Page 6 of Ride the Whirlwind

“Am I interrupting anything?” Elijah peeked inside Fabian's office. “I just interviewed the informant, and he offered me interesting and valuable information.

“Then come inside, son, what are you waiting for?” Lance gestured to one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. “Tell us what you’ve found out.”

“Hi, Alasdair. I'm happy you’re here.” Elijah offered the redhead a smile, patting him on the shoulder. “So, I don't know how Ezra managed to get all the authorizations for that visit or from whom because the place where Ardan is doesn't exist in any documents.”

“Can you be a little clearer? What do you mean by that? I've checked all the signatures and seals on each document. I didn't notice anything out of place.” Fabian frowned, uneasiness settling in the pit of his stomach.

“Think about it,” Elijah replied. “What official in their right mind would authorize the visit of a sixteen-year-old to a maximum-security prison? Tarrin was supposed to accompany you, right?”

The other three men present in the room flinched and gasped in horror, Elijah's words hitting them like a bucket of ice water. Someone was hellbent on destroying them all, and this time, the faceless, nameless enemy had a great chance to succeed.

CHAPTER 5

“How is my respectable friend?” the man behind the mahogany, Georgian-styled desk asked the one standing in front of him. “Please, tell me you have good news.”

“I hate to disappoint you, sir, but his health worsens by the hour. The distinguished gentleman slips in and out of consciousness, and even when he's fully awake, there are moments where he doesn't recognize anyone.” The other man pressed his lips together and paused for a moment. “His personal doctor says the end is near.”

“I'm so sorry to hear that,” the man behind the desk said, visibly upset by the other's words. “He was an outstanding man, one of the greatest statesmen this country has ever had. I don't think there are any politicians currently in office with the same charisma and level of competence. Speaking of, any news from his son?”

“Um...you’re not going to like it. That close collaborator of his father approached him and presented him with your offer, but he rejected it in very clear and not-so-polite terms. To be more specific, your protector's son said he's not interested in working with a sleazy weasel like you.”

“That's such a pity because his father and I achieved so many great things together. But then again, maybe the young gentleman is not thrilled at the idea of being surrounded by his father's oldest, most trusted collaborators. It may give him a sense of inferiority.” The voice of the man behind the desk was cold, his conversation partner detecting a tinge of irony in it.

“Allow me to disagree with you,” he said cautiously. “Yesterday, all his father's colleagues and collaborators gathered at the young gentleman's villa to reaffirm their support in case he decides to run for his father's position. Also, I found out the name of the new Secretary of Homeland Security.”

“Why didn't you tell me earlier?” The eyes of the man behind the desk were shining with interest as he waited for the other man to start talking.

“Fabian Bloom. Well-connected, experienced, military academy graduate, former member of an elite task force known as The Ring of Scorpio. Plus, he was an important contribution to bringing down one of the biggest child trafficking rings in New York City with ramifications all over the world. The perfect man for the job, if you ask me.”

“Yes, and also Ezra Bloom's uncle,” the man behind the desk said in a flat voice. “Concentrating so much power in the hands of one family isn’t a good idea, but then again, what do I know about political games?” He waved dismissively. “Please, as soon as you find out anything about my distinguished friend, let me know.”

“I surely will, sir.” The younger man nodded. “Have a good day,” he continued, heading to the door.

“Likewise. It was nice talking to you, as always. One day, your dedication is going to be properly rewarded. Speaking of, Carmen got your paycheck ready. I added a small bonus as a sign of appreciation for everything you do for me.”

With a look of gratitude on his face, the younger man stepped out of the room, leaving the host alone with his thoughts. “The Blooms again,” he said to himself, huffing in frustration. “They’re like fucking weeds. When you think you’ve finally gotten rid of them, they invade your garden again. Not even Alexander Kane, with all his resources, shrewdness, and evil intelligence, couldn't bring them down.”

But then again, the man thought, his former associate was proud and stubborn and didn't listen to anyone. His obsession for Ardan MacNamara proved to be fatal, not only for the man, but also for the profitable business he operated. However, in spite of his many flaws, Alexander Kane was the best business partner someone could wish for, and the man considered it was his moral duty to avenge his death.

Godfrey MacNamara's horrible death was a godsend that allowed the man to bring that fucker Ardan under his power. No one could save him from the place he was now at simply because that place didn't exist, the man thought, an evil grin stretching across his face. He, Lester Ames, created it, at his illustrious friend's request right after that bank robbery that allowed him to launch his political career.

For thirty years, the prison that didn't officially exist served as home to that gullible boy who’d participated in the robbery and, most likely, knew the identity of the one who ordered it. Brodie Stevens, a walking, talking danger. Although he sincerely regretted the inevitable death of the high ranking official, Lester was also relieved because it allowed him to eliminate his former boyfriend once and for all.

The plan was beautiful in its simplicity: that obnoxious son of his distinguished friend would find out about his father's involvement in the bank robbery from three decades earlier and would have the only witness silenced once and for all. Things would get a little bit out of control, but he, Lester Ames, as a loyal friend of the deceased, would step in and help the son get out of the messy situation.

As for Ardan MacNamara, the twenty extremely dangerous inmates who lived in the other section of the secret prison, known as the beasts, would be more than happy to tear him apart after they’d had a little fun with him. When the gorillas were done with him, the sorry loser would beg to be killed, but Ames didn't intend to finish him off so quickly. That bastard would have an ugly, agonizing death, and he would enjoy every minute of the show.

************

“Hey, daydreamer, say hello to the good news bearer! Earth to Ardan, are you with me?” Brodie lightly tapped his cellmate on the shoulder, startling him. “Sorry, but I need your attention a bit.” He smiled apologetically.

“Nothing to be sorry for. I was caught up in happy memories and didn't notice when you came in.” Ardan looked at Brodie, the man's heart aching when he saw the lounging and yearning filling those turquoise eyes. “I miss them so much, and I try hard not to think, but I can't help it. I know, I shouldn't be so weak, but...”

“Stop it. You’re a married man, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. There are so many people you carry in your heart; how can you not think about them?” Brodie's hand rested again on the younger man's shoulder in an affectionate, protective gesture. “If everything goes well, by tomorrow this time, you'll be in Alasdair's arms.”

“What...how...I thought...” Ardan stuttered, examining the other man's face, not knowing what to believe. “If this is your idea of a joke...” His voice died down to a whisper as he lowered his gaze.

“There is no joke. I'm not the type who laughs at the expense of people's feelings.” Brodie crouched down, taking the other man's hands in his. “It's the truth. I swear on all things holy,” he said in a soft voice. “Everything is set for our escape. In less than twenty-four hours, we'll be out of this place. They can't bring us back. It doesn't exist on any official document.”

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