Into The Night

by Janelle Denison

  “Shhh. You have to be quiet, Holly.” They made it through the grotto and up to the pool area outside. There was no one there. Yet. It was only a matter of time before party revelers decided to go skinny-dipping. “He doesn’t want anyone else to know that the two of you are meeting.”

  “You’re moving… too… fast,” she complained, sounding like a petulant five-year-old who’d been drugged. “I feel… soooo… dizzy.”

  “We have to hurry.” It was the truth. Nicole veered toward the left of the cabanas and picked up her pace. She still had Holly’s arm looped through hers, but the other girl kept slowing down and falling behind. “I don’t want Preston to leave,” she said, hoping that would urge the other girl to move faster.

  It didn’t. If anything, each stumbling step Holly took seemed to be weighted down with concrete. “Me, either,” Holly whispered, the sound of tears choking her voice. “Don’t leave… don’t leave… don’t leave,” she chanted.

  Holly seemed to become more lethargic, and Nicole was beginning to feel like she was dragging the girl through quicksand. She had to keep her cognizant, and the only way she could think to do that was to keep her talking.

  “Holly, what is your last name?” she asked, because she needed the information for Nathan anyway.

  “Last… name?” Holly sobbed, clearly falling apart emotionally. “I… I don’t have one.”

  “Yes, you do. I need to know what it is,” Nicole urged as she eased them toward the pathway where Angela was waiting for them. “Preston needs to know what it is. Think real hard, Holly. We can’t get to him without your last name.”

  “Oh, God,” she said, crying in earnest now as she honestly struggled to remember her surname. “I… It’s Holly… Holly… Davis.”

  Nicole patted her hand. “Good girl.”

  “Where’s… where’s Preston?” Holly’s breathing was labored, and she was leaning heavily against Nicole for support.

  “We’re almost there.” She guided them down the pathway. Surrounded by lush foliage, they blended into the darkness.

  “I’m… I’m not going to… to make it.” Holly tripped and could barely hold herself upright. “I… don’t… feel so good.”

  Nicole was glad to see Angela just up ahead on the pathway. At least one thing had gone right tonight. “Holly, what have you taken?”

  “Just… just my… pills.”

  And unknown quantities of alcohol. Shit.

  Before Nicole could catch her, Holly unexpectedly dropped to her knees, clutched her stomach, and threw up on the grass. She moaned as she continued to heave. All the while, Nicole prayed that the sound didn’t echo and prompt someone to investigate.

  When there didn’t seem to be anything left in Holly’s stomach, she gave one last groan, then passed out cold.

  Nicole stared in disbelief. How in the hell was she going to get Holly’s deadweight all the way to the Hummer where Nathan was waiting for them?

  * * *

  Right on time, Nathan left the party and headed upstairs. He stopped for a moment to make sure no one was behind him, then made his way to the front door of the house. With the entryway in his sights, he pulled off his mask and set it on a side table he passed, his mind already on the next phase of the escape plan and hoping everything went smoothly for Nicole.

  “Are you leaving, Alex?”

  His hand was on the doorknob, but the question stopped him cold. Jesus Christ! Where in the hell had Gwen come from? The only good thing about running into Sloane’s assistant was the assurance that she wasn’t following Nicole. Remaining calm, he turned back around to face her, an excuse for his abrupt departure already forming.

  “I just got a call on my cell,” he said, as she stopped a few feet away. She was dressed as a sultry Mardi Gras vixen, her sequined mask in her hand, giving him a clear view of her very direct gaze. “I’ve got a problem with my Tokyo deal. I have to fix the contract and get it sent back immediately so everything is ready for signatures on Monday morning.”

  “On a Saturday?” she asked, her tone tinged with skepticism.

  He flashed her a smile. “International business never sleeps.”

  “True,” she replied, and seemed to relax. “Is Nikki going with you?”

  “No, she’s having too much fun at the party,” he said easily. “I’ll leave her here while I take care of business. I should be back in an hour or so.”

