“I’ll call.” Miguel hit send.
“I have a bad feeling.”
“Simmons, what’s up?”
“I just got word that Jakey was pulled from a wreck.”
“Is he alive?”
“All I know is that he was alive but unconscious when they found him. I have two men on their way to the hospital now.”
“What about Dane?”
“He wasn’t in the car.”
“Maybe Jakey will be able to give us a lead.”
“Us? Are you planning on coming back?”
“Hard habit to break, Sir.”
“I’m getting another call. I’ll update you as soon as I get word on Jakey.”
“Thank you.”
Miguel shoved his phone back into his pocket. “They found Jakey in a car wreck but there was no sign of Dane.”
“When can we talk to Jakey?”
“Simmons is going to call me back after he hears from his men.” Miguel slammed his fist against the wall.
“Hey, Dane’s going to be ok.”
“Yeah.”
Dane managed to fight off the man with the bat but the other one with the gun came up behind him and hit him in the back of the head with the butt of the gun. Dane went down hard hitting his face against the pavement.
“If it wasn’t that Smitts wanted to kill you himself I’d blow your fucking head off.”
“Rich, what the fuck?”
“He’s out cold.”
“If Smitts knew we as much as said his name aloud he’d probably kill us too.”
“Stop worrying.”
“What if his buddy comes back?”
“We’re not going to be here.”
“What’s going to happen when Smitts finds out that we lost one?”
“He was bleeding pretty bad. There’s a chance he died before he found help.”
“Why don’t we split up and I’ll go look for him?”
“Ok, but help me get him into the trunk first.”
Dane tried so hard to stay conscious but his body wasn’t having any part if it and he passed out. When he woke up he was hanging from his wrists and shaking.
“Ahh, you’re conscious.”
Dane spit in Smitts’ face. Smitts wiped Dane’s blood filled spit from his face and then he grabbed a pipe from the floor and hit Dane.
Through gritted teeth Dane grumbled. “That’s the best you got?”
“I’ve got more but I want you to suffer a bit first.”
“What the fuck did Jakey and I do to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Just going to kill me for the fun of it?”
“I’m going to drug you because I know that you’re not going to answer me willingly about your dear buddy, Simmons. Then when I’m finished with you, I guess I’ll put you out of your misery.”
Dane looked away. He’d rather kill himself then let Smitts drug him for information. “I’m not telling you anything.”
“Dave, John, get him down.”
Dane wriggled and gave them a hard time but they managed to get him down and now had him laid out on the floor. They tied one of his hands to a weight bench. Smitts walked over and dropped a hundred-pound weight down on top Dane’s other hand. Dane could feel the bones in his hand shatter. Pain surged through him but he didn’t utter a sound…he wouldn’t give Smitts the satisfaction.
“Seeing as you don’t look like you’ll be going anywhere let’s get this started, shall we.” Smitts jabbed Dane in the neck with a needle.
Dane closed his eyes and exhaled. He wanted the last conscious thought he had to be of Lacey and Molly.
DANE STRUGGLED TO BREATHE, his eyes were swollen shut and he’d lost all feeling in his right arm and hand. He had about given up all hope of Jakey sending back help when he heard gunshots and yelling.
“Beck, over here.”
Beck ran to where Dane was and knelt down. “Hang in there. We’re going to airlift you out of here.”
Dane groaned. “Jakey…”
“He’s doing ok.”
“Smitts…”
“Prescott’s calling in. He’ll let them know that we have you.”
“No…”
The EMT’s came rushing over and started working on Dane.
Beck pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed.
“Cruz.”
“We found him.”
“Alive?”
“Yes. He’s being airlifted to France.”
“How bad is he?”
“They gave him a brutal beating.”
“Is he conscious?”
“Barely.”
“Tell him I’m on my way.”
“Will do.”
“Beck, thank you.” Miguel ended the call and then he headed upstairs to tell Alex that he needed to leave.
Lacey tossed and turned in her bed. She had a horrible nightmare and couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that Dane had been killed. She finally got up and went to make a cup of tea.
“Mommy.”
“Molly, what are you doing up?”
“I heard the tea kettle and it scared me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why are you awake, Mommy?”
“I was thirsty.”
“I’m thirsty too. Can I have some tea?”
“Sure. We can share this one.” Lacey walked over to the cupboard, grabbed a mug for Molly and then poured some of her tea into the mug. “Here you go.”
“Thank you for sharing, Mommy.”
Lacey ran her fingers through Molly’s hair. “I love sharing with you, Peanut.”
“Mommy, do you miss Dane?”
“Sometimes.”
“I miss him all the time.”
Lacey kissed Molly on the top of her head. “I’m sure he misses you too.”
“When is he coming home?”
“I don’t know.”
“I hope it’s soon.”
Lacey hugged Molly. “Me too.”
Miguel knelt down beside the bed. He hated that he had to wake up Alex but he needed to tell her that he was leaving. “Alex, Sweetheart.”
