by Louise Dawn
“What do we do now? Do I go to the FBI? Witness Protection?”
Antonio shook his head. “Those men were well trained—too well trained. To mount such an attack in the States means that Rajin has connections in high places. Until we know our enemy, we’ll need to disappear. And I’ll need to draw on my own resources, which includes my family and your brother-in-law. I’ll still contact a few colleagues in various agencies, but I’d prefer to keep this within a trusted circle.”
“Do we want them involved? Family?”
“Do we have a choice?”
Everett approached and knelt by Pearl’s side. “Paramedics took Shelly to the Bounty Hospital. Coraline is with her. I’ve also provided security, but they’re not at high risk.”
“Please keep me updated. I should be there.”
“Mommy? I’m thirsty.” Aysha sat up and rubbed her eyes. “My head is sore.”
Antonio supported her in his lap as Pearl leaned in and stroked her daughter’s face. “I know, my sweet bug.”
When Aysha glanced down at the IV in confusion, Everett handed over an opened bottle. “Do you want a sip of water?”
“Where are we?” Aysha twisted in Antonio’s lap, and Pearl forced a smile.
“We’re going for a little drive.”
“I have an ouchie.” Aysha pointed at the drip, and Pearl nodded.
“We’ll take it out in a minute. You had a little sleep, but you’re all better now.” The doctor patted her head before taking her vitals.
“I want Shreddy.”
“I have him.” Pearl reached for the stuffed toy. In her haste, she fell sideways.
Everett lunged to steady her as she shifted to stand.
“Are you okay?” Antonio looked concerned.
“Probably just tired.” That was an understatement. Her head spun from the stress and exhaustion, and she handed Shreddy over before heading for the exit. The damp air drifting through the cracked door whispered over her skin, and she welcomed the chill.
Why couldn’t Rajin leave them alone and focus on saving his hide? Why did he want to drag his daughter into his dark world? He’d allowed rough men to hurt her tonight, and for Pearl, that meant war. No matter how careful Rajin had been, he’d drugged their child. That wasn’t love.
And how could Pearl ever reveal his true nature to Aysha? She’d been asking about him lately—wanting to see her daddy. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Pearl glanced back and met Antonio’s worried stare. She’d dragged him into her chaotic world and hated that fact.
He could’ve been killed trying to save them. He was right; the men who’d come for her were competent fighters. Although Pearl wanted protection from such a brave man, she knew they couldn’t continue this journey together. Her situation might be a career-ender for an upstanding DS agent.
Mind made up, she returned to her place by her daughter’s side and touched Everett’s arm. “Where are you taking us? Is that safehouse ready?”
“Yes, but we’ll take the long route. We’re checking to make sure you weren’t followed or tracked.”
“Sit down.” Antonio stood, cradling Aysha, who now dozed in his embrace.
Pearl complied. Her limbs shook as she opened her arms. “Give Aysha to me.”
With a reassuring smile, Antonio placed her on Pearl’s lap. Before he could pull away, Pearl grabbed his wrist. “It’s time for you to go.”
Hesitating, his forehead creased. “Go where?”
“To safety—to your home. Go to your parent’s house where it’s secure.”
“I’m right where I need to be.”
Pearl’s eyes burned. “Thank you for all that you’ve done. I can never repay you, but I’ll try.”
“Don’t be ridicu—”
“Everett will protect us. He’s family.”
“And what am I? Just your landlord?” Antonio reached for her hand, and she pulled away.
“You’re a wonderful man who deserves only the good things.”
“You and Aysha are the best things in my—”
“We’re trouble, and you’ll get hurt.”
“I’ll never leave.”
“I don’t want you here. Whatever we had is over. Everett, escort Agent Torres to a vehicle.”
Everett gestured to his security team, and Antonio shook his head. “Pearl, don’t do this.”
Pressing her lips together, Pearl turned her head away. “Don’t fight them; you’ll wake Aysha and scare her. Go quietly.”
“You’re listening to her?” Antonio’s question was directed at Everett. “Tell your goons not to touch me‚ I’ll drop them.”
