Deadly Secrets (Hardy Brothers Security Book 11) (16 page)

“What happens if I don’t?”

“I’ll splatter your pretty head all over the pavement and hope that Jake is despondent enough to off himself when he finds your body. Is that what you want?”

Ally pursed her lips. “No.”

“Then I think you should probably shut your mouth and get in my truck. Those are your only two options, and I’m on a bit of a schedule thanks to the goons who found me this morning. Come on, sweetheart. I promise it will be fun.”

“I’m going to get going,” Jake said, waiting for James to acknowledge his presence in the doorway. “Do you need anything before I go?”

“I think you should stay.”

“I … why?”

“We are working on
your
case,” James said, not raising his eyes from the computer screen. “I figured you would want to be here if something pops up.”

“I do,” Jake said hurriedly. “I just … you’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

James smiled. “I’m not staying here for more than another ten minutes. Peter has his men on it. He’s promised to call us when he finds Mitchell again. We can’t find him without a lead, so there’s nothing we can do right now. I’m picking up dinner and spending the night in the hot tub with my wife.”

“That was just because you heard me on the phone with her, isn’t it?”

“She’s still my baby sister.”

“She’s not a baby.”

“She is to me.”

“I thought you already had a baby,” Jake said.

“I do,” James conceded. “And now I’m regretting adding the word ‘baby’ in front of ‘sister’ because it makes me feel dirty. Thanks for grossing me out.”

Amusement washed over Jake. “I’m sure you’ll survive,” he said. “I’m guessing Mandy will have a way to make you feel better when you get in the hot tub. I’m predicting it involves nudity. Call me if anything happens.”

“Are you sure? What if you’re … busy?”

“Call me,” Jake said. “I want this over with. I want things back to normal. I have something special planned for Ally once I can breathe again.”

James narrowed his eyes. “Are you going to propose to my sister?”

Jake balked, arching an eyebrow. The question surprised him while also making him feel uncomfortable. “I thought I would tell her I love her first, and then we’d move on from there.”

“Oh,” James said. “I guess that makes sense.”

“Don’t worry about me proposing to Ally just yet,” Jake said, winking to alleviate the tense situation. “I would have to ask your father’s permission first, and I’m sure you would hear about it.”

“That actually makes me feel better.”

“I thought you were over this?”

“I am,” James said. “Kind of. She’s still my baby … little … she’s still my little sister.”

Jake rolled his eyes, shaking his head as his phone rang in his pocket. Ally’s number popped up on the screen. “Hey, angel. Are you home already?”

“Angel? I didn’t know you felt that way about me.”

The color drained from Jake’s face as he shifted, and James was on his feet almost instantaneously. “Cameron, don’t you dare hurt her.”

“She’s pretty, Harrison. I have some plans for her.”

“I will kill you!”

“Take a pill, Harrison,” Mitchell said. “I promise not to hurt your girlfriend as long as you give me what I want.”

“And what is that?”

“Well, since you interrupted my operation, I seem to be hurting for money,” Mitchell said. “It seems there’s not a big market for guys drummed out of the U.S. Army with a dishonorable discharge.”

“You want money? How much?”

“Two million should do it.”

“Where do you think I’m going to get two million dollars?” Jake’s heart was pounding, and his knees were weak. “I don’t have that kind of money. I don’t have anything close to that.”

“You’d better find a way to get it,” Mitchell said. “You have four hours, and then I’m going to start motivating you by cutting pieces off your girlfriend and sending them to you in individual boxes.”

“If you hurt her … .”

“I’m in charge here,” Mitchell said. “Me. Find the money. Rob a bank. Hit your boss up. I don’t really care. I’ll be in touch.”

Jake dropped into the chair when the line went dead, his heart twisting. “I … .”

James was furious. “We’re killing him. I don’t care what happens. I want that animal dead.”

“Where are we going to get two million dollars?”

James was already lifting his phone. “You know exactly where.”

“THIS
place is disgusting,” Ally said, wrinkling her nose as she looked around the filthy hotel room. “I can’t believe you’re staying here. Couldn’t you have at least found a clean hotel room to hold me captive in?”

Mitchell shot her a look. “Do you want me to gag you?”

“It’s just … you know there are probably bed bugs here, right?”

Mitchell narrowed his eyes. “There are no bed bugs.”

“Have you slept in that bed? How can you be sure? I saw a roach in the bathroom. A roach. I swear I feel things crawling through my hair. There are bed bugs.”

