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The jet dipped. The three men froze. Josey stood and strode toward the door. Gabe grabbed her arm and shook his head.
Someone had boarded to look around. As long as the person or persons didn’t find the hold, they were fine. They all sat in silence and waited.
Gabe held his breath as the door slowly opened. When Robert stuck his head in the air left his lungs in a rush.
“Mr. Kincaid, a Mr. Bianchi said to tell you you’re not going anywhere.”
“Did he know I was on the plane?”
“He was suspicious. I think he wanted me to give you the message if I saw you.”
“That’s good.”
“No, it’s not.” Robert informed them. “After he left, the guards have doubled. And there’s no way we can leave the hanger with a closed door.”
“Look.” Gabe exclaimed. All eyes turned to the monitors. “That must be the Coast Guard, the ones the captain promised from the agency.”
They watched as the smaller boats lower. Men climbed the ladders down into the water. Gabe felt helpless watching all the action and not being able to do anything.
As if someone had flipped a switch, the picture rolled and snapped with static. The monitors went blank. Gabe reached out and wiggled the cord.
David, who seemed to have more technical training than any of them, swore under his breath and typed on the keyboard. When nothing happened, he climbed under the desk and checked connections.
“They’ve blocked our access. Which means Bianchi knows we’re here.” David had come out for air, dusted his hands on his pants, and climbed into his chair.
“We’re sitting ducks. There’s nothing we can do.” Shaun sounded deflated.
“Yes there is,” Gabe said. “Josey, were you brought here against your will?”
Josey looked at Gabe, then turned her attention to Shaun, when he nodded, she shifted her gaze to Gabe. “Yes. I’d run away from home and this man told me he had a job in New York, that a smart girl like me could make some real good money.
“Like the dumb country bumpkin I am, I went with him. The next think I knew I was in a big holding tank on the docks with a bunch of other girls who were either runaways turned prostitute, or like me and had fallen for the same line.”
“Would you testify to that when we get you back?” Gabe asked.
Josey looked down. Gabe wondered what there was to consider. Then Shaun stepped in and asked a question.
“If I make sure that you won’t go back to your home. If we can place you with social services, would you help us?”
“My old man wouldn’t allow you to do that.”
“Josey, he wouldn’t have a choice.”
Josey licked her lips and her eyes darted around fearfully. Gabe craned his neck to gaze in all directions to see what had her so spooked.
“I’d have to tell everyone what he did to me. I can’t do that.”
Shaun looked startled, “But why, you’re safe from him. We won’t let him harm you.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about. I promised my little sister I’d get help and get her away.”
“Did your father threaten he’d hurt your sister?”
“Yes. He said if I ever told or left he’d make sure she’d suffer. I don’t even want to think what she’s going through.” Big fat tears streaked her cheeks, but she didn’t seem to notice. She just slanted her head and let the sobs come.
“Christ, she’s gone from one hell to another.” Gabe didn’t think she was listening.
Josey sniffed loudly then opened her eyes to watch him. “At least this hell was a pretty one.”
“At least,” Shaun agreed. “Josey, if you help us, we’ll save your sister also. Is there only the two of you?”
“Yes, I used to have a brother, but he ran off about two years ago. We haven’t heard from him since. I hope he’s safe.” Josey sniffed again, wiped her arm across her eyes to dry the wetness. “I’ll help you in any way I can, as long as you get my sister free.”
“We will, as soon as we have you out of this mess,” Gabe promised.
*****
“The security building is this way.” Bianchi followed the paved path through the garden. “Watch your step.”
Despite the warning, Rosa tripped on the vine that snaked out to grab her ankle. She gave a little squeal and her father caught her before she fell.
Bianchi turned and gave her a look that said she should have listened. She felt like sticking her tongue out at him, a very childish thing to do. She was still tempted.
The padlock was bigger than anything she’d ever seen. It took Bianchi a moment to work the lock. Finally, they were able to enter.
The security office looked like a sports bar. Big screens graced most of the wall space. Only the images weren’t games they were watching but every inch of the island.
Bianchi walked to a bank in the corner, planted his palms on the desk, leaned to study each one.