“My family always comes first.”
“Even if their lives are at risk? I can protect her!” Antonio got into Everett’s face.
“So can I.”
“And what if you fail?”
Pearl glanced back and watched as Antonio allowed them to shepherd him to the door.
“Let’s talk outside.” Everett stalked ahead, and Antonio shot her one last pissed-off glance before disappearing from view.
Pearl turned her attention back to Aysha. She only had the energy to worry about one tiny being. Antonio Torres would step out of her world and operate from the sidelines. They may never see each other again, and that was okay. As long as he was safe and breathing.
She already felt empty without him by her side, but that was the adrenaline talking. He’d protected them and slew dangerous dragons. Now, he had to be a memory. Time passed, and after the doctor removed the IV, Pearl dozed in the uncomfortable seat.
“I don’t know how you do that?” Everett’s voice woke her from restless dreams.
“What? Sleep under any conditions? I’d prefer a bed. When do we leave?” Pearl stretched her sore neck.
“No. Your skill in cutting people out of your life with such little effort—people who care.”
“Ouch. You’re going for the jugular.”
“First your mom, then Coraline, and now poor Agent Torres. Let’s not forget a certain war criminal, but that removal was warranted. And then there’s me. When you were a model—after you threw a fit at us for talking to Shelly—you flew back to Europe. It took months of searching to find you. You barely glanced in the rearview mirror.”
Oh, she’d glanced all right. When Pearl had arrived back in Milan, all those years ago, she’d cried herself to sleep every night. All she’d wanted was to return to her true family—build on that reconnection. Leaving Coraline’s and Everett’s side had broken her soul. And now, she was prepared to cut ties—with a fierce man who wanted to fight her demons.
“Antonio will only get hurt.”
“And he’s a grown-ass adult who can make his own decisions.”
“Lower your voice; she’s still resting. I don’t want to talk about him.”
“But you’ll cry over him. I saw the tears.”
“Are we staying here all night? Because I need to get Aysha into a proper bed.”
Everett reached down and lifted his niece into his arms. “I have a private jet waiting. We’re rolling out.”
Antonio had backed off. As the miles between them increased, he gripped the wheel. He’d give Pearl the break she needed, if only for a short while. An hour at most. The Walmart parking lot sat empty, and Antonio hurried into the store.
He pulled clothing from the shelves, hoping it would fit. Next, Antonio hit the beauty and food aisles. Grateful that he always carried cash, Antonio paid quickly. He loaded essential contacts—memorized numbers—to a Walmart burner phone. The call to his supervisor requesting emergency leave went smoothly.
Then, he drove towards the private airstrip. Thirty minutes later, and he was tucked in the back of a Lear jet, waiting for Everett’s convoy to arrive. Pearl’s brother-in-law hadn’t shared her same concerns and wanted Antonio by her side.
The aircraft felt chilly, and Antonio rubbed his hands while keeping an eye on surrounding security. An incoming ringtone had him answering Leo’s ca
ll. The sun had just begun to rise, painting the remaining rain clouds with a soft shade of pink.
“You’re still with her?”
“I’m still with them—Pearl and Aysha.”
“What are you doing, brother? And working with Everett Samson isn’t wise. My agency has investigated him on more than one occasion—he’s a dangerous man. You’re not only risking your life but your career.”
“Sixteen years ago—What would you have done for Maria?”
“Don’t say her name!” Leo’s shout had Antonio pulling the phone from his ear. “And I fucking failed.”
“I shouldn’t have brought her up, but—”
“I never want you to feel that kind of loss.”
“So, if I step back and they get hurt, that’s somehow better?”
“I have a bad feeling. You’re my damn brother.”
“Then use your connections to find Rajin Bandara’s cell in the States, starting with Bronco—Cyrus Nelson. I’m sure he’s been accepting shady contract work for some years. And, judging from their weaponry and equipment, they’re working for a wealthy syndicate.” Antonio spotted the incoming motorcade and pulled his weapon. “I’ve gotta go. I’ll wait for your intel.”
