Love Inspired Suspense September 2015 #2 (43 page)

“It was delicious. Just a bit too much.” Sydney smiled at her.

The waitress nodded and walked away.

“Let's get back to the hotel,” he said. “Try to get some rest. We're going to need it.”

* * *

Sydney awoke with a start. Darkness surrounded her, and something flashed in her peripheral vision. Where was she? And what was that shuffling noise she heard? Then it came flooding back to her. She was in a hotel room in Pikeville. But she wasn't alone.

Her eyes adjusted to the dark, and she saw a figure in her room. She opened her mouth with an instinctive urge to scream, but the intruder lunged on top of her, silencing her with his hand over her mouth.

“You're coming with me,” the man said in a low, menacing voice. The only thing she knew for sure was that the attacker wasn't her ex-boyfriend Rick. But that didn't change her determination to fight him off. No way was she letting him take her out of that hotel room.

He was strong, but she was trained so something like this could never happen again. She refused to be a victim. She was a fighter. Saying a quick prayer for strength, she bit down on his hand as hard as she could.

The intruder yelped and when he loosened his grip she screamed to alert Max through the unlocked adjoining door. But she wasn't going to wait for Max to come to her rescue. No, she reared back and connected hard with the attacker's jaw with a right uppercut. He stumbled a bit, and she delivered a swift kick to his midsection, forcing him to double over from the impact.

“Sydney!” Max's voice rang out in the darkness.

The intruder ran quickly toward her door, throwing it open and escaping into the night. Then Max came into her room. She could see in the shadows that his gun was drawn.

“He just ran out,” she said.

“Stay here.” He ran out the door, but she didn't listen to him. She was right behind him.

“There.” She pointed toward the parking lot. The man, dressed all in black, was at the edge of the parking lot jumping into a dark colored sedan.

“I can't go after him and leave you by yourself,” Max said. “We don't know that he was alone.”

“No. You should go. You need to interrogate him.”

“It's too risky. I'm sorry. My first priority is always going to be your personal protection. I can't pursue him under the circumstances.”

She watched as her attacker disappeared from sight into the darkness.

“Are you all right?”

She shook out her right hand. “Yeah. My hand hurts a bit from punching him, but I'll be fine.” She took in a breath of air, realizing that she was breathing hard. “But how did he find me? That's the question we need to answer first.”

She walked back into her hotel room, and he was right behind her. She flipped on the light.

“I can tell you're frustrated, and you have every right to be. You were just attacked in the middle of the night. And you're right about how you were found. This location wasn't even in the system. So an electronic system breach wouldn't have provided this information.”

He paced back and forth. His dark hair was slightly disheveled from sleep. Then he turned back to face her with his eyes wide. “I need to look through your stuff. Your bag, your purse. Anything you've had on your person since yesterday.”

She got what he was saying. “You think someone put some type of tracking device in my stuff?”

He nodded. “It would make a lot of sense, and it would explain all of these breaches.”

“But that would also mean someone got close enough to me to put the device in my bag.”

“Let me see if I can find anything first.”

She handed him her shoulder bag that included her sketch pad. She also gave him her much smaller purse.

“That day at the courthouse. Did you have both of these on you?”

“Yes. My purse was actually in my shoulder bag. I take that bag pretty much everywhere I go, though.”

He started with her shoulder bag. It was full of junk. Pencils, pens, some makeup. He unceremoniously dumped out the contents on the hotel-room desk.

She watched as he ran his hands along the lining of her bag. Then he pulled something out.

“This—” he held up a small black chip that looked like a piece of plastic “—is a tracking device. Feels like they used a bit of an adhesive to stick it in the bottom of your bag. You wouldn't notice it unless you were specifically looking for it.”

“Wow,” she said. “Someone had to have gotten a hold of my bag to get it in the bottom, though. That's disturbing.”

“It's actually much easier than you might think. All they had to do was get close enough to you to reach in your bag and quickly adhere the chip inside. More than likely they ran into you—acting like it was purely accidental. But it was all carefully orchestrated.”

