“You’re a piece of work. I’m quite aware of what happened to me. I spoke with Suhail el-Saab. Did you know while I was in their custody, the caliph decided I was to be his wife? But you see, I wasn’t clean. I was carrying our child. The day before I deployed, I found out I was pregnant. He held me down, and two women ripped our baby out of me. Is that what you wanted?”
Will’s chest heaved. “You’re a liar. And a whore. You slept with the caliph.”
“Where did you hear that?” she retorted.
“Ha, you did. You took the bait. Oldest trick in the book, Gwenny. I bet you spent time on your knees too. We taught you that much. Kip, did you know your boss spent a lot of downtime as a blow hoe? Or being a good back door girl?”
“You still haven’t answered my question. Why, Will? And which of your twelve angry men are hurting those Marines?” she snarled. “Or is ityoucarving women up?”
His hand came up fast, slapping her face again. “Hahaha. Always fighting to save the world. I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Your sick plan is over. Open this door right now,” she demanded.
“Why would I do that?” Will wrapped a hand around the back of her neck. “You remember, you always did what I demanded. You’ll do it again.” He pulled her head down toward his lap.
“No.” She slammed her fist into his crotch. “I’m not that scared girl anymore. If I have my way, you’ll never sexually assault another woman again.” Her fist rose to hit him.
Will, groaning in pain, reached for his gun and smashed it into Gwen’s head. “You witch. They should’ve finished you off in that prison. No one would’ve found your carcass.”
Gwen’s eyes swam in her head long enough for Will to secure her hands with plastic flex cuffs. “Maybe a little refresher will make you more cooperative.” He popped his center console. Brandishing a syringe, he injected her.
Kip began to fight as Will removed the syringe from Gwen and stuck him. Gwen’s eyes closed.
* * *
Troy and Iantook the elevator up to the tenth floor, crossed the bridge and walked toward Julian’s office. Wes and Zach were on a conference call with the remaining senior executive staff.
Kieran’s voice rumbled into the room, “I spoke with the former director. The prison was being used for sanctioned operations. Gwen’s captivity was an unsanctioned operation. El-Saab was a disgraced former operative trying to get returned to duty by bringing down that ISIS cell. His real name is Ricky Hopkins. He’s a graduate of the Samuel P. Carter Military Academy. He used Gwen to gain credibility. Ice, Alamo, sweet interrogation.”
“I just got the intelligence back. There are thirteen graduates of the Samuel P. Carter Military Academy class of 2001 in the San Diego area. Twelve are Marines; one is Navy: Captain Brody Garrett,” Zach said.
“Bravo Team landed at San Diego International five minutes after the shooting. Adina Ganz and Noah Paulsen went to pick Garrett up at Twentynine Palms. Garrett and Gwen are outliers of the victims. There is a tie between them. I’m sure of it.”
Troy moved to stand beside Wes and Zach. Kieran chuckled. “Welcome back, Greece. Your hunch about Richardson Boyle wanting to clear his conscience is likely true. His body was found in his office, a double tap, one head and one chest.
“And, while we’re waiting to follow the dots of intel, I received a detailed report from Ms. North describing her entire time in captivity and her time with William Cook, including her complete medical release. She asked for my assistance to press charges against him and eleven others. In the report, she tendered her resignation. Greece, she also left a letter for you. Gentlemen, we need to hurry up and bring her and Mr. Brennan home,” Kieran ordered.
Troy rocked on his heels, his face stoic. “Call Adina Ganz. If she hasn’t picked up Garrett yet, tell her to get close and surveil. I want a helo and Josh Stone and Alpha Squad here ASAP. Seton is working our critical. Mr. Holland, when was the last time you jumped?”
“Refresher before I joined the Virginia staff. I’m warning you, Troy. YOU ARE NOT JUMPING.” Tim closed personal space on Troy.
Troy held his hand up. “Ian, would you run the com? Trask, Ice, Acrobat, and Dutch Boy, suit up.”
“Damn, Troy. Only if you follow Tim’s instructions,” Zach said. "Or I hog-tie you.”
“We’ve got a med team in the air doing jump exercises already. I’ll order them to refuel and land at Twentynine Palms. Ian, Kieran, can you get them clearance?” Wes asked.
“I’m going to talk to Jessie Brooks and James Richmond and see if I can get a location. They have a place they’re doing this. That’s why they were able to leave Jessie unaccounted for.” Troy blew out a breath. This time his ability to compartmentalize was helping him function.
“Has anyone called Kip’s family?” When no one answered, Troy inhaled. “I’ve got it.”
As Trask walked beside him, he listened to Troy call Kip’s family in New Jersey. “Hey, Mr. Brennan, it’s Troy Bremen.” Troy swallowed hard. “I’m doing better, sir. Thank you for asking. Sir, I hate having to call under these circumstances, but I need to let you know, Kip was working an operation and was kidnapped about two hours ago. We have all our resources working to find him. Kip is extraordinary at his job; I’m sure we will have him back soon.
“Hi, Mrs. Brennan. No, ma’am. I won’t leave a grain of sand unturned. Yes.” He paused to listen. “I promise. Now, two of our personnel from our New York office will come to answer any questions and get you anything you need. I love him too.” Troy ended the call. After another breath, he was at Jessie’s door.
Commander Brooks and his wife were sitting with Jessie. “Greece.” The commander stood, extending his hand. “Good to see you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Jessie.”
“You’re welcome. You remember Trask.”
