The Persuasion

by Iris Johansen

  “I was wrong. I thought if you were here, it would still be a secure place for Michael. But it’s not going to work out because I’m still here and evidently they can get to me.” She was nibbling at her lower lip. “Which means they can get to Michael. I can’t allow that, Joe. I was terrified when that bullet almost hit him.” She said urgently, “You can’t allow it. Take him away from here and find him somewhere safe. Atlanta. Take him back to Atlanta.”

  “And leave you here?” he asked roughly. “You’re not thinking straight. Do you believe I’d actually leave you here alone?”

  “Alone? Lisa will be here.” She added wryly, “There’s no way I could get her to leave me after she promised Caleb. I’d have to find a way to get rid of her.” Then she wearily shook her head. “No, you won’t let me stay here now that we know it might be compromised. But you might do it if I promise to leave here myself tomorrow after you take Michael away. You could just disappear tonight and then arrange for Tovarth to assign someone to take Lisa and me to some kind of safe house for a while. You’d have Michael safe…and away from me.”

  “And the first thing Michael would do is try to get back to you. He’d be as worried about you as I would be. Sorry, not good enough,” he said gently. “I’m like Luca. I want it all. I’ll take care of Michael and keep him safe. But you’re my family, too, Jane. You’re not going anywhere without me.”

  “I have to do it, Joe,” she whispered. “It only makes sense.”

  “You heard me.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “You want to leave? Maybe you’re right that I should get you out of here. I was considering the option even before you started to panic.”

  “I’m not panicking. That’s not how you taught me to handle emergencies.” She smiled. “Assess the situation and then correct it.”

  “I didn’t teach you that. You came to us knowing it. You probably learned it on the streets. But I did teach you to use good sense and pay attention to what I told you to do. So that’s sort of the same thing.”

  “And you get your own way?”

  “Exactly.” He smiled. “So we don’t run away from Kendrick Castle just yet. We think and we plan so that we can do this together. Now I’m going to the castle to find out who could be our mole. I might get lucky right away, and he’ll be able to give us information on Luca. If not, I can start the process in motion for Tovarth to follow up on. Then we spend the night here and we exit tomorrow morning after I decide where it’s safest to take the two of you.” He held up his hand as she started to protest. “I’m open to suggestion, but not an argument. We’ll work it out together.”

  “You should pay attention to me, Joe.”

  “Nah.” Joe grinned as he got to his feet. “Eve would say you’re just trying to run the family to suit yourself again. I can’t allow you to do that, Jane. You mean too much to us.” He turned away. “Now go back to Lisa and keep an eye on Michael for me while I spend a few hours at the castle. Like I said, maybe I’ll get lucky.”

  And maybe he wouldn’t, Jane thought as she watched him leave the mess tent. He’d spend time digging and questioning like the brilliant detective he was and then he’d come back and they’d sit around the fire and discuss it, and he’d try to convince her to do what he wanted her to do. She knew he wasn’t going to listen to her unless she said the words he wanted to hear.

  And no matter what Joe said or how much she loved him and wanted to please him, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to say those words.

  * * *

  Rome

  14 Calle Dante

  “What else can I expect from this Nicco Barza?” Caleb asked as he jumped out of the speedboat onto the dock and gazed at the luxurious two-story apartment at the end of a row of other equally impressive units beside the Tiber River. They had all been renovated from the eighteenth-century palace of a nobleman, and every detail was impeccable. “Other than that, judging by his apartment, he must charge Julio Santo exorbitantly for his services.”

  “I was going to fill you in on the flight down here,” Palik said sourly. “But you insisted on me making all those calls to try to locate that damn tower. And now you’re pushing me to tell you everything at the last minute?”

  “Because those calls were important,” Caleb said. “Not that you found out anything. Besides, I knew you wouldn’t let me go in after Barza blind. Is this really the last minute?”

  “Very close. I tried to tell you that Santo was scheduled to take his Nicco to Paris for a long weekend before he went off with his wife and kids to visit her parents in Capri. Barza is supposed to be picked up at midnight and driven to a private airport to board Santo’s jet. It’s nine forty now, dammit.”

