Jigsaw (Black Raven Book 2) Read online

  Also by Stella Barcelona

  DECEIVED

  Introducing Black Raven

  Praise for Deceived:

  “Stella Barcelona’s stunning debut, Deceived, has it all. Mystery-check. Action-check. Romance-check. A heart pounding must read.” – Cherry Adair, New York Times Bestselling Author

  “Deceived brings history to life in a suspenseful, contemporary tale that sends the protagonists on a research trip to a past close to their hearts. Barcelona’s debut book brings an excellent author to the fore; the intrigue blends beautifully with the romance.” – Heather Graham, New York Times Bestselling Author

  “Barcelona has written a story that grabs you from the beginning and sucks you right in.” – The Reading Café, Review Blog

  “Must read for romantic suspense lovers.” – BCWAB, Review Blog

  “A weaver of words, Ms. Barcelona creates a story that draws you in from page one, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and leaves you wanting more. The plot is original and the research and historical facts make Deceived an excellent and intriguing read. Not only the main characters, but the supporting characters as well, are interesting, believable, and loveable… . Deceived is a fast paced, heartwarming, maddening, and enjoyable book all rolled up into one terrific package!” – InD’Tale Magazine

  “Finally – Someone gets New Orleans right!” – La. Family Historian, Amazon Review

  “The weather may be chilly outside, but a few lines into local author Stella Barcelona’s debut novel, Deceived, will have you working up a sweat as you unravel a mystery, follow some interesting plot twists, and revel in a steamy romance.” – Tangi Lifestyles Magazine

  “2 A.M. page turner… . A great ‘history mystery’ that doesn’t get bogged down in details.” – S. Harris, Amazon Review

  “If you enjoy a little suspense and intrigue with your romance, I would definitely add Deceived to your reading list. Stella Barcelona is a great new voice in romantic suspense!” – Smart and Savvy with Stephanie, Review Blog

  SHADOWS

  A Black Raven Novel

  Praise for Shadows:

  “[A] smart techno-thriller with a steamy and surprisingly touching love story between two characters who are both torn between duty and desire. The stakes are high throughout, but the sacrifices that the hero and the heroine have made for what they feel is right makes their relationship that much more meaningful and offers a safe haven in the midst of a tangled, dangerous and well-plotted escapade.” – Romantic Times Book Reviews

  “WOW! Shadows is a highly polished, gritty, suspense-packed tale that will have readers hanging on the edge of their seats! Brilliantly written, this story with profoundly unique characters will leave readers gasping while refusing to lay the book down. – InD’Tale Magazine

  “Terrifyingly possible, Shadows is romantic suspense on steroids. It starts with a bang and never slows down. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for fans of the genre, this book was just amazing.” – Long and Short Reviews, Review Blog

  “[F]asten your seat belt because you’re going to have the ride of your life!! … It’s fast paced, with a high amount of violence, sex scenes and death. What more can you ask? Highly Recommended!!!” – Romorror Fan Girl, Review Blog

  Shadows has “lots of plot twisting, double crossing, passion, rage, violence, oh just about a bit of everything that makes this a very, very good read… . I loved that we get to hear from Skye and Sebastian, but what absolutely made this book for me, is we get whodunit too! In all his warped, twisted mind’s glory!” – Archaeolibrarian, I Dig Good Books, Review Blog

  “Riveting from the very first paragraph, the reader barely has time to buckle up before the ride begins! And it is an amazing ride….” – Between My Bookendz, Amazon Review

  “[M]ake it your business to pick up this book today… . Barcelona takes inspiration from true-life headlines and the abrasive talking heads on cable news programs, but she does an excellent job boiling down the big picture while making the chase for the secrets extremely emotional and personal. The plot twists and turns, trust is a theme, graphic violence is prevalent, and sisterly love is a beacon of sanity in a frightful situation. Once the action slows down for a breath, the sizzling attraction between Skye and Sebastian explodes, but even their initial love scene unfolds with a few surprises.” – History Repeats, Amazon Review

  JIGSAW

  Stella Barcelona

  Jigsaw Copyright © 2016 by Stella Barcelona

  Black Raven logo design, Copyright © 2014 by Stella Barcelona

  All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior express written permission of the author. Unauthorized reproduction of this material, electronic or otherwise, will result in legal action.

