The soldiers looked at Ryan, but one by one they got up and exited the room. Once he and Lou were alone, Lou sat down at the computer and keyed in some type of code. Ryan pulled up the seat next to him. It was obvious what Lou was showing him wasn’t information that was known to many.
It took him a moment before he realized what he was reading. It was a list of known deaths associated with this group. There weren’t just a few either. Then he flipped to another file which showed pictures of people. “Who are they?” Ryan asked.
“These are people on our watch list.”
He’d pictured many times what they’d look like. Some fit the mold, but others didn’t. They looked like people he’d pass on the street right here in the United States. “They’re . . .”
“Closer than any of us want to admit.”
This wasn’t what he expected when Lou sat down at the computer. He figured it would have to do with some strategic plan of attack. That wasn’t the case at all. There were just names and faces. Too many faces.
He came across a few that were in black and white with dates. “What does this symbolize?”
“The ones who have been eliminated.”
The tone in Lou’s voice spoke volumes. He noticed some dates were extremely recent. Yesterday? “Are these the ones that—?”
“Yes.”
It was comforting to know Jack’s killers didn’t get off scot-free. Doesn’t make up for what they did. It didn’t take long to see what Jack meant to Honeywell. He was the sheriff, and one would expect respect for the position. But everyone here were friends, and he knew it was going to be a major blow to them when the truth came out and they realized he wasn’t returning.
It dawned on Ryan that he’d never asked the name of the SEAL who’d been killed. He was tempted to do so now, but this was his one opportunity to gain pertinent information. He also knew if they wanted him to know the name, they’d have given it.
For now, he needed to focus on what Lou was sharing with him. Turing his attention back to the photos, he took a closer look, trying to memorize their faces. He wanted to make sure if they ever crossed his path, it would be their last. Page after page he etched them into his mind. Then his heart almost stopped. It was a face he knew too damn well. He actually remembered interviewing him a few years back. What the hell? He shot Lou a look as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“Now you understand,” Lou said.
He looked back at the photo. Ryan was filled with both rage and fear. This man held a position in his company that gave him access to a lot of personal and financial information. That was worrisome all by itself. What troubled him most was he had been around Donna when she came to see him in the office.
Ryan flashed back to the holiday office party. As usual, he kept a close eye on his daughter but recalled seeing Donna laughing while sipping champagne and talking with Carl. He’d figured Carl was flirting with the boss’s daughter. He’d pulled him aside the next day and gave him a warning about mixing business with pleasure and how it wouldn’t be tolerated. Carl apologized and said he wasn’t comfortable in social situations, and Donna was being kind to him. He’d sworn it wouldn’t happen again. Knowing that was all a lie and what his intentions actually were made Ryan want to strangle every last breath out of him. Carl, you bastard. “Lou, I—”
“I know. You can’t. He doesn’t know that we know.”
Fuck. That didn’t remove his desire to hop on his chopper and confront Carl. Just knowing these bastards had infiltrated his company made him livid. Donna was here with him, so she was out of Carl’s reach. What control he thought he’d had seemed to be quickly slipping through his fingers. If Carl contacted Donna and said he needed to meet with her about something business related, she would automatically trust Carl. And that’s how they win. He needed to regain control before all was lost. Lou was right; this wasn’t just about him and Donna. Not the Collins family either. This was growing into something he could barely wrap his mind around.
Ryan had left his office with one thought: Donna. Never had he pictured needing to ensure the safety of his staff as well. They had no idea who they were working with. Who I hired. Collins and his team might be thinking about the entire world, Ryan couldn’t forget his employees. To do so, he needed to understand why the asshole was there in the first place. “What the hell is he doing working for me?”
“Looking for what you’ve been keeping safe in that bunker.”
Janet’s specimens? That didn’t add up. Why would Carl wait all this time and not make a move? “It has to be something else. It’s been seven years, and no one has made a move or approached me for it.”
“None of this happened overnight. It’s been years in the planning. He’s been there waiting and watching. When you let Wyatt and Maggie utilize the bunker as a safe house, we believe that was what they were waiting for.”
“That’s was almost six months ago. Carl’s still there like nothing happened.”
“Exactly. Until they have their hands on it, that’s what he’ll do.”
“Collins has that now. So let’s take that fucker out.” He wasn’t one who sat back and waited for someone to make the first move. He’d learned young that if you hesitate, all might be lost.
“Tipping our hand now could endanger others. You’re not the only company who’s in this situation.”
“You mean that they’ve infiltrated?”
“They’re trying. We’re one step ahead of them. If you or anyone does something to tip them off, they might make a move we’re not ready for.”
“Meaning?”
“What happened to your late wife could happen to others,” Lou said.
Shit. He’d never thought about that. If Janet didn’t see it coming, and she was in the medical field, there was no way people in his office would. “You’re serious? You think they’d actually infect others?”
“We know they would. Janet wasn’t the first. She wasn’t the last. What is different about her is she knew it. She took the time to document what was happening each step of the way. It’s not if they’ll use it again. It’s about when they will.”
