by Jan Graham
“No, it’s okay. Dad just finished telling me I should be back at work rather than sitting with him. I knew this call would come eventually, daddy. It’s all cool.” Beth smiled to herself. Hopefully, they’d get to spend some time alone before Charlton’s men found her. Being taken by Marcus before being taken for him would make her day.
“Ash is outside waiting for you, he’ll escort you back.” Marcus was all business now. “When you get to the city, you’ll both come here. I’ve got Billy working on scenarios of when and where the kidnappers are likely to hit. We need to make you as visible as possible, so these idiots can find you again. We’ll hang you out like fresh bait on a brand-new line.”
Beth wasn’t keen on the fishing analogy, but it was true, she was the bait and the crooks would take her.
“I’ll just say goodbye to my folks, then I’m on my way.” The temptation to throw in a little teasing statement at him before she ended the call flashed through her mind but given Marcus’ all business tone, she decided against it. After all, there’d be time enough for teasing once she got back.
* * * *
Marcus sat looking out over the water. Circular Quay was an amazing place, filled with tourists from around the world, shops and street sellers catering to every need. The Sydney Opera House sat in his direct line of vision across the harbor, the Harbor Bridge, said by some to resemble a huge coat hanger, stood on the other side of him, a metal marvel in his peripheral vision. People wandered past, momentarily blocking the view, but he didn’t care. Passing distractions, that’s all they were.
The permanent distraction in his life would arrive home soon. He needed to decide whether to proceed with his pursuit of her or not. Not that the pursuit would be a long one, Beth already made it clear, she was his if he wanted her.
I want you, Beth, I just don’t know how to have you. Thinking back on his words that night, Marcus knew she hadn’t understood what he’d been trying to say. Things would have to change if they stood any chance of maintaining a relationship. Whether he wanted to implement those modifications, and if Beth would agree to them, remained to be seen. Resisting the urge to take her to his bed wore thin. He’d denied himself so much over the years, all because of fear. The fear of history repeating, fear of something happening to someone he loved. Adrian was right, it was no way to live.
“I’ve missed that scowl so much,” Nik stated sarcastically as he sat on the bench next to Marcus. “Did one of the guys steal your dummy, so you can’t spit it at anyone?”
“Not in the mood, Nik,” Marcus snapped.
“Clearly,” Nik quipped before taking on a more serious tone. “What’s up, Boss?”
Marcus leaned forward, bracing his arms on his thighs, clasping his hands together as he stared at the ground. His gut churned with worry. Hindsight was a wonderful thing. If he’d accepted his need for Beth twelve even six or three months ago, none of them would be in the position they were now. It was too late to cancel the mission. Beth was in imminent danger because of him, and there was no way out.
“Will Beth be safe? Once they have her, can you assure me she’ll get out of this unharmed, Nik?” Marcus turned his head to the side, only to see Nik sitting in virtually the same pose as him. “I’ve made my instructions to Oshimara clear. Upon delivery, she’s to be in pristine condition, not a mark on her, unsoiled by any of his men. I’ve offered a bonus payment if she arrives spotless, but is that enough?”
He couldn’t bear the thought of any harm coming to Beth, physical or sexually, and the notion of any of the men touching her had him repressing a rage. Either scenario would see the perpetrators dead the moment Marcus got the opportunity to exact his revenge.
“I don’t know, Marcus. We’re dealing with the lowest of the low here. If it was Oshimara’s men, I’d say yes, she’ll be fine. They fear him too much to disobey any order given,” Nik said. “For criminals, they’re at least respectful of the women, to a degree. Yes, they’re selling them into slavery, but they look after them until they get to the buyer. His men are forbidden from sampling the goods, and the only harm I’ve seen inflicted on any of the women was at Oshimara’s order, due to an attempted escape.”
Marcus assumed that meant Beth would be safe, and given Marcus’ instructions, probably extremely well cared for once she was overseas, awaiting pick up. That still left her time in Australia, and Nik was being particularly quiet on that front.
