Darkness Into Light

Prologue

Seth Calvert went to an Irish pub located near the family estate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He’d frequented the place since he could legally drink liking the atmosphere—laid-back and no pressure. Not like at home where he’d moved from the main house to the carriage house to feel some small bit of independence from his father’s domineering personality. He loved his father but needed the space moving out of the main house afforded him.

His mother would visit every day to make sure he didn’t need anything and, if he did, she took care of it.

What are mothers for? she’d asked when he protested.

Finally, he gave in and let her do what she wanted. He treasured the fact she understood his feelings and respected them though he knew it still hurt her that he refused to live in the main house again.

What’ll it be tonight? the bartender asked.

Jameson, I think, Seth answered.

Glass or bottle?

Bottle, I guess.

Coming up.

A few moments later, a bottle and a glass sat in front of him. He poured out a glass and replaced the lid on the bottle. Lifting it to take a swig of the smooth Irish whiskey, he took a sip then stopped when he sensed someone taking the stool next to him.

Are you going to share the bottle? a beautiful blue-eyed blonde asked.

I can if you’d like.

That would be nice, she said.

Seth signaled the bartender for another glass then looked at the beauty sitting next to him.

Seth Calvert, he said, extending his hand as he introduced himself.

Emily Reeves. She took his hand and they shook though neither one wanted to let go.

Unexplainable heat passed between them, both noticing it while unsure what to say. Once another glass sat in front of him, Seth let go long enough to pour her a drink.

To an interesting evening, she said, raising the glass.

Hear, hear.

A short while later, he paid the tab and grabbed the bag holding their dinners. They left the pub, Seth heading for his 1990 Corvette, his parents’ gift to him when he graduated high school. She went to her Honda S2000, a sporty two-seater with sleek styling—an obvious fun car to drive—not saying anything against his Vette.

I’ll follow you, she said.

Where?

Where else? Your place.

Grinning, Seth started the Vette and drove off, her headlights appearing in his rearview mirror almost immediately. He led her back to the estate and straight to the carriage house. While he pulled into the garage, she parked outside and took in the vast property making up Calvert Manor.

This place is amazing.

It’s home, he said, putting his arm around her.

And you live in the carriage house?

Since the tender age of sixteen—the only way my father and I can live together.

Bad relationship?

Not really—he just has to be in control of his surroundings and everyone in them all the time.

Lead on then, she urged, her grip on his hand at her waist tighter.

He took her inside the carriage house—what could be described as a mini mansion. She looked around, her mouth open in shock.

Seth stood in front of her, lifting her chin.

If this is too intimidating, I’d be glad to go to a hotel...

Emily looked at him, her blue eyes sparkling. Shaking her head, she smiled.

Taking her lead, Seth pulled her into a kiss. Fireworks lit off in his mind, the heat between them intensifying. He pushed her back against the door, needing the firm support of the heavy oak, his body feeling like it spun out of control.

Feeling her hands on his chest, he drew back a little though he didn’t want to lose contact with her.

What should we do?

Take my clothes off and...

Anything... he gasped as he helped her out of her silk blouse and jeans. She kicked her flats off, standing before him in a tiny thong and black lace bra. He groaned at the gorgeous sight in front of him while he ripped his shirt off then fought with his jeans.

You’re gorgeous, he said, before kissing her again.

You’re not so bad yourself, she said, her hand slipping to his jeans and unzipping them.

Quickly, he removed his clothes, pulling her against him. Their lips locking, their tongues danced erotically as they explored each other. Her mere touch made his cock swell and throb impatiently.

He held her breasts, squeezing them while teasing her firm buds through the lace. Lifting her bra up, her naked breasts fell into his hands, his thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples. He didn’t notice her undoing the clasp and loosening the offending piece of lingerie—as if it could ever be offensive—before letting it fall over his hands.

