For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  There was no need to wonder if he’d snuck off; she could hear the water running in the bathroom. From the sound of it, he was filling the bathtub. It sounded like a good idea. Although she’d love to join him in the tub, she knew there wasn’t room. Her accommodations were lacking when it came to what lovers might enjoy. But that’s not why either of us are in Tabiq.

  Normally, she’d drag herself from the bed and require hot tea and an even hotter shower to rejuvenate. That was not happening here. So she’d have to wait her turn for bathroom privileges. That was okay with her. It would give her a few more minutes to sleep. She closed her eyes and started to drift off, but peaceful bliss didn’t come.

  She heard splashing followed by cursing, and Hydria rolled over, trying to bury her snickering in the pillow. As she suspected, there was no way the water was staying in the tub once Renzo’s large frame entered. Getting up and entering the bathroom would only aggravate the situation. Besides, this time alone gave her a moment to pull herself together.

  She knew Renzo too well to believe the conversation that didn’t take place last night had been forgotten. The man had a memory that wouldn’t die. The only thing that matched his recall ability was his stubbornness. Now that they had proof they would work together, and it wouldn’t compromise anyone’s safety. She, of course, hadn’t given him much choice. Since he’d had time to think about it, was he going to revert to his old ways?

  Hydria loved him, had never stopped. But it was different now. Everything was. It wasn’t only the physical part. Renzo had trusted her on a mission. Although she’d been fighting for that right, she never believed he’d give in. She was glad he had. Not just because it was time, but she had been needed. In times like the two encounters, it was crucial to count on your team. At first she was concerned they’d never accept her, but once the orders were delivered and shots rang out, no one looked at her as anything other than a member of the team. Even Renzo snapped instructions at her like he knew he could count on her to deliver. I really was part of them.

  No matter what they shared, she couldn’t allow Renzo to revert back to the old ways. She was tired of sitting on the sidelines when it wasn’t where she belonged. Her mind was made up. Nothing he said was going to deter her this time. They’d have a discussion like the two grown-ass adults they were. Hopefully, he’s in a listening mood.

  Hydria’s cell phone rang. She grabbed it off the nightstand and saw the caller ID was blocked. There was a twinge of disappointment. Although Renzo calling from the bathroom would’ve been a bit much, she could hope he was missing her and inviting her to join him. No matter how impractical that would be.

  “Hello.”

  “You must leave Tabiq today. No questions. If you don’t, you risk it all.”

  It was the same man who’d called and threatened her to have Renzo back off his search for Steve. Why would he call now? I stopped the search as he requested. She was in Tabiq under very unrelated circumstances. “I backed off like you asked. Who are you?” She wanted to ask about her brother, but she didn’t know if this man knew she’d heard from him. Or that I’ve seen him.

  “I am here, and you’re leaving. Stone will have the chopper waiting for you in two hours. Be on it,” the man ordered.

  “Or what?” Hydria asked. And why did he have power over Stone to do anything here? She’d done his bidding before, but not this time. She was where she was meant to be and wouldn’t let an unknown manipulate her life. She finally had everything, well almost everything, she wanted.

  “You could lose everything you love.” The line went silent, and she was left sitting on the bed, staring at it.

  She knew he was speaking about Steve. No one knew she loved Renzo. Hell, I haven’t had time to tell him. Hydria could feel her heart racing, and confusion filled her mind. A moment ago, she’d been prepared to tell Renzo nothing could make her leave. Now she contemplated how to say goodbye.

  It wasn’t as though she had a choice. But last time Stone had been able to intervene and I’d seen my brother. As far as she knew, she acquiesced last time, and Steve remained safe. Is Stone involved in this more than he led me to believe?

  Hydria didn’t understand what being in Tabiq had to do with Steve. She was halfway around the world in a country she never knew existed a week ago. Whatever Steve was working on shouldn’t be compromised by her actions here. I’m not sure how they, whoever they are, know I’m working for Bennett.

