by Lara Lacombe
“And that’s your problem,” Dan replied, a bite in his voice. “You never could think past your current situation. You only react to what’s in front of you, rather than plan for what could be. That’s why you’ll never be more than a foot soldier.”
Alex’s jaw tightened, but he gave no other outward sign of being upset by Dan’s words. “At least I never betrayed my friends. I never had innocent people killed.”
Dan laughed, a rich, flowing sound that under other circumstances would have been pleasant. “Didn’t you? Come now, Alex, I know you’re not that naïve. You may not have pulled the trigger yourself, but I know for a fact you have blood on your hands.”
Alex did flinch then, his gaze sliding over to Jillian before flicking back to Dan. He looked guilty and she could have sworn she’d seen a flash of apology in his eyes. But why? He hadn’t done anything to merit such a reaction, at least not in front of her. She knew he’d seen some dark things in his time as an undercover operative, but she didn’t blame him for the things he’d had to do to survive. And while she hadn’t known him long, she knew him well enough to recognize that he was a good man. If Dan was right, and Alex had seen someone killed, it went a long way toward explaining the haunted, pained look that she sometimes saw in his eyes.
Her heart ached for him and she longed to touch him, to offer him reassurance. He needed to know that no one blamed him for the actions of others. But more importantly, he needed to forgive himself.
“You haven’t told your lady friend?” Dan asked, sounding amused. “My, my. This will be an interesting conversation.” He turned to her then, extending a hand. “We haven’t been properly introduced yet. Dan Pryde.”
Jillian made no move to take his hand.
After a few seconds he dropped it. But he continued to hold her gaze, clearly expecting her to respond.
“I know who you are,” she finally said.
Alex made a sound low in his throat and took a half step forward. “You don’t talk to her.”
“Down, boy,” Dan replied. He raised a brow at Jillian. “Are you going to let him speak for you like that?”
The man standing next to Dan had been growing increasingly restless, rocking back and forth on his heels while he monitored the conversation. Now he stepped forward, tugging at the neck of his shirt as though he was uncomfortable with the fabric.
“C’mon, man,” he said. “We need to wrap this up and move.” He pushed up the sleeves of his suit jacket, exposing part of the stars tattooed on his forearm. Jillian felt the fine hairs on the back of her neck rise when she saw the color. Black.
Black is for enforcers. The guys who do the wet work.
Dread coiled in her stomach, writhed in her belly like a nest of snakes. While she wasn’t surprised that Dan would bring along someone to do his dirty work, she didn’t expect him to be so bold as to kill Jim in his hospital bed. Even the busiest hospital ward would take notice if a visitor tried to kill a patient, especially in a violent manner. And while she had no doubts as to the second man’s willingness to hurt Jim, she didn’t think he was well-versed in the more subtle ways of ending someone’s life.
But maybe Dan didn’t care about attracting attention. After all, this was a man who had sold out his co-workers for a shot at revenge. It was entirely possible he’d planned to have his enforcer kill Jim, and then he would turn on the man, disposing of him and deflecting suspicion over Dan’s involvement in the whole thing.
Alex made eye contact and she could tell by the look on his face he was thinking the same thing. If Dan turned his enforcer loose, Jim was as good as dead. They had to distract him. But how?
“He’s right,” Jillian said. Both Dan and his friend turned to her, wearing identical looks of surprise. “We need to go. The nurse is going to come by to kick us out soon, and if we don’t leave, she’ll get security involved. I assume you don’t want that to happen?” She directed this last bit at Dan, who was watching her with his head tilted to the side, like a bird eyeing a potentially tasty bug.
“We do need to go, yes,” he agreed, the words slow and measured. “But I have a few loose ends to tie up first. Kyle.” He motioned to the second man, who stepped forward.
“I wouldn’t bother if I were you,” Jillian said, trying to sound bored. “He’s dying anyway.”
Dan held up a hand and the man stopped, almost as if he were a puppet on a string. “What do you mean?”
