Caged

by Shanna Ehrlich

  Annie flipped the picture over, pushing it to the side, not wanting to see more. It went against everything Brax told her. Why would they have jumped that girl in? He told her it was a choice. He didn’t say anything about beating them or leaving them for dead. And why would they tag their victim? Did they do it before or after? Brax never mentioned that either. How did they know he even participated in the rape of this girl? Just because she was tagged with MO3 did not mean he did it. Maybe he ordered it? But again, how would they know. “Can you get me a coffee please?” she asked to no detective in particular, but needed time to think about the pictures they were presenting her with.

  Stevens agreed and returned to the room with a warm paper cup by the time she was on to the fourth photo. The other two were of people with their throats slit and the fourth was of a man with his hands and feet tied behind his back. He was naked, face down in a pile of grass, with a bullet hole through his head.

  “Oh, that’s a good one,” said Mak. “That guy, thirty-four years old, was caught stealing two hundred and fifty dollars from a drug drop. Two hundred and fifty fucking dollars and this is what they did to him. Shot him, shoved the money up his ass and delivered him to his mother. This was one of their own men. Ax did it to show symbolism, didn’t even care about the money, it could have been a dollar or a million. This is what he does to people who cross him.”

  Annie swallowed. It was a pretty fucked up photo. They all were and she had seen enough. No amount of photos could sway her. If anything, they achieved the opposite, but she already made up her mind before ever laying eyes on the photos. She wasn’t going to let Brax take the fall. She would get him out of this. It would be her penance. “I don’t know where you’re getting your information Detectives, but don’t you think it’s possible you have the wrong guy?” she nodded along with her question. “This isn’t the man I know. I only met him recently, but from what I’ve seen he is kind, caring, sweet.” She looked them right in the eye. “Isn’t it possible whoever told you these lies about Brax is covering for the person who actually did this?” She nodded again, trying to use nonverbal cues to get them to agree, to see her side. “Braxton is a wealthy man, a powerful man. I’m sure he’s made several enemies over the years. Before making too many accusations, you might want to start looking into who is setting him up. Who has the most to gain from him going down, don’t you think?” She nodded her head one final time.

  Detective Mak looked toward Stevens, unsure where to go from there, but pushed forward anyway. “Maybe you’re right Annabel. Maybe he’s not our guy and we’ve just jumped to conclusions, but we need your help to prove that. Can you help us?”

  “If I know anything that will help, then absolutely.”

  “Did you know that Ax, the assumed leader of the Emmo, has marked you?”

  “Marked me? What does that mean?” She didn’t mean to sound so surprised, but this was news to her, and her genuine shock only helped her cause.

  “You didn’t know? Well one thing the asshole gangs out here have in common is they don’t mess with family. They don’t kill someone’s mother or wife for retribution. Ax marked you as his. If anyone hurts you, he’ll go to war. It would be a blood bath. Did he tell you how big the Em Oh Three is? Thousands of his soldiers would fight for him, no questions asked. You have to understand how that could make us a little nervous. If Cage is as innocent as you claim, who else have you met while in New York that would want to mark you?”

  “Are you one hundred percent positive he marked me? You’re sure you don’t have the wrong girl?”

  “We’re positive,” said Mak. “Annabel Nichols. It’s all over the streets. Everyone knows your name darling.”

  “That’s so weird. I don’t know. Braxton’s really the only man I’ve met since I’ve been in New York. It’s platonic obviously, and to be honest, he doesn’t even know my real name. When I first met him I gave him a fake name. I thought he was trying to pick me up, you know? We talked for a bit and I realized it wasn’t like that at all, but by then I was too embarrassed to tell him I lied. So there’s definitely no way it could have been him. I wish I could help you, but I really think, actually I know, you have the wrong guy.”

