by Tl Reeve
While Hauser, Shax, and Maxwell were busy taking down the distribution center with their team, Gabriel, Rafe, Caim, and Raum would be at the house they’d tracked the truck to. Another group of agents Jerome sent in specifically for this mission, would be taking down the three other stops the truck made along his route. The sheer size of the mission was daunting. Not to mention the fact they’d have to process each person they arrested. Thankfully, the municipalities involved were ready and waiting for their arrival. They’d already informed Hauser of their open holding cells and their capacity.
Adrian, Haley, Midnight, and Leora were also leaving within the hour. Lu, it turned out, was heading to Florida where PRA’s team had been located. According to Adrian, Lu knew who killed Lyle, but the fucker wouldn’t tell anyone. He also, however, had a bead on the teen who’d been kidnapped. For as much as Adrian wanted out of this life, he sure as hell jumped back in with both feet, like he’d never left to begin with.
“You all have your assignments,” Gabriel said, rubbing his temples. “Remember, PBH doesn’t care about life. They will sooner kill you to experiment on you, as they would take you alive to do the same.”
“Where is the rally point?” Raum asked.
“The middle,” Rafe grunted, pointing to an aerial view of a shopping plaza. “There is a shopping center midway between the distribution hub and the first house. If anything should go sideways, we meet there.”
“Keep your comms on at all times,” Hauser stated. “If you get pinned in, call for help.”
Gabriel stood. “If you see Kendrick, arrest him and let the process work. If he’s undercover, we’ll find out. If he’s working for PBH, we’ll find out.”
When they were finished with their meeting, Gabriel went in search of his sister. He’d left her alone the night before with Halo, and he felt like shit. She hadn’t signed up to be a caretaker, and he couldn’t take advantage of her, either. His parents would kick his ass if he did. He knocked on the door once then used his key card to unlock it then stepped inside. Natalie sat on the bed, watching some show on low while Halo slept in her arms.
“It’s time.” She glanced up at him with worry-filled light-green eyes.
“It is. We’ll be safe. I promise.” Gabriel sat beside her and Halo. “We’ll be back before you notice.”
She frowned. “Somehow, I think you’re oversimplifying the results.”
He chuckled. “Well...”
“You’re happy, but tired. Did you work everything out with Rafe?”
“I suppose so,” he answered.
“Did you notice both of your names are that of archangels?” She tilted her head. “Raphael and Gabriel.”
He hadn’t paid attention to it. “No. I didn’t. You did, though.”
She grinned. “Well, anyone who mates my brother is going to be thoroughly vetted.”
“Same goes for you,” he replied. “I need to get going.”
“Come home in one piece.”
Gabriel kissed Halo’s forehead then his sister’s. “I have to. Who’s going to annoy the shit out of you if I’m not around?”
Natalie rolled her eyes then said at the same time Gabriel did, “Bay.” She laughed softly then sighed.
As he stepped out of the room, he’d been surprised to see Rafe standing there. The man’s features were impassive to say the least, yet his body spoke volumes. Every inch of him had been tense, like one wrong word or action and he’d snap. He vibrated with determination and resolve. If he’d been afraid of what was to come, he didn’t show it.
“You ready?” Gabriel asked, closing the distance between them.
Rafe nodded.
“Can’t talk?”
“Feel like I’ll puke if I do,” Rafe muttered.
“First time jitters. I understand. Happens to all of us. I puked at my first murder scene.”
Rafe’s face twisted in revolt. “Not helping.”
“I tried to kill an angel when he touched my sister, the first time I met him.”
Rafe snorted. “Everyone wants to kill Shax.”
“You’re worried about the implications of Kendrick being a part of this,” Gabriel stated.
“Yes. What will it mean for our team?” They strode down the hall. “Will we lose our jobs? Will our unit be shut down for good? Were we always pawns for PBH—if all of this is true?”
