Undercover Justice

by Davy, Wendy;

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call you before we left, but I needed to get Willow out of the country as soon as possible, and then our flight took a little longer than expected. The pilot had to divert around a couple of thunderstorms over the Atlantic. Now that we’ve landed, I wanted to let you know what’s going on.”

  “I know about the threat against Willow and why you left. Thankfully, she’s no longer in danger. There’s too much to explain over the phone, but I’m working with Slade Marshal to bring the culprit to justice.”

  “I figured it wouldn’t take long to sort this out with Slade involved. I only met him once, but he seemed the type of fellow that could manage to get things done.”

  “He is, and we’ll catch up with details when you get back, but there is something that can’t wait.” Skylar braced herself. “Something has happened at the office. The money for the women’s shelter is gone. All of it.”

  “I know.”

  “I didn’t take it…Wait. You already know?” Skylar’s heart leapt. How could he possibly have found out? Had the authorities already been in touch with him?

  “When Slade informed me of the plot to kidnap Willow, I moved the money in all of my accounts into a new savings account at a different bank. I figured if it looked like my money was gone, the scoundrel would have no reason to threaten my daughter.”

  Skylar blinked. No way. But it made sense.

  “That’s what I was calling about,” Uncle Winston continued. “I need you to make this month’s donation directly from that other account on Monday.”

  And all this time she thought she’d be in jail by then. “Why did you use my office computer to transfer the funds?”

  “My desktop was acting up, and I didn’t have time to problem solve. Willow and I had to catch our flight, so I used yours.”

  Oh, wow. Skylar sat back on the sofa cushions as the weight she’d been carrying lifted. “I thought someone stole the money. I was afraid I would be blamed for it.”

  “Oh, sweetheart. Even if the money had been taken, I would not have suspected you.”

  The words soothed, but her insecurities remained. “I was a thief once, looked down upon by so many people. I won’t steal again, but trying to convince others of that is nearly impossible.”

  “No matter how hard you try to redeem yourself, people are going to think what they want. But God knows what’s in your heart. His opinion is the one that truly matters.”

  As if anointed, Uncle Winston’s words struck a chord deep in Skylar’s soul. “Then I guess it’s time I stop worrying about what other people think, accept the forgiveness God has already given me and move on with my life.”

  Uncle Winston chuckled. “I’m glad you’re starting to come around. We’ll celebrate when Willow and I get home. We’re going to tour Italy for a while. It’s been too long since I’ve spent one-on-one time with my daughter. All this has made me reevaluate what’s truly important.”

  Skylar allowed a smile to break through. “Yeah, me, too.” She’d wasted too much time striving to please people, to sway their opinions. Uncle Winston and Slade were right. She’d been forgiven by God a long time ago. It was time she started to act like it. She found a pen and notepad on an end table. “I need the account number and password so I can make the donation.”

  He relayed the information, including the bank’s name. “Thanks for taking care of this. I’ll be in touch.”

  Uncle Winston disconnected the call. In a daze, Skylar folded the paper, stuffed it in her back pocket and stared out the window. The lake glistened, sun sparkling off the water. Birds circled overhead as mountains framed the shoreline. The beauty and serenity seeped into her and a peace like no other descended upon her as she finally, truly accepted God’s forgiveness.

  Slade and Sarah hadn’t returned yet, and Skylar took time to reflect. As she continued to look out over the water, a movement by the dock caught her eye. She surged to her feet; Lily stood on the dock, backing toward the water’s edge, a look of pure terror on her face as Aston Barnes stalked toward her.

  26

  “Slade!” Skylar’s scream echoed throughout the house, loud enough to hear from Lily’s bedroom on the far end. “Aston’s on the dock with Lily. She just fell off. She’s in the water.”

  Slade couldn’t get downstairs fast enough. His imagination went wild as he took the steps two at a time. Barnes should’ve been arrested by now. He shouldn’t have had the opportunity to find Slade’s home, to invade his privacy, much less terrorize Lily again.

