Healing Heather

by Aiki Flinthart

  ‘Ok, you two, get a room.’ Torin’s guffaw intruded and Heather broke guiltily apart from Kade.

  She hesitated, then stretched a hand out to both men. They grasped her fingers and she tensed, then relaxed when nothing bled through.

  ‘I don’t know how to thank you. What Rowan taught me… I can’t tell you what a relief it is to not feel. To touch people I care about and not be swamped by their emotions.’ Laughing, she released them and whirled in a circle, arms upraised.

  The room spun and she staggered, nauseated.

  Kade was swift to wrap an arm around her and guide her to the couch. ‘Take it easy. You’re barely out of hospital, remember?’

  ‘I’m fine.’ She looked to Torin. ‘Do you think Rowan’s right, about Carleton? That he’s hurting people? That he wants me as some sort of weapon?’

  Torin crouched before her, grave. ‘I see no reason to disbelieve her. Kade found out some pretty nasty stuff about Carleton and everything Rowan and Logan said about your abilities has been true, so far.’ He frowned at the closed office door. ‘Although I have a feeling she’s not far off a breakdown, herself.’

  Heather nodded. ‘Yes. I agree. The poor girl has obviously been through a lot. Logan, too.’

  ‘I warned him to keep an eye on her,’ Kade added. ‘He said the same about you.’ He rose. ‘Maybe it’s time we went home and you got some rest?’

  ‘Home?’ Heather checked with Torin. ‘I don’t understand. I thought…’

  He eyed Kade apologetically. ‘When I agreed she’d stay with you, I didn’t know the woman you were bringing was my sister. Maybe she should stay with me?’

  ‘Think I have designs on her virtue, partner?’

  Torin chuckled. ‘I know you do. But that’s none of my business. I meant that we have a lot of catching up to do.’ He smiled at Heather.

  Kade shrugged. ‘Fair call.’

  Heather kissed his cheek. ‘I’m…not ready yet, Kade. This is all too overwhelming. I need time to think and process before I…’ she waved vaguely at him ‘…we…you know.’

  His sardonic expression faded into understanding amusement. ‘Eloquent. Yes, I get it.’ He held her close and kissed her forehead, murmuring, ‘I’ll be here when you’re ready.’

  A buzzer sounded from his desk and Heather jumped. Kade swore and strode over to his desk. Shoving aside some papers, he touched a button.

  ‘Yep?’

  ‘Is Torin with you?’ A disembodied female voice asked sharply. ‘Andrew Carleton is…very eager to speak with him.’

  Torin leaned over the desk and spoke into the microphone. ‘Cathy, tell him to call back later.’

  ‘Er…he’s here in the reception area, not on the phone.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  HEATHER

  Heather gasped. Only a thin wall separated her from Carleton and that wasn’t nearly enough. Would he come in with men and force Torin to hand her over? Could he do that?

  Torin swore and Cathy stifled a giggle.

  ‘Give me twenty seconds,’ Torin instructed his assistant. ‘Then send him into my office. If he asks, Kade is not here.’

  ‘Got it,’ Cathy replied briskly.

  Kade punched the button with unnecessary force. ‘Slimy bastard. He was supposed to wait for our call. Does he know Heather’s in New York?’

  Torin scowled. ‘I had no reason not to tell him, before. Apparently he called the hospital this morning, too. Blake said he heard the nurse telling him Heather would be released today into your care.’

  With a whimper, Heather retreated to Kade. He held her tight.

  ‘I won’t let him take you, don’t worry.’

  ‘But you heard Rowan. He has money, resources, men.’

  Kade exchanged a grim smile with Torin. ‘So do we. O’Connor Inc is not short of cash and a lot of people owe us favours. We might not be billionaires, but we have enough clout to get Carleton kicked to Hell if he tries anything. Relax. We’ll stay in here while Torin deals with him.’

  ‘Record this for me, will you?’ Torin murmured. He left, locking the adjoining door behind him.

  Kade switched on his desk monitor and passed across a wireless earbud. Heather tucked it into her ear. He put another into his own ear and tapped at the keyboard. An image of Torin’s office flicked onto the screen. There must be a camera set into the wall behind Torin’s desk.

  Heather wanted to speak, but Kade put a finger to his lips. He arranged two chairs close. They both sat and Heather viewed the screen, breathless.

