His For Five Nights

by Jeannette Winters

  He didn’t want to open his eyes as he feared seeing their reality. Yet, he needed to look upon her lovely face one more time. No matter who heard them, he needed her to know she was important to him. More important than I could imagine.

  As his eyes opened, he saw the sun was rising as well. Since Bennett hadn’t shown up during the night, it wasn’t looking good. He’d written several books where characters were held hostage. Each time, rescue teams hit under the cover of darkness. Hit hard. Hit fast. All night he’d played out each scene. He knew exactly what he’d do if he were Bennett. Since he’d carried the duffel bag, he knew Bennett had the weapons needed to take out the guys in the towers. Long-range rifles would do the job easily. He’d seen the night-vision goggles stashed inside as well. If it were him, he’d take out the power and pick off the guards one by one. Yeah, I’ve written this scene plenty of times.

  Since none of that took place last night, and he was still trapped in the room, he knew the window of opportunity was over. He’d have to be a fool to hit this place in the light of day. It was a well-armed fortress. He’d counted more than a dozen men when he’d arrived. With Rajani here, he was positive there were two or three times that many. Even if he could get in, they’d take us out long before Bennett found us. That’s if he didn’t get himself killed first.

  Knowing that a rescue wasn’t coming helped him make his decision. When the guards came back for him, he’d go peacefully. It wasn’t going to be a battle of strength that would save Ziva. It was one of wits. Alex needed to stall for as long as he could, negotiate Ziva’s release, and agree to whatever Rajani wanted. She holds all the cards. Somehow, I need to pull an ace out of my sleeve. I just hope she doesn’t call my bluff.

  Alex didn’t want to spend what little time he had left thinking about Rajani. He wanted every second to count. Raising himself up, he rested on his elbow. He wanted to look at Ziva’s face and memorize every single inch. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled at him. It was the most amazing way to start the day. If only all my days started with you in my arms. I can understand what Brice says. Lena is his home, his life, his purpose. And that is something I will never experience.

  Alex mouthed the words good morning. She responded likewise. He could see the concern in her eyes. Did she know what was about to happen, or was it just a reflection of his fears? He needed to find a way to tell Ziva this wasn’t over. He would fight for them.

  Reaching for her hand, he took it and placed it over his heart. Then he mouthed the words, trust me. Taking his hand, she placed it over her heart. With her eyes glistening, she nodded. I do.

  It was all they could do, all they could share, yet it was more than he’d ever shared with another living soul.

  All too soon, he heard the key enter the lock and the knob turn. He gave Ziva a wink and rolled away from her. Standing by the bed, he turned to the guard. “Let’s get this over with.”

  The guard stepped aside, and Alex walked out the door. He couldn’t bring himself to look back. If he did, she might see he wasn’t as confident as he’d pretended to be. I won’t be coming back.

  The guards stopped at the bathroom and told him to freshen up. There was a shower and clean clothes waiting for him. Although it was needed, he wasn’t out to impress Rajani.

  Once again, he found himself in Rajani’s office. This time she offered him a chair. She could offer him anything she wanted, but there was only one thing he wanted. Pissing her off wasn’t going to help get it.

  Taking the seat across from her, he said, “I have a lot of questions. Is this a two-way conversation today, or have you already made up your mind?”

  She slid her glasses down, so she looked at him over them. “Does that mean you want to hear more about the arrangement between our fathers?”

  Fuck no. I don’t give a shit what those sick bastards promised. Alex knew he needed time. He also needed to gain her trust. Although, hell will freeze over if you think I’ll trust you. “I can’t make a decision until I know how this all came to be.”

  “I thought I explained that last night.”

  “You didn’t give me any details. I know my father was involved. What I don’t know is what he got out of it.” Besides feeding his sick perverted needs and six children.

  “Oh. You want to talk money.”

  Money was never a driving factor for Alex, yet he knew it was for Rajani. He needed to meet her on what she valued. She looked at this as a business, no different than if she was selling makeup or any other goods. That proved how sick and deprived she was. Beyond help.

  “Partly, yes. And what my father was committed to delivering in exchange.”

  “You don’t strike me as someone who’d want to know all the little details about our arrangement.”

  “I can’t make a decision without the facts, can I?” He held his voice in a professional manner that almost made him cringe.

  “Tabiq is a very poor country. Although we have other sources of revenue, there is one that is most profitable. All it took was the right connection. My father had the resources available; he needed the connections to many people with money who’d be willing to pay for such resources.”

  Every time he heard women referred to as resources, he wanted to punch the shit out of her. He never would’ve thought he’d hear those words spoken by a female. It was worse than when a man said them. You should be appalled at what is happening to the women in this country. Instead, you’re sitting here, thinking of how you’re going to keep the money flowing.

  Alex grew up knowing his father had no respect for women. He’d told his children women were all whores and were only good for one thing. How it was possible that neither he nor his brothers thought such things was beyond him. Maybe it was because we had Sophie Barrington, who showed us differently.