“I think we can make sure your team isn’t disbanded and you can keep your job. If anything, you might have a new leader or, you become the person in charge.” Gabriel glanced up at him. “We still have a deal in play. Seven murders to solve. Can’t give up yet.”
Rafe chuckled. “You’re right. Do you ever think PBH will be fully eradicated?”
Gabriel shook his head. “Unless we find the root of who is backing PBH and how far it’s spread, I don’t think it’ll ever die. Someone will always take up the mantle, however we can always mitigate the damages and snuff out hotspots like this. It’s something we’ve always done.”
“Can I ask you another question?”
Gabriel nodded. “Sure. Ask me anything.”
“Why don’t you shift a lot? I thought it was something shifters loved to do.”
Gabriel wrinkled his nose. “I never thought about it. I spent more time as a wolf pup when I was younger than I do now. I guess, I grew up. I shift when I want to run. I shift when I need to get away. What about you?”
“I feel awkward as a wolf.” Rafe furrowed his brow. “When I had wings, I could fly wherever I wanted. See whatever I wanted to see. The wind in my feathers was glorious. Being a wolf now feels heavy, almost a burden.”
“Because you’re on the ground,” Gabriel said. “You didn’t get the chance to experience being a pup. You didn’t hunt with your packmates. You didn’t run with them. I promise you, the same sensation of feeling the wind in your wings, can be achieved while running with your wolf. When we’re done here, I will show you.”
“I’m going to hold you to that,” Rafe stated.
“If you two are done,” Raum grumbled. “It’s time to head out. We’re doing daytime raids, after all.”
It made more sense to do it this way than at night. In the light, they could see anyone who might try to ambush them sooner than if they were out there in the dark. Even with his superior night vision, shit could happen, and Gabriel wouldn’t risk anyone just to make arrests.
Rafe and he stepped back into the room and began preparing for the takedown. Each of them donned a bullet-proof vest and helmet. Though they would heal, taking a bullet anywhere would knock them out of commission, especially if the projectile got lodged inside of them.
Gabriel grabbed the AR-15 off the table, check it then grabbed three magazines that lay beside it and placed them in one of the pockets on his vest. He then grabbed his go pack along with the 36mm revolving launcher. Inside the launcher’s case were seven flashbang cartridges and ten tear-gas cartridges, enough to bring any man or shifter or even someone with abilities to their knees.
The warrant Hauser handed to him, had been shoved into a plastic cover to protect it against the elements. Gabriel folded it in half and placed it in the V of his vest for safe keeping. No way in hell he’d lose it. As they made their way down to their vehicles, they didn’t have any of the fancy equipment SWAT had, but in a way, it was better. It kept them inconspicuous. Once they were outside, they piled into their respective vehicles. No one said much. Didn’t have to. They left it all on the table back in the hotel room. Now was a time to go over the mission, plan out their points of attack and capture all those involved in Aurin and Bain’s deaths.
During the day, the road leading up to the house on the hill appeared different. The trees with their spindly limbs lined the road, shading the ditches. The orange, red, and gold leaves glittered in the early morning sun, while the dead leaves of the coming fall filled the ditches. It was a macabre scene to say the least. As they pulled up the driveway, the found the lane blocked by a ten-foot electric gate. The r
undown shack of a house appeared empty, but it didn’t mean a damn thing.
“Ram it,” Rafe groused. “It’s why we have the guard on the front.”
While they planned out their points of attack, all of their vehicles were being modified with push bars and reinforced bumpers. The windshields and back windows were replaced with bulletproof glass as well. Yes, it made the rest of the SUV vulnerable, but it also bought them time if anything were to happen.
“You got it.” Raum mashed the gas, and they launched forward, gaining speed as they completed the climb and smashed into the gate.
The crunch of crashing metal reverberated in Gabriel’s ears while sparks flew over the hood and roof of their vehicle. The engine revved, and they came to a sliding stop sideways by the front entrance. The door to the house flew open, and those inside began to open fire. Gabriel grabbed one of his magazines, slammed it into the rifle, and then opened his door. He fired off several rounds, taking out the suspects he could see. Smoke and dust filled the air as they ceased firing. From his right, he heard the sound of an engine starting.
