His woman was pretty smart.
What man didn't like that?
Hopping into his vehicle, he headed to the morgue to check in with the team. He was supposed to stay at the dig, but in all honesty, Tony was jonesing for his girl.
What he wanted was to see her, even if only for an hour. Maybe they could have lunch together, and then he’d head back to deal with the academic nuts.
Tony grinned.
He couldn’t wait to get there.
Already, it had been a very long day without his fiancée, and he didn't like not having her at his side.
Where she belonged.
* * *
Pulling up to the sheriff’s office, they hopped out of their vehicle before heading to the door. It wasn’t missed by any of them that both men protectively flanked Elizabeth, just in case.
They knew that she was likely going to stir the hornets’ nest, and they wanted to make sure she wouldn’t be in harm’s way if one of the deputies went for her. As the men who loved her, it was their duty to keep her safe.
At the door, she braced for it. “I’ll be calm,” she promised, patting her good luck charm—Charlie.
Once inside, they had angry glares from everyone, and a fearful one from Deputy Davvy Weatherly.
“Can we help you?” he asked, his face practically frozen with terror. He didn't expect them to show up there and out him to his boss.
Damn!
“Uh, yes, Deputy Weatherly,” she replied, pretending to read his name off his name tag. “Is your boss here?”
The man shook his head. “He’s out on patrol. He likes to do that at least once a day. Can I help you with something?”
“Yeah, has anything new come up?” Elizabeth could see all the deputies behind the man tense. She knew then that Davvy Weatherly hadn’t lied. Coming there was about covering his ass and checking his story. After the last assignment’s screw up, she wasn’t taking any chances.
“No, ma’am. We’ve been slow here.”
She nodded. “That works for me. If you hear anything, give me a call.” With that, she slid her card across the counter. It was hard not to notice that every deputy behind the man looked relieved.
It was beginning to dawn on her. The sheriff ran a tough ship. All she could hope was that the man didn't plan on working this on his own.
If their paths crossed, she would bury him.
Outside, she dropped her sunglasses on before she turned to focus on her husbands.
“You let him off easy.”
“Yeah, well, he’s just a kid,” she offered. “I don’t like to browbeat the impressionable.”
Once in the Denali, they buckled in. Glancing over, she saw Davvy rushing from the building and to his car. Obviously, he was heading out to warn their boss.
Yeah, he could do just that. This was serious shit, and Elizabeth wasn’t screwing around. “He’s going off to tattle.” She stated. “The sheriff must have ordered them to report in if we arrived. I hate that he’s anticipating all our moves. It pisses me off,” Elizabeth admitted.
The men watched as he floored it like a bat out of hell. “It’s probably a good thing. You know how you like to give the assholes a heads up,” Ethan stated.
She was about to comment when her phone rang.
“Director Whitefox-Blackhawk,” she replied, not recognizing the number.
“It’s Jagger. I wanted to let you know that we’re going to break base,” he stated.
Elizabeth placed the call on speaker before touching Ethan’s shoulder to get his attention while he drove.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Avalon woke up today and was edgy. She began acting erratic, pacing, moving around the house listlessly. I keep asking her what’s wrong, but she won’t tell me. I think she had a dream, but I’m not sure. I want to move her. I’d like to take her out when it gets dark. I don’t trust base anymore.”
Elizabeth pondered it.
“Is she right there?” she asked.
“No, but I can get the phone to her.”
“Yeah, do that. I’ll see if she’ll talk to me.”
There was silence and then a voice came over the phone. “Yes, Elizabeth?”
“Are you okay?”
She didn't reply.
“If something is freaking you out, you have to tell us. We can’t risk you. Spill it, spooks.”
Ethan lifted an eyebrow at the nickname. Why was he surprised?
“I just had a dream. I feel like a hurricane is brewing in my body.” Then, she paused. “Hello Director Blackhawk and Whitefox. I wish we could be meeting under better circumstances.”
The men looked at each other.
“I hope you’re well.”
Still, they didn't speak.
“Charlie liked her story last night.”
She couldn’t have freaked them out more. They stared at Elizabeth and she mouthed one word.
‘SEE?’
“I’m very glad to hear that,” Ethan said, not sure how she knew that. It had just been those three in the room, unless the place was bugged.
“Your father won’t stay mad long, Callen, and neither should you. You both need each other.”
There was an audible gasp from Callen as he stared in horror at his partners.
Elizabeth cut this one off at the pass. She could see the men getting that deer in the headlights look on their faces. NOW, they saw what she’d had to live for over a month.
“I want Jagger to move you. Don’t fight him, just go. Is he there?”
“Yes, it is. Be safe, Elizabeth. I worry about you. Are you wearing your Kevlar?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am, now let me talk to the Marine.”
With that, Jagger’s voice reappeared over the phone.
“Yeah, boss lady?”
“Remember the backup location we discussed?” Elizabeth offered, recalling how she had planned on taking the woman to Salem if need be. It wasn’t ideal, but it was quiet enough that they could hide out.
