Black as Night_Black Star Security

by Cynthia Rayne

  “Like I said, they know how to cover their tracks,” Storm said, spitting the words out through a clenched jaw. “Their signal is bouncing all over the world. It could take weeks to track this down, and I’m trying to do it in hours.”

  He’d never felt so helpless. Not since his grandad had died.

  Normally, Nox went after the bad guys. He shot them down and moved on to the next one. Like dominoes, they all fell. Standing here and waiting was driving him over the edge.

  “Can I do anythin’ to help?”

  “You can shut up. Or better yet, you could leave.” Storm stood to face him. “I know you’re upset and more than anything you wanna be Maeve’s knight in shining whatever, but you’re starting to piss me off.”

  “Is that a challenge?” Nox wouldn’t mind some violence. He might feel better if he hit something.

  “Yeah, if you don’t get out of here, I’m going to punch you in the face.” Storm took a step closer.

  Nox spread his arms. “Think you can take me?”

  “Enough.”

  Nox whirled to see Mack standing in the doorway, with her hands on her hips. A glower marred her pretty face.

  “This don’t concern you,” Nox growled.

  “Yeah? Well, I’m concerned anyway. Tensions are riding high, and we’re all on edge. You two idiots need to take a step back. Nox, go upstairs and see Maeve. Let Storm get to work.”

  “Who died and made you Chief?” Storm asked. “Nox is begging for an ass-kicking and for once, I’m in the mood to oblige him.”

  “Go now, or I’ll kick the shit out of both you.”

  They both snorted in disbelief.

  Mack took a step closer, fist raised. “Look at me. Am I bluffing?”

  Nox rolled his eyes. “I don’t hit girls.”

  Mack cocked her head to one side. “Yeah? While I hit guys.”

  Nox mulled it over and decided against causing a scene. He didn’t want to disturb Maeve.

  “Fine. Whatever.” Storm sat down again and started typing.

  “Once you find them, come get me. We’re gonna end this tonight,” Nox said.

  Storm nodded in reply.

  “Go upstairs, Nox. She needs you,” Mack whispered as he paused in the doorway.

  And I need her too.

  Even though it scared him to death. Maybe it was time to open up to Maeve? Tell her how he felt.

  Somehow, he’d rather be facing down a terrorist.

  It would be a hell of a lot easier.

  ***

  The full moon rode high in the sky.

  It reminded Maeve of a pearl, pale and perfect. She sat on Nox’s bed looking out the window.

  Maeve realized she was probably in shock because she couldn’t feel anything. She was just blank, as though her chest had been scooped out. Maeve felt empty. Hollow.

  There was a knock on the door.

  “Who is it?”

  “Nox.”

  “Come in.” She turned to look at him but said nothing.

  He cleared his throat. “How are you feeling?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Maeve stared up at the moon again. She wished she was dreaming, and this was all some horrible nightmare. Maeve wanted to wake up and find Amy sleeping down the hall from her.

  Nox sat beside her, and the bed dipped. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Do you want something to eat?”

  “No.” If she tried to force anything down, Maeve would just throw it back up.

  “You’re blamin’ yourself, aren’t you?”

  He made it sound as though she didn’t have a hand in this.

  “There’s no one else to blame, Nox. This is my fault.”

  “I think you’re wrong.”

  “Agree to disagree.” No one could absolve her.

  Nox stood and leaned against the wall, beside the window, forcing her to look at him. “I used to spend a lot of time studyin’ the moon. I mentioned it before, didn’t I?”

  Maeve nodded. He’d said something about it when they were by the campfire.

  “Snipers are put into position at night, for obvious reasons. I’d spend hours watching my target sleep, with only the moon overhead watching me. It’s seen all my transgressions, knows about all the blood on my hands.” Nox flipped them over, to study his palms. “I’ve done terrible things, Maeve. I’ve killed hundreds of people.”

  “Enemies of the state. Terrorists.”

  “Yeah, but they were still people, who had families. They had children and wives. I’ve made my peace with it, but it wasn’t easy at first.”