  Seemingly satisfied, Gwen let him exit the house without further questioning. Even if she immediately reported his absence to Sloane, it would take them both a while to realize that he wasn’t coming back… and that he had Nicole with him. Longer still until they discovered Angela and Holly missing, too.

  He walked toward where the Hummer was parked, which was around the corner from the front of the house, in a darkened area. The vehicle was still parked as he’d requested, with no other cars blocking his escape. Because of his delay with Gwen, he expected Nicole to be there with the girls, but she hadn’t arrived yet.

  He swore beneath his breath, knowing that their chances of being discovered increased with each minute that passed. He wondered where Nicole was, and prayed she hadn’t gotten caught sneaking Angela and Holly out of the house. He worried most about Holly putting up a fight and blowing their escape.

  Shit .

  Just when he thought he’d have to go searching for Nicole, and possibly abort their escape, he saw three figures come around the side of the house. As they neared, he realized that Nicole, now dressed as a court jester, and Angela were struggling to support Holly between them, straining to keep her upright as they hauled her unconscious form to the Hummer.

  Rushing to meet them, he scooped Holly up into his arms and carried her back to the vehicle. Questions would come later, once they were safely out of the estate. As quietly as possible, he got all three girls situated in the Hummer’s cargo space and draped a dark blanket over them. For the moment, he was grateful Holly was passed out so there was no chance of her kicking up a fuss and blowing his cover when they reached the guard at the gate. As he rounded the front of the Hummer, his gaze scanned the vicinity to make sure the area was clear and there were no witnesses.

  Using the spare key he kept in his wallet, he started the vehicle and headed for the main gate. The security guy waited for him to stop, then came up to the driver’s window, which Nathan rolled down.

  “Everything okay?” the guy asked.

  Judging by the other man’s relaxed attitude, Nathan was certain Sloane hadn’t yet discovered that the girls were gone. “I just have some business to attend to. I’ll be back.”

  The guard gave him a nod, then returned to his post and opened the gates. Once they were clear, Nathan drove out onto the main road. He immediately called Caleb to give him an estimated time of arrival. His boss let him know that Angela’s parents had arrived and that Skye and Valerie were at his place to balance out the male-to-female ratio, and to make sure Angela felt comfortable. Nathan couldn’t bring himself to tell Caleb that they’d taken Holly-he’d find out soon enough, and they’d deal with the situation then.

  He disconnected the call. Five miles away from Sloane’s estate he told Nicole they could come out, but should still lie low.

  “What happened with Holly?” he finally asked.

  “She passed out on me after throwing up,” Nicole told him. “She wasn’t very cooperative, either. I’m certain if she was awake she would be fighting to get back to Sloane.”

  As if on cue, the young girl stirred and moaned. “Where… where are you… taking me?”

  “You’re fine, Holly,” Nicole said gently, keeping her reply simple and vague. “Just relax and we’ll be there soon.”

  “With Preston?” Holly asked, her voice raspy.

  “Yeah, with Preston,” Nicole lied, obviously not wanting to upset the girl.

  Reassured that Holly didn’t need to be rushed to the hospital, Nathan glanced in his rearview mirror at the other blonde they’d rescued. “Are you
okay, Angela?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was soft and low, with the slightest hint of nervousness.

  Nathan guessed she was worried about the reconciliation with her parents. But considering the Ramseys had gone to such great lengths to get their daughter back, he knew Angela had nothing to worry about.

  He called Caleb again just as he turned down the street, and when he reached his boss’s house, the garage door was already open for him. Pulling the Hummer inside, he waited for the steel doors to slide shut before helping the girls out of the back.

  Angela was the first to exit, then Nicole. Nathan had to lift a still-groggy Holly from the vehicle, and help her stand. She was unsteady on her feet, and as she looked around the garage, her changing expression reflected her bewilderment.

  She looked at Nicole, her gaze dazed and confused. “Where am I?”

  Nicole stepped up to Holly and gently grasped her hand. “You’re somewhere safe.”

