by F. C. Clark
I find my bag on a chair and place the photo Ivor gave me inside. I look at my phone. I have no missed calls from my Luke, but another text from Kiki.
Hi, babe.
Doctors are pleased with Dad’s progress. Will keep you updated. Hope U R OK. Love you. XOXO
That sounds positive, although it’s odd that Luke hasn’t tried to contact me.
I move to the bathroom and study my reflection. Not only do I look like crap, I look nothing like Susan or Malcolm. I run my hands through my long blonde hair and wash my face. Feeling unsettled, I return to the bedroom and down a fresh glass of water. Drained of energy, I move to the bed and look at my watch. Is that the time? Crap! My body thinks I’m still in England. My hand touches the gift Luke gave me yesterday – my watch – but the weight of my head is almost too much to bear. I lie down on the bed. The room begins to spin and I blink hard to focus. I feel drunk. I try to move my scarf to my face, inhaling Luke, but I can’t. I have no energy. I lose my grip. The scarf falls from my face.
I slowly raise my head. An intense pain at my temples commands my body to wake. I attempt to blink, but can’t. I’m in complete darkness. I try to speak, but can’t. Panic and fear begin to swirl within me. It increases when I try to move my arms. They remain tightly locked at my side, and my legs are restrained at the ankles. Holy shit, I’m tied to something. All I can move is the tips of my fingers. I’m tied to a chair!
Tears start to fall as I realise I am in grave danger.
Why would he do this?
I struggle to believe that my father would want to cause me pain. Then my thoughts are interrupted by a muffled bang. My heart beats frantically as I hear the door open…
2
I hear footsteps and turn my head. I can feel someone close to me. Oh Christ, this is it, my life is over… A hand moves across my jaw, and the roughness of someone’s face brushes against my cheek.
‘Do you know how fucking angry I am with you?’
Luke! My heart leaps. My blindfold is removed. I try to speak, but I’m still gagged. I close my eyes, relieved that I’m not dead, but I don’t understand what’s happened.
He leans forward, into kissing distance – the danger zone.
‘My security team called, wondering why I hadn’t informed them that you were in Russia.’ His dark eyes pin me to the chair. ‘There must be a mistake, I said – my girlfriend is in London with her friends.’
I’m confused. SGI Security – Luke’s company. They fitted the alarm at Harry’s house! What the hell is going on?
‘It took me two seconds to get Kiki to tell me what had happened. She informed me that you got on a jet with two men – no, what she said was “two scary Russians” – to sign away an inheritance. Is that a precise breakdown of the story?’
I nod, remaining silent.
‘Do you understand how dangerous this is? I’m so fucking angry, Kate.’ His temper is scorching me. This is a Luke Sutton Code Red – a burning fire of fury.
I scowl at him.
‘Don’t look at me like that. You’ve lied to me and put yourself in a situation that you can’t get out of!’ He glances at me, tied to the chair.
Unfortunately, he has a point. I try to move, encouraging him to untie me.
‘Do you know how tempting it is to leave you tied up? At least you would stay out of trouble. Once I remove the gag you have to stay quiet – do I make myself clear?’
I roll my eyes.
He pulls at my chin. ‘Do I make myself clear? I need to get us out of here alive. Are you hurt anywhere?’
I shake my head.
He pulls a knife from his belt. I raise my head and take in his appearance. He’s wearing black military clothing. Holy shit, he’s carrying a gun. My breathing hitches and my eyes widen.
He registers my look of panic. ‘I’ll explain later. You’re in safe hands.’
My arms are free first; my legs follow. I reach up to untie my gag.
‘I’ve got this.’ Luke unties the cloth and throws it to the floor.
I lock my arms around his neck, needing to feel safe. I wince in pain. ‘Ow, my head.’
‘Look at me.’ He pulls a small torch from his pocket and shines it in my face – because that helps with my pounding headache. ‘Your eyes are bloodshot – pupils slightly dilated.’ He takes my wrist and uses his fingers to find my pulse. ‘Your pressure is low – did anyone give you something?’