  Torin’s deep voice came through the earbud. ‘Mr Carleton, I was about to call you. Please, sit.’

  Carleton lowered himself into a chair. His two guards took up a stance on either side. One tall, blond, with a crooked nose and ice-blue eyes with dark rims. The other stocky and beady-eyed.

  ‘You were about to call me?’ Carleton said. ‘To tell me, perhaps, that you have the midwife ready for me? Where is she?’

  Torin remained standing. His back was to the camera, but tension held his broad shoulders stiff. Heather clutched at Kade’s wrist. He squeezed reassuringly.

  ‘She’s not here,’ Torin replied evenly, leaning against his desk. ‘I’ll call you and set a time convenient for everyone to meet.’

  Carleton heaved to his feet, his eyes glittering. His fist slammed onto the desk next to Torin’s leg. ‘You lie!’ He gestured at his tall, blond bodyguard. ‘Baker informs me she arrived here over two hours ago. Bring her to me. Now!’

  Torin said nothing for a moment, then hitched himself off the desk and walked around behind it. He rested both hands on the surface, with his fingers pointing backward, over the edge. Carleton matched his stance on the opposite side, his cheeks reddened. The two bodyguards pushed open their jackets, guns ready. Baker’s thin lips split into feral amusement. His icy eyes fixed on Torin.

  Heather covered her mouth to stifle a cry.

  ‘Wait,’ Kade whispered.

  Torin stiffened and inspected the two guards, his analysis lingering on Baker before switching to Carleton. ‘Don’t try to intimidate me. I’m not one of your staff. When she’s ready, I’ll tell you. This is my office and you’ll wait for an appointment like anyone else.’

  The door opened and six O’Connor Inc staff poured in, armed and careful. Carleton’s men produced their weapons. Torin’s people did the same.

  Heather nibbled a thumbnail.

  ‘For the moment,’ Torin continued affably, ‘you’ll oblige me by returning to your motel. When I feel the woman is recovered enough to meet you, I’ll send for you. Not before.’

  A long silence followed, during which Carleton straightened and tugged at his dark blue jacket. His jaw worked and his heavy brows twitched together.

  ‘Very well. But understand that I am not a patient man and you have made me wait for too long, already. I will see her in no less than two days.’

  Torin folded his arms. ‘Or what, Mr Carleton?’

  ‘Or you and Mr Miller…’ Carleton sneered ‘…will regret your actions. I have connections and the USA needs me more than they need you. I will have the President shut your pathetic little company down.’

  ‘Thank you for making that clear,’ Torin replied. He pointed to the door. ‘If you will? I have your number. You’re staying in the 63rd floor suite in the Mandarin Oriental, aren’t you?’

  ‘How did you—’

  ‘I am a private investigator, Mr Carleton,’ Torin replied mildly. ‘It’s my job to know things. Many things. About my clients, especially. Some quite interesting, actually.’

  ‘I see.’ Carleton stalked toward the door. ‘I expect your call tomorrow to set an appointment.’

  ‘You’re quite welcome to expect whatever suits you, sir,’ Torin said. He ushered Carleton and his men out then closed and locked the door. His eyes lifted to the camera.

  ‘Get all that, Kade?’

  ‘Loud and clear, Tor. We’re coming in.’ Kade tapped at the computer and pulled out his earbu
d.

  Heather did the same, following him into Torin’s office.

  They found her brother pouring drinks. He handed each of them a clear drink with a slice of cucumber and ice floating in it. ‘Not soda water. I figured we all needed a stiff gin and tonic after the last couple of hours.’

  Heather sipped hers, the glass clinking against her teeth when she trembled. She sank onto the couch, clutching the drink and staring into its bubbles.

  Torin rested against his desk, ankles crossed. ‘If nothing else, we have him on video threatening us.’ He tilted his drink. ‘But we do have other evidence against him. It’s all a bit tenuous, though. Probably wouldn’t hold up in court.’

  Downing the drink in three long swallows, Heather closed her eyes. She rarely drank. Alcohol dulled her extra senses and she’d always needed to be hyper-aware. Now, dull seemed attractive. If she didn’t have these abilities, she wouldn’t be in this position.

  ‘Hey,’ Kade said gently. ‘It’ll be ok.’

