by Cara Carnes
Jesse took a chance the woman would keep herself composed. Or maybe she hadn’t recognized him.
Raul Santiago is here. Deep cover.
Kamren’s gaze widened as she lip-read his statement. She nodded, then glanced over at the corner. Jesse couldn’t blame the woman for being confused.
He set a ten down on the bar and returned to the table with Dallas.
And waited.
When the two gang leaders left, most people departed the table within moments. Once it was Phil, Raul, and Carla, conversation began. The small surveillance cameras they’d installed months ago picked up the conversation easily. It flowed within the coms Jesse and the rest of the team wore.
“You still remind me of someone, Sandoval,” Phil commented.
“Told you twice already, white boy. Back off. I don’t know you. Don’t want to know you.” Raul’s menacing glare was evident from across the bar. “You want to continue this chat, we can do it outside, but it’ll end with you not breathing.”
“Confirmation on the situation. Everyone prepare to contain as needed. Intercept anyone approaching them.”
Kamren approached the table and smiled. “Evening. Sorry for the delay. What do y’all want to drink?”
“You don’t work here,” Phil spat angrily. “Where’s Dani?”
Raul’s eyes flashed wide a moment. His gaze cut to Jesse and Dallas. Jesse nodded, confirming they had his back. The man’s attention shifted, and he flashed a smile. “Hello, beautiful. What’s your name?”
“Kamren.” She smiled and tapped the ring on her left finger. “Afraid I’m taken though, sexy. Wish I would’ve met you before, though. You look like you’d be a fun one to know.”
“Doesn’t he remind you of someone?” Phil asked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kamren asked, hand on her hip. “Cause he’s Mexican?”
“Watch it, bitch,” Phil growled. “I’ll bury you.”
“Ha. You can try,” Kamren taunted. “But, no. He doesn’t remind me of anyone. You, on the other hand, remind me of a thieving, lying sack of shit who beats women and rapes little girls. I guess we all have our doppelgängers.” She smiled prettily and looked at Carla. “I just learned that word last week. I’m getting my GED soon.”
“Good for you. I admire a hard-working woman who stands up for herself. I was once like you.” The woman smiled. “Don’t let any man break you down.”
“Oh, I don’t. My man builds me up and puts me on a pedestal.” Kamren laughed. “Another of my new words. Now what can I get you all?”
“Bottled water for me,” Phil said.
“And?” Kamren asked. “This isn’t a daycare, Perskins. Order alcohol or get out.”
The man rose. His hand raised, but Raul clasped the man’s wrist. A cry rose from across the room. The chair tumbled as Phil landed with a hard crash to the floor.
“Touch a woman in anger around me again and I’ll bury you alive,” Raul warned.
“Ah, yes. I see the similarity you mentioned earlier,” Carla commented when she looked at Kamren. “Tell me. You do not like this man. Why?”
Kamren’s gaze slid to Jesse and Dallas, then back to the woman. She had no com and no idea the woman was the leader of one of the largest cartels in Mexico. Fear spiraled through Jesse.
“I don’t like men who steal their wives’ homes and accuse them of being an addict. I don’t like men who take advantage of the poor because their parents have money.” Kamren shrugged. “We all have our pet peeves, though.”
“Ah, well that explains it. Sandoval and I will take two Tecates with extra lime,” Carla said and then pointed to Phil, who remained on the floor clutching the hand Raul had released. “Bring some ice for his broken wrist and whatever you have on tap for him. We’ll need some privacy. Clearly there’s a lot we must discuss.”
“Carla was born in Brooklyn. She went missing during her freshman year of college,” Vi said. “We’re looking into the time period after that.”
Damn. Jesse watched as Kamren walked away from the table as though nothing had happened. Nerves of steel. He glanced over at Dallas, whose gaze remained on her.
“She’s a hell of a woman,” Jesse commented.
“Yeah, she is.”
