Hardwired (The Brotherhood Series) Read online

  “Why do you say that?”

  “That’s when the doctor says he first pitched his idea to the government.”

  “Have you questioned the doctor about who called him.”

  “He said the call came in from an unknown number, but that it was set up like any other all-call from the hospital system for a wounded soldier. They had a patient, who needed surgery. Once he arrived at the hospital and he did an assessment of you, he knew then that you were the one.”

  “I think someone else was at the hospital that day and knew of my injuries and the doctor’s idea. Let’s go pay the good doctor a visit.”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Luke

  The doctor lived in Florida which meant paying him a visit cost them a lot of time. With the Operations Officer off the base for three days, they had to move quickly and quietly to get things done. Dean managed to secure them tickets on a flight that left within an hour, but the doctor’s receptionist was refusing them an appointment until the next day.

  “You were too nice. I’m going to that office once we land, and I’m going to see the doctor today,” Luke berated Dean as they took their seats on the flight.

  “I’m not going to brow beat some poor woman over the phone.”

  “Then I’ll do it in person.”

  “What if the woman was Jen? Would you want someone to brow beat her?”

  “You’re annoying me,” Luke said, realizing Dean was right. “Where are they?” Luke asked, after a few moments of silence.

  “You’ll probably punch me in the face, but I’m not going to tell you.”

  “You’re right: I am going to punch you in the face.”

  “Luke, there’s still a chance we’ll get busted, and you’ll end up being questioned. All they have to do is put a chip inside of you and you could spill Jen and Bella’s location without so much as a second thought.”

  Luke had a strong urge to run his fist through something, but since he was on a crowded plane full of civilians, he didn’t think it was the best idea. He hated not being his own man. The fact that he was the biggest danger to his wife and child pissed him off more than anything. He missed them. Bella’s giggles were food for his tired soul, and he needed it now more than ever. It didn’t help that every time he closed his eyes, he saw Jen fighting Dean to try to get to him.

  “What does Jen know about any of this?”

  “Nothing. The day you were taken away, I dragged her onto a plane to join Bella and her parents. She believes that your memory has been wiped clean again.”

  “Jesus, man. You couldn’t tell her after the fact?”

  “No, I can’t risk someone deciding to pop in on her, and she possibly giving us away. Trust me. When you two reunite, it’ll be forever.”

  “Why are you so invested in this; in helping me and Jen?”

  “First off, regardless of what you think, you’re my friend. Secondly, there are too many people who don’t get to experience what you and Jen have, for me to let someone keep you all apart from one another.”

  “I’m still going to hit you, but thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Speaking of hitting, wife’s got a serious left hook.”

  “When did you learn that?”

  “About five seconds after you got dragged onto that chopper.”

  “God, I love that woman.”

  “She’s pretty cool. Got a set of lungs on her too.”

  “Good morning ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. I wanted to jump on here and make a special announcement as we have two very special passengers on our trip with us today.”

  “Shit,” Dean muttered.

  “Did you use our military identification to book the tickets?” Luke asked.

  “No, but if they know who we are, then that means someone knows where we’re going and what we’re doing.”

  “We’d like to thank the service men who are flying with us today for their service to our country. It’s an honor to have you aboard. Everyone, let’s give them a round of applause.”

  The plane erupted into applause, Luke and Dean joining in so as not to bring attention to themselves. It wasn’t lost on them that the Captain didn’t mention their names. His message rang loud and clear: Luke and Dean were being watched, and they were going to have to move under the radar going forward.

  The remainder of the flight was uneventful, but Luke’s tension only worsened. When it was time to unload, he and Dean were ready for a fight. They waited until everyone unloaded before they stood up, grabbed their bags and made their way down the aisle. The Captain was waiting for them at the door.

  “Thank you, gentleman, for your service,” he said, holding his hand out.

  Luke took it, making sure to grip a little harder than normal.

  “Who called you?” Luke asked, his voice low enough that the stewardess wouldn’t be able to hear him.

  “Have a great visit here in sunny Florida,” the man responded, turning around and dismissing them.

  As Luke pulled his hand back, he could feel the small piece of paper the Captain had placed there. He made sure to keep it concealed as he and Dean made their way through the terminal.

  “I was going to just rent a car, but it looks like we’re going to have to go off script,” Dean said.

  “You want to pick one, or do you want me to?” Luke asked with a grin.

  Some things would never get old, like hotwiring a car to steal while out on a mission. He and Dean hadn’t been out in the field together in five years, and it felt good to have Dean at his side instead of in his ear.

  “You know what, as your welcome home gift, why don’t you choose,” Luke said.

  “Welcome home? I’m not from fucking Florida.”

  “Jeez, you Texans are testy about your home state. I meant being back in the field.”

  Dean didn’t say anything, but Luke saw the flashes of emotions in his eyes.

  “We were unstoppable, once upon a time,” Dean finally commented, his eyes scanning the rows of vehicles in the parking garage.

