The Divine Devils: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller: Book 1

by R Weir

  “All of this made me lose my train of thought,” remarked Reinbach, mixing more colors. “I’ve got a little more to finish this piece of work. I’ll be interested in what you think of it.”

  Hunter laughed. “Hard to like the work of a crazy person.”

  “I’m crazy,” replied Reinbach, who stuck out his tongue and shook his head. “Crazy enough to get what I want. And it’s for you to find Adin and bring him so we can have a little chat.”

  “I’m guessing like the chat you had with the two men you tortured for me to watch?”

  Reinbach found inspiration and began painting again. “I haven’t decided the method. I like to mix it up. Makes the pleasure of watching more enjoyable. Who wants to watch reruns!” He laughed at his own humor.

  “I’m assuming you won’t let me leave to look for him,” proclaimed Hunter. “You mentioned Athena tracking him down. How am I supposed to get word to her on who to look for?”

  “We shall record a quick message from you, which we’ll send to her via email. It will have the information needed for her to begin and we can be certain you don’t spill our location. With a hard deadline she’ll need to meet.”

  “And if she can’t meet the deadline?” It was a rhetorical question. The answer he already knew.

  “You know the answer. Why should I bother to repeat myself?”

  “There’s no way I can be certain she can find him. This is a fool’s errand which will lead to failure.”

  “Not my concern.”

  Reinbach put down the brush, mulling over his painting, nodding his head it was finished. He grabbed a narrower brush and did a quick signature on the bottom, before leaning back for one last look. Happy with the results, he threw a kiss at it.

  “I need guarantees the girl won’t be hurt or abused by your men.”

  “She is perfectly safe,” answered Reinbach with a dismissive wave.

  Hunter felt like he needed to make a stand. “Not good enough. Who knows what Sellers might do to her if she rejects him, which is likely. I want to be placed into the same room with her, to make sure she is protected.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  “Come on now Brushstroke. What am I going to do? You can handcuff me to the bed if you need to. Hell, I know I can’t trust her father or your men. I’m not ready to deal unless you give me this one thing.”

  “Hunter, Hunter,” said Reinbach, shaking his head. “You’re in no position to demand anything. I can bring that gorgeous young lady in here right now and prove my resolve to get what I want. Are you ready for her to be violated?”

  “I’m ready to take you out right here and now,” replied Hunter, showing his own resolve. “Maybe I won’t succeed, but I’ll fight until you have to kill me. And then you get nothing for all this trouble. No one you have access to will know where Adin is living, the information dying with me. Your decision.”

  Hunter moved forward ready to fight. The door opened and in came Travis, holding his gun, Valerie right behind him. They weren’t going to deter him, as he was ready to charge. He knew his best bet was to lunge at Reinbach, who was only inches away. He was prepared to sacrifice himself.

  “Your move,” declared Hunter. “We end this now or we all live another day. I have no fear of dying and that is what it will take.”

  Reinbach showed concern for the first time. Not outright fear, but more that he understood Hunter had nothing to lose. He though it over and sighed, knowing he still held all the cards and could change the rules when he had Adin, which was the ending he desired.

  “Fine. You win. You can stay with the little lady. But I guarantee you’ll watch every horrible thing we do to her if you try anything stupid or don’t get me Adin. Understood?”

  Hunter nodded, his muscles relaxing. His heartrate slowed down, the tension in his chest subsided. He had what he wanted, a chance.

  “Shall we record this message,” queried Hunter after a couple of deep breaths.

  “Absolutely. But first what do you think of my painting.”

  The canvas was turned around. It revealed a man, likely Hunter, walking into a fiery storm, the face in the fire that looked a lot like the devil. It would seem Brushstroke had captured the future awaiting Hunter perfectly.

  ***

  Walking over to the room where his daughter was being kept, made for a tense time for Isiah Sellers. He’d not seen her, other than via pictures, since she was a small infant. He had no idea what she would think of him coming into her life after all these years. He planned what he had to say, working on it repeatedly. It wasn’t his fault. It was her mother and husband Jose who had kept him from her all these years. All he would ask for was a chance to be in her life. She was an adult now. It would be her decision to make. Though explaining the circumstances of why she was taken, might not help his case any. But he still had to try.

  When he got to the room, Norvin opened the door, Sellers providing instructions to be left alone. He wanted their interaction to be kept between them. Norvin agreed but left a guard, in this case Jamaal, outside with orders to react at any sign of trouble.

  “Olivia,” announced Sellers as he walked in. “I know you don’t know me, but I am your father. Can we talk?”

  Olivia had been lying on the bed staring at a movie she didn’t care for. Grabbing the remote, she turned it off, stood up and cautiously looked at the man before her. One she didn’t know.

  “I don’t know you,” she said with a quiver.

  “I told you, I’m your father—Isiah.”

  Olivia shook her head, not able to relate to that word being associated to this man. “The only father I’ve ever known is named Jose.”

  “I know and that is because your mother and Jose never let me know you. But it is me. I cradled you when you were born. Changed your diapers many times. Held you in my arms, trying to sooth you when you cried.”

