Wicked Shadows (Steele Security Book 5) Read online

  With a glance, Silas knew Jax Hart wasn’t involved in the kidnapping scheme, but he definitely knew something about it. He took his time exiting the truck, letting Jax make all the wrong assumptions before Silas even asked the first question.

  “Are you alone?” Jax asked as Silas rounded the front of his truck.

  “Yes, I’m alone.”

  The three security guards chuckled to themselves, confident they’d have the upper hand on him. Silas smirked to himself, stifling a laugh at their expense. It’s not about size, guys. It’s about who’s meaner.

  “What do you want?” one of the bodyguards asked.

  “I have questions for Jason.” Silas intentionally used his given name and inclined his head toward Jax. “He can refuse to answer them, but then he’d be refusing to cooperate in a federal investigation and he’d be under arrest. Is that what you want? I can haul his ass in right now, then.”

  Silas produced a set of handcuffs, held them in position to slap them on Jax’s wrists, and advanced on him.

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Jax shouted, backing up. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t cooperate. What’s this about?”

  “We need to speak inside,” Silas stated, looking past the security detail and directly at Jax. “I believe you know what it’s about.”

  Fear and acceptance flashed across his face. He was hiding in a remote location and the press had been fed lies about his true whereabouts, but he had to face the truth sometime. With a gloomy nod, he commanded his security team to stand down. “Come on in. Let’s get it over with as soon as possible.”

  Silas followed him into the sprawling log cabin. The family room covered half of the entry level. The entire back wall was made of folding glass patio doors to give an unobstructed view of the mountains and lake surrounding the property. Jax motioned for Silas to have a seat.

  “Nice house. Knowing your Hollywood persona, I wouldn’t have pegged you as the outdoorsy type. But then, you were probably banking on the true facts of your background remaining hidden when you chose to hide here.”

  Even Hollywood’s leading man couldn’t hide his shock after that statement. “Guess what the conspiracy theorists say is true. We have no secrets from Big Brother.”

  “It’s actually worse than they think. Do you want to be called Jason or Jax?”

  “Jason is fine. No more pretending, at least while we’re here.”

  “Fair enough. Jason, tell me why you’re hiding in Idaho at your aunt and uncle’s vacation home.”

  “Getting right to the point, huh? Okay.” He released a harsh breath. “I’m here because I’m scared for my life. Literally. And I get that makes me a complete shit because Elle and Beth are missing, so they’re even more afraid than I am.”

  He shook his head and dropped his face into his hands, shame and guilt consuming him. “The night they disappeared, they left the sound stage before me. When I walked out, I rounded the corner and expected my driver to be waiting for me. But he wasn’t. Two rough-looking men dressed in black, with leather motorcycle vests, were putting Elle in the back of a van—the kind of long cargo van they use for deliveries and stuff. No windows on the side panels.”

  “Did you get a good look at the insignia on their vests?”

  “Yeah, I saw it plain as day. It said Devil’s Dominion.”

  “When you saw them put Elle in the van, was she conscious at the time?”

  “No. She was completely limp. Honestly, I didn’t even know if she was alive at first. It was only after everything was over when I realized I’d seen her chest rising and falling when they put her down. After they closed the doors, they turned, and that’s when they saw me standing there. One of them used his finger and thumb to make the sign like a gun and ‘shot’ me. Then he laughed, like he thought it was so damn funny, and climbed in the van. They drove off, didn’t even stop at the guard station to the lot, and left me standing there.”

  Silas watched Jason’s face as he relived the scene from that night, giving him time to remember any other details he’d tried to forget. Jason was visibly shaken by the entire incident and believed they’d kill him, and he was correct. They would, without a second thought. They had no use for him—they were after the women. When Jason appeared to have checked out of the conversation, Silas drew him back in.

  “What did you do next?”

  “I tucked my tail between my legs and ran back inside the sound stage. When I found Vince Rossi, the director, I told him to call the police. Then I explained everything, just like I told you. He told me to go home and he’d take care of it.”

  “Did he take care of it?”

  “At the time, I honestly thought he did. He grabbed his cell and began barking orders, yelling he needed the police right away. When he realized I was still there, he called my driver and basically pushed me into the car. On the way home, my agent called and said they were putting the publicity tour on hold, but they’d finish editing the movie so we’d be ready to go when it was time. I told him I didn’t care about that—what about Elle and Beth? He said the police were there, and the studio was handling it. They didn’t want me involved in the case because it would hurt more than it would help.”

  “Hurt what?”

  “My career—because I didn’t rush to stop them, like the hero I play in my movies. Elle’s career—because our onscreen relationship wouldn’t be believable after people realized I allowed her to be taken. The movie itself—since it would get bad reviews and no one would go see it. Everything from our reputations to being cast in future movies would be destroyed. That’s how he sold it to me anyway, and I went along with it.”

  “When the van left the lot, you said it didn’t stop at the guard station. Does your driver always stop to check out with the guard?”

  “Yes. Always. They’re supposed to check everyone in and out of the lot.”

  “Did your driver stop that night?” Silas asked.

