The Belial Guard (The Belial Series Book 8)

by R. D. Brady

  Laney stepped forward. “I’d like to hear her say that.”

  The woman just stared quietly at Laney, but a tear was making its way down her cheek. She couldn’t be any older than twenty, and beneath her jacket Laney could see an apron. She must be a waitress at the restaurant.

  “I think you guys should go now,” Laney said, her voice cold.

  The taller guy snorted. “Brett, take care of her.”

  Brett smiled, which did nothing to increase his appeal, and walked toward Laney. “Lady, I think you need to learn a lesson.”

  Laney sighed. Why do all assholes think they’re teachers?

  When Brett reached for her, Laney slid her hand down his arm to the elbow, grabbed his wrist with her other hand, and bent it. She then grabbed his wrist with both hands and stepped back, twirling him off his feet and onto the ground. He hit the icy parking lot with a scream. She was tempted to break his arm, but that would draw more attention, so she settled for a kick to the face, which knocked him out.

  She straightened up and looked at Brett’s friend. “Well, that was a fun lesson. Now you need step away from her.”

  The tall guy was apparently not much smarter than his friend. He pushed the woman toward Laney, then charged right behind her. Laney sidestepped the woman and slammed her boot into the middle of the man’s chest. She kicked out his knee and finished with a front kick to the groin that would have made a punter proud. The man squealed, his hands grasping his groin as he collapsed to the ground.

  The woman was now leaning against another car, her eyes wide.

  “Are you all right?” Laney asked.

  The woman nodded. “How—You—”

  Laney patted her arm. “It’s all right. You’re fine now.”

  “I—I need to call the police.”

  The door to the restaurant opened, and three people strolled out.

  Laney faced away from them. “Okay. But I have to go.”

  The girl’s big blue eyes turned to Laney. “But you saved me.”

  “Yup, but now I need to leave. Call the police from inside.”

  Laney quickly got back in her car as the three people from the restaurant caught sight of the men on the ground and hurried over. The woman burst into tears, gesturing from the men on the ground to Laney while Laney quickly reversed into the shadows so they couldn’t get a look at her license plate.

  She drove as calmly as she could down the street, her eyes flicking to the rearview mirror, but no one was following her.

  She pictured the young woman’s face. She was glad she had helped her. She didn’t regret that.

  But she really hoped it didn’t come back to bite her.

  CHAPTER 110

  Patrick sat in Henry’s office, where he’d been organizing an event for the school. Henry had some contacts in Hollywood who had agreed to screen a movie for the kids—one that was not yet out in theaters. Patrick thought it would be a nice surprise. He’d already arranged for the catering and had spoken with the film studio representative, who promised the film would be delivered promptly at six tomorrow.

  Now there really was nothing else for him to do—and yet he couldn’t get himself to leave. He was the only one in the office for a change, which was nice—calming.

  He strode over to the wall of windows that overlooked the rolling hills of the estate. It really was beautiful, with the moon shining down on the blanket of snow that had been falling on and off over the last month.

  The month that Laney was gone.

  Patrick clenched his fists as the familiar stab of fear pierced him. He knew she was capable and could handle herself. Even before she had received her abilities, she had been more capable than her peers. He just hated that she thought she had to do this on her own, to protect her friends and family. It killed him that it was yet another sacrifice she had to make.

  And the cries for her capture only seemed to be growing louder. An international incident had barely been avoided when a Mossad group had been found operating on American soil. The US government had demanded an apology from Israel, Israel had refused, and it had all led to a very tense week. Relations had now calmed down a bit, but things were still delicate—like they were in a permanent holding pattern.

  And that’s how exactly how Patrick felt—like his life on hold until he knew Laney was safe.

  The door opened behind him, and he turned to see Jake. Despite the change in Jake’s relationship with Laney, the man remained absolutely dedicated to her. He had been looking for her nonstop since she’d disappeared.

  “Oh, hey, Patrick. I didn’t realize you were here. I was looking for Henry.”

  “He and Jen are having dinner at his place. He should be back shortly.”

  “Okay. I’ll try them there.” He turned to go.

  “Jake?”

  Jake turned back.

  “Is there anything new?”

  Jake hesitated.

  Patrick felt his heart lift. “Jake?”

  “It could be nothing.”

  Patrick hurried across the room. “What is it?”

  “There was an attempted sexual assault in a small town in Colorado.”

  Patrick’s hand flew to his chest. “Laney?”

  Jake reached out his hand. “No, no. And the attackers, they were stopped. Neither the victim nor the attackers could describe the woman who had intervened. But they all agreed that she was a damn good fighter.”

  “You think it’s Laney?”

  “I don’t know. Local police think she may have shopped at the grocer next to the restaurant where the attack occurred. But there were no cameras, and it was late. The cashier couldn’t remember what she looked like. The cops who took his statement thought he might have been stoned.”

  “Do the feds know about it?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I think they have so many tips they’re probably being run ragged.”

  Well, maybe that will help keep Laney hidden. “Where did this happen?”

  “Colorado. A little town called Cortez.”

