Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2) (26 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

Emily smiled as she looked in the box that Lauren had given her earlier this morning.  A set of nipple clamps and a clit clamp adorned in blue sapphires and white diamonds to go with her wedding dress lay on an inlay of lace.  She would wear it underneath her dress and reveal it to Jax on their wedding night.  Putting the lid back on, she hid it in the closet.

Lauren had asked if she wanted to grab a bite to eat but Emily had declined, wanting to surprise Jax at the office.  There were some minor details of their ceremony that she wanted to go over with him before she confirmed with the Justice of the Peace.  The wedding would be small and intimate, with only the team and her Aunt Beatrice.  Her aunt was being flown in discreetly by Crest next month.  By then, Emily was hoping for a bit of reprieve from the morning sickness.  The medicine that the doctor had given her had made it manageable, but she still couldn’t wait for a day to come where the nausea didn’t.  At least Jax was handling it better. 

Putting on her running shoes, Emily then proceeded down the stairs and snatched up her purse and keys.  She’d walk across the street to where Chuck was situated for the afternoon.  He seemed to like the day shift, while some guy by the name of David took the midnight shift.  She figured they’d
be with them for quite a while since Ryland had yet to show his face.  Maybe she’d order a sandwich to go and give it to Chuck after her lunch with Jax.

Walking out, she closed the door behind her.  She slipped the key in
to the hole and turned until the deadbolt clicked into place. Emily walked off the porch and took a deep breath of the warm air.  It was a nice change of pace from how cold spring had started out.  The temperature had to at least be in the high sixties and she knew from the radio this morning that it actually might hit seventy degrees today.  The jeans and lightweight pink shirt she wore was perfect for such a sunny day. 

“See J.J.?” Emily asked, placing her hand on her stomach.  “
By this time next year, I can take you for walks and we can enjoy the sun together.”

She and Jax had agreed to hold off her getting a job until J.J. had arrived and they’d gotten into the swing of things.  Emily was very content to do that, as it gave her time to adjust to having a normal life.  She’d even suggested
that maybe she should wait until J.J. was in school, so if she did pursue her desire of teaching, it would give her the summers off.  Jax had looked at her with a serious expression and had asked what she’d do when their second child came along.  If Emily remembered correctly, she’d ended up over the toilet before she could answer.   

Emily looked both ways as she started to walk across the street.  The vehicle was black with dark tinted windows, preventing anyone from seeing inside.  It was a good choice, as they didn’t want the neighbors to become uneasy with someone sitting outside their house day in and day out. 
He was facing towards the right, so she crossed behind the vehicle and walked up to the window.  When Chuck didn’t immediately roll it down like usual, she rapped her knuckles on the glasses.

“C’mon, Chuck.  I’m hungry.”

When nothing happened, a shiver of unease went through her.  Emily carefully looked around the area.  The street was quiet and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.  Why, then, did a chill sweep over the back of her neck where the sun had been moments before?

Shoving her right hand into her purse, Emily closed her fingers around her weapon, resting her finger along the barrel.  She mentally tried to rationalize that if Ryland was out there, he’d have taken the shot already and she would most likely be dead.  Somehow, that didn’t cause her to feel any better about what she was about to find.  Using her left hand, she slowly reached for the handle, all along praying that Chuck had just fallen asleep.  It happened, right?  Men who were on the details
like this had to get fatigued.  She also knew that Crest and Jax would never have hired someone like that, which totally negated any prayers she might have been sending upward.

Emily pulled
on the handle, finding that it was unlocked and easily popped open.  Edging the door wider, she blinked a few times to make certain that what she was seeing was real.  Fuck.  Her vision tunneled and her stomach revolted when the coppery odor wafted out from the vehicle.  Her fingers slipped from the handle and she struggled to breathe, the oxygen not making its way into her lungs.

Chuck’s head was tilted at an odd angle and the bullet hole located at his temple was smaller than what the average person would have anticipated.  The trails of blood had stopped, but even she could recognize the glistening liquid as still being somewhat fresh.  Despite her trembling hands, Emily kept enough composure to lean forward and place a finger to his carotid artery. 
Fuck.  Tears sprang up in her eyes, causing the vision of his dead body to swim.  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Emily’s survival instinct kicked in and although she knew it had to be done, pulling his body out of the car seemed to
o sacrilegious.  Unfortunately, there was no way she had the strength to push his dead weight across to the passenger seat and time was of the essence.  Releasing her weapon, she pulled on Chuck’s arm until his own weight had him falling out of the vehicle.  Not wasting time, she climbed over his body and inside the driver’s seat, slamming the door.  Thank God the keys were in the ignition, for she turned the engine over and instantly slammed the gear in drive and gunned the accelerator.