Jesse’s gaze swept the bar and settled on Jud, who’d taken position at the pool table nearest the trio. The menacing don’t-fuck-with-me aura he cast easily radiated from him as he handed a cue stick to Riley. Laughter tumbled from Jesse as he realized the former assassin was the only containment they’d needed because no one would approach that side of the room with him around.
Everyone within the tri-county had heard about him single-handedly taking down an assassination team who’d come to kill Vi while they were all overseas rescuing hostages. They’d likely heard he’d once skinned a man alive. Moments like this made Jesse thankful as fuck he’d landed on solid ground with his brothers and the men they’d brought in. Without The Arsenal, life after the hole wouldn’t have been worth living.
14
The track was a narrow, straight section of farm-to-market road south of Kamren’s farm. Jesse cut off the truck lights and sat. Dallas seethed in the passenger’s seat. Levi had remained behind in case blowback from the night arrived late.
Phil had left. Riley and Jud had followed him to Nomad Memorial, where he was currently being treated for a broken wrist. Jesse owed Raul a beer for taking him down a peg.
“She intentionally goaded him,” Dallas said into the silence.
“Yeah, she did.”
“She could’ve been hurt.”
“She knew you wouldn’t let that happen. None of us would have. She went into the situation blind because she got a call she was needed. She handled herself better than a lot of soldiers back in the service would have. Arsenal, through and through.” Jesse leaned back and glanced at his watch. “He’s late.”
“He’s likely having to fuck and tuck Carla,” Dallas said. He pounded his fist on the console between them. “What’s the play here, brother? We’re mired in more shit than we expected.”
“Ellie is the play. Whatever we need to get her safe and take Phil down.”
“And Raul?” Dallas glanced over at him.
“We decide that after we find out what’s going on. Either way, we’ll do what we can because he had Kamren’s back at the bar.” Jesse paused. “For you.”
“That wasn’t for me. He had no way of knowing she’s mine.”
“Bullshit. You broadcast that fact every time you enter the place. The glares when men flirt. The way you watch her walk across the room.” Jesse chuckled. “He knew, so he protected you because that’s what he and Dom did for you back in the day.”
“You know it wasn’t y’all, right? I was young and stupid and wanted my own crew. Something away from being a Mason.”
“I get it. Nolan did the same thing. Street racing. He was Dom. Hell, Dom learned most of what he knew from Nolan.”
“Dom never told me,” Dallas said. “We were standing in the prison and neither acknowledged the other. Acted like strangers.”
“Because what you and Dom had transcended the brief relationship they had. Nolan wouldn’t undercut that. We all knew those two were important to you.”
“Never more important than you all were,” Dallas said. “Cuts me deep I didn’t follow through with you. I should have.”
“You will. When all this is done, we’ll talk.”
Before Dallas could respond, a set of headlights appeared as a vehicle pulled behind them. A lone shadow formed as he exited the driver’s side. Jesse and Dallas exited as the figure stepped into the beam of light.
Raul.
Jesse hung back and let Dallas take the lead.
His brother stood woodenly for the first couple of seconds until Raul dragged him into a hug. The anger and distrust crumbled quickly, though, and the two shared hard back slaps and smiles.
“Christ,” Raul said. He ran his hand through his hair. “Go
tta admit, I’ve sweated bullets more than once since this started the other day.”
“Fill us in. We know you’re DEA and CIA,” Dallas said.
The man froze. “Where did that come from?”
“It was easy to figure out,” Jesse added. “There’s nothing our crew can’t uncover. Your cover is solid.”
“No offense, but my ass is the one on the line here.”
“Yeah, and we covered it and will continue covering it, so tell us what the hell is going on,” Dallas ordered.
“You tell me. Where’s Dani? That’s why the bastard dragged me there, right? And Dom?” Pain radiated on the man’s face a moment. “He went down for that shit, didn’t he?”
Dallas filled the man in on what they knew and explained that they were investigating the gaps—including his disappearance.
“That bastard. I should dig Javier up and kill him again,” Raul said. “He sent Dom down so he could take over the Dogs. I was collateral damage he’d intended to take out, but the DEA snatched me up first. I didn’t have time to tell Dom I’d been taken. They wanted me in deep and fast.”
