Suffer (21 page)

40

AS IT CAME INTO FOCUS around him, Grey noticed the brightness of Abby’s room. With a building sense of panic, he threw off the covers and darted for the neutral ground of the bathroom. He grabbed his watch off the counter and cursed.

Showered and dressed in ten minutes, Grey flew out of his room and headed downstairs. In his mind, he was ready for the landing at the bottom of the stairs to be flanked by everyone in the house with disapproving scowls. There was slight relief when he saw the living room unoccupied. As he walked through, he heard the Chief’s bellowing laugh in the War Room. He turned the corner to see everyone except Kate seated at the table with smiles.

“Morning, princess,” greeted Chief. “I take it you slept well?”

“Obviously too well,” said Grey taking his seat. “Where’s Kate?”

“She’ll be down in a few,” said Abby. “She’s finishing her workout. Do you want some breakfast? I mean lunch?”

“No, thank you,” said Grey, cocking his head and shooting her a look. “But I’ll take a cup of coffee if there’s any left.”

“There is,” said Abby, standing with a sly smile. “Cream and sugar, Boss?”

“Please. Did you see Kate this morning?” asked Grey, turning his attention to Chief.

“I did.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“Did she say anything about taking our advice and getting the hell out of here?” asked Grey.

“Check your fire, Grey,” replied Chief. “If you hadn’t decided to sleep ‘til noon, you could’ve asked her yourself.”

Grey sat up straight in his chair as Abby placed a cup in front of him. “Touché, Chief. I’ll take it down a notch. But did she?”

“Sort of,” answered Chief. “But she did say she wanted to talk to you about the subject.”

As Grey picked up his coffee to take a sip, Kate turned the corner into the War Room. Without a word being spoken, both Abby and Evan headed out the back door. With a puzzled look, Grey watched them evacuate and turned to Chief. He had his arms folded across his chest and was staring up into a corner of the room.

“Am I in trouble?” asked Grey, turning to the only person left looking at him.

“No,” said Kate. “But I probably am.”

Before he could react, his phone vibrated on his hip, alerting him to a visitor at the gate. The Chief didn’t bother to reach for his phone and sat quietly. Grey touched the alert icon and the video link appeared. On the screen he could see a long, black sedan with tinted windows accompanied by a larger black SUV. The car pulled up. The rear passenger window was only lowered halfway, but he could see an elderly man in a dark suit and sunglasses. Grey noticed Chief made no attempt to verify the identity of the men at the gate.

“Who is that, Chief?” asked Grey, narrowing his eyes.

“That is Mr. Ermano Valor Santiago,” answered Kate. “And he’s right on time.”

Grey continued to stare at Chief, who continued to stare at the corner. “She only told me an hour ago,” said Chief, not looking down.

“He nearly had a heart attack,” said Kate. “I told him I’d tell you myself when you woke up.”

“Well, I’m definitely awake now,” said Grey. “Oddly, I don’t have the urge to tell you just how bad you fucked up – again.”

“He knows the rules about security, but feel free to remind him if necessary,” said Kate, sidestepping the argument. “Other than that, just follow my lead.”

“That’s it?”

“Grey, look at me, please.”

He shifted his glare from Chief to her. “If you’re not satisfied at the end of this meeting that it solves our current problem, I’ll go wherever and whenever you tell me to go. No questions, I promise.”

“You do realize it’ll be too late by then,” said Grey. “We only had one guy to worry about; now we’ll have an army to coming after you. So whatever it is you plan on doing, you’d better make sure it works or we’re all dead. That includes your sister, Kate. Or did you forget about the other people risking their lives for you?”

“Kate,” said Chief, getting her attention. “We should answer the buzzer. I don’t think they’re the type to stick around for too long.”

“It’s your call, Grey,” said Kate. “But either you bring him in here, or I go out there.”

“My call, huh? Now, that’s a good joke.”

He pressed the icon on his phone that activated the intercom system at the gate. “Good mor…afternoon, Mr Santiago. Kate is expecting you. We’ll be picking you up at the gate in a few moments. We appreciate your patience.”

