by Lourdes Skye
Opening the manila folder, he scanned the documents and swore aloud. “I don’t fucking believe this.”
“What?” Cobra asked.
Barney handed him the file.
(Rock Mercer, current age, 37. Height: 6’1. Weight: 215 pounds. Discharged from the U.S. Army Nov. 4, 2005. Reason: Mentally Compromised. Diagnoses from Dr. Fred Wardell, patient displays erratic bursts of violence. Has severed connection with reality, maniacal lust to inflict pain and death on others. Severe case of PTSD. Cannot separate insurgents from civilians.)
Cobra lift worried eyes to Barney. “Who is this guy?”
“That’s the information that I got back from the description Jace gave me. He’s the man who attacked him in the alley. Son of a bitch. No wonder I couldn’t get any information on him sooner. His fucking records were sealed by the Army,” Barney exclaimed as he flipped to the last page in the file. “Oh shit.”
“What?”
“You didn’t see this?”
“See what?”
“It says he was a Merck. A fucking killer for hire.”
Their eyes met at the same time. “Jace,” they said in union.
Grabbing the phone, Cobra tried the house.
“Come on, come on, pick up,” he practically willed Jace to answer. “Shit, he must’ve left already.”
“Let’s go.”
“Hey, Johansson, tell the Chief I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Johansson nodded.
They raced out to the car as if the hounds of hell were chasing them.
Jace took the bus over to W. Houston Street. He walked the few blocks in, towards the Bullet. He was but a few steps away when Octorian came out of nowhere and stepped into his direct path. “Hi honey, miss me.”
Staring wide-eyed at his worst nightmare, he was frozen for a second. Then suddenly he was off. His feet were slapping the pavement as he ran in the opposite direction. Shit. He was now in a parking lot. From the sounds behind him, he could tell that Octorian wasn’t far behind him.
And he wasn’t alone.
Chancing a backwards glance as he ran, he slammed into something hard, knocking him onto the ground. Looking up from where he landed, Jace’s heart beat crazy fast. He stared up into the deranged face of the bald guy from a few nights ago. Oh damn, this guy was sick. He actually had war paint marred on his face.
“Seems we found ourselves an insurgent,” Rock snarled. “You know what that means. Punishment time.” The guy’s fist connected hard with Jace’s chin.
Barney pulled the Charger up to the curb. Cobra was out of the vehicle before Barney could throw it in park. Throwing the wooden door to the bar wide open, Cobra raced inside. Jetson and Lydia stared at the newcomer as if he was from outer space or something.
“I know you,” Lydia said, making the connection. “You’re that hot cop that likes Jace.”
He nodded, “Is he here?”
She frowned, “No. We haven’t seen Jace since yesterday.”
To Jetson she said, “Go get Mickey.”
The white-haired bar owner wasted no time getting to the front. “Hello I’m Mickey Lawson, I own this bar. I understand that you’ve come here looking for Jace.”
“That’s right,” Cobra flashed his badge. “I have reason to believe he may be in danger. He said he was coming in to work today. That was this morning.”
Lydia held her hand up to her chest, worry evident in her eyes. “He hasn’t shown up here. We’ve been worried sick.”
“I was going to call you folks today if Jace didn’t return. He was here yesterday then poof-he was gone.”
“Yeah I know about that. He was taken from the bathroom.”
“Oh my god,” Lydia stressed.
“I guess I need to bring you all up to speed.”
At the completion of Cobra’s tale, everyone was even more bewildered than before.
“You know, I thought there was something familiar about his face,” Leroy said. “Remember I brought you a pair of those H.O.H drawers for our third anniversary.”
Jetson’s face flashed bright red.
Cobra stifled a laugh.
“My god, you think his husband is here. That he’s find him and is going to—. Ohmygod,” Lydia exclaimed feeling faint.
Mickey reached over the bar and handed her a bottle of water.
“Listen, I need everyone to put their heads together. Mickey, can you close the bar for today?”
“Of course. Jetson go put the Closed sign out.”