  It was amazing that one woman had made such a difference in their lives. She was the mother of their friends. Yet, she’d always been there for them. When she said her door was always open, she meant it. The only things she’d ever shown the Henderson kids were kindness and empathy for their situation. Although she never said a negative thing about their father, her act of welcoming them into her home said she didn’t like or trust him.

  Ziva reminded Alex of Sophie. Although they were different in many ways, their selflessly kind acts touched others, even if they didn’t realize it. Everything I’ve done was for me, my own gain. This behavior has to stop. If I live . . . I can’t continue to be that person. Otherwise, I’m chasing money like my father. I don’t want to be anything like him. I don’t even want to be his son.

  “How was that profitable for him?”

  “We were able to obtain two million dollars from you for five nights with Ziva. Think about every time one of those rich men came to Tabiq. Who brought in revenue would depend on the cut. If James brought in a client, he and my father would each receive forty percent. The other twenty percent would be divided among the other partners. As you can see, it’s advantageous to be the one bringing in clients. At eight hundred thousand dollars for each transaction, one could find themselves with a lovely little nest egg for hardly any work. It might be something you consider taking over. I’m sure a man like you knows people who might be interested in what we have to offer.”

  The hell I do. I don’t associate with fucking assholes like that. He tried to keep his cool. Everything was riding on her buying into this. “I know people.”

  “Do you genuinely think I believe you’re interested in taking over where your father left off?” Rajani crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, staring at him.

  Alex looked her straight in the eye. “I’m a Henderson. We like money. If you haven’t noticed, unlike my brothers, I don’t honestly work. I like to obtain my money in an unconventional way.” Just not the illegal shit you think I’m talking about.

  She arched a brow. “So you admit you weren’t here to utilize our services?”

  He needed to put some truth out there. “I told you bef
ore; I’m looking for my mother. My father told me where to look, and I have no intention of leaving until I meet her.” The only truth was he wanted to meet her. James never spoke to them unless he had to. Usually it was about how they were a disappointment and how he wished they didn’t exist. He’d never have told any of them anything personal and most definitely nothing about their mother. Or mothers. Hell, all these years we thought there was only one. Not six. I’m not sure I can deal with more surprises my father had hidden from us. They keep getting worse.

  “Why would you want to meet her? She’s nothing.”

  She’s my mother, you bitch. “Does it really matter why I want to meet her? Or will it cost me another million dollars to do so?”

  Rajani smiled. “Now you are beginning to understand how we work here. Good. Because if you’re really interested in becoming a partner, you’ll have to prove yourself first.”

  He didn’t like the sound of that. “And how exactly should I do that?”

  “Kill Ziva,” Rajani said, staring him coldly in the eyes.

  Like a punch in the gut, he sat straight up. “Let’s get something straight. I’m not a murderer and fail to see how killing a woman proves anything to you. However, if anything happens to Ziva, there will be no further negotiations between us. Do you understand?” Alex growled out the words.

  “I don’t believe you’re in the position to make any demands, Alexander.”

  “On the contrary, I’m the one who has the next generation of clients. If you want me to join as a partner, you will uphold my request.”

  “You think you’re the only one with contacts?”

  “Our reputation is well-known worldwide. Feel free to find someone else. If it’s money you’re after, I know where we can find it,” Alex said, never taking his eyes from hers. He could see she was torn between her greed and ceding a portion of her control.

  Rajani got up from her desk and paced slowly. It was the first time she seemed off her game. It was his opportunity to go in for the kill.

  “It’s time to raise the price as well. One million dollars is chump change for the people I know. I say we entice them with something more than what you’ve been able to provide.”

  She spun around and met his gaze. She was assessing him. Not turning away, he waited. The ball was in her court. “And what exactly do you think that would be?”

  He had her. She was interested. “Let Ziva go, and we can talk. Nothing happens till I have proof she’s returned to her town unharmed.”

  Rajani glared at him. “You’re surprisingly a true Henderson. An asshole in business, just like James. But I’m like my father as well. We don’t jump at one offer without considering all options. I’ll have the guard take you to your room. Once I decide, I’ll let you know.”

  Alex stood and headed to the door.

  “By the way, Ziva is no longer on the premises. She hasn’t been harmed . . . yet.”

  He didn’t like her version of harmed. Alex had felt the welts, seen the cuts. As far as he was concerned, they’d already hurt her. Then again, he knew he and Rajani didn’t see eye to eye on that.

  Alex turned and shot her a warning look. “It damn well better stay that way.” He didn’t stay for her response. For once, he wanted the last word. All he could do was hope she agreed. If Ziva could get back to town, he knew Bennett would snag her, and she’d be safe. After that, Alex didn’t care what Rajani did. Kill me for all I care, but I’ll never help you. If I do anything, it’ll be to take you down and send you to visit your father and mine. Six feet under is exactly where you belong.

  Chapter Eleven

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  When the guards took Alex away, she wanted to scream and beg them to take her instead. She knew what they were capable of, and she didn’t want him to go through it. She knew her fate was already sealed.

