Black Ops Chronicles: Dead Run

by O'Neal, Pepper

“But if she and Nick are both in Baja, then—”

  “The last time Nick called his men here in Salt Lake, Tess had escaped again. She’s gone to ground, and he hasn’t been able to find her. Yet.”

  “How’d she get involved in the first place?”

  “As far as I can figure, she’d become disenchanted with Nick. He must’ve sensed her backing away and took her with him when he committed the murders.” Rage threatened to overwhelm him, but Levi fought it back. “Either to scare her into staying with him. Or to guilt her into it.”

  Jonas groaned. “What kind of a monster have I raised?” he asked, pressing a hand to his eyes. “We’re Mormons for Christ’s sake.”

  Levi couldn’t stop his snort. “And I’m sure the leaders of the Mormon Church are just thrilled about that.”

  “I pay my tithes and offerings,” Jonas snapped, lowering his hand so he could glare at Levi. “And the Church is the reason I restrict the family to victimless crimes.”

  “And the Mormons are okay with this?”

  “They haven’t said, and I haven’t asked.”

  “And I thought ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ only applied to the military.”

  Jonas rolled his eyes again then shrugged. “The truth is, the Church doesn’t usually hassle people who pay their tithing.”

  “Yeah? Well, they probably figure if you’re obeying that commandment, you’re obeying all the others as well.”

  “Probably.” Jonas got up and paced. “Though that would change if they knew I was involved in the KSS.”

  Huh? Levi thought, unsure he’d heard correctly. “What’s the KSS, and why would the Mormons care?”

  Stopping in mid-stride, Jonas blinked. “Oh, Christ,” he muttered. “I shouldn’t have said that.” He hesitated, frowned. “Still, if I can’t trust you, there’s no one I can trust.” He studied Levi a moment. “I assume you know not to repeat this.” When Levi nodded, the old man continued. “KSS stands for Kolob Secret Service. It’s an ultra-secret group of vigilantes dedicated to protecting the Church’s reputation—among other things.”

  “I see. And what’s your contribution to this group?”

  “I specialize in...I guess you could call it creative solutions.”

  Levi arched an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

  “Even an ‘organization-that-doesn’t-exist’ needs funding, Levi. Money has to be collected and distributed so that it doesn’t cause suspicion. I make it all invisible.”

  “In other words, you whitewash their dirty money.”

  Jonas sucked in a breath and sat back down. “If you want to get technical, yes. And when necessary, I arrange evidence so that innocent people aren’t suspected for crimes committed by the KSS.”

  “Money laundering and evidence tampering?” Levi shook his head. “Tell me, what part of ‘victimless crimes’ do they fall under?”

  “What I do for the KSS is harmless,” Jonas insisted, lifting his chin. “I consider it a service to the Church and, along with the money I donate, it should earn me at least some leniency.”

  “Jesus, I know the Mormons ask their members to give a good chunk of change, but surely you don’t think you can buy your way into Hea—” Levi stopped himself. He sooo didn’t want to get into a debate on morals and religion right now. “Look, we don’t have time for this discussion while Tess is in danger.”

  “Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry. Let’s get back to Nick.” Jonas sighed. “He knows my religious beliefs don’t include drugs and terrorism. Or the murder of innocents.”

  “Apparently, he doesn’t care. So what do you want to do about him?”

  “I’m not sure.” Jonas’s hands rose and fell. “Since it involves terrorists, will one of your friends in the CIA help us? Can you get ahold of any of them?”

  Levi considered the question a moment. “My friend Max is an expert on those raghead bastards, so he’d be ideal for this. The problem is, he’s usually off in some third world country. And I’ve got no way to contact him, other than leaving a message with the chief of station and waiting for Max to get back to me.” And there wasn’t time. “But don’t worry. Although I’m not the expert Max is, I can handle anyone who gets in my way. You just have to decide what you want to do about Nick.”

  “Give me a minute.” Getting to his feet again, Jonas paced in front of the fire. “If Nick isn’t stopped, he’ll do permanent damage to our family,” he said at last. “And it looks like the only way to control him is to put him in jail. He’s twenty-six years old, for Christ’s sake. It’s time he grew up. Bring him back and I’ll contact the authorities. We’ll let him face the music.”