“Were you there that night? Did you know? About Dani’s rape?” Dallas asked.
“No.” Raul shook his head. Pain shown in his gaze. “Fuck, how is she? Dani?”
“Cold steel,” Dallas said. “We removed her from the bar before you arrived.”
“Your woman, man. She was straight sass,” Raul said with a grin.
“Owe you huge for having her back.”
“My pleasure to break the bastard however I could. Gotta admit, I’ve been weighed down with evil so long I can’t find my way out.”
“Then we’ll help. How much longer?” Jesse asked.
“We’re close. This operation should do it. Tomorrow night. Carla doesn’t usually come to the meets, but she wanted to meet Perskins. Tonight made her nervous, though. Your girl has her questioning whether we should do business with the bastard. We lose this, then I’ll be in longer.”
“We need him to go down tomorrow. Ellie’s laid up in a hospital with a TBI because of him,” Dallas said. “And he’s got evidence from that night. We found one CD, but it didn’t have the kills.”
Raul’s jaw twitched.
“There’s another copy running around. Javier made a recording.”
“Son of a bitch,” Raul growled. “Did he rape her?”
“Don’t go down that road, man.”
“Did he rape her?” Raul thundered.
“We don’t know. A large section of the footage was damaged. It’s grainy, and she’s not talking. She doesn’t trust us.”
“Why not?” Then Raul’s eyes widened. “Nolan. He lured her out with Nolan.”
Jesse nodded.
“Where is she? I’ll have a word.”
“After we take the bastards down tomorrow night,” Dallas said. “She’s safe, man. We’ve had a crew on her since Kamren’s bullshit stirred up Javier’s shit.”
“And Dom?”
“He’s solid,” Dallas said. “We’ll get him out.”
“Fuck, yeah we will.”
Jesse was worn out by the time he’d showered, changed, and made it to the hospital. The digital clock on the truck read 3:49 a.m. when he turned off the vehicle and headed inside. His mother was asleep on the chair that made into a bed. Seeing her warmed his heart but awakened his concern. She had no business staying with Ellie overnight. He glanced at the woman asleep in the other chair.
Bree’s new hair growth was evident without the coverings she’d been wearing around the compound. Jesse admired the hell out of the woman for what all she’d done to make Zoey’s recovery easier. He dragged his feet along the floor to alert the woman to his presence. When it came to the brilliant scientist with the freaky ability to create dangerous weaponry, a man was smart to make his presence known.
“Jesse,” she said as though affirming he wasn’t a ghost. “She’s asleep.”
He smirked as the woman sat up in her chair and fidgeted with Ellie’s blankets.
Ellie.
Her long, blonde hair had spilled out onto the pillow, but bandages still covered the bulk of her head. He walked to the other side of the bed where the tubes and poles weren’t in his way and leaned down. He feathered kisses along her forehead.
“How is she?” Jesse asked.
“She’s had a rough night,” Bree said. “She woke up a few times. Confused. The doctor said that’s to be expected for a couple of days. He’s a bit annoyed because I’ve made him come in and check on her quite a bit.”
Jesse smiled. “Where’s Medina?”
“Food. I made him go, so don’t get angry he left his post. He needed to get out of this place. He’s at Whataburger. He’d better hurry back though because I’m craving a chocolate shake really bad.” Bree glanced up at Jesse. “It’s not my business, but it’d go a long way if you told him Ellie’s attack isn’t his fault. Or, I dunno. Say something to him.”
Jesse ran a hand down his face and sighed his exhaustion. He hadn’t realized the man needed confirmation, but he nodded. “Go home. Get some rest. Thanks for staying with her.”
“Erm, you need to tell your mom to leave. She won’t listen to us.” Bree smiled. “She said Ellie was gonna wake with family here, one way or another.”
Damn. Jesse loved the idea of Ellie being family. As far as Jesse was concerned, she was. But he didn’t need to confuse the issue with his mom. She had a way of cutting corners.