  She was staring at the phone when Renzo came back into the bedroom. He had a smile on his face that quickly faded. “Who was that on the phone?”

  She never told Renzo about the first call, so how could she explain this one? The man had made it damn clear she was to leave Tabiq in two hours or else. She wasn’t afraid of him, but it was the or else that shook her to the core. She met Renzo’s eyes and saw his concern. It was a reflection of hers. For now, she’d need to harbor her feelings for everyone’s sake. We were so close to making this work. I hope you understand what I’m about to do isn’t what I want to do.

  Once they started the conversation, it would become a domino effect for them. She’d never make that chopper, and she didn’t want to think what that might mean for Steve. I’m doing this so that we can have a future together.

  Hydria put the phone back on the nightstand and slid out of bed. As she pulled her bag out of the closet, she said, “I’m needed back in the States.” Once again, she was doing a dance that resembled a lie. What else can I do?

  “Bennett didn’t mention anything.”

  She couldn’t turn to look at him. He was so darn good at reading people, and this was all about to blow. “This has nothing to do with Bennett.”

  Renzo crossed the room and grabbed the bag from her. “Ria, talk to me. What’s going on?”

  She closed her eyes and said, “Renzo, please trust me. I have to do this.”

  He didn’t let go. “You don’t have to do anything. But I can’t help you if you don’t open up to me.”

  You don’t know what you’re asking. Hydria opened her eyes and turned to face him. “Renzo, I . . . I don’t have a choice.”

  He reached up and touched her cheek, and she couldn’t help but nestle into his palm. His touch had such a soothing effect on her. But it wouldn’t fix this. “Ren, I—”

  “Tell me, Ria,” Renzo begged.

  She nodded and stepped back. Hydria needed to concentrate and choose her words carefully. “My brother needs me.”

  Renzo replied. “I’m here. What can I do?”

  Don’t ask me any questions would be top of the list. “There’s nothing anyone can do. I have to go back, that’s it.” She could feel Renzo’s gaze burning into her. He wasn’t going to give up. She picked up her phone, turned on some loud music, then walked back to Renzo, and said, “I don’t know how but someone knows I’m here.”

  Renzo looked around the room, but he was smart and picked up on what she was doing. If anyone were listening, it’d be hard to make out what they were saying over the music. In a soft voice by her ear, he said, “It’s not a secret. There are flight plans. And who would care anyway?”

  “I don’t know.” If she did, maybe she’d know how to really help Steve.

  “You’re not making any sense. So let’s go back to my first question. Who was that on the phone?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “You’re leaving because someone you don’t know instructed you to?” She nodded, and he asked, “What aren’t you telling me, Ria?”

  “It has to do with Steve. My being here for some reason is putting him at risk.”

  She expected Renzo to doubt that, but instead she saw the wheels turning. I’m not the only one holding something back. “What aren’t you telling me?” She threw the question back at him. He looked into her eyes and took a deep breath. Whatever he was about to say, she didn’t think she would like it.

  “I think you need to go. Melissa said your last visit was too brief. I’ll let her know you�
��re returning.”

  She raised her hands. “I don’t remember agreeing that—”

  “You’re not going back without people I . . . you can trust.”

  “And what are you going to be doing?” Hydria asked. Since he was no longer trying to get answers from her that meant he was going after them himself. And somehow he has an idea where to look.

  Renzo kissed her briefly and said, “Keeping both you and your brother safe.”

  “But—”

  “Ria. Now it’s your turn to trust me. Besides, you have a chopper to meet.”

  She opened her mouth but shut it quickly. Squabbling at a time like this was ill-advised. Hydria took her bag from Renzo and threw her clothes inside. After she was packed, she turned the music off. She didn’t care who was listening to what she said now. “Want to give me a lift to the airport? I’m going home.”

  Renzo pulled her into his arms and held her there. They each knew there was much left unsaid. Timing was in their way again. “This isn’t the end, Ria.” His arms tightened around her. “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Looks like we’re about to test that.”