  “We were always unstoppable, but it’s way more fun out here than behind a desk.”

  “You got that right. How about this sexy number? You know I always did like a red mustang.”

  “Beautiful,” Luke responded, looking around for any onlookers.

  He pulled a tool out of his duffle bag and made quick work of popping the lock on the sports car. He unlocked the doors and slid behind the steering wheel. Dean slid into the passenger seat, tossing his bag into the back seat alongside Luke’s. Luke handed him the piece of paper from the captain.

  “He slipped that in my hand. What’s it say?”

  “It’s a phone number.”

  “Why the fuck do I need a phone number? Do you think it’s his?”

  “No. It’s the same phone number that called the doctor.”

  “Who even keeps a burner phone for five years?”

  “Someone who’s not as good as they like to think they are.”

  Dean grabbed his bag and pulled his laptop out of it.

  “Before you go all nerd on me. I need an address.”

  Dean plugged the address into the GPS of the car and then turned back to his laptop. Luke followed the monotone voice’s orders to get them to the doctor’s office.

  “I can’t seem to find any connection from that pilot to anyone who was at the hospital the same day as you.”

  “How do you even know the pilot’s name?”

  “I hacked into the terminal’s system and got the information from there.”

  “Nice.”

  They arrived at the doctor’s practice. Luke eased into the parking lot as an eerie feeling crept up his neck. It was the middle of the day, in the middle of the week, and there wasn’t a car in sight. He glanced over at Dean who looked to be thinking the same thing. They moved through the parking lot quickly, their eyes constantly scanning the area around them.

  The first set of d
oors were unlocked, but once they were inside they were greeted by another set of doors that were locked. Luke hesitated for a minute before he smashed his fist through the glass, flipping the lock.

  “I guess that sets the tone for the mission.”

  “Nothing’s stopping me from getting back to my girls.”

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Luke

  They made their way up a flight of stairs to the doctor’s closed door. Luke once again busted it in. The waiting room was empty and there was no one at the receptionist’s desk.

  “That’s odd; I thought you spoke to someone earlier?” Luke asked.

  Dean pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number, the phone that sat on the vacant desk rang.

  “Looks like everyone cleared out while we were in route. Let’s go see if the good doctor is still around?”

  They walked down through the office, throwing open doors as they went. Luke stopped just outside of the last door, a familiar scent assaulting his senses: blood.

  He threw the door open. The scene before them didn’t faze either of the seasoned operatives. They both moved around the room with the eyes of soldiers, looking for anything out of place that might give them a clue.

  “There’s two glasses here on his desk,” Dean noted, standing behind the doctor’s dead body.

  “I think it’s safe to say the gunshot wound to his head is the cause of death.” Luke countered.

  “I’d say so.”

  Luke stepped out of the room and grabbed a couple pairs of gloves from a box mounted on the wall, tossing one set to Dean when he walked back in the room. Luke picked up the cell phone that was on the desk to go through it.

  “Look here: same number,” Luke said, showing the phone to Dean.

  Luke hit the number to dial it.

  “What are you doing?” Dean whispered.

  “They sent us a message, I’d like to return the favor.”

  Someone answered on the other end, but never said a word.

  “Hello, there.” Luke said, listening to the breathing on the other end.

  His eyes scanned around the room again briefly before he spoke.

  “I’m a little upset that the doctor is dead. The man did save my life after all. You could say I’m a bit attached to him. That’s just one more reason for me to enjoy finding you.”

  Luke felt giddy with anticipation at finding the person who was breathing on the other end of the line. He waited for a few more beats, knowing the person would never speak.

  “You tell me more with your lack of words. The fact that you refuse to talk tells me that I’ll know you by your voice alone. There are very few people who know about me who I can recognize by their voice. You also shot the good doctor, so now I have a weapon to trace, bullets to track down, and last but most certainly not least, you took a drink from a glass.”

  Luke watched as Dean’s eyes narrowed in on the glass, his face bunched in confusion.

  “I don’t fancy that shade of lipstick though. I have to say it’s very unbecoming on a woman, especially one of your stature, Dr. Connelly.” Luke continued.

  Dean’s eyes snapped over to Luke’s as the phone line beeped with the disconnection.

  “Jesus, you put that together fast.”

  “I wasn’t sure until I called, and she refused to speak. I would know Dr. Connelly’s voice anywhere. She’s been my psychologist through this entire ordeal, and she could have easily been at the hospital that day, since she treats multiple soldiers there after accidents. As soon as injured soldiers come in, she’s notified of their injuries and then once they’re awake, she goes in to introduce herself.”

  “Why? I’m not sure I’m following. How does any of this make any sense?”

  “I don’t know why, but I know the person behind that burner phone is Dr. Connelly, and she’s who was here with the doctor.”

  Dean moved around the desk and lifted the glass with the lipstick imprint on it, swirling it around so that what was left of the ice, clinked against each other.

