Deadly Secrets, page 10
She grabbed her coat from the hall closet, packed some clothes in a designer bag, scrounged the old shoebox from the back of the closet, and placed everything by the door. She climbed into bed in her sweats and prayed for a swift and dreamless sleep without thoughts of Rafe. Just before she dozed off, a sharp, beeping sound ripped through the condo three times, and a disembodied voice bellowed.
“This is not a test. Fire has been detected. Please evacuate the building immediately using the emergency stairs. Do not use the elevators.”
Rafe knocked on her bedroom door. “Get your stuff, Jana. We might not be back.”
She grabbed her bag, shoebox, and laptop on the way out, and followed Rafe to the stairwell. “What, no rappelling?” A mass of knotted nerves, she followed Rafe down the stairs, a sheep to slaughter.
Outside, Rafe guided her away from the other residents and fire equipment to an empty spot in the parking lot. “Probably a false alarm. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“In the nine years I’ve lived here, we’ve had only one alarm that wasn’t a test, and the unit next to mine was actually on fire. So, excuse me if I’m a little skeptical of your platitudes.” She sounded harsh, but the thought of not returning to her place stripped her nerves raw. “I’m sorry, Rafe.”
“No problem. You’re scared.” She pointed toward the building. “And you’re also right. The firefighters are actively working the scene, so there is a fire.”
“Of course, I’m afraid, but that doesn’t excuse bad manners.” Fear hadn’t been part of her life until recently. She’d always assumed she was secure in her insulated bubble. Across the parking lot, firefighters hosed water into a small storage room at the back of the building, and her stomach churned. The cold wind carved through her clothing and peeled away her final layer of safety. “I’ve lost control of my life.” She swayed sideways and reached for Rafe.
“Come here. You’re freezing.” Rafe propped her foot against the side of a retaining wall and pulled Jana into the warmth of her leather jacket like it was something she’d done a thousand times.
“Forgot my coat. Can’t imagine why.”
Rafe’s body warmed Jana, and she started to feel normal again though she hated feeling needy. When the concierge gave the all-clear to return to the building, Rafe insisted they wait until most of the residents had gone back in before returning to the condo, and Jana didn’t argue. She’d never felt this comfortable and right in a woman’s arms.
When they made it back to the condo, Rafe said, “I’ll do a quick sweep. Wait here.”
Jana didn’t reply but followed closely on Rafe’s heels.
“Or not,” Rafe mumbled.
Jana flipped on the lights and gasped. “What the hell?”
Chapter Twelve
Sofa cushions dotted the hardwood floor like random stepping-stones, chairs rested upside down on the carpet. Drawers and cabinets gaped open, their contents littering the countertops and floor. Rafe spun, turned off the lights, pulled Jana inside and against the closed door. “Wait here.”
She tugged the Walther from her ankle holster and crept forward. “If anyone is here, come out now. I’m armed.” Nothing. Ambient light from the windows created shadows in every corner. She crept so her boots made no sound and opened doors in a crouch to reduce her target size. Whoever had been here was gone. She holstered her weapon, turned on the lights, and went to Jana.
“Damn you, Rafe Silva.” Jana flailed and kicked. “Being left…alone…wasn’t comforting.” She clutched the necklace at her throat and pulled for breath. “Why?”
She braced and let Jana vent. Rafe likened it to soldiers who exercised, drank, fought, or fucked to decompress following a raid or firefight. After a few seconds, Jana stepped back and stared at Rafe as if seeing her for the first time. She trembled, her cheeks flushed, and the pulse at her neck pounded.
“Sorry. I’m not usually violent. I have no idea what came over me.”
“At least you’re not a wimp, and that makes my job easier. The adrenaline from your fight-or-flight response made you lash out. Perfectly normal.”
“Not for me.” Jana blew out a long breath and wobbled sideways.
“I’m here.” Rafe scooped Jana up and carried her to the sofa.
“What are you doing? I’m perfectly capable of walking. I’m not an invalid.”