  “And I failed to protect my own flesh and blood” Maeve refused to let herself off the hook.

  Nox tried another tactic. “Did you know my nickname ain’t got a thing to do with my surname?”

  Maeve hadn’t thought about it. She shook her head.

  “My commanding officer started calling me Nox.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of my kill rate. It was higher than anyone else in my unit. Nox is a female Roman deity, a child of Chaos, and the personification of night. She gave birth to several children, including Pain and Death.”

  “Oh.” Maeve didn’t know what else to say. Nox had been kind and gentle with her. She hadn’t seen his other side. It was hard to imagine him as some sort of assassin.

  “Because of the things I had to do, and the way I was raised, I shut down emotionally. I didn’t want to love anyone, because losing them hurt. When my granddad died, I grieved the loss for so long, and then when my parents tossed me away…” He cleared his throat. “I learned to not let anyone get too close, and to not give a damn about anyone else, but myself.”

  Maeve could relate. “In my own way, I’ve been doing the same thing.” She closed her eyes.. “I don’t want to live this way anymore. I need to make some changes.”

  “Me too. After we save your sister tomorrow—”

  “If.”

  “When we save her, there’s something we need to discuss.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t worry about it tonight.”

  Maeve knew what this was about, but she had too much on her mind already. She really didn’t know what to think or feel about their relationship right now.

  And yeah, it’s a relationship. No point in pretending otherwise.

  “Okay.” He sighed. “Storm is trackin’ down Amy. We’ve got one last shot to get her back.”

  “What can you possibly do?” They didn’t even know where Amy was being held, for pity’s sake

  “Storm is breaking through their security, and we’ll locate the pricks. Once we do, we’ll extract her.”

  “Do you think it will work?” It seemed like a long shot.

  “Apparently, the SEALs and Storm have done this hundreds of times. He’d identify a target, and the SEALs would do a snatch and grab.”

  “What about the rest of the women?”

  “We’ll get them, too. It didn’t feel right, leavin’ them to their fates.”

  “No, it didn’t.” It made her feel somewhat better. Watching their terror had been heartbreaking. “When are we doing this?”

  “We’re doing it. Not you. You’re a civilian with no combat training.”

  “But—”

  “Don’t even argue with me. I won’t risk anythin’ happenin’ to you. End of story.” He walked over and placed a fingertip to her mouth, silencing her protests. “Storm’s workin’ the problem. And I say we get a couple hours of shut-eye while we can. Alright?”

  “Okay.” Maeve didn’t have the energy to argue.

  They laid down together, but Maeve couldn’t sleep. Instead, she stared up at the ceiling. She reached for his hand and Nox clutched it, placing her palm over his heart.

  Maeve closed her eyes, sighing, and the coiled tension slowly left her body. His touch was magic, stirring her in places no one had ever reached.

  “Will you promise me something?” she asked.

  “What?”
<
br />   “No matter what happens tomorrow, you’ll do your damnedest to get Amy out of there.”

  “Maeve…”

  “Please. I need her, Nox.”

  “Then I’ll make you a promise. I’ll protect her life with my own.”

  “Thank you. I know I don’t have any right to ask.”

  “Of course, you do.” Nox rolled over to face her. “You could ask anythin’ of me, and I’d do it.”

  Maeve didn’t know what to say, so she kissed him.

  There was nothing left to do but wait.

  And pray.

  ***

  “Can’t sleep either, huh?”

  Maeve glanced up to see Savvy walking into the kitchen. Savvy had come by last night after she’d spent the day recording in her studio.

  The team had taken off a half an hour ago. By some miracle, Storm had tracked down the location. Amy’s fate would be decided once and for all tonight.

  “No, I’m waiting for news on my sister.” She kept glancing at her phone, waiting to hear something.

  Maeve had never been more scared. Once again, she was plagued by horrific images. What if they got their too late? And Amy had been taken to a new location by some freak who wanted to do God only knows what with her? What if the raid went wrong? And Amy was hurt in the crossfire?