  All she could do was lie there and wait for him to return. When she heard the key in the door once again, she knew it hadn’t been long enough. Sure enough, it was a different set of guards that entered. The looks on their faces said plenty.

  She saw the duct tape and knew she was going somewhere. Or to be disposed of. Ziva always said she’d never go without a fight. Doing so with Alex somewhere, possibly within earshot, meant risking his life as well as her own. She’d never do that.

  Getting off the bed, she walked to the guard, turned around, and placed her hands behind her back. Although she wasn’t making a ruckus, the guard grabbed her arms forcefully, pulling them up and winding her wrists and hands together tightly. I can only imagine what you would’ve done if I’d decided not to be so compliant.

  As before, the blindfold came next. The guards didn’t want her to see where she was coming from, giving her hope they weren’t about to kill her. Dead girls don’t talk. This tidbit of knowledge wasn’t enough to cause elation. Things could change very quickly.

  As they made their way through the halls, she could hear someone talking in the other room. She tried to make out what was being said, or at least hear Alex’s voice. All she heard was the faint sound of a woman’s voice. Please don’t tell me they have more women prisoners here. Although she wanted to call out and help in some way, there was nothing she could do. I’m not even able to help myself.

  Ziva felt the butt of the rifle push against her back, reminding her to keep moving. She wasn’t setting the pace. The guard who had her by the arm led the way. She knew he was taking his time, and it obviously had nothing to do with her safety or well-being. Given how roughly I was thrown in the trunk, no one cared.

  Her traveling accommodations had improved as they tossed her into the backseat of a car instead. “Stay down and don’t move. If I hear one word from you, I’ll pull the car over and put a bullet in your head.”

  Ziva didn’t have to be told twice. She knew they were itching to do just that, so what had prevented them? Could Alex have said something to get her released? Released might be too strong of a word. I still have no idea where they’re taking me.

  She was filled with questions that couldn’t be asked or answered. All she could do was lie still and wait to see what happened next. Since she hadn’t slept, she forced herself to relax so she could regain some strength. No matter what was in store, she needed to be both mentally and physically prepared.

  Thankfully sleep did come. Although Ziva was haunted with thoughts about the girls, she still had an overwhelming feeling they were being taken care of. It was strange because all these years no one had ever lifted a finger to assist her. She’d have guessed it was Alex, but he was under lock and key. It couldn’t be Myla because she was too young and didn’t have a job to support them. There’s no one else, yet I feel as though they’re better off, more than they’ve ever been. Maybe it’s the hit on my head. I’m delusional. If I am delusional, I don’t want to believe lying in Alex’s arms last night was a dream. I’ve never felt so secure and at peace, which was ironic, given the truth of where we were. Yet in his arms . . . I felt protected.

  She knew it was out of her hands now. She could only hope what she felt in her heart was happening. If so, it was all worth it. My life will not have been for nothing.

  Ziva heard the car horn blaring then the slamming of brakes, causing her to fly forward, ramming against the front seats before dropping to the floor. The guards cussed in their language about some idiot who had just cut them off. She heard a door open as a man shouted for the driver to move his vehicle. That’s when she heard the sound of glass breaking, and then a loud thud.

  She couldn’t tell what was going on. She heard a gurgling sound from the driver. Then nothing.

  Her hands were still taped behind her back, and she was awkwardly wedged between the seats with no way to maneuver herself into a defensive position. She was a sitting duck for whoever approached.

  Ziva lay there, holding her breath. She could hear footsteps crunching, getting closer. It wouldn’t be long before they found her.

  Whoever it was, was able to stop the car and ob
viously take the guards out, so they weren’t people she wanted to cross.

  The back door opened and a man’s deep voice bellowed, “Miss Gryzb, we’ll have you out of here in a minute. We just need to secure the perimeter first.”

  They knew her name? And addressed her formally? Ziva knew from his accent he wasn’t local. He didn’t sound like Alex either. With all her studies of languages, she’d guessed the stranger was from a southern part of the United States. And she felt . . . relieved.

  As promised, the man returned and lifted her from the car. He removed her blindfold first. “Who are you?”

  “Doug Attwood. Here to rescue you.”

  She looked at him closely. He didn’t resemble Alex in any way, so it probably wasn’t a relative. This man had much lighter hair and looked like he’d seen some action. “How did you know I was in trouble?”

  “I’ll let Bennett explain the details. Right now, we have to get you out of here. It won’t be long before someone makes a call about what went down.”

  Ziva looked by the passenger’s door and saw one of the guards lying in a pool of blood. Then she turned and saw the driver hunched over the steering wheel. She assumed he was dead as well. Doug was right, if they didn’t get out of here quickly, the locals would have a swarm of armed thugs ready to retaliate. She didn’t know who Doug Attwood or Bennett were, but they seemed like a better option than staying where she was.

  “Would you mind?” She turned her back to him so he could remove the duct tape.

  “Don’t move.”

  She could feel the cold steel of a blade brush against her skin as he cut the tape away. Within seconds, she was free.

  “There are two SUVs that’ll be on us if we don’t move now,” Doug said, grabbing her hand and dragging her away from the car.