Knock Out (A Reynolds Security Novel) Read online

  “Does that make you one of Charlie’s Angels?”

  “I figured it made me a Bond Girl.” The self-satisfied grin that spread across his face spoke volumes. He pulled her closer his hand sliding up to the bare area on her back and whispered in her ear.

  “Some of those Bond girls are villains you know.”

  “Bad girls have more fun.” She whispered back. She was shocked by her own brazenness but at the moment she felt like a different person and she very much wanted to tantalize him. His fingers played along the line of her bare spine and she arched against him involuntarily.

  “Are you ticklish?” He asked a chuckle in his voice.

  “Um apparently.” Her voice was slightly breathless. She didn’t think the way his fingers were making her feel qualified as a tickle.

  “You look beautiful.” He was still whispering in her ear and she wanted to both push closer and pull away at the same time.

  “I feel ridiculous.” She deferred the compliment.

  “Looks like our host is joining us.” Jace straightened as if getting back to business. When he turned her enough so she could look without being conspicuous she spotted a striking black couple descending the stairs. She recognized Viktor Castillo from the photos she had seen online. He looked to be in his sixties. His once black hair was grayer now. The woman beside him she also recognized from her internet research as his long time wife Elena. She should be nearing sixty as well but she didn’t look it. Either the years had been good to her, or more likely the cynic in her pointed out, she’d had work done. The result was a very beautiful woman. She was tall and regal, her heels making her at least six feet. Her long shiny black hair was twisted and laying over one shoulder. Perhaps the most important thing about the woman, the one detail Lou had zeroed in on, was hanging around her neck. It was a huge diamond pendant. It was pear shaped and had to be the size of her fist. Lou didn’t think diamonds of that size existed outside of crown jewel collections. She looked up at Jace.

  “You’re impartial in this little test right?” He frowned but nodded.

  “I want you to succeed if that’s what you’re asking. If someone tries something and we don’t catch it, it makes us all look bad.”

  “Time to go to work then.” She smiled up at him. She reached up and turned her earring.

  “Look alive boys. Our host is joining us and his wife has jewel around her neck that is not in a locked case and worth more than we’ll make in our lifetimes.” Her ear piece sprang to life as each man confirmed sighting the couple. Jace cocked one eyebrow at her and she smiled and winked at him.

  They exited the floor and Lou positioned herself in what looked to be the path they were taking. Jace handed her a flute of champagne and she pretended to sip it. Her heart rate was a steady pound in her chest. She could feel adrenaline pumping through her, it was just like the way she felt just before a fight and she relished it.

  “Mr. Carpenter so good of you to join us.” The man’s African accent was heavy but his English was perfect.

  “The pleasure is mine Mr. Castillo, you throw a fabulous party.”

  “Please call me Viktor. Is this lovely creature your date?”

  “No, actually I came stag with the express purpose of meeting lovely creatures like this one. It is quite remarkable how beautiful jewelry will bring out the most beautiful women.” He smiled at Elena Castillo as he spoke and she returned his smile. Viktor introduced his wife to Jace before turning his attention back to Lou. She offered him her hand.

  “I am Lou Santiago, Mr. Castillo and I can’t tell you what an honor it is to meet you. Your creations are just… well they are amazing.” Her shameless gushing had the desired effect. He grinned.

  “Please call me Viktor my dear. Tell me, if you are so appreciative of fine jewelry why is your beautiful throat bare?”

  “Oh well to tell you the truth anything in my collection would so pale in comparison to your stunning creations I just couldn’t bring myself to wear anything.”

  “What a shame. Sometimes even the simplest designs are the most beautiful.”

  “I agree.” She turned toward Elena to engage the woman. “I would certainly not call what you are wearing simple but it is stunning. Is that one of your husband’s designs?”

  “No.” Elena’s voice was smoky and sultry. “This particular diamond has been in my family for generations.”

