Chapter Seven

While Declan left the motel room to find them something to eat, Kenzie removed her computer from her bag to check her email. Jamal had begged to go with Declan but they both nixed that quickly. If the gang members were after him, it was better if he stayed hidden. She was glad Declan postponed their trip to the police station. Jamal needed the rest, as did she.

Jamal showered and she could hear him singing horrendously off-key. It brought a smile to her face. Ah, the resilience of children. Despite all that had happened, he was overjoyed to be living with Declan, whom he clearly idolized. It was equally obvious Declan cared deeply for him, too. It was such a special relationship.

Once her laptop booted up, she connected to the motel wi-fi and opened her email. Several messages were from Bernadette Weldon asking if she’d made her decision yet. Kenzie ignored them. She opened one from Sue Li, one of her former assistants. Management reassigned Sue Li when Kenzie was fired—no matter how they tried to spin it, that’s what happened. She scanned the message, trying not to be too delighted to discover her entire client list had jumped ship. Wow. They were all moving to other agencies, many waiting to see where she ended up. No wonder Bernadette was so anxious for her response.

She sent a quick reply to Sue Li to let her know she was dealing with personal issues regarding her aunt’s death. She didn’t elaborate but told her she’d be back in touch when she could. Scrolling through her email list, she found messages from Stuart Ellis and Sissy Carrington, her two biggest authors, as well as ones from many others. They all wanted to know what really happened and where she was headed next.

Good question. Right now, she had no answers, nor the energy to deal with the masses. She closed the laptop and slid it back inside her bag just as Jamal emerged from the bathroom wearing one of the cheap t-shirts they picked up at the department store. “Don’t you look dapper, all shiny and clean.”

Jamal’s brows crinkled. “What does that mean?”

She smiled. “It means you look very nice.”

He ducked his head with embarrassment. “Thanks.”

He was too cute. His reaction was the same when she complimented him during their first meeting. She wondered if his mother had shown him any affection at all growing up.

There was a light knock on the door and Kenzie reached for the gun. She didn’t like having it out when Jamal was around, but she needed to be able to protect him. Her reaction spurred his and he hurried to her as a key slid in the lock. The door opened to reveal Declan and she sighed in relief and stashed the weapon on a shelf in the closet out of sight and Jamal’s reach. Jamal ran to help carry bags of food that smelled delicious. He’d requested macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. Declan found a place that served both, along with green beans, mashed potatoes and hot rolls. He’d even thought to grab plates, plastic utensils and napkins. They spread the containers on the small table and filled their plates. After they ate, she and Jamal watched television while Declan showered. He’d stopped at a store to purchase a change of clothes and toiletry items for himself.

She tried to focus on the cartoon animals Jamal was laughing along with, but when the shower kicked on, all her thoughts were on the man inside the stall. Naked. She tried to stop the images from forming in her brain, but they popped up unbidden. She didn’t even know him. Why was she picturing ripping the curtain back and running her hands all over his slick skin? She knew he’d be shredded with muscles and the picture of male virility, but she had no right to lust after him. He could be married with fifteen kids for all she knew.

Jamal laughed at something the dog on the screen said, snapping her from her thoughts. It took an effort, but she concentrated on the television even as the water stopped and the door opened, letting out a puff of steam. She told herself not to look but her eyes were drawn to the entry, waiting for Declan to appear. When he did, her tongue almost hit the floor. He was glorious with stubble or freshy shaven, as he was now. The t-shirt hugged his abundant muscles and the blue jeans hung low on his trim hips. He looked eminently appealing.

“Next.”

Oh right, it was her turn. Unfolding her legs, she stood and grabbed the items she’d placed in a pile on the dresser, passing by him on the way to the bathroom. He smelled delicious and her steps faltered. It was a heady mix of soap, a subtle tang of spice and all male. She could get drunk on the scent. Stumbling inside, she closed the door before falling back against it. She needed to get her raging hormones under control. Dangerous men were after Jamal. She didn’t have the luxury of yearning after a virtual stranger.

She bathed quickly, a habit she’d picked up from working out at a gym and showering before taking the subway home. After brushing her hair and fastening it into a ponytail, she considered not wearing a bra for comfort, but decided it wasn’t wise in a room with two males. Besides, Declan told them that they’d be sleeping in their shoes and clothes in case they needed to make a quick exit. She sincerely hoped that wasn’t the case.