Taking him by surprise, she wrapped the bra around his hands and rehooked it, effectively restraining him, with him still holding her breasts. His cock’s reaction to this gave them both the answers to unasked questions. They slid to the floor after Emily removed her thong and again she surprised him by straddling his lap and situating her hot wet pussy on his hard shaft.

Ride me, baby, please, he begged.

Feeling her take him in then clench around him drove him crazy. While his hands could do nothing but hold her breasts and torture her nipples, he feathered kisses wherever he could touch her until their mouths met and they succumbed to a brutally passionate kiss.

She moved up and down on his cock, Seth groaning as the heat between them became—literally—a fucking inferno. The more he played with her nipples and their tongues danced, the more furious her pace as she rode him for everything she could. She broke their kiss, calling his name.

Sweat beaded between them, the room feeling like a sauna. When he exploded what felt like his life into her, his grip on her tightened, her hands going to his. Spent, she fell to him, Seth kissing her seconds after he put his bound hands around her and pulled her closer.

You’re amazing, Calvert, she said, taking deep breaths to calm down.

I want you in my life forever, woman.

After one fuck?

Damned straight and I usually get what I want.

* * * *

Hours later, after they’d spent more time getting to know each other and sleeping, Seth woke to find a note on the pillow next to him. Groaning and thinking he’d never see her again, he read it then grinned.

Be back in an hour—went home to get some things so we can begin working on forever.

His cock swelling at the thought of her return, Seth got up and walked into the bathroom, taking a shower so he wouldn’t tip his mother off about the last few hours. After he slipped into a pair of shorts, he went downstairs to find his mother in the kitchen making coffee.

I met your girlfriend—she’s gorgeous.

Mom, I...

I’m happy for you, she said. Just remember one thing—if you think she is the one, tread lightly. I want you to be happy.

Mom, where would I be without you? Thanks.

I love you, Seth.

* * * *

Emily said good-bye to Mrs. Calvert and left the carriage house intent on going home and getting some of her things. During time-outs between fabulous rounds of sex, they’d discussed her moving in—even on a part-time basis. Both knew something existed between them but they agreed to explore it slowly so they could make sure of their budding relationship.

She got into her car and drove out of the gates of the historic estate. Heading back into town, she drove along an open stretch of road with horse farms on either side of it. Distracted by Mister Wonderful, she didn’t notice a man standing in the middle of the road trying to stop her until nearly the last moment.

When she stopped, he came to the side of her car, aiming a gun at her.

Get out and you won’t be hurt.

Without much choice, she slowly got out and stood next to the side of the car, her hands on the rear quarter panel for support.

What...

Shut up, he ordered as he spun her around and pushed her over the rear of the car. Cuffing her hands behind her, he yanked her back then forced her into a waiting van. Once inside, he tied her feet together, then sat back on his heels.

Not bad, he said. Not bad at all.

What...

From behind her, another man forced her to drink something. Emily fought him, not wanting to swallow whatever they wanted to give her. Finally, he forced her mouth open and poured the vile-tasting liquid down her throat making sure she swallowed the entire contents of the bottle he made her drink from.

Once she had, she coughed. The next thing she knew, a piece of tape had been pressed over her mouth. She watched the man holding the gun open her blouse and smile.

The boss’ll like the merchandise this time.

So will his boss—she’s prime.

The men laughed as she passed out wondering what the hell had happened. Her mind hazed from the drugs they’d forced her to take but one thought remained clear. I’ll never see Seth again... Please, don’t hate me...

Chapter 1

June 2008

Seth checked his watch for what must have been the hundredth time. Waiting for a client to see him felt the same as when he had to wait for the numerous doctors he saw after returning from the Gulf. He realized each day he could operate as a semi-sane entity, he should count his blessings but silly things like this taxed his patience and what sanity remained.

Mister Ross will see you now, the brunette receptionist said.

Thank you, he said, rising from the uncomfortable chair and walking toward the door to the inner office of Ross Industries. It’s about damned time...

Ah, Calvert, what does the brass want now?

