Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  He’d seen the toughest men crumble as they looked down the barrel of a gun in their face. If there were a way, he’d trade places with her. And Randi knows that. That’s why she’s about to run. No worry; I’ll be right behind her.

  Wyatt forced a smile and said, “I might be starving, but unless you put some clothes on, we aren’t leaving this bedroom.”

  She giggled and picked up the apron, holding it up to him. “Will this suffice?”

  “Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.” He reached out and grabbed part of the apron, pulling her toward him. She willingly came into his arms and met his embrace. As their lips collided, he knew dinner would have to wait a bit longer.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Randi hadn’t meant to sleep. There was so much she needed to do. Like, confirm with Mark that everything is a go.

  Last night when she’d gone into the kitchen to make sure nothing had burned, she made a stop in the living room and grabbed her cell phone. She’d really expected to hear from Mark sometime during the day. Part of her was glad he hadn’t reached out, because he may have panicked when she didn’t reply. Don’t think he’d be happy with my excuse for blowing him off. Not that I’d ever tell him.

  Slipping from the bed, she picked up her clothes from the chair and left the room. Randi made sure to close the door quietly. The last thing she needed was Wyatt waking up and following her.

  Once she was out of earshot, she dialed Mark.

  “Collins.”

  “Is everything ready?”

  “I was hoping you were calling to say you changed your mind,” Mark said dryly.

  She knew Mark hadn’t liked her plan, but he had two choices: work with her and help, or get out of the way and she’d do it on her own. Nothing was going to stop her from moving forward.

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Graham. McVeigh seems like a good guy. Talk to him. Let him help you.”

  Randi didn’t doubt Wyatt’s character. If anything, that was the reason she needed him out of the picture. “Are you helping me or not?” She barked her question in a tone she hadn’t used before. The clock was ticking, and she needed to act now.

  “I told you I’d be there. How do you plan to get out of the safe house without Wyatt noticing?”

  “Don’t worry about Wyatt. I’ll be there. Just make sure you’re there with the chopper.” Because once he figures out I’m gone, all hell will break loose. I need to make sure he isn’t in harm’s way when this plan goes live.

  “Call me if you change your mind. Otherwise, I’ll see you in two hours at the rendezvous point.”

  “Roger.” She ended the call and slipped the phone into her back pocket. Wyatt was sleeping, so this would be the ideal time to book it. One problem, she’d be at the rendezvous location too early. That would make her a sitting duck. Even though she didn’t want Wyatt to know, she wasn’t going to be foolish and put herself at risk for no reason. At least, not more than I already am.

  Randi headed into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. Her hands were shaking. Being nervous wasn’t a good start to a life-changing day. Some of the hot contents spilled onto her hand. “Ouch.”

  The cup tipped and went crashing to the floor. The sound seemed to echo through the bunker. The door to the bedroom was closed, and she hoped Wyatt didn’t hear her mishap. If he had, he’d be arriving very soon.

  Grabbing some paper towels, she cleaned the mess. Wyatt never showed up, which was a good sign. That meant he was in a deep sleep, and she could prepare everything.

  Randi had put her guns in one of the top drawers in the kitchen. Since she spent so much time in this room, it only made sense to keep them close. She pulled out one, lifted her pant leg, and strapped it on. Then she grabbed the Glock 33 Wyatt had loaned her. She’d intended on giving it back eventually, but right now it was going to come in handy. Need everything I can get until I hook up with Mark.

  Randi went back to the bedroom, opened the door slightly, and peeked inside. Wyatt was still sprawled on the bed, his large frame now taking up the entire king-sized mattress. She wanted to do nothing more than go inside, remove her clothes, and slip between the cool sheets with him.

  Their sex was phenomenal, something she’d never experienced before. He’d left her panting and unable to move. Her body still tingled, thinking about how his mouth felt as he kissed every inch of her.

  Although she’d love that again, it was lying together, arms and legs entwined as they talked almost all night, that she couldn’t forget. There was so much more to him than he probably let others see. Why he was willing to share, open up with her, was still a mystery. Then again, you seem to have that same effect on me. I can guess why, but I’m not ready to think about it. I need to stay focused. She needed to get through this first. Until then there was no point in thinking about her feelings or a future with Wyatt.

  This trap was set and ready. Everything was riding on it. If it failed, they might never find out who was behind all this. If we’re right, none of this will be a surprise. If we’re wrong, we might end up getting ourselves killed.

  That was exactly why he needed to be left behind. If I make it out of this, we can pick up where we left off. Blowing Wyatt a kiss, she closed the door and headed down the hall. It was time to exit the bunker. Once back above ground, it was game on. There wouldn’t be any time to second guess herself.

  Randi was at the elevator they’d used with Watson when they first arrived a few days ago. She remembered his warning. Once she goes up, there is no coming back down. Taking a deep breath, she mentally prepared herself. They were shut off from everyone and everything down here. In a matter of minutes, that was all going to change. Nothing will ever be the same.

  Pulling her cell phone out, she looked at the time. Here goes nothing.