  “It is quite something. I didn’t know diamonds that large existed outside of the crown jewel collections.”

  “I guess you could say this piece is one of Africa’s crown jewels. It is called the Heart of Africa. It is among the largest flawless colorless diamonds in the world.”

  “How big is it?”

  “Two hundred and fifty four carats.”

  “Oh my, it makes the quarter carat my ex gave me seem like pea gravel.” Lou laughed and Elena laughed as well.

  “Tell me Lou have you seen the rest of the collection?” Castillo asked reclaiming her attention.

  “I did browse through the collection earlier. I never knew there were so many colors.”

  “Interesting isn’t it that those colored stones were once considered the garbage stones. They were thrown out with the rest of the dirt.” Elena interjected.

  “Elena is a purest when it comes to her diamonds.”

  “I can see why.” Lou glanced pointedly at the stone centered on the woman’s chest.

  “Come I must hear your critique of the collection.” He took Lou’s elbow and started to lead her toward one of the displays. “Are you coming darling?” He asked his wife.

  “No, you go ahead. I believe I will get a drink and mingle with the guests.”

  “I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you Mrs. Castillo.” Jace offered his arm.

  “Thank you.” She slipped her hand onto his arm and smiled. “And please call me Elena.”

  Viktor toured her around each case, telling her about each piece. Sensing this was all about his ego. Lou continued to gush about how beautiful the creations were and what a genius he was. As they neared the last display his conversation veered toward a personal nature.

  “That man you were with, are you together?”

  “Mr. Carpenter? No, we only shared a dance. I did come with someone.” She made a show of looking around. “I am not sure where he went. I left him by the bar.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “To tell you the truth I only agreed to the date because of the opportunity to see the collection.”

  “I feel so used.” Colby’s voice in her ear nearly made her laugh and she had to bite it back.

  “I am so pleased you went to such lengths to view my collection.”

  “It is quite a collection.” They reached the final case it was the necklace with the rainbow of colors. “I think this is my favorite.” She spoke with a bit of awe in her voice. “It is so colorful.”

  “Would you like to try it on?”

  “Are you serious? No I couldn’t possibly.”

  “Nonsense. You wore none of your own to the party. I insist you wear this one.”

  “Viktor, I couldn’t. I mean, it must be worth a fortune, what if something happens to it?”

  “Ah my dear there is security all around.” He point out men in black suits stationed all around the room. “You are in no danger of a thief.”

  “He is right about the security.” Lou looked up as Jace and Elena rejoined them. “Though I am not sure I approve of the risk.”

  “This is the man in charge of all the security.” Viktor laughed. “We pay him to not take risks. But jewelry is meant to be worn.”

  “Don’t worry my dear.” Elena spoke up. “He does this every time the collection is on display. He selects a young woman to model a piece. Nothing has ever happened.” Lou bit on her lower lip as if in indecision.

  “If you’re sure.”

  Viktor disarmed the case and placed the necklace around her neck. It was heavy and cold. She felt as if she had a chain around
her neck. The sensation unnerved her but she smiled.

  “Oh my gosh I can’t believe I am wearing one of Viktor Castillo’s creations. Quick take my picture.” She fished her phone out of her clutch purse and handed it to Jace. He snapped a picture and she made a show of looking at it before putting it away.

  “I may spend the rest of the night in front of a mirror.” Lou giggled.

  “Nonsense. Go. Dance. Have a good time. Before you leave we will put it back in the case.” She nodded with the excited head bob of the fan girl she was portraying.

  “Lou’s call sign is now bait.” Colby’s voice chuckled in her ear. She waited until there was no one within ear shot before responding.

  “Very funny, I turned on my tracker but if you guys let me get snatched I am going to be so pissed.” She hissed. She heard a series of chuckles meaning the men had keyed their mics just so she heard them laugh.

  One by one her team came out of the woodwork to dance with her. Just to make it look like she was mingling without her having to dance with too many strangers.