Surrounded by guards, Everett stepped out with Aysha in his arms and guided Pearl up the airstairs. As she stepped into the aisle, Pearl paused and shivered. She looked too pale, and still limped from the earlier attack.
Grabbing the nearest blanket, Antonio approached, ignoring her surprise. “I bought you some snacks for the flight. Let’s get you settled.” He wrapped the light throw around her shoulders and guided her to a comfortable leather chair.
Pearl shook her head. “You need to leave.”
“And go where? Away from the two people I care about most?”
Everett settled a sleeping Aysha across the aisle and covered her with a blanket. “We need Agent Torres in this battle. He knows how to fight a war.”
“My war.” Pearl gripped Antonio’s wrist. “This is my war.”
“And I’m your right-hand champion. Get used to your new shadow.” Settling beside her, Antonio pulled out a bag of pastries. “Croissant or doughnut?”
“And what are all of these?” Pearl pointed at Walmart grocery bags.
“You didn’t have time to pack. I bought the essentials, including clothes.”
As Pearl reached for the bag, one of Everett’s guards approached. “We’ve spotted a three-vehicle convoy. ETA of two minutes.”
“They found us already?” Antonio exchanged an uneasy glance with Everett. Did they have a mole on the security team?
“Let’s get this bird in the air,” Everett shouted commands as his remaining personal protection team boarded the craft and closed the door.
Pearl gripped Antonio’s bicep, and he touched her fingers. “The security on the ground should keep Rajin’s militants at bay. Relax, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He rubbed her hand while watching from the cabin window. The jet rolled towards the runway as distant gunfire shattered the morning silence. Pearl’s grip tightened, and she glanced over at her daughter. Everett sheltered Aysha as he spoke through his comms. The next volley of shots sounded closer, and Antonio held his breath.
And then they were gaining speed and lifting into the air. Dropping his head back, Antonio heaved out a sigh of relief, and Everett straightened and rolled his neck.
“They’re backing off. One of my men took a hit to the arm. There were at least twenty armed combatants.”
“How are they this well-organized?” Antonio didn’t like that fact. “They can hack CCTV. Rajin obviously has powerful friends.”
“Not sure, but for now, let’s stay one step ahead.”
One step wasn’t good enough. Not when lives were on the line. Antonio studied the sleeping child in the next aisle, clutching her teddy as her life blew apart. What happened one day when she discovered the truth about her father? How he’d tortured his victims for days in underground bunkers—waterboarded them with gasoline. Crippled young men and women by beating their feet with rods. Broken their limbs to get at the truth. Burnings and asphyxiations.
War was a terrible time and provided a dark hole for evolving beasts. Men who still thrived in Post-war Sri Lanka and used their power and influence to continue their abuse. A decade after the war and hundreds of Sri Lankan nationals were still being detained and tortured. Hundreds more disappeared for good. Rajin’s hidden videotapes revealed their tragic fates. Some of his victims were well-known politicians, and now it was time for him to account for his actions.
Without Pearl’s involvement in Rajin’s case, he would’ve never been charged. God, she was brave. Antonio glanced over at the exhausted woman beside him. Her head lolled to the side, and he gently propped it up with a pillow. Her bangs had grown, and Antonio used a finger to shift hair away from her eyebrow. Studying her long lashes, Antonio knew he’d never leave her side—he was right where he needed to be.
Chapter Eighteen
Pearl barely took note of the breathtaking scenery as they drove up a winding mountain road. She knew they were somewhere in Colorado. As long as they were safe—that was all that mattered. Upon landing, Everett had delivered the news that Shelly was out of surgery and doing well.
Embracing that good news, Pearl took in her travel companions. Toughened men who scanned the landscape as the SUV negotiated a narrow pass.
“I’ve looked at a map of the area.” Antonio’s gruff voice beside her ear had her jumping. “One access road and the cabin sits on a hill, so we’ll have a good view of the surrounding area.”
And how long would it take until Rajin was no longer a threat? Weeks? Months? Even years? And she now hid in some remote forest? Her blood heated as anger towards her ex-husband rose. He was the one who should hide like a coward after destroying hundreds of lives. A warm hand covered her clenched fist, and Antonio squeezed.
