She leaned forward, her lips against his ear. “You’re a good man, Zach Montgomery. Whether you accept it or not.”
Heat rose up his neck.
Gabe let out a snicker, and Zach shot his brother a withering glance, but not before Jenna had had enough.
“I don’t think you understand who your brother is. He’s the most unselfish person I’ve ever met. You have no idea what he’s given up for me and my son.”
Gabe glanced over his shoulder, slack-jawed.
“So, before you go needling him, Mr. High and Mighty Montgomery, you might want to get to know your brother a little first.”
Gabe shot Zach an irritated glare. “I might if he’d let me, ma’am.”
* * *
Chapter Twelve
* * *
THE LUXURIOUS AMERICAN plane landed on a runway. Still under the watchful eye of his guard, Farzam looked out the side window at the mountain range, its tops dusted with snow. Through the opposite window, buildings stretched as far as he could see. No hovels, no decay.
This was an American city. Wealthy. Opulent.
So-called freedom existed here, but Farzam knew better. Appearances were deceiving. The shine of this grand place simply covered the decay beneath. The country had purchased liberty in exchange for its soul.
To survive, Farzam would have to be smarter than Pendar, smarter than the agents who brought him here.
The American woman emerged from the private room she’d vanished into as soon as the plane took off. His bodyguard stood. Farzam sneered at the respect. Another sign of weakness he filed away for later use.
The woman sat across from him, still appropriately covered in her chadri, the man poised at her side. “You are in Denver, Colorado,” she said.
Farzam had heard of the city, vaguely. Somewhere in the middle of the large country, if he recalled. “Where is Zane Morgan?”
“Zach Montgomery,” she corrected, ignoring his question. “Retrieve the bag from the compartment above you.”
Farzam bristled at the order, but he could play her game. For now. He retrieved the satchel and unzipped it. A passport, a list of addresses, maps, and several weapons lay inside, along with a series of pictures including Zane…no…Zach Montgomery with several men who resembled him.
He flipped to the next photo—a house on a quiet neighborhood street.
The woman snatched the picture. “Don’t bother going to his mother’s home. Her house was destroyed.”
“Did you do it?”
She didn’t respond.
“Using a man’s family is an efficient means of control,” Farzam said through his teeth. “I should know.”
The woman didn’t respond. He studied the images. If he found the brothers, he would find—
“Don’t get detained by the local police. If you do, your trip home won’t be on this plane. I can’t guarantee you won’t end up in the hands of…a very different OGA.”
“OGA?”
“Other government agency,” she said tersely. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
“You mean I’m really going to be taken home?” Farzam asked, cocking his head.
“I keep my bargains,” the woman snapped.
“Like you did with Zane Morgan?” Farzam said.
She stood. “Once Zach Montgomery is dead, your son will be returned to your wife. If you fail…” Her voice trailed off.
She exited the plane, her bodyguard following. This woman might wrap herself in the trappings of civilization, but Farzam knew the truth. She was more like Khalid than she knew.
Gabe maneuvered the SUV on the street in front of the hospital. Zach closely scanned the area. They hadn’t been followed, but that didn’t mean the building wasn’t under surveillance.
If he’d been stalking a target, he’d set himself up on high ground near the hospital parking garage. “Circle the building,” Zach ordered Gabe. “I need a safe way in. Maybe a staff entrance,” Zach said, staring at the hillside across from the main entrance.
Gabe followed Zach’s line of sight, his expression impressed. “Good spot for a sniper.”
“Yeah.” Zach continued his perusal.
“I recognize the advantages of the location because I was SWAT for five years. How do you? And don’t tell me you learned during a lecture in Action Hero 101.” Gabe straightened his shoulders, his gaze narrowed. “I’ll find you the best entry point,” he said as he perused their surroundings. “But, Zach, we’re having a conversation when all this ends.”