“I take it you don’t stay in a lot of places without room service and chocolates on your pillow,” Mitchell said. “You’re obviously spoiled. This is how the real world lives.”

“Then I’m happy to live in a fantasy.”

“I guess that explains why you’re with Harrison,” Mitchell said. “Does he take you for unicorn rides, too?”

Ally scowled. “Don’t you dare say anything bad about him. He’s a wonderful man.”

“You don’t even know him,” Mitchell said. “I could tell you stories that would curl your hair.”

“My hair is already wavy. It’s summer. Since the air conditioning isn’t working, you’ll see it curl because of the humidity. I hate sweating.”

Mitchell ran his tongue over his teeth, considering. “You like to think of yourself as a princess, don’t you?”

“Not really.”

“No, you do,” Mitchell said. “It’s written all over your face. You think you’re better than people. In fact, you think you’re better than me.”

“I
know
I’m better than you.”

“Because I was in prison?”

“Because you’re a child rapist who tried to run heroin through military mail bins,” Ally replied, nonplussed. “I don’t care how annoying and shallow you think I am, that’s definitely worse.”

“I didn’t rape anyone.”

“There were witnesses.”

“You can’t believe everything Harrison tells you,” Mitchell said. “He lies. He’s lied about me raping that girl, and he lied about the heroin ring. He just can’t help himself.”

Ally crossed her arms over her chest obstinately. “I believe him.”

“Really? I was under the impression that he’s been lying to you,” Mitchell said. “Didn’t he let another woman stay in his house while he crawled into your bed at the same time?”

Ally frowned. “How can you possibly know that?”

“I’ve been watching you for days,” Mitchell said. “I especially liked the little sex show you put on yesterday up by the lake.”

The words chilled her, but Ally was determined not to let Mitchell know he’d gotten to her. “Are you a peeping tom, too?”

“I’ve been watching you all for days,” Mitchell said. “It’s important to know your enemy. Harrison has made some … interesting … friends. Your brothers have an impressive reputation.”

“It’s well earned.”

“I’m sure,” Harrison said. “I hope that well-earned reputation isn’t just a front. They have four hours to get two million bucks. If they fail, you’re going to have a really rough night.”

Ally bit the inside of her cheek, terrified.

“I see you’re not so full of yourself now,” Mitchell said, grinning maniacally. “Are you scared of me?”

“No.”

“Then you must be scared Harrison is going to fail you,” Mitchell said. “You’re right to be scared on that front. He failed me so many times I’ve lost count.”

“Stopping you from raping a little girl is not failing someone.”

“How many times do I have to tell you that I did not rape that girl? She was the one flirting with me.”

“Ten-year-olds don’t flirt with soldiers. They don’t scream for no reason. They don’t want to be … abused. You’re sick.” Ally knew that pushing Mitchell was a bad idea, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. “Jake didn’t fail you. You failed humanity.”

“You’re so cute,” Mitchell said, leaning forward and grabbing her nose. He squeezed it roughly, cutting off the oxygen traveling to Ally’s lungs and forcing her to open her mouth to breathe. When she did, Mitchell grabbed her lip and tugged on it, bruising the soft skin as he squeezed. “The first thing I’m going to cut out is your tongue. Something tells me Harrison is going to miss it, although I have no idea why. It’s like you never shut up.”

Ally jerked away, inadvertently crying out when Mitchell refused to release her lip.

“I’m in charge here,” he said. “I’m the boss. You’re not a princess in my kingdom. You’re nothing. You’re the woman giving aid and comfort to the enemy.”

Ally pushed the pain out of her mind and wrenched her lip from Mitchell’s grasp, fighting the urge to shriek when the skin finally broke free. “Don’t touch me.”

“I’m going to touch you,” Mitchell said, reaching forward and grabbing a handful of Ally’s hair and shaking her roughly. “I’m going to make you see exactly what you’ve been missing with a man like Harrison. When I’m done, you’re going to be … ruined … for all other men. I promise you that.”

“I’M
so sorry about this,” James said, rubbing his forehead as he regarded Peter. “We don’t have any options, and I … it’s Ally. We have to find a way to get her back, and you’re our only option.”

“Calm down,” Peter said. “I have the money in cash. I put it in the safe after Sophie was taken. Something told me I might need it again. With the frequency the women in your life get taken, I’m thinking of adding to it. We just have to come up with a plan to go along with the trade.”

“I’m not risking Ally’s life,” Jake said. “We’ll just give him the money.”

