How did you break through? she asked, sounding frustrated.
Don’t you dare get cross with me, Pepper Gunnach. You promised not to block me. Now where the hell are you?
He has Helen. He’ll kill her if I say anything.
We’re on our way, love. Tell me where we’re going.
No.
He won’t know we’re there. Tell me.
What if he hurts her because of me?
Connall scowled. If he touches either one of you, I’ll kill him.
I don’t want you to get hurt, Con.
Damn it, Pepper! So help me God, if you don’t tell me where you are, I will take Jonesy somewhere you will never find him.
She gasped. You wouldn’t.
Don’t test me on this.
He held his breath for several tense seconds.
Well, Helen’s more important than my horse, she finally said.
Goddammit, Pepper!
Connall lost contact and squeezed his eyes shut again, in an attempt to focus.
… museum.
He heard only the tail end of Pepper’s scattered thoughts, but it was enough. “RSA, Ali,” Connall instructed.
Kade dialed a number and spoke to the academy president, who assured Kade that he’d be on the lookout for Pepper, and would also allow the brothers private and secret entrance to the building.
Alasdair pulled the car to the back of the Royal Academy of Scotland and the brothers climbed from the SUV and headed into the private door being held open by the academy president’s assistant, Jennifer.
“Come this way,” she said, obviously understanding the urgency.
She led the brothers to the security room. “We have cameras in every room in the museum,” she said. “This is Joseph, the head of security.”
They took a minute to shake his hand.
“I’ve got my men canvassing the building, but it would help to have a picture of the woman,” Joseph said. “To distribute.”
Connall pulled out his phone and, after asking Joseph his cell number, sent one of his favorite pictures of Pepper to Joseph, who then sent it to his guards.
“Do you have a photo of the perpetrator?” Joseph asked.
Kade nodded and forwarded it to him.
“Right,” Joseph said.
I don’t know where the Scottish painter’s exhibition is.
Connall heard Pepper’s voice in his head. “She’s headed to the Scottish painter’s exhibit,” he said. At Joseph’s questioning look, Connall waved his phone.
Joseph nodded and grabbed his walkie-talkie. “Thomson and Clark, head to the painter’s room.” Setting down his walkie, he pulled up the camera feed.
Kade left the room, returning minutes later with Sam, Payton, Cole, and Dalton. Brodie pulled Payton aside, a scowl on his face. Connall couldn’t focus on them, though. He was too busy watching the camera.
“I need to get down there.”
“You can’t, Con,” Kade said. “He knows what you look like.”
Con scowled. “He’s knows what we all look like.”
“He doesn’t know me,” Cole said.
“He’s right,” Dalton said. “Cole could watch from a distance, and if it goes to hell, he can protect her.”
“Damn it,” Connall snapped.
“There is another option,” Sam said, and pulled Connall and Kade aside.
“No!” Kade snapped.
“I just need eye contact with him,” she argued in a whisper. “He’ll do whatever I tell him.”
When Kade bound Samantha, she discovered she had the power of suggestion, which had saved them a few weeks ago.
“Absolutely not, Sam, and I’m not arguing with you about it again.”
Connall shook his head. “Kade’s right, Sam. You’d have to get close to him, and I can’t worry about you as well.”
Sam sighed. “Fine, but if you can’t figure something else out, I’ll have no choice.”
“Back to the other plan, Con,” Kade whispered. “You have to remember that Jet’s not one of us. Cole will be able to deal with him. Buy you some time at the very least.”
Connall gave Cole a nod and Cole removed his badge and FBI-issued jacket. Pulling his shirt from his pants, he rolled the sleeves up and dragged his hands through his hair to mess it up a bit.
“How is he going to go down there and not look out of place?” Payton asked. “This guy will pick up on another man walking the museum, especially since he knows Pepper’s typically surrounded by protection.”
“What do you suggest?” Cole asked.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Like hell you will!” Brodie snapped.
“I’m the only one besides Cole this guy doesn’t know,” Payton argued. “We can be a couple taking in the museum.”