  “Plenty of time.” Caleb was checking out the exterior of the apartment. Two elegant balconies, and there was a skylight. But skylights tended to be very messy and noisy…“Tell me about Barza. Will he present any problems?”

  “Probably not for you.” Palik thought about it. “But maybe you should be a bit careful. Because Barza’s a popular male model, he’d probably keep himself very fit anyway, but he also works out at the gym for several hours every day and he’s strong as a horse. That’s what Santo finds attractive about him. Santo has a normal heterosexual wife-and-family situation, but he wants it all. He not only swings both ways, but he likes to play rough, and Barza can give him what he needs. Santo thinks it’s titillating to have his own sexual punching bag to play with, and Nicco Barza evidently makes sure he’s in shape to give him what he wants. In return, Barza appears well taken care of and seems content enough.” Palik shrugged. “Though the word is, if he doesn’t perform to Santo’s satisfaction, the rough play can become extremely painful for him.”

  “Not all that content if he’s still occasionally willing to take a risk with Davron. I’ll have to explore it. How many guards did Santo assign to assure that his Nicco walks the line and doesn’t go wandering?”

  “Two. One at the front entrance. One at the speedboat Santo gave him down at the pier.” He paused and then said reluctantly, “I suppose I could help with the man at the pier. Though that’s not my job, and you really should have let me arrange to bring in someone more qualified.”

  “I appreciate the offer, no matter how grudging,” Caleb murmured. “You’ll be relieved that I agree with you. You’re not qualified. Stay and wait here at our boat.”

  “Thank God.” Palik waved his hand. “I’ll think good thoughts and be ready to whisk you away.”

  “Do that.” Caleb was already moving across the garden toward Barza’s apartment building. There were lights on in the back of the apartment. It was still early; perhaps Barza was packing for his trip to Paris…

  Then Caleb was scaling the balcony using the trellis and stones for purchase, his hands and feet moving, digging. A moment later he jumped down on the balcony and headed for the glass doors.

  Yes. Soon. He could feel his heart beating hard, the blood coursing through his veins. The hunt was on.

  Prey. Just ahead, inside those doors. And Palik had said it might not be easy prey. So much better that way.

  The balcony doors were unlocked, and he silently opened them.

  He froze. Darkness. Complete darkness. From the boat dock he’d seen a light gleaming from the back of the apartment, but now there was no glimmer from under any of the doors leading from this central living area.

  And he could sense someone standing there in the darkness, waiting.

  Oh, Barza, you are going to be a pleasure. He faded to the side of the door so that he blended into the darkness while his eyes became accustomed to it. In seconds he could make out Barza’s outline across the room near the door. Tall, lean, athletic, powerful shoulders. And he was pointing a gun at the balcony door Caleb had just entered. Interesting…

  “Why didn’t you try to shoot me, Barza?” he asked as he dropped to the floor. “You had a chance.”

  “You son of a bitch, I will shoot you.” The voice was deep and fierce as the gu
n swung toward the place Caleb had previously stood. “Tell Santo I won’t take any more. He has to come himself. Now get out of here.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Let’s see, Barza’s gun was in his right hand, but Caleb must be careful to keep him alive. “Though you’re welcome to try to rid yourself of me if you like. I think I’d like that.” He was moving lightning-fast through the darkness as he spoke. Then he hit the man in a low tackle, striking his right wrist with a karate chop and sending the gun flying from his grip.

  Pain.

  Barza’s arm was around Caleb’s neck and he was squeezing it. Then his fist lashed out and struck Caleb’s cheek. More pain. Strong. Very strong. Caleb couldn’t allow it to continue.

  “I was wrong. I appreciate it, but I don’t like it.” Caleb grabbed Barza’s arm. His hand closed on the wrist as he put intense pressure on the veins.

  Barza screamed! His arm dropped away from Caleb’s neck.

