by Louise Dawn
Antonio watched as Pearl settled herself on the mattress. He continued watching for a very long time as she restlessly slept. The cells darkened as night fell. He waited for the guards to return—for the door to swing open. Finally, he dropped into a light sleep—tainted with nightmares filled with torture and death.
Harland rested his socked feet on the coffee table and turned on the flatscreen tv. “Did you confirm with the Agriculture Commissioner? What was his name?”
“Burt Conners? Yeah, he’s coming along with his son.” Bronco sunk into a nearby seat and watched as Harland switched sports channels. “We have eleven guests in total.”
“Cyrus, have they all paid?”
Bronco mentally ran through the list of greedy politicians and bored billionaires. “Yes, all except Kevin Johnson. He’s transferring the money today.”
“It costs a lot to hunt human prey. I’m sure they all have a hard-on thinking about the weekend ahead.”
“Before we throw Agent Torres to the wolves, we’ll need the location of that flash drive.”
“You’ll extract the information.” Harland took a sip of his brandy and settled into the thick cushions.
“After she’s given up the location, I want Pearl Bandara for myself.”
Harland looked over in surprise. “That’s up to Rajin. He wants slow revenge.”
“And I can give that to him.” Bronco smiled at the thought.
“I heard that you and the agent are old Army buddies. I can’t have you getting sentimental when the time comes to eliminate him.”
Bronco thought back to old times when he fought alongside good men in the field. Some of the happiest years of his life, but he never belonged to the pack. They’d never accept his true nature.
Ever since he was a kid, Bronco was broken on the inside. His depravity wasn’t due to any childhood trauma or bad parenting. He just saw the world in a different light. A light filled with dark fantasies. His need to destroy and kill was never sated and only grew more powerful as an adult.
In some small way, he wished to be the hero—like the night at the gas station. The way that Pearl had looked at him had shaken his core values and angered him. He wasn’t a champion—he was the monster that could never be tamed by society or even a good woman. He would be a friend slayer too. Killing Snax on a hunt? Could Bronco pull the trigger? Snax had saved Bronco’s life on more than one occasion.
“I’ll leave him to you,” Bronco replied honestly.
“You’re not participating in the main event?”
“Unlike those lazy fucks that are paying a fortune to kill a human for sport, I’ve done plenty of killing in the field. I’ll be in charge of extracting intel from Ms. Bandara. You deal with her lover.” Tired of the conversation and of the sudden, uncomfortable feeling in his gut, Bronco stood. “I’m gonna check on the prisoners and take a shower.”
Harland waved his glass in the air as Bronco left the room.
Damn Snax for making him feel something. Clenching his fists, he stalked towards the exit and gestured for a couple of guards to follow. His mood darkened as he neared the holding cells.
The sound of the metal door swinging open had Pearl jerking from a sound sleep. Antonio was already on his feet and moved closer to her side. Which wouldn’t make a difference as they were separated by thick bars. Hopefully, the guards were just checking on them and would leave shortly after. The only light came from a single fluorescent bulb down the passage.
Heavy footsteps indicated a large man approaching, and Pearl held her breath. When Bronco appeared, she nervously glanced Antonio’s way. Both men looked equally savage, and she shrunk against the wall, wanting to disappear.
Not saying anything, Bronco paused in front of their cells. The corded muscles in his arms looked intimidating, and Pearl focused on her needs.
“Water,” Pearl demanded. “Please, get us some water.”
Bronco slipped a key in her door, and Antonio shot forward. “What’s up, man. What do you want? Focus on me. I’m right here.”
Saying nothing, Bronco stalked towards her and crouched. Pearl slid up against the wall and edged towards the bars. The intensity of his stare gave her goosebumps, and she dropped her eyes to her bent knees.
“Bronco, man. Please. Leave her alone,” Antonio pleaded, and Pearl hated hearing the desperation in his voice. She could feel Bronco’s dark energy snaking through the air. He looked angry, and she wondered what she’d done.
A rough hand cupped her face and forced her to look up. The room stilled as Pearl barely breathed through her terror.
