Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

The next afternoon…

Beckett checked his watch for the third time in as many minutes. He was early, and Evie had promised she’d be here. So why the hell was he obsessed with watching the time?

Could it be you’re afraid she won’t show?

The thought may have crossed his mind a time or two. Or twenty. But Evie didn’t strike him as the type of woman to stand someone up.

There’s a first time for everything.

Wanting to kick his inner thought’s imaginary ass, Beckett took a drink of his water just to give himself something to do. Damn, he needed to relax. It was just lunch, for Christ’s sake.

Even so, he hadn’t been this nervous in forever. And it wasn’t even a date. Just two people taking time out of their day to reconnect, share a meal, and hopefully get to know each other a little bit better.

Pretty sure that constitutes a first date, dumbass.

No, it constituted him getting the chance to see Evie with his own eyes and verifying himself, she really was doing okay. And yeah. Maybe a part of him was curious to see if the undeniable connection he’d been obsessing over since Afghanistan actually existed or whether it was a figment of his hormone-driven imagination.

The minutes ticked by, and the longer he sat and waited, the more convinced he became that this was all a huge mistake. He never should’ve listened to Digger. What had he been thinking, taking romantic advice from a guy like that?

Falcon, sure. Apollo, no problem. But those two had already found the loves of their lives. But Dig? That man wouldn’t know love if it kicked him square in the?—

A flash of red caught his attention from one corner of his eye. Turning his focus to the source, Beckett was instantly thrown into a parallel universe. One where everyone and everything suddenly ceased to exist. Everyone except…

Evie.

Dressed in a long, flowy, belted red dress and matching fedora, the woman literally took his breath away. And the closer she got to where he was sitting, the clearer Beckett’s answer to his earlier question became.

Oh, yeah. Definitely still there.

He shot to his feet, nearly toppling over his chair in the process. After repositioning it to ensure it wouldn’t fall, he stepped around the table’s edge to greet her.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” He flashed her a grin and raised his arms out to his sides, offering her a friendly hug.

Evie approached him with the same dimple-dipping smile he’d longed to see. “Hi, Beckett.” She went willingly into his arms. “It’s great to see you again.”

Beckett closed his eyes and savored the moment, subtly inhaling her intoxicating scent. She smelled of warm vanilla with a hint of strawberries, making him wonder if she tasted just as sweet. And it was in that moment when Beckett knew…

I’m in deep, deep trouble.

“You, too, darlin’. You look…amazing.” He gave another small squeeze before begrudgingly letting her go.

“Thank you.” A light hue of pink filled her porcelain cheeks as Evie tucked a few curls behind her ear. “So do you.”

She moved toward the empty seat across from his, but Beckett beat her to the punch. Pulling it out for her—as any true gentleman would—he waited for her to sit before gently aiding in her efforts to scoot closer to the table.

“Thank you,” she offered again, taking her hat off her head and setting it in the empty chair to her left.

As he walked back to his seat, Beckett noticed Evie lightly running a hand through her brunette strands. His fingers itched with the urge to reach out and do the same. Instead, he sat across from her, adjusting his chair before resting his forearms on the table’s edge.

“This is so surreal.” Evie stared back at him with an almost awe-like expression. “I can’t believe you live here.”

“I still can’t believe you’re here. I mean…what are the odds, right?”

About a billion to one, if I had to take a guess.

“I know.” Her thick curls feathered across her shoulders with a gentle shake of her head.

With the rest of the restaurant almost completely tuned out, Beckett began the conversation he’d rehearsed endlessly in his mind ever since she agreed to meet him for lunch.

“You said you’re here for a couple more weeks?”

“Yep.” Those dimples caved in a smidge more. “My friend Lo…short for Lauren…is spending some time with her sister in Michigan. Since my place is still being subleased for another few weeks, I offered to house-sit for Lo while she’s gone. And thanks to online banking and shopping, I was able to replace my phone, and debit and credit cards, fairly quickly. I also ordered a few things I was forced to abandon overseas. Clothes, toiletries…that sort of thing.”

“So you’re doing okay, then? There’s nothing you need while you’re in town?”

Name it, and it’s yours.

“Nope.” She shook her head. “I’m good. Well…better, anyway.”

