by Regan Black
Gideon secured his unconscious boss with both electronic cuffs and old-school plastic ties. Then he phoned Brian to ask for transportation and a safe, private location to depose his commander.
While he waited he loaded his personal, fully lethal .357 semi-automatic pistol. Then he used his scanner to check for any transmission frequencies. Finding one imbedded behind the bar code in the Commandant's badge and another surgically implanted in the man's lower jaw, he applied an electron burst, disabling both. Removing them, he recorded the details of each one.
Making a mental note to review the Commandant's medical file at the earliest opportunity, Gideon answered the door to Officer Loomis.
The burly man grunted a greeting, took stock of the situation then popped open a standard issue, collapsible gurney from the evidence van. After getting the Commandant on board, Gideon donned an official evidence crew jacket to complete the façade.
When the loaded gurney was secured in the van, Gideon ran back up to the suite to collect his remaining gear before joining Loomis in the van's front seat.
Loomis headed away from the Ritz, deeper into the center of the city. He pulled into an alley and stopped next to a ragged looking antique shop. Opening the back doors, Loomis and Gideon unloaded the Commandant.
If the locals thought this strange behavior for a police evidence van, they weren't hanging around long enough to be seen or to ask questions. Loomis pressed his palm to a panel by the only door on the alley. It swung open and they pushed the Commandant inside, then stared at a narrow, steep staircase.
"Great," Gideon grumbled.
"Chief says just one flight up," Loomis said, but he didn't sound any more pleased about it than Gideon. Wrestling the gurney up, around the tight landing, and up again to the second floor winded them both.
"Next time you incapacitate someone, how 'bout a skinny someone."
"Sure thing," Gideon said on a breathless laugh. When they were inside, the door clicked shut behind them. "Where are we?"
"Cleveland's place."
"Jaden's friend?"
"The same. He's a little shady but the Chief and Michaels trust him." He gave a hefty shrug. "Chief says it's a clean room so make yourself at home."
"Got it."
"I'll get your gear." Loomis slid the Commandant's body onto a couch, then folded the gurney and left without another word.
Gideon pulled the reviving syringe from his boot pocket and injected the Commandant before looking around the place. A modest kitchen had all the necessities, including a few staples like coffee. He hoped it was Micky's brand because the Commandant would need it.
The Commandant was coming around, eyes fluttering and mouth mumbling. Once more Gideon prayed his boss didn't know he'd been used. If the Commandant was willfully on Kristoff's side, this would get messy. Fast.
Gideon left him tied as he went to collect his remaining gear from Loomis. After dismissing the elder detective, he set up his computer and opened his research file. He put his report into coherent order while his boss slowly woke up. The Commandant always appreciated order.
"Where the hell am I?"
"Cleveland." It seemed as sufficient an answer as anything else he could provide. "Relax. You're safe here."
"My head's killing me. What happened?"
Gideon didn't turn from the computer. "I knocked you out."
"Why?" The calm and quiet superiority should've scared Gideon.
"In my opinion it was necessary. To protect you, the mission, and the unnamed agency you run."
"Really?"
Now Gideon turned. "Really. Here are holographs of the two tracking devices I removed from your person."
"What," the Commandant roared, surging against his bindings. He quieted immediately. "The damn room's spinning. Explain yourself, Callahan."
If it was an act, it was convincing. The Commandant wasn't known for uncontrolled outbursts. Gideon rubbed at his neck and shared his theory.
Brian returned from his quick meet with Cleveland to watch Jaden sleeping in the guest room they continued to share at Micky's place. The room was no longer bugged and it boasted every amenity so it fit their needs for the moment. Although if it became general knowledge that the chief of police was boarding at Slick Micky's place, he'd quickly be out of a job.
For now though, he was more concerned with the love of his life–several lives if the truth were known or accepted. She slept, but he wasn't convinced it was in her best interest.
"Brian," she cried, struggling her way out of the bed. "Lorine's in trouble."
"Calm down," he soothed. "Slow down. What are you talking about?"
"Get someone tailing Lorine. ASAP."
"I wish I could, but I don't know where she is. She insisted on taking care of herself."
"She's up against the monster that gutted the chef at the Ritz." Jaden tried to breathe to slow down and give Brian the details in the order he needed. "Petra is sleeping. On the el, I think. Doesn't matter. She's trying to tell you where the killer is so you and Kincaid can pick him up."
Brian immediately summoned the station on his cell card. "Where did you–she–last see them?"
"In a pizza joint near the University."
"That hardly narrows it down, Jaden."
She closed her eyes tight, her brow creased. "South Miller. That's the best I can do."
He stroked her hair and relayed the information.
"He's only watching right now, but he'll strike soon," she added in a whisper. "He's Kristoff's man and Larry's assassin."
Brian left orders to keep him informed, then ended the call. "That still doesn't add up. Why would Kristoff have Larry killed?"
Jaden sighed. "Larry was my ally against Albertson's machinations. Larry must've been a barter or negotiation of some kind. Petra knows the whole story from the killer's point of view. Ask her."
"Sure thing, if we can find her."
"When we find her. Are Cleveland and the kids checking the el?"