  “She’s not far, either.”

  They piled back into the mustang, and Luke brought the engine to life quickly. Dean got on his laptop, his fingers flying across the keys.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Hacking into the security system I saw inside the building. That camera right there points right to this parking lot. If she parked here, we should be able to get a glimpse at the car she’s driving.”

  Several minutes passed before Dean finally shouted, “Got her!”

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Jen

  An unknown number rang in on her cell phone, as Jen was fixing her morning coffee. Her heart soared with hope that it was Luke.

  “Hello?” She answered, her voice a breathless whisper.

  “Mrs. Kiersey?” A woman’s voice responded.

  Their names had been changed since they had been relocated. She had been instructed quite ruthlessly from Kip and Dean that should someone contact her using her old name, she should be on alert. Jen was torn, though, since it was a woman, surely there was no harm meant, and maybe the woman just needed to get her a message from Luke.

  “Yes.”

  “My name is Dr. Connelly, I’ve been your husband’s psychologist for the past five years.”

  “Okay,” Jen responded.

  “I wanted to know if there was any chance I’d be able to speak with you in light of recent events.”

  “Is Luke okay?”

  “Yes, he’s fine. Honestly, the matter is quite delicate, but I believe that Luke has the potential to remember you, again.”

  “Is this safe? Is he there with you? Could I speak to him?” Jen rattled off questions in quick succession.

  “Yes, he’s safe. No, unfortunately, he’s not with me, but I believe after I sit down with you, that maybe I could arrange something for you and Luke.”

  “That would be wonderful. Yes, please! What do I need to do?”

  “Just give me your location, and I’ll get my travel arrangements set up. Once I land I’ll get in touch with you for a face to face meeting.”

  “Thank you so much, Dr. Connelly.”

  Jen disconnected the call, and for the first time since Luke had been dragged onto the helicopter, she smiled.

  “Mamma, you’re smiling!” Bella squealed, jumping into Jen’s arms for a hug.

  “Yes, I am, baby girl.”

  “Did you finally realize that Daddy will find us?”

  “Not if we find him first,” Jen replied, feeling hopeful.

  Chapter Fifty

  Luke

  “Dammit!” Luke roared, sending his fist flying into the metal hood of their stolen car.

  “Calm down. We know where she is, well was, we should be able to easily figure out where she’s going,” Dean said.

  Luke tried to calm himself down as he watched the private plane disappear into the sky. They had been too late tracking down Dr. Connelly, and by the time they arrived at the private tarmac, she was wheels up. Luke started for the entrance, but Dean stopped him, and pointed to a man driving the portable staircase over to be parked. They hurried over to him.

  “Excuse me, can you tell me where that plane is headed?” Dean asked, much more politely than Luke was feeling.

  “Uhhh, look man, I can’t lose this job,” the guy said, holding his hands up in surrender.

  “I understand. Listen we work for the government, and the woman who just took off is our target. You could be saving lives by telling us.”

  The man looked around, obviously still more concerned at his employment than helping anyone out. Luke stepped forward, ready to grab the man by the neck and force the answer from him, but once again Dean stopped Luke. It was how they had always been in the field. Luke spoke better with his hands, where Dean could convince anyone to tell him anything just by simple conversation.

  “I promise, you won’t lose your job. If they threaten it, call me, and I’ll handle it for you,” Dean said
, holding his hand out for the guy’s phone.

  The guy looked back and forth between Luke and Dean. Luke’s patience had run out.

  “Listen, guy, my buddy here will get the location out of you, but I promise it’ll be a much less pleasant way.”

  The guy reluctantly handed his phone over to Dean who plugged his phone number in, before handing it back.

  “It’s headed to Hawaii; Maui to be exact.”

  “Hawaii?”

  “Fuck!” Dean exclaimed.

  Luke grabbed Dean by the throat, lifting him off the ground with ease. It didn’t take much to figure out Luke’s entire world was in Hawaii, and Dr. Connelly had just gotten a giant head start on getting to them first.

  “Put me down,” Dean demanded, in rasps while he struggled for air.

  “How the fuck did she find them in Hawaii, when you wouldn’t even tell ME¸ where they were?” Luke roared.

  Dean slammed his forearm down on Luke’s arm, causing it to cave, and Dean to suck in a much-needed breath.

  “She had to have called Jen. The only people who know where they are, are me, Beryl and Kip.”

  “We need a plane,” Luke barked.

  Dean lifted his phone, but Luke yanked it out of his hand, dialing Beryl himself.

  “You young men, just don’t know when to leave a retired man alone, do ya?” The old man answered the phone.

  “Beryl, I need a plane.”

  “And I need a million dollars. What are you talking nonsense for, son? I can’t just get you a plane.”

  “Beryl, cut the crap. Jen and Bella are in danger, and I need a plane, like yesterday.”

  “It’s always a woman. Give me your coordinates; I’ll have a plane there in a couple of hours.”