Elle’s muffled sobs broke into his thoughts. He opened his eyes to find her with her face buried in the pillow, her shoulders shaking.
“Babe, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she mumbled.
“Bullshit. You’re crying.” He gently rolled her onto her back. “Tell Deputy Helpful what’s wrong.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffled. “A man died…because of me. I don’t know why I didn’t react earlier. Maybe I was too shocked or relieved or…or something. But the reality just hit me: It’s my fault he’s dead.”
“Double bullshit. No way is it your fault. Milton murdered him, not you.”
“But Mike did it because he’s obsessed with me.”
“Again, not your fault that he’s crazy. And if Todd Whitaker hadn’t kidnapped you, Milton wouldn’t have murdered him. It all falls on Whitaker and his boss.”
Elle had gone still and stared at him with wide eyes. “What did you say?”
“The fault lies with the kidnapper and the person he worked for.”
Shaking her head, she propped herself up on her elbows. “No, no. What’s his name?”
“The driver’s license said Todd Whitaker. The picture looked like him, but it could be fake.”
“Oh God.” She splayed her hand across her mouth.
“You know him?”
“Know of him. Remember, my BLM whistleblower had said a union enforcer was after him. The thug was Todd Whitaker. Of course, his name is in my BLM folder, but I haven’t been able to recall it until now.”
“Hmm. So, the same guy who silenced—in what way we don’t know—your whistleblower also silenced you by kidnapping you.”
“What do you think happened to my guy from the BLM?” she asked, color draining from her face.
“I don’t know. Did you file a missing person’s report?”
She grimaced. “No. I thought he might’ve gone into hiding on purpose, and I didn’t want to focus any attention on him. I also figured that if he was truly missing, a spouse, relative or friend would contact the police.”
“Do you know if the cops had been looking for him?”
“No. I never heard. Should we tell the DC police about Todd and the possible connection?”
“Soon. We don’t have any actual evidence implicating him in the whistleblower’s disappearance, so it can wait until we carry out my plan to find the person behind the kidnapping.”
“Okay.”
“You understood this Whitaker guy worked for the union, right?”
“Yes, why?”
Luke stroked his chin. “Because he also had a company ID. Does Alpha and Omega Mining LLC mean anything to you?”
She sighed heavily. “What you’re really asking is if Alpha and Omega Mining is my father’s client.”
Chapter 30
Despite their late-night activities, Luke and Elle joined Jake for breakfast early Thursday morning. As they ate in relative silence, she struggled to swallow without gagging as awful memories from the previous day kept resurfacing. Last night—starting with Richard’s failed kidnapping attempt and ending with the realization that this horrid episode in her life had resulted in a man’s death—had left her severely disoriented. Even the mind-blowing sex with Luke, while amazingly satisfying, had stirred up unwanted and unexpected feelings instead of calming her. Elle’s thoughts and emotions were so scrambled she couldn’t keep one in focus for long. She would need time to sort through them all.
While they were cleaning up the kitchen, the security system alerted them to someone entering the property. Since Sean was expected, Jake gave the monitor a cursory glance and continued loading the dishwasher.
A few minutes later, Sean carried a large cardboard box into the kitchen. “More clothes for Elle from Karla. And I went by Luke’s house to pick up some more of his stuff,” he announced, setting the carton on the floor.
“How thoughtful. Thank you,” Elle said, although a lack of clothing wasn’t a priority. Well, except for last night. Images of her and Luke, sans clothes, making love in the spa raced through her memory. Heat rushed into her cheeks, and she chanced a peek at Luke. His knowing look said he was reading her mind.
“And I drove your truck here, bro, so I’ll need a lift home. By the way, your place is okay. No signs Carmichael or anyone else has screwed with it,” Sean said. He made a mug of coffee and sat down at the table. “Where’s your new houseguest, boss? Did Milton get room service this morning?”
