For the Save (Playing for Keeps #4)

by Amber Garza

  “It’s not even my debt,” Kevin argued back.

  I shook my head, wishing Kevin would shut up. It was obvious that arguing wasn’t the way to go with this crowd. Felix’s face turned red. Movie Guy stood at attention, ready to pounce if Felix said so. Biting my lip, I lowered my head. Staring down at my cell phone, I quickly shot a text off to Sawyer.

  Me: I’m at Kevin’s. Something bad is happening over here.

  Felix poked Kevin in the chest. “It is now.”

  I blew out a sigh of relief when Kevin nodded.

  “Glad we’ve finally reached an agreement,” Felix said. He snapped his fingers toward Movie Guy and then spun around. My shoulders relaxed a little. In my hand my phone vibrated. I glanced down at it.

  Sawyer: R u ok?

  Then before I could respond it vibrated again.

  Sawyer: I’m on my way.

  I typed back swiftly.

  Me: No. I’m fine. I’ll call u in a minute.

  “Whose car is that?” Felix’s words caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. My head swiveled to Kevin. Recognition colored his face, but I knew he wouldn’t rat me out. I’d known Kevin for years. He was like an older brother to me.

  “I don’t know.” Kevin shook his head.

  “Liar.” Felix stormed over to him, shoving him in the chest. “You think I’m stupid or something. Did you call the cops?”

  “No,” Kevin said vehemently.

  “Then who did you call?”

  “No one,” Kevin responded, fear etching his face. I held my breath. Bile rose in my throat. This was so not good.

  “You betrayed me. You called someone. Where are they?”

  My body shook, but I ducked further under the bushes, praying he wouldn’t tell him about me.

  “There’s no one here. I swear.” Kevin threw up his arms.

  “That car wasn’t here when I got here.”

  “Maybe it’s the neighbor’s,” Kevin said, but even I could tell he was lying.

  “You think I’m stupid, don’t you? I don’t know what you’re up to, but no one messes with me and gets away with it,” Felix spoke so softly I could barely hear him. But his words caused a chill to run up my spine. It was scarier than when he was yelling. There was a finality in his words now. He snapped his fingers and called Movie Guy over. I squeezed my eyes shut when Movie Guy grabbed Kevin.

  Grunting and punching filled my ears. My pulse quickened, my stomach rolled. Peeking out of one eye, I saw Kevin getting the crap beat out of him. Movie Guy held him down while Felix used him as a punching bag. His body sagged while he took hit after hit. Oh, my god. They were going to kill him. I was sure of it.

  I glanced around the quiet darkened street and wondered where everyone was. Why wasn’t anyone coming out of their house to see what was up? When my gaze scoured the street, I saw that most of the homes were dark, shutters drawn. I guess it was pretty late. It made me wonder where Kevin’s parents were. Then I remembered how often they were gone when we were younger. That was why Ben liked hanging out here so much.

  Damn it, I couldn’t stay hidden in here and let them kill him. I knew it was stupid, but I had to do something. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t.

  Leaping up, I bounded across the grass.

  “Stop it! Stop it!” I screamed.

  Felix’s hand drew back. His knuckles were caked in sticky, dark blood.

  “Addison, get outta here,” Kevin spoke, the words coming out ragged and choppy.

  “Addison, huh?” A sick smile spread across Felix’s face. “That’s right. We met before. You’re Ben’s sister.”

  I sucked in a breath, my skin crawling.

  “Well, Kevin, it’s your lucky day.” Felix nodded to Movie Guy. “You can release him.”

  Movie Guy dropped Kevin in the grass. I winced at all the blood, at his face, which was swelling by the minute. I needed to call an ambulance. My cell was nestled in my palm, but I was afraid to use it. I stood in the middle of the lawn trying to come up with a way of escape. My gaze landed on my car. I needed to reach it.

  “Looks like someone else can pay off Ben’s debt.”

  Before I could register Felix’s words, Movie Guy’s arms clamped around my middle. I screamed, but he stifled it with a meaty hand. I kicked and flailed, causing my phone to fall to the ground. I yelped, staring down helplessly at it. Felix opened his black coat, revealing a gun tucked into the top of his pants.