Beckett’s lips parted with the intention of asking why she hadn’t chosen to stay with her father. But their server picked that exact same time to approach the table, so he clamped his mouth shut and decided to wait.

“Hi, I’m Adam.” The twenty-something man smiled down at Evie. “Can I bring you something to drink?”

“Water’s fine, thank you.” She grinned. But almost as quickly, she said, “Actually…can you please change that to a Diet Pepsi, instead?” To Beckett, she added a quieter, “I’m feeling like having some bubbles.”

Damn, if she isn’t the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Sure thing. Are you two ready to order, as well, or do you need more time to look over the menu?”

“Oh, um…” Evie glanced across the table at him and back to Adam. “If you could give us a couple more minutes, that would be great.”

“No problem. I’ll be right back with that Diet Pepsi.”

“Thank you.”

The young man gave them a nod before turning and walking away.

“I guess I should figure out what I’m going to eat.” Evie picked up the laminated menu that had been placed nearest her. “I’ve never eaten here, so I have no idea what’s good.”

“Everything.”

She glanced up at him and blinked. “Everything?”

“There’s a reason I suggested this place. The guys and I come here all the time. I’ve literally had just about everything they offer, and I’ve never been steered wrong.”

“Hmm…” She took a moment to peruse the items listed. “The lasagna sounds good, but I’m thinking that might be a bit too heavy for lunch. I think I’ll go with the grilled chicken panini and a small Tuscan salad.”

“I’ve had the panini.” Beckett nodded in approval. “Good choice.”

“What are you getting?”

“My go-to is their meatball sub and parmesan-parsley fries. But make sure you save room for dessert,” he suggested. “You gotta try the chocolate cake.”

Evie set her menu to the side and grinned. “Chocolate cake is my favorite.”

A girl after my own heart.

“So.” Beckett attempted to resume their earlier conversation. “You said you flew straight here after?—”

“Here ya go.” Adam returned with Evie’s drink. He set the glass of bubbling Diet Pepsi on a round, thin coaster. “Did you have enough time to look at your options, or…”

“I think we’re ready,” Beckett informed him.

Ready for you to skedaddle so I can finish a fucking thought .

“Great.” The young man pulled a small order pad and pen from the small, pocketed apron tied around his waist. After taking their orders, he promised it wouldn’t be long for the food to arrive before turning and leaving again.

Evie took a sip from her straw before carefully setting the glass back onto the provided coaster. “Sorry. You were saying?”

You’re perfect in every way, and I want to marry you and have babies with you and ? —

Beckett put a fist to his mouth before coughing the ridiculous thoughts away. “Excuse me.” He coughed again for good measure. “What was I saying? Oh, yeah. I know you said someone else is staying at your place, but what about your dad?”

Evie’s expression remained frozen in place, her voice a bit too casual when she asked, “What about him?”

There it is again.

He’d damn near convinced himself he’d imagined her strange reaction when he’d brought up her father the night of the rescue. Now he had no doubt.

She’d gone from acting perfectly normal to wearing that same almost forced expression of casual coolness. And both times he’d noticed the change was when Beckett mentioned her dad.

Something was definitely up there, and he felt compelled to uncover the truth.

“Have you even seen your dad since you got back?”

Evie’s fake-as-hell smile began to falter. “I told you. He was…out of the country.”

“On business.”

She gave a jerky nod but said nothing.

Oh, sweetheart. Don’t you know you can’t bullshit a bullshitter?

Beckett leaned forward, resting his upper body on his forearms once again. Fixing his empathetic gaze with hers, he prayed she could see his only intention was to do what he could to help.

“Look, I…I know it’s none of my business, and you are certainly within your rights to tell me to kick rocks, but…”

“But?” Evie prompted, taking advantage of his momentary hesitation.

“You and your dad. Are there problems there?”

Her flawless skin seemed to pale before his very eyes. She glanced away, just for a moment, and when her gorgeous hazel gaze returned to his, he could’ve sworn they showed evidence of a touch of unshed tears.

“My father is a very busy man. I mean, he runs a multi-billion-dollar corporation, so there’s always some sort of important meeting or?—”

“Not askin’ about his job, darlin’. I was askin’ about how things were between the two of you.”