Jake slanted him a scathing stare. “Careful, Burke. Hiding murderers is not a standard Rogue Security service. I still haven’t heard Johnson’s plan, so I’m not a happy camper about all this.”
“Then let’s get started,” Luke said, pulling out a chair for Elle and sitting down next to her.
Once Jake joined them at the table, Luke recounted the events of the previous day to be sure the other two men were on the same page. Fighting a queasy stomach and a splintered attention span, Elle listened as best she could to his precise description. Speaking with no notes, he rattled off details she didn’t even remember. When Luke finished, Sean and Jake looked impressed.
“Great recap of the past twelve hours, but what’s next?” Sean asked.
“Elle’s going to call her parents,” Luke said.
“No,” she whined. “Do I have to?”
“Yes, ba…Elle,” he stumbled verbally. “You need to ask your father about Alpha and Omega Mining.”
“A bit obvious, don’t you think?” she countered.
“Not if you work it in right. Ready?” Luke asked, covering her hand with his.
She nodded.
Jake snagged his sat phone off the counter and gave it to Elle. “Relax. Breathe slowly. You can do this.” He smiled and nodded reassuringly.
She returned the smile. For being such a scary guy, Jake had a softer side, and she’d take all the reassurance she could get right now.
With everyone watching, she dialed, activated the speakerphone, and waited. “Hello, George. How are you?”
The Bradleys’ butler sighed. “I…we miss you. Are you coming home soon, Miss Elle?”
“I’m sorry, George. I don’t know when. How are Mother and Father holding up?”
“They’re…stressed. Your mother is beside herself that the Vanderbilts’ Thanksgiving gala is in two days, and she hasn’t received an invitation. She’s too proud to make inquiries about whether it might’ve gotten lost in the mail because she’s so afraid she’ll learn one was never sent. She won’t be able to cope with not being invited. I feel sorry for her, but there’s nothing I can do.”
“What about Father? Has he inquired…discreetly?”
“I’m afraid not. He’s much too preoccupied with his work. Dare I say he has been obsessed with it lately? I’m not sure he even realizes Thanksgiving is next week.”
Elle paused. Had the butler just handed her an opening on a silver platter? She braced herself and seized the opportunity. “How awful. I didn’t know Father was that nervous about the Alpha and Omega Mining deal. I guess he thought it would’ve been wrapped up by now.” She held her breath.
George hesitated several seconds. “It’s all very hush-hush, but no, the deal hasn’t closed.”
She nodded at the grim faces around the table and continued. “Well, I’m not sure I can cheer up my parents, but I’ll try. Are they home?”
“Unfortunately, your father is at the office for a meeting, and your mother is at her weekly…doctor’s appointment. They should both be home in an hour or so. Shall I give them a message?”
“Just tell them I called to let them know I’m doing fine. Thanks, George.”
She disconnected and couldn’t even force a smile. Success weighed on her for it had come at a great price. She straightened her back, lifted her chin, and met the gaze of each man in turn. “Now we know Alpha and Omega Mining is my father’s client.”
Luke gently pulled her against his side. “Great job, babe. I kno
w it was hard,” he whispered.
Her eyes stung with unshed tears. “I feel so guilty about spying on my own father.”
“I know.” He kissed her temple and then addressed the group. “Do we all agree there’s a connection between Elle’s kidnapping and Harlan Bradley’s Alpha and Omega deal?”
“Seems probable to me,” Sean said.
“A reasonable motive,” Jake concurred.
“You…you think my father had me kidnapped so I wouldn’t screw up his deal with my investigation?” she asked, not wanting to believe the obvious.
“Not necessarily. The only conclusion we’ve reached is that the deal itself is a viable motive. I’d bet there are lots of people who would be pissed off or hurt financially if the deal never happens,” Luke explained.
“He’s right,” Sean agreed.
“Yes, yes, of course. I’m just so afraid it could be my father that I’m forgetting about all the other possible suspects.”