  Nathan took Angela’s arm and led her into the house, with Holly and Nicole following behind. As soon as they walked into the kitchen area, they were greeted by Caleb, Skye, and Valerie. Being in a strange place was all it took to set Holly off.

  She glared angrily at Nicole. “Where’s Preston? You told me you were taking me to see Preston!”

  “He’s not here,” Nicole said, trying to reason with the girl. “But you’re safe and you’re going to be okay.”

  “You lied!” She jerked away from Nicole, stumbling backward and almost tripping on the hem of her sorceress dress. “I want Preston!” Her eyes were wide and wild.

  Without asking questions about who the girl was, Valerie and Skye stepped up to Holly, each of them gently taking one of her arms to subdue her. She struggled to break free, but the two women held her without hurting her. They’d been trained for situations like this, and Nathan knew they’d be able to get through to Holly once she calmed down.

  “You bitch!” Holly yelled at Nicole as tears ran down her face and smeared her makeup. “I hate you!”

  Nicole winced, a pained look on her face. “I know you’re upset right now, but in time you’ll be glad you’re out of there.”

  “No, I won’t,” she sobbed. “You had no right to take me away from Preston!”

  “Let us take her,” Valerie said to Nicole, obviously wanting to defuse the situation. “We’ll get her settled in the guest bedroom and calmed down. You go with Nathan and Caleb. Angela’s parents are waiting for her in the living room.”

  “Okay.” Nicole sighed as Valerie and Skye led the hostile girl away.

  “I want Preston,” Holly wailed, the pitiful sound echoing down the hall. “Take me back. Please, take me back.”

  “We can’t, honey.” Valerie tried to soothe her. “But you’ll be fine here. I promise.”

  Seeing the worry lines creasing Nicole’s forehead, Nathan sought to comfort her. “She’s in good hands. Let’s reunite Angela with her parents.”

  Nicole nodded. Putting on a smile, she turned back to Angela. The young girl had been through so much, but she’d survived and had her freedom back, unlike the girls they’d had to leave behind. “Are you ready?”

  Angela appeared anxious, but the look in her eyes was cautiously hopeful. “Yes. I think so.”

  Taking Angela’s hands in hers, Nicole gave them an encouraging squeeze. She wanted to make sure there were no doubts in the girl’s mind that she’d made the right choice in trusting her and Nathan. “Remember, we did this because your parents wanted us to find you. Don’t ever doubt that they love you, no matter what has happened.”

  Tears shimmered in Angela’s eyes. “Thank you for getting me out of there. I was so scared that I’d never see my mom and dad again.”

  If not for her and Nathan’s involvement, she probably wouldn’t have. “Then let’s go and see them so they can take you home where you belong.”

  Caleb led the way into the living room, and as soon as the four of them walked in, the man and woman standing by the fireplace stared at the girl still dressed in her Mardi Gras costume. Time seemed to stand still, as if Angela and her parents were uncertain as to who should make the first move.

  “Oh, my God,” the woman whispered, and pressed shaking fingers to her lips. The heartbreak of missing her daughter shone in her eyes.

  “Smidget,” the man said in a voice choked with emotion.

  The sweet endearment was spoken with such warmth and affection that Nicole had no doubt everything among the three of them was going to be just fine.

  “Go on,” she gently urged Angela, who seemed to need that extra bit of encouragement. “They’re waiting for you.”

  A sob broke in her throat, and then she was rushing toward her parents, who welcomed her back with open arms, embracing her with unconditional love and compassion. Nicole stood beside Nathan and Caleb, barely holding back her own emotions as the Ramsey family shared hugs, tears of joy, and the kind of reassurances that told Nicole that Angela was going to be just fine.

  “I want to go home,” Angela said, and her parents were quick to agree.

  Tom Ramsey stepped toward Caleb and shook his hand, then Nathan’s. “Thank you both for saving my daughter. Considering the police weren’t any help, I appreciate your assistance.”

  “You’re welcome,” Nathan replied.

  “Once I have Nathan’s full report written up, I’ll be in touch,” Caleb told the other man.

  “Great. I appreciate it.” The relief at having his daughter back was visible on his face. “We have a flight back to Arizona tonight, so we’d better head to the airport.”

