by Duka Dakarai
“So that is where we are. Now Jake and I must follow your lead. What is the…..”
He is suddenly interrupted by the study door swinging open as I launch myself into the room. I see Logan and I want to be in his arms, to be safe. I jump into Logan’s lap, loud retching sobs convulsing through my body. I wrap myself tightly around his neck. He feels so good. So strong.
He stands quickly, peeling me from his body. He holds my shoulders gently at arm’s length as he looks into my face. He thumbs my cheeks, his face serious but his eyes soft and tender. “No, Amber. I can’t do my job to protect you like this. So, no. Okay?”
I shake my head defiantly, trying to pull him into me, to hug him. “Logan…..” I begin to protest.
“I said no!” He snaps sharply causing me to startle. “Now leave us to finish our discussion. Go!” He gestures to the door.
I make one last protesting attempt as I see him put his hands firmly on his hips, squaring onto me. I don’t argue, turn and head out the door.
Logan regains his seat. He looks at the two brothers puzzled as they both have anxiety written all over their faces.
Jake is the first to speak. “When this shit is over, man, you have some serious making up to do to my sister.” A strangled, nervous laugh escapes from his mouth. “I didn’t see it until I saw the way she looked at you. She’s totally in love with you man. And if I’m not mistaken, the feeling is mutual. I hope having you here has not made this situation a fucking million times worse.” He throws a scowl at Thompson, obviously questioning his decision to have Logan here.
Logan leans across towards Jake. His vast shoulders and neck swelled with aggression. His lip curls and his eyes narrow into small slits. “Amber will come to no harm, both professionally and personally. You have my word. Now let’s continue where we let off.”
Drew sits back in his chair, eyeing this man for a moment. His gut likes him. And his gut is rarely wrong.
Chapter Sixteen
We are all sat around the kitchen table eating breakfast. Tilly and Mia follow Logan with their eyes as he walks through the kitchen before they look back at me. Tilly leans into me, whispering. “He is so hot, all muscle and brooding! I thought my Drew was big but he’s built…..”
“Like a brick shithouse. We know!” Both the brothers interrupt scowling at their fiancés.
We continue to eat in silence, each lost in our thoughts. All of us didn’t get a wink of sleep. I look across at my dishevelled handsome brothers, both their faces etched with worry. Who is doing this to us?
The sound of the doorbell ringing breaks my thoughts. I watch as Logan signals for us all to remain seated as he answers it. I hear him talking quietly. I can’t make out the words.
He enters the kitchen carrying the mail and a small parcel. He snatches up his phone, ringing Thompson. “We have mail and a parcel addressed to Amber. Call Radcliffe.”
He gestures to Drew and Jake. “We’ll wait for Radcliffe before opening these. There are another three pink envelopes and this parcel. Ladies, finish your breakfast and then I suggest that you try to get some rest in your bedrooms. I don’t suppose any of you slept last night.”
We hurriedly finish eating and do as we are told. I smile quietly at Logan as I leave the room but all I receive is a nod in response. I climb into my bed, pull the duvet up tight to my chin, curling myself into a ball. I would do anything to have him hold me right now.
***
DCI Radcliffe and another Detective eye the envelopes and the parcel laid out on the kitchen worktop. They are waiting for the parcel to be scanned for explosives before they attempt to open any of the mail. Logan and Thompson exchange looks.
The other Detective nods his affirmation to Radcliffe before the parcel is securely carried out of the house. Drew and Jake inhale sharply at the realisation that the parcel did indeed contain some form of explosive device. Logan curses angrily, shaking his head. Thompson snatches up the pink envelopes beginning to open them carefully with a knife. He eyes the contents before tossing them at Logan. Each letter contains the same threat.
Five million or Amber Templer is dead. The next letter will give instructions.
Drew rakes a hand down his face. “I want the girls out of here, somewhere safe. Overseas.” He tightens both hands into fists.
Jake nods, his face twisted in angry. “I agree. Logan and Thompson can get them to the airport as soon as possible. Whoever this bastard is, he is not getting anywhere near any of them.”
