by Nyxie Marrs
Dave comes in with Pete, giving a small nod with tight lips as they enter. Both of them walk over to Red as they keep their eyes on her. James walks in shortly behind them, whose eyes find her. The corner of his mouth twitches as he looks her over. I watch him. I don’t like someone I don’t know in here. I never know what to expect from these new guys, and I hope they won’t be a problem in our case. I’ve known Dave and Pete for years, but this new guy? I’m not liking the way his darkened gaze stays on her.
“You remember James?” Dave asks as he stops where we are, noticing Vega’s tight stance and her eyes dart to the picture, then Dave takes a step towards it. “What is this?” The exclamation in his voice shakes her. Her eyes close for a second I’m sure trying to regain her strength. I don’t know how that’s working for her, as a small shake invades her stance.
Rocky takes a look, then back to Vega. That fear fades and damn if he doesn’t look sympathetic now. She’s trying hard to refrain from looking at it.
“I can handle it. Fuck off.” She says through clenched teeth as she steps out of here.
“Red?” He knows what I’m asking.
“Go. I’ll take her car over when we’re done here. I won’t let anyone out of my sight.” He knows having these men in here without supervision would bother her. Now, what do I do with Vega?
It’s like she’s on autopilot walking to my car and getting in. Staring out of the window with absolutely no expression on her face. What do I do? Taking her out anywhere probably isn’t a good idea. If I take her home, what is there to do? I don’t want her to dive into work right now. I sigh. My best bet is to take her home, I’ll have to hide the files.
I glance at her every few minutes, her expression doesn’t change. Her posture doesn’t change. My mystery woman is troubled and there isn’t damn thing I can do, is there? As we pull up to my house, I expected her to bolt from the car, but she doesn’t. She doesn’t even move. I get out and open the door for her. The first eye contact she’s made since finding that picture, and it breaks my heart to see that sadness, that pain as tears brew in her gaze. Taking my outstretched hand, she follows me. Even her movements are filled with despair.
As soon as I open the door she slowly makes her way to the couch and falls onto her stomach with her face buried in the pillows. I grab a couple glasses of water and set them on the table next to the couch. Sitting next to her and rubbing her back is all I can think of, what else can I do?
After a few minutes she moves a pillow on to my lap and curls up with her head on me. I can’t take this sorrow, or this silence. I need her attitude, her fight with me on everything. I’ll even take her talking about the case, anything but nothing. I run my hand through her hair.
***
It’s been a few hours and she hasn’t said a word or moved. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
How is she?
Finally, Red must be done over there. Couldn’t imagine what would take so long. The only evidence there was the picture.
I have absolutely no idea. She’s not talking and I have no idea what to do.
Maybe Red has some ideas?
You home?
Of course we’re home. We’ve been sitting in silence. What the hell do I say?
Damnit. I wish he was quick with this response, I need something, anything to help her right now.
Just be there for her. I’ll be over soon.
Well that wasn’t the pep talk I needed to help her feel better.
“Miles.”
My heart hammers my chest at that sound from her. It’s a defeated, mousey, soft noise full of sadness, but a noise. My heart feels like it’s going to come out of my chest. My blood rushes cold through me. I hope I don’t say the wrong thing.
“Yes, Vega.”
She takes in a deep breath and I can feel it shake out of her.
“Do you think they’ll take her next? Instead of their numerical order they’ve been doing. Knowing she’s my sister?”
Why couldn’t it have been something else? Ask for food, water, going out, anything but that.
“I don’t know, Vega. Wouldn’t they have known she was your sister when they took her?” I cringe at my reply.
I know I said I would even take her talking about the case, but now I regret that. Maybe if it wasn’t focused on her sister I’d feel better?
“You’re right.” She whispers.
I don’t want to be right. Her voice sounds like she’s regaining her attitude, but I don’t know if I want that right now either.
“Means they would have targeted me on purpose because I was working on the case. You think they’ve seen me at the bars?” She sits up and leans against me.
“Vega. I really don’t want to think about that-.”
“Maybe that’s why the one is so familiar? I could have seen him at a bar. Hell, hope I kicked his ass at one.” I tighten my arm around her. I can’t think about her being so close to those men.
“Do you always get into bar fights? I’ve saved you from three since I met you.” I ask, wanting to get away from the topic of her sister.
It was a small chuckle, but it was there. I have no idea how she can sound normal right now.
“I don’t want to say every time, but most the time. I mean, if a guy doesn’t get the subtle hint to leave, he must get the blunt one, right?”
“Not so sure, Vega. You told me to 'fuck off’ and look at us now.” Yeah. Sitting here while she leans against me. Bet she didn’t think this was going to happen.
“Right. That was before I knew you, and after I suspected you.” She laughs dryly. At least she thought that was amusing.
“How did I come off as a suspect?”
“Well, your hands on me before you even said a word to me. Could have played the angle of hero, then follow me home.” Now we’re back to the abductions, and her voice trails off.
