by F. C. Clark
‘Fuck.’ Luke stands, his fists clenched.
‘I’ll stop,’ I cry.
Luke takes my hand and sits on the bed. ‘No.’
‘I don’t want to hurt you,’ I say.
‘You won’t. I need to deal with this, Kate.’
‘He untied Alexis so she could help him. I had to take off my clothes and get on the bed. I couldn’t do anything else. He had a gun at my head, Luke.’ Defensively, I fold my arms across my chest.
Luke closes his eyes for a second. ‘You did the right thing. I told you to do whatever they said to stay alive.’ His words have little effect. This is torture for him as much as it is for me. My husband, an ex-SAS soldier, failed to protect me.
I nod. ‘Alexis had to tie my feet to the footboard, and…’
Ivor stands. ‘I cannot listen.’
‘He didn’t rape me,’ I blurt. ‘He didn’t get a chance to. I managed to hit him, and then he went mad, his hands were at my throat – but he forgot to retie Alexis and she knocked him out.’
‘My child.’ Ivor touches my cheek. Luke remains unnervingly silent.
‘I don’t know how, but we tied him to the bed.’ Luke, say something. Rescue me, don’t shut down. I take his hand.
‘This should never have happened, Kate. I let you down.’
‘I should never have met Matthew Williams or run off to Sandbanks, but I did. Philip should not have planted a bomb at our home last year or raped his daughter from the age of twelve, but he did.’
Luke bows his head. ‘Baby, I just…’
‘Hold me, Luke, tell me that everything is fine, and we can go home and eat French toast and—’ I cry again. I just want things to be back to normal.
He raises his head. His eyes are full of anguish, the identical look he wears when he talks about how his best friend Paul died. He’s guilty. He thinks he should have saved me. He’s trained to kill and protect, but he didn’t protect his most precious possession – me.
‘French toast, Luke.’ I try to smile through the pain.
‘French toast.’ He takes a breath.
‘Yep, you and me, and French toast, nothing more. Simple.’
‘When I get you home, that’s the only thing you will be doing.’
‘Good. Take me back to the old days of boss and cook, please.’ My words hit a nerve – and his heart. His dark eyes connect with mine, and he comes back to me.
‘I’ll settle for my wife at home.’ He leans forward and kisses me.
‘Katarina, did he mention the name Chekhol?’ Ivor asks.
‘I don’t know. Honestly, I can’t think straight. Say the name again.’
‘Chekhol. Yura Chekhol?’
‘It rings a bell. He did say I was going to be delivered to someone who has a grudge against you.’
Luke glares at Ivor. ‘You mentioned Chekhol when we met.’
‘It is an old family name.’
‘No!’ Luke shakes his head. ‘I’ve heard it before. You do know Kate was drugged and tied to a chair the last time you met.’ Luke will never forgive Ivor for leaving me alone in Russia.
Ivor takes a deep breath.
‘Of course you do,’ Luke snaps.
I watch Luke closely. He is in fighting mode. ‘Are these the same people, Ivor?’
‘We dealt with it back then. I have one of Chekhol’s men – he told me where Kate was.’
‘So you knew?’ I ask.
Ivor shakes his head. ‘No. One of my men heard about Chekhol’s deal with Cooper. It was too late, Katarina, you had been taken.’
‘I was bait,’ I say.
‘It looks that way,’ Luke says.
‘Luke, let me deal with this,’ Ivor says.
‘Deal with it, like you did when your daughter was left for dead?’ Luke’s brows snap together and his jaw tightens. I remain silent. ‘I’ll deal with it myself,’ he barks.
‘She is my daughter! I would never hurt her. Trust me, this is already being taken care of.’
‘Forgive me for not trusting you, Ivor.’ Luke stands.
‘The Chekhol family did have a long-standing feud with the Varizin family, but for years we have been at peace. Gideon Chekhol has recently inherited the Chekhol fortune, and he has a lot to learn.’ Ivor stands too. ‘Believe me when I say I am dealing with it. We have much in common: if you hurt my daughter, I will kill you.’ Ivor extends his hand across the bed. ‘I will honour my word, Luke.’