“It sounds professional. Not just like some random thug could do it.”

He nodded. “And it has upper-level East River written all over it.” He took a step back. “You know Rick Ward. Do you think he has the ability to climb up the hierarchy of an organization like East River?”

She thought for a moment. “He's definitely not the smartest man I've ever met, but he isn't dumb. He knows how to get what he wants and can be very manipulative. He's also persistent. He won't stop until he has his way by whatever means necessary.”

He touched her shoulder. “I hate to do this, Sydney. I know it's the middle of the night, but we need to get out of here.”

“What are we going to do with the chip?”

“Leave it here in the hotel room. And then we'll go. We finally have a bit of an advantage. We found the chip, and they don't know that. They'll assume we're here overnight. When the chip doesn't move in the morning, then they'll know we were on to them. But that still gives us a few hours' head start.”

“They could be watching us now.”

“Yes, that's why I'll also use evasive maneuvers to ensure that we're not being followed. Gather your things and do what you need to do. I want to be on the road in fifteen minutes.”

As she prepared to leave, the different scenarios played out in her mind. She was being hunted, but by whom? A professional hit man paid off by a murderer? Or a man she'd thought she loved? She didn't know if she could handle coming face to face with Rick Ward again. A chill shot through her just thinking about those blue eyes. Sweet one minute and menacing the next.

But there was no time for fear right now. They had to hit the road. Her life depended on it.

* * *

Max sat behind the wheel fully alert. Even running on only a few hours of sleep, he could feel that his adrenaline had kicked in and he was moving full steam ahead. Sydney must have felt the same way because every time he glanced over at her, she looked wide-awake with her eyes firmly glued to the dark road in front of them.

He couldn't stop the strong need deep within him to protect this woman. But that was all it was. A desire to do his job to the best of his ability. His career was everything to him. At thirty-three he really was in no rush for a serious relationship. He even considered never getting married and having a family. His own family had given him plenty of reasons to roll solo. Yeah, to all the neighbors they may have looked like the perfect family, but his childhood had been far from perfect.

He hadn't met another women quite like Sydney, though. But he had to be realistic. She was definitely not the one for him—assuming someone out there was for him. They were polar opposites on pretty much every issue. Her entire approach to life was guided by emotion and instinct, while his was based on science and logic. She'd even called him hostile to faith. That had seemed a bit much to him at the time, but maybe she was right. His parents hadn't exactly acted as good role models on that front. He preferred to rely on himself and live in a world where he occupied his time with his career. He didn't lack a sense of self-awareness—he knew he had erected walls to make sure he wouldn't get hurt. But that was fine with him.

“Where are we going?” she asked, cutting into his thoughts.

“Elena said to just start driving northwest, but I don't want to stop until we have more distance between us and Pikeville.”

“I've been keeping watch out the back,” she said, turning around again to peer out the rear window. “I don't think we've been followed.”

“Me, neither.”

“Guess that's one positive.”

“Hey now. Don't sound so down. That was a big break for us to find that tracker.”

“I do thank God for that. But...”

“But what?”

“I really can't describe to you how I feel about Rick.” She paused. “And the prospect of seeing him again.”

“I won't let him hurt you. And hopefully he has nothing to do with this.”

“Maybe not. But I know he would come after me if he could. If he knew where I was, if he had the opportunity. Men like him don't take it very well when a woman leaves them.”

“We're going to make sure he doesn't have that opportunity. You have to remember you're not alone now.”

“I once was. And those were some dark days. Until I walked into that church and my life changed forever for the better. I know you don't want to hear that, but my faith is all I have. It's what has sustained me when I thought that I might not even want to live.”

His heart hurt hearing the emotion dripping from her words. He couldn't help but be moved by what she said. To be moved by her. And to feel that there was a void in his own life from turning away from his faith.

“I don't want your pity,” she said quietly.