  As soon as Randi left the room a second time, Wyatt threw on his clothes and strapped his guns on. Although he’d pulled off looking asleep, he’d been able to observe her. She looked ready, but he could still sense fear radiating from her. She should be shaking in your boots. What she’s about to do is fucking crazy. Honorable, brave, and crazy.

  If what Mark said was true, it wouldn’t take long for the assholes to be flushed out. No one, including Mark, knew who those bastards were. They’d been able to avoid detection for some time now. For all anyone knew, they’d be able to slip through the cracks again.

  Whoever they are, they’re apparently tech-savvy enough to be able to hack into even the most secure phones. We hope they’ve been listening lately, or this is all for nothing.

  It was an elaborate ploy to get the mole to reveal himself. Randi was a big enough lure to draw him out. But if he had figured out it was a trap, things could go one of two ways. Either he backs the hell off, or he turns the table and sets his own trap.

  Wyatt knew to be prepared for anything. He hoped Randi was doing the same. If he’d thought it would change anything, he would’ve opened his eyes and dragged her back to bed with him. All that would’ve done was delay the inevitable.

  He peered out the bedroom door and could see her standing at the other end of the hallway. Had she already pressed the button for the elevator? She wasn’t moving. Was she having second thoughts? She should be. This is one crazy plan.

  Her hand rose, and he knew she was about to send for the elevator. Patience. Wait.

  Before her hand touched the button, the lights dimmed and a red light came on. Over an intercom a computer voice stated, “Warning! Intruder alert! Warning! Intruder alert!”

  Wyatt called out to Randi, “Don’t press it!”

  She turned to face him, her eyes wide with panic and confusion. The Glock he’d given her was already in her hand. Good girl. Stay alert.

  He did the same as he made his way to her. “If anyone is up there, we don’t want to give them easy access to us.”

  Randi nodded. “What should we do? It’s not like we have a lot of ammo here.”

  Wyatt knew where there wa
s plenty more. It was probably time to inform her of that. If the intruder wasn’t just a passerby, but was looking for them, it might be wise to have them both well-prepared and waiting for whatever was coming their way.

  “I need to show you something I accidently found.” He grabbed her hand and headed toward the living room. No need to tell her I’ve been exploring while she’s been plotting. We both have our secrets.

  “Please don’t make a joke about a movie right now. This breach is serious. I think we need to press the red panic button Watson told us about,” Randi said, her voice not showing a hint of fear.

  Wyatt wasn’t sure that was a good thing. She should be highly concerned; they weren’t safe just because she hadn’t called the elevator. If their location had been made, that meant whoever was up there wasn’t going to stop until they were inside. The good news was they were well armed. The bad news was they were probably outnumbered and, from what he knew, there was only one way in and out.

  He hit the red button as she suggested. It wasn’t going to hurt to have Watson’s men check things out. If all was clear and it was only vagrants lurking above in the shack, all was well.

  Wyatt grabbed the remote he’d hidden away. He pressed the two buttons to activate the living room elevator, taking them both to the upper level.

  Randi’s eyes scanned the room then looked toward him. He could tell she wasn’t happy.

  “And you know about this how?”

  “Stumbled upon it.” After searching because I knew there had to be more to this place. Hell. There could be even more I haven’t found.

  Randi placed the Glock in the small of her back and looked around the lab. “What is this place?”

  “Not sure. Watson is in the pharmaceutical business. Maybe this is a testing lab. None of this matters. Right now we need what’s down the hall.”

  He left the room, and she followed. When he opened the door, she’d never been so happy to see a stockpile of weapons. “This should hold us for a while.”

  Wyatt watched as she examined the guns. “Most of these are illegal to own.”

  “Thank God, Watson wasn’t concerned about that.” And neither am I. “Do you know how to use all these?”

  She picked up the M-16 and replied, “Most. I’ve never used a grenade launcher. I don’t think it’s something we want to use inside anyway.”

  Wyatt grabbed it along with several other types of heavy machinery. “Take as much ammo as you can carry. This might be our only trip up here.”

  Randi reached out and touched his forearm, causing him to pause what he was doing. “Why don’t you seem surprised that we have company?”

  He looked down into her eyes and said plainly, “It’s my job to be one step ahead.” Wyatt wanted to tell her more, but it would only start a conversation they didn’t have time to finish. “Let’s go.”

  As they rode down in the elevator, they felt the ground vibrate. “What was that?”

  “I’m guessing an air to ground missile. Not a direct hit, but a damn good warning shot.” He’d questioned if they should stay on the upper level. Now he was glad they hadn’t. We need all the distance we can get between us and whatever they’re shooting off up there.

  Wyatt watched her pull herself together and cock her gun. He knew she was scared, yet she was preparing herself as any other soldier would. He didn’t doubt for one minute she’d pull that trigger. She’d have his back if needed. Damn it. I’d rather she not have to shoot her way out of here. The ground shook again, harder this time.

  “I certainly hope that’s the calvary,” Randi said so softly Wyatt barely heard.

  You and me both, sweetheart.

  Back on the lower level, Wyatt turned to Randi and said firmly, “I want you to barricade yourself in the bedroom. Do not open that door unless Mark or I tell you it’s all clear. Do you understand?”

