Darkness

by Laurann Dohner

  “They just let them drive around Homeland?”

  She nodded. “Yeah. They only guard the walls. The inside is clear of guards. It’s just that they kept that ankle bracelet on me and assigned two guards who were always on my ass.”

  “They hit on you, didn’t they?” He stared at her shirt. “You have nice tits.”

  It took a lot for Kat to keep her cool. She rubbed Missy’s wrist with her thumb, trying to reassure her. “You know it. They didn’t stand a chance though.”

  Mason paced again. “We’re going to get Jerry and he’s going to get us that money.”

  * * * * *

  Darkness jerked awake when his phone rang. He opened his eyes, stared at the screen of the laptop a few feet away. Lights were still on inside Kat’s home. He answered the phone. “Darkness here.”

  “This is Book. We have a situation. Get to Security now.”

  “Are we under attack?” Darkness was off the bed in an instant, moving fast to his closet. He threw it open to grab a uniform.

  “A call came in and it’s still live. Your female is currently planning on breaching Homeland with someone named Mason. He’s at her house and has a gun to Missy’s head. She’s lying to him, I assume, since most of what she’s said is bullshit.”

  Darkness nearly dropped the phone and spun toward the laptop. “I’m looking at her house.”

  “He’s inside.” Book hesitated. “Bluebird is transcribing what we know so far. Kat called in saying Mason had a gun to Missy’s head and to record the conversation. We’re doing that. She also said not to call the police. Mason will shoot them if human police arrive. We put a trace on it immediately. It’s a cell but the tower is in the location of her home and I verified the sound of her voice myself. It’s real.”

  “Wake a pilot and get a helicopter ready.”

  “We’re already on it. We’re up in ten. I’ll fill you in. Move!” He hung up.

  Darkness dropped his cell on the bed and rushed to dress. He almost forgot the phone but grabbed it and his boots, not taking the time to put them on. He threw open the balcony door, scanned the ground below and leapt, landing on the grass. Pain shot up both legs but nothing broke. He ran toward the helicopter pad.

  Kat was in trouble. He’d warned her Mason was a danger. She’d ignored him and sent away the team he’d assigned to guard her. His rage grew as he ran, spurring him on. The sound of the helicopter blades assured him they hadn’t left without him but were preparing to take off.

  Trey Roberts and Book met him. He was surprised to see the human there so fast but he shifted his attention to Book, panting. “Give me the details.” He sat on the ground and put on his boots. There weren’t enough males yet to make up a full team but he hoped they hauled ass. He wanted the helicopter in the air.

  “It sounds as if he was the brains behind Boris,” Trey answered instead. He held his phone, reading the screen. “I’m getting the transcripts texted to me. My guess is that Mason and Boris were partners. He tried to access the money they ripped off from the NSO but he’s bitching about how it was transferred to another account. Boris fucked him and he wants to find him in order to get the millions they extorted from the NSO.”

  Darkness stood, stomping his boots on the ground since he hadn’t put them on well. “We recovered the money. I beat it out of Boris. Mason doesn’t know that?”

  “My guess?” Trey glanced up from his phone. “Boris used online banking. He probably transferred the money to the account info you got out of him but had already blocked Mason from the money. He probably did it before he came here after Jeanie Shiver. Greedy fucker. He wanted it all. Now Mason is flipping out because he’s under investigation and wants a way out. That money would assure him a good life somewhere else.”

  More males rushed to the area and Darkness threw up a fist and then pointed to the helicopter. He was taking charge of the team. He didn’t care if he stepped on Trey’s toes or anyone else’s. Kat was in danger. “Let’s go.”

  They climbed inside the helicopter and Darkness grabbed a headset. “Get us in the air,” he demanded of the pilot, twisting in his seat to glare at the male.

  The pilot nodded and faced forward. They lifted off and Darkness put on his seatbelt. He glanced at the dimly lit faces of the males who’d come. They were six in all. He touched his head and all of them put on their headsets.

