by Sofia Grey
“And then what?” She didn’t know whether to feel angry or frightened.
He stopped and tugged her to him. “I know you’re scared. This is scary. We’re going to find another vehicle, and then we carry on. Trust me, Juli. I will look after you.”
For a brief second, she trusted him. He was her best chance of survival, with God knew who chasing after them.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Charlie looked at the fans massing around the entrances to the stadium. It’d be easy to hide amongst the huge anonymous crowd. They were mostly good natured, and included a lot of family groups with older children. They sang choruses of Event Horizon songs. He felt heartened. And ashamed.
No matter what levels of personal shit he had to deal with, he couldn’t let the fans down. AJ and Sylvie were bracing themselves to perform tonight, with Callum’s disappearance hanging over them. Charlie’s latest problem paled by comparison.
His decision made, he turned to move through the crowd. He’d need to phone someone to let him back in, but it was a little noisy here. As he squeezed through, apologising, his attention was caught by a ticket tout. The guy haggled with a group of youths. It looked as though he wanted more than they could afford.
Charlie inched closer, listening to the frantic discussion.
The lads were pooling their resources. Wallets and pockets were emptied, but still they didn’t have enough cash. The tout looked bored, and started seeking another customer.
“Come on, man.” The tallest spoke in disgust to his friends. “This sucks. I like the band, but I’m not prepared to bankrupt myself.”
The smallest guy—he reminded Charlie of Sam—gazed up at him. “But we’ve come all this way. We can’t give up now. If you go to the ATM, we should be able to scrape up the extra between us.” He gave his friend a pleading look. “Come on, bro. We stick together, yeah?”
Charlie walked up to the tout. “How much do you want for the tickets?”
The seller looked at him, speculative interest in his eyes. “Two hundred dollars each, mate. Best seats in the house. Sweet as.”
The official ticket price was only ninety for a seat. This joker wanted more than double.
Behind Charlie, the short guy was still trying to persuade his friends. Without thinking, Charlie turned to speak to them. “How far have you guys come tonight? For the gig?”
The tall one stared at Charlie, his brow furrowing. “Invercargill. It was a nine-hour drive. And this dick is trying to rip us off at the gate.”
Another of the group looked at him now, a beaming grin of recognition spreading across his face. “It’s you. Charlie Jones.”
Before Charlie could say anything, the guy grabbed his hand, and pumped it up and down. “It’s freakin’ awesome to meet you, man. Even if we don’t get in, it’s been worth it to see you. Any chance of an autograph?” He grinned at the others, who all gaped. “I’m Tony Miles from Invercargill, your number one fan in Godzone. And this bunch of shitheads are my mates. We’re a band too. One day we’ll be as big as you guys.”
Charlie grinned, his mood restored for the moment. The least he could do would be to give them some free passes and royally piss off the tout in the process.
But before he could say anything more, all hell broke loose.
Within seconds, he was surrounded by a shrieking pack of hormonal middle-aged women. What was it about large groups of women? He thought these were going to tear him to shreds. It was beyond terrifying. Especially since they all wanted to touch him.
Charlie wanted to run in the opposite direction, but the crowd blocked his way. Next thing he was jostled and the bottle of tequila smashed to the ground.
Then his cell phone was snatched and trampled underfoot, and his T-shirt practically ripped from his body.
The Invercargill guys tried to shield him, but Charlie’s best hope was for the security team to take action. Preferably while he still had some clothes on.
*
Juli was getting tired. How much further did they have to go? She despaired of ever getting out of the rain.
Yanni darted off the main track, towing her by the hand.
She was off balance at the sudden change in direction, and staggered. One foot splashed into a puddle that was deeper than expected, and she slipped.
She’d come all this way and had to fall over now. She landed on her side, one foot twisted beneath her. It hurt like a red-hot poker through her ankle, and she cried out.
Yanni tugged her to a standing position again, but she couldn’t put any weight on her left foot.
“Hell.” He looked shocked and momentarily unsure of himself.
