Wanted (FBI Heat Book 3) (12 page)

Their gazes never faltered.

The lines around his mouth tightened, and his jaw clenched. He clutched the mattress.

They continued to stare into each other’s eyes as though looking away might bring the finale.

He murmured something. She thought he’d said, “Mine,” but she wasn’t sure.

On the verge of another orgasm, she could hardly move up and down anymore. “Come,” she pleaded. “Please.”

With his gaze still locked to hers, he grabbed her hips, held her still, and bucked once, twice. His mouth opened with a primal roar, followed by a strangled, “Katriona.”

“My Dillon,” she whispered and collapsed on his chest.

Kat didn’t know how long they’d lay there, but she thought they had dozed off because, by the time she could move, her backside was chilled. Even then, she was disappointed when Dillon spoke.

“We should head back to the apartment and get ready to pick up your car,” he said.

“Can’t we go straight from here?”

“No. While you get dressed, I’ll change the plates on the truck.”

“You have more alias plates.”

“Yeah. These are from Arizona.”

She frowned. Trying to keep up with his mental sprints was exhausting. “Why do you need to change them again? The Hummer and dark sedan have no idea about your man cave or apartment. Or who you are.”

“I sure hope not. But I bet they know where your car is.”

Reluctantly, she got up and searched for her bra and panties. “I don’t see how they could.”

Dillon rolled off the futon and grabbed his boxer briefs. “They would expect your car to be impounded by the CHP. They’ve probably had eyes or a camera on the impound lot since Monday night.”

“A camera?”

“Yeah. That’s how they’ve been able to surveil your house without being seen. Remember Wednesday night when the Hummer came after us? Which also means they’ve seen me, even if they don’t know my identity.”

“Makes sense. And I understand why they’d expect the CHP to have my car, but are you telling me they followed the tow truck from the impound lot to the tire store?”

“Yep. You have to get your car back at some point, and I assure you, they’ll be waiting.”

Clutching her underwear, she plopped onto the futon. Danger crept up her spine like icy fingers, and fear burned in her gut. “I c-can’t believe this is happening. Whoever Farook is working with is—”

“Dead serious about stopping you,” Dillon finished for her.

She drew a shaky breath. “How am I going to get my car?”

“Trust me. I have a plan.”

Squashed into the tiny backseat of the double cab of his truck, Dillon craned his neck to watch Kat as she drove the unfamiliar vehicle. She hadn’t been thrilled with his plan for several reasons, the least of which was the doctor’s warning not to drive. Sitting ramrod straight and stiff as a mannequin, Kat kept her complete focus on the task of getting them safely to the tire shop. He would’ve loved to tease her about her über-careful driving, but her nerves were probably too strained to see any humor in it.

Another of her objections to the plan had been the disguises. Granted, she looked ridiculous in his huge sweatshirt, which reached almost to her knees, but it achieved the goal of hiding any recognizable features of her figure. Getting all of her thick, brunette hair bunched under a knit ski cap had been a challenge. He wasn’t sure he approved of how the style exposed her delectable, slender neck. The oversized mirrored sunglasses hid her luminous green eyes and detracted attention from her high cheekbones and full lips. The disguise worked so well even people who knew her might not recognize her.

His disguise was less complete. He wore a black mustache, a San Francisco Giants baseball cap, and fake glasses. He wasn’t as worried about his identity because the jerks had been surveilling Kat, not him.

“We’re here,” she said in a voice filled with relief.

“Okay, pull around to the back like we discussed.”

Once there, he pushed the backdoor open and crawled out, keeping low to hide behind the truck. “Go park where you’re fully visible. I’ll meet you inside.”

He slipped in the rear door of the shop and watched through the large windows as she maneuvered the truck into a parking space where she could get out on the street side of the lot. Other than her stiff, self-conscious movements, she looked like a normal customer.

When she entered the store, she exhaled a long breath as if she’d been holding it and then hurried to the counter to complete the paperwork to pick up her car. With the transaction completed, she met him by the rear door with the keys to the Civic.