  “Pilot, land us eight or ten blocks away. The human will still hear us but maybe he won’t connect the dots because of the distance. Are you patched in to Security?”

  “It’s Darren, and yes I am, Darkness.”

  “Have them find you a landing site. I don’t care if we have to stop traffic in a street. How far out are we?”

  “Ten minutes if I really push it. They want to know if we want police assistance.” The pilot waited for instructions.

  “No,” Trey answered. “This guy could have a police scanner. I’d have one and this guy is smart. We’ll steal a car. It will be faster than jogging.”

  Darkness was ready to run it but using a vehicle would be faster. “You know how to do that?”

  Trey grinned and touched his sidearm. “Yeah. Leave it to me.”

  “Thank you for reaching Homeland so fast.”

  Trey cleared his throat. “I was already here.”

  Darkness frowned. “Tim sent you this late? Why?”

  The human broke eye contact. “Tim didn’t send me. I was already at Homeland when this went down. Let’s talk about it later.” He glanced around at the other males. “It’s personal.”

  Darkness let it go. He trusted the male. It didn’t matter why he’d been at the NSO in the middle of the night. He was more worried about Kat. Was she alive? He saw Trey remove his phone and scan the screen, reading texts. He should have had Security send the transcripts to his phone.

  “Trey? Is she alive still?”

  The male looked up and nodded. “She’s drawing him maps of Homeland. He hasn’t fired the gun. They are apparently in the kitchen and she just asked Missy to make them coffee. I can’t tell this guy’s mood from reading dialogue but he isn’t threatening to shoot them again. He’s more focused on getting that money.”

  Darkness could breathe easier.

  “We’re almost there,” the pilot said. “I’ll do a hard touchdown. We found a park. The house is eight blocks north. I’ll get directions.”

  “I’m on it,” Trey announced. “I know the area. I dated a girl who lived nearby once and know where that street is. I had them text me the exact address. I’m pulling up a map now just to make sure.”

  Darkness released his belt and held on to the seat. Book sat closest to the side door and opened it. The air blew in and amplified the sound of the helicopter blades. He turned his head as the helicopter banked sharply and lowered. It went down fast, as Darren had warned. Streetlights came into view and a small building he identified as a public restroom sat in the distance. The helicopter landed with a jarring bump. He tore off his headset, barely taking time to hook it to the wall.

  He was out third in line and turned to Trey. He didn’t enjoy turning control over to the human but he wasn’t sure where Kat’s home was. The streets confused him and most of the homes looked too similar. Trey motioned the helicopter to take off and pointed toward a street. He ran and Darkness followed. The sound of the helicopter faded.

  They reached a street lined with homes. Trey turned left. “Damn.”

  “What?” Darkness caught up to him.

  “I thought there’d be more traffic. Wait. There’s a car.” He threw up a fist and they all stopped.

  A small four-door sedan drove toward them and Trey rushed into the path of it and withdrew his sidearm, aiming it at the driver. He pointed to his vest with his other hand where the NSO white lettering showed. The driver slammed on the brakes.

  Trey approached the driver. “I’m with the NSO,” he yelled. “You’re in no danger. Don’t panic. Put down your window.”

  It was a female and Dark
ness could see her fear. She lowered the window and Trey leaned in. “I’m really sorry about this but we have an emergency. We need your car.”

  She shook her head, still pale.

  Darkness approached. He tried to appear friendly. “Human, this is an emergency. Let us have your car. You will get it back.”

  “Promise.” Trey reached inside and opened the door. “Just take off your belt and scoot in the back. You can drive away once we’re out. There’s a man holding a couple of women hostage. He’ll kill them if the police show up. We’re all NSO.”

  The woman stared at Darkness. He wasn’t wearing a face shield. He could see her terror. Her hands shook as she reached down and unfastened her belt. “Please don’t hurt me.”

  “We just need a ride,” Darkness assured her.

  She nodded. “Get in.”

  “We need something bigger. All of us won’t fit,” Book assessed.