Evie’s full, ruby lips parted as if she were about to speak. But then she closed her mouth and looked down at her hands, which had become balled together on the table before her.

Way to go, dipshit. Now look what you’ve done.

“I’m sorry,” Beckett apologized. “Your relationship with your father is none of my business, and I never should have?—”

“I’m the one who owes you an apology,” Evie whispered, focusing on her fidgeting hands.

“You?” He frowned. “What the hell do you have to apologize for?”

“I um…” She brought her saddened eyes back up to his. “I lied.”

She’d what?

“Lied to who, sweetheart? Me?”

“You. Your team.” A quick lick of her lips. “Homeland Security.”

Okay, now that definitely got his attention.

“What did you lie about?” When she remained silent, he reached across the small table and covered her hands with one of his. “It’s okay, Evie. Whatever it is, you can tell me.” Then, because he needed to be absolutely sure she knew it, Beckett added a soft, “You can trust me.”

So many thoughts raced through his mind as he sat there, waiting for her to reveal whatever had her feeling so obviously ashamed. Endless scenarios involving the men who’d taken her captive began to play like a bunch of sick, twisted movie clips in his mind.

Them beating on her.

Interrogating her.

Doing things to her no man ever had the right to do.

Ah, hell.

Was that it? Had she been sexually assaulted and was too afraid or ashamed to let anyone know?

You were talking about her dad, nimrod. Not the men who took her. Whatever this is, it has to do with him.

“My dad isn’t out of the country on business.” She finally came clean. “At least, I don’t think he is.”

“Okay…” Beckett studied her closely. “Why did you feel you had to say that he was?”

“Because it’s easier than admitting the truth.”

“Which is?”

“Those men who took me and my students…” Evie kept her voice soft and low, presumably so only he could hear. “They did put out a ransom demand.”

Beckett’s muscles tensed with the unexpected revelation, but he did his best not to react in a way that was noticeable. “How can you be so sure?”

“The second day I was there, they took me to another room, away from the girls. There was a small desk, and the only things on top were a small piece of paper and a pen. They forced me to sit and write down my father’s personal cell phone number.”

The fuck?

“Did they call it?”

Her head bobbed with another jerky nod. “After I was taken back to the room.”

Beckett took a beat to pause, knowing he’d need to tread very lightly. She was finally starting to open up to him. To reveal potentially serious and vital intel about a Tac-Ops mission. The last thing he wanted to do was shut her down by saying the wrong thing.

“Did you hear the phone call?”

“Not that one.” She shook her head, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

“That one?” He frowned. “But you did hear a conversation between the men who took you and your father?”

“I’m not explaining this very well.” Evie blew out a breath and sat back in her chair. When she did, her hands slipped free from where they’d been held beneath his. “About an hour before your team showed up, I was taken away from the girls and into a different room. Not the one with the desk. This one was further down the tunnels. Anyway, the man shoved me inside, then he hit me.” Her hand absentmindedly went to her unblemished jaw.

Flames of anger ignited within him, sending both of Beckett’s fists into tight, white-knuckled balls. “Then what?” He purposely kept his tone rock steady.

“He started yelling at me, claiming the number I’d given them was wrong.”

“Was it?”

It wouldn’t have been the worst move if she were trying to buy herself some time.

“It was my father’s number,” she insisted. “That man…he started to hit me again, but I finally convinced him to let me make the call. I thought…” Her voice cracked. “I thought maybe if my dad heard my voice, then he’d know the situation was real. That it wasn’t some sort of scam, and the girls and I really were in danger.”

“That was smart.” Damn smart.

But from the look on Evie’s face, her idea must not have gone as planned.

“The man handed me his satellite phone, and I dialed the number. At first, I didn’t think my father was going to pick up. But then…he did.”

Once again, Beckett had to call upon his training not to react to the what-the-fuck bomb she’d just dropped. He knew for a fact someone from Homeland had been in contact with her father post-rescue. Hell, he’d read the classified—and appropriately redacted—report himself.

Including the sworn statement from the agent who’d spoken directly to Phillip Mitchell…

Hostage A’s father denied any knowledge of the abduction and/or subsequent rescue carried out by the unnamed tactical team.

Hostage A. That was the anonymous title assigned to Evie for the purpose of the official reports.

