“How about no one?”
The voice echoed in the stairwell.
The man turned.
And his body suddenly went flying over the railing.
Elena started, raising her head, staring at Kieran who stood in front of her.
“Let her go.” He said the words coldly. Staring at the other two men who stood holding her.
They dropped their arms.
Screams escaping their throats.
And they charged towards Kieran.
Their fists flopped in the air.
Kieran ducked, missing them. Spinning on his heel, and sending a punch to one of the men’s faces.
The other man turned, jumping on Kieran’s back.
Kieran reared back, slamming his back against the wall.
The man cried out in pain.
Kieran turned, watching as the man slumped to the floor.
Placing the heel of his boot against the man’s throat, snapping his neck.
The other man jumped to his feet.
Running towards Kieran.
Kieran grabbed him by the arm, flipping him over, the man’s body slamming to the ground.
“You never treat a lady like that.” He whispered, before pointing his gun at the man and pulling the trigger.
The man’s head fell to the ground.
Kieran rose to his feet, turning, looking over at Elena. Taking a step towards her.
Elena blew out a breath.
Her knees collapsed.
She slid to the ground.
Raising her head.
And she saw something move in the shadows.
The man Kieran had thrown over the stairs, stumbled up the steps.
Blood was streaking down the middle of his face.
And he stopped.
Aiming his gun right at Kieran.
“Kieran!”
Elena screamed, mustering whatever energy she had left in her body and jumping to her feet. She grabbed Kieran by the arm, pushing him to the side.
She stumbled. Falling to the ground.
Something cold brushed against her hand.
Her gun.
She wrapped her hand around it.
Swinging around.
And pulled the trigger.
The bullet landed right in the middle of his eyes.
And his body fell to the ground, rolling down the stairs, and landing at the bottom in a heap.
“Damn.” Kieran muttered, appearing next to her, wrapping his leather jacket around her. “I definitely would not want to meet you in a dark alley.” He whispered, chuckling a little. “You ready to get the hell out of here?”
“More than you’ll ever know.” Elena whispered.
Kieran held a hand out to her.
Elena placed her hand in his.
He pulled her to her feet.
And they walked down the rest of the steps.
They stopped at a door, and Kieran pulled it open. Stepping out into the dark parking ramp.
“Be careful.” Elena whispered, grabbing him by the arm. “They could be hiding anywhere.”
“I know.” Kieran whispered. He stopped, looking at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” Elena whispered. “I think the drugs wearing off.”
“Good.” Kieran wrapped his arm around hers. “Let’s go. I’m parked over here.”
He pulled her forward.
And they raced across the parking ramp.
Footsteps sounded somewhere in the darkness.
A gunshot sounded.
Elena stopped.
“Just keep moving.” Kieran told her. “There’s no use in dying in a dark ramp.”
Elena nodded, letting him pull her forward.
And they stopped in front of a bright, red truck.
“This is your vehicle?” Elena asked, her eyes wide, as she turned to look at Kieran. “It’s so bright!”
“Hey, be nice to the truck!” Kieran cried. “It’s been through a lot. Old Sally and I here have been through a lot of tough times together.”
“You named your truck, Sally?” Elena stared at him, a chuckle escaping her throat as she stumbled forward. Wrapping her hand around the handle of the passenger door.
A figure veered around the front of the truck.
Hands wrapped around her waist.
She started.
Slamming her elbow back.
A grunt sounded.
She turned her head.
And charged forward, grabbing the man by the shoulders, and slamming him against the truck.
“You know what I’m really tired of?” she whispered, staring into his face. “Being hunted like prey. I’m tired of running. Of looking over my shoulder. Of being shot at, and I’m really not fond of you people trying to rape me!” she felt anger rush through her. She raised her fist, slamming it into his face.
He groaned, slumping to the ground.
And Elena saw read.
She dropped to her knees and she slammed her fist into his face again.
And again.
And again.
Blood spurted from his nose.
But all she could see was all these men had done to her.
What they had done to her sisters.
To her family.
They had taken so much from her.
They had ruined her.
They had ruined her life.
They had turned her into a monster.
They had turned her sisters into monsters.
And they needed to be punished.
They needed to be punished now!
She raised her fist again.
“Elena, stop!”
Somehow, through the anger, she heard Kieran’s voice.
She felt his hands around her waist.
“He’s dead, Elena.” He whispered in her ear. “He’s dead.”
Elena felt tears rolling down her cheeks.
She lifted her head, staring at the man lying on the ground, and slowly nodded her head. Stifling a sob, and letting him pull her to her feet.
He led her to the truck.
Opening the door, lifting her up into the passenger’s seat.
She faintly heard the door slam closed, and turned her head, staring out into the dark parking ramp.
She saw more men appearing out from the shadows.
“More are coming.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re getting out of here.”
The truck roared to life, and Elena saw Kieran shift it into gear.
They sped backwards at a blindingly fast speed.
Elena gasped, wrapping her hand around the handle of the door.