  “We’ll fit,” Trey announced. “It’s just going to be cramped.”

  Trey helped the woman out and got in the driver’s seat. “Darkness, passenger seat. Lady, you can sit on his lap.”

  She gawked at Darkness.

  “The rest of you get in the back. Three can fit across in the seat and one of you can huddle in their laps.”

  “This is undignified,” Jinx growled. “But let’s do it.”

  Darkness grabbed the female’s hand. It trembled in his. He hadn’t taken the time to put on gloves. “It will be fine. You’re with six well-armed males. Thank you for your assistance.”

  He led her to the other side of the car and got in. The female paused but climbed on his lap. It was a tight fit but one glance in the back as four males tried to squeeze into the space designed for three humans made him grateful to be in the front.

  Trey grinned, slamming the door. “See? Let’s do this.”

  The back doors closed and Darkness slammed the passenger one too. He hooked an arm around the female when Trey punched the gas and executed a tight U-turn. Trey removed his phone from his vest pocket and turned on the screen. A map showed.

  “Thank you…” Trey paused. “What’s your name?”

  “Amber.” The female relaxed against Darkness.

  “You’re helping save two lives.” Trey took a sharp turn. “If you really feel the need to report this, give us twenty minutes before you call the police. This jerk could have a scanner. If you call Homeland instead, we’ll reward you, okay?”

  “Yes.” Amber gripped Darkness’ arm when Trey took another turn fast.

  “Ever wanted a tour of Homeland?” Trey slowed. “It’s yours if you just don’t call the police. I promise. Tell them Trey Roberts said so. Okay, Amber?”

  “Yes.” She was still pale but seemed less fearful.

  “I’m sorry about the gun but we really needed a ride fast.” He pulled to the curb and put the car in park. Trey turned and grinned at the woman. “I’m Trey Roberts. That’s Darkness holding you. You’ve been fantastic. Just call Homeland. We’ll show our appreciation.”

  “I won’t call the police.”

  “You’re a doll.” Trey winked at her. “This is where we get out. Thanks, Amber.”

  Darkness threw open the door and the female scooted off his lap. She stared curiously up at his face. He smiled. “Thank you, Amber. You’re doing a great service to the NSO tonight.”

  She smiled back. “Good. I’m pro-Species.”

  “Drive safely,” Darkness rasped.

  She blushed. “I will.”

  He spun toward Trey. “Let’s go. How far?”

  “It’s just up this street.” Trey glanced at Amber. “Turn your car around quietly and keep out of this area. There could be gunfire.”

  She rounded the car and got inside. Following his orders, she drove in the opposite direction. Trey took point and Darkness followed. They stayed on the grassy lawns to avoid making noise. Trey halted and pointed. Darkness recognized the front of the house. They had arrived at Kat’s.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Kat watched Mason. His mood swings were a sign of high stress. He didn’t trust her and he shouldn’t. He kept a tight hold on his gun. She’d gotten a close enough look to know the safety was off. He tapped the weapon against his thigh and kept glancing at Missy, frowning. She didn’t like it one bit.

  “We need to talk.” He shot a pointed stare at Missy. “But I want her in sight.”

  “Okay.” She got up from the table, moved slowly, to avoid making him jumpy. She entered the hallway.

  He approached Kat, pointing the gun at her chest. It was clear he expected her to try to disarm him. She put her hands on the doorway so he felt more secure. Mason turned enough so he could keep them both in his view.

  “She’s a risk.”

  “She’ll do everything I say.” Kat’s worst fear had come true. She’d wondered what Mason was thinking and now she knew. “We’ve been together for a really long time. She’s completely submissive.” She used the term he’d probably understand best.

  “I need to know you’re a hundred percent committed. You have nothing to lose otherwise.” He kept his voice low.

  Dread made her stomach cramp. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Kill her.”

  She hoped she masked her horror. “I think that’s a bit drastic.”

  “Bullshit,” he hissed. “I’m facing prison or worse if those animals get me. I need to know I can trust you. Kill that bitch.”