Gabriel grabbed the launcher and two rounds. One a flashbang and the other tear gas and loaded them. He shoved them home then clicked the gun shut before he double-timed it to the side of the house. The large, off-road truck lurched forward, kicking up dirt and debris as it sped toward Gabriel. He leveled the sight on the front windshield of the vehicle and pulled the trigger. The flashbang crashed through the windshield and exploded. He pulled the trigger again then jumped out of the way of the speeding truck. White smoke filled the cab, and the vehicle fishtailed before slamming into a tree no more than a hundred yards away.
“You’re fucking insane!” Rafe yelled, picking Gabriel up off the ground.
“And you’re just figuring this out?” Gabriel grinned as he dusted himself off. “They’re going to feel that in the morning.”
The doors to the off-road truck popped open, and both men tumbled to the ground. Both held their ears while coughing and gagging. Blood trickled from their faces as they writhed in agony.
Gabriel approached them with his gun drawn. In the bed of the vehicle, was a pallet filled with Éviel. Each packet had been marked with what Gabriel considered to be seller districts. The grey bags were pack twenty high by six rows. If he had to estimate how much it was worth, probably in the five million dollar range. Which meant there could be more inside the house.
After they secured the suspects, Rafe and Gabriel along with Raum and Caim searched the house with methodical precision. Though the rooms were empty, almost devoid of anyone taking up residency there, the basement was another story. Long silver tables lined the basement. Each one had a designation, whether it was placing the liquid form of the drug into syringes and small vials or separating and stacking the individual patches of Éviel. Another station had been setup to count money and, lucky them, the two idiots they’d arrested, had left their ledger out where everyone could see it.
“We’re going to photograph this place then collect all of the evidence,” Rafe said.
Muffled sounds came from an area in front of them. Gabriel advanced, his gun trained on the area where the noise came from. Rafe watched his six as they eased forward. Gabriel’s heart pounded. His mind raced. He stood to the left side, while Rafe took up the right. “On the count of three.”
Rafe nodded.
Gabriel counted, then Rafe snatched at the door, opening it. Gabriel turned and came face to face with three women tied up and gagged. The space reminded him of a supply closet where all kinds of chemicals could be stored. Instead, though, the only things lining the shelves there were bottles of Éviel.
“Son of a bitch,” Rafe hissed. “Let’s get them out of there.”
The women’s wild, tear-filled eyes bounced between Rafe and Gabriel. Their muffled cries as they backed up further into the room tore at Gabriel’s heart. Who knew what they’d endured. Who knew what they were there for? Gabriel took off his helmet and laid down his gun. He approached them with his hands up in a non-threatening manner, while Rafe relayed the information to Raum and Caim.
“We’re the good guys,” Gabriel murmured. “We’re not here to hurt you. Promise.”
The girls moved backward again, but kept their gazes fixed on Gabriel.
“How about we get that tape off your mouth. I bet it hurts.” He reached forward and the girl flinched. “It’s okay. I promise.” He reached again, and the girl held still. She trembled under his touch while tears streamed down her face. “There we go.” He removed the gag from her mouth, and she sucked in a deep breath before coughing.
Thank you,” she whispered.
“No need to thank me.” Gabriel repeated the steps twice more before stepping back. “How long have you been here?”
The girls looked at each other, and the one who’d said, “thank you,” spoke first. “We don’t know. A while. We answered an online ad for office assistants.”
Rafe frowned. “Where did you meet for an interview?”
“A warehouse,” she answered. “Seemed legit at the time.”
“What happened next?” Gabriel prodded.
She shrugged. “I don’t remember.”
“Same for both of you?” Rafe lifted his chin in the direction of the two other women.
Both nodded.
