RELENTLESS

by Christy Reece

  “Maybe you and Sean can come back here sometime. You know, when you finally decide to take some time off.”

  “Hey, we had a honeymoon.”

  Jazz snorted. “Three days in Bali. That’s barely time to get a tan.”

  A pretty blush turned Serena’s face pink. “We weren’t there for the tans.”

  Jazz laughed, genuinely happy for her friends. No two people were more made for each other than Sean and Serena Donavan. Some people did find their happy ever after. Most didn’t.

  Ash and Jules had found theirs, too. A few months ago, they’d said their vows beneath the setting sun at their home in Montana. It had been beautiful and romantic. And just last week, they’d shared the happy news that Jules was pregnant. After all they’d been through, they deserved this happiness.

  Jazz knew she wasn’t destined for a happy ending—not like her friends. She had made her peace with that. She was luckier than most. She had found a family in OZ. She enjoyed her job, loved its purpose. She had a fulfilling life, and considering her life before OZ, every day she had breath was a miracle.

  Her mind returned to their purpose for being here. “Kate told her we were going to get in touch with her, right?”

  Serena nodded. “Yes. She’s expecting to hear from us.”

  “Then I say we surprise her, just show up at her door. Nothing like a little unexpected company to throw you off your game.”

  Aubrey pulled herself from the pool and stretched, working out any remaining kinks. Even though she hadn’t slept well, with all sorts of weird dreams haunting her, there was nothing like a good, strong swim to get the body in gear.

  Wrapping the towel around her energized body, she grabbed her phone from the patio table. One of the reasons she’d tossed and turned was her uncertainty about what she should do with the information she had on Ferante. She needed to make a decision and soon. Someone else needed to know about her suspicions. What if something happened to her, and her findings died with her? Even though she had no real proof, only speculation and theories, someone else should be made aware of what she’d learned.

  She’d woken still undecided, but the invigorating exercise had given her the answer she sought. She would call Uncle Syd and tell him. Even though she didn’t want him to help her financially, she trusted his judgment. He’d always been there for her. Plus, he knew a lot more people than she did. He probably even knew Ferante. His insight would be invaluable.

  She hadn’t called the police about the break-in. There had been no point. Not only were the small signs she’d detected not provable, nothing had been taken. Her research was safe. But someone had been here—who they were and what they knew was still a mystery.

  Still dabbing at her sopping hair, she dropped into a chair and pulled up her contact screen. Her finger hovered over her uncle’s number. Would she be putting him in danger? That was the last thing she wanted. Was there any danger? She didn’t know.

  Indecisiveness wasn’t her norm, and it was frustrating not to know the right answer.

  The doorbell rang, giving her a reprieve. Wrapping the towel tighter around her body, Aubrey went inside and through the house to the front door. She wasn’t expecting anyone and though her neighbors sometimes stopped by with baked goods or a friendly chat, it was just past seven in the morning, and few were out and about at this hour.

  She peered out the window, surprised to see two strangers at her door. One was a petite young woman, maybe mid-twenties, with short, ink-black hair, and dark eyes. The other woman was in her early thirties, medium height, with brownish-blond hair and light green eyes. They were both dressed casually in jeans, but there was nothing casual about their demeanor. Their expressions were set with confidence and determination.

  Already suspecting their identities, Aubrey opened the door. “Can I help you?”

  “We’re friends of Kate’s.”

  Kate had told her she would be contacted. Having them show up at her house was a surprise.

  “Mind if I see some ID?”

  “No problem,” the dark-haired woman answered.

  They both whipped out driver’s licenses with their photos and names—the dark-haired one was Jasmine McAlister, or Jazz, as Kate had called her. The brown-haired woman was Serena Donavan.

  Opening the door wider, she waved them in. “Sorry to be underdressed. I thought I’d get a phone call, not a home visit.”

  “After we chat, you’ll understand why,” Serena Donavan said.