  She didn’t want to let go. No matter how sweet and romantic his words sounded, they were holding on to each other like it could be goodbye. “Don’t make it too long.” The words slipped out even though she’d meant to say them to herself.

  Renzo loosened his hold and said, “I promise.” Then he claimed her lips in a soft tender kiss.

  Her heart ached to tell him everything, especially that she loved him. Those words would have to wait until this mess was over. The last thing she wanted was the people using Steve to do the same with Renzo to manipulate her. Pulling away, she tried to compose herself so Renzo wouldn’t see her heart breaking. “I suggest we get going. One of us still has a job to do.”

  Renzo picked up her bags and opened the door. “I’ll let Bennett know you’re leaving.”

  Funny, I have a feeling he already knows.

  Renzo wasn’t in the mood for any of Bennett’s bullshit. He had his suspicions but needed confirmation they were correct. Steve had to be the inside guy Bennett hinted at. The question was, why would someone contact Hydria?

  “I can’t tell you what you want to know,” Bennett said.

  “I know you better than that. You might not want Alex to know what the hell is really going on, and he might accept your answer as final. I’m not Alex, and there is no fucking way in hell I’m leaving until I get some answers.” When he thought this was only about Tabiq, he was willing to let some things slide. He was still able to do what he needed to without any issues. That all changed the moment Hydria was tossed in the middle. Now he needed to know everything Bennett did. Even that might not be enough.

  “Renzo, you don’t know what you’re asking. This is a very . . . delicate situation. I’m sworn to secrecy.”

  He couldn’t threaten Bennett enough to make him talk. They were both men who’d die in order to protect what they needed to. That meant playing this differently. “You’re a family man, Bennett. What if this was Zoey instead of Hydria?” Bennett gave him a warning look, which meant his manipulation was working. “Hydria is like . . . family to me. If I have to turn over every stone, rock every boat, I’ll find the answers. I won’t care who gets hurt, or who gets in my way.” He had stumbled when it came to describing what Hydria meant to him. She was so much more than a friend or a lover. He was still sorting out exactly what it was he felt, wanted. But saying she was like family felt right.

  “And I’m trying to keep both her and—”

  “Steve. Yeah, I already know he’s involved. What I need to know is who the hell called Hydria? If you’d seen the look on her face when I came back to the bedroom, you’d know she was scared shitless. And that woman doesn’t scare easily.” He knew he confirmed any suspicions Bennett had about the relationship between him and Hydria. Renzo didn’t care. It wasn’t any of his business.

  “He knows that.”

  “Who knows it?” Renzo scoffed.

  “Her brother, Steve. He’s the one calling.”

  Steve? That made no sense. “Calling? You mean this wasn’t the first time?”

  Bennett shook his head. “He’s using a voice distorter, so she doesn’t have the slightest inclination it’s him. Back in Rhode Island, he called her, and basically ordered her to fire you.”

  “What the fuck? Why?”

  “Because you’re damn good at your job, and between you and Gabe, you were bound to find out what he was doing. Too much had already been uncovered. He couldn’t risk having you blow his cover.”

  The pieces were starting to come together. It explained why Hydria took off so suddenly and distanced herself from all the Turchettas. But if she had only trusted me, we could’ve worked this out. She didn’t, doesn’t, need to do this alone.

  “Why would he want to threaten to harm his own sister?”

  “He’s not threatening her. Steve’s actually threatening himself. I know it doesn’t make must sense, but Hydria is a force to be reckoned with. The only way to get her out of the way is for her to believe if she doesn’t do as he says, Steve will be in danger. That’s not a lie. He’s deep undercover, and if anyone knew he was actually a US Marine instead of a high-paid mercenary, he wouldn’t last very long. The guys he’s running with right now would put a bullet in his back without asking any questions.”

  Renzo thought back to the two men they’d found on the ridge. They’d both been shot in the back. Was there already a breakdown happening among them in Tabiq? “Shit, Bennett, is Steve here? In Tabiq now?”

