Chapter Twenty-Three

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

AFTER THEY FINISHED their meal, Teagan and Seth led the rest of the team from the cafeteria. She scanned the area as they approached the center of the compound.

Teagan nudged Seth with her elbow and inclined her head toward the bench nestled beneath the shadows of a large oak tree where Marsh and Jillian sat, whispering.

"Spread out and walk through camp," Seth said to Knight, Bowen, Noah, and Violet. "Teagan and I will walk the perimeter in a few minutes. Note problems we should address tomorrow morning with the guards and enforcers."

"Copy that, sir." In pairs, their four team members went in opposite directions.

Seth laced his fingers through Teagan's. "Let's find out how much progress Marsh made with Jillian."

When they approached, Marsh stood and helped a visibly upset Jillian to her feet.

"Are you all right, Jillian?" Teagan asked.

Tears splashed down the girl's cheeks. She shook her head. "I'm afraid," she whispered.

From what Teagan had seen in the past two days, Jillian had a reason to be fearful. "We want to help. Will you let us?"

"Andre talked to me about doing something different." Jillian's gaze shifted from person to person. "But I'm afraid to leave. Where would I go?"

"Andre, let's take Jillian to our quarters for this discussion," Seth murmured. "Remember not to say a word until we clear every room."

"Copy that, sir." Marsh cupped Jillian's elbow and escorted her toward the women's quarters, looking as though he was walking her to the building.

Seth urged Teagan toward the team's quarters. "Your take on Jillian?"

"She might be playing us but I don't think so. I believe she wants out."

He felt the same. Problem was, though, if Seth and his team helped Jillian escape, Peters would blame them. He didn't know if the leader would target Seth with his fury or go after Teagan despite Seth warning him off.

Another problem was the girl's age. If Jillian was a minor, the situation became more complicated.

Seth and Jillian greeted camp guards as they returned to their quarters. Some greeted them with respect. Others met them with suspicion. Seth stopped and talked to them for a moment.

Rubin, a young man who looked the same age as Jillian, gave a nod as Seth and Teagan approached. "Sir, ma'am."

"Any problems?" Seth asked.

"No, sir."

"If you encounter any, I need to know about it. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Rubin opened his mouth to say something else but stilled, his eyes widening.

Seth glanced over his shoulder. Andre walked into view, guiding Jillian to their quarters. Jillian's cheeks were wet with tears.

Rubin sucked in a breath, his face flushing as he shifted his accusing gaze to Seth. "What's going on, sir? Jillian's upset."

"You know her?" Teagan asked, her voice soft.

"We're friends." He risked another glance at Andre and Jillian.

"Good friends?"

A slight nod.

"More than that." Seth folded his arms. "Remember the new rules I laid out today for candidates?"

"Yes, sir."

"One of those rules was total honesty. Be careful how you answer me, Rubin. How close are you and Jillian?"

The kid's chin went up, defiance a living entity in his eyes. "We're dating. She looks upset. What did Mr. Marsh do to her?"

"Absolutely nothing. Someone else upset your girlfriend."

Rubin's fists clenched. "Peters?"

"Yes."

"I have to go to her, sir. Please."

"You can't leave your post until someone relieves you." Seth glanced at Teagan. "Go to our quarters and scan. I'll find someone I trust to step in for Rubin." He turned back to Jillian's boyfriend. "Stay at your post until I return. I won't be long."

"Yes, sir."

He walked through the compound. Lights blazed inside the machinist's shop. A moment later, he opened the door and stepped inside.

Ryan glanced up and sprang to his feet. "Sir, what can I do for you?"

"Do you have work that can't wait?"

"No, sir. What do you need?"

"A man I trust to cover a guard shift. You interested?"

"Yes, sir. Where?"

"About 200 yards from my quarters. You'll sub for Rubin."

Concern filled the other man's eyes. "Is he all right?"

"He is. His girlfriend isn't."

Ryan stiffened. "What happened?"

"If you're as observant as I think you are, you already know."

"Peters," the Army soldier spat out. "He's old enough to be her grandfather."

"You in?"

"You bet, sir. Give me five minutes to close up shop and I'll take over for Rubin. Anything else I can do to help?"

Could Seth trust him as much as his gut said? "I'll let you know. I'd rather this didn't get out, Ryan. It's best for Rubin and Jillian."

"Yes, sir." He turned away from the counter.

"May I help you close the shop?"

Ryan turned. "Do you mind gathering the trash and taking it to the garbage can behind the shop? I need to shut down my computer and sweep the shop floor so I'm ready to open tomorrow."

"I'll be glad to." Seth smiled. "My mother trained me well in the art of trash disposal." After preparing the shop for the next day's work, Ryan walked with Seth toward the team's quarters.

When Rubin spotted them approaching, relief filled his eyes. "Thanks for taking over for me, Ryan. I owe you one."

"Glad to do it, buddy. I've got you covered. Go take care of your girl."

