Together in Darkness

by Sloan McBride

  "Close your eyes,” he whispered up close to her ear.

  "My eyes?"

  "Yes. Close them."

  She did.

  "Now, very slowly, turn around."

  When Allison turned, she wanted to open her eyes. He tugged her hands and placed them on his shoulders. He was taller than her by a good six inches.

  "What...?"

  He placed his finger on her lips. “Shhh.” Then his lips were there, gliding, coaxing, tasting. He moved in closer and wound his arms around her waist. She sighed, opening her mouth slightly, giving him the opportunity to slant his lips and slide his tongue in to tickle the inside of her mouth. She opened more.

  Allison felt ill. He tasted good and was a great kisser, but a killer. She needed to break his hold, so she bit down on his tongue.

  He slapped her so hard across the face she saw stars and fell to the dirty floor.

  "Bitch.” He spat blood.

  Hauling her up by the hair, he threw her toward the table. “Liked it, didn't you?” He snatched her hair again, forcibly twisting her around. “I'm not done yet,” he said and ran his tongue across her lips. “Kiss me again."

  She hesitated. Where were the police? They should have been here by now.

  Her hesitation fueled his temper. With his left hand, the killer grabbed her face and pulled it to him. Furiously, his mouth dominated hers and stole her breath away. Pushing her away, he bent her across the table again.

  From behind, The Surgeon rubbed against her. One hand held her in place and the other shoved aside the lacy underwear and drove his finger inside her.

  "Your pussy feels good. This brings back memories. Umm, shall I tease you until you're dripping wet?"

  Her mind screamed out and she held her bottom lip with her teeth as he opened her and plunged his finger inside. His lean body rubbed sexually against her bared flesh and glorious sensations racked her body. Hot breath brushed her low back while two fingers pumped her. Her nipples scraped the table as the killer coaxed a rhythm. Allison had to grab onto the sides of the table, which only gave him more encouragement. His now wet fingers teased her clit and her hips moved on their own.

  Oh God, what am I doing?

  Even if this was Alex, as she suspected, she loathed herself for responding. He wasn't the same person she'd known ten years ago.

  "That's right, open for me. I'll fuck you with my fingers, my tongue, and when you're screaming for more, my cock will drive so deep you won't ever want me to stop.” Allison lost control and a moan slipped through her lips. Her knees grew weak. She wished she were some place else, someone else. She tightened and released wanting to get away, needing to get away, but that only increased the stimulation of the killer's fingers.

  "Work it, baby, work it. Then you'll be ready for my thick cock."

  "Enough!"

  The Surgeon stilled then smiled as he removed his fingers from inside Allison. “It looks like I won't be able to keep one part of our bargain."

  He snaked an arm around her waist in an intimate hug, which plastered her to the front of him.

  "Hello, Jake."

  Jake waited, poised, slightly in the shadows with his gun raised.

  The killer licked his fingers with an arrogant smile.

  Allison cringed.

  "Allison and I were just, uh, discussing the terms of our arrangement."

  "Let her go."

  "Now you know I can't do that. I've been waiting for her, for another chance."

  "Only you ever thought you had anything to prove."

  "Everyone's golden boy. Made the parents proud, the heir apparent, and me just a rerun of the original."

  "That's a lie and you know it."

  The killer reached under Allison's skirt and pulled the dagger from its hiding place. He admired it. “Impressive piece.” Slowly, he ran it down her cheek, her neck to rest it under her breast. “Just like its owner."

  Jake kept his eyes on Allison's flushed face, mentally willing her not to move.

  "Again, you're playing the hero, Jake. But you blew it when you fucked her. That pissed me off, but you knew it would, didn't you? I don't like sloppy seconds."

  The killer ripped Allison's blouse, renting the fabric down the front. Taking the sharp blade, he cut her bra strap, letting it fall to reveal the smooth skin of her breast. Without blinking, he sliced a thin line in her flesh.

  Allison didn't make a sound but her eyes filled with tears. It was all Jake could do to keep from lunging at them.