“I don’t have a problem doing that,” Peter said. “I have a problem handing over all the leverage without a guarantee that we’ll get Ally back safe and sound. Are you sure this man won’t hurt her once he gets the money?”

Jake bit his lip.

“That’s what I thought,” Peter said, patting his arm reassuringly. “We can’t just hand the money over and believe that we’ll get Ally back. I know I’m not up on everything here, but I’m not willing to risk Ally. I happen to find her adorable and entertaining. She’s a breath of fresh air. We have to approach this like businessmen, not family.”

“What do you suggest?” James asked.

“I’ve got teams in place at four different corners in the county,” Peter said. “When Mitchell calls, they’ll be able to approach and stake the place out long before we get there. They won’t approach unless they get eyes on Ally. If they’re in place early, it gives us an advantage.”

“Then what?”

“We’re taking Ally,” Peter said. “We’re not leaving any survivors unless we’re assured they’re incapacitated. We have to send a message here, and that message is that this family is untouchable.”

“I have no problem killing Cameron,” Jake said. “I have a problem risking Ally. He raped a small child. What do you think he’s doing to her now?”

Peter’s face was grave. “If he’s smart, he’s listening to her bitch and moan and keeping his hands to himself.”

“I don’t think he’s that smart.” Jake’s voice was ragged. “I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now. What if he … ?”

“Then don’t imagine it,” Peter said. “I will mete out more retribution than that man ever envisioned if he touches her. You can be assured of that.”

“WHAT
are you doing?” Ally panicked as Mitchell approached her. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

“I’m going to touch all of you, honey.” Mitchell’s face split with a wide grin. “I’m going to rub you … and lick you … and bite you. Oh, girl, I’m going to bite you like you wouldn’t believe.”

The door to the hotel room opened, and Ally almost wept with relief when Mitchell’s attention drifted from her toward the woman stepping inside. The relief didn’t last long.

“Cara?”

“Oh, good,” Cara said. “You’ve got Jake’s little girlfriend. I can’t wait to play with her. I’ve been dreaming of this for days.”

“Get in line,” Mitchell said.

“I have dibs.”

“You two are working together?” Ally was flabbergasted. “I don’t understand.”

“Of course you don’t,” Cara said, dropping her purse on the small table by the front window of the dingy hotel room. “You’re incapable of understanding. That pea-sized brain of yours can’t comprehend how the real world works. If you try to think about anything other than shoes and pedicures, your brain seizes up because it’s overwhelmed.”

Her usual snarky attitude failed. Ally was both relieved by Cara’s appearance – mostly because it stopped Mitchell in his tracks – but was also troubled by the implications. “You put him in prison, though.”

“Only because I had to,” Cara said. “It wasn’t my choice. I tried to distract Jake that night. I knew the shipment was coming in, but when he sets his mind to something he’s like a dog with a bone. Huh. I guess that makes you his bitch.”

Confusion muddled Ally’s mind. She still wasn’t grasping the whole story. “You were working with Mitchell even then? For how long?”

“I needed someone in a position of authority,” Mitchell said, throwing himself on the bed and rolling onto his back so he could study the dirty ceiling tiles. “It was my idea for Cara to apply for a military police position, especially after I heard Harrison was assigned to that detail.

“After he beat me so badly I had to spend two weeks in the hospital. I thought they would discharge him and send him back stateside,” he continued. “That was a bad miscalculation on my part.”

“It won’t be the last time you underestimate him,” Ally said.

“She’s Jake’s biggest cheerleader,” Cara said. “She has no idea how weak he really is.”

“He wasn’t weak enough to fall for the show you were putting on, was he?” Ally was officially worried. Mitchell’s intentions were obvious. Cara’s were shrouded in mist.
What was her ultimate endgame here?

“Don’t kid yourself, honey,” Cara said. “If I really wanted Jake, I could have taken him. The only reason he fought me was because he didn’t want to get fired by your brother. I’m not stupid, and you shouldn’t be either.”

“My brother would never fire Jake just because we broke up.”

“That’s not what the shrill blonde said,” Cara replied.

“Mandy is loyal to me.”

“Are you saying James isn’t loyal to her? I thought about going after him for a little while, but that seemed like an impossible task after watching the two of them together. He’s obviously devoted to her, although I have no idea why.”

“He loves her.”

“But why?”

“Because she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him,” Ally said, her chest heaving. “Why would you possibly even consider going after my brother? You don’t even know him.”

“I’ve seen the house he lives in,” Cara said. “He has money. I happen to like money.”

“Then why go after Jake? He’s not destitute, but he doesn’t have money,” Ally said, grasping at straws. She needed time. This was the only way to get it.