  Olivia was having a difficult time understanding. “I’ve heard your name before. But I have no idea if you’re who you say you are. You could be lying to get on my good side.”

  Sellers pulled out a picture and handed to her. It was an old Polaroid that showed a younger version of him and her mother Paige, holding a baby. On the back was written Olivia: three months old. She looked up at the face before her, comparing it to the picture. He was older now, his hair back then darker; but it was the same man. There was no doubt it was her mother next to him. The photo presenting a happy time for the three of them. Though she knew from her mother that wasn’t how their lives played out. It was a horrible time her mother wished she could forget.

  After studying the photo for several minutes, Olivia handed it back to him.

  “You may keep it, if you’d like,” said Sellers, holding it out to her.

  Olivia didn’t hesitate to shake her head. It was a great deal for her to process and having the photo didn’t help.

  “You two didn’t stay together for long,” she commented.

  Sellers eyes lowered, as he nodded.

  “Then why did you have me?”

  Sellers wanted to say it was an accident, Paige’s getting pregnant wasn’t planned. But he knew those words wouldn’t help his case any. He tried to put a positive spin on it.

  “It’s complicated. One of those miracles that happens.”

  “Obviously not miracle enough to keep the family together.”

  Sellers eyes glanced downward. “I can’t get into the specifics. I made peace with it long ago. But I’m here now, hoping to connect in some way with you.”

  Olivia thought it over for a minute, considering the circumstances made little sense. Which led her to question him.

  “Why are you here now? I was kidnapped by these people for some reason, and you miraculously show up. Are you involved?”

  It was another question Sellers didn’t want to answer. He was involved, though admitting to her again wouldn’t help his case any. Like a dirty politician, he planned to dodge it.

  “The circumstances of w
hy I’m standing here aren’t the issue. What is important is that I’m trying to open a line of dialog with you. A condition your mother never allowed.”

  Olivia’s face turned red in anger. “Of course it’s the issue. You had me brought here against my will, all so you could…” She paused to think over what words to use. “…live a fairy tale of hope ending where we become father and daughter.” She pointed her finger at him. “Well fuck you buster. I want no part of anything you’re trying to sell me.”

  Sellers stepped forward. “Please understand…”

  He tried to reach out and touch her, but she wanted no part of it. As he extended his hand, she slapped it away, making him angry. His hands turned to fists, his face red, eyes closed, his appearance threatening. Concerned at what he might do, Olivia went back to her training with Athena and Shen, swinging her right leg straight up and kicking Sellers in the balls while screaming at the top of her lungs for him to leave her alone. He slumped over, taking two steps back before dropping to his knees.

  The door opened; Jamaal stepped through his gun drawn. He saw Sellers on the floor, then looked at Olivia who had tears in her eyes.

  “Get him out of here,” she ordered. “Before I kick him in the face. I never want to see him again.”

  Sellers tried to speak but couldn’t. The pain would take time to subside. This didn’t go as he imagined. He wanted to keep trying, but Jamaal helped him to his feet and forced him out the door, locking it behind him.

  Olivia paced for a minute, letting the adrenaline subside. She’d made her point and was proud standing up for herself. It was a seminal moment for the young lady, who was facing an uncertain future, locked away in this room. As calm replaced the anger, she lay on the bed, her eyes now red, tears streaming. Wondering when this hell she was in would end.

  Chapter 52

  The activity near Family Hobby World was intense. Numerous paramedics and police officers in uniform and plain clothes were working the scene. Other men in dark suits arrived, flashing badges, as if they were in control. Witnesses to the crime, looking scared, others crying about what they’d observed. Satellite dishes were extended, TV vans there to report the news, even when they didn’t have much to report. Claiming they were first with exclusive details about the violent confrontation is this normally peaceful suburban city. It was a beehive of activity, with all the local businesses in lockdown until the police knew all was safe.

  Margo had locked the front door of the business, when the shooting began. She knew in advance what might be coming, her husband, The Train Man warned her after she called to tell him about one of the mysterious men from the other day returning to ask about him. Their marriage of several years had been one of love and trust, at least on her part. He had never fully told her what he did on the side, but she knew the money coming in clearly wasn’t from selling hobby devices. The events of today scared her for the first time, hearing and seeing the violence a hundred yards away. Her brightly painted fingers nervously playing and twisting her long red hair. She called him again, leaving a message since he didn’t answer his phone. She was concerned, hoping for an explanation about the horror outside in the parking lot. For now, she waited, nervous about talking to the police who would soon be at her door, asking what she’d seen. An ignorant answer she would give to every question. Fearing a link to the events coming back at them.

  A few hours passed, the interview a quick one, she made a claim of not witnessing anything to the female officer making notes. Margo commenting, how she couldn’t have imagined such dreadful violence happening in Monument. She was allowed to lock up and leave, a police escort to her car, even though the danger had passed. After thanking the officer, she drove away, again making another call to her husband. Voicemail still the only response, worry overcoming her that the worst may have happened. As she went out onto the main street, a few turns later finding her way to I-25, she never noticed the tail behind her, a car in search of answers on where she lived.