‘Ivor, a warning to you – never underestimate me.’ Eventually, Luke slips his hand in Ivor’s. ‘I need visual evidence.’
Evidence! What? Post a body in a bag!
‘OK, I’ve seriously had enough of this. I need to go and check on Alexis.’
‘Like hell you do.’ Luke diverts his temper towards me.
‘I just want to go home, Luke. Can you help me get up?’ But I can already feel my eyes closing.
‘Maybe tomorrow.’ Commander Sutton is in the house. I wondered when he would make an appearance. Secretly, I’ve bloody missed him.
‘Katarina, I have to leave, but please listen to your husband. I will return later, my precious daughter.’
‘Don’t walk out on me again,’ I plead.
‘I promise I will return.’
We are alone. Mr and Mrs Sutton.
‘I need to feel you, Luke.’
He flashes his best Sutton smile, the one that captured my heart.
‘It’s difficult to hold you.’ He cups my face in his hands and gently presses his lips to mine.
‘I’m sorry for all this.’
‘Kate, this isn’t your fault.’
‘You’re all I could think about last night. You kept me alive.’
‘You’re trouble, Mrs Sutton, but you’re mine, and I’m never going to let you go.’
‘No regrets.’
He rubs his nose against mine. ‘Never – six days of bliss.’
We smile.
‘You know how much I love your black 007 wannabe outfit, but it’s a little dramatic just to get my attention.’
‘It’s the only way.’
I giggle, and a sharp pain shoots across my torso. ‘Ow, this is driving me mad.’ I feel my gown. It’s damp. I look at my fingers. ‘Shit – is that blood?’
Luke lifts my gown. ‘Your dressing needs replacing. Stay there.’
‘I’m not going anywhere,’ I say.
He disappears and returns in a couple of minutes, pushing a triage trolley.
‘Are you allowed to help yourself?’
‘I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve done this.’ He slips on surgical gloves and begins to remove the soaked gauze. ‘This may sting a little.’
‘I’m used to pain, go for it.’
He shoots me a look, not appreciating my humour. Silently he cleans the area and applies a new dressing.
‘It’s weeping; there’s no blood. Better?’
I nod. ‘I need the bathroom.’
‘OK. I can change your gown too.’
‘What about these?’ I look at my arms.
Luke assesses the drips. ‘You have a few more hours in these, plus another round.’
‘What’s in them?’
‘Glucose, saline, antibiotics… Your vitals were all over the place, and you were dehydrated.’ Luke puts pressure on the cannula, unscrews the drip and places a cap on the end. ‘Let’s get you changed.’
He seems guarded. I can’t work out what’s bothering him – maybe shock.
‘Take it slowly.’ He pulls back my blankets and slides his hands under my shoulders. ‘Ready?’
‘Yes,’ I whisper. Aided by Luke, I manage to sit up. Luke swings my legs round. I take his hands, ready to stand for the first time.
After what feels like a ridiculous
ten-mile hike, but which is only roughly six feet, I reach the en suite. After a much-needed bathroom break, Luke undoes my gown. In front of me is a mirror offering me the first glimpse of my injuries.
‘Oh God, Luke!’ I’m unrecognisable. Is this what he’s been hiding? My horrific body? My face is shades of purple and I have a deep cut on my lip. One eye is swollen shut. A chill washes over me when I see the livid handprints on my neck. The marks are an instant reminder of what Philip did, and how much worse things could have been. The remainder of my body is as I thought: all the colours of the rainbow float across my ribcage.
‘Luke,’ I murmur.
‘Shh, it will fade.’ He rests his hand over my heart. ‘This concerns me the most. You need time.’
I begin to cry. Luke folds me into his arms. ‘I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to help you, Kate.’
I pull away. Sadness clouds his features.
‘No, never say that. I need your strength, Luke… Please, I need you to carry me through this, not beat yourself up.’