“Sydney, the last thing in the world I feel for you is pity. You've shown what a strong person you are. You fought that guy off all by yourself. But beyond your physical abilities, you're rock solid emotionally, too. Stronger than a lot of people I know. And a lot of federal agents I've worked with. You can hold your own.”

She didn't respond but sat quietly, and he wanted her to believe him. Before he could press his point, his phone rang. He answered and put it on speaker.

“Hey, Max. It's Elena.”

“You have something?” Max asked.

“Yes. I have news. Big news.”

FOUR

“W
hat is it?” Max asked Elena.

Sydney held her breath, bracing herself for the worst and waiting on Elena to respond.

“The FBI has apprehended Kevin Diaz,” Elena reported. “Just as I suspected, his lawyer argued that there was some misunderstanding on his client's part about what activities he could still tend to while he was on bail.”

“Where is Diaz now?” Max asked.

“While the judge didn't seem as upset as I would hope, he has revoked his bail and put him into police custody. The judge is going to hear arguments about when the trial should go forward.” Elena didn't hesitate as she outlined the next steps. “We're going to request a meeting with the judge to discuss the security situation for Ms. Berry. I already spoke to the prosecutor. She feels like there are too many variables to directly attribute the attacks on Ms. Berry to Kevin Diaz since we can't present direct evidence of a tie between Diaz and his cousin Lucas Jones. She wants to try to spin the attacks as some other dispute that Ms. Berry has with East River. I, of course, didn't bring up Ward at this juncture, as that would've only added more fuel to her fire. So the bottom line is that the prosecutor is going to push for an immediate resumption of trial. Her main concern is getting Diaz convicted of first-degree murder.”

“That's ridiculous,” Max said.

“Her exact quote was, ‘You do your job and I'll do mine.' She thinks we can keep Ms. Berry safe.”

Max slammed his hand on the dashboard. “That's beside the point. The point is that she is testifying for the state as their expert witness. And in doing so she is putting her life in jeopardy.”

“The prosecutor doesn't see it that way,” Elena replied. “But she's offering to push a request for witness protection after Ms. Berry's testimony.”

“Great,” Sydney said. She couldn't control her sarcasm.

“In the prosecutor's mind it's a solution for everyone.”

Sydney scoffed. “I love how she's making life-changing decisions for me. What if I don't want to go into witness protection? What if I want to keep doing what I'm doing with my work? How could I? I'd never be able to testify at trials anymore.”

“I understand your concerns,” Elena said. “But I'd urge you not to think about the prosecutor's agenda and instead think about what is best for you. Especially now that Ward is back on the street. You would never be able to go in to witness protection solely from a threat he posed because you have to be a testifying state's witness. This is an opportunity to get away from him for good. To truly start a new life. A life in which he'll never find you because Sydney Berry will no longer exist. You're never going to get this opportunity again.”

Sydney thought about that for a minute. “This is a lot to take in. I need to think about it.”

“Sure,” Elena said. “I'll let you two know what decisions come out of the discussions with the court. Drive safely.”

Max ended the call, and Sydney looked out the window as the first signs of sunrise broke into the sky.

“Say something,” he said.

Keeping her eyes on the sky, she replied quietly, “I'm glad Kevin Diaz is now in custody. I think I should testify again as soon as possible. He shouldn't be able to avoid justice.” Her voice grew stronger as she continued. “But I really don't want to give up my life—a life I literally fought for. It means a lot to me to be able to be who I am, as I am.”

“Sydney, it's a huge decision. You need to seriously examine your options. And while I want nothing more than to be able to ensure your complete safety, witness protection is the easiest way. But it's not the only way, and you shouldn't be forced to sacrifice everything you love in the career that you've built from the ground up. I get that.”

As she looked at him, she realized that he actually understood what she was saying. This man whom she'd only known for a few short days seemed to get her more than any other person ever had. She couldn't explain it. They were so different. Had God brought this man into her life for a purpose?