  Intrigued, Aubrey led them into her living room. “Would you like some coffee?”

  “Yes, please,” Serena answered.

  Her eyes roaming the room, Jasmine only nodded.

  Aubrey turned too quickly, causing her towel to slip. Wrapping it more securely around her body, she sent the women an awkward smile. “While the coffee’s brewing, I’ll throw on some clothes. Be right back.”

  Preparing the coffee by rote, she watched the two women from the corner of her eye. Though they both seemed pleasant enough, she sensed a surprising hypervigilance, as if they anticipated trouble.

  She quickly finished and then went to her bedroom. Pulling off her damp suit, she dried herself thoroughly and then threw on a pair of jeans and a white button-down shirt. Since her naturally wavy hair was almost dry, she finger-combed it and decided that would have to do.

  Five minutes later, she was back in the kitchen pouring coffee into mugs. Using a tray, she carried three cups of the steaming brew, along with creamer and sugar, and set it on the coffee table.

  As they helped themselves, Aubrey settled back into a chair and did her own observing. Ever since they’d arrived, she’d felt as if she were being put to some kind of test.

  The scrutiny was understandable to a point. After all, she was asking to be included in a covert human trafficking rescue. They didn’t know her, didn’t know if they could trust her. They could. She would never reveal anything they didn’t want her to make known. She didn’t make films about human trafficking to exploit the victims or their rescuers. She did it to try to save lives.

  “I’m assuming you have questions for me?”

  “Not at this time,” Serena answered. “We’ve seen your films. You’re very talented. And Kate has vouched for you. Anything else we need to learn from you, I’m sure we will as we go along.”

  Okay, this was going to be easier than she’d anticipated. She had been ready for an inquisition.

  “That’s great. When is your next one and where do I—”

  “You’re getting a little ahead of yourself,” Jasmine said.

  “How so?”

  “The number one rule of all our ops is that the people we’re saving are our priority. The last thing we need is some untrained neophyte dragging us down and putting people in danger.”

  “I would never get in the way of—”

  Serena held up a hand. “What Jazz is saying is that we need to make sure you’re ready for any kind of threat that might come your way. Once you’re with us, you’re our responsibility. If something happens to you, it’s on us.”

  “I would be happy to sign a document releasing your organization from all liability.”

  “It’s not the liability we’re worried about. We go in to save lives. Our plan is for every person to come out alive. We take that responsibility seriously.”

  “Bottom line,” Jasmine added, “we need to make sure you’re an asset and not a liability.”

  It was becoming clear why they’d shown up in person. While she could certainly understand their reasoning, she was also happy to be able to tell them it wasn’t necessary. “You want me to go through some kind of training course. I’ll do what I need to do, but I’m not completely helpless. I have weapons training and have gone through several self-defense courses.”

  “Excellent,” Serena said. “We can give you half an hour to pack. Will that be enough time?”

  “Pack? For what?”

  “Our training facility.”

  More th
an a little surprised, Aubrey considered her options, which weren’t many. If she didn’t go, she wouldn’t be allowed to go on the rescue. Not only did the film need this kind of in-depth look at a real-life rescue, she needed the experience for herself.

  “How long will I need to be gone?”

  For the first time, she saw surprise in both their faces. She didn’t know if it was because of her quick acquiescence, or if they just weren’t prepared for the question.

  “Possibly a couple of weeks, maybe more.”

  “That’s a long time to be away.”

  “Our people go through months of training. You’ll only get the basics in that amount of time.”

  “Okay…all right. I’ll go pack.”

  She showered quickly and was dressed in a matter of minutes. Gathering her clothes and toiletries together didn’t take long either. Traveling extensively, she knew how to pack with both speed and efficiency. She used the rest of that time to gather the notes and research from her safe. Even though the lockbox was hidden, and she had felt comfortable leaving it here before, she knew the information was no longer secure. Wherever she went, her findings would go with her.

