by Cate Beauman
As soon as he set foot in L.A., they were hashing this out come hell or high water. If he knew Hailey—and he did—she would be with Sarah and Morgan. In nine hours, he would pull through Ethan and Sarah’s gate, grab hold of Hailey, and never let go.
Austin turned, tensing, as an argument broke out by the airport entrance. One panhandler accused another of stealing from his collection, following his accusation up with a fist to the face.
Weary murmurs spread among the nervous Project Mexico participants as the last bag was tossed from the roof of the van.
“It’s okay, guys. Get your stuff. Let’s go inside.” Austin nodded to Jackson at the back of the line, picked up his own suitcase, rubbed at his aching neck with his free hand. He couldn’t shake the tension settled there.
Something wasn’t right. Scanning their surroundings, Austin searched for the source of unease, but everything appeared status quo: tourists rushed in and out of the airport, cabs picked up and dropped off their passengers. He looked over his shoulder. The sooner they were in the air, the better.
The skirmish settled down as the group passed into the building. Austin glanced at the sketchy characters with their cardboard signs and plastic cups and could only be thankful Hailey’s plane was leaving first. His responsibility was to the university, but there was no way in hell he would’ve left Mexico before he was sure Hailey had gotten out.
With everyone safely inside and heading to check their luggage, Austin pulled his phone from his pocket, making certain it was holding its charge. He’d left Hailey a message almost two hours ago; surely she’d gotten it. Despite their angry words, he thought she would’ve called.
Fear began to claw his belly. Was he too late? Had he broken her trust beyond repair? There was so much between them—too much to walk away from.
Austin dialed the first three digits of Hailey’s number, then stopped. Harassment wouldn’t win her back. Consumed by helpless frustration, Austin shoved his phone in his pocket. The nine-hour waiting game would drive him crazy. He picked up his suitcase and started toward the check-in line.
“Casey, you need to see this.”
Austin stopped, alerted by the sharp tone of Jackson’s voice. “What is it?”
Jackson held out his phone.
Austin ripped the cell from his hand as he read Hailey’s message. D yact. 4 kidnapped. HELP. Goosebumps puckered his skin as ice cold fear rushed through his heart. “She sent this five minutes ago.”
“I know. I felt it vibrate on our way inside. I just got around to checking it. I tried to text her back, but I didn’t get an answer.”
Austin glanced at the flight screen, confused. The monitor flashed “flight closed.” He hurried to the window, and watched the Air America plane back up from the jetway. “What the hell is going on?”
“Hell if I know.”
Austin’s fingers flew over the keys as he tried to text Hailey again. EXPLAIN??? CALL OR TEXT NOW!! Seconds ticked by as Austin stared in agony. His pulse throbbed in his throat as one minute turned to two. It felt as if he waited a lifetime. “Something’s wrong, man. Something’s wrong.”
“Hailey’s obviously trying to tell us Donte has the girls on the yacht, but how the hell does she know?”
Austin said what he knew in his heart. “She’s not on the plane. Donte has her.” He passed a look over the Project Mexico participants standing around, waiting. “You have to take them back. I’m staying here. I’ll go talk to the woman at the kiosk. Maybe she’ll tell us if Hailey boarded her flight.” Austin shoved Jackson’s phone in his front pocket and hurried to the line, cutting past angry tourists as he made his way to the Air America counter.
“Hey, where the hell do you think you’re going, pal?”
Austin spared the balding jerk in the tacky orange Bermuda top a glance as he passed him by.
“Yo, asshole, I’m talking to you. Get in line.”
Austin whirled, walked back to the dick with the big mouth, and grabbed him by the collar. The man’s wife gasped as her eyes popped wide. “You listen to me, asshole,” Austin said between clenched teeth, letting his fear and anger spew. “My girlfriend is missing. So what you’re gonna do is shut your mouth and let me find out what the fuck is going on.” He yanked the guy higher. “Are we good now?”