  Slade bounded into the great room, reaching for his Glock. “Skylar! Wait for me,” he demanded. But it was too late; she had already dashed through the front door. He sprinted across the foyer and followed her into the waning sunlight. The sunset cast an orange glow across the lake, creating a halo around three figures; Skylar stood on the shoreline just short of the dock as Aston Barnes scooped Lily from the water and held a gun to her side.

  “You’re the bad man that took me from school,” Lily cried as water streamed from her saturated clothes.

  Sarah ran out of the house, let out a strangled cry, and lunged toward Lily. Slade caught her by the arm and stepped in front of her. “Let me handle this. Stay back.” Once certain Sarah would comply, he approached the dock. “It’s all right, Lily. I’m here.”

  Tears slipped down her face and she whimpered. Slade’s gut twisted. He narrowed his eyes at Barnes. “Get your hands off my niece.”

  “Your niece?” His brows lifted. “Ah, now things are making more sense. You spent all those months pretending to be my dutiful employee just to exact revenge? Pitiful.”

  “This isn’t about revenge. We want Sarah’s money back and you in prison where you belong.”

  Barnes tossed his head back and laughed. “You’re not calling the shots here. I am. We’re going to make a trade.” His gaze strayed to Skylar.

  Protective instincts exploded. Slade stepped beside Skylar. “You should go inside. You don’t need to be out here.”

  “Yes. I do.” Skylar inched forward. “Aston, I’ll transfer the money if you let Lily go.”

  Slade froze. “What are you doing?” She didn’t have the money, and bluffing would only enrage Barnes.

  “Uncle Winston called. His money wasn’t stolen. He consolidated his cash from each of his accounts into one account at another bank.” She slipped a piece of paper from her back pocket and held it up, raised her voice toward Barnes. “This account probably has several hundred thousand dollars more in it than the original one.”

  Eyes glazing over with greed, Barnes yanked Lily closer. “Give it to me.”

  “This number won’t do you any good without the password. I memorized it. Let Lily go, and I’ll come with you.”

  “No,” Slade objected. “There has to be another way.”

  She met his gaze, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You can’t get a clean shot. Not this time. The risk is too high.”

  “She’s right.” Barnes shoved the pistol against Lily’s chest. “Drop your weapon into the lake.”

  Slade ached to refuse, but he had to bide his time. He had to trust they weren’t alone. Father, help keep us safe. Don’t let any harm come to my family, to Sky.

  Slade tossed the Glock, and it landed with a splash, settling on the sandy bottom.

  Barnes hitched his chin. “Both of you. Back up.”

  Skylar and Slade took a few steps away. Barnes walked with Lily to the shoreline, stepped into the grass. “Don’t try anything,” he warned before releasing Lily.

  Lily rushed into Sarah’s arms, sobbing. Sarah ran with her into the house, and Barnes turned the gun toward Skylar. “Come here.”

  “Not so fast.” Slade wrapped an arm around her waist. “You’ll have to take both of us. We’re a package deal.”

  “Slade, no.” Skylar attempted to free herself, but Slade kept her tight to his side.

  “Works for me.” Barnes waved the gun. “Remember, I’ve got enough bullets for the both
of you. Let’s go.”

  27

  Aston drove along the winding country road as the sun fully set, leaving the van’s interior engulfed in darkness. Skylar’s wrists ached from being zip-tied and her backside became sore as she bumped against the floor.

  She shifted toward Slade. “When we get there, I need you to distract Aston somehow.”

  “Sky.” Slade’s voice held a warning. “What are you planning? I don’t want you compromising your values. Not for Barnes. Not for anyone.”

  “I shouldn’t have to. In order for me to make the transfer, Aston will have to give me access to his account. If Sarah’s money is there, I can check the account history and reverse the transfer.”

  “Sound’s risky. But it might work as long as Barnes doesn’t suspect what you’re doing.” Slade’s warm breath touched her neck with his whispered words. “When we get to the garage, stay close to me.”

  The cold, corrugated steel grated against her, but Slade’s voice soothed. “You said that before, the first time we were in the van.”

