SEIZED Part 3: Steamy Romantic Suspense (Seize Me Romance Fiction Series) (6 page)

I nod. The image of a little girl poking a hornet’s nest comes to mind. I’m tempting fate, but if I don’t do it, we’ll never know anything more about where April is.

“So,” I ask, “am I going to tell Blake anything that will compel him to seek out Neon? The obvious rouse that comes to mind is to act like she phoned and threatened me again. Or I can tell him some things about their history to make him believe I got the information from her. Is that the idea?”

“Yes. Precisely,” he answers. “We’ve prepared a dossier of information for you to review. One member of the team will brief you on the best way to engage him, provide him with something that would clearly come from Neon, and gather the right information from him before he goes looking for her. In the past year, we’ve worked hard in our profiling efforts on Neon, as well as the crew she surrounds herself with. We believe she’s at one of the top rungs in the organization.”

              He must see the nerves on my face, and read the fearful thoughts that are going through my mind. Jason looks gently at me and says, “Carrie, it’s not too late for you to change your mind.”

Carrie

My gut is telling me to pack it in—to surrender to my fears and get my ass back to the hotel while I’m still in one piece. I’m eager to find April, but I can’t help anyone if I’m used as bait and plans go sideways. But I know turning tail won’t make me happy. And who knows if this is the only way to get April back. There’s also the appealing prospect of an exposé. If I survive pulling it off, that is.

The only thing that’s been stopping me from writing about April’s abduction is my feelings for Blake. He spent so much time telling me he didn’t trust that our talks were truly ‘off record.’ What he should have been focusing on was making good on finding April. I can’t remember intentionally lying to him, yet even that was a one-way street—the whole time he was seeing me, he was also seeing Neon.

At least I’m free to write whatever I want now. I want Blake to be aware I’m not going to withhold a thing when I cover the story. And if it turns out to be a character assassination of Detective Blake Anderson, who was originally in charge of the case, so be it.

Blake Anderson has made a mistake crossing me, and I want him and the rest of the world to know about it. As he breaks my heart, it may turn out that he is launching my career. I’m firm in my resolve again.

“Actually Agent Cooper, I’ve never been more sure of anything. Let’s go get me wired for sound.”

              As this is quite a small operation, there are only nine team members. I get to meet them all. Agents Cooper and Robinson head up the detail. There are also tech guys, surveillance staff, and some muscle. I’m glad to hear this many people are making April a priority and will be in the area. They walk me from the boardroom to a smaller room off the main pit. I sit down to wait for the Neon Lips file while two tech guys come in and ask me to lift my shirt.

“I wouldn’t normally do this for strangers,” I joke, and I see he appreciates my attempt to lighten the moment.

He uses an alcohol patch to carefully wipe down some wire points on my chest and back. I don’t feel uncomfortable at all and again, I marvel at all the incredible resources the bureau has on the payroll.

He attaches three tiny microphones to various parts of my torso and back. They’re all linked to a central receiver, which is mounted underneath my bra. The wires are clear and the receiver is tiny. No one would know it’s there, unless you took my bra off. I feel a little more secure knowing that I won’t be alone.

Once it’s fitted to me, Agents Robinson and Cooper run several tests with the tech guys. They show me how close I have to be to Blake, and how loud I need to speak in order to capture his voice without any recording errors. It needs to be crystal clear in order to produce a suitable piece of evidence. I also need to review and sign some waiver documents saying I voluntarily agree to wear the wire. I read and complete it all. These guys have thought of everything. I’m feeling better by the moment.

Next, they introduce me to a calm woman called Natalie. She looks like she could be a kindergarten teacher, but is actually the bureau’s staff psychologist. Natalie walks me through what they know about Blake and Neon’s relationship, and details of Neon that may not be common knowledge—things like former addresses, information about her family, prior health conditions and prescription drugs she takes.

I’m not sure why, but I’m starting to pity Neon. She’s been in and out of foster homes and juvenile detention, seems to live off prescription drugs, has a criminal record a mile long, and is well known to the NYPD and the Department of Social Services.

Natalie shows me a bunch of witness and complaint reports about Neon’s more violent offences, and dropped charges over the last five years. Everything from extinguishing cigars on her girl’s bodies, to cracking jaws with pistol butts, to drug dealing, and premeditated homicide on the last girl who supposedly crossed her. It’s clear she has a top lawyer on her payroll—the average person with this many charges would have been behind bars a long time ago.