“Can we use this pace as ground zero, so to speak? I believe he was on his way to work and was probably intercepted.”
“Of course. Anything we can do to help, we’ll be more than happy.”
Barney left and returned promptly with the Charger’s portable mainframe computer. “Is there a laptop here?”
“Lydia get the laptop from the office please,” Mickey instructed.
Soon Barney had a mini database established. “Partner, I’m thinking we need to start with Octorian. If he’s here in the city, he has to be staying somewhere.”
“Hey, you said the husband is rich right? Like mega rich?”
“Yeah.”
“Well those kinds of people normally stay some place fancy like the Waldorf Astoria,” Leroy spoke up.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Jetson seconded.
“Shit, we’ll need someone with hacking skills,” Barney said.
Leroy and Jetson cleared their throats.
“You two?” Cobra’s brow lifted.
They pointed in union at Lydia.
She laughed nervously, “I uh-I’ve never done anything big. Just downloaded some music and movies and once hacked into the FBI database. But it was purely by accident.”
Cobra smiled at the look upon her face.
“We’ll pretend like we didn’t hear that.”
She exhaled.
“Come on over here,” Barney motioned for her to sit at the computer. “We’ll need you to get into the guest list at the Waldorf.”
“This may take a little time fellows.”
Cobra ran a hand through his hair as he paced back and forth. Time may be something Jace didn’t have.
“Calm down partner, we’ll get him back.”
Just then Cobra’s phone rang.
“Detective Stallone.”
“Hey Cobra it’s me Jonah. I just got a call from the coroner. They got a body in today. The guy was found in Central Park. He had several pictures of the same man in his pockets. He was a P.I. I had them fax me a copy of the picture…it’s Jace.”
“Shit!” Cobra hissed. “Can this get any fucking worse?!”
“Uh, I thought you’d want to know.”
“Thanks man.”
“Anytime.”
“What’s up partner?” Barney asked, concern lacing his voice.
“They found a man, a P.I. He had pictures of Jace on him. I’m betting that bastard husband and that crazy fuck killed him.”
Raging pain in the lower part of his face was what Jace awoke to. That and the face of a madman. He had several black paint marks running down his cheek and under both eyes. Jace staggered backwards, only to have his back hit a wall.
“Jace, Jace, Jace,” Octorian began. “You wound me. Here I thought someone had kidnapped you, was probably hurting you and all along, you had the nerve to try and leave me.”
“You were hurting me Octorian,” Jace cried.
The big man moved so fast, Jace barely saw him until he gripped his hair hard in his fist. “You are mine to fuck, mine to hurt, mine!”
“Not anymore. We’re divorced.”
Octorian pulled his head backwards as he punched him in the stomach. “Ah, I see. You’ve developed a little backbone. I’m going to enjoy breaking that.”
The other guy was in the background doing jumping jacks. Finally he stopped and grinned, showing all teeth. “When can I have him?”
“Calm down. I told you. I get my time first.”
&
nbsp; Dude grabbed a chair and turned it backwards. Sitting down, he pulled out his knife and slowly licked the blade.
Jace’s eyes widened in complete fear. This guy was beyond crazy.
Octorian pulled Jace up onto his feet. “I ought to break both your legs. You won’t be able to run with no legs, now will you?”
Damn, Octorian had a death grip on his hair. Jace could feel tears prickling at the corner of his eyes but he refused to give him want he was obviously looking for.
“Why are you doing this Octorian? We’re no longer married. Why can’t you just let me go? You’ll go to jail if—.”
Octorian backhanded him. “I see you’re pretty chummy with the police. You fucking them?!”
“Yeah Octorian, I’m fucking the whole police force.” Jace didn’t know where the ability to be so lippy with Octorian came from. He just knew he was so tired of being afraid of this man.
That remark got him another punch to the gut. He knew that Cobra would be looking for him. He had to try and stay alive till then.
Lydia looked up from the computer. “I’ve searched the entire list. There’s no Octorian Vanderhuff or Rock Mercer registered.”
Cobra snarled, “Damn!”