The window on the sedan rolled up, blocking Grey’s view of Santiago. “Chief, go grab Evan and the cart. I’ll give you instructions over the intercom when you get to him.”

“Roger that, Boss,” said Chief, heading out the back door. Abby came in a few seconds later. She was unaware of the visitor as well.

“What’s going on?”

“Not much,” said Grey. “Other than your sister inviting the head of the Cuban mob inside the house for a chat. And by the way, he’s the guy employing the man trying to kill her.”

“You did what?” asked Abby as her jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me?”

“Not now, Abby,” said Kate. “But I want you in there with me, okay?”

“Of course,” answered Abby, sensing her resolve.

Chief and Evan exited through the pedestrian gate and notified Grey they were in place. “How many goons with him?” asked Grey, loud enough for Santiago and his men to hear.

“Five, including the two in the SUV,” replied Chief.

“We have room for two on the cart,” said Grey. “Mr. Santiago can bring one unarmed man with him to keep him company. No exceptions. You know the drill, Chief.”

“Understood,” said Chief. “One mob boss; one goon; no guns. Got it.”

Grey ended the call and returned his attention to Kate. She walked away from him and into the living room. Abby shook her head as she walked past Grey. He followed a few seconds later after clearing his mind and calming down.

At the gate, Santiago and one of his men exited the vehicle. Chief repeated the instructions and the goon threw his pistol back into the car. Chief patted him down and then turned to Santiago.

“Are you armed, Mr. Santiago?”

“You’re not going to frisk me?”

“No, sir,” said Chief, taking a step closer to him. “That would be rude. Your word is good enough for me.”

Santiago smiled and took his seat on the cart. “This is my grandson, Ramon. He’s a good boy and won’t be any trouble for you. Sometimes, as you can see, I just need a little help moving around.”

“This is Evan,” said Chief. “He’s a good boy, too. I’ll make sure he takes it easy on the corners.”

Ramon helped his sixty-nine-year old grandfather up the front stairs to the porch. Evan tried to assist, but was met with a cautionary glare from Ramon. He complied with the warning and held the door for their guests.

When they entered the living room, Kate, Abby, and Grey stood to greet them. Kate leaned forward to approach Santiago. Grey reached out and grabbed her elbow before she took a step. She also complied.

“Welcome to my home, Mr. Santiago,” said Kate. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And a beautiful home it is, Mrs. Freeman,” said Santiago as Grey directed them to the other couch. “But, please, call me Valor.”

“Then please call me Kate. And this young lady is my sister, Abby. These gentlemen are Evan, Chief, and Grey.”

“And this is my grandson, Ramon,” said Valor. “Ah, Grey. You are the voice on the other side of the intercom who, until recently, was with the FBI. Am I correct?”

“You are, Mr. Santiago, but I assure you I have no agenda with the Bureau. My only agenda is Kate and what’s left of her family.”

“Please, Grey, call me Valor.”

“With all due respect, Mr. Santiago, I’d rather not be calling you anything. I found out a few minutes ago that you’d be sitting here a few feet away from the target of one of your soldiers. For all I know, the man beside you is the Reaper. So forgive me if I dispense with the formalities and remain on guard.”

Grey could feel Kate and Abby’s eyes growing wider, but he didn’t care. He wanted to send a clear message to Santiago, Ramon, and Kate. He wasn’t going to tolerate any more surprises.

“You’re also the man who killed two of my soldiers yesterday and put Alfonso in the hospital,” said Valor. “I’m very aware of your capabilities, Grey. You have my word I mean no harm or disrespect to you or Kate. But she is the one who invited me here today.”

“I spoke with him at length last night, Grey,” said Kate, aware she was losing control of him. “I’m confident he wasn’t a part of what happened to me or Caleb. We both agreed we should meet and discuss how to resolve both of our problems.”

“Both of your problems?’ asked Grey.

“Yes,” said Valor. “What he did brought disgrace and shame to my family. You may see me as a criminal, but I am also a human being. I cannot say the same for the man who did this.”

“You know who he is, don’t you?” asked Grey.

“Yes,” answered Valor. “What makes this more difficult for me to accept is that he is also family. Like Ramon, he is my grandson.”

