Game of Fear (Montgomery Justice #3)(12)
A tear trickled down her cheek. She stopped fighting.
“We know everything about you, Miss Lansing. Move against us, and we’ll retaliate against everyone you love. Starting with your adoring sister.”
Ashley went limp. Oh God. Deb.
He placed zip ties on Ashley’s ankles, then attached one loop to a hook in the floor. “That’s better. You know, I was once in your place, but I was smart and I survived. Be smart and you might make it through this alive, too. Be stupid and . . . well, let’s just say you won’t be the first person I would have to get rid of for my boss. It’s kind of my specialty. And I do love my work.”
The metal tailgate slammed, closing Ashley in the cargo space of the SUV. Her phone was in the car. She had no way to contact Deb. Would her classmate report the car missing if she didn’t show up? Would she be considered AWOL for not signing in before curfew? With luck, the police might start looking for her tonight.
Ashley scooted as far as she could, using her hands to feel her way around her. Nothing. Smooth steel. She pulled against the zip ties, but the hard plastic just bit into her wrists. She kicked the back door, hoping she could at least break the back taillight somehow.
The side door opened. The blond man looked behind. “Didn’t I hit you hard enough to make my point? It’s no use trying to escape. You belong to us now.”
The guy with reddish hair, cut close to his scalp, bent down. “You owe me for that crotch kick, and I will collect.”
He smiled at her, but his eyes were dead. He had no soul. None of them did.
Ashley sent up a prayer. Deb would look for her. Everyone would. They would find her. She had to believe that.
The third man approached on the passenger side and looked at the blond. “What do you want me to do?”
“We already went over this. After we’re gone, clean up the situation,” the leader replied. “Reset the videotape, then take her car to the bus terminal closest to the Academy and leave the note inside. The night clerk here will wake up on his own and think he fell asleep. Be sure to grab the spiked drink bottle so there’ll be no evidence.”
The blond slid behind the steering wheel. “Don’t make any mistakes. You know what happens to employees who screw up.” He paused. “I’d hate to lose you like we did Rogers.”
The guy gulped, then nodded. “Sure, Niko. No mistakes.”
The man’s eyes flared, his tone harsh. “That was a mistake right there. Never say my name away from camp.”
The guy panicked.
“Don’t worry. This kid won’t be telling anyone, but that’s your last warning.”
Niko turned the key in the ignition and the SUV rumbled to life. After shifting gears, he pulled the black Escalade out of the gas station. Ashley peered out the rear-tinted window and watched one of the station’s dimmer lights flicker back on. The place still looked closed. No one would stop.
Her eyes burned as even that light was swallowed up by the darkness.
“Where are you taking me?” She wished her voice didn’t sound so scared. Deb never showed fear. Ashley wouldn’t, either. “What camp? A militia camp?”
“Try to think of it as computer camp for prodigies,” Niko said, laughing at her question. “You’ve been a very bad girl, Miss Lansing. Your little foray into the NSA’s computer has cost us. So, when we arrive, the Warden will want your assistance. I suggest you agree to do everything he says. For your sake, and the sake of your family.”
He glanced over his shoulder, staring intently at her. “Otherwise, Ashley Lansing, you get to play with me. And I guarantee you won’t like my kind of games.”
* * *
CHAPTER THREE
* * *
SAMMY’S BAR SHOWED its true colors as closing time drew near. Raucous laughter sounded from a corner, but it barely registered. He couldn’t get Deb out of his mind, hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her all evening long.
“It’s showing on your face,” Hawk said with a grin. “Did you at least get her phone number?”
Damn it. She’d scrambled his brains so much he didn’t have any way to contact her. Was she listed? He’d find out once he got home. If not, he had a brother who could dig out practically any information on anyone. Family came in handy sometimes.
“Man, she must have rung your bell in your office.” Hawk chuckled. “You looked shell-shocked coming out of there. I knew I should have gone after her myself.”
Gabe grabbed Hawk’s collar. “One more word, and you’re fired. Not joking, Hawk.”
The bartender’s eyes narrowed to disturbing slits, then he blinked and the murderous gaze dissipated. “Interesting. You’re serious about her. Guess I proved my point then.”
Gabe released Hawk. “Was there a reason my brother didn’t kill you when you two were overseas?”
“Sorry, I seem to be indestructible, unfortunately. Besides, you need me for your side job. Who else is going to watch your back?” Hawk stacked some clean glasses behind the bar. “Deb will probably be back. Maybe. If you didn’t scare her off.” He turned to the next customer.
Probably best if Gabe had, though he couldn’t imagine anything intimidating Deb. Still, she’d never let her guard down with him that way before. He hadn’t been ready for the intensity simmering between them, and now he regretted losing control. Trouble was, he was in no position to start a relationship. Even if his investigation hadn’t gone anywhere yet, the whole thing could explode at any moment. If his brother Luke’s investigation held any truth—and Gabe had no doubt it did—more than a few people had died trying to bring Jeff Gasmerati down, plus whoever in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had hitched a ride on the wrong side of the law.