Redemption: Triple R Security, Book 3 Read online

  “Looks like you banged your head pretty hard. How are you feeling?” Rick asks, eyeing me from the driver’s seat.

  “Like I took a bang to the head, surprisingly enough,” I retort without thought for how much of a bitch I sound. Sorry sits on the tip of my tongue, but I keep it in.

  “Fair enough. Shouldn’t be much longer. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about what happened?”

  “If I say no, will it stop you from asking?”

  Rick looks over at me, and I raise a brow. “No, it won’t. Is there a particular reason, other than the obvious, why you don’t want to talk about it?”

  “Are you a cop?” I ask, but already knowing the answer.

  He barks out a laugh before asking a question of his own. “Is that a serious question or are you just delaying my other questions?”

  “At the risk of sounding like a complete hypocrite, do you always answer a question with a question?”

  Rick shakes his head. “No, I’m not a cop, but you knew that, and no, I’m not in the habit of answering a question with a question, only when I have someone making my job difficult. Happy now?”

  “Hardly. Go ahead and ask your questions, but I can’t promise I’ll answer them.”

  “Okay, fine. Can you tell me what happened the day you were taken?”

  I sigh, knowing that there’s no way to avoid all these questions, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Especially, knowing that Lottie’s life is going to be changed forever. I just hope she doesn’t blame me the way her father obviously does.

  “It was the same as any other Saturday. Lottie’s diary is pretty hectic, especially on the weekends. We’d just finished an interview with some designer that wanted Lottie to market their new fashion line. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, and I’ve attended plenty of similar meetings with her. On the way home she was on her phone, not unusual for her given her job, but after she received a message, she asked the driver to stop at a building just off Soho Square. I wasn’t happy about the unscheduled stop, but she insisted it was important.

  “When we arrived, she pushed the intercom, and we were buzzed straight in. The rest of the building seemed to be empty, and the lift was out of order, so we climbed the stairs to the second floor. As soon as we entered the room, I knew something was off, but it was too late. Before I had a chance to react, someone jabbed a needle in my neck, and I was out within seconds.”

  “Were you able to get a look at anyone?”

  “No. Lottie was ahead of me when we entered the room. Despite my hesitation over the whole thing, she seemed excited and knew where she was going.” I watch and wait for him to question why I let her go ahead of me, but he doesn’t even bat an eye.

  “And what about the men who were holding you? You said the man’s name was Raul, but what about the other man in the room, who was he?”

  “Jorge. He said his name was Jorge, but I don’t know anything more. Today was the first time I’ve seen him. Your arrival put paid to whatever he wanted to talk to me about.”

  Before Rick can ask any more questions, his phone rings as we turn into the road for the hospital.

  I watch as he checks the caller ID, then cancels the call before continuing to the car park, where he parks in the closest space available.

  Without a word he exits the car, coming round to open the door for me. I wince, my back and head smarting, as I climb from the car.

  Rick’s phone begins to ring again, but he ignores it and walks towards the entrance.

  Once inside, he bypasses the reception desk and heads for the lift as though he knows exactly where he’s going.

  Several heads turn our way as we pass by, and I’m not surprised. The one thing I’m thankful for is the dark clothing of my uniform that hides the abundance of blood I know is splattered all over me. There isn’t much I can do to hide the bloody and matted mess of my hair though.

  As we begin the ascent in the lift, I can no longer stand the silence.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I have a room set up for you already on the second floor. Once you’ve been checked over, someone will escort you to where Charlotte is being treated.”

  “How is that possible? You’ve not spoken to anyone since we left the… Anyway, I told you I’m fine. I’d much rather just go and check on Charlotte.”

  “Unfortunately for you, that’s not your decision to make.”

  I don’t respond straightaway. No, I wait for the optimal moment. It comes as the doors open on the second floor and Rick takes a step out. I step forward as if to follow, then as he strides down the corridor, I step inside the lift and hit the button for the third floor, which I know houses the ICU. Calling out a ‘see ya later’ to Rick as the doors close.