  Bags packed, she went out of the bedroom to the kitchen, and was surprised to find both women taking care of the few dishes they’d used for the coffee.

  “Hope you don’t mind,” Serena sent her a bright smile. “My mom was a stickler for leaving the kitchen in pristine condition before we left the house.”

  “Not at all. I appreciate it. I’m ready to go when you all are.”

  Hanging the kitchen towel on its peg, Jazz said, “We’re ready, too.”

  They were almost at the door when Serena said, “Mind if I use the restroom before we go?” She scrunched her nose. “I hate those tiny bathrooms on the plane.”

  “Not at all. Down the hall, second door on the right.”

  “Great. I’ll lock up for you and hit the alarm on the way out.”

  Following Jasmine, Aubrey went to their sporty SUV and loaded her suitcase in the back. She got into the backseat, unsurprised to see Jasmine slide in behind the wheel. She got the impression that the woman might be a bit of a control freak. Being one herself, Aubrey recognized like kind.

  After a strained silence, Jasmine said, “You live here long?”

  Aubrey hid a sympathetic smile. Awkward wasn’t a term she would have originally applied to Jasmine McAlister, but there was no doubt of it now. She had a feeling the young woman wasn’t much for small talk.

  “Only a couple of years. I love the history here, the old buildings, gorgeous trees. I’ve filmed a couple of my documentaries here, for background mostly, but it makes a beautiful setting.”

  Jazz nodded and then was silent.

  Aubrey cleared her throat. She usually had no issues carrying on a conversation but had to admit to some awkwardness herself. “Both Kate and Serena call you Jazz. Is that what you prefer?”

  “Yes.”

  “All right.”

  The instant Serena came out of the house, she heard a relieved heartfelt sigh from the woman behind the wheel. Yes, definitely not a small-talker.

  “Let’s go. Just got a text. Plane’s ready to go.” Buckling her seat belt, Serena sent a small smile toward Aubrey. “Better buckle up. It might get bumpy.”

  Jazz drove through the streets as if she’d lived in St. Augustine all her life. In a surprisingly short period of time, they arrived at the airport. The SUV turned down a small access road and Jazz drove through the gate with a casual wave toward the man at the gatehouse. They traveled several more yards toward a large private jet.

  Aubrey didn’t know if she should feel honored or worried. Transporting her to an unknown location in a private jet seemed a bit extreme. Why go to so much trouble for someone who’d just asked to tag along on a rescue?

  Leaning on an elbow, Serena turned to the backseat. “You’re looking anxious and you shouldn’t be. We don’t have any ops going this week, so we scored the jet. Any other time, we’d probably be traveling commercial.”

  “When will I get to learn about who ‘we’ are?”

  “When we learn who you are,” Jazz answered.

  They got out of the SUV and headed to the plane. Duffel bag in one hand and laptop satchel in the other, Aubrey stepped up onto the plane. The instant she entered, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Now unsmiling, Serena held out her hand. “I need your phone and laptop.”

  “Why?”

  “In case anyone is tracking you. I’ll disable any trackers and return them to you, good as new. You’ll want to notify any family and friends that you’ll be out of pocket for the next couple of weeks. That way, they won’t worry.”

  Questioning why anyone would want to track her seemed pointless. It was becoming obvious that these people had an agenda beyond her seemingly simple request to do a ride-along.

  After she relinquished the items, she settled into a seat. She hadn’t been nervous but now she was rethinking her trust in the whole situation.

  Holding Aubrey’s laptop and phone, Serena spoke to Jazz in a low tone. Seconds later, Jazz headed to the cockpit. It wouldn’t surprise her if the woman was also the pilot. Every time she turned around, something unusual happened.

  Aubrey took in a few calming breaths. She had been in dangerous situations before. Even though her nerves jumped with adrenaline, this didn’t feel exactly dangerous. Just very covert and unsettling. There were undercurrents at play here that she knew nothing about.