Alex bolted up. “Is it Emmie?”
“Emmie’s fine. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“What is it?”
Miguel sat down on the edge of the bed. “Beck called…”
“Oh my God, it’s Dane isn’t it?”
Miguel nodded. “They’re airlifting him to a hospital in France. I don’t want him to be alone.”
“Is he going to make it?”
“I don’t know much except Beck said he took a brutal beating.”
Alex nodded. “Go be with him. I don’t want him to…” Alex started to cry.
Miguel pulled her into his arms. “He’ll be ok.”
Alex wiped her eyes. “Maybe you should call Lacey?”
“I don’t know. She’s been through so much already.”
“You have to at least give her the option of going with you.”
“Ok. I’ll pack and then I’ll head over. I don’t want to tell her something like this over the phone.”
Lacey was still pacing when she heard a car door slam. She walked to the window and looked out. Her heart stopped beating when she saw Miguel walking up her front steps. She ran to the door and pulled it open startling Miguel. “He’s dead isn’t he?”
“NO!”
“But he’s hurt?”
Miguel nodded. “He is.”
“And you don’t think he’s going to make it do you?”
“Lacey, I’m not going to lie to you. He was beaten very badly. I don’t know anything else. That’s why I’m on my way to the airport now so that I can be there with him.”
“I want to come with you.”
“Are you sure that you’re up to it?”
“I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t tell him…”
“Mommy!”
Lacey turned around and Molly was standing there half asleep clutching the
bear Dane gave her. “Molly, did you have a bad dream?”
“I heard you talking and was wondering why?”
“Mommy has to go on a business trip with Miguel.”
“Can I stay with Alex and Emmie? I’ll keep them company while Miguel is gone.” Molly smiled.
Lacey looked up at Miguel.
“Molly, I think that is a wonderful idea. You can help Alex take care of Emmie while I’m gone.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure that Alex will be thrilled to have a little helper.”
“Ok, we will go get dressed and pack up a few things.”
Miguel pulled his phone from his pocket to call Alex and let her know to expect company.
Miguel and Lacey boarded the plane. “Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
“I’m not very hungry. Maybe just some herbal tea if you have it. Thank you.”
Miguel looked up at the attendant. “Sally, can you set me up with a carafe of coffee. It’s going to be a long flight.”
“Where exactly are we going?”
“France.”
“FRANCE?”
“It’s the closest friendly country to where Dane was located.”
“He could be dead before we get to him. That’s like eight hours away.”
“I’m going to try and call in and see if I can get an update.” Miguel pulled his phone from his pocket.
“Simmons.”
“Any update on Dane?”
“They arrived at the hospital about forty minutes ago. He was critical. They rushed him into the OR.”
“Ok, if you hear anything else let me know. I’m on my way.”
“Will do.”
“What did he say?”
“He made it to the hospital and they rushed him into the OR.”
“My God.” Lacey grabbed her stomach. She felt sick like the day she found out that Dirk had been killed.
“Hey, Lacey, he’s going to make it. Think positive.”
“I’m trying to but it’s like Dirk all over again. When I saw you coming up the front steps I died a little inside and the memories all came flooding back.”
Miguel reached for Lacey’s hand. “Why don’t we pray and then try and get a little rest. There’s nothing else we can do for him right now.”
Lacey nodded. “Ok.”
Dane could hear voices talking about his injuries but all he could feel was pain.
“He’s in bad shape.”
“I think he has a collapsed lung.”
“He definitely has internal bleeding. Look at this swelling and bruising. We need to get him to the OR.”
“I’m worried about this hand. He’s going to need extensive reconstructive surgery. It’s crushed.”
“Has anyone notified his next of kin?”
Dane knew it was bad but when he heard the doctors mention his kin…he felt alone and afraid. He rarely felt fear…maybe because he never worried about leaving anyone behind before. He could feel needles being placed in his arm and then nothing.
MIGUEL AND LACEY HAD taken turns pacing, praying and napping for the last five days while they waited for Dane to wake up. “It’s your turn to nap.” Miguel got up and poured himself a cup of coffee.
“What if he never wakes up?”
Miguel hugged Lacey. “What if he does? Are you going to tell him…”
“I think I’ll try and rest.”
“Lacey, you two need to talk.”
“I know.” Lacey pulled up the blanket and closed her eyes.
“RYAN! I need help.”
“Faith, where are you?”
“In here. Help me.”
Ryan pushed the bathroom door open and Faith was in the tub. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t get out. I’m stuck.” Faith pouted.
Ryan started to laugh but then he saw the expression on Faith’s face and he quickly ran over to her. “It’s ok, I’ve got you.” Ryan wrapped Faith in a hug and carefully helped her up and out of the tub.
“Thank you. I feel like an overgrown whale.”
Ryan handed Faith her towel. “You’re too beautiful to be a whale.”