  “What about Tess?” Levi held up a hand before Jonas could answer. “You know that whatever you say, I’m going after her. But I won’t bring her home to be used as a scapegoat by the FBI.”

  “I’m surprised you haven’t left for Baja already.”

  “Nick’s men were stubborn. Took me most of the night to crack them open. I’m afraid the doctor’s got his hands full.” Levi muttered a soft curse. He just didn’t understand criminals. “Anyway, once I got the information, I had to bring you up-to-date and gather up the gear I’ll need. But make no mistake, I’ll be leaving shortly.” His eyes bored into Jonas’s. “I won’t let Tess go to prison.”

  “No, of course not. Neither will I.” Jonas paused, lips pursed. “I’ll handle the FBI. You stop Nick. But before you leave, put the word out on the street that the contract’s been canceled. Anyone who harms Tess will answer to me.”

  “Already done. As soon as I heard about it.” When Jonas’s eyes widened, Levi shrugged. “I know you well enough to know you’d want me to. And even if you didn’t, this is Tess we’re talking about. So I’d have done it anyway.”

  “I’d have been disappointed in you if you hadn’t.” Jonas crossed to a bookcase, pulled out a world atlas, and flipped the pages. “What gear will you need down there? Baja’s desert, and some places are pretty remote. So you’ll need weapons and a vehicle. Anything el—”

  The intercom buzzed, interrupting them. “Excuse me, sir,” the butler said. “There’s a Mr. Graves here to see you.”

  “Christ,” Jonas grumbled. “Just what I need.”

  “Who’s Mr. Graves?” Levi asked.

  “Bartholomew Graves. He’s my contact with the KSS. I usually only hear from him when there’s trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  Jonas huffed out a breath. “We’re about to find out.” He walked over to his desk and pushed the intercom button. “Send him in, Ralph.”

  As the short, obese man waddled into the study, Levi had to make a concentrated effort not to gape. Christ, he looks like a walrus pulling himself onto a beach. Graves shook hands with a beaming smile. One that didn’t reach his eyes.

  Jonas shook his hand. “Bartholomew Graves, Levi Komakov. Levi’s my troubleshooter.” He motioned Graves to a chair. “What can I do for you this morning?”

  Graves looked over at Levi then back at Jonas. “I think we should discuss this in private, don’t you?”

  “I trust Levi. He’s my friend as well as my employee. Anything you have to say to me can be said in front of him.”

  “But our vow of secrecy forbids—”

  “If you want to talk to me, I suggest you work around it.” Jonas’s words resounded with an iron will that brooked no argument. “Levi stays.”

  “As you wish.” Graves flicked Levi another glance then shrugged. “It has come to the attention of the...of our organization that your grandson has offered five hundred thousand dollars to anyone who can kill a woman named Tess Horton. Is that true?”

  “How did you hear about that?” Jonas asked.

  “We have our sources. So it’s true then?”

  “From what Levi’s been able to find out, it is. In fact, we were just discussing it.”

  “We’ve also heard that Nick’s getting involved in terrorism and drugs. And he’s claiming he wants to kill Ms. Horton for not
following the teachings of the Church.” Graves shifted on his chair. “Is all this true as well?”

  Levi blinked. “You must have some bloody good sources. We knew about the terrorism and drugs, but not the reasons Nick gave for killing Tess.”

  Graves ignored Levi and shook a finger at Jonas. “If this gets out, it could damage the reputation of the Church. We can’t allow that to happen.”

  “And just what do you expect me to do about it?” Jonas demanded.

  “Isn’t it obvious? We want you to stop Nick. And shut him up.”

  Levi felt his temper bubbling up and struggled to control it. Graves didn’t care about Tess. He just didn’t want anything to soil the reputation of his church. “And how do you suggest we do that?”

  This time Graves looked over at him and hissed, “Do I have to spell it out for you? You should be able to think of something.” He turned back to Jonas. “You’re a member of the K...organization, for crying out loud. And—”

  “And therefore, I should have no qualms about killing my own grandson? After all, it’s for the good of the Church. Have I got that right?”

