In the Shadow of Evil Book 2 Read online

  “This is what happens when you betray me, mi querida.” He clamped hold of her elbow and dragged her through the French doors. Her feet stumbled on the stone slab of the patio, but he didn’t slow his pace.

  When he reached his men, Mendoza yanked her arms behind her and held her against him. Nick’s bloodshot eyes bore into hers. He screamed when another foot landed on his kidney.

  “Make them stop. They’ll kill him. God, please make them stop.”

  Mendoza took her face in his hands. “It’s time for you to make a choice.”

  “What choice?” Jennie sobbed.

  Mendoza twisted her in the direction of the pool. “Which man lives?”

  Four men dragged another man toward them. It took every man to hold him. He fought like a caged animal. Jared. “What have you done?”

  The right side of Jared’s face was turning a dark, blackish-blue color, and blood pooled at the corners of his mouth where his lip had been split open. His left forearm jutted out from his elbow with an unnatural tilt.

  Mendoza gripped Jennie’s jaw and forced her to meet his stare. “Jennifer Marie, which man do you choose?”

  “I don’t understand. Let them both go. I’ll do anything.”

  A loud crack echoed across the lawn. The eerie sound bounced off the trees and vibrated back at them. The next instant, a bullet pierced Jared in the right upper thigh. A wet bloodstain seeped through his trousers. His leg collapsed under him and he stumbled. One of the men grabbed hold of his broken arm and heaved him back up. A roar full of pain escaped his lips.

  Jennie’s eyes darted toward the location of the shooter. All she saw were trees. She wrenched herself free of Mendoza’s hold and dove in front of Jared, blocking his body with hers.

  “You made your choice.” Mendoza headed toward the helicopter.

  Men in police uniforms and FBI jackets charged the lawn, guns drawn. Mendoza’s men froze before all hell broke out. A couple of men lifted their guns but were hit in the chest before they got one shot off. The rest dove for cover.

  Jennie heard none of it. Her heartbeat drowned out all sound. Everything around her grew silent, still. All her focus was on Elías Mendoza as he stepped into the helicopter. He turned and his eyes held hers. He was a good thirty yards away, but every word hit her, loud and clear, as if he stood right next to her.

  “Mi querida, they live because I allow it. You live because I allow it. Usted pertenece a mí. You belong to me. Only me.”

  Jennie couldn’t move. For an instant, her nightmares collided with her reality.

  You live because I allow it.

  Six words—night after night, year after year. The dreams had begun right after the death of her parents six years ago. A faceless man hovered over her, and those words echoed in her head until she jolted awake.

  Oh God. How is Mendoza connected to her parents?

  Jennie’s hands went to her throat. She couldn’t catch her breath. Stop him, don’t let him get away screamed inside her head, but she couldn’t move. The doors slammed shut and the helicopter lifted into the air. The next instant, a bullet grazed her arm. Jared slammed her body to the ground as another shot sliced through the air, inches from her head.

  She searched for Nick. His eyes met hers. He struggled to his knees and stood.

  “Nick, drop,” Jennie screamed, but her warning was too late.

  Time slowed.

  The third bullet whizzed over Jennie’s head and sliced into Nick’s cotton shirt. In her mind’s eye, she saw the slug tear through his skin, and then bone, until it perforated his heart.

  “No!”

  A sharp stabbing pain erupted from deep inside her. She crawled across the grass to Nick, lifted his head in her arms and slammed her hand down hard on the hole in his chest. Warm blood pulsed against her palm and seeped through her fingers.

  “God, don’t leave me. Nick?” she cried, but nothing came from the eighteen-year-old boy in her arms. His lifeless eyes stared up at her. She dragged his shoulders into her arms and rocked him back and forth as she wiped the sweat, blood, and tears from his face.

  “Jennie, he’s gone. Get down. There’s a sniper in the woods,” Jared yelled, shielding her body with his.

  “No. He can’t…” The words clogged her throat. “He can’t leave me.”