  Jason’s brows drew down and he stared straight ahead, his eyes slightly downcast while he tried to remember. “You know, I was so shaken up by the time I got in the car, I didn’t even think about it. I just wanted to get home, as far away from there as I could get. But, no, we didn’t check out.” His eyes jerked up to meet Silas’s. “What does that mean? They’re all in on it?”

  “I can’t comment on an open investigation,” Silas replied. “Which way did the van turn when they left the lot?”

  “Right. Why are you not taking any notes?”

  “I don’t need notes to remember. Were you aware that Vince Rossi left LA this morning for an undetermined length of time?”

  Jason blanched and sat back against the couch. “No, I didn’t know. Why did he leave?”

  “The official statement said there was a medical emergency, and he was returning home to be with his family.” Silas studied Jason, watching for clues to confirm he honestly didn’t know about the director’s abrupt departure from the studio.

  “Returned home? Where—all the way to Orange? That’s where his family lives.”

  “Yes, I’m aware. I found it interesting too.” Silas stood and walked to the large bank of patio doors. “Jason, there’s something I want you to do. They’re planning to do something terrible to the ladies they’ve kidnapped. We must force their hand so we can stop this before it’s too late.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Call Mary Ellen Gallie and tell her you’re not with Elle. You don’t have to give any details of that night, simply confirm you left LA for an extended vacation off the grid before the promotional tour started. Then you were hit with all this nonsense about you and Elle running away to get married. So you wanted to set the record straight, because if she’s in danger, law enforcement needs to do something about it.

  “The video they sent of her talking about how happy you two are has already been proven a fake. The people need to hear it from you now, so your fans will demand action on your behalf, and hers.”

  “Of course. I’ll
do whatever you need me to do.”

  Silas checked his watch and nodded to the phone. “Her show is about to come on now. Perfect time to set the public straight on the facts.” Jason grabbed his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed the line dedicated to celebrities. Silas listened while Jason donned his Jax personality. Without giving details of that night, he answered questions from the host and call-in viewers. By the end of the hour-long show, word had spread across the waves. Calls and emails flooded law enforcement offices across the state. From the governor to the mayor to the chief of police, concerned fans demanded immediate action and questioned the effectiveness of assigning only Detective Gough to such a complex case.

  “Stay here with around-the-clock security until this is over. When Elle is home safely, you’ll know you can return to LA.” Silas stepped out the front door and turned back to Jason. “You should know, Jason, there’s no shame in what you did. If you’d tried to stop them, they would’ve killed you and still left with Elle and Beth. These are not the kind of men the average person tangles with, and you have no reason to be ashamed. What you did today will do more to help save them than you know. Thanks for your help.”

  “Thank you, Agent Steele. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you saying that.”

  Once Silas was back in the truck, he called his brother. “Jax Hart handled that very well. Turned on the charm and rallied his troops. That should help with the message Elle’s and Beth’s parents are pushing daily.”

  “His message was perfect. Did he say anything that could help?”

  “Nothing we don’t already know.” Silas repeated the conversation for Reaper, who also wasn’t surprised to hear the director appeared to be involved.

  “Sounds like we need to pay a visit to his sick family member in Orange. We know who to look at, but we haven’t figured out why they’re doing this yet. Have you heard anything from your analyst with the agency?”

  “Coded messages sent to a buyer in Hong Kong were intercepted. Nick Tucker has been trying to identify the name on an offshore account. My analyst is helping unravel that a little faster. We should have the details soon. Nick is a little more by-the-book than I am,” Silas chuckled.

  “Most everyone is more by-the-book than you are, Silas. Other than Shadow. Must be part of the training manual for all spies to break the rules as much as possible,” Reaper retorted. “Speaking of, have you heard anything about our boy? Even through unofficial channels?”

  “Not yet. I’ve got his analyst, Steadman, and my analyst, Chris, watching him on satellite as much as possible. He put himself and Nick at more risk by going in as quickly as he did. I’m concerned it’ll backfire, and they won’t be able to handle the backlash from it.”

  “Agreed. Are you on your way here now?”

  “I’m heading to the airport now and will be in LA County soon.”

  “What did Headbanger want to talk to you about?” Shadow asked as Nick climbed into the van, sparing no time.

  Nick rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension and stress accumulating in his muscles. “Your initiation—he was impressed with how you handled yourself, so he wants to replace Spider with you as an officer.”

  “How’s Spider going to take that news?” Shadow chuckled.

  “He won’t. That’s the other news he sprang on me. The way you’ll earn your top rocker is to kill Spider, the thorn in his side.”

  “What’s the problem? I can take him out easily.”

  “Seriously? What is wrong with you spooks? You can’t just kill everyone.” Nick openly gaped at Shadow, incredulous at his blasé attitude toward taking another man’s life.

  “I most certainly can. I’m a trained soldier. I protect our country every day, from all kinds of threats. Sometimes I have to be the bigger threat to get the job done. Spider is a dangerous man who takes lives indiscriminately—innocent people, defenseless women—and he does it for pleasure. The more he gets away with it, the worse he’ll be. Taking him out of the game is a public service.”

