Blind Justice

by TL Reeve

  “Who runs the scholarship?” Omar took a seat at the table. “Could there be a connection?”

  “It appears all of their clients, or now ex-clients, have associations with Valerie Bradshaw’s father, Quinton Bradshaw. Valerie’s mother runs the scholarship committee.” Duncan blew out a breath. “I can’t figure out why, though. Neither can Asher. The only concrete connector we have is Los Trios and Pueblo Cartels along with Anderson Gunther.”

  “Holy shit,” Bella murmured. “Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack,” Duncan answered.

  “Well, that probably keeps them subservient to the cause.” Omar shrugged. “My opinion of course.”

  “None of us have money in the cartel,” Bella said. “We were reliant on what Raul gave us. It was how he controlled our actions.”

  “Hmm...” Duncan scrubbed his chin. “It would make sense. They were vulnerable. Add in the fact, the Bradshaw family runs the scholarship fund…” The work gave him time to concentrate on something else besides Enzo. Until Thomas arrived with Asher and the team, they were on their own.

  “That’s your connector. Cut them off, primo. Make them dependent on the family. If their daughter doesn’t follow through with their wishes, everything is ripped from them.” Bella had a point.

  “They’re in default, Bella,” Duncan murmured. “Something changed.”

  “Punishment,” she said. “Somewhere along the lines, someone talked or said no.”

  “About what, though?” His thoughts began to circle. “What would they know that someone else could use to attack the Bradshaws?”

  “Maybe Sasha stumbled onto something or went somewhere she shouldn’t have?” Bella said. “If they’re in dire need of help, maybe they talked about their situation, and the Feds began snooping around.”

  The idea had merit. He hadn’t reached out to ask the different agencies in the area to see if they were investigating the Bradshaw family yet, but he would now. “Good thinking, Bella.”

  She blushed. “I like this type of stuff.” A small smile spread across her lips. Catching a glimpse of her excitement warmed Duncan’s chest, because those moments were few and far between. “Did you know I used watch this kind of shit all the time when I was a kid? I also love mystery books. I can usually figure out who the bad guy is by the middle of the story.”

  As much as the conversation eased some of his jangled nerves and allowed him to focus on the work and not the what ifs, Duncan couldn’t sit still. The idea of having to wait while Raul tortured Enzo with whatever sick and twisted games he played made Duncan sick. Bella placed her hand on Duncan’s knee, stopping him from bouncing it. He hadn’t even realized he’d been doing it. Warmth spread through where she touched him, and he sighed. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Bella’s whiskey-colored eyes were dulled by fear and worry. They were in this together. “It’s one of Enzo’s quirks too.”

  Duncan pressed his lips to hers, seeking comfort even for a brief second. When he pulled back, he sighed. “Enzo is coming home. I promise.”

  She gave a small, sad smile. “I know. I have faith in you, Duncan.”

  Her words pushed away some of the darkness, clearing his head. “I don’t deserve the faith you’ve placed in me.” He kissed her again. “But, I’ll take it.”

  A knock came at the door, and Omar answered it.

  “You look like shit. What the fuck happened?” Asher pushed into Duncan’s home followed by Noah, Mateo and the SRT team. “Sorry it took so long.”

  Took so long? Duncan glanced at the time. “It’s only been forty minutes. What the fuck are you rambling on about?”

  “Asshole.” Asher shook his hand. “This her?”

  Duncan nodded. “Bella Duran-Suarez, this Asher Rainer, leader of R.O.O.T. and his second in command, Noah Hanover.” He then motioned to the kids and Mateo and frowned. “This is Noah’s husband, Mateo. Alex, Eito, and Jacolobi are part of the team I was telling you about.”

  “Thomas, AJ, Scotty, Alé, and Bronx are with Bex right now. Thomas is bringing the crew back to the base when they’re given the all clear to move Bex,” Asher said.

  “So, it’ll be the four of us going in?” Duncan didn’t think Mateo had a ruthless bone in his body.

  “I like a good fight, but I don’t want my ass kicked,” Asher said. “As long as Raul hasn’t pulled up stakes, we’re good to go within the hour.”

