“Don’t forget the money,” Holly said. She was at the sixth, and last, bolt. “That’s why you sold it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a nest egg.”
Unless you kill to get it. Or sell out your country. She didn’t say the words. There was a fine line between keeping the woman with the gun occupied and pissing her off.
“I’m here,” Kane said in her ear. “Can you get her attention so I can break in?”
“Of course,” she replied.
“What?” Tammi Lynn said.
“It’s done,” Holly said. Opening the safe. Tammi Lynn’s eyes turned to the movement, and Holly flicked the laser back on and pointed it at her captor’s foot.
Chapter Seventeen
Kane stood outside the door, listening, waiting for a signal or a word that he could break the door down without getting Holly killed. On the other side, a woman screamed, but it wasn’t in the heat of anger. It was a shriek of pain.
Holly. Kane kicked in the door and rushed inside, weapon raised. He stopped mid-step. Tammi Lynn was on the ground, clutching her foot. A gun was on the ground next to her. Holly stood over her, laser in hand.
“You wanted a distraction,” she said, voice shaking.
He crossed the space, kicking Tammi Lynn’s gun under the couch as he went, then wrapped his arms around a shivering Holly. “It’s okay. You did great.”
Her skin felt cool to the touch. Her breathing was fast and shallow. She was going into shock.
“She cut off my toes,’ Tammi Lynn howled.
“I’ve never hurt anyone before,” Holly whispered. “Not like that.”
“You did what you had to,” he said. He should never have let Tempe put her into this situation. She was a thief, not a field agent. Escorting her to a nearby chair, he sat her down and pushed her head between her knees.
“Check on her,” Holly said, her voice muffled. “I don’t want her to lose her foot.”
The Southern belle wasn’t going to lose anything but her freedom when he turned her over to the police for murder, but for Holly, he’d do as asked. He kissed her hair. “I’ll be right back.”
Kneeling in front of Tammi Lynn, he held out his hand, palm up “Let’s see it.”
She whimpered as she moved her hands, then screamed when he touched the seared flesh.
It was more of a hole than an actual cut. She’d need stitches when this was over, but she’d survive. “You’ll be fine,” he said. “You’re toes are intact. All of them.”
She screamed again when he let her limb drop to the floor. “You need to shut up,” he said. “Or someone is going to call security.”
Her blue eyes filled with tears. “Let them come.”
“Do you want to explain the dead guy on the floor? You’re the one with gun powder on her hands and fingerprints on the weapon, not me. It sure as hell isn’t Holly.”
She snapped her mouth closed. “Fine. What are you going to do?”
Finish the job, and get Holly out of here before either the cops or hotel security arrived. “We’re getting what we came for and we’re leaving.”
He checked the safe. It was empty except for a small velvet box. Inside was a diamond solitaire more appropriate for an engagement ring than subterfuge. “This the chip?” he asked, holding it out for Tammi Lynn to see.
“Yes,” she said with a sigh of exasperation. “That’s it.”
He pocketed the stone but quashed the sense of satisfaction that came with acquiring their target. They were still in enemy territory, and all it took was one wrong move for this entire situation to go south.
With one eye on Tammi Lynn and the other on Holly, he called Tempe. She picked up on the first ring. “It’s done,” he said.
“We have Mira,” Tempe responded. “Get out and back to the office before they return.” In the background, a woman sobbed.
Mira.
“Can you shut her up?” Tempe said, talking to someone else.
The V.P. sounded pissed. He couldn’t blame her. Mira wasn’t their normal client. Generally, their rescue victims were just that—victims. People taken for their knowledge, their bank account, or revenge. There were a myriad of reasons.
Mira was none of those things. She was a blackmailer, and Tempe did not like having to put her neck out for someone who basically deserved to be kidnapped by the mob. Almost. “How much time do we have?” he asked.
“Traffic sucks, so a while. But that doesn’t mean you should hang out. Why?”
“We ran into a snag,” he said, glaring at Tammi Lynn.
“What kind of snag?” Tempe asked.
“The dead body kind.”