  To calm herself, she took in her surroundings. The plane was decorated for both comfort and efficiency in cream and light green. Ten seats and two small sofas filled the space. The multicolored carpeting was short but thick and plush beneath her feet.

  Whoever these people were, they were incredibly well funded. After the success of her first documentary, she had priced small private jets in the hopes of being able to buy one to make traveling easier for future films. It hadn’t taken her long to realize she could barely afford the fuel, much less the actual airplane.

  As if they’d coordinated their timing, Serena came through a door from the back as Jazz exited the cockpit.

  With one of those small smiles Aubrey was beginning to learn meant nothing, Serena returned both her phone and laptop, and said, “Thanks. We’re good.”

  Aubrey held the phone and laptop close to her. The comfortable and familiar items helped settle her nerves.

  “Why don’t you go ahead and text your people.”

  “I don’t understand. Will I not be able to communicate with anyone while I’m gone?”

  “It’ll be best if you don’t.”

  “Why?”

  Serena gave her a reassuring smile. “You’re getting worried again and you really shouldn’t. It’s just that we are very private.”

  Though the nervousness had returned, Aubrey did as she was asked and texted her mother, Becca, and her production assistant the same message.

  I’m out of town for the next couple of weeks on research. Will get in touch when I return. Text me if you need me.

  Not surprising, Jazz stood over her shoulder and read her text.

  Aubrey tilted her head to look up at her. “You approve?”

  Without a hint of guilt or embarrassment for her nosiness, Jazz nodded. “Yeah, that’ll work.”

  The pilot’s voice came into the cabin. “Seat belts on. We’re cleared for takeoff.”

  In less than two minutes, they were traveling down the runway and lifting into the air.

  Hoping to bring some normalcy back to her surroundings, she glanced over at Jazz who sat across from Aubrey. “How long is the flight to your training facility?”

  Serena answered instead of Jazz, “There’s been a change of plans.”

  “What kind of change?”

  “The training will have to wait. We’re going to our headquarters.”

  “Why? What happened?”

  Unbuckling her seat belt, Serena stood and walked a few feet to an alco
ve. She returned with a handful of gadgets, some as small as a dime. Dropping them on the table in front of Aubrey, she gave her a speculative look. “This happened. These are the bugs and cameras I was able to find in your house in just a few moments. I had someone else go through after we left. He called and said he found two more.”

  She paused for a second and then said softly, “Looks like you have an enemy, Aubrey.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Shock, outrage, and the overwhelming sense of being completely out of her element, swamped her. She’d had this feeling once before, when she’d been abducted. It was as if her brain traveled at warp speed, while the entire world moved around her in slow motion. Voices, soft and urgent called her name. Firm hands pushed her head to her knees.

  Seconds later, everything stopped whirling and she heard Serena say in a calming voice, “That’s it. Deep, even breaths. You’re fine.”

  Now she was shocked for a different reason. She’d almost passed out. Normally the last one to panic in a stressful situation, she just didn’t do things like that.

  “I’m fine. I’m fine.” Repeating the words over and over probably didn’t sound like she was fine, but those were the only words her brain could form right now.

  “Yes you are,” Serena said.

  A glass of water appeared in her peripheral vision.

  “Sit up slowly and take a few sips,” Jazz said.

  Aubrey raised her head and then straightened her body. Gratefully accepting the water Jazz held out for her, she took small sips and with each one she felt her body returning to normal.

  “Well, I guess the question of whether you knew your house was bugged has been answered.”

  Aubrey sent Serena an indignant look. “Of course I didn’t know.”

  “Question remains,” Jazz said. “Who would be so invested in knowing what’s going on in your home?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Both women sat across from her but instead of looking directly at them, Aubrey gazed over their heads. Yes, she knew it was a telltale sign of lying, but she had to get her thoughts together before she could begin to answer their questions.