Etched in Glass

by Nyxie Marrs

  “You could be on to something. It would pinpoint a distressed woman that would be vulnerable. I assume these women weren’t upset over those relationships being over though.”

  “Probably. But we may be close to what’s linking these women. I’ll be there in a few.”

  I grab the files on the women we know, then I pick up Elara’s file. We never did go through it. I couldn’t imagine Vega would let her sister take shit from anyone. I do have to wonder if these guys attacked Elara just because Vega was working on the case.

  That wouldn’t make sense though. If they know who Vega is, they should have figured it would just drive her focus solely on that. Provoking Vega wouldn’t be the best thing to do. There’s no report of an abusive ex in Elara’s file. Increasing my suspicion that she was targeted for other reasons.

  Picking up all the files and leave for the precinct. The whole drive all I can think about is Vega. I don’t like this and it’s my fault. I knew she wasn’t into doing relationships right now, her rough attitude and purposeful detachment showed that. But I couldn’t stop myself. Like an idiot, I drove her out of here. How can she think she messed things up? We’re working on this case, we’re getting close to closing this case, I can feel it. Nothing’s been brushed aside from our actions. Nothing’s been overlooked, but she thinks there has been.

  “Hey, Red. Any information on how their lunch is going?” I walk into the office and place the files down. I know damn well he can see the worry on my face.

  He shakes his head and pushes a stack of papers towards me. “Not yet. Anya will let me know. Meanwhile, I’ve got a start on what you’re looking for.”

  I pick up a few files, and start scanning for names. Hoping I can find someone out of place. I focus on the arresting officers of each case called in by these women. There’s one man. He started with a desk job here, and finally moved to field work when his training was completed. One constant name associated to these files. There’s at minimum two suspects, but we may have one.

  “Red.” I slide him a few files. “I think we have a suspect.” I can’t stop the smile on my face. As happy as I am about this, I’m more terrified for her safety. I know she won’t answer me, but I text Vega to tell her I’ve got a suspect.

  “Fuck, Miles.” He grabs the list of officers who were there. “He’s on it. He’s been at every scene she was, and her apartment. Where is he now?” He looks out of the door and towards a few desks we can see. I’m trying to call Vega but she’s not picking up.

  “Where were they going?” I grab my jacket and start heading to the car. Red not far behind.

  “A small Café close to here. Anya isn’t picking up.” Now the tension of worry is in Red’s voice.

  “Try Vega again.”

  “Nothing.” He looks to me, then starts trying for either one of them constantly now.

  “No, no, no, no. Shit. No. Something’s wrong.” I say as we get in and I head to the café. Red calls Dave, letting him in on what we know.

  “Apparently the man we’re after has taken vacation right after Vega saw him.” Red says as he tries calling Anya and Vega again, but they don’t pick up.

  “Red. If anything-.”

  “Miles. I’m sure the girls are fine. Calm down. We now have a name. And you know Vega can kick ass.” I know that, but it doesn’t ease my worry.

  Chapter 44

  Vega

  “Thanks Vega. I know you’ve put it together and Red asked me to. But I also don’t mind to get out. And if you need to talk things through, I’m here.” We sit at a small table inside, making sure to stay close to an exit.

  “Yeah, I know. Thanks.”

  “So, want to tell me what’s going on? Why they’re worried?” She starts in with the questions right away. We order drinks and I look at her.

  “Well, I’m liking this confident Anya a lot.” I pause as I try to force myself to speak. To think of what to say about this situation. “Um. It’s no surprise about Miles and me. But he’s taking it way more serious than it should be. I needed space. I don’t do serious relationships, Anya.” Hell, I’m going to have to get into it, aren’t I?

  “I know that look. Although I couldn’t imagine you getting into an abusive relationship.” She shies away at that comment. Interesting that she’s open enough with me to talk about it.

  “No. Not like that. Never abusive, just never accepted the end of the relationship, aggressively.” We do have things in common. Not great things, but she can understand. I’ve never told Elara, I didn’t want her thinking I’m a weak person for having that happen. It’s why I help women who end up in similar situations.

