Shattered Dreams (The Believe Series Book 1) (12 page)

Jareth

An Hour Before

S
lipping my cell back into my pocket I smile. I knew that if I told Gage
not
to do something, he would do it anyway and play right into my plan.

“Sir,” Roger says and I turn to look at him, “Do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, allowing him to think he’s going against your orders.”

“No Roger,” I say smiling larger, “It’s a brilliant fucking idea. Allowing him to think he’s defied me will be just the distraction we need. He’ll also lead us right to Facciolo. It’s perfect.”

Roger looks around a little nervously. “Yes, but sir,” he says, “Det. Hinder can be a little hot headed and not to mention he’s too close to Ms. Winters. Won’t he allow emotions to rule his better judgment?”

I shake my head. “That’s the good thing about Gage,” I explain, “No matter how close he gets, he doesn’t allow it to cloud his better judgment, and since his brother is involved, that’s what we need. He will put the badge before blood. This is why we want him with us at the FBI.”

Roger nods his head, still unsure about the entire plan. “What do you want done about Ms. Taylor?” he asks.

Yes, Ms. Taylor
, I think smirking. I know what I would like to do with her, to her. I would like to put her over my knee and spank that beautiful ass and then fuck that perfect pussy. Just thinking about it has my cock stirring.

“Sir,” Roger says breaking the spell Shannon holds over me.

I shake my head. “Sorry,” I say, “Just keep eyes on her. Once we have Facciolo in custody and this case wrapped up, I’m taking a leave of absence.”

“Very well sir,” he says and starts to turn but hesitates. Looking back at me he adds, “Not to over step my bounds, but I think Ms. Taylor is good for you. Whenever her name is mentioned, your eyes light up. It’s nice to see as it makes you less of an asshole.”

I just glare at him, shocked that he spoke so honestly and direct. I never realized how much of an asshole I have been until this very second.

Sensing my disproval, he says, “Sir,” and walks away.

I wasn’t until that day at the coffee shop. I had thought I had my life under control, orderly. When I walked in and saw her sitting there, looking so lost, so alone, my heart tightened in my chest and my breathing became labored. Something came over me and I knew I needed to be the one to put a smile on that beautiful face.

Walking towards her, I knew my life would never be the same and then she looked at me; her baby blue eyes claiming me, pulling me in to a world I may never leave again or want to. She had me, hook, line, and sinker. I was a goner. My entire existence rested on that moment, and then I fucked it all to hell. I left her asleep and alone in that hotel room. I didn’t even leave a note. The intensity of our connection, the fact that for the first time in my life I was making love not fucking, scared the ever living shit out of me. My flight or fight instincts surfaced, and being the asshole that everyone says I am, I ran.

“Shots fired, sir,” Roger says, “We have conformation that Det. Hinder shot and killed Rick Hinder.”

“Is Gage injured?” I ask, stepping closer.

“A gunshot to the left shoulder, sir,” he answers. “He’s on the move so we believe he’ll be fine.”

“Then that’s our cue,” I announce, “Everyone knows what to do. Shoot first and ask questions later, but whatever you do, make sure Gage and Alicia make it out safely. Roger, once they’re out, I want you and a couple others to tail them.”

Roger nods. “No problem, sir,” he says.

“Good, let’s ride,” I say.
This should be interesting
, I think, jumping into the SUV.

Death Would Be Better

I
wake to find that they have strapped me to the chair. The fight in me has left, this is my fate, and I surrender.

Looking towards my left, I see the little girl from before, laid strapped to the dirty bed. My heart contracts and I feel a new wave of tears slid down my face. It makes me think of my unborn child. No child should be subjected to this. Hell, no adult should for that matter.

Looking back to the ceiling, I close my eyes. Death would be better than the pain I’m feeling, both physically and emotionally. Yes, death would be welcomed, so very fucking welcomed.

“Look Alicia,” Facciolo commands with a sneer, “Look at what happens to damaged goods. Let us see how damaged you are my Amare.” He motions for the doctor to start, and I close my eyes and pray.

I feel the doctor move between my parted legs. I try one last time to fight him off, but they have strapped my legs open, preventing any movement.

“Tsk, tsk,” I hear Facciolo say, “So damaged yet so beautiful.”

“Sorry Mr. Facciolo,” the doctors says and I open my eyes, “She is with child. I can abort the fetus, but it will still take away from her price.”

At the mention of aborting the fetus I am enraged, what mother wouldn’t be? Mad with rage, I begin fighting my restraints. “Fuck you,” I scream, “Get the fuck away from me. Don’t touch my baby.”

“Naughty, naughty Alicia,” Facciolo says, “Such language from a pretty mouth.” He motions with his head to his goons and they stalk towards the child lying on the bed.

“Be still,” Facciolo yells, “Be still or I’ll have Boris put a bullet though that fucking head of yours.”

“Facciolo, leave her alone,” I scream. “Get the fuck off of me!” I’m fighting with everything I have, yet it still isn’t enough. They’re going to kill my baby and the child on the bed.

Just then, the door slams open and Gage is standing there. He storms in. “Facciolo,” he screams taking out the first goon he sees with one shot.

“Det. Hinder,” Facciolo sneers, “It is so nice to see you. Have you met Alicia yet?” he steps to the side and I see Gage, a look of sadness and pure animal rage on his face. Facciolo chuckles, “So sorry, you already have; my mistake.”

I see several men rushing Gage and he points his gun directly at Facciolo’s head. “Tell them to stand down or I’ll blow your fucking head off,” he commands.

“Gage,” I scream.