  Graves hesitated and cleared his throat. “I—ah, I realize, of course, that this is, ah, difficult for you. But you must understand what’s at stake here.”

  “You bloody, buggering bastard!” Levi snarled, allowing his rage to show in his voice and on his face. The man blanched as Levi stalked toward him. “What’s at stake here is the life of an innocent young woman. I don’t give a rat’s ass about your precious church.”

  Graves squirmed in his chair. “Of—of course,” he stammered. “Her life is, ah, an important issue, naturally, but—”

  “I’d suggest you leave it at that,” Jonas said, his voice low and furious. “I’d also suggest you go. Now. Before Levi loses his temper completely.” Shooting Levi a tight smile, he added, “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to control him if that happens.”

  Graves flinched, but stayed put. He cleared his throat again. “If the—organization has to take care of Nick, he’ll be eliminated with an eye toward making him suffer. So I suggest you handle this yourself.”

  “Oh, we’ll handle it,” Levi growled. “You can be sure of that.”

  “Fine, then. That’s...fine.” Graves got to his feet and lumbered out, throwing nervous glances over his shoulder.

  Jonas scowled at the door as it closed. “Pompous ass.” He grimaced. “For a minute there I thought you were going to strangle him.”

  “I was tempted. Can you blame me?”

  “No, but it’s probably best you resisted. Disposing of a body that size could be a challenge. Now, where were we before we were interrupted?”

  “Trying to figure out what I’ll need in Baja.” Levi shook off the revulsion Graves had left in his wake and studied the map. “I’ll need a high powered rifle with silencer, my .45 pistol, and ammo for both. I should have plenty of moonlight, but just in case it’s cloudy, I’ll want night-vision goggles.”

  He ran scenarios in his head. “Nick’s Folly is down there and from what his men told me, Nick plans to leave it at the marina in La Paz and take rental cars to the rendezvous. Idiotic plan, but that works in my favor. If I use the boat, I shouldn’t need a vehicle. But I’ll rent a car in La Paz anyway. Just in case.”

  Lips pursed, he mulled over any additional requirements. “I could really use a desert gilly-suit.”

  “Do we have any?”

  “No, and there isn’t time to locate one. So I’ll just have to hope there’s plenty of cover.”

  “Grab the weapons, ammo, and goggles from the gun safe before you head to the airport,” Jonas said, replacing the atlas in the bookcase. “Can you get all that through airport security?”

  “With my connections and my own plane, it won’t be a problem.”

  “And can you handle this thing with Tess?” Jonas studied Levi’s face. “I know you used to be in love with her, and the two of you argued when she chose Nick.” Levi opened his mouth in outrage, but Jonas shook his head. “All I’m asking is if you can convince her to come home and not just make her mad.”

  Levi took a deep breath and bit back the sharp retort that sprang to his lips. None of this was Jonas’s fault. “My feelings for her haven’t changed. And I don’t piss her off on purpose. She’s just so damned stubborn.” Pain squeezed his heart and curled his hands into fists. “The last time we fought, I was trying to save her from Nick. Hell, I even asked her to marry me, but she refused.”

  “Then get her back, and maybe you’ll have another shot.”

  “Not if she goes to prison—or worse.”

  “Let me worry about that. You work on Tess. If she won’t come willingly, don’t force her. Just make sure Nick doesn’t hurt her.”

  Levi hesitated, pondering how to say what he needed to. Straight out’s probably best. “I might have to kill him. You realize that, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” Jonas said, his lips thinning with suppressed fury. “Tess may be a distant cousin, but she’s as much a part of this family as Nick. And, damn it, she’s an innocent bystander in all this.”

  Pain and frustration flared in his eyes. He closed them a moment. When he opened them again, they’d turned cold and hard. “Nick crossed the line. He knows the consequences. If you have to kill him to save Tess, I’ll understand.”