***
I pull my eyes awake. I do not know how but I must have slept. I can hear activity in the hallway. Drew is talking to Tilly. I can make out snippets of their conversation. He is telling her to pack a suitcase. I shake myself out of bed, stumbling groggily into the hallway. I can hear Jake and Mia in the room next door talking quietly.
As I start to head down the stairs, Logan meets me halfway. “Get back into your room and pack a suitcase, Amber. You and the girls are going away until this is over.” He gestures for me to turn around and make back up the stairs.
He follows me into my bedroom as if to ensure I do as instructed. I slump on the bed, tears pricking at my eyes.
“I want to be here with my brothers and you. How do you know we will be safer anywhere else? Tell me that!” I cry out to him.
He strides across the room, towering over me. Suddenly, he bundles me into his arms giving me what I am been aching for. He holds me tight in his arms, tenderly kissing away my tears, squeezing me harder. “Baby, do as you are told, for fuck’s sake” He whispers harshly in my ear, before abruptly releasing me as we hear footsteps outside of the bedroom door.
He leaves the room as I start to pack a case. I grab some toiletries, tossing everything in the bag as quickly as possible. Finally, I snatch up my mobile and notice there is a text message. It must have arrived when I was asleep. I thumb it open and read its contents.
Going somewhere Amber? I don’t think so
I drop the phone as a loud scream burns my throat.
***
I am sat hugging my knees watching the flurry of activity. There are more Police Officers here now, some talking on phones, others with a variety of equipment probing and searching every inch of the house. Tilly and Mia are sat either side of me on the sofa, each engrossed as we watch anxiously as the bustle of people move in and out of the rooms. All of us have been questioned repeatedly until we can longer think straight.
Logan, Thompson and Clark have been questioned too despite passing security clearances previously. I can hear Drew and Jake in the kitchen with DCI Radcliffe and Logan in a heated discussion.
“I don’t give a shit. I want to give the bastard the 5 million and get this over with. It ends now” Drew snaps at Radcliffe.
Radcliffe rakes a hand down his face. “It is not that simple. Ok, give the 5 million. And then what? Maybe they get greedy and want more. Are you really happy to let your sister walk around out there unless you know we have caught this guy? We don’t even know if this is one person acting alone or ten!”
Logan nods his agreement. “I agree. I want her here where we can watch her closely and keep her safe. Playing to their demands may only escalate this situation.”
Drew inhales sharply. He knows the Detective and Logan are right.
I make my way into the kitchen and wrap my arms around my brother’s waist. He returns my hug, kissing me lightly on the top of my head. “Drew, they are right, we all know that. And I need to stay here in case they are watching the house. That way we have more of a chance of whoever it may be getting caught. If I leave, they could follow me anywhere. That just spreads this mess wider.”
Drew holds me away from him, his eyes moist. “When did you get so damn smart, baby girl?” He pulls me against him, holding me tenderly in his arms.
I laugh nervously. “I didn’t. I saw it in a movie years ago.”
***
I have been tossing and turning for hours now. All around me the house is in silence
and in darkness. I am lying here hoping that the others are at least getting some sleep if I am not. I have nervous indigestion churning in my stomach and acid burning in my throat. I need some antacids.
I quietly get out of bed, throw a robe around my shoulders and pad my way out of my bedroom door. Another door opens and Logan is there bedside me before I have even taken another step.
“Where are you going?” He hisses, pulling me back towards my room.
I shake myself loose. “Indigestion tablets. I can’t sleep. Clark is on duty downstairs, isn’t he? I will be fine.” I whisper as I reach up and sneak a kiss.
Logan scowls at me, shaking his head. “I’m coming with you. Come on.” He says gruffly.
“Logan, please. I will be two seconds. Then I will come straight back to bed. I promise. There are Police patrolling the house for God sake. Wait here and give me a kiss when I get back.”
He scowls at me again. I make to pad my way down the stairs and realise he is walking tightly behind me. As we near the bottom of the steps, he draws me into him before pulling me behind him so he can lead the way.