Holly rose at the sentence. The color was back in her cheeks, and she didn’t look like she was going to pass out or puke.
“Do not tell me you shot someone,” Tempe said.
“Of course not. It was Tammi Lynn.”
“Tammi Lynn?” In the background, Mira shrieked, screaming obscenities about Tammi Lynn. Kane caught “whore,” “home-wrecker,” and even “strumpet.” He held the phone away from his ear until the screaming stopped.
“What’s the plan?” Tempe said when it grew quiet again.
He handed Holly the laser. “Watch her,” and headed to the side room. He didn’t need Tammi Lynn to hear what he was going to say. “The plan is to tie up Tammi Lynn, along with a note and the gun. Call the cops.”
Tempe laughed. “Sounds like something out of a superhero movie.”
Kane smiled. “Or Tarantino.”
“If it were Tarantino, you’d take her head off.”
“Holly shot a hole through her foot with the laser. Does that count?”
“I can’t wait to hear the rest.” Tempe didn’t laugh again, but he knew she was smiling. “Do what you have to and get out. Now.”
“On it boss, and—“
“What happened to Marco?” A woman’s voice in the living area cut through his conversation. Kane flattened against the wall. Someone was here. Someone unexpected. “Tempe, we have a situation. I’ll call back.”
He hung up the phone and slid it into his pocket, retrieving his weapon at the same time. It seemed the mobsters that were supposed to be in the other two rooms had returned. As much as he wanted to rush in and be the hero, he knew it was wiser to hang back and wait.
Holly was safe. For now.
Still, his finger twitched on the trigger, eager to take out the enemy. He held back, promising himself that he wasn’t going to let Holly die. He’d seen someone die for him before and he’d be damned if it were going to happen again.
…
“Elizabeth?” Holly tried not to stare at the woman walking toward her, gun in her hand. She knew the girl’s father was capable of murder, and her brother had been certifiable, but Elizabeth?
She’d seemed so normal. Still did. The same sweet girl Holly had met in South Carolina.
Except for the weapon.
“Hi, Holly. I wish I could say I was sorry about this, but you kind of brought this on yourself,” the younger girl replied, her hand steady. Much like the dead man, she wore a suit, only hers sported a skirt instead of slacks.
“You can’t be serious?” This was her fault?
“I am, and now it seems that Marco is dead.” She shook her head at the body on the floor, but seemed more annoyed than heartbroken. She tightened her finger on the trigger. “Daddy is going to be upset. Marco is a first cousin. Aunt Athena is going to be beside herself.”
Holly swallowed down her rising fear and the self-recrimination at not seeing the true Elizabeth beneath the facade. There was no time for either. She wasn’t going to let anyone else get hurt. Not even Tammi Lynn, though she knew the woman didn’t deserve mercy.
That didn’t mean Holly wouldn’t try to help her. Right now, she needed to distract Elizabeth. To stall and stay alive, and keep Tammi Lynn breathing until Kane could make a move.
She hoped it didn’t come down to them or the girl with the gun. She’
d seen enough of death and blood in the last ten minutes to last a lifetime. She knew Kane wouldn’t kill unless he was forced. He’d had enough of killing.
She focused her attention on Elizabeth. “He was like that when we arrived,” Holly said, rising. Hands in the air, she circled around to try and put the girl’s back to the door Kane had walked through.
“What are you doing?” She cocked her gun.
Holly’s heart thumped hard in her chest. “Just getting my phone.”
Elizabeth wasn’t listening anymore. She’d seen the safe. She refocused the gun on Tammi Lynn. “Talk.”
Tammi Lynn’s eyes darted from the barrel of the weapon to Holly. “She did it. She broke in and killed him. I was trying to stop her. I sold Lucien the chip. Why would I take it?” she lied.
“Where’s the chip?” Elizabeth insisted, glancing into the now-empty safe.
“Gone,” Holly said, glaring at Tammi Lynn and daring her to give Kane’s location away. She hoped to hell the Southern belle was smart enough to know if she did, they were all dead.