  CHAPTER 12

  7:37 a.m., Los Pargos Restaurante, La Paz, Baja California Sur:

  As Max ate breakfast, his gaze made frequent sweeps of the room, scanning for danger. He knew he was stalling, but he had a bad feeling Tess wouldn’t like his idea. His eyes swept the restaurant once more before coming to rest on hers. “We need to talk.”

  She frowned. “About?”

  “There’s something I need you to do for me.” He kept his voice low despite the clatter of dishes and the loud Spanish curses coming through the kitchen doors off to the right. “Something important.”

  Studying him, she scooped up a forkful of scrambled eggs and popped it into her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. “From your reluctance to tell me what, I’d say it’s not something I’m going to like, is it?”

  “You don’t miss much, do you?” he asked, trying to work out the best way to approach what he wanted to say. “That’s one of the things I like about you.”

  She waved her fork at him. “Forget the sweet talk, Max. Flattery’s not going to convince me of anything. So just tell me what you want me to do.”

  “Sweet talk?” Damn, she was adorable. He fought a grin and lost. “Angel, I haven’t even started on the sweet talk.”

  “And it won’t work when you do. You’re stalling, Max.”

  He couldn’t deny it. How the hell was he going to convince her to follow the plan he’d come up with? Maybe if he could scare her enough. “First, let me ask you something. How do you suppose Nick found you?”

  Surprise flickered in her eyes, then her lips pursed as she considered the question. “You said Nick’s meeting the terrorists near La Paz, so he probably had his men already waiting in El Nopal. They saw me on Wednesday when I went to call Karl. After that, it was only a matter of time until they showed up at the cottage.” She cocked her head. “You think there’s another reason?”

  “It seems awfully suspicious to me they just happened to be in that village. Why weren’t they waiting here in La Paz?”

  “That’s a good question.” She stared into space a moment. “Nick probably had them stay in the village motel, thinking El Nopal was small enough for them to go unnoticed.” Shaking her head, she scooped up more eggs. “Of course, the smaller the village, the more his men would stand out. But Nick wouldn’t understand that. And it’s just my bad luck I ran low on money when I did and had to make a phone call.”

  “Bad luck, huh? I don’t think so. Who in Salt Lake knew you were in the village? Did Karl?”

  “No. No one knew. Karl knew I was near La Paz. But he didn’t know exactly where.” Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth. “You’re
thinking that someone in Salt Lake betrayed me to Nick, aren’t you?”

  “Can you think of anyone who would?”

  “No. But I do think Karl’s phone might be tapped.” She ate the bite of eggs then drummed the edge of her fork against her lower lip. “Although, we didn’t mention Baja, La Paz, or the village during the call.”

  “How many times have Nick’s goons found you since you started running?”

  “If I stay in one place for very long, they always do. So I’ve moved on several times without waiting for anything suspicious to happen. Still,” she said, holding up one hand, fingers spread and thumb tucked in, “I know for sure they’ve found me at least four times, counting yesterday.”

  “And that doesn’t make you think about a spy?” He knew he was onto something. She had to see it, too. Didn’t she?

  “No,” she said. “Tony’s smart.”

  “No matter how smart he is, he can’t find someone without some information to go on.” He met her gaze, got lost in it, and had to force himself to concentrate. “And with only a little information, you’re easy to find—with your hair and your face, people remember you once they’ve seen you.”

  One of her eyebrows rose. “More sweet talk, Max? You still haven’t told me what you want me to do.”

  “If there is a spy, every time you make contact with someone in Salt Lake, you’re vulnerable. We need to put a buffer between you and home. Someone who won’t betray you to anyone, who knows where you are, and can make calls and collect any mail for you.”

  “Who do you have in mind?”

  “I’d like you to go to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and talk to a friend of mine named Tom Davis,” he said with an internal wince. As soon as she talked to Davis, she’d know everything, but her safety had to come first. “Tell him what’s happened and that I told you to ask him for protection. He’ll take care of you.” When she didn’t respond, he upped the ante. “I’d like to find you again when this is over.” She just looked at him. “Please, Tess. If you never do anything else for me, do this.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Is this because you need this Tom Davis to know what’s going on in Baja, or is it that you want me out of the way?”