‘As long as I live, no one will ever touch you again. You have my word.’
The day passes. I sleep. I wake with a start, gasping for air.
‘Luke?’ I pant.
‘It’s OK, I’m here.’
The room is dimly lit. Evening must be approaching.
‘How long have I been asleep?’ I try to sit up. ‘Have you heard from Harry, and Alexis? Is Ivor back?’
‘One question at a time. You’ve been asleep for a while, which is exactly what you should be doing.’ He steps closer.
I try to move. ‘Argh, this is really getting on my bloody nerves.’
‘Take it easy.’
‘I need to call Harry. She’s probably hurting and…’
Luke’s silence is not comforting.
‘What is it?’
‘I spoke to Raymond.’
‘And?’
‘She’s not ready to talk to you.’
‘What do you mean, talk to me? Harry wouldn’t say that, she wouldn’t push me away.’ Would she?
‘Understandably, she’s devastated.’
‘Too devastated to talk to me? I don’t understand. I would never hurt her.’
Lovingly, he presses his lips to my forehead. ‘Don’t take it personally.’
‘How can I not take it personally?’
‘You need to calm down. This is not about you.’ His firm response echoes around the room.
‘What? And don’t shout at me.’ I fold my arms. ‘Argh, even being cross hurts – this is really getting on my tits.’
‘You’re being unreasonable. Your sister has just learned that her father may be the same man who raped and murdered your mother, and nearly killed you, and potentially her half-sister… I think she is entitled to some time and distance, even from you.’
‘Well, I suppose, if you put it like that, but I feel like I’ve let her down. Maybe I should never have said anything. Having information is shit.’
‘Look, you’ve done the right thing. Would you like something to eat and drink?’
I look away, cross with Harry. Why would she shut me out?
He lifts my chin so I am looking at him. ‘Food. I need you to get strong.’
After some food I fall back to sleep. Again my sleep is disturbed, but this time it’s due to the pain in my ribs. I open my eyes to see a darkened room.
I try to sit up. ‘Shit.’ Pain shoots through me.
‘Hey, you’re awake.’ I recognise the voice.
‘James!’
It’s James Sullivan, Luke’s former SAS partner and closest friend.
‘Where’s Luke?’
‘Max has just landed. I told him to take Luke back to the hotel for a shower and a change of clothes.’ He turns on the bedside light.
‘What’s the time?’ I ask.
‘Early. So, how are you feeling?’
‘Like crap. Tell me, were you part of the rescue mission?’
He’s dressed identically to Luke. They have a similar muscular build, but James is blond.
‘Sutton called. Why wasn’t I surprised that you needed help – again? You have a habit of pulling your husband out of retirement.’
‘Retirement? Really? Why don’t I believe he ever left his 007 job?’
James laughs. ‘007!’
‘Yeah. So, you mentioned retirement?’
‘He is retired, Kate.’
‘Whatever. Anyway, this time it wasn’t my fault, and I’m sorry for dragging you here again. Have you seen Alexis? You know, the girl I was brought in with?’
‘Yeah, she’s been bloody lucky.’
‘Can you make yourself useful? I really need a cup of tea.’
‘Sure. Anything else?’
‘No.’
He leaves the room. I pull the covers back and somehow manage to pull myself to a seated position. I swing my legs round and lower one foot at a time to the floor. Here goes. I muster all my energy and strength, and stand. The first few steps are OK. I use the drip tripod to support me and slowly head for the door. However, it opens before I can reach it.
‘Where do you think you’re going? Back to bed, Harper – now!’ James quickly puts a tray on the table. ‘Kate, don’t move.’
‘I want to see Alexis. I need to see how she’s doing.’
‘Not on my watch. You can wait for Luke.’
‘For Christ’s sake, I’m going to see her! You can either help me or I’ll do it myself.’ My legs feel like they’re about to give way.
‘Fine, then let me get you a wheelchair.’ He steps into the corridor and returns with a chair. ‘You’re a pain in the arse, do you know that?’
‘Old news, Sullivan.’