  “Shh, you don’t really want to give that guard at the front door a reason to come running up here.” Caleb’s other hand pressed against Barza’s mouth. “That would only make everything difficult. I’m trying to keep you alive.”

  “Let—go—of my wrist,” Barza gasped. “It’s…exploding. And I think I’m bleeding.”

  “Oh, you are. And I have to stop and heal it or you’ll die. Now I’m going to put you to sleep for the next several minutes while I keep that from happening.” He put his fingers on Barza’s carotid artery and exerted pressure. “Then we’ll have a chat…”

  * * *

  “Who…are you?”

  Caleb turned away from looking out the window to see that Barza’s eyes were open again. “Back with me?” He strolled toward the bed where he’d placed the man before he’d started to work on him. “I thought it would be another five minutes or so. I was told you were strong. It appears you also have endurance.”

  “Of course I do. I could have put you down if you hadn’t used something to burn me.” His gaze was on his bandaged arm. “What did you do to me? I couldn’t see in the dark, but it burned like hell…”

  “I caused a little damage to a few arteries.” He dropped down in the chair beside the bed. “Nothing that I couldn’t repair. But I’ve heard it does have that sensation.”

  “How did you do it?” Barza was glaring at him. “Some kind of acid? Was it supposed to make me more compliant? I should have shot you when I got the chance.”

  “It was a slim chance. I’m very fast.” He was studying him objectively. Nicco Barza was undoubtedly one of the most attractive men he had ever seen. Olive skin, dark hair, Greek god features, and that strong, lean body. Nothing effeminate about him, pure male warrior stock. “No acid. That would have damaged you.”

  Barza stiffened. “And Santo wouldn’t have liked that, would he? Did he want more movies for his collection?”

  “This isn’t about that scumbag Santo. He’s merely an impediment or an impetus, I haven’t decided which yet.”

  Barza’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “Who are you?” he asked again.

  “Seth Caleb.” He leaned back in his chair. “My turn. Why didn’t you shoot? Why did you just try to scare me off?”

  “Because I knew what Santo would do to me if I spoiled his little plan. If I’d shot you, it would mean I’d gotten the better of him, and he doesn’t permit that. He lets me win sometimes, but I can’t ever totally beat him.” He met Caleb’s eyes. “You’d know that if you worked for him. So either you’re a liar or you came here for something else.”

  “The latter, but I’m still interested in Santo’s nasty little plan. I might be able to use it. Tell me about it.”

  “Screw you.” Barza’s muscles were readying, getting prepared to spring. “I’m through with this stupidity. You caught me off-guard before but I’ll—”

  He groaned. He was bent double on the bed with pain. He gasped. “My heart…”

  “Only a twinge,” Caleb said. “But the pain will get worse if you don’t cooperate. I don’t need to touch you to cause you pain. I’d hardly leave you untied if I couldn’t be certain that I could control you.”

  “Control—” Barza choked. “You—do work for—”

  “I work for no one but myself. But I’m capable of making you suffer extreme agony or killing you without anyone knowing I did it. However, I don’t want to do either to you at this time. If you tell me what I want to know, you won’t be hurt.”

  “I don’t believe—” He gasped in agony, clutching at his chest.

  “Have a little faith.” Caleb shrugged. “Or not. But the clock is ticking and I need answers. Don’t disappoint me. I’m telling you the truth. What did you think Santo’s man was going to do to you?”

  Barza was silent.

  Caleb nudged him a bit.

  He groaned in agony and then gasped, “What the hell do I care?” He took a deep breath. “Rape. Photos. Movies. Santo likes control. Six months ago, he sent two of his men to pay me a surprise visit. They came in through the balcony like you did. They tied me up and took turns raping me and taking movies of each other doing it. Santo visited me the next night and made me sit there and watch the movies. He laughed and said if I wasn’t a good boy, he’d release them on YouTube. Do you know what that would do to my career? The only job I’d be able to get would be as a porn star. Damn his soul to hell. I have a chance of making it big in Paris or Milan if I can break with that son of a bitch.”

  “Perhaps you should have done that long before this.”