  ‘Rowan took my wrist,’ Heather said, stroking her arm. ‘Then she went so pale I thought she was going to faint. She told me not to meet with Carleton, no matter what. She said if I do he’ll take both of us.’

  Torin frowned. ‘Logan said she has precognition, but only in limited way, and only to see disasters. OK.’ He straightened and put his glass aside. ‘We’ll take that advice and run with it. Somehow we have to avoid letting Carleton meet you. So we need to start with where you’ll stay tonight.’

  Kade rose and went to the window, looking down. ‘I think we can assume he’s got people watching the building.’

  ‘Yes,’ Torin agreed. ‘And probably my apartment. And yours.’

  ‘Can’t I stay here?’ Heather asked. The alcohol relaxed her shoulders. The couch did seem awfully comfortable. She hadn’t slept much in the hospital.

  ‘No,’ Torin replied. ‘The place is alarmed at night so any movement would set off the sirens and contact police.’

  ‘What about the safe-house?’ Kade asked. ‘Anyone using it?’

  Torin snapped his fingers. ‘No. Good idea. But how do we get her there?’

  Heather snatched up a cushion and held it like a shield. ‘Please don’t make me stay on my own.’

  Kade hurried over. ‘We won’t.’ He looked at Torin. ‘Shell game?’

  A slow smile stretched Torin’s frown into amusement. ‘Nice.’ He buzzed his intercom. ‘Cathy, can you please send in Vikki, Simone…ah…Camila, Sara, Pedro, Hans, and Luke? Oh, and contact Rosa in Wardrobe? We’re going to need some clothes. A lot of clothes.’

  Kade snorted. ‘Like old times.’

  Heather glanced between them, bewildered.

  KADE

  ‘Right,’ Kade said, sweeping his co-workers with one last inspection. ‘You all know what to do? Once we’re in the shopping district, split into pairs, check for tails, ditch them. When you’re sure you’re clean, ditch the clothes and wigs and head home. Text Tor and I to let us know you’re safe.’

  The four women and three men watched him intently.

  ‘And,’ Tor added, ‘be careful. Cathy’ll be here, co-ordinating. You’re all on comms. Keep her informed. Carleton’s people will be armed. We know of two but there may be more. Assume you’re being followed. You’re authorised to use force to protect yourself. But it has to be clearly in self-defence. Preferably with witnesses. And we’ll be in the middle of crowds, so don’t draw your weapon unless you have no other option. Everyone clear?’

  They acknowledged, grim-faced.

  Kade examined Heather, who stood beside him, wide-eyed, her cheeks pale. She wore a blond wig cut into a man’s style, a wireless earbud, a man’s black overcoat, black pants and a blue scarf—exactly the same outfit as the four O’Connor Inc female staff. He and Tor were dressed similarly and matched by the three men.

  Leaving the building was risky, but unavoidable. At least this way they could possibly disable some of Carleton’s men and get Heather to the safe house.

  While Tor was talking to Pedro and Vikki, Kade drew Luke aside.

  He pressed his apartment key into the younger man’s hand. ‘I need you to stay at my place tonight. I want them to think I’m home. Alone.’

  Luke nodded. ‘Consider it done.’ He turned away.

  Kade hauled at his arm. ‘Tor was right, Luke. These guys are serious. Don’t take risks. I’ll set the perimeter alarms remotely after you’re there. If they go off, call for backup. No heroics.’

  ‘Got it, Boss,’ Luke said, giving a jaunty salute and sauntering toward the door.

  Heather snatched at Kade’s wrist. ‘You can’t put these people in danger for me. It’s not right. They don’t know what they’re getting into.’

  He kissed her forehead. ‘They know exactly what they’re doing. Most of our people are ex-military and all of them have many years on the dojo mats. And they love a bit of excitement. Most of our work is insurance and adultery. This is fun for them.’

  ‘Well, it’s not for me. If I’d known what you were planning I wouldn’t have let you. I don’t want any more deaths on my conscience.’

  Kade sobered. ‘You’re overestimating Carleton’s people. He hires a lot of mercs from other countries. They’ll be deported or jailed if they hurt a US citizen. It won’t come to that.’

  She rubbed her palms up her arms. He caught her close.

  ‘It’ll be ok. Trust me,’ he murmured.

  Her body trembled against his. ‘Trust...it’s hard. I…I’ve been on my own so long, Kade. I don’t understand why they would help me.’

