“We have seen numbers used to address people before.” Firbin’s voice was apologetic. “When I was in London and we were working on infiltrating the Albirsion Corporations records, the board members were referred to as numbers.”
Marissa stopped. “That’s incredible. Why would anyone use something like that?”
“We think it has to do with their position on the board or when they were initiated into the Shadow Government,” Firbin explained. “Your boss is number twenty-six from the top.”
“How many people are on this board?”
“We are unsure.”
Firbin touched Marissa’s elbow and a jolt of fire went through her body. She forced herself not to jump away. After a second, she found the sensation wasn’t unpleasant. Quite the opposite. She leaned into his touch and let him lead her from the house. A feeling of happiness and well-being filled her.
Firbin helped her into the driver’s seat. Thero handed her the keys and she put them into the ignition and started the car. She glanced down at the floor, and sighed with relief to see all evidence of blood was gone. At least she would be able to drive in peace. When the three men were in the vehicle, she put it in reverse and backed out onto the road.
“He uses his residence as his personal office. We’ll probably wake him up, but that can’t be helped.”
“At least he’ll be there.” Firbin smiled at her from the rear of the car.
“Where does he live?” Niail asked. He was sitting beside her in the front. “Will it take us long?”
“Twenty minutes at the most. There shouldn’t be any traffic at this time of the morning.” Marissa eased the car into an intersection and then made a left turn. “He has one of the private villas at the Galactic Grand. It’s quite luxurious and comes with its own butler.”
“That must be expensive.” Thero’s voice was a low growl. “A sure sign that he may be involved with the Albireons.”
“His family comes from a long line of wealth. K.T. Oil was one of the first in Texas and they’ve expanded it to be a world-wide oil conglomerate.” Marissa eased onto North Decatur Blvd. At this time of the morning the traffic was moving at a quick pace.
“So he owns a very rich company?” Niail turned to look at her.
“Extremely.” Marissa’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “That’s why I wanted to work for him. It was the ideal position for someone with my education and experience. I’d already worked for several oil companies, and after I graduated with my MBA, the experience of working with one of the leading CEO’s was too much to turn down.”
“Is there anything unusual about your job?” Firbin moved forward in his seat so that he was leaning against the back of the driver’s seat. “Any special requests?”
“Other than the fact that he can afford to live at one of the villas at the Galactic on a permanent basis?”
“Is that expensive?”
Marissa snorted. “Very. Some of it is a write-off because he does business from the villa.”
“Why stay there?”
“Security and convenience.” Marissa shrugged. “He says it would cost him just as much to run his own house with personal full-time security.”
“It is unusual that he would need this safekeeping.”
“Not really.” Marissa’s voice was nonchalant. “Like I said, he is very rich. Don’t forget he makes his money from oil and doesn’t apologize about it. Threats from kidnappers and environmentalists come in almost every day.”
“Then he will be ready for us.” Niail looked back at Thero and Firbin. “We should be prepared.”
Marissa glanced in the rearview mirror. Firbin was looking back at her with a reassuring smile. Somehow she sensed that he was trying to ease her fear and tension. She appreciated it. If Douglas was responsible for what had happened to her, then she doubted any of them would be safe. The man had limitless resources at his disposal.
Money could buy anything.
“Explain how this villa works.” Niail brought her attention back to their immediate problem.
Gaining access.
“It is very similar to the Mansion at the MGM Grand, except the security at the Galactic is far superior. There is a gate that has to be opened before we can even get into the building.”
“They will let you in?” Firbin asked.
“I doubt it. Even though they know me, the entrance is restricted to the hotel’s vehicles. All the guests who stay at the villas have access to a private Rolls Royce. There is no need for parking.” Marissa bit her lip. “We’ll have to park in the regular hotel parking and try and gain entry from the main lobby. It’s a bit earlier than usual, and who knows what Douglas may have told them to expect.”
“After we get to the entrance, then what?”
“The butler will have to escort us to see Douglas.”
Marissa turned behind the hotel and pulled into a parking lot. She parked as close to the entrance as possible, but they were still a long ways from where Douglas was staying. It was just after six in the morning, but that wouldn’t matter at the hotel. Guests came and went at all hours.
“There’s no turning back now.” Marissa turned the ignition off. “We’re here.”
Chapter 11
IT WAS BIGGER than Firbin had imagined. Even Marissa’s description hadn’t prepared him for the lush opulence that met them even before they had reached Douglas Norcott’s quarters. The hotel was bright lights, flashy signs, and security cameras everywhere. They had to go through a private section of the casino to get to the secluded luxury quarters. The elegance and sophistication of the entry foyer was more than he’d seen at some of the expensive residences in London.
“How many people live here?” Firbin glanced around the marble tiled foyer and high vaulted ceilings with large crystal chandlers.
“I think there are twenty villas.” Marissa smiled at the butler who met them at the door. “I’m here to see Douglas Norcott. I know it’s early, but it’s important.”
“He said he was expecting visitors.” The butler motioned them down the hall.