They’re concerned with what happened a few days ago involving one of your shipments.

Couldn’t be helped. Rig got hijacked at the rest stop.

"Don’t tell me the Chrome Shop Mafia did it, Seth said, referring to one of his favorite shows while trying to show an unconcerned expression. What does the police report say?"

Won’t be ready until next week.

Interesting, Seth said. Obvious the man lied to him, he tried to quickly figure out a reason why. Besides, he had a copy of the report in his briefcase, the information disturbing.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Nothing, Seth answered. My boss is worried. That cargo in the wrong hands could prove dangerous and you, of all people, should know Homeland Security will be all over you once the truth comes out.

There’s nothing to worry about, Seth. I heard a witness said two young guys took it after prowling the lot looking for the right one to take.

Why yours?

How the hell should I know? Ross asked indignantly. I’m not sure I like your tone, Seth.

Look, I’m sorry, Seth began, I’m the messenger here so don’t shoot me.

What does your boss say?

Not much outside of the fact he’s looking into other carriers to take over your routes. The company can’t afford the ramifications.

Does he think I can?

Look, you know this is routine with any major theft and it’s my job to investigate any breach of security or...

Sorry, Seth, Ross said. I know you’re doing your job. I just don’t like the implications.

Then make sure to copy me the police report ASAP. We need to check this out to make sure it’s an isolated case and not part of a bigger scheme.

I will, Ross said.

They spoke a few minutes longer before Seth left the office and got into his car—one of the agency owned Ford Crown Vics. He drove off the property of Ross Industries and a few blocks down the street before he picked up his cell phone and called the man he answered to this week.

What did you learn?

Ross lied out his ass to me and got very indignant when the possibility of his involvement came up plus he didn’t like the prospect of losing his cushy government contract.

Your assessment of the situation?

Pull him in—he’s hiding something. He said the police report wouldn’t be ready until next week. I just happen to have a copy of it in my attaché. He’s nervous about something because he’s jumping on everything said.

Come on home, Seth. Good work.

Thank you, sir.

Seth Calvert pulled the Bluetooth from his ear and threw it on the seat next to him. Turning up the radio, he listened to the country station in Baltimore, relaxing some. Working for NCIS—Naval Criminal Investigative Service—and sometimes NSA—National Security Agency—filled the void in his life though he knew only one thing—no, person—could make him whole again.

He’d shared one glorious night with a beautiful blue-eyed blonde who came into his life and left just as mysteriously as she entered. He thought back to that night every day and constantly wondered what the hell went wrong. She wouldn’t write a note saying she’d be back in an hour then never return—or would she? He waited for her to come back, praying that the one good thing to come into his life hadn’t been a figment of his imagination.

Because of this and his inability to understand what had happened, he’d enlisted in the Marines and within weeks of finishing boot camp and his tech school, he’d been sent to Iraq, his deployment scheduled to last a year. Then came the assignment in the Triangle of Death and the following year or more, in and out of National Naval Hospital at Bethesda and thoughts of that night began to fade. Every great once in a while he’d see some woman who looked like her from the back but definitely not from the front—Emily’s face perfection. Where did you go?

* * * *

Driving past a diner, he decided to stop then get a bite to eat. He sat at a table near an overhead television and listened to the news. Hearing about the latest casualty figures always turned his stomach knowing he could have been one of the fatal statistics in the War on Terror had someone not taken care of him and gotten his badly damaged body to safety. Moments after that, he and the other man had been captured by rebel insurgents and held for over a year.

In that time, they tortured Seth and the other soldier for information. The other soldier succumbed to the physical abuse but for some strange reason, Seth survived it and the ambush which had gotten them captured. He remembered the day his captors came into his cell and dragged him out to a crude shower.

Get your stinking ass cleaned up and put those on, the one ordered as he pointed his gun barrel at a pile of clothes.

Seth did as he’d been told, languishing under the cold water—something he’d never take for granted again. Once he’d dressed, they hauled him into what appeared to be a primitive broadcast studio where they shoved him in front of a flag and blinded him with bright lights.