  I hurry to the nurses’ station once I arrive, only to be met with a rather pissed off looking guy, one who Rick spoke with before. He’s the dark-haired hotty, and even more handsome when he’s fucked off.

  “Going somewhere, Ms Fisher?” he asks as I come to a halt before him.

  “I need to see Lottie,” I tell him as I try to move past him, but he steps in front of me, blocking my path. I pin my gaze on him, hoping that my thumping head is not preventing me from giving him the look of death. It appears I’m failing though as he doesn’t so much as twitch. “Just let me pass. I already told your buddy that I’m fine and don’t need to see the doctor.” Low and behold, my body chooses now to disobey me, and I sway on my feet.

  I don’t hear his reply as my ears seem to clog up with fluff and spots dance behind my eyes. Just as I feel myself begin to topple off the precipice of consciousness, arms wrap around me from behind, and I sag into them, losing the battle with my body.

  Five

  Rick

  Stubborn arse fucking woman. I knew she’d be trouble from the moment she slashed Raul’s ankles. Not that the bastard didn’t deserve it, but it surprised the hell out of me. I can see why she’s considered one of the best in her field.

  I lift her onto the bed as a nurse comes in and begins to check her over. Turning to the door, I see Seb standing there with a smirk on his face.

  “What the hell are you grinning at?”

  “Who me? Nothing. Nothing at all.”

  “Yeah, right,” I mumble as I walk back to him. “What’s the situation with Charlotte?”

  The smirk drops right off Seb’s face at my question. “She’s stable, but I’ve got to say, man, it’s not looking good for her. The doctor said her internal injuries could mean she’ll never have kids.” He sighs, rubbing a hand over his face, and I get it. She’s only nineteen, and those sick fucks have probably ruined her life.

  “Where’s Jamie?”

  “She’s with her. The doctors weren’t too happy about it, but she refused to leave. You know how she is.”

  “Yeah, I do,” I say with a laugh. Another stubborn arse woman. There seem to be a lot of them around at the moment. Or maybe, we just attract them. Whatever it is, it can be a help and a hindrance.

  Needing to get an update from Richard, I tell Seb to watch Jessica while I go and make a call.

  I head down the corridor to a family waiting room, which thankfully is empty. Stepping inside, I push the door to and make my call.

  Richard confirms the other two men are with the local police, and he’s made a call to National Crime Agency, who no doubt already has a team assigned. Raul and Jorge are here under guard from two of Richard’s men while they receive treatment. Richard also left a couple of guys at the site to wait for SOCO, Scene of Crime Officer, to arrive.

  Satisfied that everything is in hand, there is only one other person I need to speak with before we can be on our merry way home: Tobias.

  I quickly return Ryder’s call from earlier and let him know that we’ll be on our way back to Tobias’ estate shortly before heading off to find Tobias.

  As I get closer to the corridor where Jessica’s room is, raised voices echo back to me. Rounding the corner, I see Seb
blocking Jessica’s doorway while Tobias shouts past him into the room.

  “You’re finished, Ms Fisher. I will fucking ruin you for this business. You can count on it.”

  “Hey, arsehole, enough,” Seb says, pushing Tobias away.

  “You dare to talk to me like that. Have you forgotten who I am?”

  “No, I haven’t forgotten, but you appear to have left your manners and respect behind somewhere. Now, I won’t tell you again, go.”

  “This is not over, Ms Fisher. Or for you, Mr Roberts. It seems my lawyer is going to be a very busy man.”

  I reach them just as Tobias makes his threat, and I’ve had just about all I can take today.

  “I’d be very careful with your words, Mr Harris.” He turns to me, face red and eyes bloodshot and livid. “I understand you’re upset, but that does not give you a free pass to threaten my staff or a woman, whose help no doubt saved your daughter’s life. So, I suggest you go back and be there for your daughter and strongly consider your next move very carefully.”