“The angle of being a hero isn’t a thought, it’s natural for me.” At least I get a small chuckle out of her. “As for the hands. Well, I’m just glad you didn’t kick my ass. I have to admit, I saw you right before that drunken sleeze-ball got to you. I was thinking of a way to confront you without pissing you off. I watched your attitude for a while in there.” She moves her body against me. Is she getting comfortable?
“Oh, so wrapping your hand around my wrist and waist wasn’t going to piss me off?”
“Well, that was a risk I took. And glad I did.” I’m liking this nice calm conversation. “Want anything to eat?”
“Please tell me you aren’t asking me out on a date after all of this.” I suppose it’s my fault she always thinks I’m trying to take her on a date.
“Not right now, no. I know how important all of this is. I want you to know that I’m here for you, to keep you safe and to make sure you eat. So?”
“I honestly don’t care. I’d eat anything I suppose.”
“I’ll have Red pick up something? He said he’d be here soon. You know him.” She leans into the couch and looks at me.
“I get it, want to make sure he doesn’t block you again?” These small laughs are something I hadn’t expected after today. I text Red to let him know to grab something, and to tell him she’s talking now.
“No. Not after what happened today. I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Well, thank you. You know when Redmond gets here I’m diving into this.” She leans back into me and gets comfortable.
“Of course. I won’t stop you. I know you hate me asking-.”
“You know I’m not okay. But I have to remain calm and level headed.” She sounds so sure that she can be. I have doubts. What just happened is tortuous and may hinder her clarity.
“Is that what you call your confrontation with Rocky?” Shallow ground, that’s where I’m standing right now. I know I shouldn’t even bring that up after she just opened up and calmed down.
“Don’t go there, Miles.” And silence once again.
I screwed up. I probably would
say the wrong thing if I tried to respond. This isn’t a problem, she’s getting comfortable leaning against me and not even concerned about my arm draping over her.
What would she be doing if I hadn’t intervened? If they know her, and probably have seen her, are they actively avoiding her? That would be odd. But they obviously know who she is, where she lives. I’m sure they’ve had ample opportunity to abduct her. So why didn’t they? I can’t help but push her into me more. I worry about how close she’s been to these men.
“Stop thinking about it, Miles. It doesn’t do you any good.” Like she knows what I’m thinking.
Chapter 35
Red
Once Miles and Vega leave, I supervise this. No one is going anywhere in her apartment without me watching them. Vega is being singled out and she may know one of the abductors. For all I know it can be anyone, including these men.
“Did you know her sister was one?” Rocky asks me as one officer dusts the kitchen and the other places the photo into a bag. I don’t answer him.
“She’s right.” Well now he has my attention. “We blew her off, her importance. But nothing’s stopped her.” Why do I not like the sound of this?
“What about Dante’s sister? You instantly believed it was connected. Do you know how hard she works? She definitely deserves lead on this. Sure, she may have a personal connection, but that obviously hasn’t hindered her process or focus. She’s put together the most information than anyone has, even with it being her sister.”
That shock on his face tells me he had no idea how hard or how long she’s been working on this case.
“Has she said anything about it?” Why is this conversation not sitting right with me? Something feels off about this whole thing. About his sudden interest.
“No.”
The three officers that came, finished what they were doing and left. Rocky not too far behind them. I wonder where the other two FBI men are.
“Yeah?” I answer my phone as I grab Vega’s keys.
“Red. I have some tapes for you to look at. We were able to pull up a few things you need to see. Just couldn’t say it with everyone there.” Dave says as quietly as he can.
“I’ll meet you at the office? You driving with anyone?”
“No. Pete is taking shift with James. Just took him there to see one of our processes. Trust me, you need to see this. I’ll wait at your office.” He hangs up.
It wasn’t too long until I met Dave. We go into my office and lock the door.
“What is it?” I hope it’s nothing bad. The last thing we need right now is something else complicating this case.
“I’ve watched the tapes I was able to collect. Got a general direction for you.” He hands me the thumb drive with a big smile.
“What?” A general direction is a damn good thing to have right now.
“What’s in this general location, there aren’t many buildings. Now, we don’t know how far he’s driven, but Red. It’s a big area with few buildings.”
I sit in my chair and watch him. “Don’t get my hopes up. You think this could be it?”
“This is just a general area. Like I said, they could have gone a lot further than we know. You look at those tapes. Tell me what you think. We were only able to catch a similar vehicle going so far. How’s Vega?” I’ve known Dave for a while, but I am not going to let him know our involvement with her.
“I’m not entirely sure right now. I’ll find out later. Hey, thanks for this. Maybe we can get it solved soon.” I hold up the drive.
“A couple of the FBI guys were looking for this information too. Told 'em we didn’t have any. With how they’ve treated this case, I’m sure they’d ‘lose’ this evidence.” Well, that’s interesting. At least Dave seems to be on our side when it comes to those men.
“Who was asking? And when?”
“Uh. Cole and Brad stopped by this morning. Then Rocky did before he left her apartment. I just don’t like how they’re handling this case, if you know what I mean.” At least we aren’t the only ones who think that. Interesting how Brad and Cole haven’t been here in a few days, then suddenly show up looking for evidence. I definitely don’t like this situation.