  “What about me?” Bella murmured.

  Thomas stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Bella, but you’ll be moved to your new location. When Enzo is found, he’ll join you.”

  The bottom fell out from under Duncan. So soon? They’d only just settled into their relationship. They were feeling themselves out, and after the care and affection Bella and Enzo had showed him, he didn’t want it to end. Nevertheless, he knew this moment was coming. He’d tried to prepare for it since he first admitted to himself he might have not-so-platonic feelings for Enzo. No matter how much he might yearn for something more, his life wasn’t his own. And though he’d been pushing away from them, he also didn’t want to let go.

  “Duncan?” Bella’s voice cracked.

  “It’s best if you go. I can’t protect you anymore. Raul knows where you are, and he’ll send more people before the trial.” Duncan turned away from her.

  “But I—” Bella’s voice cracked.

  “We’ll provide transportation,” Thomas said. “Another agent will meet you at the airport, since none of us can know where you’ve gone. You’ll do all of your testifying through a remote location, and when it’s done, you’ll be given a new identity.”

  “Wh-What about Enzo?” Bella swiped at her tears.

  “Same for him too,” Thomas replied. “He’ll be with you. We made this promise when this mission started. You give us what we need to put Raul away, and you get your immunity. It’s a win-win as far as the FBI is concerned.”

  “So,” she sniffed. “That’s it? Pero—” She turned away from them. “Whatever.”

  If she didn’t think it tore Duncan apart letting her go, she had another thing coming. He couldn’t show it. Not right then. Not ever. He was chained to his job with the FBI. He didn’t dictate when he left. They did. This is why you never get involved with your marks.

  He ran his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. He didn’t have time for this shit. “When do we leave?”

  “Ten minutes,” Asher answered. “Pack your shit and get ready.”

  Duncan nodded. Instead of making Bella do it, he packed away their things. His heart cracked a little more with each piece of clothing he picked up and placed into their bags. Then he made his way to the flat screen and grabbed the game console, adding it to Enzo’s belongings. When he started working on Bella’s, she snatched everything out of his hands. He wanted to say something, but the look she gave him warned him off. Maybe it was for the best. The more he could separate himself from the duo, the easier it would be to let them go.

  When the phone rang in his room, Duncan answered it. Their ride was there. He glanced at Bella, hopeful tears welling in her eyes. This was the end of the line for them. Over and over he tried to prepare himself for this moment, yet he failed. If he said anything, he’d never leave, and the team needed him. Enzo needed him. Still, he had so much to tell her. Instead, he headed out the door with his team. It was cold blooded, yet it was the only way he could get into the right headspace for the mission. If he rambled on about soft platitudes and whispers of love, he’d break down. He needed to be alert and focused.

  When they stepped out of the club, Thomas, AJ, Scotty, and the secondary team had left with Bex. The two BearCats sitting at the entrance of the parking lot were out of the norm for the place. There was a set of gear and a gun waiting for Duncan to don. As the vehicle carrying Bella passed him, he stopped. He needed to see her one more time. Unfortunately, the darkened windows prevented him from seeing anything, and he cursed.

  “You sure you can do this?” As
her muttered.

  “I have to. Thomas asked me to see it through.” Duncan threw the bulletproof vest over his head then tightened the velcro straps. “Besides, Raul has Enzo. I promised Bella I’d rescue her brother.” He’d fucked up the agreement he made to Enzo, but at least he could fulfill his oath to Bella.

  “You still telling that lie?” Asher cocked a brow.

  “What lie?” He checked the clip on the gun he’d been given. Duncan slid it into place and cocked it before holstering it.

  “They’re not siblings, asshole. We’ve all known since you brought them here,” Asher said.

  Duncan dropped his head forward. “Can’t ever get one past you.”

  “Nope.” Asher chuckled. “So, you’re willing to let them both go like this?”

  “I don’t have a choice.” Duncan checked all the pouches on his vest so he didn’t have to look at Asher.

  “We all have choices, Duncan.” Asher patted his shoulder. “You’re not there yet, but I have a feeling you’ll figure it out.”

