She took a cleansing breath and slowly let it out. They hadn't broken her, not completely, but the blatant disregard of her as a person had been crystal clear. She truly was a possession to De Jääger, a toy and plaything to be passed about as he wished. He had tried to make her beg him as he promised she would, but she refused. She would not beg him to rape her. Not even the threat of being given to some unknown guest at the party for the evening would make her beg.
She rolled over and stared up at the cage roof. She had to get out of this madhouse. At this point, she didn't care if it meant her life. Dying with some shred of her dignity left would be better than becoming the same broken, dead-eyed copies of Mishi and Catori, or worse, the gleefully accommodating Rana. She made her mind up. Tomorrow, when the gathering was going full swing, and attention was on other things, she would find a way to leave this hell on earth even if she died trying. Each time she had searched the house, she hadn't found a telephone or a computer. There had to be one, somewhere, and her bet was on the mahogany-lined office that De Jääger called his sanctuary. If it were there, she would find it. No matter what.
Chapter 26
"Bruise."
Finch's voice hissed into Bruiser's ear, bringing him up from sleep. His hand clutched tightly around the handle of the sidearm he kept ready. Instantly alert, Bruise looked around and saw the rest of the team quietly gathering their scant belongings. There was an air of urgency in their motions. He looked askance at Finch who held up two fingers and made a gesture indicating unknowns were nearby. He nodded in understanding. They had company.
The island they had found wasn't very big. It was about the size of an American football field, yet more oval shaped with a ridge going down the middle. A thick growth of trees covered the entire island. They had chosen it as their base for its proximity to De Jääger's estate and because of the inlet on the far side that allowed them to hide the tiny skiff they used to move around the reservoir. Like most of the islands surrounding their target, there were sensors and monitoring devices posted in several places. Toad had made short work of the one that would have given their position away. With the knowledge of the ones remaining, they could move about undetected.
The chorus of insects that inhabited this piece of land receded as the sound of angry foreign voices lifted in what were probably curses Yeah, they had found Toad’s work. The man was a genius when it came to surveillance equipment and was able to put the device out of commission by making it look like a fallen branch had hit it. No doubt these men had been sent to repair the damage.
Silently, the team slipped off the island and back to their boat, leaving no indication there had ever been anyone there. It was part of their training, and they worked like a well-oiled machine.
Once they were out of earshot, they began to discuss what to do next. "Alright, where do we go from here? We know she's there. What's the plan to get her out?"
An airplane roared overhead, and the men ducked instinctively. A moment later, the distinct sounds of a water landing echoed across the lake. Cowboy looked at Bruiser. "That's the second one. I figured the one yesterday was bringing in supplies, but another within twenty-four hours? Something is going down."
"Yeah, I agree, and I don't like it. He may be planning on leaving with her. I'm not going to let her get away again. We need to find out what's going on."
"Already on it," Railroad offered. He pulled a duffle bag over and opened it, revealing diving gear.
Bruiser put a hand on his friend's arm. "No. There's too much debris in the water, too many logs and old trees. I can't ask you to risk it."
Railroad shrugged the hand off and picked up a tank. "You didn't ask," he said and carefully secured the equipment to his body. Sliding a Ka-bar into a sheath, he strapped it to his ankle. "It has to be done," he finished.
"No worries. I've got his six," Toad said as he pulled out his equipment.
Bruiser knew the subject was closed. He should be the one going, but he knew Toad was the best swimmer of them and Railroad's keen eye for detail would give them the best intel. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Half an hour. Scout and get back here."
The two nodded before slipping over the side of the boat, leaving only the barest ripple to mark their passage.
The rest of the team settled back in the tiny boat to wait. Hick passed out MRE's for their breakfast, which they quickly consumed. As they ate, another airplane approached and landed on the lake surface. River looked at his friends and lifted one eyebrow. What the hell was going on?
Railroad's head broke the surface, and he tossed his mask and tank onto the boat. Effortlessly, he pulled himself up into the boat as Toad appeared on the other side. When both men were settled, Railroad gave his report.
"Yeah, something big is going down. The first plane unloaded four men and three women along with cargo marked perishable. The second contained another six men, but all dressed alike in dark gray pants and white long sleeve shirts with black bowties. My guess is there's about to be a shindig, and that is the catering crew. Security has increased. I counted twelve scattered around the compound and another six inside, including those two apes that seem to be De Jääger's bodyguards. The dock has a ton of cargo sitting on it. My Dutch is not the best, but from what I could tell, it's all foodstuff."
"The back gate is closed and locked," Toad picked up. "I heard the groundskeeper, who sounded British, complaining about not having enough time to prep the garden for something he called, 'the big show.' They were unloading several large chairs and cushions from a storage room. I didn't like the looks of it." He paused a minute as if gathering his thoughts." These expensive looking chairs are placed in a semi-circle around a platform erected in the middle. The platform holds a cage and a small table next to it."
"Oh hell no," Bruiser hissed. "Whatever that maniac has in mind is not going to happen."
"We don't know what he has in mind. We don't know if that has anything to do with Olivia. Keep it together," Cowboy told him.