The man sputtered as he tried to peal Austin’s fingers from his clothes. “I’m having you arrested.”
“Yeah? Go ahead and try.” Austin removed his hands, trying to find his calm through waves of helpless terror. He was wasting time. When he turned, everyone stepped back, letting him pass.
The woman at the front desk eyed him wearily. “Good afternoon. What can I do for you, sir?”
“My friend—client,” he corrected quickly, “was supposed to board flight 5525 to Los Angeles. I’m hoping you can confirm that for me.” Austin opened his wallet, flashed his badge. He knew it didn’t mean jack shit, but that didn’t mean this woman did.
“I need to get my supervisor. Hold on please.”
“Can’t you just call up the flight list and tell me whether or not Hailey Roberts boarded the plane?”
Her mouth tightened with impatience. “I’m sorry, sir, not without my supervisor’s permission. I’ll just be a minute.”
Austin drummed his fingers on the countertop as he watched the second hand spin around the clock face. He was losing precious minutes. Hailey was more than likely on a boat with the leader of one of the world’s most brutal cartels. Somehow, she’d stumbled on the four missing teens.
Donte wouldn’t treat her the way he had the night he wined and dined her. Had they killed her already, or were they enjoying her the way he knew they were enjoying the girls? It was too much to think about. Austin’s stomach pitched as he continued his torturous wait.
He heaved out a sigh as a man in a suit walked to the counter. “Sir, can I help you?”
“Yes.” Austin flashed his badge again. “My client was supposed to board flight 5525 to Los Angeles. I’m hoping you can confirm she made it to her plane.”
“May I see your badge again, sir?”
Austin clenched his jaw as he dug his wallet back out. He wasn’t going to get very far with this guy. He handed over his identification.
“You’re a bodyguard?”
“That’s right. Hailey Roberts, one of your passengers, is my client. It’s imperative I know her whereabouts. I believe she’s in danger.”
The man shook his head. “I’m sorry,” he glanced at the ID, “Mr. Casey, but we’re legally obligated to keep all of our passenger’s information private.”
Austin struggled to hold on to his patience as the supervisor refused him with a sunny smile. “I understand, but as I said, I believe she’s in extreme danger.”
“As much as I would like to help, I’m afraid I can’t.”
“Well, thanks for nothing.” He yanked his wallet out of the manager’s hand and walked off. It was time to call Ethan. He dialed and waited as it rang twice.
“On your way home?”
“Not yet. I need you to do something.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I think Donte has Hailey. I want you to check if she got on her plane.”
“Give me a couple minutes.” Ethan tapped away at his computer. “Damn firewall,” he muttered.
As he heard Ethan’s fingers flying over the keys, Austin heart pounded, his fist clenched. Answers were moments away; the wait was utter agony.
“Okay, I’m in. Let’s see. Flight 5525, non-stop to L.A. There’s record Sarah bought Hailey her ticket.”
“Sarah? Why did Sarah buy Hailey’s ticket?”
“Jeremy cleaned her out—maxed out her credit card, overdrew her checking, wiped out her savings. Took every damn dime. She called here a couple hours ago. Sara
h said Hailey was as upset as she’d ever heard her.”
“Goddamn.” Austin struggled to keep his fist from connecting with the concrete wall as another layer of helpless anger piled on top of the rest.
“I’m into the next screen. Shit. Shit, man. Hailey never boarded the flight.”
Austin pressed trembling fingers to his temple. “Donte has her on the yacht. I want to get her now, storm right out there and get her, but I know I can’t. I need your help. Hunter’s too.”
“Let me charter a jet. Hopefully Collin’s friend will let us use his plane. We’ll be in the air in forty-five, tops.” He tapped computer keys again. “I’m sending out an all call to Hunter, Collin, and Tucker Campbell too.”
“I don’t care who you bring. Just get here.” He pressed the side of his fist to the wall, rested his weary head against it. “I love her, Ethan. I won’t be able to stand it if we’re too late.”