"Everyone's on it, following your orders to the letter, dear," he teased.
She shoved at him, but he gathered her close and gave comfort instead. "I hate it when you're nice," she groused.
"Nah. It makes you love me all the more."
She tipped her head up and kissed him soundly, and let him brush a tear from her cheek. "I just keep going softer," she lamented, snuggling closer still.
"You've found your sister. She's an empath. Blame your emotions on her."
"I like it." Jaden perked up. "Better yet, I'll just dump them on her. You know, I really like her, Brian."
"I know."
"We can't let Kristoff lure her away."
"She's stronger than that."
"I don't know. I get the feeling she's a mess inside."
"You figured it out and handled it. This is her struggle to master. You can't doubt her, she's your sister. Gotta keep up the family spirit and all that."
"I don't doubt. Not really," Jaden insisted. "I just wonder what's out there. Why she's found me in this time and place. It must mean something."
"I agree." The possibilities terrified him. "When we find her, we'll all figure it out together."
"Okay." She sighed, sinking into his embrace. "Okay."
"It's her! Cleveland, over here!"
The voice brought Petra awake and wondering who had put her on a train to Cleveland. She opened her eyes to the bright blue gaze of youth. "Hello?"
"Hi," came the soft reply of a young girl. "I'm Katie. You're Petra, right?"
She nodded, watching a man and a younger boy rush up behind the girl. "How did you find me?"
"We've been combing the trains for you," the man responded with a smile full of kindness.
She couldn't sense the slightest connection to Kristoff here and her relief was palpable. Until she considered that maybe Kristoff had found her, but not made his move yet. That being a likely scenario, she needed to get these children out of danger.
"I'm Cleveland." He exte
nded his hand to help her.
Relaxing, Petra sat up without his assistance. "Nothing personal. Just–"
"Oh, yeah. Jaden told us not to touch you," Katie said.
The boy interrupted, cell card in hand and earpiece in place. "We're supposed to call as soon as we find you." He relayed the information and listened a moment.
Petra's gaze went over all three of them. Cleveland appeared humored by the efficiency of the kids. "Quite a crew," she said.
Cleveland nodded, looping an arm around each of them. Petra found it interesting that they didn't shove him off.
The boy spoke up again as he removed the earpiece. "I'm Quinn. Jaden says to take you to the Navy Pier."
She frowned, doubting the wisdom of that. "Why?"
"Lots of people, lots of noise," Cleveland offered. "It's a good idea, really. We'll change trains at the next stop."
Petra didn't see how a crowded pier would help anything, but she needed Jaden so she settled in for the ride, using the time to figure out the best way to stop Kristoff.
Chapter Fourteen
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gideon watched the reactions play across the burned face of the Commandant. This couldn't be an act. The man had helpfully provided access to his health files, enabling them to narrow down the window of opportunity for the implantation of the device in his jaw. Then they quickly whittled down the list of suspected traitors.
"I'm not sure what's worse, the jaw or the badge."
Gideon shook his head and began to untie the Commandant. "It's betrayal any way you play it. Now that we're both off the radar, we regain an element of surprise."
"This has to be the same operative who triggered your self-destruct virus."
"I agree." He'd noted a few modifications for the next sub-dermal pager.
"You've no idea where Petra is?"
"No, sir." His cell card shrilled from his pocket. He answered, irritated, then relieved beyond reason when Jaden filled him in on Petra's location. It was a short-lived reprieve as he listened to her plans. Disconnecting, he turned back to the Commandant.
"Petra's been found, sir. I've been ordered to the Navy Pier to discuss Kristoff's take down. A car is on the way."
The Commandant blinked, crossing his arms and for a moment Gideon thought he'd have to knock him out again to accomplish the greater good.
"Interesting meeting place. I'll join you."
"Sir, I feel obligated to point out I'm not on the clock anymore."
"I can see that in your eyes, boy. Now let's get moving."
Gideon led the way downstairs and out into the alley. Within moments an official police transport vehicle pulled up. The officer behind the wheel confirmed his orders and their destination and squealed out into the steam of traffic.
The pier was a year-round carnival in full swing. The crowds varied from upper class to a class Gideon wished he'd never met. He felt old beside the angst-ridden styles of the teens that swarmed the pier. Jaden was right; their eclectic gathering would go unnoticed and any attempt on their lives would be difficult at best.
They gathered around a small table and made introductions. Petra was seated with Jaden's arm around her shoulders. He stifled his curiosity over the intentional contact and joined Cleveland, the kids, Brian, and the Commandant, to stand around them.
"Where's Kelly?" Petra asked, concern in her eyes.
"She headed back to your office. Said she could do more good from there," Gideon said.
"Can someone call her? I'd rather she was closer."
"We'll call her back," Jaden said, then filled them in on Cleveland's search of the Burkhardt residence.
Gideon watched Petra blanch at the damning news about her father. Then her spine straightened and she held on, showing a new, admirable battle-ready strength. It was her sudden smile that startled him.
"It was you!" She locked gazes with Cleveland. "I've worried that Kristoff managed that break in. Dad discovered the breach when he was trying to explain the whole convoluted mess to me."