“Hey, sometimes rich folks use alias, maybe he did too.”
“Who would we know, who would have that information?” Barney asked.
Cobra stopped pacing, “Jace told me that Octorian’s cousin Ruslan helped him escape. Maybe he’ll be willing to assist us.”
Cobra looked at Lydia, “Can you get me Octorian Vanderhuff’s home phone number?”
“I’ll try.”
“Wait a minute, didn’t Atlanta PD serve papers to the house,” Barney spoke up. “Perhaps we can get the information from the serving officers.” Barney immediately took out his cell and made the call. It took some doing but finally he was routed to Aiden McBride’s desk.
“Detective McBride, this is Detective Barney Goldman of the New York 41st Precinct. I’m calling about an emergency we have here.”
“I’ll be happy to help any way that I can,” McBride replied.
“I need information on Octorian Vanderhuff. I believe he’s in our city. I believe he’s kidnapped his ex-husband and is now intent on doing him bodily harm.”
This sparked McBride’s interest. “What do you need from me?”
“I’m trying to contact Vanderhuff’s cousin, a Ruslan Romanov. He may have information about Octorian that could help us locate his current whereabouts.”
McBride frowned. That was news to him. He thought Ruslan was security. “Is this your personal number?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call you back in fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
18
Pounding sounded at the front door.
Where the hell was Vince and Marc, he told them what Octorian said. No one was to get past the front gate. Ignored, he threw the door open only to gasp. The sexy detective from before was standing on his steps. “Uh, how did you get through the gate?”
“I flashed my badge.”
“Oh.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were related to Vanderhuff?”
“You didn’t ask.”
McBride smirked. The guy was gorgeous when he was being a hothead. “Look, I think your cousin is in New York. In fact, I think he’s kidnapped his ex-husband and is planning to kill him.”
Ruslan’s eyes went wide at that news.
“W-What can I do?”
“The New York police need some information on Vanderhuff.”
“Sure.”
“Can I come in?”
Ruslan opened the door wider, inviting him in.
As soon as he stepped inside, he pulled out his phone and called Barney. “I’m here at Vanderhuff’s house with his cousin. He’s down to help anyway he can.” He then handed the phone to Ruslan.
“Hello?”
“Hello, I’m Detective Goldman, I need any information that you have regarding your cousin’s alias.”
“Uh, I’m not sure. I’ve never went anywhere with him where he used one. I’m not even sure if he does.”
“Knowing your cousin like you do, can you tell me about his habits? If he came to town, what type of place would he stay in?”
“Octorian!” Ruslan laughed. “He’ll only stay in the best of places.”
“Yeah, we kind of figured that. However we tried to find his registration and we couldn’t. If he’s where we think he is, he’s not using his own name.”
Ruslan tried to think. “Normally people use someone they like or their favorite actor, right?”
McBride nodded.
“He doesn’t like anyone that I know—. Well he does respect Vince, the security guy. He’s been here a long time.”
“What’s his name?” Barney asked.
“Uh, Vince Garrett.”
“Try Vince Garrett,” Barney said to Lydia, who immediately typed it in.
“We got it. Vince Garrett, penthouse 639,” Lydia called out.
Cobra was out the door without so much as a look back.
“Ruslan, thanks,” Barney said, hanging up and running out the door behind his partner.
Ruslan hung up, turning to McBride. “They think they’ve found him.”
“Good, I hope they get that bastard.
“Mm, me too,” Ruslan mumbled under his breath.
“Excuse me,” McBride said.
“Nothing.”
“You know, if your cousin is guilty, he won’t be coming home.”
“I’d like to be able to say that would bother me some kind of way, but the truth is, we’re not close. I’m only here till my birthday and then, I couldn’t give a damn if I never saw Octorian again.”
“If you feel so strongly, why do you stay?” McBride asked.
“Because my parents saw fit to make me his charge. He is the beneficiary of my trust fund. I can’t access till I turn twenty five. That’s in three months.”