“I’ve always had a thing for dark eyes and big muscles,” Cara said. “Jake just … fits me.”

“He doesn’t.”

“He will,” Cara said. “Once you’re gone, he’s going to think he’s heartbroken. He’s going to need someone to pick up the pieces. He’s going to need someone to lean on. It’s a good thing I have strong shoulders.”

“Like a man,” Ally grumbled under her breath. “How do you think that’s going to work? Do you think he’s going to pay you two million dollars and then just fall into your bed?”

“He’s never going to know that I was a part of this,” Cara said. “Cameron is going to get the money … and I’m going to take care of you while he’s making the trade. We’re going to tell him you’ll be delivered to your brother’s house in one hour. That will allow Cameron time to escape. Once he’s gone, Jake is going to need someone to lean on. I won’t be able to leave while he’s so … broken. He’ll need me.”

“You’re going to kill me?”

“I’m going to have a little fun with you first,” Cara said. “But, yes, I’m going to kill you. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your family gets your body back. If there’s any question about your survival, Jake will be stuck in limbo. That’s not what I want.”

Ally fought the urge to cry. “Jake will never give you what you want.”

“Oh, honey, you have way too much faith in him,” Cara said. “He’s not the man you think he is. He’s handsome and smart, but he’s still a man. The only reason he didn’t give in to me the other night is because your friend hurled a rock through a window. I had him exactly where I wanted him.”

Cara turned her attention to Mitchell. “Make the call. I’m ready to play with my toy.”

“I want to play with her first.”

“You’re not raping her,” Cara said. “She’s a pain in the ass and a bitch, but she’s still a person. Only an asshole rapes someone.”

“I’m not a rapist.”

“I know what you are,” Cara said. “I don’t really care … except it makes me want to puke. We’re in this for the money, just like before. I lost out, too. You seem to forget that. I’ve actually had to work for a living. It’s not pretty … or fun.”

“You didn’t go to prison,” Mitchell pointed out. “And you owe me because I didn’t roll over on you. I could have made a deal and had you locked up. You were the one who scheduled the deliveries. You were the one who handled the transfer of product. You would’ve gotten more time than me.”

“Who got you out of prison?” Cara challenged. “Who made sure your attorney knew what technicality to focus on?”

“It took you years to come through!” Mitchell was starting to get angry, and his eyes flashed as they landed on Cara.

“I still came through,” Cara said. “It’s not as easy as you seem to think.”

“Whatever,” Mitchell said. “I want to spend some time with her before you mutilate her.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“I’m going to vote with Cara,” Ally said. “I’d rather die than touch you.”

“Oh, you’re going to touch me,” Mitchell seethed. “You’re going to like it, too.”

“Stop being a jerk,” Cara said. “Besides, you have to make a call. We need that money. The longer we have her, the more danger we put ourselves in. While you’re getting the money, I’m going to take care of our friend.

“I’m thinking of dumping her body up in their favorite picnic spot,” she continued. “That should ensure he can never go up there again. When we’re together, I don’t want him thinking about her, and I can’t come up with a reason not to go to that picnic spot without tipping my hand that we saw their little … display … yesterday.”

Ally felt sick to her stomach. “You were there, too?”

“I had nothing better to do,” Cara said. “I was shunned and dumped in a hotel room. I needed some entertainment. By the way, I love his stamina. I forgot how … vigorous … he can be. I’m going to go for more than two rounds the first time I take him, though.”

“He won’t ever touch you.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Cara said. “You still have faith that he’s more than a man. He’s still just a man, honey. He’s going to cry for two weeks and then he’ll be mine. I’ll make him happy. You don’t have to worry about that.”

“How is this working out for me?” Mitchell asked.

“You’re getting money.”

“I want her.”

“Why?”

“Look at her,” Mitchell said. “She’s … hot.”

“I’m hotter.”

“Only in your own mind,” Mitchell said. “I want to play with her.”

“Get in line.”

“I’m in charge,” Mitchell said. “I’m the boss.”

“That means you have a call to make,” Cara said, nonplussed. “Make it. Let’s get this over with.”

Mitchell sighed. “I’m so picking up a hooker tonight.”

“It’s good to have goals,” Cara said, rolling her eyes in Ally’s direction. “Can you believe how gross he is?”

There was a lot about this situation Ally was having trouble believing.

“MY
men are in place,” Peter said, lowering his phone. “It’s a fleabag hotel on the north side. It’s that place they keep trying to tear down because it’s an eyesore in the middle of prosperity.”