“Your face is really quite beautiful—despite the dirt and lack of make-up.” Bronco cocked his head. “Such pretty lips. And those eyes could slay armies. I like that straight nose. Do you want me to break it for you? Where’s the USB?”
“I will tear you apart.” Antonio’s soft words were spoken with conviction.
Pearl genuinely hadn’t seen a flash drive amongst the tapes and couldn’t give up that intel, even if she wanted to.
“How about I change the aesthetic?” Bronco pulled a knife from a sheath and laid it against her cheek. “I’ve never done plastic surgery before. I might fuck this up. What do you want to be altered?”
Antonio bellowed Bronco’s name and Pearl grasped for sanity.
“This pretty cheek? How about this ear? Should I remove it?” Bronco showed his teeth with a depraved smile as he pressed the tip to her skin.
“You protected me—at the gas station.”
Her words had him freezing, and his smile dropped away.
“Why? Because Snax cares for me?” She deliberately used Antonio’s call sign. “And you care for him.”
“Shut the hell up.” His eyes flashed, and he slid the knife to her neck. “You don’t know anything about me or my military career.”
“You killed, but you also saved lives. And your friends care about you.”
“You think Agent Torres cares about me?” Bronco snorted. “The first chance he gets, he’ll snap my neck.”
“Because you’re threatening my woman.” Antonio stood ramrod straight, his hands gripped around the bars.
“And because I killed good men—the ones that protected her. You won’t let that slide.”
“You don’t have to walk this path, man. We can help you.”
“You’re in no position to help anyone. You’re already dead.” Bronco switched his attention back to Pearl. “I should’ve let that ex-con kill you in that convenience store. Except I needed you to cooperate and give up the drive.”
“I don’t have it.”
The blade broke the skin, and Pearl whimpered. Antonio swore. Blood trickled as Bronco cupped her neck and pulled her close. “He can’t save you. If you give up the location, I’ll give you a quick death. Think about my offer.” Bronco’s lips hovered inches from hers, and she had the urge to latch onto his damn nose. When he slid closer, she shoved her forehead into his face, and he threw her to the mattress. “You little bitch.” Swiping at his bleeding lip, he stood and turned to a panting Antonio.
“Oh, I think you’ll snap my neck. I’m guessing the friendship is over.” Bronco walked out the door as Antonio collapsed to the floor.
Knowing he’d split apart, Pearl fought for calm and rolled to her knees. “I’m fine; he was just playing head games.”
“Your neck.”
“Just a scratch. Hey, I’m fine.”
“I’m so goddamn sorry.”
“Consider us even… I have an evil ex-husband, and you have a psychotic ex-friend. I think it’s destiny.”
“Stop pretending that you’re okay,” Antonio shouted the words. “Stop acting like I’m making an ounce of difference. I’m fucking useless!”
“And so am I. If dying is my destiny, at least I won’t be alone.” Pearl crawled to the bars. “I’ve loved a beautiful man. I wish I could save him. I wish I could give my child the life she deserved. She’ll be safe with Rajin because he loves her, and s
he might never see his depravity. That’s the best I can hope for.”
“We’re not giving up.”
Nodding, she agreed with Antonio’s vow. “Never.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
They had given them water. Not enough, as the day heated. Antonio worried for Pearl’s health as she lay curled on the thin bed. He ignored his hunger and prowled in circles. He wanted out of the cage and wanted to rip the walls apart.
Whatever Harland and Bronco planned wasn’t going to be pretty. Could Antonio rely on Leo or Everett to find them? Rajin had a powerful ally in Harland, and Antonio wondered how carefully they covered their tracks?
As the day wore on, Antonio tried to rest. He’d grown light-headed and knew that Pearl felt the same. When they had energy, they spoke about everything, from their childhoods to a wishful future. Antonio imagined a new life. Would he still join MSD? Being away from D.C. no longer held appeal. Every precious second counted with the ones you loved.
They spoke of the places they’d want to visit one day. First, they’d save for Disneyland. And eventually a trip to a rhino orphanage in South Africa. They could volunteer and look after orphaned animals. Aysha would love that.