* * *
Luke gave Elle’s shoulder a tender squeeze and hoped his explanation would ease her guilt. “We don’t know how many people at the mining company would be affected because we don’t know how crucial this deal is to the business. A terminated deal could result in wage cuts or layoffs. The consequences might be felt by the executives, the miners, and even the office staff. The union bosses would also be worried about a busted deal’s negative impact on their members. And then, there’s Secretary Carmichael, if he’s doing something illegal or unethical. See, Elle? Lots of suspects.”
She nodded agreement.
He squared his shoulders. All eyes were on him. Elle’s were pleading. She needed him to end this nightmare. Even though it would mean losing her, he was determined to succeed.
“Now we know why, but we don’t know who. To answer that question, we have to fake a second kidnapping. Then, posing as Whitaker, we contact his boss and demand a ransom,” Luke said.
“I’m confused. Are you saying Whitaker is going to insist his boss demand a ransom this time from the Bradleys, Carmichaels, or USA Report?” Stone asked.
Luke felt a flicker of satisfaction. Being several steps ahead of Stone must be a rare occurrence. “None of the above. The first kidnapping was about protecting the Alpha and Omega deal, not about cash. That’s why no ransom was involved. And Whitaker was only a minion. His boss told him what to do and what not to do. He had strict instructions not to physically harm Elle. It’s why she was never sexually assaulted and why Whitaker wasn’t really trying to shoot her when she escaped.”
“Okay, I’m clear on the first kidnapping. But, other than Whitaker being dead, how’s the second one going to be different?”
“As the fake Whitaker, we won’t be taking orders from his boss anymore. This time, he’s holding Elle on his terms; he’s calling the shots. And Whitaker wants cash. A ransom paid by his boss.”
“So, obviously, the boss can’t find out what’s already happened,” Elle said. “Meaning the dead, real Whitacre and loudmouthed Milton have to be kept out of sight. Won’t it be hard to keep such big secrets?”
“Yeah. I couldn’t plan it this way inside the Sheriff’s Department or coordinating with the FBI. Too many rules and too many people.”
Stone chuckled at his comment. “What’s the fake Whitaker’s leverage? I mean, what will he threaten to do?”
“Two things. First, leak the information about the deal, implicating everyone from Secretary Carmichael on down. And second…kill Elle.”
She gasped. “But…but you said there wasn’t supposed to be any physical harm.”
“Exactly. Which tells me the person or people behind the first kidnapping had an important reason not to hurt you. Even if it wasn’t Harlan Bradley himself, whoever planned the original abduction knew there would be hell to pay if something happened to you. That person still has to make sure you remain unharmed. We’re counting on it.”
“Makes sense. When do we take the next step?” Stone asked.
“We can get started on the setup right away, but there needs to be a couple hours between Elle’s call with George and the second kidnapping. There’ll be questions about the time of the last contact with her.”
“How are we going to play it?” Sean asked.
“We’ll have to be real careful that no one accidentally witnesses it, so the location I’ve chosen is isolated. A scenario similar to Whitaker’s failed attempt on Tuesday to recapture Elle would be believable, and this time he gets away with her. After we stage it, I’ll call the Ramona station and get Tanner on it since I already warned him.”
“Where is this faux kidnapping supposed to take place?” Elle asked.
“On an old dirt road, which leads to a place outside Ramona where I go fishing. I’ll say we were s—” Skinny-dipping popped into his brain, complete with nude images of him and Elle from last night. His gaze cut to her, and her eyes widened as if she’d read his mind. “Swimming. I was gonna say…swimming, but it’s too cold, so maybe…uh…picnicking,” he finished awkwardly.
“Sounds lame to me,” Stone said, shaking his head.
“It only has to hold up for a few days until we flush out Whitaker’s boss.”
“You aren’t going to tell the FBI the truth,” Sean confirmed.
“Nope. Can’t chance a leak. We also don’t know whether or not someone at the FBI in Washington is complicit in this whole mess. Someone there certainly agreed to withhold Elle’s computer from her. And I’m counting on Lieutenant Tanner to run things slow and easy. He’ll ‘interrogate’ me and have the ‘crime scene’ inspected, but I don’t expect much more.”