"I'm about as damned well 'together' as I can be right now. That freak-show has my woman, and God only knows what he's done and plans to do with her. This shit stops now. One way or another, we're getting Olivia back today."
"Absolutely," Railroad agreed. "By the way, the base island is deserted. It looks like they couldn't fix the monitor; it's still laying on the ground in pieces. I don't know if they are coming back or not, but my guess is not. Normally, if someone is working on something and plans to come back, they leave their tools there. The site was cleared."
Bruiser thought for a moment and nodded. "We're going back. If they show up again, we'll take their place and try to sneak into the compound. Cowboy, contact Digger and see if he can get any information about what we are up against. Maybe he can tap into the cargo manifests and passenger lists. I want to know as much as possible before we go in there and get Olivia."
Chapter 27
"Get up," Rana hissed at Olivia and banged on the cage with a spoon.
Staring bleary-eyed from between the bars, Livy saw the woman standing with a tray in her hands. Mishi stood behind her, wearing workout clothes and holding a bundle in her hands. The door opened, and Catori entered. Without a glance, she hurried to the treadmill and started her routine. At the door, Daan stood with his arms crossed, leering at her. Olivia shivered in revulsion.
Placing the tray on the floor in front of the cage, Rana turned and pulled the bundle from Mishi. "Go. Get started. She knows how to dress."
Mishi flashed Olivia a glance full of regret before joining Catori on the other side. Rana shoved the bundle of yellow cloth through the cell bars. "Eat, get dressed. Meester wants to see you immediately following your workout."
Olivia nodded forlornly and reached for the clothing. Rana stopped her with one firm grip on her wrist. "You think you are better than us. You think you can pretend to be a proper submissive. I know better," she hissed just loud enough for Olivia to hear. "I am First. I will always be First." She lifted her l
eft hand and wiggled it at her. There was a strange looking rod on a cord tied to her wrist. "See this? It's a master key to this house. Only I have it because I'm First. Only I am trusted enough not to wear a collar and to be able to go where I like." She regarded the caged woman thoughtfully. "The Meester is so proud of you. 'Look how she has adapted. She is very clever and so beautiful. She learns quickly. Her passion will rival even yours, Rana.'" She mimicked in a deep voice. "Others have been brought here before you. Others who were just as beautiful, just as clever and adaptable. They all thought they could take my place. I got rid of them all. If you don't learn your place, I'll get rid of you as well, slut." She dropped Olivia's arm and stormed off.
Olivia couldn't have been more shocked if someone had just told her she won the lottery. There was such hatred, such venom spewing from Rana and she wasn't sure why. It sounded like the disturbed woman thought Olivia wanted to stay and even aspired to take the girl's place. Rana was just as deranged as De Jääger.
Daan walked over and nudged the tray with his toe. "Five minutes," he said in his thickly accented voice. "You have to exercise."
Nodding meekly, Olivia hurried to pull the tank top and shorts on, followed by socks and sneakers. There were no elastics for her hair, so she threw it back over her shoulder and reached for the bowl of oatmeal. Wolfing it down hungrily, she swallowed the fruit juice and shoved half a piece of toast into her mouth before Daan yanked the tray away. Producing a small key, he unlocked the cage, reached in and pulled her out. "Go," he commanded and pointed to the white board.
Two grueling hours later, Daan grabbed her arm and pulled her from the elliptical trainer she had been using. "Meester wants to see you now."
The two hurried through the halls, back to the wing that housed De Jääger's rooms. Unlike before, the normally empty hallways were filled with people hurrying about cleaning. She wrinkled her brow. Usually, there were only about six people on the island other than the four women, the two body guards and De Jääger. Something was going on.
After a brief knock on the door, Daan opened it and pushed her through. She stumbled slightly then righted herself. Her eyes widened to see he was not alone. Two other men sat in chairs facing De Jääger. At their feet, two beautiful women lounged, each wearing a collar complete with silver leashes held in the men's hands. Warning bells went off in her head. Oh shit.
"Garritt, this is your new pet?" The man who asked was pale with blue eyes and a shock of light blond hair. He was of a medium build and wore a suit of white linen, complete with highly polished white shoes. He looked like a ghost and Olivia would have laughed if she weren't so shocked. The woman currently wrapped around his leg wore an expensive evening gown of shimmering silk in tones of pale blue and white. Olivia blushed to see the garment was partially translucent and showed the woman's body.
"This is my Olivia. Stunning, even sweaty after a workout, is she not?"
The second man, tall, thin, and bald with only a ring of gray hair stood and turned. He wore a three piece business suit of black with a bright red tie. The eyes that bore into her were dark brown, making them look as if there were no irises. She shivered under that harsh gaze. He kicked the thigh of the woman at his feet, and she quickly scrambled back out of the way. He looked down at her and snapped his fingers. She obediently opened her full, pouty lips as he placed the leash in her mouth. She closed her lips and looked down at the floor. Disgust swirled through Olivia as the woman's face turned pink and her shoulders stiffened bravely. It was obvious she hated the manner in which she was being treated but was powerless to do anything about it.