  “Do you think I wouldn’t have if I could?” he asked fiercely. “Look, I grew up on the streets, trying to dodge the pedophiles and dirtbags who taught me that all I have to make it out of the gutter is a photogenic face and a good body. I found out the first weekend I spent with him that Santo likes to hurt me. I had to learn to survive him.” His eyes blazed. “And I will survive him. And I’ll survive you, too.”

  “You might do it,” Caleb said thoughtfully. “With a little help. I really don’t like what I’m hearing about Santo, but that’s beside the point. You’re obviously a very practical fellow and you realize that sometimes a deal has to be struck to make survival possible.”

  “Deal?” Barza’s voice was suddenly wary. “What kind of deal?”

  “The kind that led me to come to you tonight. I give you freedom from Santo.” He paused. “You give me Russell Davron.”

  “What?” His eyes widened. It was obviously a complete surprise. “Davron? What do you mean?”

  “I want to know where he is. I might want you to trap him or get information from him.” He raised a brow. “Unless you’re too fond of him to consider it. You’ve been seeing him behind Santo’s back. That’s taking a big risk.”

  “I like him. He was always good to me when we were sleeping together. And he’s too involved with that creep Luca to make any demands on me. For me it’s a way of getting back at Santo without getting either one of us killed.” He shrugged. “And when I leave, he always gives me money to stash away for a rainy day. Santo is one big rainy day.”

  “Then you shouldn’t object to having Santo disappear from your life.”

  Barza was silent. “Maybe this is a trick,” he said suspiciously. “Maybe Santo sent you.”

  “Then Santo would have to know about Davron. Does he?”

  “No. I was careful.” He was silent again. “You could really get me away from Santo?”

  “Are you saying that you’re willing to deal?”

  He frowned. “Is there a chance you might have to kill Davron?”

  “Maybe. Not likely unless he’s set on protecting Stefano Luca. But I can’t promise. Would that make a difference?”

  “It might.” He was nibbling on his lower lip. “What would you give me?”

  “Tonight I’d send someone very reliable to have those movies that they made of you retrieved. I’d also help you escape. I’d make sure Santo didn’t immediately go after you.” He looked him in the eye and added softly, “And som
eday soon when I find it convenient, I’ll make certain that Santo no longer walks this earth.” He paused. “It’s a very good deal, Barza.”

  “Yes, it is.” He swallowed. “Will you try not to kill Davron?”

  “I will try.”

  “Then I’ll do it.” He dazedly shook his head. “What the hell am I doing?”

  “You made a deal. I don’t allow reneging on deals, Barza.” He checked his watch. “It’s almost eleven, we’d better get moving. I want to get you out of here before your escort shows up tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Barza repeated, startled.

  “I can’t risk Santo taking you to Paris and wasting my time. Start packing.” He got to his feet. “I want to leave in twenty minutes.”

  Barza moved tentatively, and when he didn’t feel pain, he got off the bed. “Was all that stuff you did some kind of trick?” he asked belligerently. “Some way to get my attention?”

  “No trick,” Caleb said. “Do you want another demonstration?”

  “No,” Barza said quickly as he took a step back. “I believe you.” He started to open drawers and throw garments into a suitcase he dragged out of the closet. “But you have to admit, it’s weird. And I’m taking a big risk going along with you. I still don’t know how we’re going to get out of the apartment building. Santo would rather kill me than lose anything he owns. Those goons know what he’d do to them if they—”

  “Stop talking. You’re beginning to annoy me. Just answer questions. What’s the name of the guard at the front door?”

  “Ron Franco.”

  “And the man at the pier?”

  “Adolfo Gilata.”

  “Either of them in charge?”

  “Franco.”

  “Did they know about your rape?”

  “Of course they did. Norris, one of the scum who raped me, is a buddy of Franco’s. And I’m sure Santo told them to ignore it if I caused an uproar when it was happening,” he said grimly. “And I did. It was good that there were two of them or I’d have killed the bastards. Just as I would have taken you down if you weren’t—”