How could she continue? Would he go alone and leave her here? What would they do to her when they found her? Fear stole her breath, and her chest hurt.
“Breathe, Juli. We’ve got this.”
Yanni adjusted the straps on his pack, and then bent down and scooped her up, to hold her firmly against his damp chest.
“You can’t carry me.”
“I won’t leave you.” He adjusted her position slightly, and they were off again.
She looped her arms around his neck and clung for dear life.
The path ran down the hill, under the cover of a heavy tree canopy. While it kept the rain back, it cut down on the light, and Yanni stumbled several times.
“Stop.” She raised her voice to get his attention. “If that’s the police behind us, you can leave me.”
“And if it’s not? These men are animals, Juli.” He continued along the path, ducking occasionally to avoid low branches.
Their pursuers had to realise Yanni had abandoned the car. They’d figure out where he went. She listened hard for the sounds of the men following them. Now she understood how foxes felt when they were hunted. She had to rely on Yanni’s native cunning to get them to safety. And how crazy was that? Yanni kidnapped her and agreed for Jean-Luc to be executed. Yet here she was, in his arms, trusting him.
Perhaps she’d gone insane too. The world made no sense any more.
Yanni grunted as he dodged another branch, and then the sky appeared again. Juli looked around. They’d burst out onto a tarmac pavement in a quiet road, a street of houses up ahead. The rainfall resumed. They were already soaked through. It couldn’t make them any wetter.
“Where will you get a car from?” He’d kept the Mitsubishi stashed away for escape. Did he keep backup cars dotted around, like emergency bars of chocolate?
“That’s easy.” He flashed her a grin. “We steal one.”
A few yards away, a clear-sided bus shelter offered respite from the rain. It had seating inside, and Yanni hurried to it. He deposited her carefully on the seat. He breathed heavily. Carrying her was no easy feat, even for a strong man.
She stared at him, unsure what would happen next.
“Wait here,” he said. “It’s dry, and you won’t attract any attention. I’m going to find us transport.”
She nodded. Her ankle hurt, and her head spun. She’d had enough of this crazy adventure.
Yanni smiled, but he looked tired too. “We’re nearly there. Not much further now, Juli.”
He couldn’t see what she could, though—two black cars cruising slowly down the road in their direction, blue flashing lights on top.
“Police,” she whispered. Excitement rippled through her. This was her chance to escape.
Yanni stiffened. He turned and swore softly.
“Leave me here.” Juli tried to speak calmly. “You said I’d be safe with the police. I’ll just slow you down.”
She saw the anxiety in his eyes. His brow furrowed, and he hesitated. “I don’t want to leave you, but I must.” He dug into his pocket, then pressed a pistol into her hand. “Take this. It’s loaded and ready to fire.”
“No. I can’t.”
“Yes. You can. Just in case it isn’t the police. Check their ID before you hand yourself over. If you’re in danger, shoot first, ask questions later.” He gave her a cro
oked smile, his gaze searching her face. “Tell them the truth, that I kept you hostage.” He paused again.
Bending down, he brushed her cheek with his lips. “Good luck, Juli. I will see you again.”
*
It was easy to see the point where Yanni had turned the Mitsubishi around. The gravel showed the tyre marks clearly. The agents split into three groups.
Cars One and Two continued on the track. Jack, Aiden, Tanner, and the guys from Car Four set off on foot, to follow the nearest path from Yanni’s turning point. This led down the hill, and doubled back on itself. Cars Five and Six were going down the track, to try to cut Yanni off at the other end.
Relief gave way to fury. Poor Juli, dragged across the hillside by that bastard. Jack wanted to kill Yanni. Slowly.
Even in the near darkness of the dense woodland, the path stood out. They hurried, then paused as their radios came to life again. Cars One and Two confirmed that the forward track was clear. Yanni must have come this way. Adrenaline flooded Jack’s tired body. They were closing in.