There is a small lamp shining in the lounge area, and another shining from the kitchen. There is a sound of muffled talking from within the kitchen. Logan stills holding me firmly behind him. He gestures silently for me not to move. I watch him edge his way along the walls into the kitchen.
I hold my breath until suddenly I hear the thunderous crash and sickening, guttural sounds of fighting. I scream at the top of my lungs to warn the others as I rush towards the kitchen.
Chapter Seventeen
Logan bellows at me to get out of the kitchen as he dodges a swing from Clark. I see a flash of silver in Clark’s hand as he lunges towards Logan. Again, Logan dodges him ducking and launching himself forwards. Clark lashes out with the knife catching Logan across the ribcage.
As another scream leaves my mouth, I am thrown backwards. Thompson followed by uniformed Officers, storm into the kitchen. The distraction gives Logan time to land a blow to Clark’s temple knocking him out cold. He staggers out of the way as the Officers take over. He clutches his side as blood seeps through his fingers.
He collapses beside me on the floor as I crawl towards him. I scream to the Officers to get help. I cradle Logan as he loses consciousness in my arms.
“Get an ambulance….somebody help him. Logan, stay with me. Logan!” I cry out as Drew and Jake crouch beside me, holding me.
***
We have been sat here for over two hours in the waiting area of Treliske Hospital in Truro. Drew, Tilly and I followed the ambulance as it sped out of Newquay heading towards Truro. The journey is relatively short but it felt like hours. Jake, Mia and Thompson remained at the house to speak to the senior Detectives as they led Clark away. I have no idea why or how he is involved in the ransom demands scheme and at this moment, I do not really care. I want to be with Logan and no-body will tell us anything.
My eyes are burning. I cannot cry any more tears. Instead I am pacing back and forth in the waiting area. As I see another nurse or doctor head in our direction, my heart leaps in my throat, waiting for news.
I re-trace my steps as I see yet another doctor head towards me. “Amber Templer?” She asks. My head swims as I sink into the chair next to Drew.
I open my mouth to speak but nothing happens.
Drew stands to address the doctor. “How is he? How is Logan? Can my sister see him?”
The doctor smiles at all three of us gesturing to us to calm. “He is going to make a full recovery. The knife wound looked much worse than it actually is and was not deep enough to hit any vital organs. But he will be very sore for a while. He is awake again now. You can have five minutes with him before we transfer him to the ward.”
***
As we pull the curtain back, Logan is attempting to get out of bed. He winces holding onto his side. The doctor scowls at him. “What are you trying to do, Major Grant?” She snaps at him, frustrated.
“What does it look like? Discharge me. I want out of here.” He growls. He eyes me as I push past the doctor, throwing me a lop-sided smile.
I raise an eyebrow pointing for him to get back into the bed. He remains sat on the edge of the Emergency room mattress. He shakes his head defiantly at me. I look to Drew for back up but he shrugs laughing.
“I think Logan will be coming home with us, Doctor. My physician will take care of him there.” He nods to her. She sighs, pulling the curtain around us.
As I hear her walk away, I throw my arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He winces again but lets me hold him. He plants a chaste kiss on my forehead before gently pushing me away from him. He turns to Drew, his face suddenly hard.
“It was fucking Clark all along. But he is not alone in this. I caught him talking to someone on his mobile as I entered the kitchen. Then he swung at me with a knife and you know the rest.”
Drew listens quietly before responding. “He is with DCI Radcliffe and his team now. Hopefully he will squeal and make it easier on himself. I don’t know how to thank you enough for protecting Amber. But I have a couple of ideas. But that is for later.” He stretches out his hand towards Logan.
They shake hands as I crawl onto the other side of the bed. I nuzzle up to Logan. He sighs deeply turning slowly turning his body towards me. “You are still a pain in my ass, you know that, don’t you?”
I nod, smiling and planting another kiss on his cheek. He scowls at me one last time eyeing Drew as he does so. Drew laughs, shaking his head.