Antonio stroked Pearl’s hand as she chattered about finding a new job and possibly enrolling in college. Warm air flowed over them when the steel door swung open, and Antonio’s stomach knotted. Six men poured down the passage, and he knew their hiatus was over.
“I love you,” Pearl whispered the words, and he squeezed her fingers.
“You’re my world. It’s time to fight.” He had an idea of what might happen. They’d play games, and Harland had hinted at human prey. Pearl and Antonio would be hunted. He’d trained for this moment his whole life and braced himself for “first contact.”
“Hey, hey, it’s Saturday.” Bronco grinned as he ran a hand along the bars. “Who should we focus on first?”
Antonio frowned at his words.
“Ladies first.” Bronco stretched out his hands and yawned before winking at one of his men. The tall mercenary unlocked Pearl’s cell, and Antonio’s heart froze. Would they be hunting them separately? One at a time?
“Me first.” Antonio rushed to her side. “Take me.”
“You’re in such a hurry to die.” Bronco folded his arms. “You’re normally such a patient soldier.” Bronco gestured to a guard who handed him a large knapsack. “The good news is that your lady isn’t going anywhere. The bad news is that this is the last place she’ll see. Where’s the chair?”
A guard carried a chair into the cell, and when Bronco pulled out the plastic sheeting, Antonio stumbled back. His mind stuttered in shock. Through the horror, he saw the confusion on Pearl’s face as she climbed to her feet. Someone was shouting—howling. It was him—Antonio—when they placed the sheet on the floor and centered the chair.
“We don’t want to make a mess. We’ve just built this place.” Bronco gestured for her to sit, and Pearl refused.
Antonio kicked at the bars and reached for her while screaming her name. Rough hands dragged her away, and as they taped her to the chair, Antonio lost his mind.
“Goodbyes are hard.” Bronco aimed a tranquilizer gun at Antonio and pulled the trigger.
Fighting with all he had became impossible as the drugs dropped him to the ground. His entire focus was on Pearl’s beautiful face. Lines became blurry, and her image faded.
“They’re in Utah.”
Everett’s words had Leo pausing as he poured sugar in his Americano. “Say that again?” He pressed the phone closer to his ear. The coffee shop was noisy.
“One state over, and I have a name. Harland Cromwell. The little worm is a retired media mogul who ran for governor in Utah—two years ago. He has three homes in the state. One in Farmington, one in Salt Lake, and one in St. George. He has other beachfront properties on the West Coast.”
“And how is he linked to Rajin?”
“I tracked the money. I have the best team of hackers in the northern hemisphere. The money used to bring Rajin into the country via South America came from one of Harland’s dummy corporations.”
“Wow. Who needs federal agencies when we have you?”
“That’s what I’ve been saying.” A dry laugh came across the line. “If you don’t want my intel….”
“Where exactly are they?”
“I’m still a little fuzzy on the GPS coordinates, and I’m sending men to check out the individual properties, but I have a feeling that they’d choose a remote southern location. Especially with that many men. We’ll check CCTV for unusual activity throughout the area.”
“I’ll meet you in St. George.” Leo hung up, immediately trashed his coffee, and almost ran for the door. He needed men and equipment, and this mission would be off the books. He wouldn’t wait for a green light from his agency that may never come.
There were too many powerful men involved in this operation, and the CIA may choose to cover up their criminal activities for the greater good. His brother’s life came first, and Leo knew that time was running out. Antonio was an expendable complication. He may already be dead. Until he saw the evidence, Leo refused to believe that.
Negotiating traffic, Leo made a call to their father. Since Antonio’s disappearance, the Brigade General had been a complete mess. And he’d risk anything for his sons. Counting on that sentiment, Leo enlisted his father’s help, knowing that in a few hours, he’d be in Utah and ready for war.
After hanging up, he thought about his complicated family. He and his dad had never totally seen eye to eye, and Leo’s teenage years had been rough. Accelerating through a yellow light, Leo thought about that fateful night—the night that he’d lost his sweet girl. His best friend. His first love.