Beckett had read dozens just like it, but never before had the label ever angered him as it had with that one. The hostages discussed in those reports were human beings with lives and fears, and people who loved them. However, the powers that be reduced them down to little more than letters in the alphabet.

Evie’s so much more than that.

“What did your father say when you told him about the ransom?”

Evie blinked, and this time, there was no mistaking the tears rushing to fill her eyes. “He said he didn’t have a daughter and demanded we stop calling.”

Beckett couldn’t have been more shocked—or more enraged—than he was at that very moment.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he seethed loudly. Several nearby customers immediately stopped their conversations and turned their way. Realizing he’d pretty much just blurted that shit out for all to hear, he leaned forward and reverted back to his calmer, more in-control self. “Sorry. You were saying?”

“That’s it.” A tiny shrug. “I told my dad what had happened and that those men were going to kill me and the girls if he didn’t send the money, and he basically denied my existence altogether.”

Mental note: Find Phillip Mitchell and beat his fucking ass.

“And after that?”

The devastation in her big, round eyes as they met his tore at his heart when she stared back at him. Evie released a humorless chuckle and sighed.

“After that, my father hung up.”

So many curse words flew through Beckett’s mind at once. The rage he felt toward Evie’s piece of shit dad was unprecedented to the point of becoming downright murderous.

Alternate plan: Find Phillip Mitchell’s selfish, money-lovin’ ass and fucking kill him.

A memory shot to the forefront of his thoughts. One from when he, Digger, and Apollo had been escorting Evie away from the cave to their exfil spot.

“That’s why you asked if your rescue had been government-sanctioned or private pay,” he surmised.

She nodded, swiping angrily at a tear that had escaped. “When you said your team took on government and civilian contracts, I thought maybe that was why my father refused to pay. I thought…no, I’d hoped you were going to tell me my father had hired your team to find me, and that’s why he’d said the things he had on the phone. Because he already knew I was being rescued, and he didn’t want to play into the kidnappers’ hands.” Sadness filled her gorgeous stare. “Obviously, that wasn’t the case.”

“I’m so sorry.” Beckett’s heart broke for what that must’ve been like for her. “I see now why you didn’t run straight to him when you got back to the States.”

“Didn’t see any point in going to him.” She shrugged. “And the suckiest part is I can’t even talk about it. Not the kidnapping. The rescue.” Her mesmerizing eyes lifted back up to his. “You. I mean, Lo’s really the only friend I have, but still. It’s hard, you know?”

“I do.” He nodded . “I’m guessing Homeland saddled you with an NDA?”

“They said it would protect me, as well as you and your team.”

More like covering the government’s bureaucratic asses, but whatever.

“Some government ops are like that,” he shared. “A lot of them, actually.”

“On the flip side, while it sucks not being able to talk about it with Lo, it’s also been nice not having to worry about getting bombarded by the press. I’ve seen those kinds of stories and always felt so bad for those involved. Going through something like I did was bad enough. Having to rehash it for reporters every time you step out the door…” Evie’s spine straightened a tad with a more confident shake of her head. “I’ll pass.”

The table grew quiet for a stretch before Beckett decided to risk asking another prying question.

“Your dad,” he began. “Do you know why he would refuse to pay for your freedom?”

“Money.” Her bitter response was instant. But then, “I should back up. My dad and I have never really been close. Actually, we’re absolutely nothing alike. My mom, on the other hand…” Sadness filtered into her multi-hued gaze. “She did her best to be a good mother. But she died when I was young, and I’m an only child, so…” Evie sighed. “The fact of the matter is, I’ve never been what you’d call a Daddy’s girl.”

“Because of his job?”

“Partially. With my father, work always comes first. No, that’s wrong,” she quickly amended. “Money. That’s what always comes first. Which is why he refused to pay the ten million for our release. But even with money aside, our personalities and interests have just never really aligned.”

“Ten million?” Beckett considered this. “I gotta be honest, Evie. I’ve seen your father’s financials. To a guy like him, ten mill is?—”

“Less than the amount he spent on his last charity event,” she finished for him. “Yeah. I know.”

“Jesus.” He fell back in his chair and ran a hand over his jaw. “I don’t even know what to say.”

What could he say?

