He leaned against the door and asked, “Why can’t you do something else?”
“I have spent half my life modeling. It’s my life. My career.”
“And?”
Jada couldn’t believe he was treating it like it was nothing. Part of her was upset that he could dismiss it so easily. But he doesn’t know what I do. “I have commitments, David. People count on me to show up when scheduled. It is not just my livelihood that would be affected if I didn’t. There are photographers and stylists, to name a few.”
“They can find other work. Just like you can.”
Jada laughed. “Oh really? Walk away from everything I love because you think I’m in danger? Next thing you’re going to tell me is I can’t fly because the plane could crash or drive in case there’s an accident. Oh, wait, how about no stairs in case I trip and fall.” She knew she was being dramatic, but she wanted to make her point. His expression said she had, and he wasn’t pleased. That makes two of us.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying this.”
“Not really. I’m about to go on the runway, and you guys are not following me.”
“I spoke to the manager, and he said—”
“I don’t care what he said. Neither you nor your guys are going there. If you want me to cooperate with you, then you have to have a little bit of leeway with me. Otherwise, this is not going to work.” She was usually easy-going but everything that happened today had her on edge. She was standing in her six-inch stilettos ready to walk down the runway, and her knees were wobbly. That was not like her. She could feel her career slipping through her fingers if she didn’t stop this madness immediately. “I’m serious, David. If you can’t back off so I can do my job, then consider yourself permanently dismissed. And I mean it this time.”
She was tired. Exhausted. Jada needed him to respect her request as much as she had his. She could tell David wasn’t happy with her statement. Jada wasn’t trying to be unreasonable, but they were from different lifestyles, and he didn’t seem to understand hers.
“Jada, you’re making a mistake.”
“But it’s mine to make,” Jada said softly, hoping this was the end of her pleading.
David stared at her for what felt like an eternity. She wasn’t going to budge on this, not this time. This wasn’t just any runway show. This Miami event was for her most prominent client, and if they felt as though she could not perform, word would get out and spread like wildfire. It was so hard to make it to the top, but so easy to fall from it.
Jada’s heart was racing as she waited to see what David’s next move would be. She trusted him, which was not easy for her to do, but she needed him to trust her as well. I know what I’m doing just like you do.
“If you’re not back in this dressing room immediately after the finale, I will come and hunt your ass down and carry you back to that chopper. Got it?”
David was giving her what she asked, somewhat. Jada should’ve known he wouldn’t relinquish total control. At least, she would be able to perform without concern for what he or his men were going to do.
In a soft voice she said, “Thank you, David.”
“Thank me by being right.”
Jada nodded as she opened the door and headed down the hallway. It felt a little odd without David or one of his men looming over her, but with each step she came closer to the stage, she began to feel more and more like herself. As she approached the other models, the mask she normally wore to conceal her true self was back in place. They didn’t want to know she was stressed and having a rough week. All they wanted, all anyone wanted, was to see Jada Hope, supermodel. Jada excelled at forcing a smile. It’s show time.
Her legs were steady, and as she strutted down the runway, every ounce of her confidence returned. The camera flashes and the crowd were the only things she was aware of. As she made it to the end of the runway, she did her normal stance of looking to the right and then snapping her head to look to the left and down. That’s when she saw him. She struggled to remember his name. David had mentioned it once, but she brushed it off because it meant nothing to her. But here he was again, just days later. Was he stalking her? Was that why he had been at that party and asked her to dance?
The music continued to play, and she knew she needed to spin and walk back up the runway to change into her next gown. With each step, she knew she needed to get word back to David. He would want to know. I hope he already does.
Her wardrobe change took place in the same room where the other models were doing theirs. The set up was a little different than most of her events, and normally that wouldn’t trouble her. Right now, anything and everything seemed to disturb her. She had to calm down. Jada’s mind was getting the best of her. She had to remind herself this was not the first event he’d shown up at. He was a regular at them. That made him a little creepy and odd, but he wasn’t the only one who liked to follow what was happening in the high fashion industry.
Unlike the other models, Jada had people assist her in the wardrobe change. It was a perk for being the headliner. As they helped her slip on the second gown, she reminded herself of what she had told David moments earlier. If she wasn’t going to let David interfere, then there was no way in hell she was letting some weird guy, who really might only be there for the clothes, ruin this for her either.
With a whole new resolve, she headed back to the runway with her head held high. As she made it to the end of the runway, she looked to the left; the man was gone. Even though she told herself she wasn’t going to let him rattle her nerves, she had to admit she was glad he had left. It meant she could concentrate on what was important. Her job.
Jada had two more wardrobe changes before the show came to an end. She did her final walk with all the models and then one final with the designer. When the applause had ceased, she was free to return to her dressing room. All the models went one way, and she was left to walk the long hall alone. She couldn’t help looking over her shoulder a few times, and she picked up her pace. She wasn’t about to tell David that she wished he had waited by the stage. Yet, deep in her gut, she knew she had pushed him away a little too hard. Maybe next time he can wait a bit closer.