“I appreciate you saying all of that.” She hadn't gotten close to a man since her ex-boyfriend and had no plan to in the future. Trust didn't come easy to her, but Max was earning her trust by continuing to put it all on the line for her. But trusting in him to help protect her was as far as she would let it go.

“But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't say that this isn't just about the testimony and the security at trial. If your ex-boyfriend is a player with East River, then you could always be a target. And that's not a good way to live, either.”

“There's no good solution. I'm going to be looking over my shoulder forever.”

* * *

Max had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He knew it wouldn't be long before he was driving Sydney back to the courthouse in downtown Atlanta.

They'd checked into adjoining rooms in a small hotel in Baymont, Alabama, and taken a nap for a few hours—until his sleep was interrupted by a call from Elena. The judge was prepared to move forward with the trial starting tomorrow, which included testimony from Sydney, if she so chose. While the judge had ordered additional courthouse security, Max felt like a target would be plastered on her back.

He decided to check in with Davies and see if he had gotten any further information from the FBI. He would've preferred to call his FBI contacts directly, but Davies was working with the FBI sources while Max focused on Sydney's security.

“Davies, you got anything?”

“Rick Ward did have strong affiliations with East River, but no one has any insight on any current activities. My guess is that Ward is long gone by now. The FBI is more focused on the link between Diaz and Lucas Jones.”

“Got it.”

“Elena just gave me word that you'll be bringing our witness back here to testify. Once you get in the vicinity, I'm going to be with you, too. We're taking every precaution.”

“I don't like it, but I know Sydney's going to want to testify.”

“You're sure of it?” Davies asked.

“I haven't told her of the trial resuming yet, but I already know what her answer is going to be.”

“Then we'll do our job. Let me know when you get close.”

Max hung up the phone and dreaded the conversation he needed to have with Sydney. It was as he'd told Davies. Sydney was going to insist on testifying. On doing her job. He admired the fact that she wouldn't back down, even though he wanted so badly to whisk her away and keep her safe. His feelings for Sydney went beyond his job description. He was starting to care about her as a person. He hadn't even realized he was capable of feeling emotions anymore, and it was comforting and unsettling at the same time.

No matter what, he had to remain professional and keep the proper distance. Sydney was fighting to maintain control over her life, and he had a job to do.

Taking a breath, he walked over to the adjoining hotel-room door and knocked. It wasn't long before the door opened. Her hair had fallen partially out of a bun, and she had a faint pillow line on the side of her face. He was glad to see that she'd gotten a little rest.

“Sorry to wake you, but I've got updates.”

“What?” Her brown eyes widened.

“The judge has ordered the trial to resume tomorrow. Assuming you still want to testify, you will do so in the morning. The judge has ordered extra courthouse security, and Davies will be assisting me with your personal security. There will be additional US Marshal presence all around the courthouse.”

She didn't immediately respond. Her eyes looked down and then met his. “You know I'm going to testify, right?”

He nodded. “I assumed that's what you would say.”

She took a step closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “I appreciate everything you've done for me to keep me safe, but I have to do this. I think you can understand that.”

He took her hand from his shoulder and held it tightly in his. “And I will continue to do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“I know that, Max. You may not believe this, but I know there's a greater plan at work. I have to believe that.”

“I respect your feelings even if I don't share them.”

She gripped his hands even more tightly. “I'm not afraid. Not of this. And I know you'll be there with me every step of the way.”

She didn't immediately let go of his hands. And when she did he felt saddened by the loss of connection to her.

“When do we go back to Atlanta?” she asked.

“Tonight.”

“Okay.”

“And one more thing. Davies said the FBI hasn't found anything current on Ward and his ties to East River, even though there were definite affiliations in the past. He thinks Ward's probably out of the picture.”

“I hope so.” She paused. “But there's no way that I'm letting down my guard.”

“As you shouldn't. There's too much going on for you to do that.”

“I'm ready to get this over with.”