  “I know what that feels like. I bet you showed him though.” She tries to joke.

  I laugh, and it isn’t a good laugh. Just remembering that incident brings up the evil in me. “Don’t you know it. I’ve done my best at helping women who were in abusive relationships, if I could, and it’s only been a few. I never want to see a woman in that position. And I only had a stalker for a short while.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I know how that goes.” We’re getting into a hard topic. “But that’s very noble of you, helping women in that situation.”

  “I just felt like I let Elara down. She was in a bad relationship and I never noticed. I feel awful. But when she was put into the hospital, well. He was too shortly after that. And now she’s-.” Tears take over, and it’s not just me welling up.

  “I'm sure she feels the opposite, Vega. You saved her. And you will save her.” We shoo the waiter away asking for more time to order. Hell, we’re both trying to not cry.

  “I can’t get distracted. Miles definitely does that. If this were a different situation.” I look up at her. To see a smile with tears still in her eyes.

  “Vega. It’s completely fine. You two have been working closely. I know your sole focus is Elara. I’m sure she knows that too. I’ve not heard of your focus moving away from her even with him involved. When Red talks about this case, and the work you’ve done, there’s never been a hint of your focus diminishing.” Damnit. So she knows more than I thought she did. Redmond definitely talks to her about all of this. I suppose since I took his partner he needed someone to vent to.

  “Anya. I can’t let this happen. And it’s more fucked up confusion because I’ve pushed things forward, then pulled the hell back as far as I can go.” I wipe my face, I’ve never been this open with anyone other than Elara.

  “Vega. It’s obvious. I understand your hesitation, your withdrawal. I only assume your 'pushing things forward' with him is a mixture of everything. Doesn’t mean it’s wrong. You’re allowed to feel how you want.” That smile fades.

  “Yeah. Like I said, if this were a totally different situation. Maybe it could work. But right now?”

  “Let’s focus on one thing at a time. Put Miles on the back burner. Your focus doesn’t stray, Vega. I can see that. I’m confident you two together will solve this.” She wipes a lone tear on her cheek too.

  “I’m sorry. I think I’m going to go to the restroom. I, uh-.” I say as I try to dab the tears away, but it isn’t working.

  “I’ll go too. I could freshen up a bit.”

  Something I don’t think I’ve done before, but Miles did have a point. Safety in numbers, right?

  The second she places a foot into the restroom, we’re grabbed. A man pushes her out and another man wraps his arms around me. This time it’s not Miles.

  “I don’t fucking think so.” I elbow the one holding me, pushing him against the wall. This isn’t happening.

  I turn my attention to the guy that’s holding Anya. He’s pulling her back and that familiar face met the wall as I hit him. Releasing Anya and holding his face, I kick him just as the second guy grabs me and pulls me away. Anya is able to step away once I knock the guy holding her down.

  “Anya! Go!” I scream as the two attackers turn their attention to me.

  They’re not concerned with anything or anyone as they grab me
and drag me towards the back exit. I doubt there’s been two of ‘em to pull a woman out of the building. I struggle against them for what seems like a long time. I knock them against the wall one at a time as I struggle. They have to give up, right? It’s too long of a fight. The police might show up before they finish this, then we’ll have them. I need to stall them.

  The last thing I see is Anya running in the opposite direction as I kick against anything I can hoping to delay them longer. One guy loses his hold, and I almost had a chance to make a break for it, until a cloth-covered hand wraps around my face. The pungent smell takes over my muscles as I try to limit my breathing, I’m screwed.

  Chapter 45

  Miles

  A few black and whites pull up, the guys rushing out of their cars and into the Café just as Anya came running out. Vega isn’t with her. Her face is as white as ever and her breathing is erratic. I can see the tremble in her body from here, and her disheveled appearance definitely alludes to a struggle. Red jumps out, hugs her, and pulls her against him. I look around, to see a lot of people freaked out and a few officers watch Red and me.