“I saw his chart at the nursing station—his internal injuries are extensive. He’s already got a fever and the antibiotics they’ve put him on aren’t working. He’s not going to make it past morning.” She shrugged, as if the matter was of no consequence. “Not all that uncommon for a gut injury, really.”
Alex rounded on her, fists clenched. “You lied to me,” he said, the words full of betrayed outrage. “You said everything was going to be fine!”
“I tell that to all my patients,” she explained, hating the lies that fell so easily from her lips. “It keeps them calm so they die in peace.”
Alex continued to play his part to the hilt, staring at her with horrified disgust that looked all too real. But she’d seen true horror in his eyes before and could tell this was just an act. He was good, though, and his performance gave her a flash of insight into what his life had been like for the past few years. God, no wonder he’s exhausted! Her lies weren’t nearly as extensive, and she was already finding it difficult to keep up the facade of cool detachment.
Dan watched her intently, his eyes bright with suspicion. “Why should I trust your analysis?”
She pointed to the monitor. “Look at his heart rhythm. See that bump at the end of every beat? It’s a sign of early cardiac distress.” Please, please, please don’t have any medical knowledge... She knew from experience that an authoritative tone and an air of self-confidence went a long way toward bluffing someone. But if Dan had any clue about medicine, it was all over. She might be able to throw some complicated words at him, but how far would that really get her?
Not waiting to give him a chance to respond, she forged ahead. “And his respiratory rate—” She gestured to a number on the monitor. “It’s gone up since we’ve been talking.” Which probably meant Jim was awake and listening to their conversation. Keep your eyes closed! She willed the thought in his direction, hoping an instinctive sense of self-preservation would overcome any residual grogginess from the anesthesia.
“What does that mean?” Dan was still suspicious, but she could tell by the way he hung on her every word that he was considering what she said.
“When a patient goes into congestive heart failure, their breathing rate goes up because they feel like they’re suffocating. The sign on his EKG, combined with his increased respiratory rate, indicates he’s in the early stages of heart failure.” She could have bitten off her tongue for such blatant lies, and she was sure that her old medical physiology professor was rolling in his grave, but it had to be said.
“Why is his heart failing if the damage is to his intestines?”
“The organ systems all work together.” In for a penny, in for a pound. “Damage to one means the other organs have to work harder. In Jim’s case, one too many cheeseburgers and a career spent behind a desk means his heart is already weak. Now that it’s being asked to do more, it can’t handle it.”
“How long?”
She shrugged. “I’ve seen patients decompensate in a matter of hours. It won’t take long—the process has already started.”
Dan narrowed his eyes as he considered her and she realized, rather belatedly, that trying to bluff a man who had made lying his profession was probably not one of her better ideas. She was banking on his ignorance of medicine, but he wasn’t a fool.
A cough sounded from Jim’s bed. Deliberate or not, it punctuated her words, lending credence to her predictions. She held her breath,
hoping Jim wouldn’t make another sound. One cough lent an air of realism to her tale. Two or three coughs were laying it on a little thick, and Dan would likely suspect something.
Jim apparently realized the same thing as he fell silent once again. That seemed to be the deciding factor for Dan. “Fine,” he said, nodding at her. “I can wait. In the meantime—” he gestured to the door “—let’s take this conversation elsewhere.”
“And if I don’t want to?” Alex asked.
Kyle pulled a gun from his jacket and pointed it at Jillian. “Then I shoot her, your friend in the bed and you. In that order.”
Dan held up his hands, as if to absolve himself of any coming violence. “I don’t think there’s any need for that, do you?”
“All right,” Alex said, the words forced. “Put the gun away.”
The enforcer looked from Alex to Jillian, realization slowly dawning on his face. “Come here, sweetheart.” He beckoned her toward him, and when she didn’t move, he pointed the gun at Alex’s head. That made her step forward, her heart racing like a scared rabbit’s.