As she was brushing her teeth, she heard Declan say, “Jamal, stay away from the window.”

“Did you park Kenzie’s car on the other side of the parking lot?”

“Yes.”

She stepped out of the bathroom, her toothbrush in hand. “Why?” she asked around a mouth full of paste.

“So it would be harder to tell which room you were staying in if the gang happened to drive by and spot it in the lot.”

“Oh, good idea.” She returned to the sink to spit and then wiped her mouth with a towel before she headed back to the main room. “I would’ve never thought about that.” But she should have. Her job was reading mysteries and thrillers, and when she had the chance to turn on the television, she picked those types of shows to watch, too.

“You left a light on inside the car.”

Declan moved to the window. “I know I closed and locked the doors.”

“See?” Jamal pointed.

“Yeah, I do. Someone’s hotwiring it.” Declan turned to them with a grim look. “Both of you, stay here.” He shoved the gun she stole from the gang member in the back of his jeans and pulled his shirt to cover it. He unlocked the door and checked outside before jogging across the lot.

Swiping her phone off the table, she cracked the door so she could hear what was happening in case Declan needed help.

“Hey, kid,” he called out. “Stop. That’s my vehicle. Get out of there.”

The dome light highlighted a teenager as he sat upright with a look of triumph just as the motor started. Great. She’d have to file a stolen vehicle report with the rental company and the cops. Her insurance rates would no doubt double, too.

A deafening boom sounded, and Kenzie stared in horror as the car exploded into a giant flaming ball of fire.

#

When Declan heard the engine turn over, he knew he wouldn’t reach the kid before he jacked the car. At least it was a rental and not Kenzie’s personal vehicle. It’d be a hassle to file the reports and rent another one, but it could’ve been worse.

The kid flashed an evil smile and flipped the bird as he shoved the car into drive. It erupted into a massive fireball, the shock waves sending Declan careening backwards through the air until he landed heavily on the pavement with a grunt. He covered his face to avoid pieces of metal and bits of glass and rubber raining down. Shaking his head to clear the ringing in his ears, he froze when headlights flicked on, pinning him in their bright white beacons. An engine revved.

“Declan!” Kenzie screamed.

“Go back inside to the bathroom and take cover,” he yelled, already moving as the car accelerated and bullets peppered the pavement around him. Ignoring the various aches from his hard landing, he managed to roll behind a parked car and then push to a crouch as glass shattered from the motel windows where the shooter now aimed. He prayed Jamal and Kenzie listened to him and had taken cover. As the car approached, he glanced around the bumper and fired into the windshield. It splintered but didn’t shatter and the car kept coming. Diving to the ground, he rolled under the parked car and came up on the other side as they passed him. The glass might be bulletproof, but the tires weren’t. He aimed for the back one sending the car fishtailing until it slammed into another vehicle. The driver kept going, squealing out of the lot on three good wheels.

People were pouring out of the motel, some screaming, whether from the bullets or the exploding car, he wasn’t sure. Cops would be here any minute, but the men might come back. They couldn’t afford to find out which would arrive first.

The door to their room was closed but the window had been completely shattered, glass littering the ground and the curtain fluttering in the breeze. Leaping through the opening, he called out, “Kenzie? Jamal?”

“We’re in here.”

They emerged from the bathroom clinging to each other looking shellshocked. Kenzie took in the damage to the room with shattered glass fragments and bullet holes in the walls.

“Grab your things. We need to get out of here.”

“We’ve got them,” she said. “We packed your things in Jamal’s bag, too.” Her bag was slung over her shoulder. He took the backpack from Jamal, grabbed his hand and led them from the room.

More people had congregated outside, most gathering to watch what was left of the burning car which provided a good distraction. He guided them around the building and headed across the street to the closed strip mall. A fast food restaurant was open, but he didn’t want to go inside. He needed to call for a cab. It was too late for any car rental agencies to be open. He didn’t know how big of a group they were dealing with. There might be people watching the airports and bus terminals. It would be easier to get lost in the crowd during the day.

“Where are we going?” Jamal asked as he kept them to the shadows.

“Not sure yet.”

“How did they find us?” Kenzie asked.

“Could the men who tried to grab Jamal at the diner have tailed you?”

She shook her head emphatically. “They were both down on the ground when we left. I made sure they didn’t follow.”