  A memory stirred just out of reach. “Where in Colorado is that?”

  “It’s in the southwest corner.”

  Patrick headed for a computer at the conference table.

  “Patrick?”

  “I just want to check something.”

  Patrick pulled up a map of Colorado, sent it to the large projection screen above the conference table, then walked over to it. He pointed to a small dot in the corner of the map. “This it?”

  Jake nodded. “Yeah. What are you thinking?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Patrick scanned the map, looking for something. Colorado. Something about Colorado. His eyes fell on a town about a hundred miles from Cortez, and he felt his heart skip a beat. Could it be?

  He pointed to the small town. “Here. Pagosa Springs. Drew’s grandfather had a cabin there. He left it to Drew when he passed, but it went into probate because Drew didn’t have a will. It’s been sitting empty since then, tied up in the courts.”

  “Did Laney know this?”

  “Yes. She spoke with Drew’s mom a few months back. She’s the one who told me.”

  Jake grinned. “Which means—”

  Patrick’s heart lifted. “Which means I think we might have found her.”

  CHAPTER 111

  Pagosa Springs, Colorado

  The snow drifted slowly past the window of Drew’s grandfather’s cabin. It was a true log cabin, the logs having been taken from the trees that had formerly stood on this very spot. Drew’s great-grandfather had built it by hand, and each successive generation had added their own stamp—adding indoor plumbing, electricity, et cetera. Drew’s contribution had been cable and internet access. But despite the modern amenities, the place still retained its timeless look. Its old couch had a frame made out of tree limbs, the stone fireplace had a hewn log for a mantel, and a pair of Grandpa Masters’s ancient snowshoes hung by the front door.

  Laney curled up
under the thick lamb’s-wool blanket Drew’s mom had made for him the year before he died. She felt closer to Drew here. Before he died, they had spoken every day; after he died, there’d barely been time to mourn. But here, she could remember the good times.

  Laney had now been here for four weeks, having driven almost straight here from Baltimore. For the first few days, she’d jumped at every sound, fearing the police or worse were going to knock down her door at any minute. But no one had come, and she had allowed herself to fall into a sense of safety.

  The incident outside the grocery store had shattered that. She was back to jumping at every sound. She knew she should hit the road. The problem was, she wasn’t sure where to go. Everything was electronic these days, and most places had cameras. Avoiding those was key, but it was hard to do that when she didn’t know where they were.

  But she’d started researching her next destination. Dom had put a laptop in her bag, along with a note stating that it was encrypted and that no one should be able to trace it. Even so, she had been nervous about using it. She’d seen the magic Danny could do with a computer, and she knew the forces arrayed against her included people with similar abilities. But at this point, she had no choice. She had to move on.

  And she finally thought she might know where to go: Alaska. She had identified a little cabin that was sitting in the middle of nowhere, miles outside Juneau. She wasn’t thrilled about banishing herself to a winter wasteland, but as she looked out at the blanket of white outside, she realized, she had already kind of done that anyway.

  She stood up and stretched, rolling her neck. She’d fallen asleep on the couch last night. The couch might looked wonderful, but sleeping on it reminded you it was an antique, and not exactly the most comfortable piece of furniture ever created. No offense, Grandpa Masters.

  She headed for the coffee maker and brewed herself a cup, debating when to make her move. She’d have to cut through Canada, which would be tricky. But if she went through at night, she should be all right at one of the smaller border crossings. Truth was, these days the border patrol agents were more concerned with terrorists coming across the border from Canada into the United States, not the opposite. At least, she hoped that was the case.

  She poured her coffee, added some sugar and milk, and took a long drink. Something about a good cup of coffee made everything seem more manageable.

  When she finished her cup, she went and got changed. She pulled on her boots, grabbed her jacket and hat from the counter, and pulled on her gloves. She glanced out the window. With the new snow, she was going to have to clear off her—

  She went still. Her eyes went wide at the unmistakable sight of six heavily armed police officers in riot gear hunched low as they approached the house. Their dark clothes were practically a neon sign against the white background.

  Laney’s mind whirled. She didn’t want to hurt them, but she couldn’t let them get her.

  What the hell am I going to do?

  The officers stopped their advance, lining up twenty feet away, their weapons aimed at the cabin.

  CHAPTER 112

  Patrick sat in the back seat with Henry, behind Jen in the passenger seat, as Jake drove them down the dirt road—mud road was probably more accurate—steering between three-foot-high walls of snow on either side. Patrick had to hold on as Jake took a turn too sharply and the back wheels skidded out.

  No one said anything. In fact, no one had said anything since they had touched down and learned that law enforcement was converging on Drew’s family’s cabin. Each and every one of them was focused entirely on getting to Laney.

  “Shit,” Jake mumbled.

  Up ahead, a line of cop cars was blocking the road. Three officers stood beside them.

  “Plan?” Jake asked, his voice calm.

  “I’ll take care of them,” Henry said.

  “No,” Jen said. “Let me handle it. You guys are all in the news. Let me do the talking.”

  One of the officers waved Jake to a stop. Jake slowed, then rolled down the window and held out his badge. “Officer, we need to get through.”