  The childhood pact they had made to each other flashed into her mind. His silly handshakes, his laughter, the warmth in his dark brown eyes when a nightmare tore her out of a deep sleep—it was all gone. Nick was gone.

  Jared placed his hand over hers. “Jennie, there’s nothing you can do for him.”

  Her eyes met his before she broke contact and cradled Nick’s head in her arms. “Mendoza killed Nick. He may not have pulled the trigger, but he ordered it. Why?”

  “I don’t know, but he won’t get away with it.” Jared watched as the helicopter flew out of sight. “I’ll find him, and he will pay.”

  Jennie heard the words but didn’t respond. Nick was gone. For the first time in her life, she was completely alone.

  Two

  Pikesville, Maryland

  March, Eight years later

  * * *

  Pull it together.

  Jennie banged her fist on the steering wheel. Today had been marked in her calendar for months. The debt that had haunted her for eight long years would be paid, and she could move forward with the next chapter of her life. But instead of feeling liberated, her nerves were raw.

  Maybe she should’ve put this off for a day. A sleepless night of horrific dreams and spending hours in a classroom with twenty-five ten-year-old students had drained her.

  As Jennie waited for the traffic light to change, she regarded the imposing red brick building in front of her. The light dusting of snow and sleet that covered the sidewalk and grounds contributed to the austerity of the structure. Reading the sign, Maryland Department of State Police Headquarters, made her palms sweat.

  What if he’s not there? God, what if he is? This was the first time in two years she would come face-to-face with Jared McNeil.

  Her purse, on the seat next to her, contained a white envelope with a cashier’s check, made out to him for $30,000. She had scrimped and saved until she could pay back every dime—restitution for an unforgivable mistake. The money was her way of releasing Jared, breaking the cord that bound them.

  Jared McNeil. Out of my life.

  The idea terrified her. When they first met, she was nothing but a clueless teenager in his eyes. His dark brown, wavy hair, cobalt blue eyes, and smoking-hot body did something to her sixteen-year-old heart. That hadn’t changed. In fact, when those amazing eyes smiled at her, warmth pulsed from the tip of her head to her toes—and everywhere in between. But nothing could ever become of those feelings. It was the time for her to yank the adhesive bandage off a festering wound. It didn’t matter that she wanted him in her life as much as she needed air.

  Elías Mendoza would never leave Jared alone.

  She could still see Jared all those years ago, beaten, with his arm hanging by his side. The scene never went away, nor did Jared’s words, asking her to enter protective custody.

  Mendoza hadn’t stopped there. He waited for Jared to come after him, his sick plan in place. Jennie tried to shake the horrific vision of Jared, handcuffed to a chair in one of Mendoza’s hellholes, his body covered in blackish-blue bruises and his chest carved up like a turkey, bleeding to death. For the next three years, that image was added to her other sin—never allowing her peace.

  The madness stops today. She would pay her debt and take on the bastard. If he wants her so badly, he can have her, but he will never again hurt anyone she cares about.

  As soon as the light changed, Jennie crossed the intersection and eased into the parking lot. She zoomed in on the entrance as her heart pounded in her head. You can do this; you have to do this. Sucking in a deep breath, she left the sanctuary of her car.

  She stepped inside the entrance and took in the glass-enclo
sed lobby. Everything was exactly as it had been eight years ago: the same blaring fluorescent lights, sterile industrial furnishings, and hard plastic chair she sat in, waiting to be questioned.

  “How can I help you, miss?” a male uniformed officer asked from behind the counter.

  Clenching her fists, she stiffened her back and approached him. “Yes, I would like to see Detective McNeil, please.”

  “Which one?”

  Damn… walk out the door. Now!

  “Miss, I don’t have all day.”

  “Jared McNeil.”

  “Is the lieutenant expecting you?”

  “No.”

  “Miss, he’s a busy man, in and out of here all hours.”

  “I should have called first.” Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. Clutching the strap of her handbag, she searched for a plan B.

  “Do you want to talk to another detective?”