“We won’t be. Go keep an eye on the yacht. We’ll be there in seven hours, and we’ll arrive with a plan. I’ll call you before we land.”
“Okay.” Austin tried to hold on to hope. “Hailey texted Jackson. Donte has the girls too. Looks like we’re doing a five-person extraction. We have to end this.”
“I know. I’ll take care of everything. Let me go so I can get there.”
“Hurry.” Austin hung up and walked to the sliding doors.
“Casey, wait up,” Jackson called, jogging to him.
Austin stopped. “What are you doing? You need to take the group back to L.A.”
“They board in an hour. They’re grown adults scared enough by the violence they’ve seen to stay where I told them and get their asses on the plane. Jen said she’d call me when everyone’s on board. I’m not leaving you here to deal with this yourself.”
How could he express his gratitude? “Thank you.” Austin held out his hand.
Jackson took it and shook. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get out of here and go get your girl back.”
Austin nodded as they stepped outside. It was time to start their surveillance. This was what he’d spent years doing as a SEAL. He was about to use his training to save the most important person in his life.
Chapter 24
DESI PULLED BACK ON THE throttle and cut the engine. Hailey’s stomach lurched with the up and down motion of the boat as it drifted to the yacht’s launch again. Desi glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowed, as he picked up his radio and spoke into it. The head of Donte’s security team descended the stairs as the speedboat was tied off.
“Ms. Roberts, you’re back so soon.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice,” she said cooly as she eyed the Sleek One. “Clearly, there’s been a misunderstanding.”
Desi fired off in heated Spanish as the head of security nodded, staring at Hailey. She tried not to shrink under his impenetrable gaze. Instead, she lifted her chin, determined to play this out despite the way her heart thundered in her chest. It would be a miracle if she survived the day. She would do her damndest to increase the odds.
“You should come with me,” the Sleek One said.
Hailey stayed where she was, swallowing her terror. “I have to get back to the island. I missed my flight. I need to make arrangements for a new one.”
“Now, Ms. Roberts.”
Sighing, she stood up, trying to hide the trembling in her legs. “I don’t think Donte will be pleased.”
“I imagine you’re right.” His eyes glittered as his voice cooled.
Her knees buckled with her first step. Hailey grasped the plush seat as she made her way to the front of the boat. “Donte has always treated me with such kindness, such respect. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
“Respect is earned through loyalty. Right now, I question yours.” The Sleek One nodded at Desi.
Desi grabbed hold of Hailey’s tender arm, squeezing the bruises Jeremy had left not long ago. She gasped from the pain as Desi lifted her from the boat and shoved her, hard.
She lost her footing, skidded on the black tread, and went down with a thud on hands and knees. The burn of hot pumice scorched her skin.
“Get up,” Desi said between his teeth as he yanked her up by the elbow.
Hailey stared at her hands, down at her knees, wincing, as the gouges throbbed with each heartbeat. Blood oozed down her legs, dripped from her palms.
“She bleeds well.” Rio, the guard with mean brown eyes, stepped forward, grinning with madness. “I spotted a fin. Perhaps we will feed her to the sharks.”
Rio pulled Hailey to the edge of the boat and jerked her arm over the water, squeezing the wound on her hand until bones popped. Whimpering from the radiating pain, she watched drops of blood disappear into dark waves. Rio held her tight as he knelt down, splashed his fingers in the water. “I think this is how you shall die today, little bitch,” he laughed.
Few things terrified Hailey more than sharks. She fought to keep quiet against her need to cry out and beg.
Moments later, the fin Rio must’ve seen glided their way. Rio all but fell off the boat with his mirth as he splashed harder. “I will enjoy this. I really will.”
He stood as the shark swam closer, until Hailey stared at beady black eyes. She tried to scurry back in her panic, but Rio held her firm, yanking her arm out again, squeezing. Pain no longer registered over the bright hot terror coursing through her veins. Her breath came in gasps until she grew dizzy with hyperventilation.