  “I’m genuinely concerned you’re missing the entire point of this conversation,” Nick deadpanned. “You do remember I’ve been undercover for two fucking years, right? I’d like to actually arrest someone for all my trouble.”

  Shadow glanced over his shoulder at Nick, understanding his angst. “Undercover life is hard. I know. Truly, I get it. You want to see someone pay for all the time you’ve given up of your own life. You want the satisfaction of putting them behind bars for a very long time, knowing it was your dedication to your job and country, and that time has been repaid.

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll be sorely disappointed with the due process. The lawyers, the trials, the delays, the deals. Years of your life already spent collecting irrefutable proof, only to have your every past mistake paraded through court to discredit you. The slap on the wrist they get for being ‘brainwashed and coerced’ into being part of this gang. You’ll wish you’d killed him yourself when it’s all over.”

  “It’s a good thing we only have to kidnap another Hollywood starlet in the meantime,” Nick replied dully.

  “Do we have a plan for this abduction? Shall we surprise her, or give her a heads-up before we grab her off the sidewalk and pitch her in the back of our Chester Molester van?”

  “Does the CIA require regular brain CT scans? Check for changes or anomalies? Seriously, Shadow.”

  He threw his head back and released a deep belly laugh. “Man, it feels good to laugh again. It’s been a long time. I’m joking about the kidnapping. While you were chatting with Headbanger, I made some calls on my secure cell to make the arrangements. She’s being briefed and convinced to cooperate as we speak.”

  “Who’s prepping her?”

  “Bull and Rebel—they’re demonstrating how the GPS injected in her arm works regardless of where she is, assuring her that the two big, scary guys sweeping her off her feet are both undercover agents who will take care of her, and we’ll return her home, safe and sound, as soon as possible. Reaper went to pick up Silas at the airport.”

  “We can’t possibly guarantee she’s safe while we’re not around. We have no idea what they’re doing to them,” Nick protested.

  The temperature in the van dropped instantly when Shadow turned his gaze to Nick. Or maybe it was from the chills running up Nick’s spine when he recognized the dark, lethal expression on Shadow’s face.

  “Shadow, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t even think… Besides, I don’t think they’d hurt them. They’re planning something else for them, I can feel it. They want more money. Manufacturing meth, selling for the cartels, and running guns isn’t making them enough for some reason.”

  Before Shadow could reply, his secure cell began vibrating in his pocket. “Talk to me, Bull.”

  “Lori Hensley is ready for her chauffeured ride,” Bull replied. “She’s been tagged and is ready for an extra special surprise visit.”

  “She does understand what’s really happening, right? You didn’t trick her into thinking she’s going on a blind date or anything?”

  Bull chuckled. “I’m giving you the one-finger salute right now, in case you’re wondering. I know how to do my damn job. Just come kidnap the girl. We’re waiting on the lot, just outside the sound stage door. Let me know when you pull up. I’ll step back inside.”

  “Copy that. See you soon, princess.”

  “Bite me.”

  Shadow and Nick turned into the lot and were waved on by the guard. Checking the side mirror, Shadow noted the guard immediately left his station and pointed it out to Nick. He circled slowly around the buildings until he found the perfect spot to avoid detection. If they’d been followed, he didn’t want to take any chances that would blow their cover.

  Lori walked across the drive toward the area where her driver should have been waiting and stopped, looking around for her ride. Shadow and Nick jumped out of the van and walked up stealthily behind her. Nick tapped on her sh
oulder, raised his hand up to her face, and squeezed the spray twice in quick sequence. She slumped in Shadow’s arms, and he placed her in the back of the van.

  “I hated to knock her out, but we can’t take the chance of anyone else realizing she’s not asleep. We can’t make the slightest move out of character now.”

  “It’s not a big deal, man. I would’ve done the same in your place.”

  Nick’s cell began ringing, and he exchanged a leery glance with Shadow. “Renegade.”

  “Change of plans. When you get the girl, take her to the old clubhouse instead of the country club.”

  “We just got her, in fact. They must have wrapped up early today. Her driver hadn’t even arrived to pick her up yet.”

  “Good work, Renegade. I’m glad to hear that. We’re moving up the schedule, so it only makes sense to take her to the old clubhouse rather than risk moving her again.”

  Nick relayed the message to Shadow then directed him to the old building. Bonebreaker waited in the garage with the large metal door rolled up so they could pull straight into the covered area. While Bone closed the door, Shadow and Nick circled to the back of the van to pick up Lori. Shadow snaked his arms underneath her and pulled her to his chest. He hauled her body weight over his shoulder with ease and carried her inside.

  “Where does this one go?” he asked, looking around the dingy room.

  “Throw her in there,” Bone replied, pointing to the closed door.

  Shadow swung the door open with one hand, flipped the light on, and turned his head when Bone issued a warning. “Be careful of the other one in there. She’s mouthy and gets on my fucking nerves.”

  Shadow turned back to the bedroom, stepped inside, and deposited Lori on the grungy bed. His skin tingled, and the air sparked with electricity.

  She’s here.

  When he turned, Elle stood rooted to her spot behind the door. Shock and anguish crushed her spirit. Devastation rocked her foundation, driving her down to her knees.