“Maybe they planted a device on your car. Or…do you have your phone?” Jamal’s had burned up in the fire that killed his aunt.

She nodded.

“Give it to me.”

“You think they traced it?”

“It’s possible.”

“How would they know my name?”

“They could’ve run the license plate and gotten the information from the rental agency or checked who owned the condo next to LaTonya’s unit.”

“You think this gang is that sophisticated?”

“Unfortunately, yeah,” he responded. After he’d recovered from his coma, he did some research on the Eighty-Sixers. Their reputation was brutality with no regard for laws or human life. He shuddered to think of Jamal being recruited to join their ranks.

After she dug the phone from her bag, she placed it in his palm.

“Anything important on here that you can’t live without?”

“I already forwarded the picture from the fire to Detective Fuller. The rest is backed up to the cloud.”

He popped the sim card out and snapped it in half. “Sorry about this.” After dropping the phone on the concrete, he crushed it under his heel. Kenzie hissed but didn’t protest. He scooped the pieces up and deposited them in three different trash bins they passed.

Sirens keened as firetrucks and police cars raced to the motel. They kept walking. He stopped outside a diner where there was enough light to be safe but not enough to be caught and called for an Uber. It would be less conspicuous than a cab. He got an instant response that said Nomar Pena would pick them up in a blue minivan in five minutes. He thought about calling Detective Fuller, but he’d wait until they were safely inside another room. He used the time before the Uber arrived to research motels. He found one in Dearborn, approximately nine miles away.

When a blue minivan drove up a few minutes later, he asked to see the man’s driver’s license. The credentials matched the information on his phone. He handed it back and then helped Jamal and Kenzie inside. They all shared the middle seat and he smiled as Kenzie made sure Jamal buckled up.

Nomar Pena checked his display and then turned to face them. “You didn’t indicate a destination.” He eyed each of them, his brows narrowing.

Declan gave him the name of the motel.

“Okay, but before I go...” Pena opened his door, stepped out and turned to face them with a gun in his hand.

Declan tensed. Bloody hell, was he in league with the Eighty-Sixers? He palmed his weapon. He’d hate to shoot him in front of Jamal, but he’d do it to keep him safe.

“Step out of the vehicle, all of you. Keep your hands where I can see them. The lady first.”

Kenzie glanced at him and he gave a sharp nod. “Do what he says.”

Jaw clenched, she eased outside with her messenger bag over her shoulder. “Good, now the kid,” he said. “Any movements and I shoot.” When Declan opened his door, Pena shouted, “You all come out this side.”

With a sigh, he slid the gun in his pocket, hooked the backpack over his shoulder and climbed over the seats to exit beside Kenzie and Jamal.

“Hands up,” Pena insisted when his feet hit the pavement.

With a roll of his eyes, he lifted his arms. “What’s this about?”

Pena ignored him and addressed Jamal. “Hey little man. Are you under duress?”

Jamal glanced down at his clothes. “Uh, no, I’m wearing jeans.” He turned to Declan. “Why does the man think I’m wearing a dress?”

Before Declan could respond, Pena said, “No, Kid, I mean are they kidnapping you? You can be honest. I’ll protect you. They can’t hurt you anymore.”

Jamal’s eyes widened. “What? No, they aren’t kidnapping me. Why do you think that?”

“Because you’re shaking like a leaf and look like you’re running scared.”

Jamal moved closer until he was leaning against Declan’s side. “They’re not kidnapping me. They’re saving me.”

Pena’s gaze narrowed on the movement and he finally addressed Declan. “What’s going on here?”

“How is that any of your business? I hired you to drive us to a destination, not act like Frank Serpico and grill us as if we’re suspects.”

“The kid’s eyes are wide as saucers and he’s practically seizing. Plus,” he indicated all of them with his gun. “You’re not the picture of a family.”

Kenzie huffed in outrage. “What is that supposed to mean? You think we can’t be a family? That’s racist.”

Pena looked horrified. “No, that wasn’t what I meant at all. I—”

Before Pena uttered another word, Declan disarmed him.

“Hey!” He made a feeble grab for his weapon, but Declan held him off easily. Ignoring the outburst, he emptied the clip.

“You can’t do that,” Pena protested. “That’s my property.”

“You can’t hold up citizens at gunpoint, either,” Kenzie pointed out. “That’s a felony.”