Tammi Lynn swallowed hard but didn’t say anything.
Good. She’d grown a brain.
“She doesn’t know,” Holly said. “Kane took it with him. Kill me and you’ll never find it.”
“Then, why are you where?”
“To finish the job.” She nodded at Tammi Lynn. “She was supposed to sell the chip to my employer,” Holly improvised. “He doesn’t like losing.”
Elizabeth gave her a thoughtful look. “Interesting. Who do you work for?”
Holly took another step sideways, then stopped as the gun swung back in her direction. “Just let me get my phone,” she said. “I can call my boss. This is business, that’s all. I’m sure something can be arranged as far as compensating you for your troubles.”
Elizabeth frowned “The only thing you need to arrange is to bring the chip back. If my Dad finds out we lost it, he’ll be furious. He’ll never trust me again. Never.” Her hands shook, but Holly sensed it was more a fear of her father’s wrath than the situation.
Pathetic.
“Of course.” Another step and Elizabeth followed her, turning until her back was to the room where Kane hid.
Finally. “I am sure Kane will be happy to do what he can,” she said.
Behind the mobster, Kane peered out of the doorway and gave a nod of understanding. Slowly, he crept into the room.
Holly dug around in her gear bag, making as much noise as possible and taking her time. “I’m sure it’s here somewhere,” she muttered.
Kane reached the mobster and pressed his gun into her back. “Hi. I’m Kane. Remember me?”
Elizabeth stilled as Kane reached around him and took her weapon. Tucking it into the back of his jeans, he brought the butt-end of his gun down on her head. The young girl hit the ground with a thud.
Holly’s stomach did a slow flip at the sound. “Will she be okay?”
“She’ll feel like hell when he wakes up, but yes, she’ll wake up,” Kane said.
Relief washed over her. No more death. No more blood. “What about her?” If Tammi Lynn were still here when Lucien returned, she’d be killed.
“We’ll let the cops take care of her,” Kane said.
“You can’t,” Tammi Lynn said. “I’ll tell them about you.”
Holly took a deep breath to try and contain the sudden anger bubbling up. What was wrong with that woman? She’d killed a man. Slept with anyone and everyone. An all-around bad person who seemed to think it was her right to do as she pleased and damn the consequences.
And now she had the gall to say she’d try to hurt Holly and those she loved.
Righteous rage won over, and she stalked over to Tammi Lynn, kneeling down so she could talk to her, face to face. “You won’t mention us at all. In fact, if I ever hear my name pass your lips, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’re convicted of treason. I know people. And some of them owe me favors. You think life in prison is bad? Try death for betraying your country.”
Tammi Lynn’s face went pale. “Fine.”
Scared. But not upset.
Because she’s going to get out of this. Holly realized. She had money. A politician husband. She might go to jail, but it would be for manslaughter, and she’d be out in a few years.
The reality tasted like ash in her mouth.
At least when it was done, she’d have done some time, and she wouldn’t have the chip. It was a small consolation, but Holly clung to it.
Kane took her arm and pulled her to her feet. “We have to get out of here. If she’s here, it’s a safe bet others are on their way.”
“You mean like me?” a deep voice answered.
She knew that voice. A shiver raced up her spine.
Enzo.
“Run,” Kane shouted as gun shots filled the air. Her hand still in his, he dragged her into the room she’d entered when she broke in and slammed the door shut.
They wouldn’t have long, not with Enzo willing to shoot.
Putting himself between her and the door, Kane scanned the room. There was an adjoining door to the suite next door. A bathroom.
“What are you doing?”
In the other room, Tammi Lynn begged. Pleaded. Time slowed to a crawl. Holly’s stomach rolled again, this time making the full turn. She swallowed the rising bile.
“Please. Talk to Lucien,” Tammi Lynn sounded panicked. Frightened.
She knows, Holly realized. She knows she’s going to die.
I left her on the floor. Hurt her so she couldn’t run. Couldn’t even try to save herself.
“Please.”
There was the snick of a silencer-equipped gun being fired.
Silence.