David knew Peckham would recognize him, so he had no choice but to have one of the waiters do his dirty work for him. He had to time it just right. There’s only one thing David knew that would lure Peckham away from the side of that runway, and that was Jada.
It was all about timing. Jada had just left the runway for a wardrobe change, and David nudged the waiter to make his move now. If Jada returned to the runway before Peckham got the note and left his seat, he might know he was being set up. Instead, the waiter was able to pull it off and handed Peckham the note. Come on, asshole. Read the fucking thing. But Peckham could not take his eyes off the women who stopped and posed in front of him. The waiter was persistent though and didn’t leave Peckham’s side. The waiter tapped Peckham on the shoulder and pointed at the paper as though giving him the hint it was important. Good going, kid. The waiter left once Peckham started to unfold the note.
David had a hard time believing Peckham could resist the offer to meet Jada in her dressing room right now. Sure enough, David saw Peckham’s eyes widen with excitement, and a filthy-ass grin David wished he could smack off spread across Peckham’s face.
“Hold positions,” David said, knowing Bill and the team were on standby, ready to snag Peckham as soon as he left the auditorium. David could see Peckham’s leg start to bounce and shake as though he was getting too anxious to wait a moment longer.
“Jada’s ETA two minutes. He better move fast,” Bill said over the earpiece.
Shit. David knew Peckham was thinking about it, but if he didn’t move now, it’d be too late, and Jada would be back in his sight. David was tempted to change the game plan, walk up to Peckham, grab him by the throat, and haul his dumb ass out of there. That was going to bring some seriously unwanted attention, but if that was his only choice, he wasn’t opposed to doi
ng it that way. Rafe knows I handle things less diplomatically than he’d like.
Peckham finally got up and headed toward the door. “On the move.”
“Roger,” Bill replied.
David had no doubt they’d apprehend Peckham and get him in the SUV as planned. Although David had promised Jada that when she finished he’d be waiting for her in the dressing room, it was one of the promises he wasn’t going to be able to keep.
“Package sealed and out for delivery,” Bill stated, referring to Peckham.
“Gabe, you got this?” David asked.
“I do. The rendezvous place is secure.”
David would’ve made a move on Peckham himself, and he would’ve been successful, but having backup right now ensured Peckham might make it out alive. I just want answers, and then I don’t give a shit what happens to him.
Everything was set, and he knew Jada was in good hands with some of Bill’s guys. David might not know them personally, but they were men of honor and would keep Jada safe at all costs. At least, until I can return. Each of them was highly trained in certain areas, but all had skill in defensive combat. Although that was not required in this instance, it eased his mind knowing some of the best had her covered.
That was why Bill was riding with Peckham. He had a certain knack for extracting information from infidels. David hoped his tactics would not be required to gain the truth from Peckham, but he was not opposed to using them. Hell, if Rafe and Renzo were there, they’d be doing the same shit. His brothers weren’t in the business of playing nice. They played to get the information required to save lives. The government had trained them but didn’t like that they were using their training without government control. Sometimes they forget we are all on the same side.
That’s why David needed to make sure the way they obtained information from Peckham wouldn’t compromise his prosecution later. They were not judge and jury, but they also weren’t going to let Peckham walk away to torment Jada or any other woman ever again. Time to be held accountable for your actions.
David had to exercise restraint even though he’d love to beat the shit out of Peckham. But as soon as Peckham’s injuries healed, he’d be back on the prowl for a new victim. It was very likely whatever physical altercation David and Peckham got into would only cause Peckham to intensify his abuse toward others. It was a sickness and one that only got worse. There were several ways to put an end to it, but only one that was legal. It was time for Peckham to face the criminal system and enjoy the inside of a prison cell. Long-term.
David was in constant contact with Bill. Gabe was recording everything for law enforcement. They knew they’d have to answer some questions themselves, because this was stepping outside the legal realm. They might be accused of being vigilantes, but that was not the case. They were hired to do a job, and as long as nothing happened to Peckham, none of them should be concerned about facing charges themselves. No need for us to mention that we took Peckham by force.
He had no idea how Gabe had found this place. Their rendezvous wasn’t far from Miami, but it looked as though it could’ve been hundreds of miles away. David had served many years overseas and this type of devastation wasn’t uncommon . . . in war zones. He’d seen the devastation on the news six months ago, but seeing it firsthand was surreal. The force of the hurricane winds, as well as the tidal surge, had washed most of this area away. A few buildings were half standing and others looked as though someone tried to start rebuilding before they were forced to give up. This wasn’t one of the affluent neighborhoods where it was a matter of filing a claim and having insurance pay. Most of these people lost everything: their homes, their belongings, and in some cases their lives. What was left behind had quickly become overgrown, and in many areas the water had not receded. He knew he wasn’t in the Everglades, but this looked more like marshland than a community neighborhood.