Kieran shifted gears again.
And he floored it.
The truck lurched forward. Speeding through the ramp.
They rounded the curving ramp.
And crashed through the crossbars.
Wood splintered, flying everywhere, and they drove out into the sunlight.
Elena blew out a breath, turning her head, staring out into the brightness of the day.
She saw the ocean waves in the distance.
Her hand fell away from the handle, falling into her lap.
More tears ran down her face.
Her nails dug into her palms.
And she turned to look at Kieran, watching as he stared at the road.
She had lost it, she thought to herself. She had just completely lost it back there. She’d totally lost control of herself blinded by rage at how these men had treated her. How Abel had treated her, and she knew that if it hadn’t been for Kieran she’d probably still be there hitting that man.
She hated violence.
Her life had already been too violent.
She’d already killed too many people.
And now she’d killed someone with her own bare hands.
Tears clouded her eyes.
She was a murderer.
What must Kieran think of her?
Would he even want to be around her anymore?
If she was him, she would run as far away from herself as fast as she could. She was a danger to herself and all those around her. Maybe Abel was right. Maybe she should be killed.
She felt something brush her hand.
She started.
And suddenly Kieran’s hand wrapped around hers.
She turned her head.
He smiled at her.
“You’re not alone.” He told her.
Elena felt her heart lurch at the words, and she turned away from him, not wanting him to see the tears of relief that ran down her cheeks.
She had been alone for so long, it felt good to finally know that she had someone who she could count on. Who she could trust. And trust, that was not something she gave easily.
But Kieran deserved it.
He’d saved her life.
And for that she would forever be grateful.
“Thank you.” She whispered, leaning her cheek against the window. Watching the scenery pass them by, and closed her eyes. Exhaustion finally setting in.
And she drifted off to sleep, for the first time in days, without a worry in the world.
Chapter Ten
The sun slowly faded into the distance.
Dark clouds rolled overhead.
The moon shined brightly.
She blew out a breath, stepping from out of the shadows. Taking a drag of her cigarette. The orange tip glowing in the darkness. She dropped it to the ground. Grinding it with the heel of her boot, and took a step forward.
She stopped at the gate that stood before her.
Staring at its iron tight gate. The tower above, where a guard was standing with a rifle, watching with alert eyes.
“Stop!”
The scream echoed in her ears.
She jerked her head up, reaching for her hood, pulling it over her head.
Watching as a shadow raced towards the gate.
“Stop!”
Again the yell sounded.
A gunshot echoed in her ears.
She startled, stumbling back again, her back bumping against the oak tree behind her.
“Help me!” a man screamed, his hands wrapping around the rods of the gate. Staring at her. “Help me! They’re going to kill me! Help me.”
She stared at him.
At his eyes. So full of terror.
She smiled.
“You don’t deserve to live.” She whispered, lifting her hand, showing him the gun that lay in the palm of her hand. Gripping it tightly, aiming, and pulling the trigger.
The bullet hit him right in the eyes.
He crumbled to the ground.
She turned, and raced off, around the fence.
She rounded the back of the building, ducking under the tiny hole that lay in the fence. It was only small enough for a small child to fit. Or woman. She was just lucky she was petite, she thought to herself, laughing silently.
She took a step forward, hugging the side of the fence.
Stopping at the door in the back of the building. Staring at the guard who sat there in the chair, fast asleep.
“You stupid, fool.” She muttered under her breath. Reaching a hand forward. Taking the keys that lay in his pocket and opened the door in front of her.
She stepped into the building, slowly closing the door behind her. Making sure it didn’t make any noise.
And stopped, peering around the corner.
The hallway was empty.
“So much for high security.” She muttered to herself, taking a step down the hallway. She took another, and another, before stopping in front of a door, and slowly opening it.
The room was dark.
Her feet barely made a sound.
The smell of old people filled her senses.
And she wrinkled her nose. God, she hated that smell.
Slowly closing the door behind her, and pulling the hood off of her head.
In her hand, she felt her phone vibrate.
He was calling her again.
Irritation ran through her body.
And she lifted her head. Staring at the man who lay on the bed.
He was so pale, she thought to herself, as she stared at him for the first time in ten long years. And he looked so weak. Not at all the man she once knew.
He blinked, as he stared at the television that lay across from him on the wall.
His eyes bleak, and dull.
His head was bald, from the cancer he’d been fighting.
Her throat tightened at just the sight of him.
And her eyes landed on the handcuffs that engulfed his left wrist.
“Dominic.” She whispered.
His head jerked up.
He turned his head.
His eyes staring right at her.
He blinked.
And recognition set in.
“Sabrina.” He whispered, reaching his right hand out. “Dear Lord, is it really you, my girl?”
“It’s me.” Sabrina whispered. Taking a step forward. Placing her hand in his. Feeling his frail fingers wrap around her hand, and she felt tears fill her eyes. Good God, how could this be happening? She wondered to herself, feeling as if at any moment his hand would shatter in hers.