  Kade kissed her softly. ‘Because you’re family now and every one of them would walk through fire for Tor.’ He grinned. ‘He has the ability to inspire that loyalty in his people. Always did. We’d all follow him anywhere.’

  Heather studied her brother, brows knitted. ‘That’s what worries me.’

  Two maxi-cabs arrived at that moment, and Kade manoeuvred her over to join the others. All ten people shuffled and milled their way through the doors and into the cabs, keeping their faces averted and collars raised. Kade, Heather, Tor, and Camila climbed into one. The rest into the other.

  The cabs pulled away from the kerb and Kade checked behind. He spoke softly. ‘Four tails in two vehicles behind. Any more?’

  ‘One more vehicle ahead, sir,’ Sara replied from the other cab. ‘Two operatives.’

  ‘Damn,’ Kade swore and glanced at Heather’s pale face. ‘That’s six. We have five pairs. One pair will end up with two leeches. Watch for them.’

  ‘Roger,’ replied all of the O’Connor staff, simultaneously.

  ‘Sara,’ Torin said, ‘tell your driver to head for Grand Central. If you only get one car following, circle around and rejoin us at Times Square.’

  ‘Roger, sir,’ she replied. The front cab took a left turn.

  Kade looked back. ‘We still have two, here.’

  ‘And our tail turned around to follow you,’ Sara said.

  Kade exchanged a worried grimace with Tor. He opened his mouth, but Tor flicked a warning look at Heather. So Kade resisted the urge to wonder aloud. Tor was right. No point in scaring her more, but somehow their tails knew which car she was in. How, though?

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  HEATHER

  They arrived at a taxi zone near Times Square and gathered into a group. Heather hesitated, looking at the grim focus of those around her.

  ‘Right,’ Torin murmured, ‘I want the women in the centre, constantly changing position. These people probably have tranks, and they want Heather alive. So, until we work out how they are able to identify her, we have to keep them guessing. Men, around them and keep sharp.’

  He turned to Heather and handed her a small cellphone. ‘Take this, just in case we get separated unexpectedly. There are four numbers in it. Mine, Kade’s, Cathy’s, and Luke’s. Use it if you need to find us, but stay on the line for less than 15 seconds.’

  She nodded and slid the phone into her coat pocke
t. The thought of being separated from Torin, Kade and the others…at the mercy of Carleton’s men…she swallowed hard and buttoned the pocket closed.

  ‘Where are we going?’ Kade asked, studying the surging, chattering masses.

  ‘Into the most crowded section.’ Torin pointed at the densest population. ‘Then we’ll split. Carmila and I will stay with Kade and Heather. The rest will change clothes and circulate until you spot them.’

  ‘And?’ Heather asked. ‘Then what?’

  Torin’s expression turned grim. ‘Take them out.’

  She gasped.

  He winced and held up a hand. ‘Sorry. I meant out of action, not kill them. Stop them from following us. Got it?’

  Nods all around.

  Kade held Heather’s hand. ‘It’ll be alright. I’ll be right here.’

  She swallowed. The other four women closed around her and the whole group set off into the mad, pre-Christmas crowds. With the nudge of an elbow, or a whispered word, the O’Connor Inc women guided Heather. Their moves were an intricate dance, designed to confuse anyone observing. All around people stopped, stared and pointed. Some lifted phones, or called out questions, wanting to know if they were a flash-mob or some living art display.

  And always, Heather sensed, Carleton’s people watched and waited. Hovering like sharks harassing a school of fish.

  ‘This isn’t working,’ she muttered to Kade when he came close. ‘They’re still out there.’

  He sent her a look of startled surprise. ‘You can tell that?’

  She gritted her teeth. ‘I let my shield down partway. The sheer number of people is…overwhelming. But most of them are happy, or irritated. Carleton’s men feel…cold; focussed.’ She shivered. ‘But that Baker guy has a shield so I can’t sense what he’s feeling.’

  ‘Right,’ he growled. ‘Time to take the fight to them. Tor.’ He addressed his partner. ‘Heather says she can feel they’re watching us. We’re going to take a leaf out of Heather’s book of quick-changes. Send the men and two of the women to change into normal clothes. Use the biggest bathrooms or stores with changerooms. Hopefully of Carleton’s people will follow ours and can be disposed. Either way, get our team to come back asap. Time to find those six bastards and take them out.’