Lou called it when he chose this time and information to share. It was the eye-opener he needed. It didn’t change what he was feeling inside. Ryan looked at the photo of Carl. He had never hated anyone. All his frustration was put on this one man. It didn’t make any sense, yet nothing had in a long time. “You can’t ask me to sit back and do nothing.”
“We’re not. We need you to go back to your office.”
That wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He’d rather be given a gun and asked to pick up patrol duty where Jack had left off. Being dismissed and brushed aside wasn’t working. “And do what? Forget everything I know, because that ain’t gonna happen,” Ryan said firmly.
“Run your business like you normally do. And don’t let Carl or anyone else know what I’ve told you.”
He could do that, if it meant when Collins gave the all clear to move, Carl was his. Ryan remembered why he was in Honeywell in the first place. “I can’t leave them here.”
“Them?”
“Donna and Sissie. There’s no way I’m taking them with me, but there’s no way I can leave them here either.” Lou looked at him as though contemplating what Ryan should do. But it wasn’t up to Lou what he should do.
“Agreed. There’s a safe place. I can make arrangements for them to be taken there.”
Once again Lou was trying to pull control away from Ryan. There were things he was willing to relinquish, but when it came to Donna and Sissie, he drew the line. “Where?” Ryan asked.
Lou shrugged. “I don’t know the location.”
If the subject hadn’t been so damn serious he’d burst out laughing. Lou actually asked him to blindly trust him with the two people who meant the most to him. That’s not happening. “You know it’s safe how?”
“Kevin and Marina have been there. If they couldn’t be located, Donna and Sissie will b
e safe there.”
Collins had mentioned how sought-after Marina had been. Yet Mark considered it safe enough for his own brother, and that made Ryan consider the offer. That didn’t mean he was turning Donna and Sissie over to Lou and taking off because that’s what he’d been told to do. We’re doing this my way or not at all.
“There is no way in hell I’m letting them out of my sight until I see for myself that they’re safe.”
“It’s better if you just let me—”
“Listen, Lou, tell Collins I’ll play along and make sure Carl thinks we’re ignorant to their movements. And no matter how bad I want Carl’s ass, I want them safe even more.” Ryan meant every word. If he lost either of them, Ryan didn’t give a damn what happened to the rest of the world. As far as he was concerned, he’d have nothing left.
“I don’t like this, Watson, but I can put you in contact with the person who has the secure location. Even with this person, what you’ve been told mustn’t be repeated.”
He’d gotten that message loud and clear the first few times Lou said it. “This person is part of your team?”
Lou shook his head. “No. But we’ve worked together in the past.”
Ryan wanted to ask what exactly that meant, but there was no time for long stories that were going to waste time. “Make it happen.”
Lou picked up one of the SAT phones and dialed. He put it on speakerphone, so Ryan could hear as well.
“What do you need?” a man asked.
“Farrell. We have guests in need of accommodations.” Lou made it sound as though it was a vacation instead of a life or death situation.
“How long?” Farrell asked.
Lou looked at Ryan and then said, “Undetermined at this time.”
“One of those? Is this for Kevin and Marina again?”
“Don, you know better than to ask,” Lou warned.
Don laughed. “And you know I’m not the property of the good ole USA. So how many guests will I be hosting this time?”
“Two,” Lou said.
“Three,” Ryan corrected.
“Sounds like someone doesn’t have his facts straight, Lou. Do I need to call Mark to get the story straight or are you going to tell me?” Don asked.
“Farrell, you know that I—”
“Listen Lou, you’re the one calling me for the favor. I have no problem with that location being utilized again. I’ve never said no to one of Mark’s request before. What concerns me is that Mark isn’t the one reaching out. My gut tells me he’s not privy to this plan. Am I right?”
Ryan was interested in hearing that answer as well.
“He’s not available at the moment,” Lou replied.
“Don’t fuck with me, Lou. If Mark’s not aware of what’s going on, then my offer will be retracted,” Don barked.
“Collins has been called away, regarding a family emergency.”
“Hannah?” Don asked. Ryan heard the concern in his voice.
“No. His father,” Lou answered.
“Shit. What happened? Bailey came back after the baby shower, and Casey went into labor. Nothing about Greg.”
“I don’t have any details. All I know is Greg needed to be rushed to the hospital, and Collins accompanied him and his mother.”
Ryan didn’t know how Mark was holding it all together with everything else going on. Any other time, and he’d have no problem letting this conversation continue. Right now he needed to know Donna and Sissie would be in a secure location and then get his ass back to the office. So I can be there if Carl decides to fuck with anyone.
“Maybe we can continue this conversation after the ladies are safe?” Ryan asked firmly.
“Ladies?” Don asked.
“My daughter, Donna, and my . . . friend, Sissie.” Ryan didn’t know how to describe her any other way. They hadn’t dated, only spent time together. Although he’d opened up to her more than he had any other person in many years, it didn’t mean they were anything other than friends. If we make it through this, maybe one day we can be more.
“Sissie from the Wild Sass?” Don asked.