  “You’re coming with us no matter what, Addison,” he spoke in a calm, calculated tone. “It can either be difficult or easy. The choice is yours.”

  Fear choked me. I wanted to keep fighting, but I knew it was futile. If Kevin couldn’t fight them, then neither could I. My body went limp in his arms as he carried me toward the awaiting car. Once inside, I knew there was no getting out. I was starting to rethink my earlier strategy. Maybe I should have fought harder, screamed louder. Something. A few months ago I’d seen an article on my Facebook page with tips on what to do if you’re attacked. The main one was to never let them take you anywhere. Never get in the car.

  It sounded good in theory, but when faced with reality, it was much more difficult.

  Movie Guy released his hand from my mouth as Felix started up the car. I gulped in some air quickly when fabric rubbed against my lips. Dear god, I was being gagged. I bit down on the material as my eyes were covered.

  “Sorry. Can’t take any chances,” Movie Guy spoke in a gruff voice.

  As if I was going to try anything. I was locked in a car with two guys more than twice my size. And I didn’t have my phone.

  An image of Kevin being pummeled repeatedly filled my mind. I wondered if he was okay. Hope sparked at the thought of him. Perhaps he knew where they were taking me. Maybe he’d even call for help. And I had texted Sawyer that I was at Kevin’s house. As the car sped forward, I silently prayed that one of them would come to my rescue.

  I couldn’t tell how long we drove. It seemed like hours, but I knew it wasn’t. Internally, I cursed myself for going to Kevin’s tonight. I should have stayed home where I was safe. My mind drifted back to my house, to Sawyer, to anywhere but here. Then I forced myself to focus. Daydreaming wasn’t going to get me anywhere. I had to come up with a plan. I’d already messed this up enough.

  When the car stopped, I inhaled sharply. My fists bunched at my sides. Now was my chance. Once I got out of this car I planned to make a run for it. The door to my right popped open. Meaty hands grappled at my arms and shoulders, guiding me outside. I waited for him to release my arms so I could take off my blindfold and run away. Only he never released me. In fact, he hoisted me into his arms and carried me like I was a damn doll.

  No way in hell was I going to let him take me anywhere else. Now I would do what I should have done while we were at Kevin’s. With all my strength I flailed and kicked. My fist and toes connected with muscles and bone, but he didn’t let me go. He held me tighter. A low chuckle rumbled through his chest. Was he laughing at me? Angry, I hit him harder. A door opened, and fear crept up into my throat. I felt like I might puke as he stepped forward. The door slammed closed, and I was tossed onto something spongy. A mattress? No, a couch maybe. Reaching up, I tore off my blindfold and the handkerchief around my mouth. Now they hung around my neck.

  I was sitting on a dingy couch in a small room. Curtains were pulled tight over the windows. In front of me was a coffee table. An ashtray, a bong, and several empty beer cans sat on top. Felix stood in front of me, arms crossed over his chest.

  “Rover,” he called out to Movie Guy, and I thought to myself that maybe he should go with my nickname. Movie Guy actually sounded more intimidating than Rover. All I could think about now was that childhood game – Red Rover, Red Rover, send Addie right over. “I’m good. You can go.”

  Rover slipped outside. Felix locked the door behind him and then walked toward me. I glanced around looking for another way out, but there wasn’t one. “You’re Candyman?” I as
ked, putting two and two together. Besides, I figured it was in my best interest to keep him talking. If Sawyer or Kevin were looking for me, it was best to stall him. Not that I had any idea what he planned to do with me, but judging by what I saw at Kevin’s, I was assuming it wasn’t good.

  “The one and only.” A sick smile spread across Candyman’s face. He didn’t look like what I imagined a drug dealer looking like. In fact, when I’d met him with Ben, I’d assumed he was one of his friends. He could’ve easily been a football player. He was well built, his dark hair shorn close to his head. Even his clothes weren’t a giveaway. They were normal – jeans, a t-shirt. Sure, he had tattoos trailing his arms and a small scar above his right eye, but tats were in now, and the scar could have been a sports injury. Nothing about this guy screamed drug dealer to me.

  “But I thought your name was Felix,” I muttered.