  Please report the unauthorized distribution of this publication by contacting the author at stellabarcelona.com, via email at [email protected], or at Stella Barcelona, P.O. Box 70332, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70172-0332. Please help stop internet piracy by alerting the author via email at [email protected] with the name and or web address of any questionable or unauthorized distributor.

  Jigsaw is a work of fiction. The people and events in Jigsaw are entirely fictional. This story is not intended by the author as a reflection of historical or current fact, nor is the story intended as an accurate representation of past or current events. Any resemblance between the characters in this novel and any or all persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  To everyone who has read my books and taken the time to write a review, reached out to tell me they liked them, or simply found a few hours of enjoyment in my writing. I’m grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for allowing me to tell you a story.

  To Bob - Thank you for encouraging my dreams. And about that beach vacation… I’m ready. Always.

  Prologue

  The White House, Oval Office

  Saturday, January 1

  “Bring me Andre Maximov’s severed head.” President William Cameron’s dark brown eyes were intense, his photo-perfect, handsome face mottled in shades of pink and red as he sat behind the intricately carved Resolute Desk. At the commencement of his first term, his full head of brown hair had made him look young and handsome. Now in his second term, his hair had silvered. Thin lines extending from the edges of his eyes and slight shadows underneath revealed the strain of the job and nights with little sleep.

  “I want Maximov and his damned killing organization decapitated. ASAP,” the president said to his friend and confidant, Judge Theodore O’Connor, for the moment the only other occupant of the Oval Office. “After last night’s bombing, I’ll gladly parade down Pennsylvania Avenue with his head on a pike, so everyone sees what happens to terrorists who dare to operate in this country. I’m done being politically correct. Let’s nail the bastard and make his punishment public.”

  Fists whitening as they pressed into the surface of his desk, the president leaned forward. “The Vegas strip on New Year’s Eve, for God’s sake! Intel tells us terrorist cells that declare an affiliation with Maximov are celebrating the attack.” While redness faded from his cheeks, his tone remained harsh. “Use the International Terrorist Tribunal to deliver Maximov to me, and you’ll have whatever is in my power to give you.”

  The judge let the momentary quiet of the office settle around them as he gave his friend time to rein in his rarely-seen temper. When he did speak, he was careful to keep his tone as cool and calm as possible. “I’d like nothing more than to deliver Maximov to you. The ITT could po
ssibly make it happen. But I caution you, if you tell the public that the end result of the ITT proceedings will be capturing Maximov, you’re setting yourself up for possible failure, because we don’t have him. Yes, the ITT proceedings are determining whether there is a link between the Maximov organization and the terrorist acts at issue. Yes, every participant in the proceeding knows that finding Maximov, in person, is a goal. But reality is he’s as elusive as a phantom.”

  His friend’s growing frustration was evident in the grim look in his eyes. Yet the president needed to be reminded of the unfiltered facts. “Also, even if we capture Maximov, you’ll never have his head on a pike. That’s medieval. If he isn’t killed in the capture, at best he’ll be sentenced to a lifetime in Ultimate Exile.” The judge referred to the prison ship where all convicted by the ITT were to be imprisoned. “We agreed to forego the death penalty to get the U.K., France, and Colombia on board, and we needed their participation in the ITT to get the other countries, and economies, to agree to follow the verdict.”

