For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  “I’m sorry. Renzo mentioned what happened to your parents. It must’ve been very difficult for you and your brother.”

  She was shocked he had shared something so private. But then again, why shouldn’t he? Melissa was kind enough to open her home to Hydria. It only made sense she’d want to know something about the woman who’d be sleeping in her spare bedroom.

  “It was an adjustment.”

  “That’s why Renzo will do anything he can to find your brother. We all will. You’re not alone anymore. We’re all here for you.”

  Hydria felt a tightening in her chest. She didn’t want RJ to pick up on her emotions and wake up crying. She needed to change the subject. “I appreciate that. Looks like Deanna and Shadoa are enjoying the water. Are you sure you don’t want to go in?”

  “Did I make you uncomfortable?” Melissa asked.

  Are you trying to? “I don’t normally talk about—”

  “Keeping things inside isn’t good. Trust me. I work with people who do exactly that.”

  “I thought Renzo said you were a physical therapist,” Hydria said.

  “I am, for veterans. But the physical part is only a piece of what needs healing. Sometimes the pain, the emotional trauma they’ve suffered, is what holds them back from a full recovery. An example is a man who lost his legs. He might choose never to walk again because there are those who lost their lives. The guilt of survival is a powerful and destructive thing.”

  Hydria could hear the passion in Melissa’s voice as she spoke. PT wasn’t just a job to her. She was totally invested in her patient’s overall well-being. Although Hydria didn’t fall into that category, she did want someone to talk to. I wish it wasn’t someone so close to Ren. She didn’t want anything she said to get back to him. It wasn’t that it was embarrassing, but some of the things she needed to deal with, talk about, involved Renzo. “You’re right. It’s not healthy.”

  “I was talking from experience. I’m sure you know about our sister Phoebe.”

  She honestly didn’t know much of anything except that she died suddenly. The funeral was private, and Renzo never spoke about it. “Yes. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Thanks. It certainly shook this family to the core. I thought for sure my brothers were going to go over the deep end.”

  Renzo always portrayed a man in control. She couldn’t fathom what it was like for him when it was ripped away. “It must’ve been hard for you as well.”

  “It was different. My brothers felt as though they’d let Phoebe down. Like it was their personal responsibility to protect her.” In a softer voice, she added, “Protect me.”

  This conversation quickly had turned from Hydria to Melissa being the one who needed someone to share with. Hydria got it. There were things you couldn’t tell your family. And from what she’d heard so far, Melissa was out of the loop.

  “I don’t know your other brothers, but when Renzo gets something in his head, there’s no changing his mind. On the force, he would watch out for me even when there wasn’t a need to. It drove me crazy.” Actually pissed me off but we don’t need to mention that.

  “Exactly. I stayed put, but Phoebe, she was more like they are. Nothing was going to prevent her from following her dreams. Unfortunately, those dreams ended too quickly. Did you know that’s how Rafe met Deanna?”

  I know nothing. “No.”

  “Phoebe and Deanna had been best friends. Actually, both of them were in Moreira when the attack took place. It seems surreal even now. But each time we get together as a family, we all know she is gone. It’s a void that won’t ever go away.”

  “There is a saying that time heals all wounds. I’ve never believed that.” Hydria’s heart ached for Melissa.

  “No. All it does is give you time to learn how to cope. You learn to live with the hole in your heart. That’s all.” They sat quietly for a few minutes, both staring out at the ocean. Then Melissa continued, “Did you know Deanna was the sole survivor?” Hydria shook her head. “That’s what brought her and Rafe together. Deanna was in trouble. The same people who were responsible for Phoebe’s death set out to finish the job by going after Deanna. Thankfully Rafe stood in their way.” A smile crossed Melissa’s lips briefly. “And look what it got him, a family.”

  It was a tragic story, and Hydria was positive she got the edited version. It explained why Renzo shut down and left the force. What she didn’t understand was what good that was going to do for anyone?

  “What about Renzo? SWAT was his life.”

  Melissa turned to her. “He never told you? About what Turchetta’s Promise is all about?”