Tammi Lynn had paid for her sins.
…
“Oh God,” Kane turned at hearing Holly’s whisper.
Her skin was pale again. Her eyes wide. Empty. It wasn’t shock. Not this time. He knew that look. For months after Danielle’s death, he’d seen it when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.
Guilt.
Her eyes met his. “We have to get out of this hotel. Someone else is going to get killed.”
Someone like Holly, if he didn’t keep it together. “Working on it,” and he kicked in the adjoining door. He’d have preferred to leave a false trail, to buy them even thirty seconds, but no time for finesse. He pushed Holly through and followed. She moved on autopilot as they sprinted to the main door and into the hallway. “Elevator,” he said.
They ran now, pelting down the hallway. Behind them, a door slammed, followed by the sound of running feet.
They’d never make the elevator. Kane headed toward the exit sign. “Here.” He pulled her into the stairwell and down the stairs, taking two at time. His pulse beat hard, and the only sound he heard was Holly’s labored breath.
The sound of Enzo’s footsteps as he drew closer.
Kane needed to lose their pursuer. “Out.” The twentieth floor. He held the door, making sure it didn’t slam.
They ran down another hallway. “What are you doing? Aren’t we supposed to go to the first floor?” Holly asked.
“He was too far back. He won’t know which floor we’re on. It’ll buy us some time when he has to check.” Unless he’s smart and goes to the lobby. Not that he planned to mention that to Holly. She was already in shock.
It pained him to see the remorse in her beautiful face. All he wanted to do was hold her and tell her that it wasn’t her fault until she believed it.
Comfort would have to wait. Right now, his priority was keeping her alive.
They reached the elevators.
Kane pushed the down button. A few second later, the elevator arrived. A man. Woman. A little boy. The woman wore a robe while the man and boy wore T-shirts, board shorts, and had towels draped over their shoulders.
The little boy’s eyes widened as they approached. He realized Holly was wearing her unitard.
He tighte
ned his hold on her hand as the little boy gawked, until his mother pulled him close, as if Holly might hurt him.
He wondered what the kid thought. No doubt the mother saw the black spandex, harness, and leather gloves and thought Holly was a hooker, dominatrix, or both.
So what did that make him? Her client?
The elevator stopped at the pool level. He placed his hand on the gun in his pocket and held his breath. Would Enzo be waiting for them? Would the little family be caught in the line of fire?
No Enzo. No anyone. The family left and the elevator continued downward. There was no relief, though. There would be no relaxing until Holly was safe and Enzo was either dead or behind bars.
They entered the crowded lobby and he scanned faces. Enzo could be anywhere, in this crowd, and difficult to find.
“Where to?” Holly asked.
The one place they’d be safe. “Back to the office per orders. We can’t take the chance that Enzo could catch us and get the chip.”
“We can’t. He’ll get away.” He thought she might cry.
He didn’t like the idea of letting Enzo escape any more than she did, but he wasn’t risking her life. And he wasn’t going to get into a gunfight in a crowd.
Behind them, a man swore at someone.
The hair on Kane’s neck rose even as he turned to confirm what he already knew. Only twenty feet away, Enzo shoved his way through the crowd.
Kane pulled Holly behind a pillar and held her close.
“If we go to the office, he’s going to kill someone,” Holly whispered. “We need to get him away from anyone and everyone. We need to stop him. Tonight.”
Kane’s mouth pressed tight. “I’m not putting you at risk.”
“Please.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her head to his chest. He sympathized with the desperation in her touch. The need to fix the situation. The overwhelming guilt.
As much as he wanted to keep her safe, he knew deep down that stopping Enzo was the only way to help her.
Or at least a good first step.
Tempe was going to be pissed.
He kissed her, quick and hard. “Okay. You win, but for once, you do what I say.”
“I promise.”
Enzo walked past them, and Kane slid to the far side of the pillar, taking Holly with him. Counting to three, he peered around the edge. Their stalker went outside, turned left. He counted to three again. Then followed, keeping twenty paces behind their quarry.
Undercover With the Enemy Page 20
