of placing two armed guards outside the door.

  She showed them her European driving licence, assured them she wouldn’t stay long and pushed the door open.

  Steve’s head turned at the sound of her approach, and he smiled.

  Kate’s hand flew to her mouth, and she choked back a sob.

  The man’s face looked grey, bruised, and a large swathe of bandages covered his leg.

  ‘Don’t start crying, lass,’ he said. ‘You’re not exactly a pretty picture yourself.’

  A laugh bubbled up, and Kate smiled. ‘Thanks. Just what I needed to hear.’

  She moved across the room and sat in the chair next to Steve, who reached over for the television remote and silenced it. An English premier league game played on in silence on the screen bolted to the opposite wall.

  ‘How bad is it?’ she asked.

  ‘Hurts like hell,’ he said. ‘But it
won’t kill me.’

  He pressed a button and the bed eased him upright.

  Kate noticed he didn’t bother to hide the pain which etched his face with the movement. She stood and carefully arranged the pillows behind his back to make him more comfortable.

  ‘Where’s Finn?’ he said, once he’d settled back.

  Kate sat down and looked at her hands. ‘I don’t know.’

  Steve cocked an eyebrow and stayed silent.

  Kate sighed. ‘He was pretty pissed off about me having the photograph. And then,’ she sniffed. ‘I asked about the girl in the picture, and he walked out on me.’

  ‘Ah. I see.’

  ‘You’ll have to get it back from him. He took it from me.’

  Steve shrugged. ‘No need – it was his anyway.’

  ‘Excuse me?’

  ‘I took it from him three years ago. He’d walk around all day moping over it. I figured the only way to kick-start his recovery was to take it from him. I told him he could have it back when he sorted himself out.’

  ‘Oh.’ She watched the football game in silence for a moment, and then turned back to him.

  ‘What happened?’

  Steve exhaled a long sigh. ‘It’s about time someone told you – although it should have been Finn,’ he said. ‘I really thought he’d give you a chance.’ He cleared his throat.

  Kate thought he was almost psyching himself up to tell her, so she waited, wanting to know, but scared that she might not like the answer.

  ‘The girl in the photograph? She was my daughter,’ he said.

  Kate looked sharply at him.

  ‘Yeah, I know – I should’ve told you before,’ he said. ‘But there’s never an easy time, or a better way, is there?’

  He didn’t wait for an answer, and Kate sensed that he’d been waiting a long time to tell someone what had happened three years ago, so she kept quiet and listened while Steve told her how his daughter, Claire, had been dating Finn for over a year.

  The couple had been infatuated with each other, hence the matching tattoos. They’d met eighteen months before a function organised by the British Trade Commission in Miami where she’d undertaken a new role as a media liaison officer.