“Tilly and I will wait in the car. Logan, I suggest you make life easier for yourself and kiss my sister back. It doesn’t look like she is going down without a fight…..and you are in no fit state to argue.”
He grabs Tilly’s hand pulling her away from the emergency room, before turning to throw Logan a wink.
Chapter Eighteen
Seventy Two Hours Later
Clark did squeal. He bought a deal to lessen his potential sentence time in return for testifying against his two co-conspirators, Matt Price and Eva Price, mother and stepson. Eva Price is my own flesh and blood. She is my bitch mother who left us when I was barely out of nappies. When she left our father and ran off with his best friend, she sought a better life….adventure. What she got, we have learned over the last three days, was an alcoholic new husband and a stepson. When her husband drank himself into an early grave, she became consumed with bitterness and jealousy as she read in the papers of the successes of her children, in particular Drew and Jake.
The handwritten pink envelopes were all her idea. The only time I will ever see my own mother’s handwriting. Nice touch, mother….
I should feel something, I suppose. All I feel is numb. But still, in time, there will be a court trial, and I am not looking forward to that. For now though, for today, I have the only people I need in my life….my brothers, and Tilly and Mia, and Logan.
***
I try not to spill the contents of the breakfast tray as I stagger up the stairs under the weight of the tray. Damn, Logan can eat! Jenny, the housekeeper, offered to help me cook the breakfast but I stood my ground. I will look after my man.
I kick the door open and clatter my way across the dimly lit room before dropping the loaded tray at the foot of the bed. He stirs, bleary eyed, and instantly raises an eyebrow. I pull the curtains to let in the light and bounce across the kiss his handsome sleepy face.
He winces himself into a sitting position, first looking at me and then the breakfast tray. He throws me a lop-sided smile before speaking.
“Please tell me Jenny cooked it, and not you, baby.” He groans, fisting his eyes awake.
I lean into him cuffing the back of his head. I stand, frowning, with my hands on my hips. “What is wrong with my cooking?”
He laughs, shifting out of my reach, avoiding another swipe of my hand. “Baby, you are talented in many ways…..in all the right ways” He smirks “But your cooking is worse than military rations…..I�
�m recovering here. Spare me please!”
I march across to the end of the bed. I look down at the breakfast tray, lovingly prepared by my own fair hands. Yes, the scrambled eggs do look slightly overcooked (why are you feeding the poor man loft insulation? Jake had said as I piled it on the plate) and, yes, the bacon maybe should have come out of the grill sooner (Is this bacon? Drew had laughed as a piece had shattered in his fingers). I look at the sorry sight before dissolving into giggles.
“I will get Jenny to knock you up something decent. But when I get back, Logan Grant, you had better make it up to me for that comment!” I mock scowl at him, heading out the door.
“How?” He laughs, shouting after me.
***
We finish the last bites of the croissants, eggs and bacon that Jenny has expertly cooked. I place the breakfast tray on the dresser and take a slow walk towards my man. He watches me as I begin to disrobe layer by layer maintaining eye contact with him as I peel each item of clothing from my body.
I reach across, flicking the lock on the door, before sliding myself up from the end of the bed very slowly inch by inch until I am straddling his thighs. I see his cock twitch and grow harder as I lick my lips still maintaining eye contact. I take his thumb and use it to circle my clit before stroking it through my folds. I lift it to my mouth and suck it long and slow. He groans deep in his throat. He tries to touch me but I bat him away shaking my head softly, smiling suggestively at him.
I take both of his hands, interlock our fingers, as I work him stroking my breasts, using his fingers to tease and pull at each nipple. As they tighten to his touch, I sigh out a moan of pleasure. I smile as his pupils dilate with desire. Still interlocked with our hands, I slide his fingers down my body, reaching my sex. Taking one of his fingers and one of my own, I insert them into my sex, plunging in and out, repeating the action.
“This is so fucking hot, Amber” He groans, rolling his head onto the bedstead. Taking his other hand, I use him to roll my clit between his fingers. I arch into his touch, increasing the intensity of the motion.