If it ends. Zach’s teeth ground together. He didn’t want to involve Gabe. His baby brother had almost died less than a year ago when a gang member’s knife had sliced way too close to Gabe’s femoral artery. He’d been forced to leave SWAT. He’d bought the bar and said he was happy. Zach wasn’t too sure.
But now, he couldn’t stop the avalanche. His family was being propelled down the mountain by too many unknown forces.
Gabe pulled the vehicle to a stop under a shade tree in the shadows. “See that door? Smoking area. We won’t have to wait long before someone comes out. You can follow them in.”
Zach gave his brother a nod. “Not bad, Gabe.”
“I have my moments.”
“Is everyone in your family a secret agent or something?” Jenna grumbled.
“Let’s see.” Gabe grinned. “I was SWAT…now, I own a bar. Luke and Caleb are former Army. Luke’s a reporter, Caleb’s a doctor, but the others…” Gabe gave her a wink. “If I tell you, I have to kill you.”
“You can’t hurt Mommy!” Sam yelled from the backseat. “The Dark Avenger will stop you.”
Zach slapped the back of Gabe’s head. “Good job, idiot.”
Gabe turned to Jenna’s son, his look pure chagrin. “I’m sorry, kid. I was just teasing—again.”
“Oh.” Sam bit his lip and looked at his shoes. “I didn’t understand.”
“That’s because my brother isn’t very funny, buddy.”
Gabe shot Zach a dirty look.
He would have a few choice words for his brother after… A movement snagged his attention. The side door to the hospital opened. A guy in a white coat stepped outside and looked around. Then he held the door wider and a woman ventured out. The man tugged her into his arms.
“Great. Can’t they get a room?” Gabe muttered.
The doctor’s hands clutched her butt and he shifted her hips toward him.
Zach twisted in his seat, placing himself between Sam’s view and the couple. “Buddy, I was thinking we could stay with Gabe while we’re here. What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” Sam gave Gabe a suspicious glare. “He was mean to you.”
Zach chuckled. “Sometimes brothers tease each other.”
“I wish I had a brother,” Sam said.
Zach looked over at Jenna. Her face flushed. He could picture her holding another child. A brother for Sam. A perfect family.
A dream that could never be his.
Gabe cleared his throat. “The heat’s dissipating a bit. Out here, at least. Get ready, Zach.”
He turned to Jenna. “I won’t be long. I just need to see Mom.”
She squeezed his uninjured shoulder. “Take as much time as you need.”
Zach exited the car, his emotions swirling. He didn’t like the link that had developed between him and Jenna. He’d tried to fight the feelings for so long. He was losing the battle. They barely knew each other and yet he felt more comfortable with her than with anyone he’d been with…in…maybe ever.
So not good.
Zach eased toward the hospital door, staying out of sight of the two staff members.
“You know I can’t leave my wife,” the doctor said softly.
“I can’t do this anymore.” The woman sniffed and cuddled against him. “I love you too much.”
He cupped her cheek. “I love you, too.” He pressed a gentle kiss against her lips.
“Maybe someday…”
Someday. The word r
everberated in Zach’s mind. Even if he stopped Brad, Zach’s world would never be safe. There would be no someday for him and Jenna. She would be the woman he helped disappear.
The woman he remembered and dreamed about, wondering what might have been.
A beeper sounded. “Dry your eyes, sweetheart.” He sighed. “Maybe I can find a way.”
She went through the door, and the doctor ran his fist into the side of the building. “Son of a bitch!”
He slammed open the entrance and stalked through.
“You and me both, doc,” Zach muttered under his breath. He blasted from his hiding place and stopped the metal from clicking shut before slipping into the corridor.
The scent of antiseptic burned his nose. He hated this place. He hadn’t been inside since his father died. Gabe had spent a couple of weeks here last year, but Zach had been on assignment when his brother had nearly lost his leg.
He worked his way to the elevators and pressed the up button. The lobby was deserted since visiting hours were over, the flower shop closed.