Sorry your dad’s a money-hungry douchebag who’d rather foot the bill for your funeral than keep you alive?

“It’s okay, Beckett.” She brushed his concern away. “I knew he was all but done with me when I went against his wishes and signed up for the trip to Afghanistan. I just have to face the fact that my father saw an opportunity to finally be rid of me, and he took it.”

But why? Why, in God’s name would a father do that to his only child?

Evie was obviously still dealing with the fallout of such a crushing blow, and it broke his heart to see. It was also clear that the woman was trying her damnedest to not only deal with all that she’d been through but also accept the severed relationship with her father and move on in her own way.

And for that, he couldn’t be prouder.

Minutes later, their food was delivered hot and ready to eat. The pair spent the rest of their lunch in a carefully balanced dance of consuming their delicious lunch and changing the conversation to a more normal, casual tone.

Over the course of the meal, Beckett learned all about Evie’s friend Lo and how the two had been best friends since college. Evie shared that Lo had started out as an education major but then switched to journalism and photography mid-semester of their junior year.

By the time dessert came, Evie insisted they talk more about him. Sensing she needed the focus to be off of her, Beckett gladly obliged.

Over a massive piece of shared chocolate cake, he told her a little about his parents, where he’d grown up, and even a couple short stories from his days with the Marines.

By the time the check came, he felt like he’d learned so much. And yet, at the same time, he was desperate to think of something else to discuss just so their time together wouldn’t come to an end.

“That was amazing.” Evie stepped past him as he held the door open on their way out of the restaurant. “And thanks, again. You didn’t have to pay for my meal, too.”

“You kiddin’?” Beckett followed her out onto the sidewalk. “My mom would have my hide if she heard I’d made you buy your own lunch.”

Evie looked up at him with a beautifully wide smile and said, “It sounds like your mom did an excellent job raising you.”

“Most days.” He chuckled. “I mean…nobody’s perfect, right?” Beckett sent her a quick wink and a grin.

“Well, I think you’re pretty perfect.” Evie’s cheeks reddened with an obvious flush of embarrassment. “I, uh…I only meant that you’re?—”

“It’s okay, darlin’.” Beckett winked at her again. “I know what you meant.”

The two shared a look, and if they’d been in private and not on a busy downtown street, he would’ve pulled her to him right then and there and kissed her to his heart’s content.

But they were on a busy street, and he wasn’t about to assume she’d be receptive to that sort of behavior. So, like the good southern boy he was, he offered to walk her to her car instead.

“Where’d you park?” Beckett asked. “I’m down the way a bit, but I’m happy to walk to wherever you’re?—”

“I didn’t drive here,” she announced as she pulled her phone from a pocket he hadn’t realized her dress possessed. “I mean, I appreciate the offer, but I used one of those ride-share apps. So I can just?—”

“I’m not walking off while you get into a car with a stranger.”

When Evie’s eyes jumped back up to his, Beckett realized how overbearing his declaration must’ve sounded. Clearing his throat, he quickly backtracked and tried again.

“What I meant to say, was that I’m happy to give you a ride to Lo’s. But only if you’re comfortable with that.”

“You saved my life, Beckett. Of course, I’m comfortable with that. I just don’t want to put you out, that’s all.”

In that case…

“You’re not. I’m off today, remember?” He’d made sure to slip that little fact into the phone conversation they’d had the previous night. “So unless the team gets called in for an unexpected job, I’ve got time to give you a lift.”

Evie studied him a moment before sliding her phone back into her dress pocket. Placing her cute as fuck hat back on her head, she motioned to where he’d indicated he’d parked. And with a smile on her face, she looked up at him and said, “Okay, then. Lead the way.”

“What the fuck do you mean you don’t have the money?”

Beads of sweat formed on his nervous brow. He’d expected the man on the other end of the burner phone to be pissed. He’d even gone over the conversation in various forms multiple times in his head before making the dreaded call.

No amount of preparation, however, could truly prepare him for the gut-twisting fear churning deep within.

“I know we agreed on this week, but?—”

“But nothing!” The powerful man’s angry voice blasted through the phone’s speakers. Several seconds passed, and when he spoke again, his tone was once again steady, to the point of nearly sounding calm. “You said this wouldn’t be a problem. That you had a fool-proof way of getting the cash.”