He had no idea how far this path went, but they could catch Yanni at any minute. Hauling Juli with him—she’d be putting up a fight—must slow his progress.
Daylight emerged beyond the trees. Tanner signalled to the guys to slow and move quietly. Jack’s heart sat in his mouth. They had to be close.
The trees stopped abruptly and gave way to a normal residential street. Rain poured in a torrent, bouncing off the road. The pavements were slick, puddles formed, and a little stream bubbled around a blocked grating.
At first, Jack couldn’t see anyone. He scanned the road, left and right. Where the hell were they? Did he follow the wrong path after all?
Moments later, Cars Five and Six appeared, moving slowly.
And then Jack saw her.
He laughed aloud at the sheer craziness of the scene. Juli, sitting calmly in a bus shelter, as though waiting to catch a bus into town. She was alone, unrestrained, and apparently undamaged.
Jack nudged Tanner. He gestured to Aiden and the others.
The cars swept past her. She waved to them. Jack was helpless with longing. He threw caution to the wind and ran toward her.
*
It was a long time since the police last detained Charlie. He’d completely forgotten how much fun it was. Not.
At least the screaming women were taken away in a different car or three. He’d hoped to slip away into the crowd, but no. Not only did he stand there bare-chested, but his jeans were soaked with tequila. And as the cops reminded him, it was illegal to smuggle alcohol into the venue. His protests went unheeded.
The Invercargill guys did their best to get him released. They made lively impassioned pleas, explained that, if he didn’t go free—and soon—there would be no concert tonight.
“This is Charlie Jones. The Charlie Jones,” they said.
“Yeah, right,” said the cop on the desk. “And I’ve got Elvis locked up in Number One, and Buddy Holly in Number Two.”
Their phones were confiscated, and Charlie’s ID seemed worthless. He sat in the holding pen, glaring at his watch and waiting for his chance to make a phone call.
This could take all night.
Alex would truly freak out.
It was over an hour later, when Charlie saw one of the most welcome sights in the world. Frankie’s weasel-like face peered through the bars of the holding pen.
Frankie shook his head in disbelief. “Five minutes, and I’ll have you out of here.”
Charlie grinned and tried to look unconcerned. Inside, he was crapping himself at the thought of missing the gig. “Cheers, mate. And Frankie, I want you to spring these four guys while you’re at it.”
Frankie frowned, but Charlie ignored it. “If they hadn’t helped, I’d have been ripped apart in the frenzy. They walk with me, okay?”
Frankie rolled his eyes and asked their names. Long minutes later, they were all released. As soon as they made it outside, Charlie insisted on the lads joining him in the limo, while Frankie called ahead to sort out comps and backstage passes.
The guys gazed at Charlie, awestruck.
He smiled at them. “I can’t thank you enough. The least I can do is invite you to meet the band.”
AJ would throw a hissy fit when Charlie rocked up stinking of booze and needing a change of clothes, but he’d make it in time. Just.
*
Juli had no idea where Yanni disappeared to, and it didn’t look as though the police saw him. She wasn’t sure if they saw her, even when she waved to them.
She’d no intention of sitting there all day, so she stood and hobbled to the edge of the shelter.
When she heard her name shouted, she turned to the left, holding the side of the shelter for support.
She didn’t expect to see Jack.
Spots danced in her vision and, she had to force herself to breathe. Jack was running toward her, a gun in his hand.
There were more men behind him, similarly dressed in dark clothing, all sporting guns. All hurrying in her direction.
Fuck, no. She was so close to being rescued. She had to get the attention of the police cars, if they somehow missed her.
Her hands shook, her palms were wet, and her fingers slippery as she lifted the gun.
It was heavier than she expected. Yanni’s words rang through her head. Shoot first, ask questions later. Could she do this? If it was her or Jack?
Her ankle would give way any second. She leaned against the wall of the bus shelter for support, and then raised the gun with wobbling arms and pointed it in Jack’s direction.
“Stop.” It was meant as a yell. It came out as a howl. “Stop, or I’ll shoot.”