His entire body tense, he waited until the steel doors slid open. Luke and his wife, Jazz, were locked in a hot embrace when the ding sounded.
Just what he needed: another up-close-and-personal view of what he couldn’t have with Jenna.
His brother looked up, his eyes glazed, then just as quickly the satisfaction turned to irritation. “So, you finally decided to show up.”
Zach shoved into the elevator and blocked them from leaving. “Stow it, Luke.” Everything within Zach urged him to take his younger brother by the scruff of the neck, but he couldn’t afford to let his emotions rule.
Jasmine leaned over to Zach and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you’re home,” she said. “They were worried.” She gave her husband a challenging glare. “They just won’t admit it.”
“Don’t cut him any slack, Jasmine.”
She studied Zach’s face, and he squirmed under her penetrating stare.
“Look at your brother, Luke. Take a hard look.”
As a sniper, Jazz’s eyesight was keen, but for the first time Zach recognized how much more she saw than the obvious.
Damn her.
Luke let the elevator door close and leaned against the metal. Fighting to meet his brother’s gaze, Zach ignored the twinge in his shoulder, crossed his arms, and faced the brother who had been through hell as an Army Ranger.
“Damn, Zach. What’s happened to you?”
“I can’t talk about it. If you’re as good with the computer as you claim, though, I could use your help.”
Luke couldn’t hide his surprise. “You never ask for anything.”
Zach rubbed his neck. It was the truth. For five years he’d pushed his entire family away. Now, to keep Jenna and Sam safe, he had no choice but to reach out.
“Brad Walters is a computer salesman from La Jolla. His property connects to mine. He’s got another life as an assassin. Code name Chameleon. I need everything you can find out, but be careful. Don’t do the research from home. Use whatever means you have to stay under the radar.”
“Who do you think you’re talking to, little brother? I can hack into most anything. I slip in and slip out. No one will know.”
Zach clutched Luke’s shirt. “Be sure. He has connections. Government. Probably FBI.” Zach’s glance went to Jazz. “Shit, this is a bad idea. You have a family. Forget it.”
His brother let out a harsh curse. “Don’t push us away, Zach. You wouldn’t have come here if you had a choice.” Luke’s eyes flashed with pain. “And I’m pissed that it took you this long.”
The elevator slid open. Zach shoved his hand through his hair. “Let me see Mom, then I’ll explain what I can.” He paused and met his brother’s cautious gaze. “Protect your family.”
“That includes you,” Luke said to Zach, while gripping Jasmine’s hand.
The words clogged Zach’s throat. “I’ll meet you at the bar.”
Jazz plucked at his shirt. “Joy will want to see you. Don’t leave before that. She’s growing up so fast.”
The thought of his little niece warmed Zach’s heart. She was his biggest fan…except maybe for Sam. She’d probably already changed so much since he’d last seen her, he might not even recognize her except for the photos and videos Luke sent. Would she recognize him if he wasn’t in his Dark Avenger costume? He cleared his throat. “I want to see her. As long as it’s safe.”
He tried to pull away, but Jazz clutched his arm, holding him close. “Don’t go it alone. You don’t have to. I learned that lesson the hard way.”
He kissed her cheek. She’d been through worse than hell and had finally found a life with Luke and Joy. But shadows still lingered on her face. They’d probably always be there. Life drew lines that could never be erased.
A strong sniper with a soft heart. Who would have thought?
“Give your husband hell, Jazz. He needs it.”
Zach stepped onto the ward, then turned and winked at Jazz as the elevator doors slid shut. The smile fell from his face as soon as he was hidden from view. Since Theresa hadn’t called—which meant she was either dead or involved—Luke had to come through. For Jenna to have a chance at a normal life, Brad Walters had to be eliminated.
Zach followed the signs down the hallway and turned to his mother’s room. His steps were silent from practice in more dangerous places, but all less important. He sucked in a deep breath and pushed the door open.
A curtain surrounded his mother’s bed. Ever so slowly he eased around it.