  Stevens and Mak looked like they just got caught with their dick in their hands, and in a way, they had. Did Brax mark her? Absolutely. Did he blast out her real name? Hell no. Not Bethany or Annabel. They dealt in code names. Why would he give out her name as covet of Ax’s and then be seen in public with her? It didn’t make sense. It would only incriminate him, and Brax was too smart for that.

  “Well Mrs. Nichols, this has been very enlightening,” said Mak. “Thank you for coming in, and again, we truly do apologize for the inconvenience.”

  “I just wish I could have been more helpful.”

  Mak and Stevens both stood from the table, motioning for her to stand too. As they did, the door opened and a man in a crisp, blue suit entered.

  “Gentlemen,” he directed toward the detectives. “It looks like you’re finished with my client, but please know any further questioning will take place with me present.”

  His client? Who was he?

  “I don’t see why that’s necessary Sance,” said Stevens. “She’s not under arrest, or a suspect.”

  “Still. I have been hired on her behalf. Don’t make me tell you again.”

  Without responding, both Stevens and Mak walked past them and out of the room, but Stevens stopped short and turned back, handing Annie his card. “Call me. If you think of anything at all.”

  Annie agreed while reaching forward for the card.

  “Fancy lawyer by the way. I didn’t realize you had the cash to afford a lawyer who requires a half million annual retainer.

  Holy shit. There was only one person who could afford a lawyer that expensive and everyone in the room knew who it was. “I’m sure you know who my father is,” Annie said, thinking on her feet. “He’s able to pull some strings when it comes to his only daughter. I’ll be sure to call you guys if I think of anything.”

  The detectives left Annie and the lawyer standing in the open doorway and he escorted her out and down the grimy hallway, introducing himself as David Sance.

  “Thank you David. For your help back there.” She was being facetious, yet he still thought it genuine.

  “Not a problem. That’s what I was hired for. They won’t bother you again. I’ll see to that. The detectives weren’t lying about my retainer, but I’m worth every penny. I promise you.”

  “I’m not really worried, but that’s good to hear. Do you know where my friend Trevor is? He came to the station with me.”

  “He’s out front with Mr. Cage. That’s where we’re headed.”

  And just like that her assumption was confirmed. Brax hired him. A small part of her hoped it was her father, though she knew it was just wishful thinking. Her father had pull, but not that much. And of course Brax would send a lawyer. He probably didn’t trust her to keep her mouth shut. The lawyer was for his benefit, not hers. Was likely there to tie up loose ends before Brax got rid of her. It would be the smart thing to do. She didn’t like referring to her death as smart, but it was true. Letting her live could jeopardize everything he and Cole had built. The decision might not even be up to him. She had the sudden urge to turn around and hide back in the interview room. Tell the detectives everything and hope they could follow through on their assurances to keep her safe. The only thing stopping her was what Detective Mak said about Brax marking her. Was that a forever sort of deal? Something he had to abide by as well? She certainly hoped it was.

  Annie followed David out of the facility and across the street where an SUV waited. Trevor jumped out of the front seat and ran to her, embracing her tight.

  “I was so worried. So Fucking worried. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I’m okay.”

  “Well what did they want? What did they ask you?”

  Annie’s stomach dropped, she couldn’t answer. Lookin
g over she saw Brax approaching, the situation unsettling. What was he going to do?

  “Trevor, you’re going to ride with David back to the hotel. I already called ahead for a room. Go check in and wait for us. I need to have a little chat with my girl.”

  His girl? Was that what she was again or was he just trying to sound convincing in front of Trevor and the lawyer?

  Trevor agreed with no reluctance, hesitating only to hand Annie her purse. When the police picked her up in the airport, Trevor was looking through the small bag in search of a piece of gum and through everything, it hadn’t crossed her mind it was missing.

  Holding the purse tight in her arms it provided a small sense of security while Brax led her by the elbow to the ominous SUV, opened her door and waited for her to get in.

  “Cage,” David called out approaching. “Can we talk in private for a minute?”

  “I don’t need to hear it David. Whatever it is, just get it taken care of.”