  “Don’t worry. They’re gonna get your sister.”

  She blinked.

  “King didn’t give me all the details, but I know the basics.” Savvy squeezed her shoulder. “I have a lot of faith in these guys. They came through for me, and they’ll bring your sister home, too. Trust them.”

  “I hope so.” Although, her stomach was tied into knots.

  “You know what?”

  “Hmm?”

  “We need a drink.” Savvy crossed to the cupboard and pulled out a half-empty bottle of Kent bourbon, along with two glasses. She poured them each a shot and then clinked her glass to Maeve’s. “To your sister.”

  “To Amy.” Maeve took a grateful sip. The alcohol burned like fire, sliding down her throat.

  Savvy sat across from her, watching Maeve carefully. .

  “Did Nox ask you to check on me?”

  “Maybe.”

  She chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes. And thank you for caring.”

  “No problem. Nox is really concerned about you.”

  “I know.”

  “So, are you two gonna do somethin’ about it? Or pussyfoot around your feelings?”

  “I think it’s that last one. At least until thing’s settle down. ” Maeve cleared her throat. “So, how’s the record coming?” She was desperate to take her mind off the situation.

  “Fantastic. Since I got rid of my record label, I’m makin’ the music I want to hear.”

  “It must feel great, having so much artistic freedom.” Right now, she’d loved to get rid of the board members and run the company by herself.

  “Amen.” She grinned. “There’s only one downside.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’m tryin’ to pull together a tour, but none of the big-name sponsors will touch me, because they have contracts with my old label.”

  “And they don’t want the hassle.” Maeve nodded. “Corporations don’t like offending people. It’s bad for the bottom line. You need to find a sponsor who doesn’t…”

  Maeve trailed off as an idea just hit her over the head with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

  Oh my God, I’m an idiot. Why didn’t I think of it before?

  “Savvy, you love Kent Bourbon, right?”

  “Yeah.” She lifted her glass. “It’s damn good stuff.”

  “And you need a tour sponsor.”

  “Yup.”

  “Am I crazy? Or is this a match made in heaven?”

  Her eyes widened. “Holy shit. Are you serious?”

  “Yeah, our brands couldn’t be a better match, and I’ve got the market research to prove it.” Country music was hugely popular with her customers, and Savvy would make a fantastic spokesperson. “I think it would help both of us out. I need something fresh and new to take to the board, and you need a brand to back your tour. Win-win.”

  “Then let’s do it.”

  “Seriously?” Could the solution be so easy?

  “Hell yeah.”

  “Fantastic. I’ll pitch the idea to the board, and we’ll draw up some contracts. I’m spit-balling here, but we could sponsor the tour, and then you’d do a few television spots for us. Are we on the same wavelength?”

  “I like it, and will you feature my music on the commercials?”

  “Sounds perfect.” Maeve held out her hand, and Savvy shook it.

  Well, one problem solved.

  Now, she just had one huge one to go.

  Chapter 13

  “Everyone in place?” West asked, over the comms.

  “We’re a go Chief. We’re just waitin’ on your word.” Nox was anxious to finish this.

  The kidnappers were holed up in a rusty old warehouse in what used to be a nice neighborhood. Now it was rundown, with bars on the windows. Gang graffiti marred most of the buildings.

  In the distance, a train whistled.

  They’d covered both the back and front exits, crouching behind a dilapidated metal fence which used to surround the property. Now, it was rusty, marked up, and easy to kick down. When the time came, they’d plow right through it.

  Unfortunately, the warehouse didn’t have any windows. Under normal circumstances, Nox could shoot them out, giving them easy access to breach the building.

  His instinct was to come at this situation, hard and fast. He could take a run at the door, toss some flashbangs inside, blind everyone, and then they’d separate the women from the slavers. But they’d have to take things slower, to make sure no one got hurt.

  “I jammed their cell and internet service,” Storm said. “Nobody’s calling in or out of there.”