“They were punished,” the girl said. “Had their vocal cords clipped because they couldn’t stop crying out for help.”
Rage burned through Gabriel’s veins. “Come with us, and we’ll get you some medical attention.”
“What are your names? Do you think your families are looking for you?” Rafe asked, pulling out his tablet. “I can check the database.”
“Saoirse,” she answered. “Saoirse Gabbard. They’re Linsey Blackwood and Heather Thomas.”
While Rafe searched the database, and Gabriel assumed sent the names to Keeley, he undid the bindings on their hands and legs. Though they were still a bit shaken up, they were in relatively good condition. When Caim and Raum joined them in the basement, he and Rafe escorted the girls out of the space and up into daylight. The girls covered their eyes, and Gabriel kicked himself for not considering how long they’d been down in the darkness.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “You can sit in our vehicle while we wait for the ambulances. You’ll be safe in there.”
Already, police had joined them as they’d planned along with a forensics crew. The grounds would be gone over with a fine-toothed comb to make sure they had everything they needed to take down those responsible. The two assholes who’d tried to get away were already sitting in a patrol car, while a K-9 officer and handler went through the interior of the vehicle.
Gabriel’s phone vibrated, and he pulled it out of his back pocket. It was a text from Hauser, they were getting ready to breach the warehouse. In a short message back, he wished the team luck then told them about the three girls they’d found in the house and that they expected to be at the location for a few more hours at least. After he hit send, he shoved the phone back into his pocket at the same moment the ambulances ambled onto the property. He opened the door to his vehicle. “They’re here. We’ll have two officers follow you, so you’ll be protected. My partner and I will be to the hospital later to speak with you again. For now, rest. You’ve all earned it.”
He flagged down the EMT crew then stepped out of the way, so they could work on the girls. While they were being tended to, Gabriel went in search of two officers who could follow the ambulance to the hospital and keep an eye on the girls. They were going to need the protection for the foreseeable future, since PBH was involved, and they were witnesses. He had thought about sending them to Window Rock, but he didn’t want to take them away from their families, either.
Rafe joined him moments later along with Caim and Raum. Each one wore grim expressions, and his heart sank. “What happened?”
“It’s a fucking mess down there. Those three girls weren’t the only ones tortured,” Rafe snarled. �
�We found two more bodies.”
Gabriel hadn’t picked up on them, and a bit of him settled. “They must have passed over. I didn’t see them or feel them.”
“You make it sound like a good thing,” Caim said with a hint of snark.
“It is. I hope you never have to relive how some dies,” Gabriel snapped. “I can taste their fear. Their desperation. I see it when it happens, the minute the cold metal of a barrel is placed to their heads. The click of the trigger milliseconds before they die. Feel the cold steel of a blade as it rips through their flesh...”
Rafe squeezed his shoulder. “It’s okay.”
“It’ll never be okay,” Gabriel spat. “The two victims we found in the closet are at peace, keep it that way. Be grateful.”
“We are,” Rafe whispered. “We are.”
****
By the time they returned to the police station, Rafe was exhausted. The three girls they found in the storage closet were being tended to at the hospital and were under armed guard for the foreseeable future. Their loved ones were contacted, and those who were far away, were being flown in by PRA. It would take weeks for them to heal, and in Linsey and Heather’s case, they would have to come to grips with the ramifications of having their vocal cords cut. He hated it for all of them, including the two women who were dead.
But, he couldn’t dwell on it anymore. They had one more step in the case, questioning the suspects. Gabriel and he would be taking the two from the house while Hauser and Maxwell questioned the five from the warehouse. It wouldn’t be easy getting answers, but all they needed was a break in the case.
Just one.
He stepped into the interrogation room with Gabriel and found the first man, Felix Orozco handcuffed to the table. His head had been wrapped in gauze, and blood seeped through. His eyes were closed, and a nasty black eye was building around his right eye. Should have thought twice before he ran. Gabriel slammed his notebook on the table, causing the man to jerk then wince.