“No,” Brodie said.
“Well, if you want to be the reason your sister-in-law is hurt…”
“Damn it, Payton. You could be hurt.”
She smiled. “With you close by? Not possible.”
“It’s a good idea, Brodie,” Cole said. “And I promise, I won’t kiss her… much.”
Kade stepped in front of Cole as Brodie lunged for him. Kade grasped his brother’s shoulders and pushed him back. “Cole, you’re going to get yourself killed,” Kade said over his shoulder.
Cole grinned. “Not with you around.”
Sam shook her head. “Cole. You’re insane.”
Cole peered around Kade still holding Brodie back. “Ready, Payton?”
“Yes.” She sidled past her mate and joined Cole.
“Please be careful,” Connall said.
Payton squeezed his arm. “We’ll find her, Con.”
Brodie leaned down and kissed her cheek before letting her walk out the door.
ONCE PAYTON AND Cole left the room, Connall stood staring at the screens.
“We got her,” Joseph said, and pointed to the screen. “She’s near the Wilkie.”
Dalton pulled out his phone. “She’s by the Wilkie, Cole, whatever that means.”
Joseph moved the camera and Connall watched as Cole and Payton came on the screen. Payton’s hand was looped through Cole’s arm and she was pointing to the Wilkie as though fascinated with the painting.
The camera zoomed in on Pepper just as she caught sight of the couple. Her face went white.
Pepper, ignore them. We’re watching you from the security room and Cole’s there to watch your back—
Because Jet would recognize you.
Aye. Connall watched her shoulders slump onscreen. Baby, I’ve got you.
Okay. I love you.
I love you too. He crossed his arms and stood vigil as Pepper walked the perimeter of the room. Then, without warning, she disappeared from the screen.
“Where is she?” Connall demanded.
Joseph moved the camera, but she was gone.
“Damn it,” Connall snapped. “Where is she?”
I’m in a back room, baby.
Anything else you can give me?
Jet’s texting me as I go. I don’t know where I’m ending up until I’m there. Sorry.
Connall pretended to be reading a text. “She’s in a back room somewhere.”
“Check the holding room,” Joseph said into his walkie.
“I see her. She’s through another door,” Dalton said, pointing at one of the monitors.
“Where the hell is she going?” Connall demanded.
Joseph leaned forward. “The only thing back there is the server room.”
“Show me,” Connall demanded.
Joseph stood and led Connall out of the room. The rest of the group followed, with Kade and Sam bringing up the rear. Connall followed the security guard through back passages and anterooms, growing more and more frustrated as the journey seemed to drag on.
Finally, Joseph opened a door and paused. “This leads to the server room.”
“Stay here,” Connall said to him, and slipped through the door.
&
nbsp; The hallway was narrow and cluttered with large computer servers, file cabinets and other discarded items. Connall was forced to hug the wall as he made his way farther into darkness. At least it was cold. His brothers followed. A scream cut through the dark and he forced himself not to haul ass toward it.
Pepper?
It’s Helen. Helen screamed. He hit her.
“Stop!” he heard Pepper beg. “Jet, please. Don’t hurt her anymore.”
The hallway opened to a small room dimly lit by a light swinging overhead. Connall could see Helen tied to a steel pipe, her hair stuck to her face and a gag in her mouth.
He turned to his brothers and held his hand out. They nodded and flattened themselves against the wall. Connall heard what he thought was a computer whirr, and when he turned, he saw Cole across the corridor, behind a large server cabinet, Payton behind him.
She appeared to be motioning to Brodie to stay where he was, but Connall knew Brodie didn’t like the order.
Connall focused back on Pepper. She was handcuffed to another pipe, one hand left unbound. A tall lanky man with dark hair paced the space, a gun in his hand, and mumbling as though he was talking to someone other than Pepper. When the light caught her face, Connall could see a nasty bruise on her cheek and blood on her lip.
I’m okay, Con. Truly.
I feel your headache.