It had been ten years since she had last seen Dominic, but she owed him everything.
He’d taught her so much within the organization.
Teaching her how to fight.
Teaching her how to be strong.
Opening her eyes to the world.
He had saved her.
He had changed her life.
And now, he was dying.
A sob rose up in her throat.
She lifted a hand. Wiping away the tears that ran down her cheeks.
“I can’t believe I’m crying.” She whispered. “I never cry. You always taught me to be strong, Dominic. To take care of whatever I have to. To not show emotion. You always said that emotion is a human weakness. That it can destroy us, but I hate seeing you like this, Dominic. This isn’t fair! It isn’t freaking fair!”
“Oh, Sabrina, haven’t you learned that life isn’t fair.” Dominic squeezed her hand. “And, my dear, you are strong. You’re one of the strongest people I have ever met. I didn’t teach you that, you already had it inside of you. You had it right here.” He touched a hand to her heart. “Now tell me dear girl, why are you here? Why did you sneak into this retched place to see me of all people?”
“Do I really need a reason to see you?”
“After ten years?”
Sabrina swallowed. He was right. She hadn’t seen him in a long time.
“Something’s happened.” She whispered.
“Tell me.”
“The organization. It’s back up and running.”
Dominic stared at her. A smile crossing his face. “I knew it. I just knew it. There’s been so much talk here, in these halls. The policemen guarding this hospital, they keep talking about the end of the world. What’s happening, Sabrina? What is the world like? Who’s running the organization?”
“Your son.”
Dominic blinked.
And he threw back his head, a laugh escaping.
“Abel?” he asked, raising a brow at her. “Abel is running the organization?”
“Yes.”
“But how? But why?” Dominic shook his head. “That boy never had an ounce of spine in him.” He told her. “Never. I remember a few years back, when I was ready to let him into the organization with open arms and he wouldn’t have any of it. He called me a monster. Told me that I was evil. That I was going to destroy something beautiful. That I was taking away his future, his children’s future, and that he never wanted to see my face ever again.” He stopped. Staring off into the distance. “I wonder what changed his mind.”
“The death of his wife.”
Dominic stopped.
His eyes locked with hers.
“Of course.” He whispered. “A traumatic event, always brings the worst out of us. It makes us see the world for
it really is. It makes us see who we really are. How’s he doing, Sabrina?”
“Amazing.” Sabrina told him, a smile crossing her face. “God, Dominic, I wish you could see it. The world, it’s nothing like it used to be. Abel has built these armies. Armies that go into cities, and just destroy it. Shooting anyone in sight. Bombs are going off, destroying businesses and homes. People are forced to live on the streets. Cars are being blown up. The world is disappearing, Dominic. Abel’s destroying it and building a better one. A better world where only the worthy are allowed to live. I for one, can’t wait to see what comes of this new world.”
“Excellent.” Dominic whispered. “I always knew he had it in him.”
“But he’s having some trouble.” Sabrina whispered. “There’s not people like me out there anymore, Dominic. The recruits that Abel’s brought in, they aren’t eager to help him like I was eager to help you. He lacks the persuasion you had when you first built the organization. The girls, his daughters, don’t want to help with his plan so he had to improvise. He created a serum that erases all their memories. The only thing any of them know is that they are a soldier and that they have a mission to complete.”
“You were always one of a kind.” Dominic muttered. “A serum you say, huh? Interesting.”
“But one of the girls broke through it. His oldest daughter, Elena. Somehow she fought through the serum and remembered everything. She remembers everything from the past eight years and now she’s pissed at him. She’s pissed at him for what he’s done to her. What he’s done to her sisters. What he’s turned them into. She’s escaped the facility, and has vowed that she will destroy both him and the organization. Abel keeps sending men after her, but she fights them off. No one can get close to her. She was his most dangerous weapon.”
“And now she’s using what she’s learned against them.”
“And he’s calling me.” Sabrina told him, holding up her phone. “He’s called me twenty times in the last hour.”
“You know why, right?”
“Dominic, I’m retired.”
“Retired my ass.” Dominic muttered under his breath. “Sabrina, you are the toughest woman I have ever met, and I don’t for a second believe you have forgotten how to fight. You’re one of the best, and that is something you don’t just forget overnight. You forget, I know you. I know what you can do. You’re young, and when you were part of the organization, you didn’t just fight. You didn’t just carry out orders for me. You actually believed in what you were doing. Abel needs that right now, Sabrina. He needs someone strong. Someone who knows the system. He needs someone who believes in what he’s doing.” His hand tightened around hers. “Help him, Sabrina. Help my son. He has a chance to do great things in this world. He has a chance to change this world into a better place, I only wish I was going to be around to see it.” A tear streaked down Dominic’s face. “He’s finally becoming the man I always wished he would become. He’s finally fulfilling his destiny. He’s following in my footsteps, and that, is the best thing a dying man could ever ask for.”
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