Natalie explains Neon’s personality type so I can convince Blake she really did phone me. I learn about their profile of her motivators, drivers, emotional trigger subjects, and how she would react in various situations. The truth is though, no matter how much I prepare and learn about this woman, no one can tell me what’s really going to go down when I talk to Blake.

A part of me starts to wonder why I need all this information if I’m only talking to Blake. To me, it would be so much simpler if they give me three lines to memorize and repeat back to Blake—something big enough to make him seek her out immediately. I have to admit, though, there’s another part of me that’s salivating. I’m learning so much about how the Bureau works. It will help make my exposé article so much more robust and thorough. I can just imagine the impact it could have.

I’m starting to feel more prepared. I ask for a coffee and Agent Robinson brings me a small cup of espresso. The thing perks me right up. They brief me on what will happen outside the warehouse again. Once I get Blake fired up to confront Neon, the team will split up. One agent will meet me nearby in the taxi, and the rest will follow Blake. It seems pretty safe, and I’m shown a few vulnerable points to avoid on the site map.

They assure me again that I’ll always be within view of them, and they show me two signals I can make to subtly get their attention, should the sound fail for any reason. I have a sudden appreciation for their line of work. Technology fails; plans get fucked up; nothing in the field can so easily be controlled or reduced to a step by step plan. There are just too many variables.

I hope to God they know what they’re doing, adding me to the mix. I’ve become a wild card, and sometimes, I don’t know what I’d carry out, and what I’d park for later. I consider telling them this minor detail, but quickly opt against it.

The route I’ll take for my short run is the same as the one I took this morning. It will help make it look like I’m going back for another look. This is a backup, so that by making myself visible to Neon’s watchmen, she may be alerted by both them and Blake. After my conversation with Blake, Agent Cooper will be in disguise, and will pick me up in the same rented yellow cab he’ll use to drop me off near the warehouse.

They repeat the plan from the top again, and I feel ready. I think I can piss Blake off enough for him to head right to Neon, and hopefully wherever she’s hiding April will become clear, and Neon can be arrested and charged. It will also prove Blake knew where April was all along, and as sick as I feel about it, it’s time to stop hiding behind a dead fantasy that Blake had any feelings at all for me. At least his crackhead woman Neon never faked hating me so much.

I can’t imagine what Blake could see in her. Jesus, does every man want the hot girl with more baggage? If that’s the case, I might have been living my life not harnessing the secret formula for years without even realizing it. I’ve got baggage. I’ve just been hiding it under layers and layers of secrecy and untruths, to come off as normal. And now I find Blake is gravitating to the broken, twisted, felony hooker?

It’s perfect really. She must have the motto, ‘treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen’. It hasn’t been a strategy I’ve purposely pulled out of the hat. Whenever it did happen, I felt it was a natural by-product that comes along with the territory of protecting myself. Had I known it was the secret formula all along, I’d have treated a heck of a lot more men like crap.

Instead, I had been working against my instincts, trying to conform to the social norm of ‘settling down’ and having traditional romantic relationships when even now—well, before Blake anyway—it felt lovely to enjoy men while it was fun and then let them go.

I heard it used as a line in a movie about gambling once: “Hold on tightly; let go lightly.” The actor was talking about money, but it must apply to everything. Enjoy it while we can, because soon it’ll leave, and then we’ve got a choice as to how we deal with the fallout. I always thought this attitude would keep me from the love of my life, but after the abuse, it was my default.

I thought I was broken until Blake came back into my life. And now, look what’s happened. Turns out I couldn’t trust him at all. This is a valuable lesson for me to remember. I’m still broken, and so are a lot of people, including Blake.

“Carrie, Carrie!”

Someone is snapping their fingers in my face. I snap out of my self-analysis. The entire nine-member team is looking at me.

“Sorry, guys, sorry,” I say. “A lot has been going on. I’ll focus and pull it together now.”

No one says anything, but I feel Jason Cooper’s eyes on me. Speaking of unexpected events, the arrival of this guy was nothing short of spooky. Literally minutes after I say goodbye to Blake he was there with those wolfy eyes.

We share a look of understanding across the table. He takes control of the situation so fluidly it makes my breath stop. He knows what I really need is to be calm right now. Calm and alone with those eyes. I stay seated as he clears the room with one finger pointed to the door. Everyone wishes me luck and files out of the room. Soon they will drop me off close to the warehouse and the plan will be in motion. I need to keep my head clear, and remember Agent Cooper and his crew are watching.

“How you doing, Carrie?”