“It’s in space A seven, over there,” she pointed. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yeah.”

“But if you’re right and they’re watching, they’ll follow you.”

“Better me than you. I can lose them. In the meantime, what are you supposed to do?”

She sighed. “I drive straight to your apartment. If you aren’t home in forty-five minutes, call Conrad at the FBI office.”

“And?” he prompted.

“If I’m followed, go straight to the Carlsbad police station instead and call you from inside.”

“Good. You ready?” She shuddered, and Dillon pulled her into his arms. “You’ll be fine, Kat.”

She buried her face against his neck. “It’s you I’m worried about, Shadow.”

Warmth spread through his chest. “
If you’ll
stop worrying, I’ll give you a surprise later.” He felt her grin.

“If I guess the surprise, may I have two?”

“Sure. Now we gotta go. Just stay focused and you’ll be fine.”

Kat’s heart pounded so furiously that her chest hurt as she carefully pulled the truck out of the parking space. Her gaze darted around the lot and across the street, looking for any signs of the Hummer or dark sedan. There were so many vehicles in this stretch of strip malls that trying to spot a specific one was futile.

She struggled not to keep glancing toward her Civic where Dillon now sat in the driver’s seat.
If anything happens to him…
She didn’t finish the thought.

She waited at the edge of the driveway for a break in traffic and then turned left. A block later, she stopped at a red light.

Without moving her head, she stared at the rearview mirror. Dillon pulled out of the same driveway and went right. Before he’d driven half a block, a black sedan shot out of a parking lot on the opposite side of the street. The Civic made a sudden left turn and disappeared with the sedan close behind.

A car horn blared, and Kat jumped. The bright green light told her to go, but her foot remained frozen on the brake. Another angry blast from behind convinced her to press the accelerator. Her eyes shifted between the road ahead and the spot where her Civic had vanished. An irrational urge to spin the truck around and go search for Dillon swept over her. She managed to pull to the curb before her right leg started shaking so badly that she couldn’t control it. She shifted into Park and closed her eyes.

Dillon was shouldering the danger aimed at her. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. As much as she wished she could deal with this mess by herself, she had to think of Skye. Her daughter’s safety had to outweigh her own and Dillon’s.

A growl like a mother bear’s escaped her tight throat. Cuss words followed.

She allowed herself one last glance before she drove away from the curb and headed for Dillon’s apartment. Thankfully, no Hummer or black sedan followed her.

After circling the complex twice and seeing no signs of either vehicle, Kat parked the truck in a visitor’s space. Dillon had pocketed the garage remote earlier so he could quickly hide the Civic when he arrived.

She scurried into Dillon’s apartment. Fifteen minutes had already passed, and time seemed to accelerate with each passing second.
Hurry, Dillon, hurry.

What would she say if she had to call Conrad? How would she explain that Dillon was in danger because of her? His San Francisco friends already hated her for what had happened two years ago. Would this situation make his San Diego colleagues hate her also?

Twenty minutes.

Kat paced back and forth across the living room, peeking through the peephole each time she reached the front door. Had the bad guys caught Dillon? What would they do if he refused to tell them where she was? Or what if he’d had an accident while evading them? All sorts of awful scenarios filled her head.

Dropping onto the couch, she yanked the ski cap off and let her hair tumble past her shoulders. She propped her elbows on her knees and held her head with both hands.

She’d made a huge mistake contacting Dillon. Not only because her problems had put him in physical danger, but also because she’d put both their hearts in emotional danger. She still loved him so much. How was she going to leave him again?

Thirty minutes.

Oh God, please protect him. Please, please, please…

Her cell rang. She bolted off the couch and snatched it from her purse. When she saw the screen, disappointment sucked the air from her lungs. Although tempted not to answer, she thought better of it.

“Hi, Charlie.”

“Hey, Kat. Where are you?”

“Huh?”