Rubin turned to Seth. "Sir?"

"Go. Make sure you knock on the door, Rubin. Barging in is a good way to get yourself shot. You hear me?"

"Yes, sir." The kid spun and raced for the team's quarters.

"Thanks for doing this, Ryan." Seth shook the other man's hand. "Once I find out what's going on with Jillian, we'll come up with a plan for the rest of Rubin's shift."

"I can cover it, sir."

"You can but it's unnecessary. You need a few hours to rest before the training session tomorrow morning."

Ryan shifted closer and dropped his voice. "She has to be protected, sir."

Ah, so he knew what was going on. "She will be. You have my word."

The other man studied him a moment, then gave a slight nod, apparently satisfied. "Anything you need, tell me and I'll get it done. No questions asked."

Interesting. "Understood." He clapped Ryan on the shoulder and walked to his quarters. Mindful of his own instructions to Rubin, Seth knocked on the door. "It's Seth. I'm coming in soft." He unlocked the door and went inside.

After he was positive no one forced Seth inside at gunpoint, Marsh lowered his weapon. "Kitchen," he said, his voice barely above a growl.

"You find out what happened?"

A nod. "Teagan's talking to her. The kid, Rubin, is with them. He's a loose cannon, Seth. We need to watch him. I don't want Richardson or Peters sending him to the punishment room. As volatile as he is at the moment, the militia leaders could kill him if they decide to make him an example."

"I agree. He's as much at risk as his girlfriend."

"Who's taking Rubin's watch?"

"Ryan. He's concerned about Jillian."

"He should be. If I still had my badge, Peters would be in handcuffs and on his way to the station for statutory rape."

Seth froze. "She's a minor?"

A nod. "She turns 18 in two months."

That changed everything. Seth sighed, sick of the whole sorry mess this case was turning into. "Will she talk to me?"

"As long as Teagan is with her. Jillian bonded with your woman."

Seth followed the sound of soft conversation to the kitchen. At the table, Jillian and Rubin sat side-by-side, his arm around her shoulders. Teagan sat at the end of the table next to Jillian.

At Seth's entrance, Rubin scrambled to his feet. "Sir."

He gestured for the boy to return to his seat and sat across from the couple. "How are you, Jillian?"

"I'm okay," she whispered, her gaze locked on her clasped hands resting on the table.

Rubin glanced at Seth and shook his head, silently disagreeing with Jillian's statement.

"How is your wrist?"

Her gaze flicked up to Seth's. "It hurts, sir"

He pushed back from the table and poked around in the freezer until he found a bag of frozen peas. He draped the bag over Jillian's wrist. "When Violet arrives, we'll ask her for a chemically activated cold pack. Tell me what happened."

She paled. "Nothing."

Rubin frowned. "Jillian, Seth will help."

"Nobody can help."

"Talk to me," Seth said. "I'll see what I can do to make things better for you."

"Jillian, please," Rubin begged. "This isn't right. We can't let him get by with this."

"You know what he said." Tears trailed down the girl's cheeks. "I won't let him hurt you."

Teagan wrapped her hand around Jillian's uninjured one. "Tell Seth everything. We'll help if you trust us."

"I don't know where to start."

"How did you get involved with The Brotherhood?" Seth prompted.

"I went to school with Jessie Knight, a cousin of Jace's. Jessie knew I was having trouble at home so she told her cousin. Jace introduced me to Mr. Peters and Mr. Richardson." Her face flushed. "Mr. Richardson didn't want to allow me in the militia. He said I didn't have any skills to offer."

"What about Mr. Peters?"

"He said I was a smart girl and would learn fast, that I'd be good for morale. I wanted to escape from my home so I agreed to join. Mr. Peters assigned me a job in the kitchen and dining hall."

"He expected you to do more than that, didn't he?" Teagan asked.

Jillian nodded. She slid a glance toward Rubin before refocusing on Teagan. "Mr. Peters said if I wanted to stay, I had to keep him company in the evenings." More tears flowed. "I thought that was strange, but I agreed. I swear I didn't know what he wanted, Rubin."

"I know, baby. I believe you."

"Peters forced you to have sex with him?" Seth asked bluntly.

"Yes, sir."

"How old are you, Jillian?"

She stiffened. "S-s-seventeen. I'll be eighteen in two months."

"Do you want help?"

"Only if helping me won't cause Rubin trouble."

"You mentioned you were afraid ‘he' would hurt Rubin. You're talking about Peters?"

She nodded.

"What did he threaten to do to Rubin?"

"He said if I didn't do what he told me he would take Rubin to the punishment room and discipline him instead of me. I won't let him do that." Her voice rose. "It's not right."

"No one will punish either of you." Teagan looked at Seth. "Right?"

"We won't allow Peters or Richardson to touch you or Rubin."

"How, sir?" Rubin shook his head. "You're new here. You don't understand how much power they have."