“I hear that. Thanks Dave. This means a lot.” He nods and steps out of the office. I pocket the drive, making sure it isn’t going anywhere.
I text Miles. He’s extremely out of his element, terrified is more like it. I understand completely. Vega going silent and sort of unresponsive should be scary. I wonder what would help her right now.
“Hey.” I say softly.
“Oh. Hi Red. Wasn’t sure if I’d see you today given your late night.”
“Yeah, well. We had an issue come up this morning. Um. Do you want to go with me somewhere? If you don’t have anything to do that is.”
“Red, I’ve said not right now.” She smiles with a hint of blush. Ah, I see it now. Vega told her to play this game, huh? Well done Vega. Anya’s at least more open now.
“No. Not a date. Promise. I need your help with Vega. I figure she’d talk to you.” Anya straightens her posture looking more alert with worry on her face.
“What happened to her? Is she okay? What’s wrong?”
“It’s probably best she tell you. But I’m sure she’d like to talk to you.” Miles texts me, she’s at least talking now. “They want me to pick up lunch. If you’d like to join us.”
There’s a lot of hesitation. I can see her battling with her thoughts trying to decide. I wonder why she’s reserved. She seems less since Vega talked to her, but she’s pretty resistant.
“Um. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I’d love to. Also to make sure Vega is okay.” Did I hear that right? I mean, not like it’s a date but she’s agreeing.
“I hope it won’t be a problem, but she’s at Miles’ house.” I knew that would stop her. Her eyes widen and her lips quiver for a second. “I’m sorry. Look, I can probably get her to text you. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
She shakes her head. “Um. No. I-I should be fine. Vega is there?”
It just dawns on me. That skepticism, that jolt of fright on her face. Something obviously happened to her in the past. Now it all makes sense. “I’m sorry Anya. I don’t want you to feel like you have to.”
“Red.” Her soft voice definitely has me feeling like an ass for trying to get her to go out all this time. I thought she was just stringing me along, playing hard to get.
“Anya. I don’t want you to feel stuck or forced. I understand. I’m going to go, making sure Vega is okay is on the top of Miles’ list.”
“I can see that. You too? Something happened to her?”
“Yeah. Something kind of did. Personal.” I say as vaguely as I can. I can’t explain this situation.
“And you two know what this personal thing is?” Well, she looks even more skeptical now. She definitely knows whatever this is it isn’t good. I hope she decides to help Vega.
“I-. It’s her business.” But I know she can see the worry on my face.
“I’ll go.” Her quiet response wasn’t the one I expected.
***
We pick up some sandwiches. I let Anya choose for Vega. I don’t know her likes and dislikes, maybe Anya could get that closer to what she may like.
I watch her nervous movements as we walk up the path to his house. She’s constantly looking around, tugging on her sweater, pushing her hair back, or making sure her purse is secured to her shoulder. Something bad must have happened to her in her past. I’m an ass for not realizing that sooner.
“If at any time you feel like you need to leave, let me know. Okay?” She nods and I knock on the door.
Miles opens the door and smiles the instant he sees Anya. “Oh. She’ll be happy to see you. I’m not much for conversation.” He says as he let us in. I’m nervous now. We walk into the kitchen and set the food down. Miles tips his head towards the living room, where Vega is bundled in the blankets and just staring off.
&nbs
p; “I thought you said she was doing better.” I whisper.
“She was. But then. You know she can’t stop thinking.” He whispers back then looks to Anya.
Without a word she walks over to Vega. “Hey.” She says quietly and sympathetically.
Vega jumps up and wraps her arms around her.
“She said Anya reminds her of Elara.” He keeps his voice low as he watches them.
“Oh. Should I have told you I was bringing her? Is that bad?”
“No. Look at them. I think she needed it.” He isn’t wrong about that. “Vega. They picked some stuff up. Whenever you want it.” They nod and continue their conversation.
“We need to look at some footage.” I can’t stop my smile. Since Vega isn’t all over this, and being consumed by the evidence, we can get the first look.
“Did you?”
“No. Dave said it’s what we need though.” I lower my voice. I don’t want her to get into it right now. If anything, she needs to stay out of this for a while.
“How’d it go at her place?”
“Pete was breaking in James, Dave was helpful. Rocky. Man I just don’t like him. He talked to me about this case. But the way he was saying things. Like blowing off her importance hasn’t stopped her. Or asking me if she’s talked about her sister or the case, not sure which. Just his tone. It made me uneasy.”
“Does he know about this?” He holds up the drive.
“No. Dave said a few of 'em asked though. Looking to see if we had anything else. Brad and Cole as well as Rocky.” Yeah, that stern pissed off look matches mine. I know exactly what he’s thinking. These men are probably involved and hiding evidence.
“Well they’re not getting it.” He looks to Vega and Anya.
“Think she’ll tell Anya? I don’t know if she should be involved. Especially since they’re targeting. After talking to Anya, to get her to come here, I noticed something. Her demeanor, her expression. Something must have happened to her in the past making her so skeptical and afraid of people.” I continue watching them. They’re talking like they’re old friends. That’s good to see. Maybe this is the best thing for both of them.