“I’m at your house, and you’re not here. Where are you?” he repeated.

Why did the question suddenly make her uneasy? “My house?”

Charlie chuckled. “You know, where you live.”

“Right. That house.” She giggled to hide her anxiety. “I’m visiting…a friend. Why are you at my place? Is something wrong at work?”

“Nah. I just brought you some flowers. Lame, huh?”

“No, Charlie, it’s sweet. You really shouldn’t have.”

“To be honest, they’re just an excuse to see you. It’s been kinda lonely this week without you.”

Nooo. Not now. Please don’t try to change our friendship. I don’t need the complication.
She drew a fortifying breath. “Well, you should probably get used to it because I won’t be back…until next week.” Actually, she didn’t expect to be back ever. She’d be gone by next week, but Charlie shouldn’t be the first to know her plans. Dillon deserved that consideration.

He hesitated. “When are you going to be home?”

Again, uneasiness prickled her nape. “I don’t know. Why?”

Another pause. “What should I do with the flowers?”

She exhaled. Of course there was a logical reason for his question. “I may not be home today so you better not leave them. Maybe keep them for me at the office.”

“You’re not coming home?”

“Probably not. I feel safer staying with a friend since the…attempted break-in.”

“I hope Skye is with your folks. Between your concussion and the intruder, you’re probably not in a good position to take care of her.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Charlie was one of the few people who knew about her daughter.

“Don’t worry. Skye’s right here with me, and she’s fine,” Kat lied. “In fact, she’s calling me so I need to go. Thanks for the flowers, Charlie. I’ll look forward to seeing them at the office next week.”

After their good-byes, Kat’s heart pounded painfully.
What is wrong with me? Am I getting paranoid?
She glanced at her watch: forty minutes.

Nah, she wasn’t paranoid. At this very moment, her former fiancé was risking his life so the bad guys wouldn’t find her. Her tires had been shot out to make her crash. Someone had tried to break into her home. And now, a friend’s innocent questions made her question his intent. Add to the mix that she was having sex with Dillon and was still in love with him. Her world had definitely spiraled out of control.

Her hand gripped the phone tighter, and her heart raced faster. She dialed her mother.

“Well, hello, Katie dear. Are you feeling better?”

“Is Skye okay?” she asked breathlessly.

Her mom hesitated. “Of course. You know we would’ve called if anythin’ was wrong. You sound funny. Is everythin’ all right?”

Should I tell her? Oh, Jesus, what can I say?
“Uh, Mom, there are some problems at work.”

“Problems? What kind of problems?”

She could hear her mother’s frown. “I can’t…I don’t know exactly. But…um…things are kind of weird. My accident and the intruder may be related to…the problems at the plant.”

“My heavens, Katie. You should tell the police.”

“I’ve told…the authorities.”

“Ah, that’s why the FBI agent was calling you at the hospital.”

“Right. But the FBI says I don’t have enough evidence.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to quit ASAP and move away with Skye.”

Aileen gasped. “Move? Again? Oh dear.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this, but now I’m worried Skye and I might not be safe.”

“I understand. What can we do to help?”

“Take care of Skye so I can get ready to leave.”

“When are you leaving?”

“By Monday.”

She jumped when she heard someone at the front door.

“Bye, Mom. Give Skye a kiss for—”

The door swung open, and she disconnected in the same instant.

The sight of Kat, safe in his apartment, swamped Dillon with relief. He’d been worried for the past forty-five minutes, but the chase had been so intense he’d never had his hands free long enough to call.

The way Kat flew into his arms told him she’d been worried sick too. God, this situation sucked. And it was so different from working an op with his fellow agents. Obviously, he was always concerned for his colleagues, but they were trained to deal with this sort of shit. Kat wasn’t. She was an innocent civilian, and these assholes would eat her alive if given the chance.