  “Hey Bait.” Her earpiece whispered. “This guy at the bar is acting really strange, kinda creepy. Come and flirt with him.”

  “Sounds like just my type.” She muttered.

  “I am ready to blow this popsicle stand. The sooner someone makes a move the sooner we can all get out of here.”

  “You’re tired? My feet are killing me!” She grumbled.

  When she reached the bar she saw the man Colby had been referring to. He was nursing a drink and staring out at the room. He was a white man but had a dark tan, dark hair and eyes. She took the seat a couple away from him at the bar and ordered a drink. She pretended to take a sip and sighed.

  “The best thing about these things is the open bar.” She said to the man and giggled as if she had made good use of the open bar. The man looked at her, his eyes dropped to the necklace and then lifted back to her face. He nodded and gave a weak smile.

  “You don’t really look like you are enjoying the party.” She tilted her head toward him in sympathy. “Anything I can do to cheer you up?”

  “No, but thanks.” The man walked away taking his drink with him.

  “I said flirt with him, not proposition him.” Colby laughed.

  “I was flirting!” She defended.

  “Maybe he’s gay.” Someone else said.

  “Nah, he’s not gay.” Colby said.

  “Maybe he already has a girl.” Lou defended him.

  “Yeah right, he still would’ve flirted.” Someone else’s voice, she thought it was Charlie said, “Probably would’ve done a lot more than that.” Lou sighed and swiveled on her stool.

  “How long do we have to wait? Isn’t it possible that nothing is going to happen?”

  “We wait until the place clears out and the jewels are secured in the hotel safe I guess.” Colby said. Lou glanced at the visible security team stationed around the room. They had to be really bored just standing there. At least she was free to move around go to the ladies room if necessary. She glanced toward the hallway to the bathroom. She had gone when she first arrived and she had to admit the Radisson bathroom was the most opulent bathroom she had ever been in. It would probably be the most opulent bathroom she ever would go in, it would be hard to top. She glanced at the man at the end of the hallway and almost felt sorry for him, guarding the ladies room all night. He met her gaze and then quickly looked away.

  Something prickled at the back of her neck. There was something about the man. He was dressed like the rest of the security detail but… he didn’t look familiar she suddenly realized.

  “Does anyone know who the guy stationed outside the ladies room is?”

  “He’s one of ours isn’t he?”

  “He’s not in the personnel directory. We’re the newest right? And we’re all in there right?”

  “Anyone recognize him?” Everyone responded with a negative response.

  “I haven’t been to the ladies room since I put this choke collar on. What if it is as simple as that? He is waiting to jump me in the bathroom.”

  “Well hell let’s find out.” That was definitely Charlie and she almost smiled.

  “Give us a minute to get in position Lou.” She looked around the room talking with passersby and pretending to drink until Colby gave her the go ahead. She walked to the ladies room. The man didn’t even look at her as she passed by. She passed a giggly woman on her way out but didn’t hear anyone else when she stepped inside. She didn’t have long to wait she didn’t hear him enter but she knew he was coming. He grabbed her from behind and she felt the barrel of a gun press against her side.

  “Just give me the necklace and I’ll let you live.” The man’s arm around her throat caused bile to rise up in her throat but she pushed it down. She was here to do a job.

  “You’ll never get away with this. The place is crawling with security.”

  “Not good enough, I got you didn’t I?”

  “So what is this some stunt to show up security?”

  “Just give me the necklace.”

  “Okay okay but you’re going to have to loosen your hold.” She put her hands up as if to undo the clasp, as soon as he loosened she brought her elbow hard into his solar plexus.” Colby, Charlie and Sam all materialized from various hiding places and disarmed the coughing man.

  “Lou you didn’t let us have any fun.” Charlie complained while zip tying the suspect’s wrists, Lou laughed.

  “Anyone have eyes on Reynolds or Carpenter?”

  “I got Carpenter.”