Her quick recap of Kristoff's manipulations made his stomach clench. As soon as she finished, he brought the group up to speed on the mole in the Commandant's office. The news sent Petra reeling.
"Nathan's on assignment?" she cried.
Gideon was grateful for the noisy, oblivious crowd swirling around them. Almost as grateful as he was to the Commandant for taking over this part of the impromptu briefing.
"Yes. He volunteered. We planted his DNA at the lab where the scientist was murdered."
"But who used Nathan's retina? Why set up my brother?"
Her struggle to make it all add up had him wishing he could make it easy on her, but he suspected there were more heartaches ahead. If the mole was deep enough to tag the Commandant and steal Nate's retina, that put their entire operating force in grave danger.
"Your brother's the best man for the job," the Commandant soothed.
"Let me help." Petra leaned toward him, clearly ready to beg if necessary. "I have the–"
"Petra," Jaden butted in, "first things first. Once Kristoff's gone, your brother's free, too."
"To that end, we've just taken Simon into custody," Brian announced, still checking the text on his official cell card.
Petra perked up. "Have you notified Kincaid?"
Brian smiled at her. "I'm told he's headed to the station as we speak."
"He didn't hurt Lorine or her son?"
"Not a scratch on either of them. He's trying to claim his rights are being violated, but we all know better."
"Can you tell Kincaid that Simon shared plenty of details while Kristoff had us linked?" She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly while Brian sent the message. "I know, I know. Let's get back to Kristoff."
Gideon's heart stalled in his chest. Taking out Kristoff was a no-win assignment. One she shouldn't try to handle. "Let us take him out with the military."
"No. There's more to whatever he's planning. He's convinced I can help him reach his goals. He mentioned how my skills can get him past security and tap into ancient wisdoms. We need to know what he's after. Once inside, I'll find a way to get the information about his organization out."
Gideon stiffened. If she was intent on being a sacrifice, there would be another plan. "What do you mean, 'find a way'?"
She gazed up at him, those huge eyes searching his. "He wants me to fly for a specific purpose. I've told you, he thinks I'll join him for the excitement and attention even though I've already tried to deny the connection."
"He doesn't know you too well, does he?" Gideon snapped.
"No. That's to my advantage. The element of surprise, right?"
She had him there, dammit. He could hardly argue with himself.
"I'll go back. I'll corner him during the flight and signal you when I have him trapped."
Hows and whys erupted from everyone around the table.
Petra held up a hand. "You just have to trust me. I know we can't afford to fail. I'm strong enough to do this."
Jaden met the gaze of each person present. Nodding, she gave Petra's shoulders a squeeze. "Okay. We'll be right there with you. Tell us what you need, and the where and when."
To Gideon's surprise, Petra didn't mention music or Kelly or anything else.
"I'm set. We can go now. I'll lead the way."
"No." The word was out before he could stop it. All eyes turned to him. "Not now. She needs rest." His gaze locked with Petra's. "Tell them when and where you want to meet them tomorrow."
For a moment he thought she'd force the issue and he readied for battle. He knew he wasn't the only one who'd noticed her pale, tired complexion and the bruises of exhaustion under her eyes. He wasn't the only one here who cared for her, but he was determined to make her care
for herself before she tackled Kristoff.
Her subtle acceptance contrasted with his bold maneuvering, but it made him smile. She lifted her chin to make her announcement. "We'll meet at nine o'clock tomorrow morning at the fountain in Jackson Park. It's only a few blocks from Kristoff's building. From there we can decide who's going in. Kelly can provide an emergency protocol if I have trouble during the flight."
Gideon caught the glance exchanged by the Commandant and Brian, but the Commandant's words surprised him. "My team will assess any potential threats in the area."
"I'll check for any tunnels and stuff like that," Quinn offered.
"How?" Katie asked, but was silenced by a look from Cleveland.
"Oh, please keep the kids away. So close to the heart of his operation, he'll know every move you make," Petra protested.
"He won't care unless it involves you," Jaden said.
"You don't understand," she insisted. "The building could be filled with his private army."
"Then we'll know where to find them," Brian said. "Let us worry about the details, Petra." He nudged Jaden back and Gideon helped Petra from the chair. "You just go get some rest."
Gideon wrapped his arm around her waist and led her from the table, her continued protests lost in the noise of the crowd.
"They don't know what they're getting into," she muttered.
"Does Kristoff know they're coming?" he asked pointedly.
She jerked her head up and her gaze locked with his. "No. Jaden's strength helped me keep him contained. I heard the bell once, but only faintly. His link wasn't strong."
"And now? Or tomorrow?"
"I can keep him contained for now. Tomorrow, I'll be the obedient child he expects."
Gideon stopped under the colorful lights of a giant Ferris wheel. The colors played across her face like light dancing in a prism. It reminded him of the many facets he'd discovered in her. He couldn't let her go to Kristoff tomorrow without knowing how she'd changed him.
"I need to thank you, Petra."
She gave him a perplexed look. "For what?"
"For…" Frustrated, he looked skyward and tried again. "For just being you." He met her intense gaze. "You've restored my belief and given me a peace I thought was lost forever."