  “Ben never should have told you my name. That was always his problem. He didn’t think before he acted.”

  His words angered me. It was like he was rubbing what Ben did in my face. Yes, my brother was impulsive, but it wasn’t something to joke about. Not now. Not after what he did.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” he said.

  My stomach rolled as he moved closer to me. He lowered himself onto the couch next to me, and sat so close I could feel his breath on my face. I backed up, my spine ramming into the side of the couch. “I’ve been trying to get Kevin to pay off your brother’s debt, but now you can. It seems more fitting anyway.”

  “H-his debt?”

  Candyman lifted his arm, his fingertip touching my chin. I flinched, shuddered. “He owed me a lot of money before he died. And, as I explained to him when he was alive, there are many ways to pay up. Not all of them are monetary.” His grin grew larger, and my insides churned. What the hell was he talking about? His gaze lowered to my chest. On instinct, I hugged myself. But he grabbed my wrists, peeling my arms from my body. “Don’t hide the goods, princess.”

  He couldn’t be serious. I hopped off the couch and stepped away from him. Glancing over at the front door, I saw the shadow of Rover in the curtains of the front window. Shit. He was standing guard. I’d never get out of here. “I’m not paying off my brother’s debt. I didn’t even know about it.”

  “It doesn’t matter to me whether you knew or not. You’re here. Your brother owes me money.” He shrugged, standing. “It’s a simple solution.” His hands closed around my arms, and he yanked me to him so forcefully I bit down on my lip. A small yelp escaped, but I closed my mouth swiftly. If I had any hope of surviving this, I couldn’t let him see me afraid. I had to be strong. “Maybe if he had brought you to me sooner, he’d still be alive.”

  I glared. “Did you kill him?”

  He cackled. “No, I didn’t kill him. He offed himself, the coward.” His lips neared my ear. “But I would’ve killed him.” A chill ran up my spine. Hot breath puffed against my skin. I writhed in his grip. “Just so you know, the more you fight, the more turned on I get.” Bile rose in my throat. “So go for it. Kick and scream. I’ll enjoy every minute of it.” His tongue darted out of his mouth, and swept over my ear. I suppressed a scream. But when the bottom of my shirt lifted and his hands touched my bare stomach, I couldn’t take it anymore. No way was I letting this happen. The scream left my mouth and I shoved him back.

  “Yeah, baby.” He growled. “I like that fire.” Then he pounced, wrapping his arms around my middle and drawing me to him. His mouth clamped over mine, but I bit down hard until my teeth pierced his bottom lip. The metal taste of blood filled my mouth. “Fiesty. I love it.”

  I couldn’t win with this guy. As his hands raked up my spine, I felt some of the fight withering inside of me. He had a guard outside of the door, he liked when I fought back, and he was clearly stronger than me. How was I going to get myself out of this situation? When his mouth moved down to my neck and his fingers fumbled with the button of my jeans, the reality of the situation crashed into me.

  He was going to rape me to collect on my brother’s debt. The one my brother possibly killed himself to get out of.

  CHAPTER 26

  Sawyer

  Cursing myself repeatedly, I drove as fast as I could to Kevin’s house. I never should’ve left her alone tonight. When I dropped her off I could feel that nagging in my gut, and deep down I knew something was going to happen. But what possessed her to return to Kevin’s? And why hadn’t she called me before going over there?

  As I careened through the quiet suburban streets, I prayed she was okay. Glancing down at my phone, I saw that she still wasn’t returning my texts. My palms filled with moisture, my mouth went dry. I saw Addie’s car parked along the curb when I pulled onto Kevin’s street. It gave me momentary hope. But when I drove up in front of the house, she was nowhere in sight. Lights were on inside, so I headed toward the front door.

  Something bad is happening. The words from Addie’s text flew through my mind.

  I felt like I was that guy in the movie. The one who walked right into danger like an idiot. But I didn’t care. I’d do anything, risk anything to help Addie. I’d almost reached the door when I noticed something in the grass. Was it a person? I moved forward as the heap moaned and stirred.

  “Kevin?” I bent over him. When he rolled in my direction, I winced.

  Dear god, someone had beat the living shit out of him.