Plus, the house had supplies and was secure.
“Yes. Is that where you want me to go?”
“Head there and check in. You won’t need to go into town. The key is in the planter out front.”
There was talking in the background.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Oracle said thank you and to watch your team,” he stated.
That made her edgy. If Oracle was repeatedly saying it, it was something she needed to focus on. Maybe her earlier premonition was coming true.
Elizabeth glanced over at both men in fear.
“Tell Avalon to do the same. Get her out. I’ll contact Gabe and tell him you’re on the move. Don’t discuss your location with anyone. Ditch the phone, and if you have to, stay under. I’ll be able to find you there.”
“Gotcha. Out.”
When he hung up, Ethan looked worried. “You’re sending him to our vacation home, aren’t you?”
She had no choice. “Yes, until I can get back there and move her. We have a string of locations. The good thing is that Oracle is like an alarm system. She knows when she’s in danger, or anyone else. She gives you a heads up, if you’re willing to look for the signs.”
Yeah, like she just did.
“She’s scary,” Callen admitted.
Ethan agreed.
Elizabeth thought back to the part about the brothers and one not making it, and it freaked her out.
“I told you that she was. Nathaniel Carter is going to have his damn hands full when we pass her off. I almost feel sorry for him. Give me a minute, I have to call Gabe.”
Dialing his private number, she waited for him to answer. When he did, the man didn't sound happy.
“Yes?”
“She’s spooked and being transported.”
There was a pause and speaking. Obviously, Gabe was in a meeting. After a few minutes, there was quiet.
“What do you mean?”
“Jagger called
and mentioned she’s off her game. So, he’s opting to go with his gut and move her.”
“Where?” he asked.
“Gabe, you know I can’t tell you that. She’s safe and on her way to the west coast.”
Elizabeth lied, just in case. With the FBI leaks, no one was free from speculation.
“We’re going to hide her out there. Avalon likes the beach, so we’re going to make sure she gets some wine and sun. If need be, she has a passport and we can get her out of the country at the nearest exit point.”
Ethan glanced over at her. Was his wife alluding that she was going to California and then into Mexico?
“Okay, let me know if you need anything. Is she going by car?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a long drive,” he offered.
“It’s the best way to transport her. Jagger is on alert and she’ll be very safe there,” Elizabeth replied.
“Good point.”
“Okay, just keep her under the radar.”
Elizabeth was planning on doing just that. If the man had a leak in his office, there was no way she was going to share her plans. Oracle should be safe for now. When she hung up, Ethan was the first to speak.
“You lied.”
“I don’t trust him.”
They both knew what that cost her. Gabriel Rothschild was her family. He was the man she ran to before Ethan rolled into her life.
“Someone in the FBI is leaking details. Our files were compromised, yet they couldn’t find an electronic trail. How is that possible? We had to move her once before too, because our location was found. How?”
Ethan saw what she was dealing with. His wife was carrying so much more than she let on. Not only was she working a serial killer case, she was still trying to keep Oracle safe. He felt guilty as hell for dumping this on her.
“Whoever is doing this has to be pretty high up, have connections, or is one hell of a hacker,” Ethan admitted.
“Yes. Then, I tell Gabe that she’s a few hours’ drive from here, and the space is compromised.”
“I don’t think it’s him,” Ethan stated.
She didn't either, but her job was to keep Oracle hidden. “I need to make sure. That woman’s life is in our hands. We can’t risk it.”
It said it all.
“It’ll be okay, angel,” Callen offered, stroking her arm. He hated seeing her this twisted up in knots.
“Her location is safe with us,” Ethan reassured. “If need be, I can go and get her out of there. We can switch off. I know you’re on Oracle burnout, and after hearing what she said, I understand why you’re scared shitless. How the hell did she know anything we did last night or that Wyler is pissed?”
She laughed. “Your guess is as good as mine. She just knows. You both know that I believe precognition is bullshit, but after watching it for a month, I’m beginning to wonder.”
Callen shrugged. “It is what it is.” He was still freaked out, but their grandfather had dreams all the time.
Why couldn’t Oracle?
“Even though Avalon is creepy, she still needs our help,” she stated.
They needed to get her mind on something else.
Callen knew what would work. “Let’s get to the morgue and see what our team has managed to come up with.”
“Good idea,” stated Blackhawk. A distraction would be a good thing.
It’s what they all needed.
* * *
He waited. He could see the shiny black Denali pull in, and he knew it was time to make his move.
There was a lesson to be learned, and it would happen close to the morgue. Now, they wouldn’t have far to transport the body.
Focusing on the threesome, he was ready.
When he got the shot, he was going to take it.
Now it would depend who was in his line of sight. Whoever he could hit, he would.
The woman.
Or one of the men.
To him, it didn't matter. This was about teaching them that they couldn’t come to his town and embarrass their people.