It took a moment for the car to catch up with the how fast her heart was beating, but eventually, Emily managed to get the speed up and drove like hell into downtown.  Looking in the rearview mirror, she didn’t notice anyone following her.
  Then again, it would be hard to distinguish with all the traffic.  Frantically, she reached into her purse and rummaged around until she located her cell.  Pulling it out, she brought it to the steering wheel, trying to drive while hitting the right button.  A sob rose up when she saw that blood was on the fingers of her left hand.

“J.J., mama needs some help,” Emily whispered, trying to stop her body from shaking.  “You need to help me stay calm and remember my training.  Think you can do that for me?”

Rationally, she knew that the baby couldn’t help her in any way, but hearing the words out loud somehow helped.  It wasn’t just her life at stake anymore.  Taking a few deep breaths, Emily was able to speed dial Jax.  Bringing the phone up to her ear, she also managed to swerve out of the way of a car turning left a little too abruptly.

“Hey, little spy.  I was just thinking about you.”

“Jax, he’s here,” Emily choked out as another sob escaped.  Hearing his voice seemed to open the floodgates.  “He’s here.”

* * * *

Ryland released the curtain that he’d parted with the barrel of his weapon and let it fall back into place.  He shook his head and gave a small smile at the fact that little Miss Emily had enough balls to leave a dead man lying on a sidewalk in the middle of a family dominated neighborhood.  It seemed as if the NSA had certainly underestimated their NOC agent who they let so easily slip through their fingers.  Their loss, but it wasn’t like she would be around for very long anyway.

He slowly looked around the living room, noticing the little touches that she had obviously
mixed with that of her future husband.  Ryland hadn’t missed the bridal magazines and brochures lying on the coffee table.  He would have saved Jax Christensen the headache of going through with the wedding, had Emily only reacted like that of every other woman when presented with a dead body.  He’d expected her to run back inside and lock herself in until Jax came to the rescue. 

“What to do?” Ryland asked aloud, continuing to walk around the quaint Victorian house.  It wasn’t his style, but to each their own.  “What to do?”

He’d deliberately bided his time, wanting to play with Emily and the members of CSA a while longer.  Ryland had taken a quick and easy assignment over in Bali of all places, but the weather had been spectacular.  He’d even taken time for some pleasure, knowing that business would roll around soon enough.  He’d come back to the States upon hearing that Yvette Capre had been missing for some time.  He did find irony in his situation, so much like Jax Christensen’s. 

Unfortunately
his stop into Minneapolis did not go as planned, but he wouldn’t let that deter him.  Shrugging, he holstered his weapon.  Maybe it best to wait until they’d settled into a new routine.  A year wouldn’t hurt and it would certainly get Crest to lay off of his contacts within the government.  He was making some people uneasy and it wouldn’t surprise Ryland if Crest’s name didn’t come across as one of his targets.  How fun would that be if his execution came through Ryland’s vocation?  He thought maybe it would be more exciting should it remain personal.

No, it was better if he left and continued on to New York.  Yvette
had to still be there, for her target was still alive.  He was well aware she’d been given the contract on a high-ranking official.  The man was still alive, as Ryland had just seen him give an interview on national television.  There were rumblings that she was losing her edge.  That was just something Ryland couldn’t see, but he couldn’t resist finding out what game she was playing.

“
We’ll meet again, Miss Emily.”

Ryland walked through the kitchen, already anticipating the year ahead.  He could always return around the holidays to deliver his present.  Crest would have to see the humor in that, just as he had to be fully aware that Ryland always finished a job.  Emily was his contract and
he would follow through, despite that it no longer mattered.  Batkin was dead, the message that he wanted delivered to future dealers conveyed, and Alekseev had been sent back to his country.  It was more an ego thing, which Ryland would fully admit.  He appreciated a clean resume.

As he reached for the doorknob, his cell phone vibrated.  Pausing long enough to see if he had a new assignment coming in, Ryland stopped short and stared at the image in front of him.  The photo of Yvette Capre took up the screen.  It was obvious she was lying in a morgue and from the ligature marks around her neck, how she’d died.  He made himself continue to stare at it, gathering as much information as he could before sliding the screen to the accompanied message.  It was from a contact that he’d had in place should anything happen to Yvette.  Ryland would see that he was paid his due.

Ryland felt a slight twinge in his heart for a colleague that had garnered his respect. It was unfortunate that this had come to an end though.  He felt as if the one time in his life that he’d been outsmarted couldn’t be undone.  He would never find retribution.  It did pique his curiosity though as to who would want her killed.  Not enough to continue on to New York, but enough that he’d make use of old favors.  Neonni could be paid easily for that information.  It was his honor to make certain that the one person who had taken his retaliation from his fingers be dealt his or her own payback.