  Bennett shrugged. “On certain things, I’m on a need-to-know basis as well. Steve did send a local woman to the hospital to let us know about the mercenaries outside of the city of Chino. That means he’s not far. If I had to guess, I’d say if he isn’t here now, he was not long ago.”

  “That explains how Steve knew Hydria was here.” Renzo didn’t believe Steve was back in the US. If that were the case, he wouldn’t need Hydria out of Tabiq in such a rush. “What I don’t understand is why the hell did Steve let you bring Hydria to Tabiq?”

  “We’d discussed it. Hydria was going to back to working in law enforcement. She might as well be here where he knew we’d keep an eye on her.”

  “And you couldn’t have found a more secure location for her?”

  “You mean like the LAPD?”

  Renzo knew in the long run, it’d been Hydria’s decision to come. She was thick headed as he was sometimes. It was something Renzo would need to talk to Hydria about. Not that it’d do me any good. She’d never listened to me before. “You’ve seen Steve recently. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had that chopper ready and waiting for her. What did Steve tell you?”

  “Simple. He wants his sister out of the line of fire.”

  He’s not the only one. “I can see his point. That’s why I question why you brought her here in the first place.”

  “At that time, I was just trying to keep her too busy to look for Steve. But he didn’t want her anywhere near the action if he was on ground too. He knew he couldn’t focus on his job if she was at risk getting caught in the crossfire.”

  That confirmed Steve’s whereabouts. “Yeah, getting shot at is one way to distract a person. At what point had you decided not to tell me about any of this?”

  “Steve was adamant that you didn’t know,” Bennett said.

  Me? “Because I’d figure it out?”

  “That’s what I thought at first. Then once I saw you and Hydria together, I think it was more than that.”

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “I didn’t realize what the relationship was between the two of you. It only became evident when I took her to the tent, and you found out she was in Tabiq. I’ve seen you pissed before, but not like this. I’m guessing you wanted to rip my throat out at that moment.”

  Pretty much. “For a few reasons. Right now, I want to make sure Hydria won’t get hurt.�
�� That meant not only keeping her safe, but ensuring Steve wasn’t hurt either. “With Hydria heading back to Rhode Island, I say it’s time for us to up our involvement.”

  “You don’t suggest—”

  “We won’t blow Steve’s cover. I have Gabe researching the identity of several of the mercenaries we captured. This sitting and waiting for them to make a move doesn’t work for me. I say let’s flush the assholes out.”

  “Without talking to Steve, this could blow up in our faces,” Bennett warned.

  “Waiting too long might deliver the same results. Is there any way you can set up a meeting with Steve?”

  Bennett shook his head. “Even a call is risky at this time. Let me know what Gabe uncovers, and then we’ll decide. Just remember, this is bigger than you, me, or Hydria. What Steve is working on is to stop what’s happening around the world.”

  Renzo’s head understood that, but his heart didn’t want to hear it. “Is Steve a lone wolf in this?”

  “No. The Pentagon recruited him. They’ve handpicked a few elite men for this. It’s our job—yours, mine, and the countries—to ensure they’re successful. We don’t want these mercenaries on US soil.”

  That was the one thing he and Bennett agreed on. “You seem to know a lot more than you made out to me.”

  “Only because they approached me. I wanted in, but I’m a family man now. I can’t afford to go off the radar for an undetermined amount of time. Instead, I’m funneling my information to Steve.”

  “And the Hendersons are aware of this?” Renzo doubted it. Not by Bennett’s actions lately. The Hendersons were savvy businessmen. Bennett and men like Renzo weren’t meant for boardrooms or fancy suits. They had a different skill set.

  “Negative. We were hoping you wouldn’t figure it out either. I should’ve known better.”

  “Now that I do, I expect to be kept in the loop. If not, what I learn stays with me. Got it?” He was tired of Bennett and Steve holding all the cards. He got why. They did the same in Turchetta’s Promise, but not from each other. You have to know who you can trust. This is where Bennett decides how much he can trust me.