  "Is that why you did it?"

  The Surgeon placed the tip of the dagger lower and gently ran it across her stomach, inching lower with each pass.

  Unable to endure anymore, Allison screamed and threw her elbow back into his ribs, trying to break away. The killer let go but recovered quickly, grabbing Allison's hair and twining it around his hand until she butted against him. He pricked her throat with the tip of the dagger.

  Jake bolted forward. “Jared, No!"

  "Stop, Jake, or the next one is across her throat,” the killer yelled and moved the dagger to Allison's ear.

  "You son-of-a-bitch,” Jake growled.

  "As I've told you all along Jake, we aren't so very different. At this moment you'd kill me to save her."

  The Surgeon's sinister laugh filled the emptiness. Allison closed her eyes, praying she wouldn't faint. Her stomach cramped and she got light-headed. The laughter that haunted her dreams now played in her ears.

  Jake's voice was hard with emotion. “Jared, let her go. We'll do this, just you and I."

  "And a good match it would be, Jake, but not as much fun."

  "You know the place is surrounded."

  Absorbed by the duel between them, Allison watched Jake's cold, dark eyes fixed on the killer. The consummate federal agent now spoke. “You're not getting out of here unless I take you."

  "You've come close to catching me before. I knew she'd tell you.” He roughly kissed Allison's cheek, she shrank back. “I always have a getaway plan. I could use her as a shield. No one would fire a shot for fear of hitting our dear, sweet Allison."

  He poked the tip of the dagger through her skin just below her jawbone. This time she whimpered and Jake balled his right hand into a fist while keeping the gun trained on his target with his left.

  "Tell me, Jake. How long did you watch us? What went through your mind when you saw me put my hands on her tight ass, and fuck your territory with my fingers? Hmmmm? Did it make you sick when she moaned and started moving against me? And damn, can she kiss. Have you taken the time to notice how hard your cock gets when she sucks on your tongue?"

  Ashamed and not wanting to see the tortured look in Jake's eyes, Allison withered a little, unconcerned with the sting in her jaw.

  "She was just about ready to come all over me when you stopped it. I'll bet she's a good fuck, too, all wet and wicked, ever the good whore. Tell me, was her mouth all hot and tight when she sucked your cock?"

  If Jake's jaw tightened any more, it would break, and pain radiated through his mouth as he clenched his teeth, listening to every filthy word spewed.

  The Surgeon licked a trail up Allison's neck and tasted the blood trickling from the wound. Then he licked his fingers again.

  "She tastes sweet. I'll give you that, but I want to feel her tighten around me.” Again, the killer yanked Allison's hair with his hand and twisted her to face him. “On your knees, bitch. Let's see what your lover does when you do me."

  "Don't.” Jake's tone was near exploding.

  Allison had no choice but to kneel down.

  Sending her a mean smile, he said, “Now, unzip my pants.” He pointed the dagger at her eye. “Carefully, don't do anything rash."

  Allison unzipped his pants, letting her hands drop to her thighs. She was falling apart on the inside. What had made her think she could do this?

  "Now, reach in and pull out my cock. Be gentle, Allison. I want the same tenderness you gave Jake."

  "No.” Allison re
fused.

  The killer tightened his grip in her hair and wrenched it hard to make his point. She yelped in pain.

  "Do it."

  "No."

  Her tear-filled eyes glared at the killer. For a second she stared in disbelief. The face she'd sketched while at Jake's house now scowled at her. Red scratches marked the left side.

  "I am not a pawn in your game."

  Fury evident in his fierce features, he growled, “Loyal, yet foolish. One way or another it will end here tonight. But, that's why you sought me out.” His tone softened and the lines on his face eased. “You knew.” He released the hold on her hair.

  Breaking out in a cold sweat, Allison stood. He brushed his fingers down her cheek holding her gaze. He leaned forward and kissed her, a gentle brush of lips. Then, he shoved her away from him. “Get out."

  Allison didn't move. “Please, don't do this.” For an instant a flicker of honest emotion appeared in the depths of his blue eyes.