Pena held out his hands in supplication. “Look, this was an unfortunate misunderstanding.” He indicated Jamal. “I thought the kid was in danger and I reacted. That’s a good thing, right?” He glanced between Kenzie and Declan, looking for confirmation. “If you had been abducting him, I’d have saved his life.”

Truthfully, it probably was a good thing. He was looking out for Jamal. But Declan hadn’t slept much, and his patience had deserted him a long time ago. He handed Pena the gun, handle first, and pocketed the bullets. “Either you drive us to our motel right now or I call the police and tell them you threatened us at gunpoint.”

“I need the bullets,” Pena argued. “It’s useless without them. I have the right to protect myself.”

“And you’ll get them back once we’re at our destination,” Declan told him.

“And you won’t be charging us either,” Kenzie insisted.

Pena shook his head. “No, I won’t charge you. Get in.”

Of all the scenarios when he’d ordered an Uber, this was the worst. It wasn’t good that Pena had noticed Jamal’s unease. He’d easily be able to describe two white adults with one black child, and Declan had used his name to book the ride. The gang didn’t know him or that he was with Kenzie and Jamal, so they should be okay, but he remembered from the job in Chicago how deadly they could be. They might have resources that could figure out he was with them. They’d managed to track Kenzie and Jamal to the motel and rig her car to explode.

Declan’s neck started to tingle. The warning had served him well in the military. He jerked his head to see a car whip into the parking lot and head directly for them, lights off. The passenger window lowered, and a gun appeared.

“Get down,” he ordered as he pushed Jamal and Kenzie behind the van.

Pena turned to him. “What—”

Declan dove for him and tackled him to the ground just as the rapid staccato of bullets peppered the van.

“Someone’s shooting at us!” Pena screamed as he scurried closer to the van for cover.

Declan had already moved to cover Kenzie’s body as she huddled over Jamal. Declan returned fire, catching the shooter off guard. He recovered quickly, firing off another round. Declan ducked down and waited for a shot. He took out another tire, the car swerving as the driver struggled to regain control. He fired again, shattering the back window. This car didn’t have bulletproof glass. Probably stolen. The driver hit the gas and screeched away.

“What just happened?” Pena struggled to his feet. His mouth dropped open and his hands clasped the sides of his head at the damage to his van.

If the man had just driven them to their destination as instructed, maybe he’d have escaped unharmed. Before he could answer his question—not that he’d have told him the real story—Pena ripped open the driver’s side door and dove in before slamming it shut.

“Hey, what are you—”

He shoved the van in gear and floored the accelerator, leaving Declan, Kenzie and Jamal staring after him. They were completely exposed if the shooters returned.

“He better not charge me for this,” Declan muttered.

“Police. Drop the weapon.”

Declan closed his eyes and sighed before lifting his hands and slowly turning around to see two men in plain clothes approach, their badges on display in one hand, guns in the other.

He carefully placed the gun on the pavement. Jamal latched onto his leg for dear life when he stood.

One of the cops eased forward to kick the gun away. “First, is anyone hurt? We heard all the gunshots.”

“No, we’re unharmed, but it’s not safe for us to be out here in the open.”

The men holstered their weapons and ushered them to an unmarked car. After making sure Kenzie and Jamal were seated, he climbed in beside them.

“Are you sure you’re cops?” Jamal asked skeptically. “You’re not wearing uniforms.”

“We’re off-duty,” the one in the driver’s seat answered. “We were grabbing a bite to eat in the diner after our shift when we heard shots fired.”

“You want to tell us what’s going on?” the other cop asked.

“Yes, but could you take us to the station where Detective Fuller works, please?” Kenzie requested.

“Detective Fuller? Sure.” The driver started the engine while Kenzie gave them a brief rundown of the events.

“That’s quite a story,” the cop in the passenger seat said. “We saw the fire trucks.” He turned to address Declan. “You registered to carry a weapon?”

“Yes. I work for a private security firm, but full disclosure? That’s not my weapon.” Declan didn’t want to chance them running it and finding it’d been used in a crime—which he was almost certain it had been. Probably more than one.

“Whose is it?”

“It belongs to one of the gang members from Chicago. Kenzie…liberated it from him,” he said with pride. She smiled.

While one of the cops made a phone call, they rode in silence except for the chatter on the police radio. Then they were turning into a station.

“I called in and Detective Fuller is off duty, but they’ll take care of you. We’ll escort you inside.”