  “Get him in here.” Within a minute Jace joined them in the ladies room. After they gave him the run down he smirked. He looked the suspect up and down and frowned. Lou could see the wheels turning and wondered what he was thinking. He pulled a cell from his pocket and made a call. He quickly outlined the situation and listened while the other person spoke. Then he agreed with the person and disconnected the call.

  “Here’s what we are going to do. You and your team are going to wait for me upstairs.” He held up a key card and Colby took it “Room 415. I’m going to need that.” He gestured at Lou’s neck and she quickly took the necklace off. He took the necklace and the suspect and left the bathroom. She stared at the other two and shrugged.

  Chapter 9

  Jace was pissed, beyond pissed. He was pissed at Castillo, that guy had a gun, Lou could have been hurt and for what? A stupid stunt. A power trip. He was pissed at his team, they spent the whole night on security detail and didn’t notice an impostor among them? Not to mention they didn’t notice three men slipping into the ladies restroom.

  He took the suspect to the room they had used as their staging area and pushed him none to gently into a chair. He secured his already zip tied hands to the chair.

  “Why’d you do it?”

  “Do you know how much it’s worth?” The man was white but had a heavy accent.

  “Who hired you?” The man seemed to remember that he probably shouldn’t be implicating himself and shut his mouth glaring at Jace.

  “What is your name?” The man remained silent. Jace’s phone chirped and he glanced at it noting that Ethan had arrived with Castillo. Jace stepped outside the room and confronted their client.

  “Mr. Castillo, this is not how we operate. It is one thing to test security, it is quite another to put a woman in danger.” Castillo looked surprised at Jace’s declaration.

  “I assure you Mr. Carpenter it was not my intention to put anyone in danger. The girl, is she all right?”

  “She’s just fine. She is being debriefed. I assure you she won’t be speaking about this to anyone.”

  “I would like to see her, to extend my sincerest apologies.”

  “I will convey your apologies. Right now we need to deal with the matter at hand. I assume considering the circumstances you don’t want us to call the police.” As he spoke Jace opened the door to the room where the suspect was being held Viktor followed him,

 
“Of course I…” Viktor and the man locked eyes for a moment. “I appreciate your discretion. I will take care of everything. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with your team.”

  “We are the best. You should have just taken my word for it. Now if you’ll come with me I have your necklace, I would like you to verify its authenticity and lock it back in the case.”

  “Of course.”

  “Sit down girl. All that pacing is making me nervous.” Lou sank into a chair, not because Charlie told her too but because her feet were killing her. She kicked off her shoes and glared at Colby.

  “Whoever invented these things deserves to die a slow and painful death.”

  “My wife is fond of saying they were invented by a man who was into S&M.” Lou looked for the owner of the voice. He was sitting against the wall on the floor. She remembered him from class. His name was Lance and he usually stayed pretty quiet.

  “Does she wear them?”

  “Yeah,” he grinned. “She says they make her butt look good. She’s right too.” He laughed and the rest of the men joined him.

  “I don’t think it’s worth it.” She grumbled.

  “You’re not supposed to dance in new shoes. You are supposed to break them in first.” Another man, who looked to be Asian and went by Brent commented.

  “Well I didn’t have much choice, we got this assignment yesterday.”

  “You don’t own another pair of heels?” Sam asked.

  “No, do I look like the kind of girl who wears heels?”

  “Right now you do.” Colby laughed, the rest of the room chuckled. She flipped him off and they laughed harder.

  “Damn, too bad you didn’t kick him with one of those things. That woulda hurt like a bitch.” That even got a smile out of Lou.

  They heard the hotel key card in the lock and they all looked to the door. Ethan strode through and grinned.

  “I understand congratulations are in order. Guess you guys are overachievers. Couldn’t just pass the test you had to go for the extra credit too.”

  “Be all you can be.” Sam said from his spot on the wall.

  “Ack I am a Marine.”