Kyle grinned at Alex, revealing stained teeth. “I think I’ll keep her close, just to make sure you behave.” He clamped his hand around her upper arm, squeezing so tightly she choked back a yelp. If Alex thought she was being hurt, there was no telling what he’d do, and she didn’t want him to get killed over something as insignificant as a bruise.
“Off we go, then,” Dan said, looking at Alex. “They won’t be far behind,” he said with a nod in her direction. “So don’t get any ideas about hurting me, or overpowering me.” He turned his attention to the man holding her. “If he tries anything, shoot her.”
The man smiled cruelly and tightened his grip.
“You got it.”
Chapter 14
It took every ounce of willpower Alex possessed to turn his back on Jillian and walk out the door with Dan. All his instincts screamed at him to do something, to get her away from the hulking brute who was all too willing to hurt her. He’d seen the sadistic light in the other man’s eyes and recognized him for what he was—a psycho who got off on causing people pain. No wonder he was an enforcer for the gang. Guys like him had no problem doing the dirty work for others, especially when they were allowed to have a little “fun” first.
His mind raced, coming up with options and dismissing them just as quickly. Dan clearly had a destination in mind, but Alex had no way of knowing how far away it was. Was there time for Jillian to escape? He could create a distraction, giving her an opportunity to bolt. It was unlikely they would pursue her when Dan really wanted Alex.
If I stay behind, maybe they’ll let her go...
The trouble was he didn’t think she’d leave him behind. The thought was warming and exasperating in equal measure. It was all too easy for him to imagine a situation where Jillian had an opportunity to leave, but chose to stay with him. After all, she’d been doing just that since they’d first escaped the gang at the motel.
Dan led them through the hospital parking garage, stopping at a black van. “Your behavior has a direct correlation on how I will treat the woman.” Alex glanced back to see Jillian and her escort approaching, still several yards away. Dan kept his voice low, apparently wanting this conversation to be private. “If you continue to behave, I’ll kill her quickly. If you try anything...” He trailed off, shrugging. “You’ll just have to imagine the things I’ll have done to her before she dies. Maybe I’ll even let you watch some of it before I dispose of you.”
Alex nodded, not trusting his voice. He knew Dan wasn’t making an empty threat. And if there were more gang members where he was taking them, he’d have no shortage of volunteers ready and willing to step in and administer pain, even to a woman they didn’t know.
Jillian and Kyle caught up to them and Dan opened the back door, gesturing Alex forward. He climbed inside to find the interior had been modified. Two bucket seats sat by each door, but the entire back of the vehicle was open, providing a flat, stable surface for Dan to ride in his chair. While he was happy to see Jillian wouldn’t be far away from him, he had hoped to sit next to her. Even though neither one of them had a weapon, he would have liked to touch her during the ride.
Apparently Kyle pulled double duty as Dan’s enforcer and chauffeur. After everyone was inside, he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the van. Seated behind him, Alex was perfectly positioned to reach forward and strangle the man. He moved the barest inch, his body wanting to take action before his mind had finished contemplating the best strategy. Then he felt the tap on his shoulder and turned around to find Dan pointing a small, snub-nosed pistol at Jillian.
“None of that,” he warned, correctly guessing Alex’s thoughts. “I may not be an expert marksman, but at this distance, I can hit anything.”
Jillian held his gaze, her brown eyes wide with fear. But he saw anger and determination there, as well, and while he knew there wasn’t anything either of them could do now, she wasn’t giving up. Neither would he.
The drive didn’t take long. Within minutes the van pulled into an alley off R Street, and the driver climbed out. He opened the back door for Dan, who reversed down the wheelchair ramp, leaving Alex and Jillian alone.
He turned to face her, determined to take advantage of their brief isolation. “When I cause a distraction, I want you to run.”
She shook her head. “I’m not leaving you,” she whispered fiercely.
“Listen to me,” he hissed. “I need you to get out. I love you for wanting to stay, but I won’t let you get killed for me.”