Rio lifted her then, holding her over the water as another fin joined the first, swimming close. Hailey screamed, clasping his wrists, struggling to hang on to the burly man. “Please! Please stop!”
Rio stooped, dipping Hailey low, sending her legs knee deep. The shark charged forward. She slammed her eyes shut, waiting for the unspeakable pain of being ripped to pieces. Her stomach twisted when Rio pulled her up quickly, laughing hysterically as the massive fish crashed headfirst into the yacht.
“That’s enough, Rio,” the Sleek One said. “You’ve had your fun. Take her to Donte’s office.” He turned and climbed the stairs.
Pride forgotten, Hailey dropped to her knees on a keening sob. She trembled, from pain, from fear, until she was sure her bones would break.
Rio chuckled as he grabbed her arm again, wrenching her to her feet. Gasping, she collapsed to the deck, her legs too weak to hold her.
“Get up, little bitch.” He yanked her up, bringing her elbow back with such force that she yelped. Hailey staggered forward as Rio pushed her to a flight of stairs leading below deck.
She tried to stop. “Please, I need a moment to catch my breath.”
Rio clutched her tighter. She whimpered as her arm began to tingle.
A slow smile spread across his face. “Stop again and I’ll break it in half.” He twisted his wrist, wrenching her elbow until she cried out.
Blinking back tears, Hailey refused to cry anymore. She averted her gaze from Rio’s cruel eyes and stared ahead, waiting to be brought to Donte.
Rio dragged her down the steps and through an elegant hallway. The wood paneled walls gleamed with polish; her sandals sank deep in plush carpet. She glanced behind her and closed her eyes, wincing as she stared at her bloody footprints staining the creamy white. Would they punish her for that?
Rio stopped at a door, opened it, and sent her flying with another harsh shove before he shut her in. She heard a lock click into place.
Hailey took in the masculine space—the maroon leather couches and office chair, a glossy solid oak desk, state of the art office equipment. Her gaze paused on the telephone.
She flicked a glance over her shoulder, moistened her dry lips with a swipe of tongue, and moved forward. She needed to try Jackson again. Her hand shook as she grabbed the receiver and she pressed in his number. The line connected
and rang. Her breath streamed in and rushed out.
“Hello.”
“Austin?” Her voice broke at the sound of his.
“Hailey, thank God.”
“I—I need help,” she struggled to talk through the tears strangling her throat.
“I know. Where are—“
The lock on the door turned. Hailey dropped the handset back with a clatter as she hurried away from the desk, leaving a trail of blood as she went. It was too late to do anything about—Donte had stepped inside.
She wiped her cheeks, drying her tears, and took a deep breath, trying to keep herself from sobbing. Hearing Austin’s voice undid what little grip she had on her composure.
“Hailey. You’re back, I see.” He gave her a guarded smile.
“Yes.” She closed her eyes, trying desperately to push Austin from her mind. He knew she was in trouble. She needed to do her part and survive long enough for him to come get her. “Yes, I’m back. I’m not sure why.”
“Desi said you used your phone after he asked you not to.”
She nodded. It was better to give him the truth or most of it. “I was checking my flight information.”
He moved further into the room. “But he asked you to put your phone away. You could have waited until you reached shore.”
She nodded again. “I know, but I’m so eager to go home.” She shuddered out a breath on the verge of tears. God, she wanted to go home.
Donte walked forward, stopped in front of her. “You are very upset.”
Give him the truth, she reminded herself. “I am.” A tear escaped. Before she could wipe it away, Donte caught it on his thumb.
“You are too beautiful to be upset.”
“Rio’s crazy,” she blurted out. “He was going to feed me to the sharks.”
Donte stared until she struggled not to squirm. “Come sit down. Let’s clean you up.” He held her elbow, leading her to one of the plush leather chairs facing his desk.