“And you’re not accustomed to accepting help.” She placed Jana on the sofa and fluffed a pillow behind her. “I’ll get you something to drink.” When she handed Jana the water, her hand shook, so Rafe settled beside her and held the glass while she sipped. She’d never been the nurturing type, but something about Jana called to instincts long buried or nonexistent. She relaxed against the pillows, and Rafe asked, “Better?”
“You went through that?”
“Everyone did after missions. Your body gets used to the constant highs and lows after a while, but they never stop.”
“I can’t imagine. It was like being on cocaine, not that I’ve actually used it, but I was so wired and felt like I could move a building.” She took in the chaos. “Now, I’ve got to put everything back together.”
“Take a few minutes before you stand up.”
“Why would anyone do this?”
As much as Rafe liked being close to Jana, she moved to a chair nearby so she could think about the situation instead of how scared and vulnerable Jana looked and how much she wanted to take care of her. “I’m not sure. You said you returned the flash drive to Fergus, right?”
Jana nodded but didn’t look at her.
“Jana?”
“I returned the original after making a copy, but IT has beefed up security for the merger, so Fergus probably knows. If this is his doing, he’s definitely hiding a problem with the company. And I can’t let that stand, Rafe.”
Jana was fearless, and Rafe admired her for confronting an international company with endless funds, but she had no idea what she was getting into. “Would you check and see if the copy you made is still here?”
“It is.”
“How do you know?”
Jana shucked the medical alert necklace over her head and tugged. The caduceus came apart in two pieces, one clearly a USB drive. “I keep it with me.”
Brave and smart. What’s not to like about Jana Elliott? “Have you examined the data again?”
“In case you haven’t noticed, things have been a bit hectic recently.” She put the necklace back on. “Do you think they’ll return?”
“I’m guessing the fire was intentionally set as a distraction. If so, this was a brazen attack with people around.” Anger and protectiveness raged inside her, but Jana needed to know what she was up against. “I think it’s safe to say you need protection, and yes, I believe he’ll return since he didn’t find what he was looking for. Next time, he’ll come for you.”
Jana’s eyes widened, and her bottom lip trembled. “Well, don’t sugarcoat it, Silva.”
“You deserve the truth.”
Jana glanced around her ransacked condo, and her gaze settled on the shoebox she’d dropped on the floor when they entered. “And that confirms I need to look in that box sooner rather than later. It might provide answers…or not. But first, I have to straighten this place up.”
Rafe stood and shook her head. “Why don’t you try to get some sleep? I’ll deal with the big stuff, and you can tidy up tomorrow. I’ll be here, so you’re safe. Have your go-bag and car keys handy and leave the balcony door ajar in case we have to jump.”
“I’m not sure how much more excitement I can take.” Jana placed a hand over her heart. “If you’re sure, I won’t argue.” When Rafe nodded, Jana picked up her bag, shoebox, and laptop and slogged toward her bedroom but turned back. “Thank you. I don’t think I fully appreciated what you’re doing for me until tonight. I’ll try to be a better client.”
The quiver in Jana’s voice broke Rafe’s heart. The people she’d rescued in the service were already traumatized, desperate, and willing to do anything for relief. But Rafe witnessed the slow, insidious invasion of Jana’s life by doubt, suspicion, and finally outright attack and wondered which was worse. Her job now was to see it went no further.
Jana retreated to her bedroom, and Rafe grabbed her keys and hurried downstairs to collect camera footage from the concierge. When she returned, she righted the furniture, collected her go-bag, and camped outside Jana’s bedroom door. Strategy dictated that forewarned was forearmed, but an opponent might also assume his adversary wouldn’t expect a second attack so soon or in the same place. Rafe didn’t make assumptions, especially when Jana’s life hung in the balance.
When Jana’s light went out, Rafe eased the door open. Their exit needed to be quick and quiet. An intruder would try to sneak in and get as close as possible to his target instead of rushing in, giving Rafe more time to get them over the balcony.