  “I remember. I wasn’t going to turn you over to those two. No matter what.”

  “You would’ve blown your cover for me? Even when you didn’t know me at all?”

  “It’s not every day a beautiful woman gets dumped into my lap.” A smile came through his husky voice. “I wanted to keep you around for a while.”

  She yearned to lean into him, close her eyes, and pretend they weren’t in this precarious position, but wishing circumstances were different wouldn’t change the fact they were in deep trouble. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad Ike tossed me into your arms.”

  “Once we get out of these restraints, I hope you’ll be spending a lot more time there.” He bent his head, captured her lips with his.

  She wanted to be wrapped in his arms now, but she’d take what she could get. And this kiss was real, heartfelt. No more ulterior motives. As he took the kiss deeper, an electric jolt passed through her. Senses heightened by the darkness, Skylar felt every subtle movement, every nuance. She wanted more. So much more. But all too soon, Slade broke contact.

  Time had run out. They’d reached the garage.

  Barnes drove inside, parked, and stepped out of the van.

  Skylar blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light. Slade’s face came into focus. Determined. Resolute. His cobalt irises conveyed complex emotions as his gaze met hers and he mouthed, “Stay safe.”

  She wanted to answer, to promise she’d do her best, but Barnes yanked open the side door, gun in hand. “Get out. You first, Cowboy.”

  Slade unfolded himself from the van, only to have Barnes bring the pistol’s handle down hard over his head in one swift movement. Slade’s legs crumpled beneath him as he fell to the floor unconscious.

  “No!” Skylar edged toward Slade. Sickened by the blood pooling at his temple as he lay inert, she turned scalding eyes toward Aston. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  He shrugged. “It was either that or shoot him.”

  Skylar held her temper and climbed out. Slade was still alive, but she needed him to wake up soon and provide backup—if all went as planned Aston Barnes was about to become a very, very unhappy man.

  28

  Slade woke to a pounding skull and a throbbing shoulder. Chills wracked through him as the cold floor stole warmth from his body. Familiar scents of oil and grease assaulted his nostrils as he blinked, bringing his surroundings into focus. A trail of blood ran across the cement floor, as if something, or someone, seriously injured had been dragged across it. His gaze followed the smears leading to a tarp partially covering a dead body.

  Cold, stark fear erupted. Skylar?

  No. Slade recognized Mayhew’s black combat boots, remembered the bullet hole in his leg. Barnes must’ve considered the man a liability after Slade injured him, or he’d decided it was time to tie up loose ends. Either way, Barnes’s level of desperation must be at an all-time high in order for him to take out his right-hand man—no doubt he planned to leave no witnesses behind.

  With renewed urgency, Slade sat upright, scooted far enough to see into the office. Skylar sat in the desk chair, hands unsteady as she tapped the laptop’s keys.

  Barnes stood in the threshold, aiming his gun at Skylar. “Hurry up.”

  “It would help if you wouldn’t point that at me.” Her voice carried clearly across the garage.

  “Be glad I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Your accusations have ruined my reputation. Because of you and Slade, I’m going to have to uproot my family, leave town, and start over somewhere else.”

  “I tried running from my past. It doesn’t work. You’re better off facing the consequences,” Skylar advised.

  “If I’d wanted a lecture, I would’ve consulted my wife.” Barnes gestured toward the laptop. “Get on with it!”

  As Barnes’s patience waned, Slade searched for something he could use to slice through the zip tie restraining his hands. He glanced at the van, caught sight of a jagged piece of metal on the wheel well. He inched backward, lifted his hands and sawed. His wrist came into contact with the rusted metal, slicing flesh. A warm trickle of blood slicked his palm. He repositioned and began again. Moments later, the plastic gave way.

  Slade slowly stood, testing his strength. He stretched, shook out his arms. Although his head pounded and shoulder ached, he remained steady.

  “What’s taking so long?” Barnes slammed a fist on the desk. “I have a plane to catch. Transfer the money to the account number I specified. Now!”