  “No, thank you.” She reached in her purse and removed a pen. With clean, precise letters, she wrote out Jared’s full name and title on the envelope. “Is there anyone I can leave this with?”

  “I think Doria is working this shift. She may be able to get it to him. Give me just a minute.” He picked up the desk phone, never taking his eyes off her.

  “Doria said you can bring it on up. Just take the stairs to the third floor.”

  Nodding her thanks, she headed toward the stairs. Her heart ached. It would be easier if she didn’t see him. But that meant she would walk away without one last smile or the feel of his arms around her…without one final embrace.

  Mistakes came with consequences, and it was time she faced hers. Elías Mendoza was alive, free to destroy everything he touched. The moment she said good-bye to Jared, she was going to stop Mendoza, one way or another.

  On the third floor, Jennie approached the front desk right inside the doorway. A woman in her sixties greeted her with a generous smile. “Jackson downstairs said you had something you wanted me to give to the lieutenant.”

  “Hi. My name is Jennie McKenzie.”

  “Everyone around here calls me Doria. I’m sorry, but Lieutenant McNeil is in with his team and can’t be disturbed.”

  “I should’ve thought of that. It was rude of me to just drop in like this.” She retrieved the envelope from her purse and handed it to Doria. “Can you give this to Jared when you see him?”

  “What do you have there? Can’t be too careful these days,” Doria replied, as she turned the envelope over in her hands.

  “It’s personal, but if you need to see it, I can open it for you.”

  “I see,” Doria said, studying Jennie. “Have we ever met, Ms. McKenzie? I’ve seen you somewhere before, but I just can’t seem to place you. I never forget a face.”

  “I don’t think we’ve ever met.”

  Doria snapped her fingers and pointed at Jennie. “I know,” she said with a wide smile. “Aren’t you that young teacher in the Baltimore Sun this morning? I saw a picture of you with all your students. I have it right here.” Doria flipped through the sections of the Sun lying on top of her desk and pulled out the style section.

  “Finalist for Teacher of the Year! What an honor for someone so young.”

  Heat rose in Jennie’s cheeks. “Yes, that’s my fifth-grade class. They are wonderful.”

  “You know, Ms. McKenzie, I’m an excellent judge of character. You’re what I call good people.” Holding the letter out to Jennie, she said, “I think you’re safe enough. Just set it on his desk. It’s the open door on your left.”

  A little overwhelmed, Jennie thanked Doria and walked the short distance to the back corner of the squad room. Squaring her shoulders, she entered Jared’s office and stood still, taking it all in.

  The scent of leather and Jared’s musky cologne lingered in the air. No plants or family pictures crowded the bookcase or desk, but his overpowering presence filled the space.

  Since the day Jared McNeil had entered her life, she had developed a strange talent of being able to feel him. It was like a sixth sense that let her know he was close, and she was safe. There was no explanation for her reaction, especially since she was so incredibly nervous around him.

  She eased to the edge of his sofa and took a moment to compose a note.

  For once, I’m glad I live halfway across the state from you. I can see your expression: Tight jaw, eyes almost black—you’re not very happy with me.

  There never was a special tuition endowment. You were the endowment. Tell Noah I didn’t rob a bank. I saved every penny and have the books to prove it. Your brother will never trust me, while you seem to have an infallible trust in me, something I’ve never earned or understood. If you tear up the check, I’ll just have another one issued. Besides, you can use it on the next stupid, harebrained teen who finds herself in your path.

  What Jennie couldn’t bring herself to write in the note screamed inside her head. You are the first person I think of when I wake up every morning and the last person I pray for before I go to sleep. I will do anything necessary to keep you safe. He will never hurt you again because of me.

  She swiped a tear from her cheek, signed the note, and stapled it to the envelope. Taking one last look around, Jennie left the office.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  The cold, deep baritone voice, so much like Jared’s, came from behind. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stood stiff as a statue.

  Jennie faced Jared’s identical twin. It would be Noah, the universe’s cruel joke. Just when she thought she was free—wham! She was sucked right back in.