“Damn, I hope Tanner stays on board. He won’t want to risk his whole career for a deputy who’s gone rogue,” Sean said.
“I trust him…to do the best he can to protect me. Bottom line: The faster we hook Whitaker’s boss, the sooner the charade can stop.” He surveyed the group. “Are we all in?”
Everyone at the table nodded.
“Okay. Here are your assignments. Sean, Elle, and I will take my Ram and stop at Sean’s place for his truck. After we drop him off, Elle and I will drive down Main Street in Ramona, stop to get gas so there’s a record of us being there, and then head out of town for our picnic. My fishing spot should be totally deserted, but we’ll check—”
“Can you skip the boring details?” Stone said irritably. Maybe he disliked being left out of the action.
“Nope. I want all of us listening. Less chance of any holes in the plan.”
“Fine.”
“Okay. We’ll take a lunch for two and leave it where it could’ve fallen out of my truck when Elle was taken. And finally, Sean will meet up with us and hide her in his truck to bring her back here.”
“Don’t I get to have any fun other than babysitting Milton?” Stone complained.
“I’ll leave Whitaker’s phone so you can review how he communicated. I noticed lots of texts. We need to match the style, so his boss doesn’t get suspicious. If you think it’d be helpful, you can draft some samples for us to use. When we text the guy to set up an actual call, we’ll include a photo of Elle.”
“How are you going to pull off a call? We can’t imitate Whitaker’s voice,” Stone said.
“You’ll see.” Luke sighed. Elle wasn’t going to like that part of his plan. “I’ll be sure Tanner puts out a BOLO immediately and leaks the news to the press so the story will hit the wires by the time I get back here after being interrogated. Then the real fun will start.”
Chapter 31
Elle didn’t find any fun in the plan at all. She had been pacing in Jake’s family room for hours while waiting for Luke to return from the Ramona station. Seriously, how many questions could Lieutenant Tanner possibly have about what he already knew was a fake kidnapping? Wouldn’t fewer questions be better to avoid the risk of exposing the charade?
“Can I get you anything?” Sean asked from the doorway.
He and Jake had disappeared an hour ago. To do what exact
ly, she didn’t know and figured she would be better off not knowing. They might have been tending to or interrogating Milton, but she didn’t really care. All she cared about was Luke.
Her mind flashed to him lying on the ground after Sean had whacked him with the butt of a handgun—at Luke’s insistence. When she had screamed and dropped to her knees beside him, they’d told her the injury was necessary for authenticity. Seeing him bleed again for her sake had made her nauseous. At least this time, the person assaulting Luke wasn’t really trying to kill him.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks anyway,” she said.
“No, you’re not fine.” Sean ambled across the room. “You remind me of my wife. When we were going through all the shit with her mother’s disappearance, Jess kept insisting she was fine. But nobody—man nor woman—could’ve been fine during that horrible experience. And no one would expect you to be fine after your terrible ordeal. Why can’t strong, independent women ever admit they’re not fine? It isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of being human.”
“Preach much?”
“Amen.” He rolled his eyes and sighed with resignation. “Look, Elle. Luke’s going to be okay. He’s a big boy. A smart dude. He came up with the whole ingenious plan for this sting. He knows what to say and do better than any of us. Nothing’s gonna happen to him.”
“Good.” She spun on her heels and headed for the patio door. Her eyes filled with tears, and there was no way she could let Sean see them after calling her a strong, independent woman. Blinking fiercely, she stood in front of the glass and tried to ignore her reflection because the woman staring back at her looked scared, not brave. Frightened for a man she’d met less than a week ago. A man she cared about deeply. A man she might be falling in love with. Oh, my God. How did this happen? She closed her eyes and drew a long, deep breath.
Only Obsession (Rogue Security Book 3) Page 25