She settled against the wall and texted Bennett. They’d both always slept lightly and gone back to sleep easily, a trait that served them well in their careers.
Intruder at J’s condo tonight. Might need help later today. Good for now.
A reply came quickly. Whatever you need.
After a couple of hours, Rafe relaxed, and her eyelids drooped. Maybe she’d been wrong. Then she heard the soft click of the door handle and a subtle change in air pressure as the door opened. She rolled into Jana’s room and locked the door behind her. She placed her hand over Jana’s mouth, relieved to see she’d worn sweats to bed. “Put this on.” She handed her the belt with carabiners attached and rushed to the balcony. “Grab your bag and come to me.”
Jana followed her instructions without question, her eyes large, and her movements jerky but efficient. Rafe harnessed herself in position on the opposite side of the balcony and dropped down to give Jana room to come over.
“I’m not…sure I can…do this, Rafe.” She pointed down and glared at the harness and belt crisscrossing Rafe’s body.
“You can.” Rafe clicked carabiners to the ones on Jana’s belt. “Just put your legs over and hug me. I won’t let you fall.” She opened her arms, waiting and mentally calculating how long before the intruder burst through the locked bedroom door and charged them. If he was armed, they’d be easy targets dangling from a rope. “Please, Jana. Hurry.”
Jana pulled her coat tighter, grabbed her bag and the shoebox, and climbed over the railing into Rafe’s arms. “If you drop me, I won’t be happy.”
“Cross your arms over your chest, close your eyes, and hang on. We’re going down fast.”
Jana started to say something else, but Rafe released the line and in seconds, they were on the ground. She unclipped the ropes, left them, and urged Jana forward. “Run to your car. Stay close to the building. I’m right behind you.” Rafe looked up. The intruder, illuminated by streetlights from below, was male, white, mid-thirties, dressed all in black. He peered over the balcony and scanned the ground below, but they darted around the corner in time to avoid being spotted.
Jana stumbled in her house slippers like a newborn calf on spindly legs. Rafe steadied her as they approached the car. “Keys.” Jana tossed them to her, and Rafe clicked the doors open. A few seconds later, they zigzagged from street to street heading north.
“Where are we going?”
Rafe constantly checked for a tail and eventually parallel parked in a space in the Fisher Park neighborhood between two other cars. “Here, for now. Recline your seat and relax for a few minutes. I don’t think he got a look at the car, but if he did, we’re better off trying to blend in than making a run for it on deserted streets this time of night.”
She scanned the area for movement before glancing at Jana. Her face was pale, and her eyes were wide with shock or horror. “You okay?” Jana nodded, laughed, and kept laughing. Definitely shock.
When she finally stopped and caught her breath, she said, “No, I’m obviously not okay. Look at me. My clothes are inside out. My hair is a nest of tangles. And I just went off a balcony ten floors up. Nothing about this is okay.”
Rafe reached toward Jana but stopped, raised her eyebrows to ask permission to touch her, and waited until Jana nodded. She slowly cupped Jana’s hands. They felt cool and clammy, and she pulled them inside her jacket for warmth. She wanted to nestle Jana against her chest and warm her as well, but this wasn’t the time. “But you did great. I’ve rappelled with soldiers more rattled than you.”
Jana studied her as if deciding if she was just blowing smoke. “If you’re trying to make me feel better, Silva, it’s working. What now?”
“It’s almost daylight, so we need to decide on our next move.”
Jana withdrew her hands and gestured back toward her condo. “After what happened tonight, I’m looking in that damn box before I do anything else. Shelby thinks it might be valuable, and it’s time to find out. This can’t be about a few archived papers.”
“Sounds like a starting point. Where would you like to do this?”
“Ben and Kerstin’s? Do you think they’ll be up this early?”
“I’m sure of it. I’ve already texted Ben this morning.” Rafe shot a text to Bennett, checked the street again, and started the car.
“How the hell did this guy get in the building in the middle of the night, to my floor, and into my condo? Somebody is going to pay for this.”