Pale light bathed the bed in a spotlight. Even in the soft glow, he couldn’t contain the gasp. Half of her face had turned mottled green, blue, and yellow, her complexion nearly matching the utilitarian sheets. Bandages covered one arm and her head, her cinnamon-and-sugar hair barely visible. An IV hung near her bedside. So small in the bed. So very, very hurt.
He leaned over her and gently kissed her temple, one of the only places that didn’t appear battered.
“Zach,” she whispered. Her green eyes blinked and opened. “You came.”
“I’m so sorry, Mama,” he whispered, and rested his forehead against the pillow next to her head. Burning pressed behind his eyes at the same time unfettered fury pulsed through his veins. He struggled to shove it aside. His mother could see through all her sons. It was one of the reasons he’d avoided coming home much since his father’s death.
Her slight hand stroked his hair. “Shh. I’m fine. John saved me.”
Zach lifted his head. “Captain Garrison?”
Anna’s undamaged cheek flushed slightly. “He got me out of the house. He recognized the sound of the bomb.”
“I’m glad he was there,” Zach said, studying his mother’s face. He hadn’t realized Captain Garrison and his mother had become even closer friends. Zach’s memories consisted of his dad and the captain taking him to task for every crazy stunt Zach had pulled. John had always had his dad’s back.
Zach ran a light finger against the bandage on his mother’s left side. He leaned toward her. “Did you see someone strange—”
She shook her head against the pillow. “We didn’t see anyone. I’ve been through it all with the police. Let them do their job. I want to know where you’ve been.” She clutched his hand. “You worry me.”
The identical phrase she’d used five years ago.
“Mama—”
She flipped on a switch. Harsh light bathed the room. The bruises on her face stood out in sharp relief. Nausea twisted his belly at the truth in each contusion. She could have died.
“Look at me, Zach.”
He lifted his gaze and she gasped. “Oh, my boy, what’s happened to you?” She placed her hand on his cheek.
He shook his head. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not. You’re thin, you’re pale, and your left arm is bandaged up. The last time you had that expression was…” Her voice trailed off. “When your father was killed.”
“You don’t hav
e to worry about me, Mama—”
“Hush up, Zach.” She squeezed his hand. “What are you doing here? Really?”
He shifted on the bed. “You’re in the hospital. Why wouldn’t I come?”
“Don’t try to protect me, Zach.” She let out a slow sigh. “You’re as bad at it as your father was.”
Zach pursed his lips, searching for a truth he could reveal. Anna Montgomery recognized every lie.
“Let me guess, your job got complicated. You don’t know where to turn. You came home because you had no choice.” She shook her head. “I recognize the signs. From Seth. From your father. You’ve been living a lie. Pretending to everyone. Even your brothers.” She gripped his hand hard, hanging on tight. “And me.”
Zach wanted to tug away from her knowing gaze, but he couldn’t. He simply bowed his head. “How did you know?”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Please. You never could hide anything from me, Zachariah. You’re transparent because you feel deeply.”
“No one else thinks so.” Except maybe his Jenna.
“Because they look with their mind, not their heart.”
“A human radar detector.” Zach smiled at his mother and a flash of insight hit him. “How many times did you tell Dad and John where I was?”
She shrugged. “I had a duty to protect you. I could see your struggles. You always believed you were different from your brothers.” Her smile turned sad. “But you weren’t, Zach.”
“I appreciate the thought, Mama, but you know as well as I do they never understood.” He didn’t add his father hadn’t either.
“If you’d asked, they would have gone with you on your mountain explorations.”
“Everyone?”
She chuckled. “Well, all except Caleb. He hates heights.”
Zach rubbed his eyes against the swirling of emotions. “I didn’t think they wanted to go.”
“Most see what they expect to see. I hope I see the truth.” A tear slid down her face. “Just like I know John may not make it…even though no one has told me anything.”
“He means a lot to you.”
Behind the Lies (A Montgomery Justice Novel) Page 19