He closes the door behind him and with the mirrored glass, it means no one can see us, although the hallway looks to have resumed its busy pace. He puts his hands down on the table, palms flat and looks into my eyes to wait for my answer.

“I’m ok, I’m tired, so much has happened already you know?”

“It won’t be long now until you feel better. I can’t tell you we’re going to save your friend or prove Blake isn’t a criminal. But I can promise you one thing…I promise you that whatever happens out there, I’ve got you. The team has your back and I’ll be watching. So I need you to trust us, and keep focused, okay? Even when you’re scared, just trust me. We’ve got this.”

“Okay. Thanks, Agent Cooper.”

“Carrie, it’s time you set off for the warehouse, but first, we’ll make a stop at your hotel, in case Neon’s goons are still stationed there to watch you. We’ll drop you off around back, and once we arrive, go to your room for a few minutes, and then go back down to the lobby. Stand out front where the bell men and valets are, until we’re all set to leave for to New Jersey. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready.”

He stands and motions for me to follow him. We move together through the field office. They check me one last time to make sure I have everything, and escort me through the back doors. A car is waiting to take me back to the hotel. I look over at Jason as I slide into the passenger seat. My eyes meet his in a final second of contact that is just as intensely focused as the one we shared earlier. The car moves off, and I turn my mind to what’s ahead.

Carrie

The driver discreetly lets me off at the back of the hotel. I duck inside and head up to my room. Instinctively, I want to crawl back into bed and hide, but a team of people are waiting for me to walk out through the front doors of the lobby.

I use the bathroom, and as I’m washing my hands, I look at my reflection. I’m just a woman ready to head out for a run. No one would know I’m anything more than that. I feel assured. Somehow, it makes it easier to slip into the role.

When it’s time, I go back downstairs and test my new disguise out with a cheerful greeting to the front desk staff.

“Hello. I’m just heading off for some exercise. Can you book me a table in the restaurant tonight, please?”

The girl knows me well by now, and smiles as she taps at her keyboard. “No problems, Miss James. I’ve made your reservation. We’ll refresh your room while you’re out this afternoon.”

I nod and smile, reaching for the items in my pockets to make sure everything is still in place. “Thanks for that. I’ll see you soon.”

I move through the front doors of the lobby to the street, and make a show of doing a few hamstring stretches against a nearby wall. I’m waiting for the signal. I don’t meet eyes with anyone. I just pretend I’m in my own world, like the rest of this city does. No one pays any attention. This ‘being normal’ act is easier than I thought.

In my pocket, my cell phone buzzes three times. It’s the signal that the team is in place. I let it kick me into a gentle jog in the direction of the cab where Jason will be waiting. I can’t see where he is, but I know he’s watching me. I wonder to myself if Neon’s guy has seen me yet. It’s inevitable after the action packed stretching show I just manufactured. I can’t say I like the feeling, and decide not to indulge in any more thoughts about it.

I make my way to him and get in the back seat. He nods and after a forty minute drive looking at the back of his head and his sexy, predatory eyes through the rear view mirror, we get to the location as planned. He lets me off a couple of blocks from the warehouse, and I’m pretty sure a woman running by recognizes me.
Or, maybe I’m just paranoid
? I get to the warehouse, and drop to my knees to try the same lace-tying ruse. I don’t see any movement, and for some reason, I’m thirsty.

I go into the deli beside the gas station for a coffee or water. There are a few people inside, and I line up behind them, keeping to myself. My job is to stick around the area, make myself seen, and jog around the place until I hear from Blake. In here, the FBI team may not be able to see me, but I’m sure it’s not a problem.

I get my coffee and walk around the tables as if I’m looking for a good one. I couldn’t be more obvious as I wander around and I hope to Christ it’s working, otherwise this whole day is a waste of time. Eventually I take a seat in the window with my phone out and ready to take the next call.

I drink my coffee. I sit back to watch the people outside and around me. There’s something so cool about going to a random place and just inserting yourself into the equation. Everyone here has a story, just like I do. They’re thinking about their family, kids, jobs, businesses, partners, bosses, or their problems right now. Maybe some are wondering how they’re going to pay the rent, or how they need to cut back on chocolate.

I’m glad for some perspective. I’ve been so caught up in Blake, and April’s kidnapping, I’ve forgotten I’m just one of the many people with problems in the world. Whenever everything feels dramatic and unique, I need my feet replanted like this. There’s no reason for it to go badly today. I’m helping the solution, so I’ll do my thing and get out of there when I’m told.