James pushes me down the brightly lit passageway towards Alexis’s room. The door is ajar; I can hear machines bleeping. James pushes me closer to her. The sun is rising and bathes the room in a warm glow. Alexis lies in bed, asleep or anaesthetised – I’m not sure which.
‘Is she asleep?’ I look up at James.
‘Her sedation is wearing off. She is probably in and out of semi-consciousness.’ He reads her medical notes and whistles. ‘She’s doing well, considering.’
‘Good.’ I reach for her hand, which is warm and soft.
‘Kate,’ she whispers.
God, I want to cry. ‘Hi, how are you feeling?’
‘Tired.’
‘Want me to get the doctor?’
‘No.’
‘Apparently your vitals are good.’ I take her hand. ‘I’m here for you. I want you to know that.’
Tears begin to roll down her cheeks, and I wipe them away. ‘We’re OK, we’re safe. He’s—’ Shit. Does she know her dad is dead?
‘Luke… he was in here earlier.’
‘Oh. Did he – explain everything?’
Her eyes flood with tears. She knows he is gone.
I can’t help crying too, out of relief and sadness. ‘We can get through this together, I promise.’
She attempts to squeeze my hand.
The door burst opens and Luke appears.
‘Kate.’ He glares at me from the doorway. ‘You’re supposed to be in bed.’
‘I know, but I wanted to see Alexis.’ Oh, here goes, Mr Moody Bollocks Sutton has arrived. ‘James said her vitals have improved.’
‘Sullivan, a word,’ Luke snaps.
I raise my brows at Alexis. ‘Married life is just peachy, did I mention that to you?’
She tries to smile.
‘Look, I need to get back to bed… I think I’ll be leaving soon, but I’ll be waiting for you in London.’
Luke returns to the room. ‘Kate – bed.’
I kiss her hand. ‘Be strong and remember what I said.’
She look
s at me, her weary eyes already beginning to close.
Luke silently returns me to my room and helps me back into bed.
‘How was your shower?’
‘Fine.’
Here we go – one-word answers. What’s up, Sutton?
‘Can I have a shower?’ It’s fair to say I need one. Actually, I need a complete makeover – but swollen eye sockets, a bruised neck and deep cuts are far from makeover material!
‘Later. I need to speak to the doctor.’
‘OK, so the reason you’re pissed off is…’ I can hear a drum roll in my head.
‘Is it too much to ask for you to rest?’
‘I was resting, but I needed to see Alexis – and you know why, especially now she knows Philip is dead. I can’t imagine how she feels.’
‘Knock knock.’ A familiar voice comes from the doorway. Perfect timing, Max. ‘Jesus Christ, look at the state of you. Bloody hell, Luke, you said she was bruised, but…’ Max walks to the side of the bed.
‘It looks worse than it is,’ I say.
‘Kate, you are severely injured. Don’t play it down. Accept that you need to rest.’ Luke shoots me down. I look up at Max. He’s seen us argue many times. His role alters daily, from father figure and driver to Luke’s primary confidant.
‘Don’t test me, Kate.’ Luke looks at his watch. ‘Seven o’clock – you need some breakfast. Stay with her,’ he says to Max, ‘and do not get out of bed,’ he adds to me.
Max perches on the bed and rubs his forehead, flashing me a rueful look.
‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you,’ he says quietly.
‘I’m fine, honestly.’ I take his hands.
‘Kate, you’re not fine. Look at the bloody state of you! You’ve had the shit kicked out of you, so don’t tell me you’re OK.’
‘But I’m here, and breathing… Twenty-four hours ago I thought—’
‘Luke told me everything back at the hotel. He’s in shock, Kate.’
‘I feel so guilty.’
‘You did nothing wrong… That sick fucker, I should have taken him out when I had the chance.’ His voice rises with anger. ‘If he wasn’t dead, I’d kill him with my bare hands.’
I know he would. Max protects me like I’m his own. His only son, Paul, who was Luke’s best friend was murdered when he was seventeen, and he still wants revenge.