“Jesse, you’re back.” He turned and helped his mom rise from the chair. She drew him into a hug. “I’m sorry you didn’t get him, dear, but you will. There’ll be a lot more evidence tomorrow night.”
He shook his head, then glanced at Bree. Red rose in Bree’s cheeks as she picked up her phone. “I cheated and got the CliffsNotes. Sorry. I didn’t tell Ellie, though. I swear.”
Jesse was relieved the woman hadn’t shared the operation with Ellie. She needed to focus on healing, not worrying about him or Phil or anything else beyond getting better.
“You need to go home and rest, Ma.”
“I’m not the one burning the candle at both ends. You won’t do her any good if you’re too exhausted to see straight.” His mom patted his cheek.
“I’ll sleep better here with her than I will at home,” Jesse admitted. Not that he’d dare sleep in the hospital.
Medina entered. “Sorry, boss. Bree wouldn’t leave me be until I left and ate.”
Jesse waited as the man doled out milkshakes to Bree and his mom. “I’m glad you did. Thanks for watching over Ellie,” Jesse said. “And thanks for saving her life, man.”
“I should’ve done more,” the man said.
“You saved her. You and Riley both did,” Jesse said. “Go and get some rest. Take Mom and Bree with you. I doubt either can drive, as tired as they likely are.”
“And you? No offense, but you look like shit.”
Jesse laughed and motioned toward the convertible bed. “I’ll sleep here.”
The man paused, as if unsure whether it was the right call, but nodded and guided both of the women out. Jesse repositioned the chair closer to the bed and closed the hospital room door so the sounds from the hallway wouldn’t wake Ellie.
The temptation to take her hand, to caress her, overrode his common sense. The glide of her soft skin beneath his fingertips calmed him. He leaned down and kissed her hand.
“We’ll get him, Peanut.” He rested his head alongside her hand and closed his eyes. Antiseptic and hospital stench overrode her scent and reminded him of his recovery.
“Jesse.”
He sat up. Smiled. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“I’m glad you’re here. Bree wouldn’t tell me where you were. I was worried.”
* * *
Ellie hated the possessiveness within her tone. The fear. Jesse wore exhaustion like a second skin. He didn’t need her drama on top of whatever he’d been handling.
A nightlight on the other s
ide of the room was the only source of light with the room’s door closed. She shifted on the bed until she was fully against one side. She patted the area beside her. “Can you lie with me? Please?”
“Ellie…”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. I just…” She swallowed. “I hate this place.”
“Me, too.” He crawled into bed and stretched out beside her.
The space was too small for the two of them, but she didn’t mind being crunched in with him. Heat spread through her as their gazes met. “I’m sorry, Jesse. You don’t have to lie here with me. I don’t know why I asked.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. I know better. I swear I do. Don’t be angry.”
“Hey,” he whispered, cupping her face. “It’s okay, Peanut. You’re safe with me. You can’t ever say or do anything to upset me, okay? Injuries like yours sometimes lower your filter.”
“Filter?”
“You’ll be more apt to say what you think.”
“Great. I’m a blurter now.”
Her stomach somersaulted when he smiled. All the Mason men had killer smiles. They smoldered. Some of the tension in her melted away beneath the intensity. He settled an arm around her so she was partially lying atop him with her head on his chest.
“Are you okay?” The question tumbled from her.
“I am now, Peanut. Close your eyes and rest. I’m here. You’re safe.”
She was safe because he and everyone else at The Arsenal had made sure of it. Every time she woke, someone was there. It’d taken her a few moments to recognize some of them. The guilt of not remembering her new friends had caused more than a few anxiety attacks.
“Will I get better? Be honest.”
“Yeah, Ellie. I swear you will,” he whispered against her forehead. “Sleep, Peanut.”
“Only if you will.” She watched his jaw twitch as he glanced about the room. “You’re too worried to sleep.”
“Yeah,” he admitted.
Ellie interwove their fingers. She rested both atop his chest beside her head. Calm and relaxation would lull him to sleep. “Close your eyes. Remember when we used to sneak out to the tree and watch the stars.”