  Nicole knew the Ramseys weren’t going to press charges against Sloane. They just wanted their daughter back safely. Since Angela, at sixteen, was at the legal age of consent in Nevada, they couldn’t prosecute Sloane.

  It made Nicole sick to think that Sloane was getting off scot-free for abducting Angela, and every other girl he’d enticed to The Sanctuary, when he deserved a long sentence in prison.

  Everyone said their good-byes, and once the Ramseys were gone, Caleb didn’t waste time addressing the other issue still left unfinished.

  “Who is Holly and why do we have an extra girl when you were only supposed to extract Angela?” Caleb asked, direct and to the point.

  Before Nathan could respond, Nicole stepped forward and accepted the blame. “It’s my fault that we took Holly.”

  She didn’t feel she needed to explain her reasons to Caleb, because it wouldn’t change anything. Besides, it only mattered that Nathan understood why she’d felt the overwhelming need to save the girl.

  “I’m pretty certain that she’s underage,” Nicole went on, a little intimidated by Caleb’s intense, piercing stare and commanding presence. “She slipped up and told me she’s fifteen. Her full name is Holly Davis, which should help you locate her family.”

  “I’ll find out who she is,” Caleb said.

  Before Nicole could ask what would happen to the young girl, Valerie walked into the room.

  “How’s Holly doing?” Despite knowing the girl hated her, Nicole was still worried about her emotional and mental well-being.

  “She’s a little calmer and resting, though I’m guessing her obsession with Preston is a result of Stockholm syndrome,” Valerie suggested. “It’s very common with runaways and girls that are kidnapped to fall in love with their captors, which seems to be the case with Holly.”

  “How do you know she was kidnapped?” Nicole asked, wondering how Valerie had come to that conclusion.

  “I asked Holly how she got involved with Preston, and she told me that she ran away from home nearly a year ago, when she was fourteen.” Valerie exchanged a quick glance with Caleb that Nicole couldn’t read before continuing. “She was picked up in San Bernardino, California, by someone named Gwen, then brought to Las Vegas and taken to Sloane’s estate, where she’s been ever since.”

  Nicole was shocked that the belligerent young girl had shared so much with a virtual stranger. “W
ow, you got all that from Holly?”

  Valerie shrugged. “I just know how to ask the right questions.”

  “I have to say, you’re good.” Nicole still couldn’t believe Holly had given up so much personal information so easily. Then again, judging by her own experience with Valerie, there was something very intuitive about the woman. She had a way of reading people that was both unnerving and fascinating.

  Nathan glanced at Caleb in pleasant surprise, along with a bit of triumph shining in his eyes. “I’ll be damned. Looks like we have enough evidence to bring charges against Sloane in a federal case, outside any influence he has with local law enforcement.”

  Caleb’s look echoed Nathan’s satisfaction. “We can bring in the FBI to start an investigation on the charges, as well as look into his connections in human trafficking.”

  An adrenaline rush of excitement pulsed through Nicole at the thought of Sloane going to prison for what he’d done to Holly, and every other girl he’d violated. No doubt many other girls had been picked up off the street and taken to Sloane’s estate to be prostituted out to his buddies. The charges would be myriad, not to mention that Sloane would have a lot of company in prison.

  “So, he’s going to be arrested?” she asked, needing confirmation that the bastard would soon be behind bars.

  “Just as soon as it can be arranged through the proper channels,” Caleb replied with a business-like nod. “I’ll give the attorney general a call and start the ball rolling, then I’ll run a background check on Holly so I can contact her parents.”

  Nicole breathed a sigh of relief that something good had come of all this. That not only had she rescued Holly from a dire situation, but soon Sloane would no longer be able to prey on young girls’ innocence and naïveté.

  Caleb left them to make some phone calls, and Valerie headed back to the guest room to check on Holly, leaving Nicole alone with Nathan.

  “You did good,” Nathan said to her, the admiration and respect in his gaze genuine and warm. “You should be proud of yourself.”