Whoever these guys were, they were pros. Losing them had been a real challenge. Of course, it didn’t help that he was driving a Civic instead of his Ford F-150; he’d really missed the familiar power. In fact, if it hadn’t been for his split-second timing in circumventing a railroad crossing guardrail and sprinting in front of an oncoming train, they would’ve caught him. He didn’t dare share that detail with Kat.

He also couldn’t tell her why he’d insisted on helping retrieve her car. First, he didn’t trust anyone else to do it—today, tomorrow, or ever. It was his responsibility to keep her safe. And second, he had hoped to trap the bastards in a situation where he could garner some information about them. He knew not to expect something as basic and helpful as license plates, but if he’d gotten a closer look, he might’ve gleaned something useful: identifying marks on the vehicle or the appearance of the occupants. But their ability to skillfully maneuver their car had thwarted his plan, and he’d gained nothing but further confirmation that they were professionals.

Damn.
The situation was careening out of control fast. He needed credible evidence—soon—to convince his boss to get the FBI officially involved.

“Hey, babe, it’s okay,” he whispered against her ear.

“Oh God, Dillon. I was so afraid…Y-you were gone so long.” A sob punctuated her statement.

“Hey, hey, hey. I’m here. I’m fine. But we’ve got work to do.”

“Work? If the FBI won’t help, I want to call the police or the CIA or the NSA or the NRC. One of the alphabet agencies has to see the seriousness of this mess.”

“No one will listen until we get solid evidence. We’re almost there, Kat. I need to get back on the system and then check out Farook’s computer.”

“What about all the stuff you’ve seen in Diablo Beach’s computer system? Isn’t that solid evidence?” she asked, sniffling.

“The first question would be how did I obtain it.”

She went still. “Oh.”

“Yeah. ‘Oh.’ I want to stop these bastards, but I don’t want to go to prison for hacking into a nuclear power plant.”

“Our government wouldn’t do anything to punish you. They didn’t do a damn thing when the Chinese hacked the Office of Personnel Management or the Russians hacked the IRS or the Iranians hacked a New York dam. And I’m sure there are many more successful hackings by our enemies that the American public doesn’t even know about,” Kat complained.

“Believe me, I’m just as frustrated as you are. Cyber attacks are another form of terrorism, and the US seriously needs some counterterrorism operatives with mad computer skills to fight them.” He paused.
Counterterrorism.
He still owed Rex an answer on the offer to transfer. Had he just made his decision?

Kat leaned back to look up into his face. “I don’t want you to go to jail either. What’s the plan?”

“Let’s grab some fast food and head back to the man cave for me to finish up on the Diablo Beach system.” He jammed his fingers through his hair. “What time does your boss leave?”

She shrugged. “It depends. His shift is up at five, but he hangs around almost all night sometimes. I could call and ask if Farook’s left.”

“No. We’ll use the security cams again. Take whatever you need to get us into the plant because we probably won’t come back here until afterward.”

Thirty minutes later, they were ensconced in the storage unit with burgers, fries, and sodas. Sitting on the futon, Kat ate her dinner and occupied herself with her phone. Dillon sat at the computer table, working with Chaos, but this time he used earbuds and a mic instead of having the other hacker on speakerphone. He didn’t want Kat to hear their conversation.

“Do you see what I mean?” he asked Chaos quietly. “I don’t think Pakistan is the origination point for these program changes.”

“Yeah. I think you’re right. The Pakistan server is just a pass-through like the others. So where is the asshole?”

“Don’t know yet. But he or they are good, damn good.” He glanced over his shoulder at Kat and found her lying down with her eyes closed. “Chaos, do you see what I embedded in the second operation file?”

“Huh? I didn’t know you’d been in there.”

“Look at it.”

After a few minutes, Chaos was back. “Holy shit, Shadow. Are you sure you want to do that?”

“Hopefully, I won’t have to use it. But I wanted to be sure you knew it was there.”

A long silence followed.

“Chaos?”

“I’m not sure I want to know about it, man. Are you sure about the time frame?”

“Close enough.”