They were more than backwoods hicks.
They had pride too.
One way or another, this would be a shot they’d never forget.
Taking aim, he got ready.
When he saw his target, it was time.
Someone had to die.
* * *
Getting out of the vehicle, they headed toward the doors. It was a bright sunny day, and thanks to that one saving grace, it would end up working to their advantage.
It was the glint off something shiny, and the faint sound of a shotgun’s slide being racked that grabbed her attention. It was so distinctive, that there couldn’t be a doubt what was going to happen.
Elizabeth only froze for a second, and then instinct kicked in. Both men were in front of her, and she knew there wasn’t a second to lose.
“Get down!” she screamed, praying for the strength to pull them out of the way.
With all her strength, Elizabeth grabbed their Kevlar at their shoulders, throwing herself, and them, to the ground.
As they all tumbled, caught completely off guard, there was that one deafening shot. Elizabeth felt the drag of a bullet between her and Callen. Then there was the instant flash of pain as flesh was torn.
Terror paralyzed her.
In that instant, she was frozen in fear.
The men were caught off guard as the echo reverberated from the woods just ahead of them. As they hit the ground, free of Elizabeth’s body, they wasted no time to see if she was okay.
Instead they assumed.
Immediately, the men were up, running toward the trees, and neither looked back. Their only warning was to Elizabeth as they raced away.
“Stay down!” they shouted together as they headed straight into danger, guns drawn and anger clearly visible on their faces. Neither man wanted their woman to run after the shooter.
It was too dangerous.
Plus, when they got their hands on whoever pulled that trigger, there would be hell to pay. All they could hope was that she had heard their order, and for once, she’d obey.
As they raced into the trees, little did they know.
This time, they didn't have to worry.
She absolutely was staying right where she fell.
Elizabeth had to.
She was bleeding and couldn’t get up.
~ Chapter Nine ~
They were pretty sure that they were going to catch whoever had just shot at them. The likelihood that one man could outrun two Native men, who were in excellent shape, was almost zero to none. The only way he was getting away was if he had stashed a getaway vehicle.
As they chased, neither spoke.
Ethan was a little more than shocked that for once Elizabeth had listened to him. At seven months pregnant, the last thing he needed was for her to be in the line of fire. He kept expecting Tex to pop up beside him, gun in hand and out for blood.
Yet, she didn't.
Finally, this was a small victory for him and Callen.
While she didn't chase the maniac, when he got back to the clearing, he was going to lecture her about the stunt she just pulled. Either of them could have fallen on her and Charlie. While her vest would stop a bullet, it wouldn’t stop them from crushing their baby.
It all reminded Ethan of too many times where she risked way too much to save them.
He understood it, but it still made him angry.
Callen was right. He did wish she’d stay home and raise their children instead of risking her life. He was so far lost in the terror, he might just be bringing that up too.
Yeah, he was that damn mad.
At her.
At the maniac.
At himself.
Focusing on the chase, he had to let the anger go.
Blackhawk needed to stop dwelling on it. His wife was who she was, and he couldn’t change that.
“He went that way,” Callen blurted, hopping a log. He knew they were mo
ving slower through the woods. He was running in cowboy boots, through dark, slippery terrain. His brother was no better off. He was trying to hustle his way after a shooter in expensive leather shoes and a suit. If someone hadn’t just tried to kill them, they might have found this funny as hell.
It still befuddled Callen as to why the FBI didn't have running shoes as part of the official attire. You’d think they would, if they were going to have to chase down killers.
Callen nearly laughed. He knew what he was doing. By focusing on the mundane, he was ignoring the facts. He was going to shake some sense into Elizabeth when he got back there.
Yes, she’d saved his life. That bullet grazed the front of his vest, and it could have been worse if she didn't move as fast as she did. Her tug pulled him out of the way enough to keep it from entering at his side, just missing the Kevlar.
The truth of the matter was, he would have been dead.
Still, it terrified him that he could have hurt her and the baby. Charlie was big enough that they could crush her under their weight, and for that he wanted to rage.
Callen took a deep breath as he and his brother vaulted a tree branch. In the not to far distance, they both heard the rev of an engine and the spin of tires.
This was a futile chase.
By the time they hit the dirt road, it was too late. The dust nearly choked them, blinding them from seeing the make and model of the vehicle that took off. It looked like the shooter had managed to get away.
“I think it was a truck,” Ethan offered.
Callen knew how useless that was going to be. “Great. We’re in the back woods, looking for someone with a shotgun and truck. How many rednecks could fit that description?”
Ethan laughed, the adrenaline slowing down. “Yeah, I know.”
“We should head back. I want to yell at our wife.”
He was with him there. “I swear to God, Callen, she’s going to be the death of me. Every day, I wonder if I’m going to have a heart attack.”
Now it was his turn to snicker. “Yeah, preaching to the choir. You’re more a stroke victim in the making. I’m more the heart attack.”
Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) Page 26