  Before I even considered turning off the car I hear her shaky words, words I never wanted to hear: 'they got her'. Red's eyes dart to me immediately. M blood boils and my heart races. They’re not getting my Mystery Woman.

  Knowing they use a back exit and park in the alley, I hurry there just in time to see a car speeding off. She must have delayed them as much as she could if the police showed up before they left. Those bastards are in that car.

  All I can concentrate on is Vega is in that car with them. I follow after them and call Red, giving him the make and license plate. I need to be careful about this, they can’t know I’m following them. As much as I want to stop them, spin them out, or do something to delay them, I know she’s in there and I can’t get her hurt.

  I also know that if she’s not creating hell in that car right now, they’ve drugged her. This is my fault, they had the opportunity to take her because of me.

  “Fuck.” I mutter to myself. Nothing is taking this fear away. Nothing is helping my racing thoughts as I slow down, keeping them in my sight. I can’t lose them.

  The longer this chase goes on, the deeper my thoughts go to the women we’ve found. Thoughts of Vega ending up like them cross my mind and I hit the steering wheel. No. That’s not happening.

  This is beyond torture. Knowing she’s in there, knowing they had their hands on her. It’s killing me. I try my hardest to not focus on that car alone. I need to make sure I don’t cause a scene, or get into an accident. I’d lose them for sure at that point.

  Chapter 46

  Red

  “Anya.” She buries her face into my chest as she shakes. “Anya, are you okay?” A damn stupid question, but I need to get her talking. I need to know what the hell happened in there.

  She pulls away from me. Her mascara leaves a tint down her cheeks, her nose and eyes are red and she shakes her head with a tremble in her movements.

  “They had me too.” Her lips quiver and more tears fall. “She pushed me out of there, then it was her against two. Red. I-I left her there.” No. She can’t think that way. I know she didn’t leave Vega. I know Vega wouldn’t have let her stay there.

  “Anya. You didn’t leave her.”

  “I, I did. Red. I did.” Her whisper of guilt built up that tension in her body as more tears fall. Dave pulls in and watches me.

  “You didn’t Honey. You didn’t. I’m pretty sure she saved you from them. I hate to ask, but we need to know what happened.” I whisper. Her body shakes more.

  “Red?” Dave asks quietly. I know he doesn’t want interrupt, but we need to get this case going if we’re going to find her.

  “They got Vega.” Even his face pales at my strong voice. Those words hit us all hard.

  “This was specific, wasn’t it? Not a bar, and it’s during the day. Did they?” I know what he’s asking.

  “I’ve not made it inside, Dave.”

  He tips his head, looks to Anya and heads inside. The rest of the men Dave enlisted show up for evidence.

  “Red.” Her soft voice comes out with worry.

  “Miles is on it, Anya. He’ll get her.” I don’t even know if that’s what she’s asking, but it seems to have calmed her.

  Dave rushes back out with a bag and a glass. “Forty-one.” I’m not sure why they would drop that. Unless it’s to taunt us that they were able to take an agent. With how this abduction went, it’s obviously specific and they targeted her.

  A tremor hits Anya’s body hard as her tears fall harder. What the hell do I do? I’m usually good at comforting women. Why am I drawing a blank right now? We sit on the bench outside the Café as she leans against me. This is all I can think of. I hope it’s enough. I know there isn’t anything I can say to diffuse her anxiety.

  “Yeah?” I answer my phone.

  “Got the license plate. I’m following them. So far it doesn’t seem like they know I'm here.” I’m not sure what to make of his tone, he’s calm. He seems pretty confident that they’re oblivious. I hope he’s right.

  Even I feel a few emotions stir up as he reads off the plate and Dave writes it down. This is surreal, I never thought Vega would have been a victim. Hell, a case has never been personal for me. I can only imagine what’s going through Miles' head right now. His worry from her just walking out was intense. I can’t even describe how he is now, but I know he’s not calm.

