Page 47 of Cruel Salvation

Chapter15

The Shadow teamhad gathered at the compound. Bás had called them together to discuss the case of Simon Dorsey and how Andrea Peston was still evading them. It had been almost three weeks since they’d started investigating and they were no closer to finding her. He knew it was playing heavily on Naz’s mind, and he didn’t want her to have that added stress on top of the baby.

The first scan had been emotional and humbling, and he’d fallen instantly in love with the jumping bean on the screen. Naz had squeezed his hand and grinned with excitement as the tech took measurements and they heard the steady gallop of their baby’s heartbeat. In that moment, he’d never felt more connected to another human being and, with the offer on the property being accepted, things personally looked to be going in the right direction.

The group sat around the table, Val to Bás’ left-hand side with Monty and Scout at her feet. He’d made it a point not to hover over Naz in this environment, even though everyone now knew they were together and expecting a baby. He hadn’t had it yet, but he was fully expecting a threat-of-death lecture from each of the guys here. It made him happy to think she had those people in her life, even if it was his balls they had on the chopping block.

Right now though, each of them was lost in thought as they mulled over the facts in front of them. The only sounds that could be heard were the low hums from the computers and the click-clack of fingers on keyboards as they searched for clues. Watchdog was like a machine, focused on his task, but it was evident the frustration everyone was feeling.

This nightmare had been put to bed. Nazareli had thought it was behind her and so had the soldiers affected but it was back, and they were all potentially staring down the barrel of a loaded gun.

Bás stood up, his eyes scanning over everyone before he began to speak. “We need to come up with a plan on how we go about finding Andrea Peston. We can’t let this woman get away with what she’s done.” He paused for a moment, his gaze falling on Lotus before continuing. “I know that each one of you has your own unique set of skills which are invaluable in this situation, so I want to hear your ideas on how we can track her down.”

Lotus leaned forward, her facial features awash with possibilities. “We need to think outside the box. Andrea has been able to evade us for this long because she’s crafty and she knows how to hide. We know her father was the doctor who worked on the drug, so we need to look at that. Find out if he spoke to her or shared anything with her. He’s serving time in a maximum-security prison, and I thought he wasn’t allowed visitors.”

“He is, but nothing is infallible, and they could have paid off one or more of the guards.” Bein shrugged as if this happened all the time.

Damon had never given a whole lot of thought to what happened after he won or lost his case in court, but seeing this side showed a flawed justice system.

“I can pay the prison a visit.”

Reaper was former Australian SAS and always came across relaxed and chill, but he knew it would be a mistake to think the man was anything other than deadly.

“We need to use unconventional methods to flush her out,” Titan added.

Bishop nodded in agreement. “I have a contact who’s worked in the drug trade. He might have some information on Peston’s whereabouts. I can reach out to him and see what he knows.”

Damon chimed in. “We could also try and trace the money she’s been using to fund her operation. It might lead us to her or her accomplices.”

Val added, “We have access to some of the best surveillance technology in the world. We could use it to track her movements.”

“Done it. She’s a ghost.”

Damon looked up as Watchdog spoke, but his eyes didn’t leave the screen and his fingers never slowed.

“We need to work backwards. Go back to the first time she ever met Simon and go from there. Speak to him again and see if he can give us any other clues,” Duchess added.

Bás nodded, taking in their suggestions. “These are all good ideas. Let’s split up and work on gathering information using these methods. Lotus, speak with Simon again, and speak to Smithy about the other men. They might know something they aren’t telling us. See if you can talk to them.”

“Okay.”

“Damon, a word before you go.”

Naz locked eyes with him and he saw her hesitate before he nodded for her to go on. “I’ll catch up with you.”

“Okay.”

Damon followed Bás into his office where he motioned for him to take a seat. He’d known this man for over a year, but this was the first time Bás had ever asked to speak with him privately and he felt a chill run down his spine. Damon had faced some evil people in his time as a barrister and Bás wasn’t evil but he was fucking terrifying in his intensity. Partly because he knew this man could and would follow through on any threat he was about to make next.

Bás cleared his throat before speaking. “I know you care about Lotus and I want to make sure you understand something very important. If you hurt her in any way, or cause her harm in any way, there’ll be consequences and I’ll have to deal with them myself.”

Damon could feel the intensity radiating off Bás as he continued. “Lotus isn’t just another member of our team, she’s like family. And no one messes with our family. Do I make myself clear?”

Damon nodded mutely, understanding all too well what Bás meant by that statement. He appreciated that Bás was looking out for Naz’s well-being, but he couldn’t help but feel slightly offended. He’d never given Bás a reason to doubt his intentions with Naz, and he didn’t appreciate being treated like a potential threat to her safety.

But he knew Bás was just being protective of his team, and he respected that. “I understand, Bás. And I want you to know that I’d never do anything to hurt Naz. She means everything to me.”

Bás studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good. I believe you. But I had to make sure you understood the consequences of your actions. Our team is our priority, and we protect each other at all costs.”