Demon-eyes, as she called the second man, approached and scrutinized her. He narrowed his eyes as he gripped her chin roughly and turned her face one way and then the other. Letting her chin go, he grasped her right breast in his palm and squeezed painfully. Knowing he was looking for a reaction from her, she bit back her protest and stood her ground, dropping her gaze to the floor behind him.
He let her go and returned to the chair. Yanking the leash from the girl's mouth, he sighed.
"I don't know what it is about these American half-breeds that so intrigue you, Garritt," he began. His voice carried nothing but contempt. "I have told you to let me get you something more fitting your station. I could have a Russian or better yet, a Frenchie here by tomorrow. These Americans are too independent. You rely too much on the collar to keep control. Your pets should fear you. However, it should be because of who you are and not a device." He shook his head sadly. "I taught you better than this."
De Jääger chuckled. "Yes you did, Petr. Yet, the first thing you taught me was to listen to my instincts. It's true that Americans have a lot of fire and they are difficult to train but once broken, that fire inspires such passion. You saw how willful Catori was when I first procured her? She fought me at every turn and tried to escape on several occasions. But now, she has learned her lessons well and is as pliable as clay. All that fire and spirit serves me."
"I think this one is tres magnifique. Such beauty and spirit. I too like them to have a fire. It makes the tasting so much more délicieux," Ghost nodded approvingly. "Tell me, from whom did you acquire this enchantress?"
"Precious Treasures in San Diego. She cost me a good amount but worth it. You'll see tonight." De Jääger snapped his fingers, and the door opened admitting Daan. "Take her to her room. I expect her to be in the receiving room at eight tonight."
Just like that, she was dismissed. Daan ushered her out of the room and back to her own. As she entered, she noticed a garment bag hanging from a hook by her bed. He noticed it as well and explained.
"Your dress for tonight. The shoes and jewelry are in the box underneath. You have the remainder of the day off. You should rest and get ready for tonight. There is a basket of toiletries in the bathroom that you need to use. Bubble bath, deodorant, shampoo, perfume, lotion, and toothpaste. You will need to shave or wax everything from your neck down. Be meticulous and make sure you don't miss anything. There are pictures of acceptable hair styles and makeup, along with things to do them. If you are not pleasing, the Meester will not be happy. You do not want to embarrass him in front of the others. I will be back at 7:45."
The door closed and for the first time in days, she heard the click of a lock. Apparently, she would not be allowed to roam the house with guests in attendance. She sat on the bed and stared at the garment bag. How did her life become this monstrosity? Laying back, she closed her eyes and focused on how it was before. She thought of Jayden and Auntie, and instead of focusing on how hurt and confused they must be now, she imagined how happy they would be when she returned home with Bruiser. When her mind centered on the man who was her world, she smiled. She couldn't wait to see him again. This thought carried her through as she curled up on her side, hugging her pillow closely and fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter 28
Bruiser pulled uncomfortably at the highly starched neck of his shirt. It continued to scratch each time he moved his head, but he would deal with it. After what he had seen at this 'gathering,' he knew his discomfort was nothing. The poor women accompanying the guests had a lot worse to deal with than an itchy throat.
Flicking his eyes to the left, he gave a slight nod to Hick, dressed in the dark green and bland gray uniform of the hired guards. The man acknowledged the gesture and slipped out the door. Taking a deep breath, Bruiser assumed the disinterested gaze of the wait staff, picked up a tray of crystal champagne flutes, and followed the others out the door.
They had been lucky to find one of the caterers bore a close resemblance to Bruiser. The man was a couple of inches shorter, and his eyes were brown instead of green, but the facial features and physique were almost identical. If Bruiser didn't bring attention to himself and kept his face carefully averted around the other waiters, he should be able to mingle with the guests and search for Olivia. Although, after what he had seen of the other women attending this party, part of him was terrified of the condition he migh
t find her in.
"Anyone have eyes yet?" the barest whisper of River's voice from the earpiece hidden in his ear brought Bruiser out of his thoughts. Balancing the tray on one hand, he lifted the other, turned his head, brought his curled fist up to his lips and coughed once, giving him their sign for negative. The tiny microphone hidden in his sleeve picked up the sound and carried it back to the others. Curling his arm around his back, he slowly wandered through the guests, careful to keep his disgust from showing. He had been in some of the worst places in the world, fighting against all kinds of tyranny and terrorism, but the ostentatious flaunting of wealth and disregard for human decency he was currently witnessing made him want to puke.
De Jääger was easy to spot. He stood at the head of the large room talking animatedly with several of his guests. Beside him, a beautiful redhead sat at a baby grand piano, playing a complicated piece that was all but ignored. Behind her stood two more women - one who looked to be Native American and the second, oriental. All three women wore form hugging, matching thigh length dresses with ruche sides and bodices. The redhead's dress was a vibrant green, whereas the other two were of blue and silver, respectfully. Bruiser noticed all three wore collars around their necks, though the seated woman's looked more like an expensive gold necklace than the black gem covered ones of the other two. The only reason he knew them as collars were the dainty silver chains De Jääger clutched in his fist.
Saving Olivia (Team Cereberus Book 1) Page 19