"Why did you join The Brotherhood, Rubin?"

"To protect my country."

"To take that oath means you're also vowing to protect its citizens. Jillian is a vulnerable young woman. How far will you go to protect her?"

Grim determination settled on Rubin's face. "I'll do anything necessary to keep her safe, even submit to punishment."

Jillian shook her head. "No. You know what will happen. Mr. Peters doesn't like that we're together. He wants an excuse to separate us. He'll hurt you, then kick you out. What will I do then?"

"There's only one way to keep you safe," Seth said. "Are you willing to do what we tell you?"

"Anything." Rubin gathered Jillian close to his side. "We don't care what it is. We'll do it."

"Jillian?"

"As long as Rubin is safe."

The rest of Seth's team entered the kitchen. Each of their faces reflected the anger and disgust they felt. The men stood against the walls, giving Jillian plenty of room.

Without a word, Violet went to Jillian's side and examined her wrist. "When the peas thaw out, I'll give you a cold pack. Twenty minutes on every hour. Need any over-the-counter pain meds?"

"No, ma'am."

"What's going on, Seth?" Noah asked.

"Jillian is a minor. Peters has been forcing her to have sex with him," Seth said flatly. "He's also threatening to punish Rubin, Jillian's boyfriend, if she doesn't cooperate."

"What's the plan?" Marsh asked.

"We help Jillian and Rubin escape."

Jillian gasped. "But where will we go? I can't go home again. Please, don't make me."

"It's not safe for her to go home, sir," Rubin said. "Her father is an abusive drunk. He beat her, and her mom did nothing to stop him."

Seth held up his hand to prevent further comments. "The first thing I need to know is if you're willing to leave The Brotherhood."

"Anything to protect Jillian," Rubin repeated. "Anything."

"Jillian?"

"Yes, as long as I don't have to go back home."

"Second question. Are you willing to testify about everything you've seen and experienced in this camp, particularly regarding Peters and Richardson?"

Blood drained from her face. "They'll kill me."

"They won't touch you," Teagan promised. "We'll arrange a safe house with bodyguards for you and Rubin if you're willing to testify."

"I didn't think you were cops anymore." Rubin's brows knitted together.

"We still have friends on the force. The question is will you do exactly what we tell you to do? Think hard before you agree, Rubin. You'll have to cut ties with The Brotherhood. Depending on how wide-reaching their influence is, you may have to move away from this area altogether, perhaps assume new identities in order to stay safe after testifying. Are you ready to give up everything to protect Jillian?"

"Yes, sir. We were already talking about getting married when Jillian turned eighteen. I'll get a job and support us. I just want her safe."

"All right. Stay here. Teagan, with me." Seth pushed back from the table, led the way to his bedroom, and shut the door. "Burnett can provide a safe house and protection but it's problematic. We don't know who we can trust in our house."

"Fortress is a better option. We have our own private witness protection program. Maddox will provide security for the kids and transport them to court when it's time to testify."

"Call him. Let's find out how soon we can arrange for Rubin and Jillian to leave."

Teagan slid her phone from her pocket and called her boss, placing the call on speaker. After explaining the problem and what they wanted to do to help the couple, she said, "How soon can we set up the safe house, boss?"

"One hour. Contact Iona. Work out a plan for Rubin and Jillian to leave tonight. We'll take care of them."

"Thanks, Brent."

"Yep. How are you holding up, Teagan?"

"I'm fine, sir. I talked to Marcus. He helped."

"Good. Dixon?"

"Sir?"

"The feds are pressuring all of us for information. Zane is catching more rumors online about a big operation involving The Brotherhood. It sounds like an armed conflict against high-ranking officials."

Seth stilled. "How credible is the information?"

"Z doesn't make mistakes. We need this op wrapped up yesterday. You hear me?"

"Yes, sir."

"I expect you to check in within six hours, sooner if something breaks."

"Yes, sir."

"Later."

Seth dragged a hand down his face. Man, he hated to do this but didn't see another way around it. "We need to hack Peters' computer, baby."

"If we can't find his password, we'll need Riley. She's the computer whiz. We don't have time to mess around with this. We can't afford to be caught in that office without a good explanation."

"I'll handle the explanation. We need information to stop Peters and Richardson."

"Then let's help Jillian and Rubin escape so we can focus on stopping these homegrown terrorists." She made another call. "Iona, we need to hack a computer. We also need to break out a couple of teens from Haven tonight."

"You don't ask for much, do you? How soon for both?"

"Let's bring Riley inside when we send out Rubin and Jillian," Seth said. "Maddox is setting up a safe house. The kids have agreed to testify against Peters and Richardson."

Silence, then, "What aren't you telling me?"

He gave an abbreviated explanation, ending with, "We need them out of here tonight. I don't want either of them set up as targets for the Dynamic Duo."

"Got it. We'll call you when we're ready." Iona ended the call.