  “No,” Hydria admitted. She’d intended to ask, but the time was never right. And until they located Steve, it didn’t matter. That just changed. It seemed that Turchetta’s Promise was linked to everything Melissa was telling her.

  “When Phoebe died my brothers got together and started Turchetta’s Promise. Promise was Phoebe’s middle name. They were only going to take on cases they believed in. Where there was an injustice happening and no one else could help. I used to worry about them when they were in the military and Renzo was on SWAT. What they do now is so much more dangerous. But if it weren’t for them, there would be people who we’d never see again. Killed and forgotten. I just wish they would’ve been allowed to help when it was Phoebe who was in danger. Instead, their hands were tied by bureaucracy, and the price was her life.”

  If she didn’t have RJ in her arms, she’d have pulled Melissa into them. “What they are doing is very . . . courageous.” She wanted to reach out to Renzo and tell him to be careful. Yes, her brother might be in danger, but she didn’t want Renzo in the same boat.

  “From what I hear you’re a tough one yourself. Ten years on the police force in LA isn’t a cushy job.”

  “No, but I enjoyed it.”

  “Are you going to go back? I mean when Renzo finds your brother?”

  Hydria couldn’t go back. Going forward was a mystery as well. “I’m not sure what lies in my future.”

  “Maybe you can stay here in Rhode Island until you figure that out.”

  And here we go again. “LA is my home.”

  “Home is where the heart is,” Melissa added.

  Hydria chuckled. “That’s another one of those sayings that don’t hold any weight with me.”

  “Not yet. But I have a feeling it will.”

  Hydria didn’t need to ask what that was supposed to mean. “Sure you don’t want to go in the water?”

  Both women burst out laughing, and they startled little RJ. He woke up and started crying. Then Hydria’s phone rang and also a ding saying she received a text message. Everything at once. Really?

  “Why don’t I take RJ, and you find out who is trying to reach you.”

  Hydria didn’t want to hand off a crying baby to Melissa. “They’ll call back.”

  “It could be important. It could be Renzo.” Melissa stretched out her arms, waiting.

  Reluctantly Hydria handed her RJ and leaped off the blanket. Whoever it was, she wanted to take the call in private.

  Once she was out of earshot, she answered the call. “Hello.”

  “Is this, Hydria Vose?”

  She didn’t recognize the man’s voice. The caller ID had been blocked. Until she knew who she was dealing with, she wasn’t saying one way or another. “Who is this?”

  “I have information she is looking for. Maybe I have the incorrect number.”

  “No. This is Hydria.” Her heart was racing, and she couldn’t risk the man hanging up. If there was any chance the man was telling the truth, she had to play it his way.

  “Before I give you what you want, you need to call off the men you hired. It will not end well for anyone if you don’t.”

  She knew a threat when she heard one. But that meant Renzo or Gabe was ruffling some feathers. Are you guys close? Is that what they are worried about? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Then
this conversation is done. I’ll handle it myself.”

  “Wait. I . . . they were only helping me find—”

  “You won’t like what they find if you don’t call them off. Trust me. Steve is alive and well. I’m sure you want to keep him that way.”

  Hydria held her breath until she became dizzy. “Please. I’ll do anything you ask.”

  “Then call them off. I’ll be back in touch when they are.”

  The call ended, and Hydria dropped to her knees. She felt as though she would vomit. Her hope that Steve was on a secret mission was shattered. Someone had him, and they weren’t afraid to kill him. He or the Turchettas. I couldn’t be responsible for more of their family to die. She knew what she had to do. Having dealt with the lowest scum of humanity daily for so many years, she knew staying here, anywhere near the Turchettas would put them at risk. No. It was time to protect again. Protect two men I care deeply for.

  Hydria dialed Renzo as soon as she caught her breath. She didn’t think she’d actually use it when he provided his number before leaving her at Melissa’s.

  “Ria.”

  “Stop. Stop everything. Do you hear me?”