“I know that place,” James said. “It’s … filthy.”

“We should move,” Peter said. “They’re expecting us in an hour, but it would be prudent to arrive early.”

“Have they seen Ally?” Jake asked, tortured. “Is she … okay?”

“They’re still in the parking lot,” Peter replied. “They’ve got eyes on the room. If someone tries to move Ally, which I’m genuinely worried about, they’re taking control of the situation.”

“How?”

“I’ve given orders that they’re supposed to protect Ally at all costs,” Peter said. “I’ve also given orders that they should try to keep the others in that room alive if they can, but they’re not to risk themselves or Ally if it comes down to it. They will kill Cameron Mitchell if it becomes necessary.”

“I almost hope it becomes necessary,” James said. “It would save us from making some hard decisions when we get there.”

“Those decisions are still ahead of us,” Peter said. “Let’s get moving. Where are Finn and Grady?”

Jake and James exchanged a look.

“I haven’t told them,” James said.

“Doesn’t that go against your family’s rules?”

“I don’t want to crush anyone until I have to,” James said. “Grady and Finn are going to be angry, but I’d rather face that anger when Ally is safe than … .”

“We’re going to get her back,” Peter said. “I understand what you’re trying to do. Let’s go.”

“THEY’LL
be here in an hour,” Mitchell said.

“That means they’ll be here as soon as they can,” Cara said. “They’ll try to be tricky. I have to move the merchandise now.”

“But … .”

“No,” Cara said, wagging her finger in Mitchell’s face. “We’re going. Come on, Ally. Let’s go for a ride.”

Ally balked. She didn’t want to stay with Mitchell, but she didn’t want to leave with Cara even more. “I … .”

“Don’t make me hurt you,” Cara said. “I want to have fun when I do it. This isn’t going to be fun if I have to do it here. It’s going to be … ugly.”

Ally’s eyes welled with tears. “Can’t you just let me go?”

“Of course not,” Cara said. “That won’t work with my plan.”

“But … .”

“Not buts,” Cara said. “Move. If you don’t, I’ll make you move. You’re not going to like that, honey.”

Ally rose from the chair, resigned. “You know you’re going to Hell, right?”

“I don’t believe in Hell,” Cara said. “Once Jake and I are together, though, I’ll finally have my Heaven.”

“THERE’S
a woman there,” Peter said, glancing up to the front seat of James’ Explorer as the eldest Hardy brother sped down the freeway. “Were we expecting a woman?”

Peter was in constant contact with his men, and Sven was relaying an urgent message as a tall, auburn-haired woman forced Ally out of the hotel room.

“What does she look like?”

Peter relayed Sven’s description.

“That’s Cara,” Jake said, flabbergasted.

Peter’s face stiffened. “Take Ally now,” he ordered. “Kill the woman if you have to. Ally is our primary goal.”

“Are you sure?” James asked, his eyes frightened as they met Peter’s steady orbs in the rearview mirror. “We’re almost there.”

“Cara is trying to move Ally into a vehicle,” Peter said. “What do you think is going to happen when Mitchell gets the money and Cara leaves with Ally?”

“Kill her,” Jake ordered. “Save Ally. I don’t care about anything else. Save Ally.”

“IT’S
a nice day to die, isn’t it?” Cara asked, pushing Ally forward, a gun pressed against the worried brunette’s ribcage. “Do you have a preference for which way you go?”

“Do you care?” Ally was trying to maintain control of her emotions, but she was starting to lose it.

“Believe it or not, I don’t want to make this worse than it has to be,” Cara said. “I have some things I want to do to you … but I hope to make the actual death quick.”

“You’re a real humanitarian.”

“I try.”

Ally shuffled forward, dejected. Her mind was busy, all the words she wanted to say to Jake running through her mind on an endless loop. She should have told him she loved him. She knew he wouldn’t say it back, he wasn’t there yet, but she’d wanted to tell him how she felt for a long time. It was too late now. His guilt at her death would consume him. No matter what Cara said, no matter what she wanted, Ally knew her death would wreck Jake. That was the one thing she didn’t want.

“I’m not really a fan of Michigan,” Cara said. “I hope Jake will be willing to move east when things between us are official, but Michigan is gorgeous in the summer. Maybe we’ll schedule regular visits with your brothers. I think they’d like to see Jake when he’s happy.”

Ally didn’t reply. She couldn’t find the energy.

“I … .” Cara’s voice broke off, a strangled cry escaping before she fell silent.