UNDERCOVER TO MY HEART

ECHOES ON THE PIER

A thumb resting on a plastic button was all that kept forty innocent people from a watery grave.

Xavier stood on the slippery wooden edge of the pier, his face pale from blood loss, his eyes wide and unblinking. Rain lashed down from the dark sky, soaking his torn suit coat as the ocean waves crashed hard against the wooden pylons below. The bright blinking light of the remote control glowed like a drop of fresh blood in the wet night.

You step one inch closer, and I press it, Xavier barked, his voice rising above the roar of the wind.

Nobody is moving, Xavier, Bella said, keeping her voice completely level as she lowered the tip of her pistol just two inches. Look at me. Keep your eyes right here on me.

Why should I look at a lying rat? Xavier sneered, his thumb twitching over the red trigger.

Because you want to walk away from this pier alive, Bella said, taking a slow breath and using every bit of her federal negotiation training. You are smart, Xavier. You built a million dollar network from nothing. You do not want to end your story at the bottom of a cold harbor over a ruined shipment.

My operation is gone! Xavier shouted, his chest heaving as he coughed up blood. The ATF is everywhere!

The shipment is gone, but your life is not, Bella reasoned, taking half a tiny step to her left to pull his attention entirely away from the heavy industrial crane behind him. If you press that button, it becomes a m*********r charge. There is no bail for that. No deal. No coming back. But if you hand over the remote, my supervisor will listen to what you have to say about your bosses in Mexico.

You think I am stupid enough to trust a federal agent? Xavier spat, wiping rain out of his eyes with his sleeve.

I am the only person between you and a squad of sniper rifles, Xavier, Bella urged, keeping her eyes locked directly onto his. Talk to me. Tell me what you want to make it out of this city.

While Bella kept Xavier focused on her voice, Jack moved through the shadows behind the towering steel crane rig. He slipped between the thick iron cables and rusty gears without making a single sound, his dark boots treading softly over the wet wooden planks. Step by step, he closed the distance until he was standing less than ten feet behind Xavier's blind side.

You cannot promise me anything! Xavier yelled, his voice cracking with hysteria.

I can promise you that you die tonight if you lift that thumb! Bella yelled back, raising her sight alignment in a flash.

Now! Jack roared, lunging forward out of the crane's shadow.

At the exact same instant, Bella pulled her trigger. Her heavy hollow-point bullet tore through the air, striking the black plastic detonator right in Xavier's hand. The force of the round shattered the casing into pieces, knocking the broken remote straight out of his fingers before his thumb could react.

Jack's broad shoulder slammed into Xavier's midsection like a freight train, driving the cartel leader straight off the wooden ledge. Both men tumbled over the side into the dark abyss, crashing through the misty air and plunging into the churning ocean below with a massive splash.

The tiny pieces of the broken detonator rained down into the dark water right beside them, sinking harmlessly into the ocean depths.

Jack! Bella screamed, running to the edge of the pier and peering down into the black water.

A second later, Jack surfaced, coughing up salt water and pulling the unconscious, bleeding cartel leader toward the rusty ladder attached to the pier pylons.

Over here! Bella shouted to the approaching vehicles.

Dozens of black ATF SUVs tore onto the pier, their tires screeching to a halt in a sea of red and blue emergency lights. Armed tactical officers flooded the wooden deck with weapons raised, securing the perimeter while paramedics rushed toward the edge with heavy rescue ropes and flotation gear.

Clear the deck! an officer shouted. Bomb squad is moving to the cargo vessel!

Within minutes, federal teams scaled the cargo ship's heavy steel ladders, cutting the lock pins and throwing open the dark container doors. Shouts of relief echoed across the harbor deck as medics began helping the cold, terrified victims down to waiting ambulances.

Jack dragged himself up the ladder, throwing Xavier's limp body onto the wooden planks where two agents immediately slapped heavy steel cuffs onto his wrists. Jack collapsed back against a wooden post, breathing heavily as rain washed the ocean salt from his face.

You pulled it off, Bella said, rushing to his side and kneeling in the wet dirt. She reached out, her hands trembling as she checked his head for injuries. You crazy i***t, you actually did it.

We did it, Jack muttered, a faint, exhausted smile touching his lips as he looked up at her.

Step back from the suspect, agent! a cold, stern voice ordered from behind.

Director Vance walked out from the shadow of the lead command vehicle, flanked by four federal marshals holding tactical shotguns. His sharp eyes were cold, completely devoid of warmth or gratitude.

What are you doing, Vance? Bella asked, standing up to face her direct supervisor. He just saved those people. He stopped the bomb.

He is still a high-ranking member of the Iron Serpents motorcycle club, Vance said flatly, pointing a finger at Jack's chest. He is named in three federal warrants for grand theft, illegal weapons transport, and organized crime. Secure him now, officers.

This is insane! Bella yelled, stepping directly between the marshals and Jack. He was working to tear Xavier down from the inside! He gave us the manifest! He saved my life!

He is a felon, Agent Bella, Vance snapped, his voice hard as iron. And if you keep standing in front of my officers, I will have your badge and put you in cuffs right beside him for obstruction. Move aside.

Jack placed a heavy hand gently on Bella's hip, pulling her back softly. Do not ruin your career for me, Bella, he whispered softly. It is fine.

The two marshals grabbed Jack's arms, pulling him up from the wooden deck and shoving him toward the back of a reinforced black transport van.

Bella watched in helpless fury as they pushed him toward the open rear doors, her fists clenched tight at her sides. Just before the marshals shoved him into the dark interior, Jack paused and turned his head back toward her.

Bella, Jack called out, his voice low and urgent.

She stepped closer, the marshals allowing her one final second as Jack leaned his head near her ear.

Listen to me very carefully, Jack whispered, his warm breath hitting her cold skin. Xavier's phone was connected to Mexico before the crash. His cartel bosses already have your real name and your home address. Go to the abandoned cabin in Blackwood Forest. The key is under the porch stone. Do not go back to your apartment.

The heavy steel doors of the transport van slammed shut with a loud, metallic bang, locking him inside as the engine roared to life.