“I’m here baby,” he says, “Just be still and I’ll get you out of here.”

Facciolo laughs, but his laughter dries up quickly when men begin to storm into the room.

“FBI,” I hear, “Everybody on the ground now.”

“We’ve got your back, Gage,” I hear Jareth say as he starts firing. “Get Alicia,” he says, “While we hold them off.”

I’m struggling with my restraints when Gage reaches my side. He releases one strap and I place my hand on his arm shaking my head, he frowns.

“The child,” I whisper, “Save the girl on the bed.”

He looks towards the bed and back to me. He looks torn. “Alicia,” he starts and I shake my head again.

“Please Gage,” I plead, my lip quivering, “Save the girl first.”

He looks around once more. The sound of gun fire is thunderous, bodies flying every which direction.

I push at him. “Gage, please go,” I beg, “I’ll get my other restraints. Just go save the girl.” He squeezes my hand, nods, and rushes off.

Releasing my other restraints I hear Jareth, “Gage, what the fuck are you doing, get Alicia.” Before he finished speaking, I’m up and rushing to the other cells, ducking the gun fire.

“God damn it Alicia,” Jareth roars, “Get out, we have this.”

I ignore him, wrenching the first cell door open. “Go,” I scream, “Get yourselves out.” The women gather up the children and rush out. The men begin opening the other cells, snatching discarded guns, and helping the FBI.

Turning, I see a small boy curled up in the corner of one of the cells. His tear stricken face telling me that he is too frightened to move. As badly as my body is injured, I know that I cannot carry him out. Glancing around, I see Gage hand the girl off to another agent. He turns and our eyes connect, mine begging him to come help me. He nods and makes his way towards me.

Stopping in front of me he smirks. “You always trying to save the world?” he asks. I just look at him and his smirk disappears. “Who needs saving now?”

I turn, nodding my head inside the cell. “The little boy,” I answer, “I can’t carry him.”

I see rather than hear him sigh. “Ok,” he says, walking into the cell, “I’ll get him out, but no more. The men will take care of the rest. I’m here for you.”

I nod, biting my lower lip, and tasting blood, I release it. Reaching out, I stroke the boys head when Gage stops in front of me.

“Gage, you and Alicia stop playing with that boy,” Jareth calls out, screaming just to be heard over the noise, “And get the fuck out of here.”

Gage gives Jareth a brisk nod and hands the boy off to an agent that appeared out of nowhere. Turning back to me, he strokes my cheek very softly. “Can you walk?” he asks, “We need to get out of here quickly and get you to a hospital.”

I nod and he takes my hand in his. “Yes, please, “I say.

“Gage, keep your eyes open,” Jareth yells and we both look his direction, “We lost sight of Facciolo.”

Gage nods, pulling me tightly against him. “Let’s go baby,” he says as we duck and he leads me out of the building.

Ride Free

“
L
et me help you, babe,” I say, gently lifting Alicia on to my bike. Sitting in front of her, she wraps her arms around my waist tightly, as if she’s afraid to let go. I grip her hand, “I got you babe.” She answers by burying her face into my back. “Ready babe,” I ask.

I feel her nod. “Ride free, Gage,” she says into my ear and my heart swells.

I smile. “Anything for you baby,” I say as I start the bike.

Once I have Alicia settled at the hospital, I’m going to check in with Jareth. I’m hoping that everything Alicia went though was worth it.

We’re still on Canal Street when the first shot rings out.
Fuck
, I think swerving, barley missing a deep pot hole.

“Gage,” Alicia cries out. “They’re shooting at us.”

“I know baby,” I yell over my shoulder. “Keep your head down, ok?” She nods, tucking into me more.

I take a glance into my side mirror. All I can see is a black SUV and I know that if they catch up to us, we’re down. Our only hope is a busy highway. Making a sharp turn, I take us towards the Dan Ryan, hoping that the traffic will be so heavy we lose them. They can’t very well open fire with that many witnesses.

With seven lanes one-way and the traffic, we should be able to disappear. Whatever I do, I have to keep Alicia and the baby safe.

“Hang on;” I yell over my shoulder, “We’re getting on the highway.” I feel her nod as I make the turn leading on to the highway.

Chancing a glance in the side mirror again, I see they’re right on us.
These assholes aren’t giving up
, I think.
Damn it!
I should have known it wasn’t going to be easy.

Cranking the engine, I push the bike faster than I ever have. I have to think quick as I can’t get a message to Jareth and if they shoot a tire out, Alicia and I are done.

Just then, I feel her hands traveling my body and I have a fair idea what she’s doing. She pulls my cell out of my pocket and it disappears along with her hand.
Good girl
, I think smiling.

Text sent, and I feel her slipping the phone back into my pocket, swaying a bit. I reach back to steady her. She must be tired and in a lot of fucking pain. My hands grip the handle bars tighter, my knuckles going white.

A few shots are fired as the SUV gains speed. Cars all around us start hitting their breaks and swerving, almost causing me to lose control of the bike. Alicia’s hold tightens even more as I push the bikes engine even more.

70…

80…

90…

I’m not sure how much more it can take. I do know that at this speed, every move I make is crucial and can mean life or death.

Another shot rings out as a different SUV flies past us. They get about 100 yards ahead of us and spin around, coming back towards us. I can see the government plates and know this is my cue to slow down and get the hell out of the way.

Just as I start to slow down and switch lanes, a car out in front of us decides to slam their breaks right in the middle of the fucking road. Swerving to miss them, I came face to face with a roaring semi. “Hang on baby,” I yell to Alicia.
This is going to fucking hurt
, I think.