  “Don’t presume to tell me what my daughter needs. I’m her father, and I know it better than anyone. I suggest you get your men off my property pronto before I report you for trespassing.”

  Before I can reply, Jessica’s voice comes from behind Seb, who moves aside as she approaches.

  “Go right ahead and sue me Tobias, but just remember where I’ve spent the last six months. What I’ve seen and what I’ve heard. All things I’m sure the press, even the police, would be interested to learn.”

  “You signed an NDA and would be breaking the law if you so much as breathed a word.”

  “Oh, I know that, but if you sue me for something that I had no control over, then all bets are off.”

  Tobias’ eyes narrow, as if he’s trying to determine how serious she is. I don’t know what she has on him, but his silence tells me it’s more than enough to force him into submission. For now. I’m not so sure he or, more precisely, his money and a good lawyer won’t find a way round.

  With one last look at Jessica, then me and Seb, he turns and walks away.

  I watch Jessica heave a great sigh as Tobias disappears round the corner out of sight.

  “Wow. You’re kind of ruthless. Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you,” Seb tells her as he steps back, allowing me to enter the room behind Jessica.

  Jessica paces while rubbing the back of her head. I take up position at the foot of her bed, watching silently.

  “You want to explain what that was all about?”

  “Nope. Hadn’t you better be getting back to the house before you get arrested?” she says with a wry smile that has two little dimples appearing. Were I not so exhausted and more than a little fucked off, they could be considered cute. However, my mood is currently running the show and it’s not got a happy ever after.

  “May I make a suggestion, Ms Fisher? Whatever it is you have, or think you have, I’d be very careful who you make enemies with. Mr Harris is not someone you want to go toe to toe with.”

  “Yeah, and sometimes we don’t get a choice in who our enemies are, but thanks for the warning.” It’s practically a dismissal, but I’m not done yet.

  I watch her, waiting for her to say more, but of course she doesn’t. Stubborn bloody woman. It pisses me off, and not only for the reasons you might think. She stirs something in me that I can neither want nor afford.

  Desire.

  Lust.

  Hope.

  The first two are not unusual. I’m a man, it’s almost a given, and of course, I’ve had women over the last five years. But that last one, hope. Yeah, I have no time for that, no place in my world.

  “Was there something else you wanted, Rick, is it?” Jessica queries with a raised brow. Her choice of words is not lost on me given the thoughts running through my head.

  A nurse enters the room before I can reply, stopping short when she sees me. I imagine the look on my face is not a concerned, comforting one.

  Turning her attention to Jessica, she asks, “Ms Fisher, how are you feeling?”

  Jessica’s gaze remains on me for a fraction of second before she looks away. “Much better thank you. How’s Miss Harris?”

  The nurse ushers Jessica back onto the bed, which she reluctantly does, before proceeding to check Jessica’s vitals whilst ignoring her question about Charlotte.

  Once the nurse is satisfied, she finally gives Jessica an answer. “You understand that as you’re not family, I’m not permitted to reveal any information regarding Miss Harris’ condition. However, I have been asked to inform you that she is stable.”

  There’s a small look of relief on Jessica’s face. “Thank you. Can I see her?” she asks, hope sparking in her eyes, but it’s snuffed out by the nurses next words.

  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

  “Why?”

  The nurse sighs heavily before looking at me then Jessica. “Mr Harris has instructed us that you’re not permitted to visit her under any circumstances. I’m very sorry.” Her words are laced with apology and sincerity.

  Jessica’s short-lived relief and hope is replaced with sorrow and dejection, and I watch as she swallows down her pain at Tobias’ final, cutting blow.

  God, the man is something else. Don’t get me wrong, as a father I completely understand how he must be feeling, but I can also be objective. It’s not Jessica’s fault, and the fact that she too was kidnapped and subjected to trauma and abuse should be enough to make Tobias realise that.

  “The doctor will be along shortly, and providing your scans are clear, you’ll be discharged. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help, Ms Fisher.” She gives me a nod as she leaves.