  “Hydria? What happened? What’s wrong?” Renzo’s voice was filled with panic as he questioned her.

  I can’t tell you. “I’m going home. You’re . . . no longer on this case. I don’t . . . need you to look for Steve any longer.”

  “You spoke to him?”

  She closed her eyes, and for the first time ever, she lied to him. “Yes. He’s safe.”

  There was a pause before Renzo spoke again. “So that’s it? Steve contacts you, and you’re out of here?”

  Hydria fought back the tears. This call wasn’t about her and what she wanted. If it was she’d stay right here in Rhode Island like Melissa had suggested. But now there was so much more at stake than just Steve. This new problem was bigger than she could imagine. Renzo needed to ensure the Turchettas didn’t suffer more loss than they already had. Whether you know if it or not, you guys need protecting too.

  “Yes. I have what I came for. If there is anything more I owe you in addition to the funds I gave Bennett, let me know, and I’ll send you payment.”

  Renzo’s disappointment could be felt through the phone. His words were growled out. “I don’t want your money. Tell my sister I’ll catch her next time I’m in town.” Then he ended the call. And once again he’s angry with me. And I’m alone.

  If she thought saying goodbye to Ren was hard the first time, now it was like a knife to her soul. What choice did she have? She cared about him, his family. Telling him the truth would be selfish. She didn’t want anyone else to be hurt, and she knew Steve wouldn’t have either. This burden was theirs to bear. You and me Steve. No one else.

  “Is everything okay?” Melissa asked from behind her.

  “Yes. My . . . brother is safe, and I need to go home. Do you mind if we leave?”

  “That’s wonderful news. I knew Renzo wouldn’t stop until he found him no matter what the cost. I think we should celebrate big tonight.”

  “Actually, I’m leaving for LA tonight.”

  Melissa looked surprised. “Are you sure?”

  Hydria nodded. “I am.” It’s my turn to go out on the limb.

  She might not be part of Turchetta’s Promise, but that didn’t mean she had to sit by and let them pay the price. I hope someday Ren will forgive me.

  Hydria hoped she wasn’t making a huge mistake. She had no proof the stranger on the phone actually had any intel on Steve at all. It was possible she was walking away from the only person who could save them all.

  Chapter Five

  ‡

  “You have to be shitting me. That makes no sense,” Gabe said.

  “I’m telling you exactly what she said to me,” Renzo grunted. Gabe turned his monitor so he could see the screen as well. “What am I looking at?”

  “Nothing that shows Steve is back on the grid. Are you sure you can trust her?”

  Renzo clenched his jaw. He didn’t want anyone, even his family, questioning Hydria. She was a lot of things, but not a liar. “I know her. She never would rest until she knew he was safe. The fact she went back to LA confirms that.”

  He was happy for her. She’d gotten what she was hoping for. How could he be angry at that? The only thing that pissed him off was how it ended. She dismissed him as though he was doing this as a job. He didn’t take any money from Stone, and he’d actually instructed Stone to return the check as soon as Hydria informed him Steve was located.

  “You know her better than I do. I’m strictly looking at the data. It doesn’t match up. But it’s your call,” Gabe said and closed the laptop. “What do you want to do?”

  Get on a damn plane and go to LA. But that wasn’t where his life was any longer. Hydria knew that, and yet she took off without saying goodbye. That spoke volumes to him. The door that once was open closed permanently long ago. Whatever spark he thought was still between them must have only been amplified due to the stress she’d been under.

  “She’s gone. Steve’s safe. Our job is done.” Renzo got up from his chair and left Gabe sitting at the desk alone. It wasn’t as though they didn’t have plenty to keep them busy. Gabe hated not seeing something through. It’s better this way. Clean break. No emotional goodbyes to deal with.

  “Where are you going?” Gabe shouted as Renzo left his office.

  “To work.”

  Rafe was back out in the field, and Renzo wanted part of the action. The last thing he needed right now was to sit around wondering what Hydria was doing. I haven’t thought about her since I left the force four years ago. How hard can it be to forget her again?