  “You’re going to want to hear this.”

  “No. I don’t. Just do what I fucking said. I want to hear it from her.” Brax turned back to the SUV, sliding in. His wrath unmistakable.

  “Greg. Headphones,” he demanded.

  “Yes sir.”

  Greg popped in a set of ear buds and they could hear the hum of music screaming in his ear from the back seat. For all intents and purposes, they were alone, her anxiety tripling at the idea.

  “What did you tell them?” he asked, looking straight ahead.

  “Nothing.”

  “Do you know what I have to do if you’re lying to me? I’m going to find out.”

  “I didn’t tell them anything. I swear Brax.” Her hands were shaking. She couldn’t stop them.

  “Okay. If that’s how you want to play it.” He tapped Greg on the shoulder and waited while he took out an ear bud before asking him to pull over in the next lot.

  “Wh-why are we pulling over?” she stuttered. A fear she never knew took over her whole body; engulfed her completely. She was going to be sick. Was going to puke all over herself before he got the chance to put a bullet in her head. She couldn’t stop thinking of all the gruesome pictures they showed her. Was she going to end up being a picture the detectives showed the next person they brought in to withdraw information from?

  The SUV stopped in a vacant lot and the driver killed the lights, leaving the space lit by only the glow of the city. Brax opened his door, not waiting for Greg to walk around. He motioned for Annie to get out, but she couldn’t move a muscle; was frozen in place.

  “Please don’t do this Brax. I didn’t say anything. I would never. You don’t have to do this.”

  “Get out of the car B.”

  When she still didn’t move he reached in and pulled her out. She should have screamed, called for help, but instead she accepted her fate. If someone came to help her, he would kill them too.

  Brax walked away from the car and around to the side of the building, towing her behind. “Up against the wall.”

  The tears came as she did as he asked, not knowing why she bothered to listen. If he was going to kill her, why did it matter if she did as he ordered.

  Pulling the gun from its holster, he approached, but never took aim, held the gun at his side and walked up close. “Are you scared?” he asked, wiping the tears from her eyes with his one free hand. “It’s loaded this time.”

  He placed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth; a goodbye kiss and she knew what was going to happen. She was going to die. “I didn’t tell them anything,” she pleaded one last time, pushing her palm against his chest, urging him to back away, and let it linger as he stood firm. The pounding of his heart felt audible; the rapid pace matching hers. It could almost be mistaken for a harmony of drums in the silent lot.

  Removing her hand from his chest he wrapped her fingers around the hilt of the gun. She was confused. Didn’t understand what was happening. Bringing her hand back up, he aimed at his chest.

  “Do it. This is your chance. This is the only way you will ever be free of me. I won’t be able to hurt you if I’m dead. You can go back home to your normal life, go back to your husband and never think of me again. Greg has strict instructions for the cleanup crew. No one would ever know it was you. I’m giving you your freedom. You should take it.”

  The gun heavy in her hands, it was obvious he was telling the truth. It was loaded, and tears began to flow down her cheeks. Could she do what he was encouraging? She knew she should, especially after thinking he was about to do the same, but something inside screamed not to. Ignoring her inner voice, her hand trembled as she wrapped a finger around the trigger.

  “Do it.”

  Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. Why did she have to talk herself into this? He was a murderer. She’d seen him kill before. He deserved it. But then what did that say about her? She’d done terrible things before too. Thinking back to the prior night when she pulled the trigger, her heart literally froze in her chest at the thought of killing him. It wasn’t something she could ever go through with.

  Looking up in his eyes she lowered the gun and held his gaze until she heard the staccato claps of his hands. Clap. Clap. Clap.

  “That’s my girl. Now give it to me.”

  Glancing down at the thick, black metal, she handed it forward. He slipped his fingers around hers, and used his other hand to pull it free from her rigid grasp. She closed her eyes once more, relinquishing control, and when she opened them, the gun was trained on her, right in her line of sight. Brax didn’t hesitate. He pulled the trigger.