David wasn’t sure the limo would make it to the rendezvous point over roads with ruts so deep he swore they would break an axle. You might have given us a warning, Gabe. David fully anticipated having to get out and walk the rest of the way, but the driver finally turned down a sand-covered road before stopping in front of a rundown, abandoned gas station. It hadn’t fared any better than the homes they had passed. David had informed Gabe he wanted a location off the beaten path and this definitely fit that request. Maybe a little too well. The grass was overgrown and David was not looking forward to encountering any wildlife lingering in it. He’d faced men with guns aimed in his direction without even flinching but was not too fond of snakes, and this place looked like it could be crawling with them.
As they pulled around to the side, he saw the black SUV parked just out of view. Out in the middle of nowhere, there truly was no reason to hide the vehicle, but he appreciated the fact that Bill attempted to. If for some reason anyone chose to do a flying sweep over this area, the two vehicles would stand out amongst all this rubble, but he wasn’t concerned.
The limo pulled up on the side of the SUV and David made his way out. The driver stayed in the car with instructions to notify them if anyone approached. Gabe was also monitoring via satellite. They were covered from every angle. David was not concerned about Peckham having people who’d come looking for him. Everything Gabe had uncovered confirmed Peckham wasn’t only a slime ball, but he was also a loner. All they needed to do was get him talking, and Peckham would bag himself.
David opened the door to the garage of the station and paused while his eyes adjusted from the bright sunshine. All he could hear was whimpering. Dammit, Bill. You weren’t supposed to do anything until I got here.
As he stepped farther inside, he saw Peckham sitting with his hands tied behind his back and his head still covered. Bill and the others were standing there nonchalantly. “Status.”
Bill didn’t speak but raised his hand and waved him over to stand in front of Peckham. Bill pointed to the front of Peckham’s slacks. He’d pissed himself. David arched a brow in Bill’s direction.
Bill raised his hands letting David know he has been hands-off. That was a good thing, because there couldn’t be any marks on Peckham if they wanted this to be successful. However, David knew Bill had techniques to extract information in painful ways that would remain unnoticeable. Given how scared Peckham was, David didn’t believe those would be necessary.
Bill had a smirk on his face as he said, “Hope you know you’re getting a cleaning bill for the SUV.”
Bill’s humor was better than having to hear Peckham had been a whining little bitch the entire ride over. David had hoped Peckham would have some fight, so they’d have a reason to intimidate the shit out of him. I want a little payback on behalf of Jada, and you can’t give that to me can you, asshole?
The only thing David could do was reveal who he was and why he was there. He waved the others to stand behind Peckham and off to one side so their identities would remain anonymous. Then he made sure Gabe was recording both the audio and the video. If anyone was going down for what was about to take place, he’d risk no one but himself.
This interrogation was different from how they handled things when they were in other countries. They usually teetered between legal and not, but they normally dealt with scum-sucking bastards who had killed innocent people and couldn’t wait to do so again. People like that didn’t cower as they faced imminent death. It was their way of existence. They pretended to be anything other than what they were. Radicals. Terrorists. Yet they think their actions are what their higher power wants.
Dennis Peckham was neither. He was a sick individual whose only motivation was to feed his ego through cruel behavior. David couldn’t wrap his head around Peckham’s mentality. It wasn’t in his line of training or expertise. Renzo had called him on the ride over to make sure David understood he was on US soil, and they had to work within the legal system to obtain justice. But the system has failed these women before. It’s not going to fail Jada.
David reached over and pulled the bla
ck sack from Peckham’s head. He didn’t open his eyes and continued to hold his head down, as though he was afraid to look up and meet David’s gaze. You should be scared.
This wasn’t going to get them anywhere unless Peckham talked. David wanted to grab him by his hair and force him to look up, but then whatever confession they obtained would be under duress. So instead David dropped down to a knee, in a less intimidating position, and asked, “Do you know why you’re here?”
Peckham shook his head. Judging by his response he knew Peckham recognized him. “I was only looking. That’s all, only looking. I would never . . . never hurt Miss Hope.”
Yeah sure, you wouldn’t. Just like you never hurt those other women. David stood up, and as he hoped, Peckham raised his head as well. “I don’t believe you. You seem to show up everywhere Miss Hope does. I don’t believe in coincidences. So tell me, Dennis Peckham, what the fuck do you want with Miss Hope?” David tried to keep his tone calm, even though his fingers itched to clench into a fist and make contact with Peckham’s jaw.
“You . . . you don’t understand. You can’t. She’s so . . . beautiful.”
That was only one aspect of Jada, but her beauty should not cause her to become a victim. He could hear Gabe’s instructions over the earpiece as he cautioned on how to choose his next words. He couldn’t go on the attack. David needed to make sure Peckham said enough to hang himself, but not so much that it seemed coerced.
“Help me understand.” It was something David would never be able to do no matter how Peckham explained himself. Respect for women and children was deeply inbred in him. He never had so much as raised a hand to a woman, never mind actually striking one. Any man who does is a coward. David had summed Peckham up from the moment he’d asked Jada for a dance. Peckham hadn’t waited for her to agree and never gave her the opportunity to tell him no. There was a huge difference. Peckham used the fact that Jada was a classy lady to his advantage. He preyed on her because she was nice. From what Gabe had provided in the reports, all of Peckham’s so-called victims fit that bill.
For Hope Page 9