‘Like what?’ I try to read his expression. ‘Drugs?’
‘Your body is responding to something.’
‘No, only some food and a few drinks – nothing else. I felt odd earlier – I couldn’t move my arms and legs.’
‘I’ll carry out some tests later.’
Tests. Later!
‘Why would he drug me? Ivor…’ I shake my head. ‘No.’
‘I don’t know.’ He takes a deep breath.
‘You said you’ve spoken to Kiki.’ I look down, feeling guilty about lying to him. ‘Did she say how my dad was?’
‘I spoke to the doctor. Malcolm is stable.’
‘Thank God.’ I close my eyes, holding back my tears. ‘Luke, I didn’t know what else to do. After what happened to Dad, if anything happened to you or Harry…’ I take a deep breath, pushing away the unwanted thoughts. ‘I had no choice.’
‘There’s always a choice.’
‘I still don’t understand how you found me.’
He takes hold of my wrist. ‘I told you I would always be with you.’
My forehead creases.
‘Your watch has a built-in tracking device – it’s part of my security measures.’
‘What?’
‘I’m not prepared to take risks with the people I care about. I’m worth a lot of money.’
My tears cease. ‘Are you shitting me? Did you intend to control and monitor my every move?’ I can’t hide my disbelief. I’m pleased to be rescued, but confused by the news that Luke is able to track me 24/7.
‘Don’t you dare sit there and argue with me – that watch has just proved my point, as I’m now going to save your tight little arse.’ His dark eyes hit me again. Seriously pissed-off Mr Control Freak Sutton is now my companion, and will not be departing for some time.
I fold my arms. This is fucking madness!
‘Do you care to explain yourself? You look like a bloody 007 wannabe… And the watch! I thought you were being sentimental with your gift, not controlling. Clearly, you’ve done this before.’ What other bloody secrets is he keeping from me?
His body stiffens.
‘Are you joking? You want an explanation? Do you know how many men are out there?’
‘No.’ Men – what men? Ivor’s men?
‘We’ll discuss this later. I have some questions for you regarding your lack of honesty.’
‘Oh, really? Well, you can talk. I know on your dating form you stated you were a controlling gazillionaire – but clearly you forgot to tick the “wannabe special agent” box. Oh yes, you failed to mention that small detail. No, because they don’t do dating websites for control freaks.’ My voice rises, matching my temper.
I look up to him. Am I scared? Hell, no. Bring it on, Sutton!
‘Have you finished?’
‘For now.’ I meet his dark, almost black, eyes. ‘Actually, no, I haven’t. I don’t understand. You have guns and…’
My heads hurts. I feel confused.
‘I would like to get you home in one piece so, I repeat, have you finished?’
I nod.
‘Good. I suggest you remain silent.’
Whatever – you controlling lunatic.
He helps me to stand. ‘Can you walk?’
‘I think so. I feel unsteady.’
‘You’ll get stronger when the drugs wear off. Listen to me very carefully.
When we leave this room, you need to be quiet. If you need me, pull my arm. I will signal to tell you what to do. Understand?’
I nod again.
‘Good – that wasn’t too difficult, was it?’
Luke pulls my arm to leave. I stop.
‘My bag.’
‘Sorry?’
‘I need my bag and my scarf.’
‘Leave it.’
‘No! I have a photo inside it. Plus my favourite lip gloss I bought in France.’
Luke fires me a look. ‘Fucking lip gloss! I’m trying to save your life and you want your bag. Why don’t we call for a fucking bellboy?’
Wow, is there a temper beyond Code Red? If so, I have just pushed the release button.
‘Luke, you’re scaring me. You have a gun, and Ivor… ’ I close my eyes. It’s too painful to admit Ivor left me tied to the chair. ‘I just want a picture Ivor gave me.’