  She met his gaze and said, “I fight by your side.”

  I don’t want her dying by it. “This is not up for debate. Now get your ass in that room and secure the door. And use that damn phone of yours to find out what the hell is going on up there.”

  Randi still didn’t budge. Wyatt looked down at her with a cold stare.

  “You wanted the calvary. You better make sure they don’t blow us up. Now move it.” Wyatt didn’t wait for Randi to respond. Instead, he dropped weapons and ammo at each of the other doorways. If he needed to fall back, he wanted to make sure he had something loaded waiting for him. He laid the grenade launcher at the door closest to the bedroom. If those bastards make it this far, I’m going to take as many of them out with me as I can.

  A couple more jolts rumbled through the bunker then all went quiet. The power was out except for the emergency red lighting. Watson had thought of everything. Except an emergency evacuation hatch. Don’t like being buried alive. Not fond of being shot down here either.

  Wyatt heard the click of the bedroom door shutting. He turned, and she wasn’t in sight. Although he could’ve used another person by his side, he didn’t want it to be her. Her best chance of surviving this was to be exactly where she was.

  Collins, your ass better be on its way.

  The phone Wyatt had grabbed from upstairs rang. It was Nate.

  “Not a good time.”

  “You’re telling me. I’m with Collins,” Nate replied. “You guys okay down there?”

  Wyatt wasn’t sure when Nate decided to leave Florida and link up with Collins, but he sure as hell felt better having him close by. “We’re good for now. What the hell happened up there?”

  “Collins set the trap, but it sprang earlier than anticipated.”

  “You mean they knew we were here.”

  “And still after . . . Maggie.”

  He could hear the pain in Nate’s voice every time he said Maggie’s name. Since they all knew their phones were tapped, it was wise to keep up the lie. So far no one had picked up that Maggie was really her sister, Randi. If they did, it would be game over. Probably for Randi as well.

  “Is it secure up there?” Wyatt asked.

  “Yes, but you better make yourself comfortable.”

  “Why is that?”

  “When they blew up the shack they may have also fucked with the elevator. Don’t worry, Watson said there’s another option. We just need a few hours to get you guys out.”

  Wyatt relaxed, knowing that for now they were safe. “Did it work?”

  “Not sure. We’ll talk when you’re out.”

  He got it. Some things couldn’t be said on the line. A few hours more. That’s all. Then we know if this is over or just beginning.

  The bedroom door opened, and Randi came out with the M-16 still slung over her shoulder. “We’ll be waiting.” He ended the call, and Randi walked into his open arms. His hand smoothed her long blonde hair. We’re safe. For now.

  As they held on to each other, neither spoke. Both knew what could’ve happened and were grateful it hadn’t. But until they received an all-clear signal, they couldn’t let their guard down.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Randi was thrilled to be out of the bunker, but when she saw what the cabin above looked like, she knew they were lucky. There were only shards of wood where the cabin once stood. Although it had been an eyesore before, she would’ve preferred to see it still standing. This reinforced how bad things had become. If they hadn’t pushed the panic button to rally Watson and his men, it could’ve ended so differently.

  She’d experienced it when they tried snatching Marina from the lab. They were dealing with people who were prepared to die for what they wanted. That was difficult for her to comprehend. Randi could fight to defend, not to attack. How do we win when they place no value on their enemy’s life? I couldn’t pull a trigger without thinking this is someone’s son or daughter or brother or sister.

  There was nothing left to identify what or who had been there when they blew apart the cabin. It was clear there was an intruder, but how many? There was no way anyone escaped.


  Randi remembered Watson mentioning the cabin wasn’t as defenseless as it looked. He’d pointed out motion detectors and well-hidden surveillance cameras throughout the cabin. He had them underground too, so the moment the intruders were five hundred yards from the cabin Watson had been alerted they were there. With advanced technology in place, Randi knew Watson and Mark would not have used deadly force if the situation hadn’t warranted it. These weren’t innocent people looking for a place to party. They were on a mission to destroy, and thank God we had backup close by.

  Part of her wanted to put names and faces with her attackers so she could have some closure. It was the unknown that kept her awake at night. That wasn’t going to happen this time. Maybe it’s better this way. There is so much I wish I never knew about and, unquestionably, wish I’d never lived. If only it were as easy as erasing a chalkboard.

  Randi understood the rules. It’s kill or be killed. That didn’t make it any more plausible. Haven’t enough people already died? All those people who were after Marina. Now more people because they’re after me. When will it end? Will it ever end?

  It left a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. War and hate had been around since the beginning of time. Who was she to think she could put a stop to it? What we’re doing isn’t making a dent. Letting them continue without doing everything I can to stop them isn’t an option. If I quit now they win, and Maggie’s death would have been for nothing.

  No matter how ugly this was, she wasn’t going to stop. This mission wasn’t just about her and how she felt. She started doing this for Maggie, but then got to know Marina and others affected by it. She’d continue this fight for all of them.

  One man was ready to lay his life down for her. Although she didn’t want him to, she’d learned quickly he wasn’t one she or anyone else could control. I don’t want to lose you, Wyatt. Thinking of my life without you in it . . . isn’t the life I want.