“Jet,” Pepper said. “Please. Let her go. I’ll come with you. Whatever you want, but Helen isn’t part of this.”
Jet was alone, and human, and Connall’s initial reaction was to rush him.
Don’t! He has her grandson hidden somewhere.
Damn it. Let me at least help with the pain. Connall closed his eyes and worked to relieve her headache.
Thanks, baby. The migraine was making it difficult to think straight.
Jet laughed. “Oh, I’ll let her go. I’m just trying to figure out if I’m gonna let Scotty live. That’ll be up to you, my love.”
“Okay, Jet. I understand. I’ll do whatever you want,” Pepper said as though to sooth a feral beast. “Just tell me where he is so that I can have Dalton go get him, okay? I’ll go with you. I’ll do whatever you want me to do,” she repeated.
Scotty’s Tavish’s youngest.
The driver?
Connall saw confusion and fear cover her face. Aye, love.
His phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen. Payton had texted him.
*If I can touch him or something of his, I may be able to figure out where Scotty is.*
Another buzz and he glanced at his phone again.
*If u say anything to B, I will hurt u.*
Connall shook his head and then focused on Payton again. She narrowed her eyes and cocked her head. He gave her a nod and held a finger up.
Pepper, we’re going to try something. Does Jet have something on him? Maybe something you can remove and throw to us?
Pepper’s mouth gaped open for a split second. Oh, sure. Let me get right on that. It’s not like I’m handcuffed to a pipe or anything!
Jet continued to pace, mumbling incoherently.
Connall took a deep breath. I know, baby. Just do your best.
Ultimately, he didn’t want Pepper close enough to get something off of Jet. Connall just wanted to kill him, but with Scotty’s life in danger, he had to try something else first.
“Jet,” Pepper said. “What can I do? I’m here. You have me cuffed and I have nowhere to go. Can you please let me know where Scotty is and let Helen go?”
“Shut up! Just shut up!” he screamed.
Helen whimpered and Pepper squeezed her eyes shut. He’s spiraling, Con. I don’t know what to do.
“You ruined my life,” Jet snapped.
“How did I ruin your life, Jet?” Pepper asked.
He stepped up to her and jabbed a finger in her face. “Because you got me kicked off the team and out of school! If you hadn’t been such a lying little bitch, none of that would have happened! My own sister turned against me. Fuckin’ Andi…such a little whore.”
She bit her lip. Andi had been the one who finally got Jet locked up and Pepper knew it had been extremely difficult on her…she all but disappeared once Jet was out of her life. Their parents were your typical entitled rich assholes, but Pepper had always liked Andi. As had Dalton.
“I’m sorry. I really am,” Pepper whispered.
Jet raised his hand to slap her but she moved just enough to distract him, clanking her handcuffs against the pipe. Connall saw something silver catch the meager light, rolling in his general direction, but before he could reach for it, Payton had already caught it and closed her eyes.
Connall watched Brodie’s body stiffen as they all stood silently in the hallway, out of sight of the madman. Connall knew his brother was frustrated. Unlike him and Pepper, neither Brodie nor Payton had the gift of empathy, so until they were bound, they couldn’t speak telepathically. Brodie had to rely on the human way of communication, and now Connall could see he desperately wanted to know what was going on.
Connall’s phone buzzed.
*I see a cabin. Looks like Max’s. Sent info to Ali.*
Connall swore softly. It would be faster to just lay the idiot down and have Sam make Jet tell him where Scotty was.
No! Don’t do anything yet. Please, Con.
We have an idea where he is, Pepper.
Not definitely. Just wait. Okay? Just a few more minutes. He can’t do anything to me.
I don’t like this. He searched her face, partially obscured by Jet’s pacing.
I know. She met his eyes. But we’re okay. For the moment, at least.
One wrong move, Pepper, and I’m going to kill him.
She closed her eyes. Resist the urge, baby.
Connall tried not to smile. His mate could find something comical in just about any situation. The buzz of his phone forced his focus away from Pepper. He glanced at it and saw that Payton had texted him again.