  Jen leaned over across Jake. Her voice was brisk. “Officer, Agent Park.” She flashed her badge. “They’re expecting us.”

  “Ma’am, I’ll need to—”

  “You need to move your cars before I call your superior and let him know you’re detaining us from reaching the scene. Do you know who they have up there?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.”

  “What radio channel are they on?”

  “Um, twelve.” The officer continued to stand next to the door.

  Jen glared at him. “The car, officer?”

  He practically jumped. “Right, sorry, ma’am. Right away.” He hurried over to the patrol cars.

  Jake grinned at Jen. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

  Jen smiled sweetly at him. “I thought you already knew that.”

  Jake gunned the engine as soon as the police car was out of the way, and Jen turned the radio they had brought with them to channel twelve.

  In another half mile, they came to a second roadblock. This time there were dozens of cars, including vehicles from the FBI Special Response Team and SWAT. Jake pulled to a stop.

  “Visual of suspect acquired,” a voice announced over the radio. “Suspect is confirmed inside. Repeat, suspect is confirmed inside.”

  Jake leapt from the car. Jen handed Patrick the radio, then she and Henry followed. Patrick was left alone in the car.

  A second voice came over the radio. “Lethal force is authorized.”

  Patrick’s eyes flew to the small cabin, barely visible at this distance. He started to shake so hard he had to grab the seat in front of him.

  And then the air filled with the sound of round after round being fired at the cabin. Patrick’s mouth opened, but no sound could come out, and no breath could get in. Up ahead, Jake fell to his knees, and Henry had to wrap his arms around Jen to hold her back as she screamed.

  Tears streamed down Patrick’s cheeks and spots danced before his eyes. He barely got the door open before he lost all the contents of his stomach. Then he stumbled outside and fell, too numb, too weak to even push himself back to his knees.

  Laney, no.

  CHAPTER 113

  Henry held Jen back as she fought him to get to Laney. At the sound of the first shot, he had known they were too late. Even with their abilities, they were too far away. And each successive shot hammered home the loss.

  Laney. They were shooting at Laney.

  No. They were killing her.

  Jen stopped fighting him when the sounds of the guns died away. She collapsed in his arms, sobbing. Henry’s own knees gave out, and he sank to the ground, his arms wrapped around Jen as if somehow holding each other would make this better.

  Nothing was going to make this better.

  He barely registered Jake, who stared in mute horror at the cabin ahead.

  The three of them stayed there for what felt like forever. Henry watched the men in tactical gear move forward into the cabin. It all felt unreal. Like it was a movie. In his mind’s eye, he could see Laney in the cabin, lying in a pool of blood. He closed his eyes, but the image remained.

  Then a commotion could be heard from the cabin.

  Jake’s head jerked up. “Something’s wrong.” He got to his feet and started running.

  Henry kept his eyes glued to the little cabin. For a moment, there was nothing. Then a body in tactical gear came flying through one of the destroyed windows.

  Henry felt weak, and he wanted to yell and cry at the same time. He grabbed Jen, turning her to face the cabin. “She’s alive, Jen. She’s alive.”

  CHAPTER 114

  An electric tingle rolled over Laney as the first shot rang out. She dove to the ground, but knew she would have collapsed anyway due to the intensity of the electrical signal. The back door burst open as the windows shattered from the spray of bullets, and a body flew across the roo
m, landing on her and holding her tight.

  “No!” Laney screamed.

  The man holding her sighed. “Ring bearer, could you please be quiet? My ear is awfully close to your mouth.”

  Laney went still as disbelief flooded her. “Drake?”

  Above them, glass shattered and wood splintered from the hail of bullets striking the cabin. Drake wrapped one arm around Laney’s waist and the other around her head, covering her entirely and pulling her tightly into his body. He jerked a half dozen times, and each time she knew he’d been hit.

  And had kept her from being hit.

  When the barrage finally ended, Laney’s ears rang from the gunfire. “Drake?” she said. Her voice was shaky.

  He groaned. “Give me a second. It’s been a while since I’ve been hurt like this.” He pushed himself up and onto his side, allowing Laney to scramble into a sitting position.

  “How—? Why—?”

  Drake put up his hand. “Hold those thoughts for a minute.” He grabbed her by the waist and tossed her roughly across the room. She landed on the bed, bounced off it, and rolled onto the floor on the other side just as the front door burst open and officers poured into the room. The agents circled Drake, looking confused.

  “Who—?”

  The first agent didn’t even get to finish his sentence. Drake moved through them like a whirlwind. One hit the ceiling, another flew out the window, and the rest were thrown to the floor.

  Then Drake sprinted across the room and grabbed Laney. “Time to go.” Without waiting for her reply, he pulled her into his arms and blurred out the back door.

  CHAPTER 115

  “The suspect is gone. Repeat, the suspect is gone.” The call came over the radio. It took a moment for the words to register with Patrick.

  “Say again?” came an incredulous voice.

  “The suspect is gone.”

  Patrick gripped the radio like it was a lifeline.