  “That concession was necessary, no matter how much we regret it now.” Distaste for the compromise evident in his marked frown, the president walked around the wide desk, past the flag of the United States that flanked the right side of it. He leaned against the edge and faced the judge. Four and a half years in the White House had only chiseled his resolve, which was apparent in the firm jaw, squared shoulders, and steady gaze. He strode to a table where a silver decanter and morning pastries were laid out. “I can tell you, a bomb ripping to shreds Americans who were doing nothing but celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas damn well makes me regret allowing the death penalty to be taken off the table. Coffee?”

  The judge shook his head. The president filled his mug, then returned behind the desk and settled into his big leather chair. “Osama was a challenge,” he said, expression set. “But we met it. We’re beating China in the cyber war. We have an international task force of operatives on the hunt for Maximov. The best of the best. Not to mention the legions of bounty hunters looking for him. Maximov is only a man. Why the hell can’t we find him?”

  “I don’t have an answer.” The judge shifted in his chair. “But I’m not letting you hang yourself on this one. At this morning’s press conference, do not promise that the ITT proceedings will result in finding Maximov. In the end, if it works out, claim credit. Revel in the fact that you’ve persuaded eighty-five percent of the world’s economies to agree that the verdict of this ITT will be enforced. The strength of this coalition is unprecedented.”

  The president leaned forward in his chair, coffee forgotten. “Before the press conference, I want your assurance that the International Terrorist Tribunal will not fail in establishing a link between the terrorist acts that it is investigating and the Maximov-in-Exile organization.”

  The judge had never been one to give false assurances, especially when sitting in the Oval Office. Even so, he gave a slow nod. “Yes. A link between Maximov and the terrorist acts at issue is a baseline goal. I’ve studied the stipulations, analyzed evidence, and looked at preliminary findings. I’ve worked with Amicus Curiae counsel—”

  “Stanley Morgan.” The president frowned as he referred to the lead attorney on the Amicus Curiae team. “Is he on board with our objectives?”

  Confident that he could control Morgan, the judge didn’t bother his friend with his misgivings about the man. “Yes, sir.”

  The president flinched. “You call me sir when you’re worried about something.”

  Judge O’Connor chuckled. “At least I didn’t call you Mr. President.”

  “Yes. You only do that when we’re truly screwed. Come on, Ted. Shoot straight with me.”

  Reality was that the judge shared the president’s misgivings about Morgan, who had been the top pick for the position of U.S. Amicus Curiae to the ITT. Amicus meant friend in Latin, and in ITT proceedings Amicus Curiae counsel was the official friend to the court. In private, the president had expressed misgivings about Morgan. The president believed he was too opinionated. Normally, that would be a great trait for a lawyer, but in this proceeding, with the world hanging on the decision of the ITT, Amicus Curiae counsel needed to be malleable. Stanley Morgan was brilliant, decisive, and a passionate advocate.

  In no way was Stanley Morgan malleable. In Morgan’s last briefing memo, he’d expressed concern regarding the lack of direct evidence reflecting a link between the terrorist acts and the Maximov organization. He’d recommended more expansive data gathering and a delay in the trial, set to start at the end of January. A delay could prove fatal to the consensus of the countries that had created the ITT.

  “Don’t worry about Morgan,” the judge said. A private conversation with Morgan would reorient the man’s views. No delay in the proceeding was necessary. The ITT record had enough data, and direct evidence wasn’t important when there was enough circumstantial evidence to hang Maximov and his damned organization. The judge intended to remind Morgan of that fact. “Even at this early stage, I’m confident that the verdict will be that the Maximov organization was responsible for each terrorist act the ITT is analyzing. Even without Maximov in custody, with the other countries agreeing to enforce the verdict, we’ll cripple the Maximov organization financially. He’ll have nowhere to do business. He’ll have no money to pour into the hands of the cells that are doing his work. Terrorist acts that are attributable to the Maximov organization will stop.”

  “All right. I’ll focus on that in public. The Prime Minister and the French and Colombian presidents will be arriving shortly.” The president glanced at his watch. “The conference starts in one hour. Let’s fine-tune my bullet points.”