He’d never let another human get that close again. Life was too fickle, and he had no time for tangled emotions or for grief. Why couldn’t his family just stay safe? Why did Antonio have to risk it all for a woman he barely knew. A woman with a dangerous history.
Antonio was a Boy Scout who always did the right thing. And look where he’d landed. Leo hadn’t done enough to protect his foolish brother. Could Leo recover from such a loss for the second time in his life? Slamming his hand against the dash, he cursed at Antonio.
“Don’t you die, kiddo. That’s not an acceptable outcome. I’ll tan your gullible ass.”
His head hurt—pounded with an unrelenting migraine, and Antonio rolled to his back. His limbs also ached, and he knew he’d been beaten. By whom? Confusion muddied his thoughts as he concentrated on pulling in air. Something crawled across his arm, and he shook his hand. The air smelled fresh, like pine trees and rain. Cracking open his eyes, Antonio stared up at a stormy sky. A cool breeze whispered across his damp skin, and he slowly sat up. He was outdoors?
Not inside. Not… not in a cell.
“Pearl!” He tried to roll to his feet, and the world spun. “Pearl!”
Standing took all of his efforts, and he stumbled in a circle. He was on the street in some kind of town.
“Help. Somebody help!” He staggered towards a convenience store. An old Ford truck sat in front, and Antonio tried the handle. The driver’s door opened, and he spotted keys in the ignition. Scrambling into the bucket seat, Antonio turned the key. Nothing. He tried again. His thoughts still felt muddled, and it took Herculean effort to figure out his next move.
Leaning back, he focused on breathing. “Pearl. I have to get to her. Get situated.”
After popping the hood, he stumbled out and pulled it open. Instead of an engine, all he saw was a cavernous space.
Wait. Where am I? What was the last thing I remember?
They were in a seaplane. And then? Antonio sank to his knees. His back pocket crackled, and Antonio pulled out a compact two-way radio, staring at it in confusion.
“Agent Torres. You’re awake.”
The voice sounded familiar, and Antonio shook his head to clear it.
“In fifteen minutes, the hun
t will begin. We’ve generously given you a whole town to use for cover. You also have the surrounding forest. Our perimeter is well guarded and multi-layered, so you’re restricted to the hunting reserve. If you try to get to your woman, you’ll have to pass by our happy hunting party who are currently stationed between you and the holding cells. This event will end when you’re either dead or dying. I’d say good luck, but the odds are not in your favor. Also, we’ve tried to give you a fair chance. The men hunting you will have no idea of your location, so if you hide well, you buy yourself time. Since they paid a lot of money, we’re hoping for a two-day hunt. Don’t disappoint me.”
Memories came flooding back, and Antonio fell to his ass as he sucked in air. Harland. Plastic sheeting. Pearl. Tears leaked as he stared at the Ford’s grille and raised the walkie-talkie to his mouth. “You’ve released a grenade. That was a fatal mistake. You should’ve killed me in my cage.”
Pushing to his feet, Antonio tossed the device and paused to assess the environment. His biggest handicap was the drugs still coursing through his system. That would affect his reflexes and situational awareness. He was also weaponless, but that was a temporary disadvantage.
A dilapidated church stood on one end, and like most small towns, the street was named “Main Street.” But, if this was a fabricated facility, the layout wouldn’t follow a traditional grid street pattern. Antonio searched for a high vantage point. He could race for the distant outcropping, but that would take too much time. The buildings were all one or two stories tall. He’d have to think on his feet. They expected him to pass through town on the way to rescue Pearl and hide amongst the rubble.
Antonio operated better in a natural setting. Also, there may be fewer cameras in the forest. And, with plenty of rockery and trees, the Utahan landscape was perfect for concealment. Scanning the area, Antonio took off in a northerly direction.
He moved fast but not fast enough. Still uncoordinated, he kept tripping and making too much noise. How many men searched for him? He wasn’t here to play games or to fit with their itinerary. His aim was to circle back to the holding cells, but his adversaries would guess at his intent and would wait for him to find Pearl.