  “I asked you a question, Jennifer McKenzie, and you damn well better answer me.”

  “Noah McNeil, I swear if you don’t stop hollering at this young lady, you will deal with me,” Doria said, placing herself in between Jennie and Noah. “I gave her permission to put something on Jared’s desk, which is none of your business.”

  “It damn well is my business when it concerns my brother and this bitc…”

  “Don’t you dare.” Doria commanded. “That’s uncalled for and you know it.”

  Jennie stepped back and bumped into a desk. Noah’s hatred was nothing new, but it tore her heart to pieces.

  Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and stared. If only the linoleum floor would open and swallow her whole. Doria had to be at least a foot-and-a-half shorter than Noah, but she could hold her own. She was one scary lady. Maybe she gave lessons.

  Taking note of Doria’s example, Jennie squared her shoulders. Noah was almost the mirror image of Jared: same height, same dark brown hair that, in a certain light, appeared black, deep cobalt blue eyes that sparkled with laughter, but darkened to black when angered.

  But the similarities ended there. Jared appeared hard on the surface, while underneath the persona he presented to the world was one of the kindest men Jennie had ever known. And while Noah appeared approachable, even fun-loving, he was as hard and unforgiving as they come.

  “I’m here to leave something for Jared. If you would move your gargantuan, pigheaded self, I’ll leave.” Jennie shifted around him, but he blocked her move.

  With his voice barely above a whisper, Noah asked one more time, “What are you doing here? I distinctly remember you gave me your word that you would stay away from him. Does your word mean nothing?”

  Nick’s famous saying rang in her head: Never show pain to the enemy. Sadly, that was how she viewed Noah. He would destroy her without a backward glance, but he was the person in Jared’s life who meant the most to him.

  “My word is everything. I’ve stayed away since Jared returned from Mexico. No contact.” She swallowed and took in a shaky breath. “I’m not here to make any trouble. Please, just get out of my way so I can leave.”

  “You’ve been trouble from the second he laid eyes on you. Haven’t you caused him enough pain?”

  “I know it’s my fault, but I never meant…”

  “You’ve done nothing but c
ause him pain. Do I need to remind you of the scars that bastard carved into my brother, or the condition he was in when we got him back home?” Noah reached over and grasped hold of Jennie’s upper arm.

  “Let go.” Jennie instinctively jerked her arm free. Her elbow shot up and whacked his nose, drawing blood.

  “Son of a bitch.” Noah’s hand covered his nose. Blood dripped down the back of his fingers.

  Jennie broke free and stepped back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.” She rushed past the older woman and headed toward the stairwell.

  She didn’t get far. Noah grabbed her arm and pinned it behind her back. Jennie tried to pull free, but his hold tightened.

  “Now, Noah, you don’t want to do that,” Doria said, placing a hand on his arm.

  “Yeah, I do.” He removed the handcuffs hooked to the back of his belt loop and began to cuff her.

  “Let. Her. Go.”

  Jennie faced Jared as he closed in on them. The steel cuff dug into her skin and Noah’s fingers bruised her arm, but she felt nothing. Jared’s presence usually calmed her, but not today. Waves of shame and embarrassment washed over her.

  “Like hell I will.” Noah swiped at the blood draining from his nose with the corner of his sleeve.

  Jared grabbed his twin’s wrist just as he placed the second cuff on Jennie.

  “I won’t ask again.”

  The brothers’ stormy eyes held each other for a moment before Noah released her arm.

  Jared lifted Jennie’s chin so their eyes met. “Are you okay?”

  “What the hell, Jared?” Noah interrupted, blood streaming from his nose.

  Jared grabbed a box of tissues from Doria’s desk and tossed it at Noah. He removed the cuff, flung it across the desk, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, drawing her close. Addressing the squad room, he said, “The show’s over. Find something to do or I’ll find you something.” Everyone flinched and hurried to look busy.

  He faced Jennie, his voice low. “Please, come back to my office.”