Letting himself out of the house through the back door, Ryland crossed through the yard and waved to the little girl swinging on her set.  Her sweet smile reminded him of Yvette, which he found odd.  He wasn’t prone to such endearments.  Ignoring such platitudes, he continued on his way.  He had things to do and places to be.  Emily and CSA would be here when the time was right.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Jax had never felt such rage, contempt, and helplessness overtake his senses like he had upon hearing the strangled words crossing Emily’s lips.  He had no idea how he’d gotten to the attached garage in their building, but he’d stood waiting for her to pull up.  He’d made her continue talking so that he knew exactly where she was and that she was okay.  It wasn’t until he saw the car pull in next to Connor’s Jeep that he actually been able to breath. 

“Are you sure that someone went to get —”

“Yes,” Jax answered, still holding onto her a little more tightly than necessary, but he didn’t give a shit.  When he’d yanked the door open, he all but pulled her out and plastered her against his body.  All he could think to himself was that she was safe.  Alive.  Now, the entire team was congregated in the large area outside of the cubicles with the exception of Jessie and Connor.  The round table easily accommodated them.  “Lach alerted the police and they’re on the scene.”

“Thank you,” Emily murmured, glancing over at Lach who nodded his
acknowledgement.  Lach didn’t speak much, only when needed.  She’d overheard Jax say he’d flown back into the country the day before last.  “I know this is asking a lot, but do you think you could drive over there and make sure they’re treating him okay?”

Everyone at the table knew that she was referring to Chuck
’s body and it didn’t surprise Jax in the least when Lach stood and told her not to worry, that he would see to it that Chuck was taken care of.  Crest had already been standing and talking into the phone when he stopped Lach with a hand to his arm.  Jax knew that Crest was asking that he case the scene and report back, with the added warning to watch his back.

“Jax, what are we going to do?  He’s a ghost.  He comes and goes.  No one knows where he’s been and no one knows where he’s going.  We can’t live like this.”

“We’re doing everything we can, Emily,” Crest said, rejoining them at the table.  “Connor is bringing Lauren in right this moment.  It’s paramount that the team is safe first.  We just needed to make sure everyone was accounted for.”

“What about Jessie?” Ethan asked, sitting on the opposite side of the table.  “She said something about dropping some files off at the courthouse.”

“I was able to get in touch with her and told her to head back to the courthouse and stay there.  She’s safer inside that building than she is walking the streets to return here.”  Crest leaned down and placed his palms on the table.  He’d rolled up his sleeves in his usual habit when things became tense.  “Kevin, once we brainstorm and think of the possible areas Ryland might be holed up in, I want you to retrieve Jessie and bring her back here.”

“In the meantime?” Jax asked, trying unsuccessfully to relax his grasp of Emily’s chair.  She was sitting back, whereas he was leaning forward on his, with his knees touching hers.  He held both her hands in his left one and was resting his right
forearm on the arm of her chair.  “We all knew he’d show up again.  That it was only a matter of time.  We should have prepared better for this.  Now we’re fucking sitting ducks.”

“We did prepare for it, which is possibly what saved Emily.”  Crest stood and cross his arms.  “I’m not claiming to know what Ryland is thinking, but he took the time to take out Emily’s detail before continuing on with his intended target.”

“What if he didn’t intend to actually kill Emily?” Kevin asked, putting in his two cents.  “What if Ryland is just toying with her?  Psychopaths enjoy shit like that.”

“Ryland might be a psychopath, but he’s got his own set of rules that he never breaks.”  Crest ran his fingers down the side of his face, the toll that they were all feeling evident.  “If he returned, it was to kill her.”

“What’d we miss?” Connor asked, entering the room with Lauren in tow.  She immediately released his hand and walked around the table to where Emily was sitting.  Jax refused to go of Emily while Lauren leaned down to hug her friend.  “And where’s Jessie?”

“At the courthouse.  Kevin’s going to retrieve her later in the day.”  Crest motioned for Connor and Lauren to take seats.  “Taryn’s bringing out layouts of the city.  She’s in her office now printing them off.  I’ve called Schultz and he’ll be here within the next three hours.  Depending on what he can access, along with Taryn, we’ll run scans to see if he shows up
in any place public.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Jax asked, the urge to do something right now becoming overwhelming.  “We all know the fucker can disappear into thin air.”

A shriek came from inside Taryn’s office and they all turned to see her running out, papers in hand.  Her expression said it all and for the first time since Emily had arrived, he was able to let go of her hand and stand.  Squid had managed to locate Ryland and Jax wanted the information instantly so that he could end this once and for all.