  ***

  Driving in a plain silver Camry, Athena followed the woman, hoping to lead her to the husband. Word had been passed on by Cameryn, who remained at the scene, along with Shen, that the woman in the hobby shop was the wife. They had no idea of how involved she was. Still this was a lead they needed to follow in hopes of answers. The Train Man had taken the fight to them and now they planned to fight back.

  On the drive they went north on I-25 until they came to the Greenland Road exit. Traffic had been a challenge, normal for the rush hour time of day, but Athena managed to keep an eye on the red BMW, as it turned left after exiting, following it until another left brought them to East Noe Road. Winding around they continued into the Spruce Mountain Open Space, into a forest of ponderosa pines, the road t-boning into highway 105. A few more turns and the car went down a long dirt road, a private property sign with a warning to stay out or be shot were placed along a barbed wire fence. It seemed the home was on a remote piece of property and likely protected. Though not surprising for an arms dealer. Athena drove past the driveway, before parking a couple of blocks down on the dirt shoulder.

  Not knowing what she could be walking into, and with no backup, Athena waited. Pulling out the phone she marked the spot on her mapping program to reference later. Having Cameryn or Shen with her would have made it easier for her to approach the house. But after the firepower displayed back in Monument, a suicide mission wasn’t a situation she cared to venture into. Her and the Sig 9mm on her hip were no match against automatic firepower. She scrolled through her phone list and brought up Scanlon’s number before pressing the call button. He answered after a couple of rings.

  “It’s Athena,” she said. “I found the house where I assume The Train Man lives. What is Cameryn and Shen’s status?”

  Scanlon was speaking to someone at the scene and then excused himself, walking out of earshot.

  “Still in custody. Though I have the two FBI men here and they’re working for their release. From witness statements, Cameryn and Shen were clearly defending themselves. I think another hour and they’ll be set free.”

  “I sure could use them. Any chance of expediting it?”

  Scanlon sighed. “They were involved in a major shooting in a normally quiet town. Hard for them to walk away without major questions being asked. You have to let the wheels of justice run its course.”

  Athena didn’t care to hear those words. From experience she knew the wheels would fall off running over the victims in the process. She needed them so she could get inside and hopefully get answers. With Keoki still in the hospital, Hunter locked away in Canada, it only left her Lance and Reggie. Lance was still on crutches limiting what he could do. While Reggie needed to be there to watch the house and the Hawkins family. Athena knew the day was slipping away from her, with darkness an hour or so away. It would appear a night mission of storming the house might be in order. Once Cameryn and Shen were free.

  “I’ll come back and get them, since their wheels are out of commission,” stated Athena. “Do your best to get them released.”

  “Then they can create more carnage?” declared Scanlon, trying not to think what the three of them would do as payback.

  “No comment.”

  Athena hung up the call, when she saw a notification of a new email. It was an odd address, containing an attachment. The subject line reading: Athena it’s Hunter. She quickly opened the email, the body saying: Play File Immediately. Tapping on the attachment she waited for it to download, the speed in this remote area not the fastest. When it finished a couple minutes later, she hit play, the file spinning before displaying. The first thing she saw was Hunter’s face, staring into the camera. He looked to be reading from a script, his eyes staring down from time to time. The message was clear and to the point.

  “Athena, it’s Hunter. Olivia and I are safe. But to remain this way, I need you to track down a man, Adin Dillenberg. He is in witness protection but must be found and returned to the Montana airport where
we landed by Monday evening. Adin was last given a new life in Salt Lake City Utah, under the name Steven Zorn. At the time he worked retail at a grocery store, but I assume that has changed. He lived on the south part of town in Taylorsville in an apartment, though I don’t remember the name. I have no idea if he is still in that city. But it’s a place to start. When you find him, you can email back to this address and further instructions will be sent on how to deliver him. If you fail to find and return him in that time, they will begin to torture Olivia, with me as a witness. Under no circumstances are you to involve the police, FBI or US Marshal’s office in your quest, or there will be similar consequences. Confirm receipt of this email by responding with a simple ‘Yes’. Time is short.” Hunter’s eyes raised from the script, this time appearing to speak from the heart. “I have the utmost confidence in you—Athena—to do the task at hand and get us released. I know you won’t let the two of us down.”

  The video ended, and Athena swore out loud. Glancing at the date, she wondered if she could pull off finding someone, who wasn’t supposed to be found, in such a short amount of time. A person in WITSEC hidden away to protect him from harm. It was a moral dilemma, to possibly sacrifice one man to save two people, one she was hired to protect. For now, The Train Man would have to wait, until they decided what course to take. She replied to the message and put the car in gear before peeling out and heading back to Monument.

  Chapter 53

  The night mission at The Train Man’s house had been put off for now. The new information from Hunter and the task they were being presented required a lot of hard thinking. Finding a person in WITSEC was fraught with all kinds of challenges. This team had towed the line a few times in the past, going to extremes for a client. But doing this would put them square in the sights of the US government. The Feds, with both the FBI and US Marshal service not taking kindly to getting one of their witnesses revealed and likely killed. A perfect record of success the program had relied on. And to ruin this, could possibly set them back on future cases, with witnesses shying away from fingering dangerous criminals.