Page 11 of Kevin's Destiny

“The call went to a known affiliate in a street gang here in Seattle. They are known to come up with a bingo card and collect marks. The lower people in the organization move up the chain with more marks. If they get a full bingo card, then they become part of the inner circle.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah. I’m not fearing for my life yet, but I’m wondering if you and a couple of your former teammates would like to come to Seattle for a couple of weeks.”

“I’ll be there,” Ryan didn’t hesitate. “What about Caleb?”

“No, he doesn’t need to know until it’s all over. I’m at the prison now, and we’re working on getting Karen transferred to a different facility, because her life is in danger. I have my buddies at work stepping in to protect me, but they have families, and frankly, Ryan, I trust you and your SEAL teammates over these guys. Don’t get me wrong, they’re good cops, but I feel you guys would have an edge over them.”

“I understand. How many people do you need?”

“I’m thinking three, maybe four. And I don’t know if I can ask this, but maybe you guys can drive, and I can pack my stuff in your trucks for the ride back.”

“Or, I could bring one of the small horse trailers we have here, and you can load that up.” They discussed the logistics, and when Kevin hung up, he had an affirmation that Ryan would be there in three days. Kevin stood there, gathering himself, and walked out into the hall. Boggs, Bennett, Drake, Brooks, and Finch looked at him, all with raised brows.

“Three days. Ryan will be here, I’m not sure who else, but Ryan will be here. He’s driving and I’ll load up the trailer he’s bringing.”

“Why would you load up a trailer?” Captain Boggs looked at him in confusion.

“I might as well tell you now. When you called me into the office, I was heading to HR.”

“For?”

“My retirement package. I’m retiring next month. I’ll have twenty-five years in.”

“Damn, it’s been that long?”

“Yeah, I’m retiring, then moving. I’m not being difficult, but I’m not telling anyone here where I’m moving to. Let’s just say, it’s out of state.”

“Good, now, we’re waiting on an order from the judge to move Karen to a different facility. If it goes through, then the three of you will transport her in the unmarked Bennett and Drake drove here. There will be an armed escort from here following you, and one will meet you halfway.”

“Where is she being transferred to?”

“Mission Creek, it’s farther away, but to my knowledge there aren’t any gang affiliations that far out.”

Kevin nodded, and stood there as a guard came up to them with papers. He held them out to Finch. She read them with a nod.

“Here’s the order for transfer from the judge. The next step would be to take Karen back to her cell to gather her things.” She went to the door and opened it, then the two guards led Karen out, with her hands back in the cuffs. The four of them walked away, and Boggs went with them.

“I’ll lead you back to the front,” the guard said, and they wove their way back to the front entrance. Kevin stayed there when Bennett went to get the vehicle. Fifteen minutes later, withBennett driving, Drake sat in the front seat, and Kevin sat in the back with Karen, who still had her hands cuffed. At one point, he looked at her and sighed.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just sorry you’re in this mess.”

“Don’t be, it’s of my own making, and I’m not sorry for what I did. This might be wrong, but in my mind, I did what I did to protect you and Caleb. Though there was no direct threat against him, there was one against you. Like I said, I saw red and acted blindly.”

Kevin nodded and as they got closer to the new prison, he looked at her. When she looked at him, he said quietly. “Ryan knows. I sent him the video. He’s coming to help protect me and the house. Do you want to see him?”

“I do, but only if he wants to see me. I mean it, Kevin. I was such a fucking bitch to him his entire life that I totally understand if he doesn’t want to see me. Promise me that you won’t force the issue?”

“I promise. I also want to tell you that I haven’t told Caleb yet.”

“Good. Don’t tell him until after this trial. I know I’ll be tried for murder, and I’m good with that. I just don’t want him to have to sit through another trial for his mother. I’m sure he already has nightmares from my past behavior, he doesn’t need this.” She was silent for a few moments, then asked quietly. “Can you tell me how he’s doing?”

“Great, he’s opened his own practice, has patients, and met a wonderful woman. He’s happy and healthy.”

“That’s all I can ask for. Thank you for telling me.”