  BANG. The shot was loud and echoed throughout the lot, but nothing happened, she still stood in place, intact. This time however, she did puke. Keeled over and lost it on the pavement.

  “It doesn’t feel very good, does it? Having someone you trust try and kill you.”

  Annie didn’t answer. Kneeling by a pool of her own vomit, she barely registered his words. Her head spun and she thought she might be sick again. Holding it back she took deep breaths. Let the wind cool her body while she tried to recover.

  “Don’t be embarrassed B. It happens to everyone. Just be thankful you didn’t piss yourself. That happens too.”

  Wiping her mouth with her forearm she looked off into nothing. She didn’t want to see him. He played her. She thought he cared and was willing to sacrifice himself for her, but it was all just a test. “I thought you said it was loaded.”

  “It is.” He removed the magazine and held it out toward her. “Blanks.”

  “And if I would have done it?”

  “I knew you wouldn’t.”

  “But what if I did? I thought about it. For a minute I thought about it. What would you have done?”

  “Thinking about it and doing it are two completely different things.”

  She finally stood, turning to face him, ordering a real answer with her expression.

  “If you tried to shoot me, again I might add, I would have killed you. You always seem to forget who I really am. I don’t give second chances B. Ever. And you just got yours. Take it with honor and stop asking these bullshit what if questions.”

  With honor? She opened her mouth, a sarcastic comment stemming forward and then closed it with clarity. Sudden crystal clear clarity. She was told the truth over and over again, yet her situation had just become very real. She was no longer living in fantasyland. Braxton Cage is a mob boss. Ruthless. Dangerous. A hardheaded criminal who thinks he knows best and doesn’t take no for an answer. He is respected and feared. The utter truth of it all making her step back at how naïve she’d been, affronting him time and time again.

  “In my world there are three things I kill for with no questions asked. People who steal from me,” he counted on his fingers, “people who lie to me, and people who betray me. I had to know if you would do it again.”

  Bethany still looked like a terrified little bird, but she didn’t need to be. He wouldn’t hurt her. Not now, not ever. He had to make her
understand how this was all necessary. “Maybe I’m not explaining this right,” he stopped and thought for the right words. “You are everything to me. And if I’m being honest, I have become quite literally obsessed with you, from the moment I saw you. Maybe I haven’t been as open with you about that as I should have been, but up until yesterday, I was under the impression you felt the same. When you almost shot me, it was the worst betrayal. I’ve killed for so much less, but I couldn’t do that to you. It was the first time in my life I showed mercy. You make me do things I wouldn’t normally do. I had to find out if I made the right choice and ironically, the police picking you up was the perfect setting. I know you were scared, but you don’t need to be. Not anymore. You did the right thing, and I know now without a shadow of a doubt I can trust you.” He reached out, tugging her close, breathing her in deep. She was his. He wouldn’t let her go again.

  She let him hold her. The feel of his arms wrapped around comforted her more than she knew she needed. It was odd how he could be a cold-blooded killer one minute and then kind and affectionate the next. “So what, you forgive me now? Just like that you can trust me again and I’m supposed to hope you’ll never hurt me the next time I break your trust or betray you?”

  “Are you planning to betray me again?”

  “No, but things happen. Misunderstandings happen. I trusted you before when you said you’d never hurt me.”

  “And did I? Was last night a misunderstanding? Did you know the gun wasn’t loaded? Was that it B? I freaked out over nothing?”

  She couldn’t answer and the tears began to sting her eyes once again.

  “I’m going to need to hear it from you. I do forgive you, but I need to know what happened. Was it the gun?” Her lack of an answer told him what he needed to hear and he pushed her back by the shoulders so he could look her in the eyes. “You tried to leave me. I was pissed. I told you from the beginning, I’m not your prince charming. I might have put you in danger, or what you thought was danger, but I didn’t hurt you. At least not how I could have.”