  “Alright. Listen up. Our first priority is to save the women. The second is to apprehend the kidnappers,” West said. “So, we’ve gotta keep this tight. Nobody’s gotta green light unless I say so.”

  There was a chorus of “copy that’s” in response.

  The Black Star team was dressed in fatigues with bulletproof vests. They’d also brought plenty of ammo with them. Goons like these were always armed to the teeth.

  “I’ve assessed the threat matrix. If we blow this, they’ll run,” Storm said. “And before they head out, they’ll slit the girls’ throats, so they can’t talk to the cops.”

  Nox gritted his teeth.

  Getting Amy to safety was his first priority. He wanted to save the other women, but he wouldn’t let Maeve down. Ever.

  They all crouched in position and waited.

  Eventually, a dark limo pulled up outside the building. It was sleek, and the engine practically purred as it drifted by. It looked way out of place in such a rundown neighborhood.

  “Here’s the target,” Storm announced. “He’s Amy’s buyer.”

  Sure enough, Amy emerged from the building, and she had duct tape over her mouth. A masked thug had her by the arm, and her wrists were tied together, although they’d unchained her ankles, so she could walk.

  Another man climbed out of the limo. He wore an expensive suit, and his hair was white as snow, though Nox couldn’t make out any other discerning features.

  Amy stumbled as the prick holding onto her pushed her forward. Evidently, she hadn’t been walking fast enough to suit him.

  “Wait for it,” West said.

  Nox tensed.

  She fell into the buyer’s arms. The pervert checked her over like a horse. He patted her down, feeling her breasts, inspecting her ass. Nox was surprised he didn’t open her mouth to examine her teeth.

  He nodded to the thug, clearly satisfied with his purchase, and started dragging her to the limo.

  “Now!” West said.

  Things happened rapidly.

  Nox shot out the limo’s tires. King and
Mack threw tear gas grenades in through the open doors of the building. Wearing gas masks, the rest of the team charged inside the warehouse.

  And Nox went after Amy’s buyer.

  The old man used her as a human shield, stepping behind Amy’s slender body. He was much larger, but the prick managed to protect his head and heart, the two areas Nox had been trained to hit.

  “Let her go,” Nox ordered.

  From inside the building, Nox heard the sound of gunfire and screams, but he blocked it out. He knew West and the rest of the crew could handle this.

  “If I do, will you let me leave?”

  “No, I’m gonna hog-tie you and hand you over to the police.”

  The coward backed up a couple of feet, dragging Amy with him. “Look, maybe we can make a deal. I have a lot of money and—”

  “I don’t give a shit. You can’t buy your way out of this problem.”

  Nox kept his weapon pointed at the prick. West wanted to hand them over to the cops, but Nox didn’t give a damn. A body bag suited Nox just fine.

  He focused on Maeve’s sister “Amy? Are you okay?” She looked a lot like Maeve, only younger and a bit shorter.

  “Yes.” She took in a shuddering breath. “Who are you?”

  All things considered, they hadn’t harmed her much. Although Nox thought she could use a shower, a hot meal, and a lot of rack time Maybe a year with a therapist.

  “I’m Nox. Your sister sent me, and I’m takin’ you home.”

  “Maeve?” Her face crumpled.

  “Yeah, she hired us to find you.”

  “I wanna go home.” Her lower lip trembled.

  “I know, darlin’. Don’t worry,” Nox said gently.

  While he spoke to Amy, he kept his weapon on the old man, waiting for an opening.

  “Just let me go, and we can end this.” The old man tilted his head to the side, and it was the only opening Nox needed.

  “Yeah, I think so, too.” Nox shot the bastard right between the eyes and he fell to the ground. Dead.

  “Oh my God!” Amy shrieked.

  She was spattered with blood, but fine, and he swept her up in his arms. She clung to him, burying her head in his chest. “It’s okay. You’re alright. I’ve got you, and I’m gonna take you to your sister.”

  ***

  “Amy?”

  Maeve ran out of the house as soon as Nox’s Jeep pulled up.