  Once he was outside, he dialed Rafe’s number. Guess I’m about to find out.

  “What do you need?” Rafe asked.

  “What’s on the schedule?”

  “I heard rumors that Steve is okay. Have you confirmed that?”

  “Why the hell is everyone questioning this? Hydria called me and said he was safe. Is there a reason you believe I need to see this with my own eyes?”

  “Melissa said Hydria was acting anxious.”

  “She only met Hydria the night before. What does she know about how Hydria may be feeling?” Renzo didn’t think he’d need to hear it from Rafe. Rafe had enough of his own shit going on to worry about anyone else’s.

  “Are you saying you don’t need my help?”

  “I’m saying be damn sure. Deanna was shocked as well about Hydria’s sudden exit. Everything was great one minute, then the next thing she was leaving. Did she tell you she spoke to Steve?”

  He recalled her words. No details were given. “No. I didn’t ask. She said he was safe. That’s all I needed to know.” All she was willing to tell me.

  “Gabe called me and said something is off. What does your gut tell you, Renzo? If you tell me you’re not worried about it, that it feels right, we drop it. If not, if there is the slightest doubt, we’ll back you with whatever you need.”

  “I’ll let you know.” He ended the call and slipped his cell phone into his jeans pocket. Most people would go for a walk or run to clear their minds. Not him, he knew exactly what he needed.

  Once at the shooting range, he shot off a couple rounds. He felt the tension leave his body. But he didn’t stop thinking about Hydria. He had plenty of doubt when it came to her and for good reason. Most women had no problem sharing what was on their mind whether you wanted to hear it or not. Hydria, on the other hand, was a closed book. Looking at her, one would think she was tough, hard to the core. But he knew better. She had a delicate layer she didn’t reveal to anyone. Except to me long ago. And what did I do? I walked away from her. Hell, I rejected her. When I first knew of her plight, I’d wanted to introduce her to my family. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone in the world. Instead, he’d abandoned her and cut her off from potential support and care. And she’s stayed alone all this time. Fuck. If anyone deserved more, it was Hyd
ria. No wonder she didn’t want to trust me or get close. She didn’t want to feel rejected. Again.

  He was positive Melissa and Deanna didn’t do the same. If anything they’d have been too warm and welcoming. And Melissa, although looking all sweet and innocent, was the master of interrogations. I should’ve warned Hydria. Hell, I shouldn’t have left her alone like that.

  But Renzo had been thinking of only one thing, and that was making sure Hydria didn’t find herself in the middle of whatever mess Steve was in. If he had stopped long enough to think it through, he’d never have taken Hydria out of her comfort zone. What for most would’ve been considered a sweet distraction from constant worries, to Hydria it might’ve seemed suffocating and intrusive. He knew if Hydria wanted out, she’d tell him. That wouldn’t have scared her off, not when Steve was still MIA. Come hell or high water, Hydria would do anything to find Steve, even suffer through staying with the Turchettas. No matter what his brothers may think, Hydria never would have left.

  He knew he’d reach out to her again, but right now, he needed to give her time. She’d just come off a high-stress situation, and what he wanted to talk about wasn’t important. If it had been, she’d have stuck around. For now, what he needed to do was what he did best. Work.

  Hydria had no idea what to do. She had told Renzo she was returning to LA. No way was she traveling that far away from the last place Steve had been seen. So two days ago she’d checked into a cheap motel just off the interstate. It was dingy, and there were too many people who came by and stayed for an hour before leaving again. Knowing what type of establishment this was made for sleepless nights. But she wasn’t there for comfort or a vacation. She needed to be ready in case she needed to move quickly. This spot provided that and nothing more.

  Once again she heard the sounds of screeching tires and a horn blaring. She got up from the heavily worn mattress and peered out the window. Traffic was zooming by with people rushing home after a long day at work. They weren’t the only ones who were out of patience. But at least they knew where they were headed and what to expect next. Hydria was at the mercy of some stranger. All she could do was look at the four walls while waiting for her cell phone to ring. I did what he instructed. What else does he want?