“He’s
at the train station, Midway in St. Paul,” Taryn said breathlessly.  “My facial recognition program got a hit when he bought the ticket a few minutes ago.  He must think he’s in the clear as he didn’t even bother to disguise himself.  He’s leaving on the four o’clock train to Ontario.”

“He’s crossing the border,” Crest said
, his voice booming.  He circled a hand in the air.  “Round up.  It seems as if Schultz will miss this bust, but we’re sure as hell not.  Once everyone’s loaded up, meet back at the table.  I’ll have the scenario in place with a couple of back-up plans.  Taryn, that means you too.  We need everyone we can get.”

Jax had initially thought that Taryn would
be left behind, but drew a deep breath and knew that Emily could cover herself and Lauren.  Especially if Taryn was able to take a remote laptop and assure everyone that Ryland was still inside the Midway Station in St. Paul. He felt Emily’s cold hand slip into his and looked down.

“You need to end this for us,” Emily said.  He pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her scent.  Her arms wound around his waist and she clung to him.  “I
f I wasn’t pregnant, I would be right by your side, but I know where our priorities are.  What I will do is make sure Lauren and I remain inside the office.  We won’t go anywhere.  I promise.”

“
I’ll keep in contact.” 

Jax claimed one more kiss from Emily before following his other team members into Crest’s office.  There was a discreet closet complete with inserts and drawers where additional weapons and ammo were kept for emergencies such as these.  The team was anything if not efficient, prepared, and properly armed.

It was Ethan who chose a Remington 700 variant with a Nikon scope.  He would be stationed outside of the station up on the opposing building, should Crest and the team not be able to take him into custody.  Jax and the others already had their weapons holstered, but he did add a few additional clips.  It was better to be prepared, especially since there would be civilians in the surrounding area and Ryland had already made it known that he didn’t have an issue taking their lives.  That included his own.  Jax had a feeling that Ryland wasn’t the type to be taken and would either have an escape plan already laid out or he’d take himself out before spending the rest of his life in prison.

“I meant what I said out there,” Crest said, walking up beside him as he chambered a round and holstered his weapon.  “We need everyone on this team if we’re to bring him in.  But if his actions have clouded your judgment and there’s a shred of doubt that
you can’t do your job, tell me now.”

Crest was asking if Jax had plans to kill Ryland on sight
.  If it came down to a life for a life, Jax wouldn’t hesitate to kill. Jax had at times been ruthless in his duty for his country, but he’d never crossed that moral boundary and murdered for the sake of murder. He didn’t intend to start today.

“
I’m good.”  Jax secured the extra clips in a magazine pouch attached to his belt and then met Crest’s gaze head-on.  Finally being able to have a chance to end this had calmed his heartbeat and a peace had enveloped him, such was the case when he’d been in combat. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel fear — he did.  This was Emily, their baby, and their future he was fighting for.  He just knew how to use his fear in order to get the job done.  “No worries.  I’m not saying I don’t want to see the man dead at my feet for what he’s put Emily through.  But if there’s a chance that he can suffer in solitary for the rest of his life, that’s where I’ll put him.”

Crest studied him for another three seconds before nodding his head in acceptance.  As everyone started to head back to the
designated meeting spot, Jax spotted Taryn slipping on her red blazer that would cover the holster form-fitted to her body.  He also spotted a small knife that was attached to the waistband of the jeans she wore.  It was rare that he got to see her in action, although she’d gone on government contracts for Crest in the past.  It just seemed as of late that Taryn had become their resident tech guru.

“Squid, you ready?”

Taryn looked his way and her brown eyes met his, giving him a glimpse as to why Crest had hired her.  The set of her jaw, the straightening of her shoulders, and the way her eyes shined with readiness to do battle was a sight to see.  Their office geek had transformed before his eyes.  If it weren’t for the pull at the edge of her mouth, he would have bought the entire package.  Something was off.

“I’m ready.”  Taryn gave a small smile, erasing the tell he’d caught sight of. 

She was out the door before Jax could question it.  He had no doubt that Taryn would do her job, but again, her fascination of this gun for hire seemed to have taken over her waking hours.  Was it something more than wanting justice?  Did it matter if in the end the team acquired their target? 

“Jax?”

His eyes went straight to Emily.  He saw the protective way she covered their baby with her hand and that same surge washed over him.  Jax pulled her close as Crest took the pictures of Midway Station that Taryn had just handed him and laid them out on the table.  He didn’t let her go until every detail was covered and even then, not until they were at the door. 

Today was the day when the sins of others were eradicated from their lives.