Rosa stood behind and marveled at the vast resort he’d built. Not that the island was large, but immaculate came to her mind.
“What are those?” Her father pointed to the far edge of one of the screens.
Bianchi cocked his head to consider. He fumbled with a knob until the picture zoomed to reveal an anchored ship just off the beach. It looked like the vessel sat there doing nothing.
“Coast Guard.” Bianchi looked over more screens. They’d surrounded the island. Some of the beaches had men walking toward the villas.
“Why wasn’t I alerted?” Bianchi barked out the question.
A short stocky woman, the only homely woman on the island Rosa suspected, answered. “Sir, you arrived the same time we found them. I was in the process of calling your office.”
“Call in all your guards. Round up the companions and get them to their rooms.” Bianchi stalked to the door. “Be quick. We don’t have time to vacate. We can’t let them find anyone entertaining our clients. We want this to appear like any other all inclusive resort.”
The woman jumped to do as he bid. She picked up the phone and yelled orders. Bianchi motioned for them to follow.
A beehive of activity swarmed the grounds. People rushed everywhere. Rosa marveled no one collided in the confusion.
Rumpled looking men stood at the doors of some of the villas. They watched the action with emotion ranging from anger to bewilderment.
Bianchi would have a lot of explaining to do in the morning. From the little time she’d spent in his company, Rosa knew he’d have no problem smoothing over ruffled feathers, even if it meant using a little of his currency.
He suddenly stopped and faced her and DeLuca. “We need to hide you, you can’t be found. Especially since the girl went with your father-in-law.”
“Where do you need me to go?”
Rosa looked at her father in surprise. She’d expected an argument.
“Underground.”
*****
Keira heard the commotion and rushed to the front window overlooking the courtyard. Security walked quickly to other apartments like hers. Girls in various state of dress, or undress in some cases, followed them.
Then she blinked. She couldn’t have seen who she thought. When she looked again, there she stood. Siena Peters was the police artist who had sketched the image of Battista from Keira’s description.
She must be there with Tyler’s men. After all, she did look the part and fit in with the other girls. Keira raised her hand to knock on the window.
A moment before her knuckles hit glass, the two men standing next to Siena turned into the light. Bianchi and DeLuca. Her hand dropped in the nick of time.
What in hell was she doing with them?
DeLuca leaned over to say something to her, then looped his arm around her shoulders and followed Bianchi. Good lord, she must be the leak in the department. She had to get to Tyler.
With all the commotion, maybe if she stood right under the mounted surveillance she would be safe to call. She had searched, discretely, but hadn’t found any more cameras.
Unfortunately, that didn’t mean there weren’t any.
*****
Tyler watched the island move closer. Night goggles heavy on his face. Abe stood next to him, both waiting and itching to get off to join in the action. Tyler’s nerves jingled with nervous tension. Keira was somewhere on the island. At least she was there as an employee.
Unless she’d been caught snooping.
No one had heard from Shaun, Gabe, or David. All attempts to contact his plane on his private frequency had failed. The only explanation was that island security had jammed the signals.
Captain LeRoy, the person David had spoken with, piloted the Coast Guard ship. They were only twenty minutes behind the others. They’d made excellent time.
“Look at that,” Abe announced, no longer looking out the window but to the satellite monitors. “They know we’re on our way.”
Tyler pushed his goggles to the top of his head. “It looks like they’re trying to get all the girls to other areas.”
“As long as Shaun found the girl and took her away and if Keira has information, we don’t need to find the men.”
Tyler pulled his goggles off and looked at the island. Where was Keira? A shiver of apprehension flew down his spine.
He felt a jolt as the anchor dropped, men swamped the deck, lowering boats. Tyler followed the two captains out and climbed the ladder to their boat. They’d check for Shaun’s airplane first.
“Let’s hope Shaun was able to reach his jet and they’re all safe in the hold.” Abe waited for Tyler to settle before he followed, then the motor revved.
Wind sprinkled moisture across Tyler’s face as they sliced through the water to the beach. After beaching the boat, they hurried toward the landing strip in a crouched run.