* * *

Sydney hadn't slept much last night in the Atlanta hotel room. She was on edge and running on the pure anticipation of testifying at the trial. Now only a few miles away from the courthouse, Max was on the phone with Davies coordinating her security.

Testifying was important to her. It was one thing she could do that was in her control. What she couldn't control were the threats—or the ramifications of her testimony.

“We're stopping and Davies will be over here in a minute.” Max pulled the car into a parking lot a good ways from the courthouse. “We'll both take you inside with the assistance of the other marshals working security. And there's a team securing the perimeter, as well.”

She looked over at him and could almost feel the tension radiating off his body. “If it's so secure, why are you gripping the wheel so tightly?”

He shook his head. “I think you know my opinion, Sydney. I want you as far away from here as possible.”

“It's going to be all right.” She closed her eyes for a moment.

“Are you praying?” he asked.

“Yes.”

The air thickened in anticipation. But nothing was going to make her change her decision to testify against Diaz.

“Davies is here,” Max said.

She was a bit relieved to see her additional security pulling up in a black sedan. The rising tension between her and Max was making her nervous.

“Stay in the car for a second while I talk to him,” Max ordered.

Not waiting for her to argue, he opened the door and stepped out. But it wasn't long before he returned and Davies slid into the backseat.

“Not to worry,” Davies told her. “We're going to get you in and out of the courthouse today with no problem.” He smiled.

Davies was obviously feeling more confident than Max as they drove toward the courthouse.

“We're parking around the back. There's more security waiting there for us. They know we're coming,” Max said.

Her heartbeat sped up when the car stopped. She saw the additional marshals all in suits awaiting their arrival. She was as safe as she could possibly be, she told herself. Just look at all the extra security.

“It's time,” Max said.

Davies got out of the car and opened her door, ushering her out. He was on her right and Max was on her left, while the throng of marshals provided cover as they entered a back door to the courthouse.

“You're going to be in one of the conference rooms with the two of us until they're ready for you to testify. Additional security will be surrounding the courthouse. No one is getting in without being screened.”

She nodded as they guided her through the courthouse corridor. Max opened the door to the conference room and looked around, then he motioned her and Davies in. The room held nothing but a single table and a few chairs.

“So we'll have to wait a few minutes, but it was better to get you in here and settled,” Max said. “Once the judge brings in the jury, then we'll get you in the courtroom for your testimony.”

Davies spoke to the marshal outside the door and then closed it. “Sorry that things have been so hectic for you, Sydney. I'm guessing Max told you, but no one in the FBI gang unit has been able to come up with any recent connections between Ward and East River. Maybe that can bring you a small measure of comfort.”

“It does, thank you. I'd rather take my chances with East River without Rick Ward involved.” She took a seat and drummed her fingers on the table. Nothing to do now but wait. At least she was safely in the courthouse. The hardest part was over. “Where's Elena?”

“She running point on the general courthouse security,” Davies said.

They sat in silence for a few minutes while she tried to get back into expert witness mode. After all, that was why she was there. To testify in a murder trial. To provide evidence to assist the jury in determining the guilt of Kevin Diaz—something she had no doubt about, even if Max had inadvertently questioned the reliability of her work.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a blaring alarm. “What's that?” she asked, trying to cover her ears. The sound was almost at a deafening pitch pulsing through body.

Davies held a hand to his ear, obviously getting information from an earpiece. “It's a bomb threat. We've got to move now.” He pushed his earpiece again. “We're moving the witness. Everyone stick to code-red protocol.” Then he tapped his earpiece.

“Wait,” Max said. He stood protectively beside her. “Think about it,” he yelled over the sound of the alarm. “A bomb makes absolutely no sense. Kevin Diaz is in the courthouse. He wouldn't want to die. This would be an act of suicide on his part.”

“We don't have a choice, Max. This could be an unrelated threat. There is specific procedure for this. I know you're new on the job, but as a marshal we don't break protocol.”