  He was holding his middle, horrific sounds coming out of his mouth. Blood covered his face. He needed medical attention now. But first I needed answers. It’s not that I wasn’t sympathetic. I was. But at that point I didn’t know if Kevin was on Addie’s side or not. Hell, I didn’t even know where Addie was.

  “Kevin?” I waved my hand in front of his face. “Kevin? Can you hear me?”

  He nodded, but barely. Then he cringed as if the motion caused him pain.

  “Where is Addie?”

  “They…took…her.” It was clear that he was struggling here. I felt bad for the guy, but I needed more information. Especially now that I knew someone had taken Addie. I sure as hell hoped it wasn’t the same guys that did this to Kevin.

  “Who took her?”

  “Candyman,” he said.

  “What?” Who was Candyman?

  Kevin grunted.

  “Where did they take her, Kevin?” When he didn’t respond, I pulled out my phone. “Tell me where she is and I’ll call you an ambulance.” It was a dirty move, but I was running out of patience. I had no idea how long Addie had been gone or what the Candyman was doing to her. “The guys who did this to you? Are they the ones who took Addie?”

  Once again he nodded. Sort of. Then winced in pain. The information caused bile to rise in my throat. I had to get to her.

  “Where?” I spoke through gritted teeth. “Where is she?”

  “I know where he lives. Maybe they took her there.” He fought to breathe.

  “’What’s the address?”

  As he rattled off an unfamiliar address, I typed it into my phone. Then I dialed 911. After giving them Kevin’s information, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to add in what he’d told me about Addie. “Also, a girl is missing. He said the same men that beat him up took her. Called him the Candyman.” After relaying the address Kevin gave me, I hung up the phone. I had to be honest, the 911 operator didn’t seem like she took my information about Addie too seriously, which I guess made sense. She’d only been missing less than an hour, and I was taking the word of a grown man who called other guys by nicknames like Candyman.

  “The ambulance is on its way. Hang in there. I gotta go find Addie.” I felt a twinge of remorse about leaving Kevin in his condition. But I knew if I waited for the ambulance I might find Addie in this condition. No, this couldn’t wait. I had to get to her now.

  I only prayed that Kevin’s address would lead me to her and not on some wild goose chase. I wasn’t sure Addie would survive much longer.

  CHAPTER 27

  Addie

  When his m
outh came near mine, I turned my head away. No way was I letting this guy kiss me. But then his hand grabbed my face, squeezing hard on my cheeks. My face went numb, all tingly and prickly. Forcefully, he turned my head to face him again. Glancing down, I caught sight of the gun tucked in his pants, and panic took root in my stomach. Feeling defeated, I squeezed my eyes closed. I may not have been able to stop this, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to watch.

  Hot, stinky breath met my lips. When his mouth covered mine, scuffling and loud voices sounded from outside the door. Felix’s head snapped toward the sounds. I blew out a breath as he released my face. The front door popped open.

  My jaw dropped when Sawyer stepped inside.

  “Sawyer,” I cried out.

  “You better step away from her now!” Sawyer shouted at Felix while walking steadily in my direction.

  Felix stepped between us, an amused smile on his face. “I’m assuming by this whole knight in shining armor act that you’re Addison’s boyfriend.” His smile faded. “How did you find me?”

  Sawyer didn’t say a word, just pressed his mouth into a tight line. “It doesn’t matter. Let her go.”

  “It was that idiot Kevin, wasn’t it? Damn, I always knew it was a mistake to get that kid involved. We should’ve killed him when we had the chance.”

  My insides coiled. They had almost killed him. They would have if I hadn’t jumped out of the bushes. I prayed he was all right.

  “Forget about Kevin. Give Addison to me,” Sawyer persisted.

  “Or you’ll what? Tell the principal on me?” Felix laughed as if he was getting great amusement out of Sawyer.

  Anger and the hint of a challenge flashed in Sawyer’s eyes. “I’m only warning you once.” He took a large step in our direction.

  In one swift movement, Felix yanked out his gun and held it out toward Sawyer. “Rover!” He shouted.

  Sawyer had lost some of his bravado, but not all. “Oh, is that the big guy outside? Yeah, he’s sort of taking a nap right now. One my fist demanded he take.”