Firbin looked at Marissa, but she seemed unconcerned by that announcement. “Is it usual for him to have company this early?”
Marissa shrugged. “Sometimes.”
“Have a care.” Niail communicated with mind connect. “This is probably a trap.”
“Understood.”
“You watch the woman.” Niail continued. “Thero and I will focus on Douglas. He is the key to finding out about the Ancient’s Staff.”
Firbin inched closer to Marissa. An instant sense of rightness filled him. If Niail was correct, and this was the beginning stages of bonding, it was a wonderful sensation. He gave Marissa a sideways glance. She was fidgeting with the neckline of her T-shirt. Her jaw was clenched. She took a deep breath when they stopped in front of the entrance to her boss’s quarters.
He leaned close. “There is no need to be nervous. I will protect you with my life.”
Marissa swallowed. “I should be able to take care of myself.”
“It is not necessary. That is why Hunters were created.”
Her eyes widened. In their depths, he saw surprise and doubt. This was not the right time for him to convince her that his words were a vow that he would never break. He would die for any woman in danger, but knowing that he was starting to sense her presence and what that meant was an added incentive.
He would defy death to guarantee that no harm would come to her.
Before she had a chance to reply, the double wooden doors to Douglas Norcott’s apartment opened. A hotel employee dressed in uniform let them into the villa before leaving himself. It was obvious that this was to be a private meeting. No witnesses. Firbin’s internal warning system went into full alert.
Marissa led them into what must be the main living area. It was huge. Numerous cushioned chairs and sofas were scattered throughout an area that was bigger than two houses put together. Along one wall was a ten foot bar with stool
s on one side and glass shelves filled with liquor bottles, on the opposite side. A gigantic stone fireplace was at the far end of the room.
That was where Marissa walked to.
A man of forty-five years, with brown, short-cropped hair, was talking on the phone. He hung up and stood. He was at least six feet tall, slim, and fit. It looked as if he regularly exercised. Even at this early hour, he was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a red tie. Firbin didn’t like the look in his hazel eyes. It was one of speculation and coldness. He glanced at Firbin and his fellow Hunters before turning his attention back to Marissa. How could Marissa not suspect that this man was responsible for her kidnapping?
“Marissa.” His voice was smooth as silk. “To what do I owe this pleasure? I thought you intended to take some days off when you left the office yesterday.”
“That’s why I’m here. I need to discuss my leaving.” Marissa’s voice shook. “I don’t have any memory of what happened.”
Douglas gave her a tight smile. “You were tired.”
Marissa glanced around the room. “I remember you saying I should go home. You thought I was exhausted after getting the Saudi project finished.”
Douglas laughed. “I don’t recall the exact details. The end result was that I was left without my assistant. It was the end of the day, so I suggested you take the next day off.”
“I don’t know what happened and that is what I’m concerned about.”
Douglas picked up a coffee mug and took a sip. “That is hardly my problem.”
“Did you arrange to have Marissa kidnapped?”
Firbin could no longer contain his impatience. Niail and Thero had already spread out on either side of Douglas and were making an unobtrusive search. Firbin took a step closer to Marissa and readied himself for a reaction.
Douglas threw his head back and laughed. “What a vivid imagination.”
“It was very real.” Marissa’s voice was firm. “I woke up to find strange creatures holding me down and then the world exploded.”
“That sounds more like a nightmare. Are you certain you didn’t take something recreational last night?”
“Never.” Marissa hissed. “The last thing I remember is taking a sip of my coffee during our discussion of the latest financial reports. That was yesterday in your office.”
“And you’re suggesting that I had something to do with your memory loss?” Douglas raised an eyebrow. “An innuendo like that could be considered grounds for dismissal.”
“Considering that my nightmare was reality, I don’t think it really matters.” A muscle in Marissa’s chin tightened.
Firbin had heard enough.
This man had no intention of dealing with them honestly.
He took two steps and grabbed Norcott by the collar of his white shirt and held him up in the air. “Who are you working with?”
Marissa grabbed his arm. “You can’t do that.”
“I can and I will.” Firbin shook Douglas. “You have endangered a woman and for that you shall pay the price.”
“Let me down.” Douglas clawed at his hands. “I don’t have a clue who your friends are, Marissa, but I want all of you to leave. Those creatures were nothing in comparison to what I will do to you.”
Firbin sensed the anger pulsing through Marissa at her boss’s remark.
“How dare you threaten me? I know you are involved with those alien creatures. You let them kidnap me and then staged my house as if I’d been killed.”
“We want answers.” Niail moved up beside Firbin.
“You’re not going to get them from me.” Douglas spoke through clenched teeth.
“I think we will.” Niail nodded to Firbin.
Firbin released Douglas and dropped him back down in his seat. He put his hands on both arms of the chair and held him there imprisoned. This was the man who had harmed Marissa and nearly caused her death. He needed to know where the monsters were who’d help him and information about the weapon. After that, he would kill him for dishonoring a woman.
“Speak.”
Douglas straightened his tie. “I don’t owe you an explanation. I don’t even know who you are.”