  The leader of the SWAT team motioned them forward. He was a big guy, rivaling Omar, which said something. He handed out a packet of papers to everyone in the group. Most of it, Duncan already knew. He’d been the one to help put this together. Plus, they used his reports about Bella and Enzo. However, there was also other stuff he didn’t know.

  “The neighborhood we’re going into has been vacant—condemned for a few years due to contamination. The houses on the block where Raul is located have been used as homeless encampments and residences for squatters. The grass is tall, so look out for traps. Also watch the trees for ambushes. If we get separated on the way out, we will rendezvous at the shopping center in the middle of town. Your driver knows the location. Also, be mindful of friendly fire. You’ll all be in different positions and will enter the building at staggered times.” He glanced at Duncan. “Now, I turn this over to Agent Frazier.”

  Duncan stepped forward, his heart in his throat and his stomach in knots. He didn’t need to be there. He lied. He wanted to go with Bella. His mind screamed to follow her, to be with her, and to tell everyone the truth. Instead, he cleared his throat. “Raul Iniguez should be considered armed and dangerous. He’s a rat in a cage. He’ll do whatever it takes to survive. He’ll use Enzo Suarez as a shield, so do not shoot unless you have a clear bead on Raul. We didn’t get much information out of Bexley Iniguez due to her injuries, but from what I understood, they—she and Enzo—were kept in the same room. She killed two of Raul’s guards before she got loose. So, Raul is a few men short now. But, it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. We learned the hard way in Mexico that he’s a slippery bastard. Raul must be taken into custody. Shoot to kill is a last resort.”

  “Also, remember, the FBI will be making the arrest, and Raul will be transported by them,” the leader of the SWAT team said. “If there’s nothing left, then let’s load up and get going.”

  They climbed into the back of the tactical BearCats, Noah joining Duncan. He rolled his eyes but didn’t complain. It could have been Asher, and the whole way to the site the guy would try to talk Duncan out of letting Bella go without a fight. Duncan nodded at Noah and faced the opposite side of the vehicle. If his da could see him now, he’d be disappointed, yet he’d have asked Duncan to nip the BearCat so they could use it instead. The thought brought a little brevity to the situation.

  “You’re thinking hard over there,” Noah stated. “What’s going on?”

  “The mission.” Duncan replied, trying to keep himself focused on the situation and not losing Enzo. “Trying to push myself into the right state of mind. You?”

  “I’m thinking about spanking the shit out of my husband for insisting he come get Bex. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Noah shrugged.

  Duncan stared at him. “Ever heard of TMI?”

  “You asked,” Noah replied. “I answered.”

  Duncan grunted. “I feel like I’m fucking this all up.”

  “You probably are. Remember, I fucked up too.”

  Noah had a point. Duncan came to know R.O.O.T. right after Mateo had been rescued. The poor guy hadn’t known a thing about Noah’s job or where he worked. He hadn’t even known about the mission to South America, not once but twice in less than a few weeks’ time. According to Thomas, their arguments were legendary, but they were devoted to each other. “Maybe he was worried about Bex.”

  Noah chuckled. “He’s going to offer our apartment to her at the base, to live with us as a family.”

  Duncan blinked. “Huge step.”

  Noah shrugged. “I’m not getting any younger. Neither is Mateo. Bex needs guardians who will love and take care of her, something she’s been lacking all her life.”

  Duncan nodded. “I suppose you’re right. She’s a tough ass kid too.”

  “Tell me about it. Taking out two guards with the K-bar knife Alé gave her?” He shook his head. “She’s got balls.”

  The pride in Noah’s voice only added to the raw ache in Duncan’s chest. Everyone around him was finding their place in the grand scheme, except him. “Yeah she does.”

  As they came around a street corner and into the abandoned part of the neighborhood, the lights went out in the vehicle, and all conversation ceased. They were less than two blocks from where they’d find Raul. Seeing where Bex had been kept and what she escaped made Duncan appreciate everything she’d been through a little bit more. The area was literally a ghost town.