  “The connection’s slow. Give me a couple more minutes.” Skylar’s gaze flicked toward Slade, lingering on his free hands. She hesitated a moment when their eyes met.

  Barnes noticed.

  Slade had just enough time to reposition his hands behind his back before Barnes whirled around. Slade stumbled forward, taking care to look unstable and weakened. “This has gone far enough. Give it up. I won’t let you get away with this.”

  “Your hands are tied. You’ve been shot. You have no weapon. What are you going to do?” Barnes scoffed.

  “Whatever it takes.” Slade advanced.

  “Wait,” Skylar interjected, holding up a hand. “I’m a few seconds away from securing the future.”

  He stilled. “Did you…find it?”

  She nodded. She’d found Sarah’s money. The triumphant smile she sent him confirmed it.

  All these long months of waiting, watching for the opportunity to strike, were almost over, thanks to this courageous woman. Pride swelled, and Slade longed to resume his life, with her in it.

  “What did you find?” Barnes narrowed his eyes. “Let me see.” He leaned over the desk.

  Skylar punched the enter key. “Ah, there it’s all taken care of.” She turned the computer around. The screen showed an account with a zero balance. “Remember ransoming Lily? Well, I took the liberty of reclaiming the money you stole from her mother. All those precautions you took, bouncing around the funds and in the end, you led me straight to the offshore account where you stashed it. From there it was easy to reverse the transfer.”

  Barnes turned crimson, lips thinning into angry lines. “Y-you can’t steal from me!”

  Skylar shrugged. “You know what they say. Once a thief—”

  Lifting the pistol, Barnes pointed the barrel at Skylar.

  She ducked behind the desk as Slade rushed up from behind and wrapped an arm around Barnes’s neck. A choking sound erupted from his throat, and he fired an ineffective shot, the bullet’s report deafening in the small space.

  As the echoes abated, Slade wrestled the pistol from Barnes’s hand. The gun clattered to the floor and Slade kicked it away. “Sky, grab a zip tie from the top drawer.”

  29

  “Get used to confined spaces, Barnes.” Slade shoved Aston, bound and gagged, into the back of the van. Aston bumped around, ineffectually kicking and grunting as Slade slammed the door shut and dusted his hands. Turning toward Skylar, he grinned. “I�
�ve been waiting a long time to do that.”

  “Is it everything you’d hoped for?” Skylar asked.

  “And then some.” His blue eyes glistened with satisfaction. “Deputy Landers should be here with backup in a few minutes. Want to get some fresh air while we wait?”

  She cast a glance toward Mayhew’s remains and shivered. “Definitely.”

  Slade led her outside into the crisp autumn breeze. Stopping a few feet beyond the garage door, he grew quiet, looked into the night sky as if his thoughts were as far away as the bright stars overhead. “It’s finally over.”

  Skylar touched his arm, taking care to avoid his injured shoulder. “What happens now? You’ve been so focused on Barnes, what are you going to do with all your spare time?” He’d hinted at a relationship. Would he feel the same now that the danger was over?

  “I’m going to share the good news with Sarah, and spend time with Lily before they move out. Then, I’ll be getting back to Trinity Securities’ clients. Last Ryder told me, we have a waiting list for our services. I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on, too.”

  “Sounds like you’ll be staying busy,” Skylar’s mood dampened.

  “No worries.” Slade shifted, and he wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’ve learned to keep my priorities straight. Work will never again take precedence over family or my personal life.” His voice lowered as his appreciative gaze skimmed over her. “Speaking of personal, do you think after all we’ve been through, that having a normal dinner with me would be boring?”

  Skylar’s hopes soared. “Are you asking me out on a date, Cowboy?”

  He paused, his gaze zeroing in on something on the ground. He stepped toward a dark object, scooped it up. “I guess that depends.” Opening his palm, Slade revealed the pepper spray canister she’d dropped during her hasty escape. “Promise not to use this on me again?”

  “I was wondering where that went.” She plucked the can from his hand and shrugged. “I guess I can offer you a measure of reassurance that I won’t douse you.”