  She could understand his logic, as messed up as it was. She’d be wanted by the police for murder if she killed Missy. Recovering Jerry Boris and making him give up the money would become a survival strategy. They’d need money to obtain false identities to leave the US for a non-extradition country where a few million could provide a lifetime of luxury.

  “Kill her,” he whispered. He lifted his gun to her head. “Or I kill you.”

  “Fine. Hand me the gun.”

  He took a step back. “Do I look stupid to you?”

  She wasn’t surprised he hadn’t fallen for it. “I’ll get one of mine then.”

  “So you can shoot me?” He shook his head. “Bare handed.”

  “That’s cold.” She straightened her shoulders. “But you said there were millions involved. I’m sure I could get over it.”

  He smiled. Her opinion of Mason had never been good but now he was no better than a turd in the toilet to her. To kill a loved one over money was as shitty as a person could get.

  “You kill her and we’ll leave. I know which company we can use to get inside Homeland. We should hit them early. It’s the best time.”

  He was right. Most people weren’t at their most alert—sleeping or just have woken—if they entered Homeland around seven in the morning. That would be the time most delivery trucks started to roll in. “Okay. I get half though. Right? Don’t fuck me, Mason.”

  “I won’t. I could use you, Katrina. You’re smart. We would have an easier time traveling as a couple.” His attention dropped to her breasts.

  Her skin crawled at the way he looked at her. She’d never allow him to touch her. “You’re right.” She smiled, pretending he was attractive to her. It was one of the hardest acts she’d ever put on. “We’ll need to depend on each other.”

  “We will.” He glanced at her breasts again. “In every way.”

  Yuck! She forced the revulsion back. “I’ll do it now. I don’t want her to see it coming though. She could scream. Our neighbor calls the cops every time we get in an argument.” She wanted him to keep believing her and Missy were a couple, one with domestic problems. “I’ll wait until her guard is down and move in behind her. Let’s do this in her office. It’s the farthest from that side of the house.”

  “Do it.” He backed up and kept his weapon trained on her.

  Kat crossed the kitchen. Missy leaned against the stove and met her gaze. Trust me, she mouthed.

  “How are you holding up, honey?” She stopped in front of Missy, taking her hand.

 
“Scared,” Missy whispered.

  “It’s going to be okay.” Kat knew Mason stood about six feet behind her, watching and listening to everything. He couldn’t see her face though. She glanced at the counter, looking for a weapon.

  The stove caught her attention. “Why don’t we go into your office? You can write while we talk.”

  “Okay.”

  Kat put her arm on Missy’s waist and slid her hand to the knobs on the stove. Mason wouldn’t be able to see that. She twisted all of them. Missy’s eyes widened but Kat squeezed her hand, giving her a stern look. She felt a little proud of her best friend when she smiled.

  “I should get some writing done,” Missy bravely got out.

  The slight sound of gas filling the stove could be heard but she doubted Mason would pick it up from across the room. He’d smell it soon though. The oven was old, on their list of things to replace. The pilots never lit on their own. She tugged Missy away from it and turned, pulling her behind her.

  Mason backed into the hallway, giving them a wide berth. Kat led her friend to the room across from the kitchen. “She likes to light candles when she writes. It makes her relax.” She addressed Mason but kept a hold on Missy. “I’ll light a few.”

  Missy paled. Kat pushed her against the window that faced the backyard. “Where do you keep the lighter? Is it still in your desk?”

  “It’s in one of my drawers,” Missy whispered, catching the hint.

  “Mason might be interested in what’s in your drawers. He doesn’t know you. Right, Mason?”

  Mason took the bait. She’d implied there might be a weapon. He moved around the big desk and bent, keeping the gun on them. His attention was diverted, though, when he yanked open the top drawer on the left of the big desk. There were four drawers in all. Kat knew how messy they were. He’d have to dig around. He bent a little more and Kat used the opportunity to grab the lighter off the shelf next to Missy’s scented candles.