They stood for a moment, giving each other a thorough once over. “So, from the way you’re checking me out, I’d say you’re into men huh,” McBride stated.
Ruslan smiled, “You were checking me out as well.”
“What would you say if I asked you out to dinner?” McBride asked.
“I’d say yes if I knew your first name.”
McBride smiled. “It’s Aiden.”
“Well Aiden, I guess you got yourself a date.”
“When will I know anything about Octorian?” Ruslan asked as he walked McBride to the front door.
“As soon as I get a call, I’ll let you know.”
My turn, my turn, my turn,” Rock singsong as he waved the knife back and forward.
“Shut up,” Octorian snapped. “I told you I have to have my time with him first!”
“Fine, then hurry up. My blade is hungry.”
Octorian slammed Jace up against the wall. All the air went out of him. Octorian stood before him, his hand on his zipper. “Jace, you’re going to beg for forgiveness. Then you’re going to show me just how sorry you are.”
As he freed his member, Jace’s vision cleared.
“Get down on your knees now!” Octorian demanded.
Jace simply looked at him. From deep down in the pit of his gut came a growl. “No!” Jace roared as he raised his knee swift and hard, sending Octorian’s balls into his chest. His eyes crossed as agony filled his groin, exploding into his abdomen. He sank to his knees. Jace tried to run only to be caught around the midsection by Rock.
“My turn, my turn, my turn!” he yelled repeatedly turning in a complete circle. Jace bucked against him, trying hard to get free.
Suddenly the door flew off its hinges as Cobra and Barney came crashing through.
“Put him the fuck down!” Cobra demanded, his gun aimed at Rock.
With wild crazy eyes, Rock shifted his gaze back and forward between Cobra and Barney. “My turn, my turn,” he chanted. Tossing Jace i
nto his unoccupied arm, he now held the blade out in a threatening manner.
Octorian, from his peripheral vision, kept his eyes trained on Cobra. Rock made a step towards the partner and Octorian saw his chance. Grabbing a lamp, he threw it at Cobra’s head.
“Cobra!” Jace screamed as the sexy cop went down. Octorian gave him no reprieve. He jumped on Cobra, trying to get his hands around his neck. The gun skidded across the wooden floor, stopping just under the couch. Furniture was knocked over as the two big guys grappled on the floor.
“You bastard!” Jace yelled seconds before biting down on Rock’s hand. His teeth went so deep he nearly severed the thumb as a metallic taste filled his mouth. With a howl, Rock tossed him aside, causing him to hit his head on the edge of the fireplace mantle. All the while Octorian and Cobra were on the ground grappling.
“You bit me, you fucking bit me! I’m gonna kill you!” Rock raged. However when he turned to Jace, he was slumped over on the floor, out cold. He turned just in enough time to catch Barey advancing him. Rock attempted to dive for the knife.
“Don’t do it man,” Barney said. “I read your file. I know you’re crazy as fuck so I’m not going to even waste my time trying to fight you. Get down on the floor, spread your legs, hands on the back of your head.”
Rock smiled evilly.
“Come on man, don’t make me do it.”
“It’s my turn, it’s my turn,” he chanted as he spread his arms wide, advancing Barney.
He squeezed the trigger. Rock’s body flew backwards so hard into the wall, it dented the sheet rock. With a sizeable hole now in his chest, his body slid down to the floor. Barney quickly rushed over to check Jace. Placing his fingers at his neck, he gave a sigh of relief to find a pulse. Now he turned his attention to his partner.
“Fuck’em up Cob,” he encouraged as to the two men still grappling on the floor. He wouldn’t intervene unless he saw Cobra losing. He knew how bad his partner wanted a piece of this asshole for all the shit he’s put Jace through.
As Octorian managed to get his hands around Cobra’s neck, Cobra elbowed him repeatedly in the eye. Octorian released him to cup his mangled eye. “Fuck!”Octorian groaned in pain.
That move cost him.
Cobra punched him in the throat, then delivered several body shots to his torso. Groaning, Octorian fell over onto the floor. Standing, Cobra kicked him in the ribs.