It was as if an electric shock shot through Grey and Chief. They had to fight the immediate urge to pull their weapons and kill the two men Kate had invited inside their only safe haven. Both men knew the legendary and unbreakable bond between family members in the Cuban mob. Discovering the Reaper was Valor’s grandson all but ensured the killer was protected and untouchable. Valor was prepared for their uneasy response.

“He
was
my grandson,” said Valor. “He means nothing to me or the family anymore. He’s an animal that needs to be destroyed. That is why I need you to help me with this problem. It is impossible for me to order his death, but it is possible for me to close my eyes and allow death to find him.”

His words were difficult for Grey to digest without doubting his sincerity. “You expect me to believe you would let me kill your grandson while you did nothing to stop it?”

“You won’t be killing him,” said Kate. “I will. That’s the arrangement. An eye for an eye; a life for a life. But I have to be the one to do it. It’s the only way Valor will allow him to accept his fate.”

“Any assistance you provide will be overlooked,” added Valor. “But she must be the one to take the life; it’s owed to her. You have my word we will not interfere if you allow this.”

“Where is he?” asked Grey. “That’s our side of the problem.”

“Ramon will find him,” answered Valor. “They are brothers.”

“Oh, this just keeps getting better,” said Grey, looking at Chief. “A grandson, I can barely accept. But handing over your own brother to be executed? How can you expect me to believe that?”

“For the honor and history of the entire family,” said Ramon. “I know it’s difficult for you to understand our culture, but our heritage is more important to us than you can imagine. Diego’s life of disgrace and incurable sickness puts all of us in jeopardy. You only know my grandfather from what you read in your reports, but he is truly a great man. This is destroying him and I won’t allow anyone to do that.”

“Did you bring it?” asked Kate.

“I did.”

Ramon rose, took a step toward Kate, and reached into his jacket pocket. Chief put his fingers on his weapon. When Ramon produced a photograph, he lowered his hand back to his side.

He placed the photo on the coffee table in front of Kate. Grey didn’t bother to look at it and kept his eyes on her. Even though he was standing six feet away, he felt her shiver.

41

VALOR SANTIAGO WAS VISIBLY UPSET when he witnessed Kate’s reaction to seeing the photo. Grey had been involved in countless interrogations and knew when the emotions conjured by the subject were insincere. He focused on Valor and found nothing that would indicate his shame and sorrow were an act. It allowed him to lower his guard – slightly – and begin to believe his offer to hand over his grandson.

Grey didn’t stop Kate when she rose and walked over to Valor with the photo in hand. He remained alert, but his fingers weren’t searching for the handle of his gun. It allowed Valor’s failing eyes to see the physical damage inflicted by Diego. With his hands trembling, he reached up to touch her cheek. Kate didn’t pull away as his chin started to quiver and his eyes glassed over.

“He took so much from you,” said Valor, clearing his throat. “But all I see is a beautiful face beginning to heal. It sickens me that my blood is running through the veins of a monster capable of doing these things. My blood needs to be drained from him.”

“I agree,” replied Kate, unwavering. “Please take back this photo. I don’t want it in my house.”

Valor accepted it and stared at the picture for a moment before putting it in his jacket pocket. “His mother was an angel and his father a very honorable man. How this thing was born from them is impossible for me to understand.”

“Bring him to me,” said Kate. It was more an order than a request. “You’ll never see him again after. Nobody will. But there will be ample proof of his death. That, I can promise you.”

“If you will allow it, Ramon will stay here and answer any questions you must have,” said Valor. “Your terms are more than acceptable. I will leave you to your business now.”

The leader of the Cuban mob said his goodbyes and was taken back to the front gate. He left a few instructions, and the SUV, for Ramon. He shook Chief’s extended hand with a smile and returned to the backseat of his sedan. Chief and Ramon stood at the entrance and watched as the car disappeared around the corner.

Abby and Evan left Grey and Kate alone in the living room. They could both sense a heated conversation approaching in the silence. Abby touched Grey’s hand as she passed. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Evan as they walked outside.

“I’m just curious,” started Grey. “How does someone get in touch with the head of the Cuban mob? I mean, was he in the phone book?”