“We are Hunters.” Firbin watched as recognition and then a flicker of fear shone in his eyes before Norcott turned his gaze away.
“You know very well what we will do.” Niail’s voice was matter of fact. “This is your last chance to redeem yourself.”
“Or you’ll kill me?”
Firbin leaned closer. “That is going to happen either way. It’s a matter of how quickly you die.”
Douglas snorted. “You won’t last that long. My people have everything in control.”
“So you are aware that we cleared out your nest of Albireons at Nellis?” Firbin’s voice was deceptively calm. “It is good that we understand each other.”
“That has nothing to do with me.”
“Perhaps not, but what happened to Marissa is your fault.”
Firbin clenched the arms of the chair tighter. It took every ounce of control in him not to lash out at the man he was holding hostage. He needed answers first. For that he would have patience.
“You are aware of what we are capable of.” Firbin’s voice was a low threat.
“You’re not even supposed to exist.” Douglas pulled the front of his jacket down. “The rumor was that you were all taken care of on your home planet.”
“We exist.” Niail’s voice was dry. “We bring honor and justice to Earth now.”
“So those urban legends are true.” Douglas grimaced. “Congratulations. You’ve kept off our radar.”
“That is what we do.” Niail stood beside them with his arms crossed. “You need to answer our questions. We’ve already made several attacks on your Albireon allies. They will not come to your defense.”
Douglas pursed his lips and then shrugged.
“Marissa was handy.” Douglas smirked. “She is disposable.”
“Explain.” Firbin’s eyes narrowed.
“She was convenient.” Douglas looked at Marissa. “You were good at your job, but I needed to get rid of Rebecca. She was an FBI informant and when you walked in with that message, I knew you would be perfect.”
“Rebecca has been working with you for several years.” Marissa’s voice was filled with confusion. “She is one of your best office administrators.”
“Until she wasn’t.” Douglas’s voice was indifferent. “That’s the way it is sometimes. I came in early and there she was rifling through my files. I knew then that she wasn’t who she claimed to be.”
“So you used me to get rid of her? It makes no sense.”
“You both disappeared on the same day. Rebecca’s blood was left at your house and in your car. It’s worked in the past, and it will work now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Rebecca is gone and you will be taken care of shortly.”
Douglas’s nonchalance irritated Firbin. Deep inside he felt an unease. Something wasn’t right. Why had it been so easy for them to walk through this man’s security and into his residence? He might live in a casino, but that was a front. He had a reason for everything he did or he would never have survived his alliance with the Albireons.
“This is wrong.” Firbin connected with Niail.
“I know,” Niail agreed. “Thero is watching the doorway.”
“So you made it look as if I’d killed Rebecca?” Marissa took a step back. “That is horrible. Where is Rebecca?”
“I assumed she was with you.”
“We did not see any other humans.” Firbin looked at Marissa and tried to send her calm energy.
“Don’t look so horrified,” Norcott scoffed. “You wanted to know what happened at the top executive levels of business, and this is it. Decisions like this are made every day.”
“Not every company kills its employees.”
“She was an informant.” Douglas’s voice was cool. “I told my men to get rid of her and
she’s gone. I really don’t care about the details.”
“Then you didn’t have her killed? If she was an informant, the FBI will be looking for her and you’ll be blamed.” Marissa shook her head. “Your plan was flawed.”
“I won’t be involved at all.” Douglas pointed his finger at Marissa. “You’re the one with blood in your house that belongs to Rebecca. My guess is that Rebecca found out about your debts and was going to use that to make you turn against me.”
“That’s ludicrous.” Marissa’s voice rose in outrage. “I don’t gamble and I would never have betrayed you or the company.”
Douglas shrugged. “It’s too late now. All the evidence has been planted. My men are good and this isn’t the first time they’ve done it.”
“How can you live with yourself?”
Marissa took a few steps back. Firbin sensed her outrage and disbelief, but there was nothing he could do to help. She had to hear the truth from her boss in order to believe the depravity of the man. Once her shock wore off, she would be able to piece together what Norcott had done.
“I sleep like a baby at night. I will be one of the few humans left on this over-crowded planet.” Douglas straightened his back. “Enough chatting. You don’t honestly think I would allow you to come here without notifying security.”
Firbin went to grab Douglas when Niail stopped him. “They are coming. I will deal with him. Take Marissa and leave. We will continue to get the information from him.”
Firbin pushed away and took Marissa’s hand. “We must leave.”
“Every exit is blocked.” Douglas laughed. “You won’t be getting away this time.”
Thero motioned them to the main door. “We will take care of the security here and meet up after we have the necessary information.”
“You won’t be successful.” Douglas snorted. “I control all the options.”
“You have not dealt with a Hunter yet.” Niail’s voice was ominous.
Firbin didn’t have time to worry about Douglas. The door of the villa was pushed open and several men in security uniforms rushed in. Firbin kept Marissa behind him as he moved both of them to the wall nearest to the exit. He protected her body with his as he edged them closer to the doorway.
aHunter4Fire (aHunter4Hire Book 7) Page 8