“And the source? What if it doesn’t get it all or gets too much?” Chaos asked.

“Again, close enough.”

“Fuck, Shadow. That’s some serious shit.”

“This whole thing is serious shit. FYI, I already verified the older versions of the programs are still stored in the system. Just remember where this is, okay?”

Chaos exhaled loudly. “Gotcha.”

“Next point. I’m taking a clean burner phone. I don’t want to be carrying anything with your number on it.” He read his friend the new number and then slid the tiny phone inside his shoe. “Only call the new one in an absolute emergency. And if I call you…answer immediately.”

“Gotcha.”

“Have you seen Farook leave?”

“Yeah. I’ve been monitoring the cams like you asked me to. The dude left about five thirty.”

“Great. Scotty and I will be heading to Diablo Beach in about ten minutes. Should be there in another twenty. We’ll be driving a white Ford F-150. Track us—everywhere—on the security cameras.”

“Holy shit.”

“What?”

“I’ve never…uh…seen you, man. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Look, Chaos, this is deadly serious. If I have to give up my anonymity to stay alive, it’s a good trade-off.”

“Fuck, man. Maybe it’s time to turn this over to the Feds.”

“If we get what I need tonight, we will. Are we clear on everything?”

As Dillon’s truck sped along I-5, Kat’s stomach churned like it was trying to make butter out of the excessive acid roiling inside her. Cloak-and-dagger operations definitely weren’t her thing. Dillon’s reassurances only slightly tempered her anxiety because he was unaware of her greatest responsibility as Skye’s mother. How did parents with careers in the US intelligence agencies balance their commitments to their country against their responsibilities to their families? After this experience, Kat realized it must be agonizingly hard.

When they approached the Basilone Road exit, Dillon slowed more than necessary. Without even glancing at him, Kat knew he was staring at the site of her accident just as she was. The memory of that night’s terror littered her skin with goose bumps. Her thoughts—then as now—jumped to Skye.

“You ready?” Dillon asked quietly.

She gulped. “Sure.”

“I know this isn’t easy for you, Kat, but you’re doing great. Hang in there. We should be able to turn this over to the FBI soon.”

She nodded.

He stopped the truck at the security gate, lowered his window, and turned on the interior light. Unfortunately, she didn’t recognize the armed guard who stepped out of the kiosk.

Kat leaned across the console with her Diablo Beach ID in her outstretched hand. “Hi. I’m Katriona MacKenzie. I’m one of the night shift operators. I’m currently on sick leave, but I need to get something from my locker.”

The guard scrutinized the ID and compared it to her face before stepping back inside and entering something in the computer. Returning, he handed the ID back to her. “I was sorry to hear about your accident, Ms. MacKenzie. Glad you’re okay. Who’s this?” he asked, turning his no-nonsense gaze to Dillon.

“This is Dillon O’Malley. He’s…a friend and was kind enough to bring me tonight since I’m not supposed to drive yet.”

With a nod, he handed the guard his driver’s license. The man repeated the vetting process, spending a couple extra minutes at the computer before handing Dillon a visitor’s badge and a parking pass for the truck.

“You’re required to stay with Ms. MacKenzie at all times,” he warned.

“No problem. It’s great to have an excuse to be her shadow,” he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

The guard responded with a man-to-man snort.

“Did you smile for the camera?” Dillon asked as he drove away.

“No. Why?”

“Chaos is tracking us on the cams. As soon as we passed through the security gate, he paused the cameras in Farook’s building so no one monitoring the feed will see us. He won’t turn them back on until we drive out.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” She thought she heard the
Mission: Impossible
theme song in the background.

Once parked in the almost empty employees’ lot, they hurried to the building housing Farook’s office.

“You’re sure about the cameras?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“God, I hope you’re right because I have no legitimate reason to be in here tonight.”

She drew a deep breath and unlocked the door. They scooted inside.

The administrative offices were filled with shadows from the subdued nighttime lighting. At least they didn’t have to find their way in complete darkness or risk using a flashlight.