“It was easier than you’d think,” answered Kate. “I called the hospital where Little Al was getting his foot treated. I told him I’d put in a good word if he reached out to his boss. I guaranteed him there wouldn’t be any retaliation. An hour later, my phone rang.”

“You can’t keep hiding things from me, Kate,” said Grey in a paternal tone. “This could’ve gone wrong in so many ways. You put your sister and everyone else who’s trying to help you in danger.”

“No more danger than you’re putting her in,” said Kate, faking a smile. “Maybe you shouldn’t be hiding things from me, either.”

“That makes no sense,” replied Grey, hoping she wouldn’t say what he feared.

“You know the killer is constantly looking for a weakness to exploit,” said Kate. “You’re the one who told us that. So imagine my surprise when I discovered you were sleeping with Abby.”

Grey dropped his head. “How long have you known?”

“Since the frolicking in the pool.”

“How did you…never mind.”

“She’s my sister, Grey. I knew from the beginning.”

“Did she tell you?”

“What are you? Sixteen?”

“That’s not what I meant,” said Grey, backpedaling. “Where did we make the mistake?”

“You’re not listening to me,” said Kate. “She’s my sister. I know her moods almost as well as I know mine. Of course, walking into her room this morning and finding you in her bed instead helped a little.”

She smiled again, but unlike the first, it was genuine. “It’s okay, Grey. I’m just giving you a hard time. I had a feeling it might happen. She’s had a thing for you since you two met. To be honest, I’m surprised it took this long. I’ll admit your timing sucks, but I really am okay with it.”

“I wouldn’t call it serious,” said Grey. “We both understand the circumstances.”

“Grey Collins, don’t ever say that again,” said Kate, losing the smile. “If you’re saying it for my benefit, don’t. If you’re saying it because you mean it, end it with her right now.”

“Any chance we can talk about this later?” asked Grey. “I’m not quite sure what I’m saying. I’m a little distracted.”

Chief and Ramon entered the living room, saving Grey’s life. He stood and asked them to join him in the War Room. Behind his back, Kate was wearing a beaming smile. Seeing everyone gathering, Evan and Abby returned to the meeting. Chief offered Ramon the seat beside him.

“What’s the next step?” asked Grey. “What do you need us to do?”

“Very little,” answered Ramon. “I’ve already set up the meeting with Diego. He’s expecting me tomorrow afternoon.”

“He won’t suspect anything?” asked Kate.

“No. It’s not uncommon for us to meet this way,” answered Ramon. “He’s desperately trying to get back into the good graces of the family. He knows I can help him do that.”

“How did he fall out of grace?” asked Chief.

“Because of what he did to her,” replied Ramon, looking at Kate.

“You knew?” asked Grey, leaning forward in his chair. “But you just told us you didn’t.”

“We suspected,” replied Ramon, recognizing his mistake. “I mean, I suspected.”

“Not fifteen minutes ago you were giving us a touching speech about pride, heritage, and family honor,” said Grey. “Kind of sounds like bullshit now.”

“Please, let me explain,” said Ramon. “I’m just as ashamed as my grandfather, but my shame is for not stopping Diego sooner. I should’ve been more aggressive when I explained my concerns about his behavior.”

“Again with the bullshit,” said Grey.

“I understand what you’re saying, Ramon,” said Kate, disarming Grey with a calm voice. “Tell us about him. I know this is hard for you, but I need to hear it.”

“Diego and I were trained in Cuba. Unlike what most people here think, we are not thugs. We are truly soldiers fighting for a great cause. My father sent us at the same time, thinking we’d be more effective if we worked together. We trained in Cuba because there was no fear of law enforcement. Our only worry was the camp being discovered by Castro’s army.

“After four years in Cuba, we returned to the U.S. to start working for our grandfather. Our main function was to protect our lines of commerce between the two countries. We would oversee the smuggling of weapons and supplies to the anti-Castro forces. But every so often, we’d be instructed to remove a threat.”

“Political assassination?” asked Grey. “Or breaking the legs of people in debt to your honorable gambling operations?”