My phone buzzes on the table in front of me. It’s the planned call I’m supposed to answer.
Phew
. I pick it up and I’m pleased to hear the sound of Jason’s voice in my ear.

“Carrie, is there anyone there who looks familiar, or suspicious?”

“No. I’ve been looking around. Can you see me right now?”

“Yes, we have eyes on you. You’re completely safe. You and I are going to talk for awhile on the phone, and you’re going to finish your coffee, and then head back outside. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I’m ready to go, what do you want to talk about?”

“I want it to seem like you’re talking to either Blake or the Police on the phone. We want to arouse as much attention as possible, to get you an audience with Neon. Her guys are everywhere. We’re sure they’ve already seen you in the area.”

“Wait, you want Neon to see me? This is confusing, Jason. You said I was out here to get noticed by Blake, and to tell Blake that Neon’s threatened me. Why is the plan different now?”

“Carrie, the plan is the same. Blake seeing you and going to Neon is the ideal, but her people are all over the place. We can follow them too.”

“Am I in danger?”

“No.”

“How does she have so many people working for her?”

“No one knows the depths of Neon’s power. She’s got some big friends in several industries, and many assets to protect. There are times when we get close to locking down a financial picture to help take her organization down, but she’s careful, and she’s insulated. They always find a way to overwhelm and distract us with the minutiae.”

“Okay. So what’s next? Do I start yelling or something?”

“No need for that. Just slam down your cup and slam the door on the way out. Use your body language. No one’s going to know it’s not real. Jog around the building. Rattle on the gate. Together we’ll make them think that you are starting your own search for April. Somewhere along the line, Blake will phone you or show up. Once you tell him what you need to say, hail the first cab you see drive up, because it’ll be me. I am waiting around the corner to drive past whenever you hang up.”

“And what if Blake doesn’t call?”

“Give it fifteen minutes. If he doesn’t, run up the side street and look for my cab.”

I follow his instructions to the letter. Within five minute, like clockwork, out of nowhere, I see Blake walking towards me. He’s obviously been watching the place, or watching me, because he walks right towards me with clear intentions to talk. I didn’t expect him so quickly, and now the adrenalin is surging as I try to remember what I’m supposed to do and say.

“Blake, what are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here? Carrie, I’m working. How did you get here?”

“Blake, I don’t think now’s the time. I’m just going for a run.”

“Sure, you are,” he says sarcastically.

“Blake, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m going for a run to clear my mind. I’m not going to try and justify myself to you. You’re off the case this now, remember?”

“I know what you’re doing, Carrie. Don’t do it. Please, I know you don’t trust me, but I need you to think about this.”

He’s close enough that the mic will be picking him up. I’m aware that if he’s guilty, anything I say now could tip him off. For a second, I wonder if that’s what he’s trying to do. I get the feeling he doesn’t know FBI are the ones who put me up to this.

“I had to search for her by myself, Blake. None of you care about April.”

“Carrie, wait.” He takes my arm and stops me in my tracks. “You’re putting yourself in danger around here. And probably April too.”

“What would you know about that, Blake? I’m in danger everywhere I go, on account of your girlfriend, Neon.”

“She’s not my girlfriend, Carrie.”

“Whatever, Blake. She says she is.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That woman has been phoning me all day, threatening to kill April if I don’t leave you alone.”

“What? She called you?”

“Yes. Like twenty times now. I should have just told the FBI, but I’m a fool, Blake. I didn’t want you to get in trouble. And now I’m all the way in New Jersey, looking for April myself.”

I’m mentally patting myself in the back with my performance, but slowly, the words are getting to me. I hope I don’t have to keep this up for long, because I might break down any minute.

I’ve clearly caught him off guard with my last statement. He hasn’t replied, and he looks like he can’t figure out what to say. I take the opportunity to shake off his hand from my arm and run away. It’s not my problem if he suddenly has an attack of guilt. He’s made his own bed with Neon and, he’ll have to pay for that sad error in judgment.

Without looking back, I cross the street to look for Jason in the taxi. There’s nothing more to say to Blake Anderson. I’ll just finish up my task, go wherever Jason takes me, and hopefully the FBI will find April before today is out. After that, it will be time for me to move on to a new chapter of my life.

If today doesn’t work, I’ll ask my boss to let me write the article while I’m still in New York. Eventually, I’ll head back to Iowa, and I hope to God it’s with April. It’s not doing my heart any good to be around this man. I wish I could sleep in my own bed tonight. It could be time for me to stop trying to force things to happen, and just let it happen now. I’m mentally exhausted.