Ryan didn’t know how they knew each other, but he hoped it was a good thing. With Sissie, he wasn’t sure. You either loved or hated her. What he liked about her was she didn’t care. She wasn’t changing for anyone. What you see is what you get. “That’s the one.”
“Lou, what the hell’s going on in Honeywell? Sissie’s not one I’d have thought would be . . . at risk,” Don said.
She probably wouldn’t be if it hadn’t been for me. And it seems I’ve endangered someone else’s life who means something to me.
Lou answered in his normal manner of not giving much of anything. “Things changed.”
“No shit! Unless you want me calling Mark, tell me what the fuck changed,” Don ordered.
“We took another hit.”
“Damn. First Johnson and now another SEAL. Collins must fucking want blood,” Don added. He knew he’d be setting out for retaliation if it was him.
“Part of the job.”
Ryan hated hearing that statement again and again. This is life. One that is lost forever. He respected what they do. God knows it took a special breed to be able to handle what these men faced on a daily basis. He wasn’t sure he could do it, but he knew he not only could but would do anything to protect the ones he loved. He thought about what he wanted to do to Carl. Guess I’m not as different after all.
“Anyone else?”
Ryan wanted to say Jack, but he waited for Lou to respond. Unfortunately, he let that question slip by unanswered. “So you see why we need accommodations.”
“Lou, you should’ve told me who it was for and cut through all this bullshit.”
“Tell me where, and I’ll get them there.” Ryan wanted to keep this thing moving. The faster he got them out of Honeywell, the better.
“What’s your name?” Don asked.
Ryan knew there weren’t any introductions, and that was okay with him. It seemed everyone knew each other, and he was the odd man out. “Ryan Watson.”
“And how are you involved in all this?” Don asked.
“Don’t answer that,” Lou interjected.
Don snorted. “Damn. Please don’t tell me you’re a SEAL. Heck, not a Marine either. I’ve had my fill with arrogant SOBs thinking they can tell me what to do.”
Ryan fit half that bill. “I’m not in the military.”
“Okay. So this is how it goes. I send my chopper to retrieve the ladies. They will be brought to an undisclosed location which only my pilot and I know. You either take it or not. What do you say?”
He wanted to tell Don he was just as much of an SOB as the rest of these guys, but for Donna and Sissie, he bit his tongue. “I’m going, too. I won’t be staying, but they go nowhere unless I deem it safe. Understood?”
“Sissie’s friend?” Don asked.
“Is that a problem?” Ryan asked. He had no idea why he was questioning that again.
“Just makes me want to meet you.”
For the first time, he saw Lou chuckle. Ryan didn’t find it one bit humorous. “What the hell are you laughing at?”
Lou shrugged. “Nothing. Not one thing.”
“I was asking Farrell,” Ryan stated angrily.
Don said, “I know who you are, and I know Sissie. I can’t picture the two of you together.”
“Meaning?”
“It means we’ll pick you up around midnight. Better pack some warm clothes ’cause they had some snow over the weekend,” Don informed him.
“Snow? Where the hell are you taking us, Siberia?” Ryan asked.
“Leaving the heat of Texas, it’ll feel like it,” Don said before he disconnected the call.
Ryan was questioning his judgment. I was thinking someplace tropical, not ice age. It was too late to come up with an alternate plan. Knowing Kevin felt it was safe enough for him and Marina did help ease his mind. Slightly.
Now all Ryan needed to do was
deliver the news to Donna and Sissie. He knew he could talk Donna into going. Sissie was an entirely different story. Honeywell was her home, and if she knew about Jack being killed, he’d have a heck of a time getting her to leave. Sissie believed she was safe in Honeywell. And if she knew one of her own was killed, she’d never simply step away from it. As a vital part of the community, she would want to be there to be a part of the funeral. In fact, everyone would be incredibly surprised if Sissie wasn’t there planning everything. From what he knew, people leaned on her so much more than a bar owner. She was their friend. Getting her to even consider leaving was going to need to be handled delicately.
“You want me to tell them?” Lou offered.
“You might be a damn good soldier, but I’m not sure you’re good with the ladies.”
Lou pushed his chair away from the desk and smiled as he headed back out of the secret room. “Guess we finally found something we have in common.”
“I’ll tell you what you can do: get Sissie back to the Wild Sass. I need to talk to her alone.”
“Yeah. Thought you needed to,” Lou said as he nodded to the men to return to their jobs.
Don’t get used to it. He pulled his phone out of his pocket.
“I thought you wanted me to handle this,” Lou said as they entered the main street again.
“You get Sissie here,” Ryan said as he headed back to the hotel, leaving Lou alone in the street.
He knew he couldn’t return to the office today, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t run shit from here. At least until I’m off the grid.
His secretary answered the phone. That surprised him as it was barely eight A.M. “Is there a problem, Connie?”
She stammered. “I . . . well . . . we’ve had an issue.”
Normally, she’d have called him right away. This was out of character for her. “What type of issue, Connie?”
Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6) Page 14