  “Stay with them. We’re trying to get things figured out here. She is marked forty-one. They were here for her specifically Miles.” With every word, Anya shakes.

  “Don’t worry about that. They aren’t keeping her, I’ll make damn sure of that. Keep Anya safe. I won’t be in contact until I’ve fixed this.” He hangs up. Shit. He’s going to get himself killed saving her.

  “Red. I think she still has her phone.” Her sweet voice holds slight hope, thank goodness for Anya.

  “I’m on it, Red.” Dave replies as he turns.

  “Dave. Miles’ phone too. That man is on a mission.” I catch him before he turns away. He smiles, nods and damn near runs back to his cruiser. It’s a good thing I have Dave on my side. I need someone I can trust to assist in this search.

  Chapter 47

  Vega

  Damn, my head hurts. I swear they drugged me, so why am I still in the backseat of a car? Shouldn’t I be in the trunk? This was more than rushed, it was desperate. I want to laugh, but I remain limp. They rushed it and the drug wasn’t enough to keep me out long enough. I can’t move though, if I make even one slow movement they’ll know I’m awake. I need to catch them off guard, and quick.

  The car rolls onto a dirt path. Each rock and bump moves my body around. We’re here, aren’t we? They’ve taken me to their hell-hole where all those women lost their lives and who knows how many more are still here. My adrenaline kicks in. I’m not going to have many opportunities to do this, I don’t even know how much of my strength came back yet. But this is my only option. Do I attack when they take me out of the car? Or should I wait until I see their set up? It’s risky either way. I have no idea what they’re going to do once they take me out of here. If I wait, who knows what they will do before I have a chance to see everything.

  Anya. That poor woman. I assume everyone’s there now gathering what they need. I saw that glass they dropped. I’m lucky number forty-one. I don’t even know why they bothered with that glass. I won’t be their victim for much longer, these bastards have no idea what they’ve gotten into.

  “What are we doing with her?” A low voice mumbles.

  “He said it’s your fuck up, you fix it. Right? The bitch saw you, good thing we got her before any progress was done. She was getting close you know.”

  So there’s another man? Three? I was right, it was three men. Ha. Fuckers don’t know what’s going to hit them once they touch me. Three of them may be a bit challenging, but I’m determined enough.

&nbs
p; “Did you lose him?” His irritating scratchy voice needs to stop, and it will.

  “Her man? Of course. He’s too emotional about this to think clearly. It was easy.” This man laughs. ‘Her man'? Miles? Was Miles following us? He must be going out of his mind right now. He should know I’ll be fine.

  This man’s low voice is oddly familiar though, sending chills through me. Not only have I seen one of these men, but I’ve heard them? Who are they?

  “Glad to have him out of the picture. He wasn't leaving her side, otherwise we wouldn’t have taken Dante’s sister, and it would have been her. She’s been a target for a while. I don’t know why we waited. No more fuck-ups. Yeah?” The car slows down, the crunching of twigs and leaves indicates a wooded area. Damnit, how far out of the city are we? How long have we been driving?

  “Come on. Dante’s sister was just random, and easy. That’s why we did it. Besides, she seemed distraught at your sudden split.” That scratchy voice continues to irritate me.

  “Yeah. I didn’t plan on her taking it that hard. But once we couldn’t get Vega, she was the next option.” He laughs, making my hate boil to my core. I can’t let these men get away.

  They know Dante? That was a deliberate grab, not opportune? Shit this isn’t good. Why me though? I’ve sat at those bars, and not once did they try it. Why now?

  I’ve got to see what I’m getting into here. I have to play up my drugged state, they can’t know how sharp my mind is right now. I only hope my muscles react as quickly as I need. There’s no question about it, I have to see where they keep these women. That’s the only way I can free them. Taking out these guys and not knowing their layout might not be the best thing to do. I have to wait.

  “What do you think he’s going to want to do with her?” Ice runs through my veins. They’re talking about me like I’m nothing.