His steady touch always gave her comfort. Aysha sat on his other side, curled under his arm. She quietly played with a Barbie doll that he’d bought from Walmart. As always, he’d thought of everything. His thumb stroked Pearl’s curled fingers, and she focused on the heavenly sensation.
One day, he’d make a good husband and father. Jealousy surged as Pearl thought of his future wife. It couldn’t be Pearl. She rolled through his life like a messy tornado, and he deserved an ordinary woman—not a war criminal’s ex-wife.
They turned into a wide drive, and Antonio released her hand as he leaned forward to talk to Everett, who pointed a remote. Sturdy gates swung open, and they drove up the path to a sprawling cabin. Wide windows and an upstairs deck faced a tree-cloaked valley.
“Brother-in-law, how many luxury cabins do you own?”
Everett laughed at her dry question. “Plenty. Your sister won the lottery when she married me.” With a saucy wink, he pushed open the passenger door as they all stepped out into the warm sunshine. The air lacked humidity and smelled familiar.
She smiled up into the sky at memories of her teenage years. Her time in Colorado was spent on a farm near Denver, and Everett’s cabin sure wasn’t anywhere near the city. As miserable as her life had been with her adoptive family, her one escape had always been the outdoors in the pretty mountain state. Hiking, horse riding, and skiing with friends had helped her escape the farm and her adoptive mother.
“So pretty!” Aysha turned in a circle and grinned.
“And you’re not allowed to go wandering off unless you’re with us.” Pearl touched her daughter’s hand.
“I’ll stay awhile, and then I’ll be returning to the family,” Everett stated with folded arms. “I’ll leave my very best men at your side. Plus, you have this military freak.” He nodded in Antonio’s direction. “We’ll use a burner phone to keep in touch.”
“And you’ll be tracking down nasty men?” Pearl’s question had the two men exchanging a glance. “I know you too well.” Pearl slipped her arms around Everett’s waist and
squeezed. “Please be careful.”
“Always. I have a beautiful family to protect. As a worthless street kid, I never thought I’d get this lucky. I’m surrounded by love, and if anyone threatens my loved ones, they’ll pay dearly.”
“How about breakfast before you leave?” Antonio nodded at the supplies he’d brought along. “If you don’t mind a bowl of cereal.”
Tucking his hands into pockets, Everett headed for the house. “Corn flakes with a view. An offer I can’t refuse.”
Leo chose a chair that offered a good view of the hospital ward. Leaning back, he crossed his ankles and pulled out his phone. He should be contacting the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office in Sri Lanka and updating them on Pearl’s status. But he’d need a secure line for that conversation. His priority was finding Rajin Bandara—an almost impossible task. It was becoming more challenging to get any actionable intelligence on his whereabouts.
But the CIA had just gotten word that a week ago, the bastard who’d been blacklisted by multiple federal departments of foreign affairs had still managed to fly into Switzerland on a fake passport. Rajin had withdrawn funds from his Swiss bank and simply boarded a private plane in Geneva and disappeared. The Swiss account director of the federal office for foreigners now scrambled to cover his fuck-up. Political cowardice.
Some countries do not want to burden themselves with a trial concerning violation of human rights in a distant land, so they’d instead turn a blind eye. Not enough mechanisms were put in place to prevent the movement of perpetrators. Especially one connected at the highest level to many governments who can buy visas and buy silence.
If Rajin was ever caught, he’d be extradited to the U.N.’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals at The Hague in the Netherlands. In the meantime, the Sri Lankan government and the U.S. Embassy had set up a hotline—waiting for tips. Three tracking teams searched for evidence on the ground. The FBI was not yet involved, but the CIA were dipping their toes into the hunt.
Leo wasn’t officially assigned to the case, but thanks to Antonio’s entanglement, he’d throw himself into the pursuit. He’d already stopped by Antonio’s rental condo and surveyed the scene. Pearl’s mother had somewhat spoken the truth. She’d told responding officers that assailants had broken in and attacked the two women. Someone had come to the rescue, but the details eluded her.