“Sometimes both,” answered Ramon, trying to earn their trust. “The assassinations took place mainly in Cuba. When we were called for action in the U.S., it was to keep the balance of power in our favor against rivals moving in on those gambling operations. Almost all of the profits earned in the States went to fund our interests in Cuba. Like I told you, my grandfather is a good man with a good heart. He’s saved countless lives from the oppressive Castro government pigs. He would use us to get them out of Cuba and to the safety of our communities in Florida.”

“Diego sounds like a stand-up guy,” said Chief, folding his arms.

“Two years ago, my father was killed in Tampa by a drunk driver,” said Ramon. “My brother and I went to find the man responsible. I thought he would be home alone the night we were going to execute him; Diego knew he wouldn’t be. After we killed him, Diego took his wife into another room and told me to wait downstairs.”

“You were okay with that?” asked Grey.

“We couldn’t let her live. She saw our faces. We’re no longer effective as soldiers if we’re discovered. I thought he was sparing me from having to kill an innocent woman. But when I defied him and went back upstairs, I saw what he was doing to her. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Ramon could no longer hold eye contact with anyone in the room. As they lowered to stare at the floor, he tried to continue. “The things he was doing to her were…”

“Ramon,” said Kate, getting his attention. “You don’t have to explain what he was doing. That part of him I know very well.”

“I tried to talk to my grandfather about what I saw, but I couldn’t put the words together. I knew it would destroy him, and Diego knew I wouldn’t betray him. But when I found out what he did to you, I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. When I told my grandfather, it was the first time I ever saw him confused and indecisive. That changed when he was told you wanted to speak to him.”

“Enough about him,” said Kate. “We have another issue that needs resolving, Ramon.”

“What is it?”

“Diego has taken another woman,” said Kate. “She’s the daughter of Sheriff Conrad Doyle. Your brother has had her for quite some time. I want her back alive.”

“I can guarantee you I’ll have him tomorrow,” said Ramon. “But the girl – she’s already dead.”

“I doubt that,” said Chief. “She’s the only one he needs to keep alive. But if you don’t bring him to us, she won’t be for long.”

“It will make things more difficult,” said Ramon.

“It will also be the most convincing way for you to bring back precious honor back to your family name,” said Grey. “You’ll be saving an innocent life.”

“I will try. That is all I can promise.”

“Thank you, Ramon,” said Kate, “for everything. There are things we need to prepare for now. It’s best if you’re not aware. Evan will take you to your car.”

“Chief, would you mind going with them?” asked Grey.

“Not at all.”

The three men left Kate, Grey, and Abby alone in the War Room. Kate knew what was coming. Abby had no idea.

“We all need clear heads tomorrow,” said Grey. “Abby, your sister knows about us. And I’m…relieved. I don’t know how you feel about that, but there are a few things you do need to know.”

Abby looked at her sister with a half open mouth and wide eyes. A thousand words fired through her head, but she couldn’t grasp one to speak out loud. In an instant, Abby felt she had betrayed her sister in pursuit of a crush. In a rare changing of roles, Grey was the one throwing a lifeline.

“The circumstances don’t matter to me, but more importantly, they don’t matter to Kate,” said Grey.

“They don’t,” said Kate, trying to hold back a smile.

“Kate, I’m so sorry,” said Abby. “This is the last thing you should be thinking about right now.”

“Why are you saying you’re sorry?” asked Kate. “Are you really? Are you sorry you and Grey are together?”

“Well, no,” said Abby. “I just thought…”

“Stop thinking,” said Kate, “both of you. What neither one of you understands is that I’m happy for you. I’m really happy. And to be honest, you both were starting to irritate the shit out of all of us trying so hard to not let it happen.”

“All of you?” said Grey, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, Grey, all of us,” said Kate, exasperated. “Can we put this behind us now and get ready for tomorrow? We have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it.”

Kate walked out of the room, leaving Grey and Abby staring at each other. A few seconds later, Grey turned his head when he heard Chief and Evan return from escorting Ramon to his car. When he looked back at Abby, she had a wide grin on her face as a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Are you okay?” asked Grey, moving closer to her.

“I’m perfect,” answered Abby. “Did you hear what she said?”

“What?”

“She said she was happy.”