Say this, another man said, shoving a piece of paper into his hands.

Seth read it and shook his head.

Say it or die, the man stated.

Go ahead and kill me, Seth dared them. I refuse to denounce my country and everything I believe in.

A course fabric hood went over his head, his hands tied in front of him. Seth Calvert tried to hear what went on around him, listening to everything. A sharp click and someone speaking Farsi told him they had gone on-air. Fluent in Farsi, he understood everything said and cringed.

If the United States Government does not free our brothers, we will shoot the infidel and send his body back to his family in pieces.

Seth wished he didn’t know what they’d said, shivers rushing through him. I have so much to do with my life. I need to find Emily... I need...

Seth Calvert spent the next nine months in prison awaiting his execution. Aware of the policies about paying any kind of ransom, he knew it would only be a matter of time. No longer used as a propaganda subject, he’d endured more torture. When they didn’t get what they wanted, they resorted to physical attacks.

He’d tried to take care of his injuries though his attempts to keep his arm in one position so it could heal never had enough time to work. Toward the end of his first year, the original fracture healed though not right and he lived with constant back pain. He prayed they’d move up his spine and put him out of his misery by breaking his neck but no such luck. He’d heard they planned to keep him alive for a while longer until they found a new subject to toy with.

His captors decided to try something new—constantly blindfolding him and moving him from one location to another. Seth figured they’d gotten wind of possible rescue attempts and wanted to throw the U.S. Military off their game. While they might not have accomplished that, they did manage to keep him totally disoriented and confused.

Through it all, his thoughts centered on Emily Reeves and one night of sheer bliss—one that had stayed with him through the worst his rebel captors could dish out. If I ever make it home, I have to find her...

One morning—one he figured dawned roughly fifteen months into his captivity—he heard strange noises coming from all directions. Numerous yet hurried footsteps, the sounds of what he took to be bodies dropping to the floor—all told him something would happen in a few minutes so he’d better be prepared. Pulling his aching body toward the firmness of the side wall of his cell, he waited. Back pain kept him alert—his captors having found some sort of amusement in trying to break it as well as him. A gun stock to his lower spine had pretty well taken care of being ambulatory—Seth couldn’t stand the pain of being upright, now being the exception.

Silence fell over his prison but he continued to wait. He sensed a difference in the air and knew his fate would be known in a few moments. A grenade rolled into the area on the other side of his barred door and he tried to cover his head, albeit very slowly.

Fire in the hole! a decidedly American voice yelled.

A few seconds later, the grenade exploded. Seth felt the vibrations of the blast and heard the cell door fly off. Something hot pierced his leg above the knee, Seth crying out.

Several masked men wearing the covert uniform of either Delta Force or one of the other special recon teams broke into his cell, checking for any enemy soldiers. Finding no one, one went directly to Seth and tried to gain his trust.

Lance Corporal Calvert, we’ve come to get you out of here.

He nodded.

I can’t walk and my back’s been badly injured.

Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you.

Seth had no choice but to do exactly that. The soldier tied a tourniquet above the latest wound to stop the bleeding then signaled to another team member. Several more came in, Seth groaning when they lifted him onto a stretcher but it didn’t matter as long as they got him out of the hellhole he’d been existing in. Outside, the glare of the bright sunlight hurt his eyes, Seth raising his arm to cover them.

Here, try these, one of the men said, handing him a pair of sunglasses.

He gladly took them, thanking the man as he slipped the pair of aviators on.

They lifted the stretcher onto a waiting Chinook before its flight to the nearest base with a medical facility. Once they set down, the team offloaded his stretcher and gingerly carried him inside what appeared to be a hospital unit. The man who’d stayed with him from the time covert ops blew his cell apart informed the nurse about his injuries and signed papers evidently transferring his care from them to the medical staff.

Calvert, it’s been a pleasure. They’ll take care of you here and get you back to the States.