  "Go, Allison,” Jake yelled.

  She stepped back and studied the two men, similar, yet different. Her heart torn between one she loved and one she pitied. The conflict in both hit her hard and burned her brain. More strongly than ever before, Allison felt attuned to her surroundings. Every minute that went by in this struggle made her stronger.

  Jake's stormy green eyes silently pleaded with her to leave. Gently, Allison used her mind to coax the other into lowering his shields. Perhaps she could soothe his anger enough so the police could take him into custody.

  She glanced at Jake briefly, but then concentrated all her efforts on the other man. “Why do you continue this useless quest? You had to know it would lead to your death."

  "Or Jake's,” the killer grinned.

  "If you really wanted him dead, you would have killed him long ago."

  He rubbed his right temple as she spoke. Hope kindled in Allison so she pressed on. “Don't you feel any remorse or regret for those innocent women?” Surrender, it's over.

  "Allison,” Jake warned.

  The killer held up his hand. “No, Jake. She's fascinating. Even at a young age she had a passion for justice."

  Allison's heart stuttered.

  "Do you think you can save me, Allison?” He laughed and grabbed her by both arms. The weapon still clasped in his fingers. Jake moved forward, but The Surgeon raised the dagger to her throat again. “Don't do it, Jake. I still hold her life in my hands."

  "Like hell you do,” she countered.

  "I've been seriously enjoying our match.” He looked pointedly at Jake. “I finally found something I'm good at."

  The next few minutes happened quickly, and yet, seemed to play in slow motion through Allison's eyes.

  Jake bolted toward them just as the killer threw her to the ground. He catapulted himself through the air, landing on top of the other man, and they fought. The dagger had flown from the killer's hand and clanged on the floor. Each one got in good punches and a couple of kicks. Bill Lancaster and the rest of Jake's team appeared out of the shadows with guns drawn. No one attempted to shoot.

  The Surgeon had used his feet and thrown Jake over his head where he landed hard against the concrete floor. He jumped up and pulled the gun from his waistband. Leveling his site on Jake, who had risen, he pulled the trigger. It sounded like a sonic boom to Allison's ears and Jake went down. Without hesitating, she rose to her knees, centered all her concentration, and flung her arms out in front of her. “You will not."

  An incredible force tossed the killer through the air and into a wall nearby. With a loud thud, he fell, breaking several bones in his body.

  "Jared.” Jake half crawled, half dragged himself to the motionless body of The Surgeon. He grabbed his hand. “Why'd you do it? I could have gotten help. We would have worked it out together."

  The killer coughed, spitting up blood. “There was never any hope for me."

  Holding her ripped blouse, Allison hurried over to kneel beside Jake. The killer looked up at her.

  "Take care of our Allison, Jake. Even when we were kids I knew she was special. She's more than I ever deserved."

  "Hang on,” Allison said. “An ambulance is on the way."

  "No more time.” Blood trickled down his chin. “Like I said,” he coughed. “One of us would die tonight and it will be me."

  In a ragged breath, he passed, his eyes staring blankly into space. Gently, Jake lowered his head to the killer's forehead. He started to feel queasy so he rolled to his back.

  "You okay?” Peter asked while he squatted next to Jake and ripped his shirt open to look at the wound.

  Jake nodded and hissed when Peter put pressure on his stomach where the bullet had entered.

  Lancaster handed Allison his jacket.

  "Thanks.” She bent down by Jake's supine body.

  "Can you explain to me what just happened out there, Allison?"

  "I used my mind to throw him.” She smiled weakly.

  "Oh.” Peter shook his head.

  Allison stuffed her arms in the jacket. “I'm still learning.” She scooted up close to Jake. “How bad is it?"

  Frowning, Peter looked at his friend. “It's dicey."

  Sirens from police cars and the ambulance rang through the warehouse.

  "Keep the pressure here,” Peter said as he put her hand on the site of the wound.

  Allison was numb, but she did as he ordered. Under her breath, she begged. “Yanni, please help me keep him alive."