He skidded to a halt, some twenty feet away from her. He looked wary. He must have seen she was armed. “Juli.” He sounded incredulous. “It’s me.” His face was battered and bruised, as though he’d been in a fight.
Why was Jack here?
She ticked through the possibilities. He escaped when the compound was attacked. He convinced the other guys to take him on. Or he double-crossed Yanni and was working for the other side all along.
One thing she’d bet her life on—Jack had nothing to do with the police.
“Stay there. I will shoot. And tell your men to stop.” Her voice was stronger this time.
The police cars were approaching. She had to hold off Jack and his men until she could get to safety.
Jack slowly raised his left arm and made a sweeping motion, and the others slowed to a halt. “Juli.” He spoke in a coaxing tone. “Where’s Yanni? Did he hurt you?”
Fuck. The gun was heavy. It took all her dwindling strength to hold it level. At the moment, it pointed at Jack’s chest, but it kept wavering lower, toward his stomach.
She took a deep breath. She would stay calm. “I’ll go with the police, but only the police. And I need to see identification.”
“Look. I’ll put my weapon down.” Jack slowly placed his gun on the floor beside his feet and kicked it a little distance away. “See? You wouldn’t shoot an unarmed man. Would you, Juli?” He moved closer.
Now Juli was unprotected by the bus shelter, the rain hammered down on her, matting her hair in wet hanks, her clothes sticking to her body. She couldn’t stop shivering.
The gun wavered some more. Jack inched closer.
He tried talking again, in a low, gentle tone. “I don’t know what you think is happening, Juli, but we’re the good guys here. I want to take you to a safe—”
“You killed Jean-Luc,” she screamed at him. “Why should I possibly believe you?”
He held up both hands and moved a step closer. He was maybe ten feet away now. “I didn’t kill him. It was all an act.” Another step.
“Liar. You’ve lied to me all along.”
He winced.
She continued yelling at him, her throat hurting with every word she threw out. “Did you really work for Yanni? Or were you double-crossing him? Do you sell yourself to the
highest bidder, Jack?”
Any closer, and he’d be near enough to touch.
Her arms ached. The gun wobbled some more, and she gripped it more tightly. “I promise you I’ll shoot. Don’t even think about moving.”
As she watched, he smiled at her. Her heart lurched at the memories of his other smiles.
No matter how dangerous he was, she couldn’t shoot him. It was an empty threat, and he knew it.
Where were the police? Why weren’t they arresting Jack and his men? She didn’t dare take her eyes off him.
The rain made her vision blur. She blinked.
Jack stepped closer.
He held out his hand, palm up. “C’mon, honey. Let me take that.”
She couldn’t shoot him. But she had to make him back off.
“Stay back,” she shouted, her voice cracking. Dropping her aim, she prepared to fire into the wet grass next to the pavement. A warning shot. A reminder of who held the weapon.
Her finger squeezed the trigger.
She didn’t expect Jack to try to grab the pistol out of her hands.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jack saw the muscles tense in Juli’s arm. She was going to fire. What the hell? He lunged at her. A shove, to push her aim off, to point the barrel at the ground.
The gun fired. A searing pain tore through his right thigh. Son of a bitch. As he hit the ground, he saw the gun flying up with the recoil, Juli struggling to hold it. Jesus fuck. That hurt.
Above the pain and shock, and the adrenaline that pulsed through his veins, he felt disbelief. Juli had shot him.
He groaned. Things seemed to happen very slowly.
Tanner sprinted forward and disarmed Juli before she could let loose with another round.
Aiden dropped to the sidewalk beside Jack and pressed a hand over the wound. Hot, sticky blood bloomed across his leg. It felt bad. And he felt strangely calm, which was also bad.
“Lucky,” he gasped to Aiden. A wave of pain broke over him. Perspiration burst over his face.
“Yeah, you’re lucky alright.” Aiden’s hand could have been glued to Jack’s leg, but it was still bleeding. A lot.