“And I will get you the cash. I just need a little more time.”

The silence that stretched on put him even more on edge than he already was.

“You’ve had time. In fact, if memory serves, this is the second extension I’ve already allowed.”

“Please.” He sounded as desperate as he felt. “You have to understand. Ten million is a lot of money to move undetected.”

“You said your plan would work, and quite frankly, I’ve grown tired of waiting.”

“Everything was in place, and there was nothing to suggest things wouldn’t go according to plan. I had no way of knowing they’d end up—” He caught himself in time to prevent revealing too much. “Look, I know this is less than ideal. Trust me, I was just as pissed as you are when I discovered there’d been a problem securing the funds. But I’m already looking into another avenue, and?—”

“Another avenue, another excuse.”

That churning in his stomach had turned to full-blown nausea. You didn’t cross a man like the one on the other end of the line, and you damn sure didn’t come between him and his money.

He’d just as soon kill you as wait another minute for his cash.

The thought wasn’t one of exaggeration. It was a fact. Either he got this man his money, and soon, or his ass would be just as dead as those incompetent terrorists he’d hired.

“I’ve always come through for you in the past, haven’t I?” His question was rhetorical.

“It’s the only reason you’re still breathing.”

Breathing is definitely good.

“Okay, so I just need you to trust in the relationship we’ve built and consider my past performance as proof that I am a man of my word. Trust me, I will get you your money.”

The sooner, the better.

“I don’t trust anyone,” the man nearly growled. “However, you have always done right by me in the past, so I will give you one last extension. Just know that if you fuck me over on this again, there will be no additional chances. And remember… I, too, am a man of my word.”

Yes!

“Thank you!” He wanted to cry with relief. “You won’t regret this. I promise.”

The line remained silent, and it took him a moment to realize the other man had already ended the call. He blew out a breath and shut the burner phone as he rounded his large cherry mahogany desk.

Pulling out the bottom left drawer, he dug beneath the stack of folders and lifted the plywood panel designed to keep the small space hidden from view. He dropped the phone inside and replaced the drawer’s false bottom, rearranging the file folders so they appeared to have been left undisturbed.

After shutting the drawer, he secured its lock with the small key attached to his personal keychain. He then slid the keys back into the pocket of his dress pants before returning to where he’d been standing at the front of his desk.

He stared down at the near-empty double old-fashioned glass he’d abandoned early into the call. Picking it up, he brought its smooth edge to his lips before tipping his head back and downing its remaining contents.

His legs trembled slightly as they carried him over to the impressive stone fireplace taking up much of his office’s west wall. With the glass still in his hand, he lifted it out in front of him. Turning it slowly, he appreciated its intricate dips and grooves as the sun’s natural light shone upon it from the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows behind him.

Made of the finest Waterford crystal, the glass was like everything else he possessed. Expensive, high-end luxury that screamed I have money . And those with all the money, well…

We hold all the power.

Problem was he didn’t have any money. Not really. Every cent he had belonged to someone else.

It was how the game was played, and he was perfectly fine with it. As long as the score remained in his favor, that is. And unless he came up with another way to get the ten million he owed, he’d lose everything he’d worked his entire life to achieve.

Who are you trying to kid? You don’t find that son of a bitch’s money, your ass will be dead.

In an explosion of maddening rage, he lifted the empty glass into the air and threw it as hard as he could into the fireplace’s brick-lined firebox. Shards of crystal shattered on impact, scattered around the unlit logs and wrought iron grate.

Damn you, Evelynn. You were supposed to be my ticket out.

The beads of sweat returned as his mind raced to come up with another way to get the money. He had no idea where the spoiled bitch was or who had helped her escape. But it didn’t matter.

He needed a new plan. A foolproof way that wouldn’t end with a bullet in his head.

There wasn’t time to reinvent the wheel, so he’d have to adjust his original plan. He’d have to kidnap Evelynn again. He’d found her once. He could do it again. And this time, he’d make sure she was kept in a place that was inescapable.

Once the ransom money was paid and he had the cash in hand, he’d dispose of Evelynn to avoid leaving behind a witness, pay off his debt, and then…

And then, I’ll be home free.