He places his index finger under my chin. ‘Where is your bag?’
‘I don’t know.’
Luke looks around and then lowers himself to the floor. He pulls the bag from under the bed.
‘Here.’
‘Thank you.’ I shrug it on, and link my scarf round my neck. The Sutton scent hits me – although I now have the real-life version standing in front of me.
Silently, we make our way towards the door. Luke stops before he opens it. He grabs my face in both hands and kisses me urgently. Instantly, my fingers run through his short dark hair. He pulls away and places his forehead on mine. Our eyes meet. There are no words, just a sigh of thankfulness that I’m breathing.
‘Remember, no noise from this point, OK?’
‘OK.’
He pulls out a gun and holds it ready in front of him. What the hell is going on?
He quietly opens the door, checking the corridor. Before we leave he uses his fingers to indicate eyes up and forward. I stumble over something in the doorway. Fuck! A body, a bullet wound in its forehead, lies in my path. I gasp. Luke beckons me to come with him. I shut my eyes and step over the body. He keeps us close to the wall as we silently move down the staircase. He stops, his gun ready, as we turn the first corner. No activity. We continue to descend the stairs.
Suddenly, we hear a voice. Luke tightens his grip on my hand and quickly takes me to the last set of steps. I have no time to think. My palm is sweaty and my heart beats frantically, but he appears calm; every step is deliberate. At last we make it to an empty room, and he pushes me hard up against a wall. My breathing is erratic. His eyes lock on mine, and he nods, gesturing for me to mirror his actions. Silently, I exhale.
From where we hide, we watch two Russian men talking as they amble past the doorway.
The house is deathly quiet. I’m not sure of the time: the sun is up, but low. Luke guides me to the rear of the house, the room I first sat in with Ivor. How does he know where to go? This isn’t luck – this is careful planning!
Luke carefully pushes open the door. My eyes lock on a man looking out of the window. Lying six feet away from him is a body, sprawled on the floor, dressed in black. One of Ivor’s men? I can’t take much more.
Luke holds his fingers to his lips. He stealthily moves towards the unsuspecting man at the window. As soon as the man realises he’s not alone, and attempts to reach for his gun, it’s too late. Luke grabs him in a head-lock. There is a crack, then the man slumps to the ground. How can Luke, my boyfriend, be responsible for this?
‘Did you break his neck?’
‘Yes. I told you not to speak.’
Holy shit!
‘We need to keep moving.’
‘But…’
‘Shh.’ His finger touches my cheek. I recognise his touch, but who is he? I feel like I don’t know him any more. What the hell is going on?
I swallow hard and avoid looking at the floor.
Luke slides open the sash window. He shifts the shoulder strap attached to his gun before he straddles the windowsill and leaps out. I follow. Where the hell has he learned to act like this?
He tucks me in behind and holds his gun in front of him. He stops and places his finger to his lips. I lean against the wall, bewildered at everything that is happening, while Luke disappears for a few seconds. He returns and grabs my hand. He tilts my chin and points to his eyes. Don’t look down, don’t look down…
We reach the far corner of the building.
‘We’re going over there to borrow a car.’ Luke points to the cars lined up on the drive. ‘Follow me.’
I nod. I’m lost for words. We run to the cars and he hides me behind one of the vehicles. He slides his rucksack from his shoulders and removes a small black box, about eight inches square.
‘Hold this.’ He touches his ear. ‘Sutton.’
What’s he doing?
‘Outside the main building… Four vehicles.’
Silence again. His eyes dart to mine. Who’s he talking to?
‘Three detonators. I’ll take one. My ETA at the LUP…’ He looks at his watch. ‘Thirty minutes. Over and out.’
He removes what looks like green putty from his rucksack and rests three pieces on the ground. It smells strong – almost like almonds. He then takes out three small boxes with a digital display, connected to thin metal rods, like pencils. He pushes each box and rod into the three pieces of putty. Carefully, he places the putty on the underside of the three cars.