  A fiery burst rushed to her hands which were still pressed on Jake's stomach. They glowed brightly around the wound and then he opened his eyes.

  "Have I died and gone to heaven?” he whispered.

  "Not likely.” She smiled. “The paramedics are here. You're going to be fine."

  Jake passed out again. The medical personnel put in an IV, packed his wound, loaded him on the gurney and whisked Jake to the hospital. Allison rode with them, keeping a close eye on Jake's condition. At Addison Hospital, they rushed Jake to one room and her to another where her cuts were cleaned, stitched, and bandaged. A new emergency came in so the ER doctor left her to rest while he took care of the next patient.

  Allison closed her eyes and lay back on the pillow.

  "Are you all right?” Bill Lancaster asked.

  His friendly face was clouded with worry and dark circles from the hours of missed sleep. Hands clutching the cloth curtain that surrounded the area, he kept glancing in the opposite direction as if he were doing something wrong.

  She let her lips pull into a smile. “Yes, just a couple of stitches."

  He blew out a breath. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. Everything happened so quickly in the warehouse and I had to stick around for when the others arrived."

  "I understand, Detective."

  "I'll let you rest.” He winked. “I'm going to check on Jake."

  She focused on the wall beside his head. “He's in surgery, but he'll be fine."

  "How do you—oh. Okay."

  When Allison turned toward him, he was already gone. No matter, she knew Jake would get better soon. She frowned with recollection of everything that had happened since she arrived at the warehouse. The way the killer touched her, the things he said, and how she reacted. Shame clouded her heart. The look in Jake's eyes wounded her soul. She had hurt him deeply. She had damaged herself, too.

  "You are alive. Do not forget that,” Yanni said.

  Allison shifted her gaze to her great-grandmother. “Yes, I'm alive. Thank you for helping Jake."

  "I did not."

  "What? But I called for you to help him and then it glowed around his wound and he opened his eyes."

  "It was your life force that saved him."

  "My life force?"

  "Yes. There is much to learn about your heritage. You are special."

  Those were the killer's words. It saddened her that they could be so wrong. Things would go back to the way they were now. Jake would go home and she would be alone again.

&nb
sp; Suddenly, a male voice rang through the emergency room. “Allison! Allison!"

  She heard yelps and a nurse trying to get him to calm down and tell her who he was looking for. Allison scrunched up her face. “Nick,” she called.

  The curtain flew back and he all but trampled the little nurse who tried to get him to wait in the outer area. Nick rushed to Allison's bedside as Yanni lifted her arms and disappeared. “Oh my God, are you all right? The police came to the house and brought me here.” He held her hand between his. “What happened to your face? Did you get stitches?"

  "Nick, I'm okay.” She placed her hand on his cheek and looked in his eyes. “I'm okay."

  He squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. “Thank God."

  "I'll tell you everything, later. Can you just take me home?"

  "What about Jake?"

  "He got shot, but he'll recover."

  Allison's eyes started drooping. “I'm very tired, Nick. They gave me something for pain and I'm afraid it's going to knock me out. I don't want to stay here all night. There are too many voices in my head."

  "I'll go find the doctor and get you released so I can take you home."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

  When Jake woke, a friendly nurse was checking his vitals and told him he should rest. The doctor showed up several minutes later and explained about the surgery for a gunshot wound to the stomach. Miraculously his wound had been cauterized, somehow stopping the loss of blood. It had saved his life.

  Jake vaguely remembered a moment when he opened his eyes and saw an angel kneeling beside him then everything went black. “How's Allison Brody?"

  The doctor smiled. “She had to get a couple of stitches and was released."

  Relief washed through him. Allison was okay.

  "You'll be up and about in no time,” the doctor informed him with a pat on the arm.

  "No rest for the wicked,” a voice said from the doorway.

  "Isn't that supposed to be no rest for the weary?” another familiar voice intoned.

  "Oh, maybe you're right. I always get those mixed up."

  The doctor turned to see who had entered the room and came face-to-face with Margo, Quincy, Peter and Ginny, who were all smiling.