*Nothing so far. Ali had Max’s cabin checked, just in case.*
“Jet,” Pepper said. “Please tell me where the little boy is. He’s probably scared. It’s not like I can do anything, right? I can’t go anywhere. But I bet Helen would like to know her grandson is safe.”
“You’re lying!” Jet snapped.
“About what, Jet?”
“You were supposed to be with me.”
He’s not making any sense, Pepper.
“I’m here now,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere, I promise. Can you just tell me where Scotty is? Please? I really need to know that he’s safe.”
“He’s safe,” Jet said, stopping his pacing for the moment. “He’s not far from here.”
Connall’s phone buzzed.
Payton’s text came up. *Castle. Museum has old serf home display.*
Connall sent a text to Alasdair and then focused back on Pepper.
“Is someone with him?” Pepper asked. “Jet?”
“What!” he bellowed.
“Is someone with Scotty?”
“Bitch!” Jet screamed, and aimed his gun at Helen.
“Jet, no!” Pepper begged. “Please don’t hurt her!”
Connall’s heart raced. They couldn’t wait any longer. He gave Brodie a nod. Brodie nodded back and, using telekinesis, pulled the gun from Jet’s hand. Connall rushed Jet, slamming him to the ground. Cole joined Connall and cuffed Jet’s hands behind his back. With Jet under control, Connall wrapped his arm around Pepper and held her close as he pried the handcuff open with one hand. She fell against him, her legs weak.
Kade was already checking Helen’s injuries. Her swollen eye and cheek looked painful.
Connall kissed Pepper’s bruise and she sighed in relief as it healed immediately.
“We still don’t know where Scotty is,” Pepper complained. “You should have waited.”
“They found him,” Payton said as she glanced at her phone. “They found Scotty. He’s okay.”
“Where was he?” Connall asked.
“I’ll get Jet over to the LBP,” Cole offered.
“No. No police,” Connall snapped. “We take care of this. I will take care of this.”
Before Cole could comment, Jet lunged. In the chaos, he’d managed to break away from Cole and lunge at Pepper. Cole grabbed for Jet just as Connall moved to protect Pepper, but she was too fast for both of them. She sent a fireball directly at Jet, setting his clothes on fire. He screamed and fell to the ground, rolling in an attempt to put the flames out. Kade and Brodie worked to get Jet back under control as Connall looked at Pepper. Her face was expressionless and her hair was dark. He reached out to take her arm, but she scowled at him and pulled away.
“Pepper? Love? Are you okay?”
She fisted her hand and delivered a surprisingly strong right hook.
“Whoa!” Connall grabbed her arms and gently pushed them behind her back, pulling her closer to his chest in an effort to control her. She struggled against him, leaning her head back as if to head butt him. He shifted so he could hold her arms with one hand and keep her head still with the other. “It’s me, love. Connall.”
“I know it’s you, you jerk!” she snapped. “You threatened to take Jonesy away, asshole.” She continued to try and break his hold.
He was surprised by her strength and the effort it was taking to keep her still. “You blocked me.”
“Let me go!” she bellowed. He did and she stalked away from him. “I am never speaking to you again!”
“We’ve got this, Con,” Kade said.
He nodded his thanks and took off after Pepper. She sped down the hall and stopped as quickly as she’d started. She let out a frustrated groan and glared at Connall. “How the hell do I get out of here?”
Connall tried not to smile as he reached for her hand. Again, she refused to touch him. He crossed his arms. “Sweetheart.”
“Don’t you dare ‘sweetheart’ me! Now, tell me how to get the hell out of here. I’m going home.”
“I’ll take you home as soon as this is all sorted out, love.”
“My home,” she snapped. “America. Savannah. The South. Frickin’ Alaska, for all I care. Just so long as it’s away from you.”
His voice pitched low in warning. “I will take you anywhere you want to go, Pepper, but nowhere will be away from me. And I highly doubt you’ll go far from Jonesy.”
Bound by Fire (Cauld Ane Series Book 2) Page 26