Kat led Dillon to the open door of her boss’s office. “Hurry.”

He hooked his arm around her neck. “Why hurry? Looks comfy. I thought I’d take a little snooze while I’m in there.” He pecked a kiss on her cheek. “Relax, babe.”

“Relax, my ass,” she hissed. “Do it so we can get out of here.”

He made a funny face as if he wanted to comment on her ass but decided against it, and then slipped into the office. Pushing the desk chair aside, he knelt in front of the computer. She could no longer see him from the doorway.

Kat’s heart beat a staccato rhythm. She drew and released long, slow breaths to keep from hyperventilating. She paced back and forth in front of Farook’s office, her eyes nervously scanning the bullpen for the lower-level administrative staff as if someone might pop up from one of the unoccupied desks.

She had just turned to pace away from the office when she heard someone at the exterior door. “Someone’s coming,” she said.

“Stall them,” Dillon whispered.

The glow from the computer monitor went out, and Farook’s office returned to darkness. Kat raced to the door.

“What are you doing here?” demanded a familiar voice when it swung open.

“Charlie? This isn’t your shift. What are you doing here?”

His usually friendly expression morphed into one of suspicion. “I asked first.” He glanced toward Farook’s office and then swiveled to scan the rest of the area.

“I-I needed to get my favorite sweater from my locker and p-pick up your flowers,” she stammered.

His stern gaze swept back to her. “The lockers aren’t in this building.”

She shifted slightly so he would be looking away from the office where she hoped Dillon had found a place to hide. “I know that. I guess I might as well tell you.” She released an exaggerated sigh. “I was hoping to catch Farook still here so I checked his office even though the bullpen lights were off. I was just leaving when I heard someone at the door and thought it might be him coming back.”

“Farook gets off at five.”

“But you know he frequently stays way late.”

“Why didn’t you make an appointment so he’d be expecting you?” Charlie’s tone was far from friendly.

“I couldn’t. He…uh…hasn’t been taking my calls.”

“Why did you want to see him?”

She leaned closer as if sharing a secret. “Please don’t tell anyone, but he’s put reprimands in my personnel file without telling me. That’s not allowed. I wanted to confront him in person.”

Charlie’s eyes narrowed. “That bastard.” His fingers curled around her arm. “Sorry you missed him, Kat, but you really shouldn’t be in here. Come on. I’ll walk you to your locker.”

She held back a whimper and forced herself to smile. “Thanks, Charlie. And thanks again for the flowers. I can’t wait to see them.” As he pushed the door open, she cocked her head. “You never said why you’re here so early, Charlie.”

Crouched under the desk, Dillon listened to the door slam shut.
Fuck, that was close.
But Kat had held it together with her excuse about the reprimands. He smiled. She’d always been quick on her feet. One of the many things he loved about her.

He waited another minute before crawling out of his hiding place and along the wall to the doorway. Listened. Nothing. Peeked around the corner. Nothing.

Then he had to stand and stretch to get the kinks out. Once he could move normally, he exhaled and moved back to the desk. Kneeling again, he turned on the monitor and got to work. Quickly, he found the information he needed to confirm what he feared. Seeing it up close and personal instead of through cyberspace gave him a lot more confidence in its authenticity, harder for it to have been tampered with. He—of all people—should know.

As he shut down the computer, he silently thanked Chaos for finding the list of everyone’s passwords in the IT department’s files. Having Farook’s password saved a ton of time getting into his machine. Someone needed to tell the IT folks that their security was shitty and their computer system wasn’t hack-proof. By a long shot. Maybe that could be his first assignment once he joined Counterterrorism.

Since he no longer had a company employee with him, he really couldn’t take a chance at being caught. A believable excuse for being alone in this building would be difficult to manufacture. So he didn’t chance being spotted through the windows and crawled to the exit. Opening the door a crack, he surveyed the area and spied no one. Then he popped outside and made a beeline to the parking lot.