Jillian blinked at him. “You love me?” She sounded incredulous and just a little breathless.
Real smooth, Malcom. He’d wanted to share his feelings when they were both safe, and they could talk about what to do next. Instead, he’d blurted out the most important words of his life when they were both in grave danger. One more thing he’d messed up. “Say you’ll leave. Please.” He let some of the desperation he felt creep into his voice.
She opened her mouth to respond, but the door next to him opened, putting an end to their conversation. He gave her a meaningful look and after a second’s hesitation she nodded once.
“Let’s go.” Kyle reached in and clamped a hand on Alex’s injured shoulder, squeezing hard. White-hot pain flowed down his arm and into his chest, making his vision blur. He bit down hard on his tongue to contain the moan fighting to escape the confines of his clenched teeth. He would not show weakness in front of this man, or any other. The gang operated under the laws of the jungle, and vulnerability was seen as an invitation to do more harm.
Jillian emitted a cry of distress and he glared at her, shaking his head subtly. No, he mouthed, hoping she would stay quiet. If she revealed his injury, it would only make things worse.
“What’s your problem?” The man glanced at Jillian, but kept a tight hold on Alex. “I haven’t even touched you. Yet.” A slow smile spread across his face and he licked his lips suggestively.
Jillian shuddered, her revulsion clear.
“That’s enough.” Dan wheeled around to the side of the vehicle, coming to a stop a few feet away. “Bring them inside. Then you can have your fun.” He beckoned to Jillian and, after a moment’s hesitation, she climbed out of the van.
They moved up a ramp and through the front door of the row house. The entry hall was wide and bright, with light streaming in from the tall, narrow windows on either side of the door. Tarps covered the floors and walls, and the lingering smell of paint hung in the air. Dan led them into a room off the right side of the hall, the wheels of his chair making the plastic covering crackle as he moved.
The room was empty, the walls and floor lined like the hall. A knot formed in Alex’s stomach as he took in the sinister draping. Every surface was covered, including the windows, which would make cleanup eas
y.
“I’m curious,” he said, trying to fake a confidence he didn’t feel. “How, exactly, are you going to get rid of our bodies? You seem to have thought of everything else.” He waved a hand, encompassing the room and its macabre decoration.
“Don’t worry about that,” Dan replied. “We have other things to focus on.” He glanced at the enforcer, who stepped forward, plastic cuffs in hand. Kyle fastened them around Alex’s wrists, not bothering to be gentle about it. He pulled, and Alex moved reluctantly across the room, being led like a lamb to slaughter.
A long metal chain hung from the exposed ceiling beams, a lethal-looking hook swaying gently at the end. The thick metal links gleamed dully in the filtered light of the room. Alex tensed, but it was no use. His arms were forced above his head, the cuffs captured on the hook. The strain on his shoulder was almost unbearable, but he refused to make a sound. He stood on his toes to take some of the pressure off the joints, making him lurch precariously. He was forced to watch, helpless, as the man restrained Jillian with another set of the cuffs.
“Go fetch the others,” Dan instructed. “You know where to park.”
“You sure?” Kyle asked. “I don’t like leaving you alone with them.”
“Please,” Dan scoffed. “They’re hardly a threat. Besides...” He pulled out his small gun and pointed it at Alex. “She’s not going to do anything to me while I’m pointing this at her lover. Now go.”
Kyle left the room and a few seconds later the front door slammed. Alex felt the vibrations of it travel through the chain and down his arms, a strange, almost pleasant sensation.
“Now.” Dan smiled up at him. “It’s just us.”
Yes, indeed, you bastard.
Dan didn’t realize it yet, but he’d just made a fatal mistake. He was outnumbered, and although his gun gave him a false sense of security, it wouldn’t provide the protection he needed. Guns only worked if the person on the other side was afraid of getting shot. And Alex wasn’t, especially not if it meant protecting Jillian.