“And while Charlton has her?” Marcus didn’t know if he wanted to hear the answer, but the question needed asking.
“Charlton is different altogether.” Nik paused, shaking his head slowly. “His men are unruly, laws unto themselves, and Charlton’s no better. He’s a cruel, money-hungry, rat of a man who needs to be put back into whatever sewer he crawled out of.”
That information alarmed Marcus as did the venom in Nik’s tone. Having only ever spoken with Nigel Charlton on the phone, Marcus found it difficult to get a read on him. The man’s tone of voice and words his only means to determine Nigel’s character. Nik had met the man face to face and from what he said, they were dealing with a prick.
Charlton was very keen to assure Marcus he could obtain his first choice of woman for him, indicating Nigel liked to appear competent and capable in the eyes of others. The offer of extra money clearly excited him and more than likely prompted the no problem attitude in relation to securing Beth. Marcus discovered the man was a liar almost incidentally when Nigel started spinning him some bullshit story about an extra payment to cover new shipping charges. Payment went directly to Nigel, not with the final payment to Oshimara. It was a crock, Charlton was pocketing the money himself.
“The two guys he has looking for Beth are pretty benign unlike the other collection agents who would sell their own sisters if they got the chance,” Nik continued. “I agreed to assist them to find her. When she’s back, just give me the word, I’ll say I’ve located her and pass on the info.”
Marcus was happier with that tidbit. They could use Nik’s involvement to set up the scene for when Charlton’s boys nabbed her. The more control he had in relation to the where, when, and how of Beth’s kidnapping, the less anxious he’d be.
“We might need you to help orchestrate a safe collection,” Marcus commented. “Once they have her, do you know where she’ll be held and who will have access to her?”
If they kept Beth secluded, away from the rogue collection delegation, she’d clearly be safer, and the less time she spent with them the better. Once they grabbed her, Marcus would start making noise, insisting on a quick delivery.
“I’m pretty sure she’ll be held at Charlton’s warehouse, he has a cool room with cells in it. According to what he’s told me, it’s soundproofed, ventilated, and always locked, so his regular workers don’t go inside.” Nik glanced over at him. “Apparently, they think it’s broken and awaiting repairs.”
“Once they have her, Nik, I need you to stick to her like glue,” Marcus stated firmly. “I want my Beth back in the same condition she is now. Totally perfect.”
Marcus watched Nik rub his hands over his face, then begin to massage his temples. The signs of stress concerned Marcus, increasing the nervous tension in his own gut.
“What else is going on?” he asked.
Nik sat silently for some time, troubling Marcus even more. Today Nik’s demeanor reinforced the fears evoked in Marcus at the first meeting. Nik needed to be on top of the game, he was the only safety net for Beth once she was inside the lion’s den. Despite the fact he didn’t have another man to spare, it was too late for Marcus to get a new man on the inside. He just hoped Nik held up until the end of the mission.
“If it’s just Beth, then I can protect her, Boss. Not an issue.” Nik paused, “but if there’s more...”
Marcus wondered if he’d heard correctly. There should only be Beth, he’d insisted it be her. His men were tailing the other girls, running interference that should keep them safe. Realistically, he knew there may be other
orders for additional clients, but they’d probably come out of the same selection sent to Marcus. From the intel he’d obtained prior to Nik’s arrival, Charlton didn’t have the manpower to seize or hold too many women at once.
“What others?” he finally asked.
Nik sat up straight and turned to look at Marcus, his expression one of anguish.
“They’re taking all three of the girls you selected. Charlton’s going to see if he can sell the spares to Oshimara. I’ve told him Mr. O gave me strict instructions to only deliver one. Pointed out the risk of capture by taking all three. He’s not listening to reason,” Nik sighed. “Tell the team I need those girls kept away from harm, Boss. They must help me out. I’m sorry, Boss, but I’ll blow the whole mission if they get all three and one of those bastards tries something. I won’t let one more woman suffer, Marcus. Especially if they do what Nigel intends when Oshimara says no, he doesn’t want them.”
