Page 3 of Reclaiming Chaos
Chapter 2
Iglanced over my shoulder before answering. “Bennett.”
“Special Agent Bennett, I thought it was time we spoke.” A soft female voice spoke over the phone.
“Ms. Tate, I presume.”
“I think we’ve moved past last names, don’t you, Ridge? Please, call me Carlee.”
“Carlee. Why don’t you save us both the headache of finishing this game of cat and mouse? There’s only one way that it’s going to end.”
“I know.” She chuckled. There wasn’t a single noise in the background to suggest where she was hiding. “Listen, I know you have no reason to trust me or believe me, but my life is in danger, and now yours is too.”
“I can protect us both. Just turn yourself in.”
“As much as I’d like to let a big strong man protect me, it’s impossible now. We’re both in this up to our necks.”
“Why would you think that, and who are we in danger from?” I asked, moving the kitchen curtain and peeking outside. How had she known I’d opened the box at that exact time unless she had cameras in place or was genuinely psychic?
I eased the curtain back into place.
“Maybe you should ask why these people assigned you to find me. Doesn’t it seem like an odd assignment? Even for your team. You catch criminals known to go underground. People who shoot their way out of situations. I’m just an innocent woman who’d rather be left alone.”
“Your file says you aren’t so innocent,” I said, turning from the window. “Your employer claims you stole something dangerous.”
“Is that what they said?” She chuckled. “Dig deeper if you want the truth, Ridge. Our future is counting on it.”
“The only future we have, Carlee, is me catching you.”
“Well, you’re wrong about that. You and I are going to be unstoppable if you’d just let your guard down and try to see things from my perspective. One day you might just agree that you can’t live without me.”
“You’re delusional,” Ridge said ignoring her sexy voice. She was a criminal just like any of the others. “I’ve seen your employee file and talked to your boss. The weapon you’ve developed could save or destroy nations. We want to avoid having it fall into the wrong hands.”
She sighed. “Ridge, I didn’t develop anything. I am the weapon, and I need your help.”
“Turn yourself in, and we’ll get this sorted out,” I countered. Whatever her skill was, be it precognitive, psychic, automatic writing, or remote viewing, she knew things. Regardless of what those skills were, they meant trouble.
“Markfield Bridge. In one hour. There will be a jumper—a man dressed in a business suit and overcoat. You have to stop him from jumping. He can prove everything. Come alone. Can’t have your team scaring him over the edge.”
“How do I know this isn’t a trap?”
“Ridge, do I sound like a mastermind to you? I want my normal life back. I need to go back to a time before my secrets were sold to the highest bidder. And you’re the only one who can make that happen.”
“Why am I theonlyone that can help you?”
“I can’t say. Not yet.” She sighed. “Save the suit. He’ll confirm that I’m innocent. Oh, and before I forget, happy birthday, Ridge. I’ve been waiting a long time for this birthday and to meet you.”
The phone went dead, and I stepped out of the kitchen and tossed it to Melony as I headed to the door. “Have the number traced and get me Carlee’s complete file again, including the interviews with her boss. Have the team tear this place apart. I need to know if there are any security cameras in that kitchen.”
“Sure thing, boss. Where are you going?” Melony asked.
“To see a man about some secrets,” I said, not waiting for more questions.
I slid inside the SUV and sped toward Markfield Bridge. I had time to get there—time before I needed to catch my scheduled flight home for my brother’s wedding. I’d planned to arrive early. There was a method to my madness. My plans always changed and I wasn’t about to miss my brother saying I do.
Afterwards, I’d join my team on Carlee’s trail and be there to finally bring her in.
The ringing sounded through the car’s speaker alerting me to an incoming call. I thumbed the button on the steering wheel to answer the call.
