“They knew,” Jade whispered. “Thiswasabout me the entire time.”
Rafe sighed. “It appears that way.”
The plane dipped into descent, startling her. She glanced out the window.
A farm road snaked through fields between the hills with no clear open space for a plane. She trusted Charlie Five—Xander, but where did he plan to put the aircraft down?
At the last second, a long strip of road stretched across the ground. Enough for the Cessna Citation to land. To anyone driving past, it was just another service lane.
Several minutes later, the wheels touched down with a squeal of rubber. The jet rolled into a massive barn disguised as an equipment shed. Xander turned the plane facing out. Probably ready for a quick takeoff, if needed.
“Rafe, motion sensors and gear. Boone, Dax, secure the site. I have Raven. Xander will shut down and prep the plane in case of emergency.” When the engines whined to a stop, Liam unbuckled and stood. “Go.”
Charlie Team flowed out of the plane with the intensity she recognized from missions. Boone and Dax swept wide, rifles trained on the tree line. Rafe opened the luggage compartment and withdrew a duffel bag. He acquired one of three four-wheelers, then took off toward the fence line and began planting what Jade assumed were small motion sensors on the posts.
Xander exited down the steps and went about prepping the plane for a last-minute flight if needed.
Liam’s palm brushed Jade’s back as he guided her toward the farmhouse. Too fascinated by watching the team in action, she didn’t ask questions, just moved where Liam guided her.
Inside the ranch house, Jade breathed for what felt like the first time in days. The solid walls around her and the faint scent of lemon furniture polish comforted her. Her gaze roamed the interior. Brown leather couches. Warm taupe walls. Masculine vibes, but vacation cabin cozy—if you ignored the blackout curtains and reinforced locks.
“Kitchen’s stocked, if you’re hungry.” Liam had grabbed her small suitcase and backpack from the plane. He placed themnext to a door near the living room. “This will be your room. One of us will always be on duty out here.”
“Thank you.” She wandered in and lowered onto the recliner. She would’ve taken a seat on the couch, but her body required two armrests for support. “I’m going to need to power down in a bit. The whole fiasco is catching up with me.” She rolled her eyes.Good heavens, Jade. Tell the man you’re a computer geek without telling him you’re a computer geek.
Liam smirked as if reading her mind. “Rafe will finish with the perimeter sensors soon. After that, we’ll get the computers set up and secure. You’ll have full access here. No Bureau servers, no interference.”
Jade nodded, fighting to keep her eyes open.
“Why don’t you get a shower and wash the jungle off,thenpower down.” He grinned at his choice of words that mimicked hers.
“That sounds wonderful. Assuming I can move. You should have said that before I sat down.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Liam helped her to stand. “The team will be in and out. We’ll pair up and take turns patrolling the ranch. You’re safe. Go rest, so you’re recharged and ready to do a deep dive into the data.”
Jade’s eyes met his. The warmth in his gaze almost buckled her knees. “I don’t know how to thank you, Liam.”
“Not necessary. If we had realized the picture was of you, we would’ve moved mountains to get to you. You’re one of us, Raven. Never doubt that.”
Tears flooded her eyes. No one had ever accepted her for who she was. “I…um…” The first tear fell, followed by a hundred more.
Liam wrapped her in his arms and tucked her under his chin, cocooning her in his strong arms, giving her strength to get through the upcoming days.
Eventually, she stopped crying.
“Feel better?” He pulled back enough to see her face.
She nodded. If she said more, the sobs would begin again.
Liam cupped her cheek and peered into her eyes. “I’m here for you, Raven.”
Jade leaned into his touch. Gah! This man. He made her feel normal and safe. It probably wouldn’t last—at least the normal part, but she’d live in the moment. Because she knew one thing for certain, whoever had her abducted wouldn’t stop until she was back in his possession.
Timber Ridge, Colorado – Safe House
Thursday – 1800 Hours
Call Sign: Charlie One