Marcus placed his hand on Nik’s shoulder, squeezing it firmly as a sign of support. He’d rally the guys, explain Nik’s situation and stress the importance of ensuring Nigel Charlton didn’t get his hands on any of the other girls. Hell, he didn’t want the man anywhere near Bethany either.
“What’s he intending to do with them if Oshimara says no,” Marcus asked hesitantly.
“He and his men are going to use them for their own pleasure, then dispose of them.” Nik swallowed hard. “They’re dead, Marcus. If those women get taken—they’re dead.”
“Fuck, Nik,” Marcus spat out vehemently “that’s not what I needed to hear.”
The silence between the two men didn’t last long. Marcus knew what he needed to say and do.
“Nik, I’ll make you a promise,” Marcus’ resolve strengthened with every word spoken. “If they attempt to hurt the girls, you call me. Fuck the mission. The guys and I will be there before anything happens to them, and the only dead bodies left for the police to find will be Nigel Fucking Charlton and his cronies.”
Chapter Seven
You could cut the air with a knife. Bethany felt the vibe the moment she walked inside. The tension permeated the entire office level of Marcus’ fortress. Immediately assuming that being away caused a problem with the mission, Beth’s stomach knotted, wondering if perhaps she’d endangered Marcus’ second or third choice of woman in this deadly game they played. If that was the case, she’d never forgive herself and probably neither would Marcus.
She could hear Marcus talking in his office, his voice firmly controlled, the tone he always used when dealing with a serious problem. Ash walked over to Billy who sat with her head down, staring at printouts on one of the desks. She glanced up, the grim expression on her face confirming something big must be going down.
“What’s going on?” Beth asked just as Marcus’ door opened, and Kat Maclean, the resident goddess of help-me-I’m-going-crazy, walked out.
“Billy, I’m heading over to The Drovers Run now, I’ll call if I need anything.” Kat paused next to Beth, gently touching her on the arm. “Watch Marcus, will you, you know he hates it when a mission goes to hell.”
All Beth could do was nod. Christ, what in hell had happened?
“The mission hasn’t gone to hell, for fuck sake,” Marcus yelled from his office, “and where is that information I asked for, Willamina Beatrice Cain?”
Billy stood erect the moment Marcus said her name. And not just any name, her full title. She picked up a file off the desk and thrust it toward Beth.
“I’m not going in there. His aura is all out of whack, his emotions are wreaking havoc with it. I can’t go near him,” Billy stated emphatically.
Willamina Cain, aka Billy, was eccentric, to say the least. Not only was Billy their tech wiz, she was also their new-age guru. Not that the team had much call for that sort of thing. Crystals, incense, and paisley shirts didn’t really help mercenaries greatly when they had a job to do. Beth glanced at Ash who indicated toward Marcus’ door and mouthed the word go. When Billy kept talking, he ushered her aside.
“Come on, Billy, I think the kettle is brewing a cup of chamomile tea with your name on it.” As Ash guided Billy toward the small kitchen area, Bethany took a deep breath before heading into Marcus’ office.
“Is that for me?” Marcus pointed at the bright pink manila folder Beth held.
“Yep, it’s a gift from the lovely, Willamina. Apparently, your psychic energy is all over the place today, and she doesn’t want to be in the same room as you. According to her, I need to be careful because the color of your aura is fluctuating at a rate which indicates emotional distress. She suggested you could implode at any minute,” Beth kept her tone light and grinned over the desk at him.
She hoped he’d see the humor in her words and relax a bit. He looked tense, sitting tall in his chair, back completely straight, shoulders slightly raised, his neck muscles visible and rigid. Marcus scowled up at her from where he sat, silently holding out his hand for the file.
Clearly not amused then.
“I just thought you should know,” Beth stated as she handed over the file.
“Hot pink, where the hell does she get these office supplies from?” Marcus snapped. “It’s like staring at a goddamn rainbow every time I open one of the filing cabinets.”