“Somebody already has,” Rafe said. “It’s too easy to bribe minimum-wage employees when you have unlimited funds. I’m betting there will be no helpful camera footage either. After he didn’t find what he wanted during the fire evacuation, he probably came in through a service entrance, covered his face, and was keyed directly to your floor.”
“Then I want to know who helped him.”
“And what good will it do to fire some peon?” Rafe asked. “Will it get us any closer to the person who hired him or the real reason you’re doing this?”
Jana glared at her. “You’re a frustratingly rational and controlled woman. Can’t I just rant for a while without being taken so literally?”
“Just keeping it real,” Rafe said as they pulled into Bennett’s driveway.
Bennett and Kerstin met them at the door, Ben in flannel bottoms and a T-shirt, and Kerstin in a pair of Super Woman pajamas. Kerstin ran to Jana. “Are you all right?”
“I rappelled off the balcony,” Jana said and grabbed Kerstin in a hug.
Chapter Thirteen
Kerstin guided Jana into the den warmed by a large stone fireplace. They settled on a sofa, and she hugged Kerstin closer. “I’m sorry to show up so early.”
“Don’t be silly. We’re here for you. Would you like some coffee? A drink?”
She barely heard Kerstin’s questions but nodded anyway. Her mind reeled with the thoughts and images of things she’d just done but never imagined possible. She shivered from raw nerves. “I rappelled.” She looked around for Rafe. “Didn’t I? Or doesn’t it count if I’m cowering in your arms? It happened so fast. Yesterday was totally surreal. I took Rafe to work, wearing my clothes, and Fergus hired her on the spot as a security analyst. Camille was smitten. I met Dayle for a drink and…never mind about that.”
Bennett offered Rafe a cup of coffee and raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t ask,” Rafe said.
“When we got back to my place, Rafe and me, not Dayle, the fire alarm went off. We waited in the parking lot half the night until the fire trucks cleared. Somebody trashed my condo while we were outside. Can you believe it?” Jana accepted a small glass of amber liquid from Kerstin and knocked it back. She sputtered and coughed. “What was that?”
“Brandy. It’ll calm your nerves,” Kerstin said, rubbing circles on her back.
Jana looked at Rafe standing with Bennett by the kitchen island and asked, “Rambling?”
“It’s fine. You’ve been through a lot.”
Jana handed the glass back to Kerstin. “Again. Then someone broke into my condo, and Rafe took me over the balcony. And you know the rest.” She drank the second glass of brandy just as quickly and blew out a long breath. “What the hell has happened to my life? I can’t even have sex without someone lurking outside my door.” Damn it, she hadn’t meant to bring that up again, but her diarrhea of the mouth worsened when she was nervous and drinking.
“What?” Kerstin lowered her voice. “You obviously left out some details.”
Bennett and Rafe hunched over the island looking at something on a laptop with their backs to them. Jana pulled Kerstin closer. “Dayle and I hooked up earlier. Rafe was outside the hotel room door when I left. Just sitting there. I felt so…I don’t know. Cheap? Embarrassed? And I’m not sure why.”
“What did Rafe say?”
“She asked if I was finished so soon because Dayle lacked stamina.” Kerstin laughed, and Jana shushed her. “Maddening. Totally maddening.”
“So, what’s happening now?”
Jana pointed to the frayed shoebox next to the sofa. “I’m opening this Pandora’s box.”
She reached for the lid, but Kerstin stopped her. “Are you prepared for what’s inside? What if it’s to do with your mother’s death? Have you thought about how that could affect you? And what if it’s bad for the company?” Rafe and Bennett turned and waited for her reply, but Kerstin continued. “What are you prepared to do?”
Jana tapped her nails against the brandy glass. “I’m not in this to punish anyone. I want to uncover the truth about Alumicor and expose it publicly if they won’t accept responsibility. More importantly, I want to know how the company figures into my mother’s death. If she died for what’s in that box, I have to see it through.”