  They stopped half a block from the residence and got out, breaking into their teams while Noah went in the opposite direction. Two of the team leaders held battering rams while two more held shields. Each team member had an earpiece, and Duncan shoved his into his ear. The front of his vest had FBI written on it and the back had tactical, distinguishing him from the others. As he stepped onto the sidewalk, two black sedans pulled up behind the BearCats. The passenger door of the first vehicle opened, and Laura stepped out.

  “Duncan,” she said. “Here’s the warrant. It’s no knock.”

  He took the document, giving her a once over. “You hanging out here, or are you leaving?”

  “And let you have all the fun?” She laughed, pulling off her blue FBI windbreaker to expose the black FBI vest. “Please.”

  “Stay behind me then,” he said when they started to move.

  “You got it.”

  They inched closer to the front of the house in single file, their foot falls almost inaudible. One of the BearCats rolled down the road beside them and stopped catty-corner to the front of the house. The officer in the passenger seat jumped out and grabbed the hook off the front of the vehicle then lowered himself. He ran for the front of the door.

  They stood rooted in their spot, waiting for him to hook up the wench to the security door on the front of the house while the secondary team went into the backyard. Duncan’s heart hammered. His palms itched. He pulled his gun from his holster, lowering it to his side while he waited for the signal to go.

  “Breach, breach, breach!” The officer in the BearCat reversed quickly, snatching the screen door from the house with ease.

  They ran for the door then, and the guy holding the battering ram stood at the ready. “Search warrant. Search warrant.” He beat down the door with one swing while the other officer holding the shield threw a flashbang into the house before allowing them entrance.

  Laura and Duncan went right when the other part of the team headed left. Those at the back were making entry as well. The stench of dried blood and death assailed him. It had to be the two men Bexley killed when she got away earlier. Worry crept in around the edges. Stop thinking and focus. Duncan pushed the thought away and paid attention to where he was going. With the first three rooms cleared, it narrowed their search to one. Duncan licked his bottom lip.

  “Raul, give yourself up and this will go much easier,” Duncan said.

  Raul’s wild laughter filled the room. “Fuck you.”

  Laura used the wall a
s cover while Duncan faced the door head on. He glanced over at her. She gave him a curt nod.

  “I’m giving you one more chance.”

  “I said, fuck you, cerdo sucio.”

  With the team surrounding him, Duncan put his foot into the door—literally. The place was falling apart, and when he kicked it, his foot momentarily became stuck. The guy with the ram appeared once more and knocked through the shattered remains, revealing Raul and a beaten and battered Enzo. Rage burned through Duncan’s veins. Raul’s arm was wrapped around a passed-out Enzo’s neck, and he’d placed a knife against Enzo’s jugular.

  The wild unhinged look in Raul’s good eye denoted he’d do anything to get out of there, to hell with the consequences. Enzo hadn’t been kidding when he said Raul sustained some damage from his fight with Ignacio. The angry scars slashing across his face would be a daily reminder that Enzo’s father didn’t go down without a fight. Duncan looked to Enzo again, and a pang of uselessness rolled through him. He’d tried to protect Enzo and Bella from this monster, yet his best laid plans fell short. Shit. Get out of your head. You have to save his life now. Raul can’t get away.

  Duncan leveled his gun at Raul’s head. “Let him go.”

  “Or you’ll do what, agent? Kill me?” Raul laughed. “I think not. Besides, this game is fun too, yeah?” Blood ran from where he’d pricked Enzo’s neck with the tip of the knife.

  “You’re not leaving here.”

  A snarl curved the corner of Raul’s mouth. “Oh, I think I will. You have something I want first though.”

  “This isn’t a negotiation.” Duncan adjusted his grip on his gun. The soft chatter from the officers had ended, leaving them in silence.

  Raul pulled the knife from Enzo’s neck then drove it into his shoulder, in the space below his clavicle bone. The scream Enzo let loose would haunt Duncan for the rest of his life. Fresh blood ran down Enzo’s arm and left a crimson stain on the material. Fuck, they had to do something, anything to end this without killing Raul or Enzo. What though, Duncan didn’t know.