“That’s our Willamina, bringing a kaleidoscope of color into our lives,” Beth joked again.
“Be careful, young lady. Billy might do something to mess up your aura if she catches you using her real name,” Marcus warned. “I’m the only one who’s allowed to call her Willamina, remember.”
Even though his statement sounded like an actual reprimand, Beth laughed as she sat in the chair on the other side of his desk. Marcus was right, he was the only one Billy didn’t chew out for using the name on her birth certificate. Mainly because he only used it when he was in a bad mood, and no one dared to question Marcus in that situation, except Ash or her, of course.
“So, why are you being all grumpy and intense?” Her question caused Marcus to look directly at her rather than focusing on the papers Billy sent in. “Has the mission really gone to hell?”
“Jesus fucking Christ, not you too, Beth,” Marcus raised his voice. “The mission has not gone to hell.”
Marcus abruptly stood, stormed over to the doorway, slammed the door with force, then returned to his seat. He stared at her without speaking, his jaw set tight, the crease of his brow and hard breathing indicating the level of his annoyance. The expression on his face and the fact he’d shut the office door, however, indicated her absence may be the cause of whatever mess he was attempting to sort out. She waited patiently, eventually, he’d tell her what was going on.
“There’s been a hiccup, but we’re still on.”
Beth breathed a sigh of relief for two reasons. Marcus’ tone returned to the familiar firmly controlled let’s-get-this-sorted one. And if there’d been a glitch in the mission, she knew Marcus would find a solution.
A rush of arousal flooded her body when Marcus’ gaze lowered to her breasts. Beth took the opportunity to lean forward in her chair, placing her arms on her knees, ensuring Marcus received a clear view of her cleavage in the process.
“Care to share what the hiccup is?” she quizzed.
Marcus remained silent, his gaze continuing to meander over her body. At least she knew their time apart hadn’t lessened his interest. Beth repositioned herself, sitting up straight and crossing her legs, allowing him to regard more of her. As Marcus lounged back into his leather office chair, Beth couldn’t help but wonder whether he sported a hard-on. His slow perusal of her body provoked a response as her pussy moistened.
“I received disturbing news from Nik today.” Marcus cleared his throat, sitting forward, bracing his arms on the desk, looking directly into her eyes. “The men charged with abducting you are more dangerous than we previously believed. They’ve also upped the ante by deciding to take the other two women I’ve selected as well.”
So back to business
then.
“I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself, Marcus,” Beth stated confidently, hoping to reassure him. “I’ve also got Nik to watch my back.”
“About that.” Marcus stared down at the papers in front of him. “Nik’s feeling the pressure more than the rest of us. He’s been with these guys too long and been party to shit no decent man should see. If you get there and discover Charlton and his crew have other women with you, the plan may change.”
Beth didn’t ask for specifics, she could only imagine how bad it must be if Nik was on the edge. The word she always thought of in relation to Nik was stoic. Nothing phased him, he rarely showed anger or distress, appearing at times to be unconcerned with the evil they encountered. Nik did his job, and he always did it well. At least she understood now why Kat was on site and why the woman was heading to The Drovers Run. The pub served as the teams debrief spot, mainly because the males didn’t want to go to a shrink’s office to have their brain examined. A pub was much less threatening for them.
“You’ll have to follow Nik’s lead. He’ll be the one to enact the change of plan.” Marcus looked grim. “You can’t have any of the details, I’m afraid, you’ll have to trust me on this one. All I can tell you, if other girls end up with you, Nik knows what to do. We’ve made an agreement, he’ll keep you all safe, Beth.”
Beth wasn’t sure if Marcus added the last statement as a reassurance for her or himself. She didn’t like not having all the details about why the plan may change and what it may change to but trusting him wasn’t a problem for her. She’d done that since day one, and he’d never let her down yet.
“I’m fine with that,” she responded, “and if Nik is feeling the strain, I want you to tell him I’ll have his back while we’re together. I won’t let either of you down.”
“Good girl,” The hint of a smile touched his lips as he spoke the words.