The hanger loomed in front of them. Once they had their backs plastered to the building, Tyler could hear ragged panting as the men caught their breaths. He drew air into his lungs and willed his aching body to continue.
Tyler, who was closest to the corner, took advantage to lean around and scope the area. What the hell? Guards were in front of the door, but that wasn’t what had him confused.
Pulling back, he turned his head so the other two would hear. “All the guards are women, Sir.”
“What?” Abe raised a brow, bent to see. He settled next to Tyler again and stated the obvious. “Heavily armed women.”
“The entry is at the other end. What do you want to do?” Tyler asked.
“I suggest we go the long way around and catch them by surprise.” Captain LeRoy shrugged at his suggestion.
Tyler nodded his agreement. Abe turned to follow. Green shrubs and trees hindered their progress. Tyler thought they’d never make it.
Feminine voices chatted just around the corner. Tyler drew his gun and went to the edge. Leaning forward, careful not to draw attention he counted two guards at the outside of the door.
He held up fingers to indicate the number. He waited while the other two drew their weapons. Abe gave him the go ahead with a nod.
Tyler jumped around the corner gun in hand, ready. “Freeze!”
Startled the women swung their rifles toward the intruders. Faced with three opponents they dropped their weapons and moved back.
“How many guards inside?” Abe recovered one of the discarded rifles and pointed at the smaller of the two.
When she didn’t answer, he took a step closer, nudged her in the chest. “How many?”
Lips thinning she shook her head. The gun swung to the other forcing her to step back. “How many?” Abe repeated angrily.
Click. The release of the safety echoed over the still of the night. The women’s eyes swung to Tyler. “The man asked how many?”
“Two more inside.” The smaller one’s voice came out in a croak.
“Where are they?” Captain LeRoy peeked through the window.
The women looked at each other and shrugged. “They’re in front of the jet, waiting in case anyone comes out.”
“Open the door. Inform them you’ll watch for a spell.” Abe ordered.
Neither moved. Tyler nudged the tip of his rifle to the one closest to him. Abe took care of the other. “Come on. We don’t have all night.”
The tall one turned, nudged Captain LeRoy out of the way and opened the door. “We have company,” she yelled.
“Shit.” Tyler dived, grabbed the two weapons on the ground, and rolled. He bit off a groan as a sharp pain shot from his wound.
Abe and LeRoy had dropped also. They were doing an army crawl through the open doorway. No one fired.
Yet.
Tyler pointed his rifle at the two women. “Get down. Hands on your head.” When they didn’t move. “Now.”
Both women lay on their stomachs and locked their fingers behind their head. Tyler itched to go after the other two men, but didn’t dare leave the women.
He pulled his zip ties out of his back pocket. He bent over and nudged them to lay on their sides, backs to each other.
“Hold hands,” he ordered. Then he secured the ties as tight as possible.
He’d have preferred handcuffs, the standard zip ties would have to do.
Slipping into the building, he didn’t hear anything. He crept toward the jet. Two women lay on the ground. Neither moved. He hadn’t heard any shots. They would probably have bumps to prove the two men had overpowered them.
Shaun appeared at the top of the stairs. He climbed down. Gabe, David, Abe, and Captain Leroy followed in his wake.
“Robert’s going to stay with Josey while we help find Keira,” Shaun informed Tyler when he reached the bottom.
“Who’s Josey?”
“Our witness. She was to be my companion.” Shaun turned to study the motionless bodies.
“Here use these.” Tyler handed over another set of zip ties. Tyler returned to make sure the two women were still secure.
“Now what?” Abe asked.
“Let the Coast Guard round up the men, we’ll look for Keira first, then see if we can find any girls willing to testify,” Captain LeRoy suggested.
What the...? Tyler couldn’t figure out where the vibration came from. He reached into his pocket and found his cell. Who would be calling? He checked the ID. “It’s Keira. I told my parents to give her this number if she called.”
“Well answer the damn thing,” Abe said.
Tyler didn’t need any urging. “Keira, where are you?”