He scurries back.
‘What are you doing?’ Do I want an answer? No.
‘Explosives. Making the cars into loaded weapons.’
I try to breathe.
‘Trust me. I know what I’m doing.’
Oh, I can see that, Commander Sutton!
‘Listen, I’m going to unlock the car, get in the driver’s seat. Once the car starts, be prepared to drive fast.’
‘What! I can’t!’ I shake my head.
‘You can drive?’ He looks at me.
‘Yeah, but here? I didn’t bring my licence with me. What if we get stopped by the police? Luke, I can’t.’
He holds his gun in front of my face, frustrated.
‘Do you think I have a licence for this?’
‘I guess not. Luke, I can’t think straight.’ I’m lost.
‘When I say drive, drive fast. Pass me the box.’
I do as he asks. He opens the box to reveal a small laptop, which he switches on then types in a code. A screen appears.
‘This blue dot is us.’ He points to the screen. ‘We need to drive to the next blue dot, here. Keep your eyes on the road and the direction of the dot. Understand?’
‘Yes.’ No. I don’t understand. I want to be at home, making French toast, not here with explosives and dead bodies.
Seconds later the car is open. I quickly scramble in and slide into the driver’s seat. Luke follows me. He has a small electrical device with a digital display and watches it closely.
‘Luke! Oh my God, someone’s coming – actually, there’s more than one.’ Seconds pass and he pushes the start button on the dashboard. The engine roars.
‘Go, go, go!’ There is no time to hesitate – men are running towards us with guns.
I slam the car into gear and drive. I’ve never driven a four-by-four. Luke places the laptop in my view and climbs into the back.
‘Remember – keep your eyes on the road, and the dot.’
‘This looks like the way I came in yesterday – there are some massive gates ahead.’
‘They’re open.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’ His eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror. ‘Trust me.’
I do trust him – with my life.
Next, Luke kicks the rear window to break it. There are other cars following us. Shit! We approach the gates, which – luckily – are open. More shocking are the de
ad bodies surrounding the entrance.
‘Floor it, baby. Keep your foot down until I tell you otherwise.’
Suddenly, there is gunfire. I glance in the rear-view mirror at the three cars, which are gaining on us.
‘Kate, take your foot off the accelerator.’
‘What?’
‘Just do it. I need to get closer to set off the detonator.’
‘OK.’ No.
I see in the mirror that he is holding another device. Is it a mobile phone?
‘One, two, three.’ He pauses as we slow. ‘OK, floor it.’
The explosion takes out the first vehicle. The noise is deafening. I automatically look into the mirror. Flames and smoke cloud the sky, and pieces of debris float in the air.
‘Well done; there are two left.’
My eyes flit between the mirror and the two remaining vehicles. I try my hardest to sustain my speed and keep control of the car.
‘Do you know where we’re going?’ I ask.
‘Yes. Keep your eye on the dot. Is the gap closing?’
‘I have problems with technology – you, of all people, should know that.’
‘Yes, you do.’ I can hear a small smile in his voice. ‘OK. Listen, I’m going to take out the last two vehicles together.’
‘I can’t believe you kept this side of your life a secret. I know you like to withhold information, but this is seriously keeping me out of the loop.’
I catch his stern reflection in the rear-view mirror.
‘You’re questioning me about honesty?’
‘Looks like we have some serious discussions ahead of us.’
‘I have to keep you alive first.’ He continues to fire out of the rear window. How much longer is this going to continue? I can’t take much more.
‘OK, on my count, drop a gear then floor it. Ready?’
‘Ready.’ My shoulders hunch.
‘One, two three, drop and floor it.’
He repeats the same procedure as he did moments ago. The two remaining vehicles disintegrate. Jesus, the noise is deafening. The aftershock causes me to tremble. Is it shock or adrenaline? Maybe both. Luke joins me in the front, lifting up the black box to register where we are.