  “Ms—”

  “I’d like for you to leave now. Thank you for rescuing us, but you don’t need to be here anymore.” She turns away, looking out the window.

  I step around the bed and stop beside the small cabinet at the side of her bed. Pulling a card from my pocket, I place it on the top.

  “Take care, Ms Fisher.” And with that, I turn and leave. I’m not mad at her dismissal of me. Jessica Fisher is a strong and proud woman in a role dominated by men. To show any kind of weakness would be tantamount to career suicide.

  I head to the ICU where I know Jamie and Seb are waiting for me. I spot them outside a private room, and just beyond them, I can see Tobias standing vigil over his daughter inside the room.

  Jamie’s words drift down the corridor to me as I approach.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it, Seb. That poor girl. It’s going to take a long time and a lot of therapy for her to even gain a semblance of a normal life again.” Jamie drops her head to Seb’s chest, and he kisses the top of her head, whispering to her.

  Hearing me approach, he looks up as I reach them. “Hey, man. What’s happening?”

  “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

  Jamie looks up at me with tear filled eyes. “How’s Jessica?”

  “Aside from losing her job and one hell of a headache, I have no doubt she’ll be just fine.” She gives a nod as we turn and make our way out of the hospital.

  Six

  Jess

  Two weeks later

  “Harry, I’m just going to take Rocco out. I won’t be long.”

  “No worries, Jess. Thanks.”

  “If anyone needs to be thankful, it’s me. Walking Rocco is the least I can do,” I call back, as I snap Rocco’s harness on him. His tail brushes excitedly against the utility room floor. It works better than a broom as a plume of dust lifts into the air from all the muddy boots that have trampled through here this morning.

  Harry and Eleanor own a small number of cabins for rent a hairsbreadth from Kings Dyke Nature Reserve. The reserve is award winning and home to some of the UK’s scarcer wintering bird species, and as a result, attracts visitors all year round.

  Lady luck must have been shining down on me a little over a week ago when Eleanor, a long-time family friend, called havin
g seen the news report on mine and Lottie’s kidnapping. Tobias had managed to keep it under wraps up to that point, but following Lottie’s death, he wasn’t able to any longer.

  Eleanor immediately insisted that I come and recuperate with them, and at first, I declined, but she soon wore me down like always. The luck part was the fact they had an empty cabin for me to use for as long as I want.

  I step outside with Rocco still wagging his tail beside me and breathe in the clean, if somewhat pungent, air of the Cambridgeshire countryside. I turn left heading towards the small copse of woodland that runs at the far end of the land Kings Dyke Cabins is on. As soon as the path passes the first line of trees, I release Rocco from his leash, and he races away, sniffing and cocking his leg at every available opportunity.

  I amble along the path, watching Rocco as he dashes from one side of the path to the other. Oh, to be a dog. No responsibilities, to run free without fear and not know the pain and suffering that comes with being a damn human.

  These last few weeks have been some of the hardest since the death of my brother, Christian. I’m assaulted daily by guilt that Lottie suffered the way she did, and so much so that she took her own life. What’s worse is that I know her pain all too well. I wish Tobias had afforded me the opportunity to talk to her. I’m not one for sharing my own dark experience, but for Lottie I would have gladly shared it all if I thought for one minute it would have helped her. For that, I’ll never forgive the man. Tobias’ final cutting blow was two-fold; banning me from attending her funeral and on the same day serving me with papers stating his intent to sue me.

  A low growl from Rocco, just up ahead, chases away my dreary thoughts and has me looking to where he now stands in the centre of the path ready to strike and hackles raised.

  “Easy, boy, easy,” comes a voice just round the bend and out of sight.

  As I near Rocco, his lips peel back in a snarl, baring his teeth at whoever is there. It’s a clear warning and not like him at all.

  I step up just behind and to the right of Rocco, getting a clear view of the man he’s got pinned in his sights.