“I’m in my new luxury apartment. The doors are locked. I’m not sure what’s going on. But Tyler, Siena is here with DeLuca and Bianchi. She must be the leak.”
“We know.”
“Oh.” She sounded deflated at the news they’d already known. “Where are you?”
“At the hanger with the Cap and everyone else. Keira, we need to find you and get you out of there.”
She gave him the directions leading to the courtyard by all the apartments. “There are swarms of men running all around demanding to get in. I don’t think any of the girls can open the doors.”
“We’ll be there as soon as we can.”
Tyler hung up and briefed the others. Captain LeRoy picked up his phone to bark orders to his men.
Tyler set off at a trot, each step jarring his injury. Gritting his teeth, he ignored the pain. They had their witness. Keira must have had time to find something. Hopefully, they had everything needed to put DeLuca and Bianchi away for good.
“Stop.” Abe’s loud whisper halted the group.
Tyler paused to glance over his shoulder. Before he could say anything Abe indicated quiet. Rustling sounded on the path, then they heard voices. As if by silent agreement, the four of them stepped off the path to seek cover in the foliage.
The murmurs grew louder as the unidentified men grew closer. Tyler grinned when he saw who they were. The two men they wanted and Rosa.
Abe grabbed Tyler’s arm seconds before he stepped out to confront them. Looking over his shoulder, he frowned at the Cap.
Shaking his head Abe pulled him back. DeLuca and Bianchi passed them. Abe waited a beat then strode out behind them, waving for the other two to follow. The path led to an opening into a small mountain, more like a hill. Keys jangled as Bianchi unlocked the padlock.
“We’ve found their hideout.” Abe mouthed words, barely audible.
Captain LeRoy melted out of sight off to the side of the path. Tyler waited next to the other men. Only a few seconds had passed when LeRoy reappeared.
“Okay,” LeRoy whispered.
Bianchi straightened and looked around. When he saw them, he automatically raised his gun. But with five rifles trained on the three at the door, the numbers weren’t exactly in their favor.
“DeLuca, it’s a pleasure to find you here.” Shaun’s voice held satisfaction. “Unfortunately, I’m shocked to find you’ve involved my granddaughter in your hideous schemes.”
“Grandpa, you’ve got it all wrong. We’ve done nothing wrong...”
Rosa’s father cut her off. “You’ve wanted to find something on me since I married your precious Rosalee. Well, you’ve still got nothing on me. Adios.” DeLuca saluted, turned and walked into the tunnel.
“Stop, I wouldn’t go any further if I were you,” Gabe shouted. “Bianchi, Rosa, drop your weapons.”
Apparently, they didn’t think they had anything to lose. Rosa and Bianchi followed DeLuca into the tunnel. David grabbed the door, before the panel could shut. Bianchi trailed after the others.
“I’m going for Keira,” Tyler shouted after Abe and the others.
No one seemed to hear him. He trotted down the path he hoped led to her luxury prison. Had he taken the wrong path? More concern ruffled over him when the trail spilled into a courtyard.
Which one? There were dozens of choices to follow.
“Halt.”
He stopped at the command. Not island security, the voice was most definitely male. He put his hands in sight and turned slowly to face the other man.
“Special Agent Beckett, my ID’s in my pocket.” Tyler kept eye contact with the man as he carefully reached in to grab his wallet. He flipped it open and flashed the identification toward the officer.
The rifle lowered. “Sorry, we can’t seem to get into the apartments. They’re locked from an automatic source. The glass is bullet and soundproof.”
*****
Keira shoved her phone in her bag next to the thumb drive she’d managed to copy that afternoon. Fortunately, for her, no one suspected Karla Brown, new payroll manager.
Tyler came into view. Her heart sunk to her toes when she saw one of the men, who’d been trying to get into the other apartments stop him. She held her breath when the guy must have issued a warning. Tyler showed him his ID and then turned to look around.
Keira rapped her knuckles on the glass. When that didn’t work she banged with her fist and yelled. Tyler didn’t so much as flinch in her direction.
Soundproof.
Great, he’d miss her.
She watched helplessly as he walked off with the other officer and disappeared out of the courtyard. Now what?