  The president picked up his briefing papers. Back erect, with a steady, authoritative tone, he said, “The International Terrorist Tribunal, an arm of the International Court of Justice convened with the express purpose of combatting terrorism, will begin proceedings in Paris on Monday, January 31. Four terrorist acts that were committed in the last year are at issue. One, the January metro bombings in France. Two, the February bombing at the trade show in London. Three, the February drone attack on the cruise ship in Miami.”

  He glanced into the judge’s eyes, his harsh look underscoring his reaction to the homeland attack. “Four, the March courthouse attack in Bogata. Together these terrorist acts killed more than two thousand people. Innocent people. Preliminary proceedings have been conducted in each country. Hundreds of suspects have been apprehended. Many have already been convicted through guilty pleas. Only a handful will actually testify before the ITT. Most evidence will be considered by the tribunal based upon stipulation.”

  “It’s a shame the proceedings can’t be expanded to include last night’s bombing in Vegas,” the judge said. “But it can’t. It would cause too much disruption. Make sure you cover that point with the press and that what we uncover in the proceeding may shed light on what happened in Vegas. Also emphasize that the proceedings provide the defendants who will testify an opportunity to mitigate their punishment. We need to give something to appease the civil liberties unions.”

  The president made a note on his briefing papers. “Any progress in getting information on Maximov from those in custody?”

  “They all know information buys leniency. Defense counsel Robert Brier has consistently advised them of that fact. None are talking. Silence is pervasive.”

  “And torture is now illegal.” The president’s distaste for the concession was obvious in his frown.

  “Watch that frown. The nightly comedians are using it in their parodies.”

  “Not running the country for their approval.”

  “They influence public opinion, and we need the public behind the ITT. I wouldn’t express your personal views on the gentle nature with which ITT interrogations are taking place.”

  “Of course not.” The president reached for his cup of coffee, took a sip, and studied his papers before resuming in his press-conference tone. “The ITT pr
oceeding is a hybrid of U.S. federal judicial proceedings. The procedures that we are following are the product of a consensus of the forum countries. There is no privilege against self-incrimination. There is no appeal.”

  “Yes. Mention all of that.”

  “Punishment will be swift and permanent,” the president continued. “There is no death penalty, but there is the possibility of a lifetime of imprisonment. Ultimate Exile is a method of imprisonment that the world has agreed upon. A prison from which there will be no appeal and no escape.” The president paused, leafing through papers. “I’ll give more details about Ultimate Exile. The press loves the prison ship.” He looked up. “How much do you advise I say about Maximov?”

  “As little as possible,” the judge said. “State that the ITT is examining whether the Maximov organization, or any other international terrorist group, was involved in the four terrorist acts. With a guilty verdict that establishes any link in the terrorist acts, economic sanctions against the parties involved will be imposed by eighty-five percent of the world’s economies. All assets of complicit parties will be seized. The ITT has defense teams, we have prosecution teams, and we have Amicus teams. Tell the public about the role of the Amicus Curiae counsel; that the lawyers on the Amicus teams act as a friend to the court. They’re not prosecution or defense. Not for or against. They’re simply looking for the truth and acting as advisers to the judges. They assess the evidence and facilitate the proceedings, which resemble an adversarial process as much as possible. There is no need for you to suggest at the beginning that we know or believe Maximov is responsible for all of these acts.”

  “But even the general public believes the Maximov organization was involved.”

  “I know. But we need to avoid the appearance of prejudging, because, in reality, we aren’t. The dragnet could very well pull in other terrorist organizations. The U.S. prosecution teams have been culled from upper echelon Department of Justice attorneys. We were fortunate to get Robert Brier to head the defense team. The U.S. Amicus Curiae team, led by Stanley Morgan, is more than capable of tying the ends together and presenting a persuasive recommendation.”