“I can’t wait until these two little ones move out and into their cribs.”
Ryan kissed Faith’s huge belly. “I love you all.”
“We love you too.”
“Come on, let’s get you dressed and then I’ll feed the three of you.”
Molly stood watching Emmie sleep.
“She looks so peaceful doesn’t she?”
Molly nodded. “You’d never know she was screaming up her lungs this morning.”
Alex laughed. “Sneaky little thing isn’t she.”
“I always wanted a little sister.”
“Well maybe one day soon you’ll have one.”
“With my luck I’ll end up with a brother. I don’t really like boys. They do gross things.”
Alex chuckled to herself. “They do sometimes don’t they.”
“Billy S. in my class, he burps a lot and Frankie farts and makes the whole classroom smell. It was like yesterday when Emmie had that yucky diaper.”
“How about we go pop some delicious smelling popcorn and watch a movie before Emmie wakes up?”
“Ok. You’re so much fun, Alex. It makes missing my mommy easier.”
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“Yes.”
“I miss Miguel a lot but having you here helps me feel better.”
Molly hugged Alex. “We make a good team.”
Alex smiled. “Yes, we do. Race you to the kitchen.” Alex took off running.
Dane groaned and moved his head from side to side. Miguel jumped up and grabbed his good hand. “Dane, can you hear me?”
“Mm…Migs?”
“It’s me, Buddy. Open those eyes.”
Dane tried to open his eyes but they were still pretty swollen. “Can’t.”
“You took one nasty beating. You’re lucky to be alive.”
“My…my hand. Can’t feel…my hand.”
“They have you on some heavy duty pain medication and shot you up with nerve blocks.”
“Still there?”
“It’s there. I promise. They even added some hardware to keep it together.”
“Jakey?”
“He’s back home resting.”
“Smitts…he’s dirty.”
“What?”
“He…did this…to me.”
“Did this? He’s responsible for all of it or he fucked up again and you were his collateral damage?”
“All of it…heard men talking.”
“Shit. Does he know that you know?”
“Yes…he drugged…me.”
“I’m going to call Beck and get his agency caught up to speed. I know we can trust him.” Miguel pulled out his phone and started to dial.
“Migs, how’s…how’s Lacey?”
“Why don’t you ask her yourself. I’m going to call Beck.”
Lacey heard Miguel and Dane talking so she stood up and went to Dane’s bedside. She practiced over and over again in her head what she would say to him if he ever woke up. Now that he was awake she suddenly couldn’t remember a word.
Dane turned his head and through his swollen blurry eyes he saw Lacey looking down at him. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him but he couldn’t. He was a broken man both emotionally and now physically.
“I was so afraid.”
“I’m ok.”
“You could have fooled me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Maybe it’s time to retire?”
“Lacey…”
“Dane, I love you and I know that deep down somewhere in that heart of yours that you love me too.”
Dane couldn’t handle Lacey’s proclamation of love. “Lacey, I’m a sniper, I kill people.” Dane inhaled. “I don’t have a heart.”
Lacey took a step back. She didn’t know what was more upsetting…the fact that Dane didn’t respond t
o her telling him that she loved him; or the fact that he just admitted to her that he kills people for a living. As strong as she tried to be a tear rolled down her cheek. “I shouldn’t have come.” Lacey grabbed her coat and purse and walked out the door.
Miguel hung up the phone when he saw Lacey running down the hall crying. “Lacey, wait.”
Lacey stopped and turned around. “I never should have come. He’ll never change.”
“Did you tell him?”
“I told him that I loved him and that I knew that he loved me.”
“Lacey…”
“His answer was that he didn’t have a heart and that he killed people for a living.” Lacey wiped her face. “I need to go home.”
Miguel hugged her. “He’s a dick. I’m so sorry, Sweetheart.”
“It’s ok. I’ll be fine once I get home.”
“I’ll call my pilot and have him fuel up the plane.”
“Thank you.” Lacey kissed Miguel on the cheek.
Miguel walked back into Dane’s room. The doctors were examining him. “So how’s he doing?”
“He’s lucky to be alive.”
“Yes, your friend has an iron will.” The doctor tapped Miguel on the shoulder as he walked out.
“My hand?”
The other doctor looked at Dane. “You’re going to need extensive physical therapy. It wouldn’t be professional for me to predict the outcome. I’m afraid that only time will tell.”
“So what you’re saying is that Dane could regain full use of his hand with therapy?”
“Yes, it’s possible.”
“But…not probable?” Dane looked away.
“You had the best hand surgeon money could buy thanks to your friend here. In time with therapy you should regain use and feeling but to what degree is questionable. I’m sorry. I know that isn’t what you want to hear.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
The doctor nodded to Miguel and walked out of Dane’s room.
Miles had Cruz in one arm and Sarah in the other. “Mommy sure is taking a long time in the shower, isn’t she?”
Passion & Lies Page 7
