by Mark Ayre
For Angel, tonight was not only about getting revenge on Louis and taking control of the family business. It was also about power plays and punishing the people who, in her warped view, had let her down. These punishments came in all shapes and sizes. One that was easy to handle but which would bring Angel joy would be to leave her family stranded on the balcony, in the cold, where Ariana and Abbie had both recently died. Allegedly.
Not wanting to take any chances, Abbie listened at the living room door. Nothing. But she could hear movement coming from the barroom.
Stepping away from the living room door, Abbie moved down the hall to the sound of a scraping stool. If her suspicions were correct about Alice, Tony, and Louis being trapped on the balcony, only one person remained inside to be rearranging the furniture.
Abbie moved into the kitchen from the hall, keeping close to the wall that separated her from the bar. Pressing her shoulder to the wall, she moved to the edge of the door.
The stool had stopped moving, Max was settled. Abbie had not heard enough, from close enough, to pinpoint his position.
That shouldn't matter. Max would be watching his prisoners; he would not be expecting trouble.
When it counted, people often weren't.
Moving from the wall, Abbie took several steps away from the barroom and raised her gun in a two-handed grip. With one side step, then another, she put herself in line with the door and the bar beyond.
Max was on a stool halfway along the bar, a smile playing on his lips. Clearly, prison guard was a job that appealed.
Sensing she had the time, Abbie took a steadying breath and aimed for Max’s head.
Whether it was the breath or whether his peripheral suddenly flagged a warning, Abbie didn't know, but all of a sudden, Max turned her way.
"Hi," she said and pulled the trigger three times.
One of the shots missed. It was impossible to tell which. The other two buried themselves in Max's head, throwing him from the stool, killing him before he hit the ground.
Nodding, commending herself on a job well done, Abbie lowered the gun and stepped into the bar. Turning to face the balcony, she gave the three on the other side of the glass a quick wave.
"Hey guys," she said. "Guess who's back?"
Leaving Max on the floor, his blood seeping into the carpet, Abbie turned and rushed upstairs.
Tony and Alice followed. By the time they reached the guest bedroom, Abbie had ditched her jumper, jacket, and underwear and was jumping in the shower.
"What are you doing?" said Tony from outside the door.
"Is that a joke?"
"I don't mean, literally what are you doing. I mean—“
"I know what you mean."
"Pedro's men have Kyle and Alex," said Alice. "Angel and Ollie are gone. They'll be at Louis' by now."
"Doubt it."
"What do you mean?"
"Is that where Angel told you she was going?"
"What? I can't hear you. Do you have to shower now?"
"Yes," Abbie called, raising her voice, then repeating her previous question.
"She didn't tell us anything."
"Thought not," said Abbie.
"Well, what..." Alice stopped. Abbie heard her huff. "Enough. You shower if you want. I'm going to save my daughter."
"If you like," said Abbie. "But I'd rather you waited. Don't want to trip over your dead bodies when I come to stop Pedro. Could be the death of me."
For a handful of seconds, there was silence. Abbie could almost feel the duo’s frustration rising.
"Fine, so you'd rather we wait around for you to have a relaxing shower while someone could be murdering my precious daughter and an innocent child?”
Rolling her eyes, Abbie turned off the water and stepped out.
"Firstly," she said, wrapping herself in a towel, "I don't know if you've ever tried to shower with a mother and son tag team shouting at you from the next room, but it ain’t that relaxing. Secondly, yes, that's exactly what I want."
Abbie stepped into the bedroom to find Alice and Tony glaring at her. She smiled.
"Don't know if you remember, but I recently fell into the ocean. I was underwater a decent length of time. That shower wasn't about relaxation; I was raising my body temperature to ensure I don't fall ill, plus cleaning this wound," she showed them her hand. "But all's now well. I need to dry and get dressed, then I'll be ready to kick ass, save your daughter etc. If someone could just find me a bandage…”
"But you don't think Angel is at Louis'?" said Alice.
"No," said Abbie. "Weren't you listening? Angel wants Louis to kill himself in front of Alex, but Louis is still here. Why didn't she take him? And why is no one getting me a bandage?"
"Tony, get Abbie a bandage."
"I guess you told Angel where your guns were hidden," said Abbie.
Alice looked embarrassed. Got over it fast. "Yes. But it's not like she can pick them up. That's Pedro's job."
"Right, but she doesn't trust you. First, she'll confirm the weapons are where you say they are. When it's revealed you weren't lying, Angel will return here to collect Louis and drive him back home for her grand finale. Louis will kill himself, thus chastising Alex, or so Angel thinks, while Pedro will exchange bags of cash for the guns' locations, or so Angel thinks. Of course, she's wrong."
"Because we're going to stop her?" asked Tony.
"I thought you were getting my bandage? And no, because Alex won't be chastised, she'll be furious, then dead. Pedro will kill her and Kyle, then Angel. Or that's his plan anyway. Shall we go?"
"What?" said Alice. "Wait, no. Why would Pedro kill Angel?”
"Why wouldn't he?" said Abbie. "Didn’t you notice that your daughter’s an unbalanced sociopath? She thinks her ruthlessness will endear her to Pedro, but she's wrong. Pedro is a killer and crook, but first and foremost, he’s a businessman, and businesspeople, whether they deal in the illicit or, um, licit, still rely on some fairly fundamental practices. For example, a reliable supply chain. He trusted you and Morris. He doesn't trust Angel."
"But you can't know he wants to kill her."
"I can't know. But ask yourself: why does Pedro wish to buy your entire stock of guns? Has he ever previously taken such a large order?"
Alice opened her mouth, but realisation rendered her mute as Abbie’s point hit home.
"Exactly, now go find me a bandage. I need to get dressed."
They met in the kitchen, where Alice cleaned and disinfected Abbie's wound. While bandaging it, she explained how long it would take Angel to confirm Alice's information and return to the house by the sea.
"Long enough," said Abbie as Alice finished. Rising, she went to the balcony.
Louis hadn't moved. Slumped onto his behind, his legs folded around him, he was resting his chin on his chest. In front of him lay his son's dead body, concealed by a sheet up to his neck.
Passing the grieving father, Abbie turned and crouched opposite him. At once, her eyes were drawn to the teenager's face, and a stab of sadness pained her heart.
"I'm so sorry," she said to Louis while looking at Jacob. "I promised I'd keep your boys alive, and I failed. This will offer you no solace, but for what happened to Jacob, I will never forgive myself."
Louis didn't move, speak, or react in any way. Not until Abbie reached for the sheet over Jacob. Louis' hand twitched, then came towards hers.
Abbie stopped, her hand hovering over the boy like Louis'. It was as though they were casting a spell, trying to return Jacob to life.
"I'm going to cover Jacob," said Abbie. "Then we need to go."
"No."
"Yes, Louis. I know it's hard, but Kyle is still at your house. Pedro and his guys have him at gunpoint, and we need to save him."
"I'll kill myself," said Louis. "Then they'll let him go."
"I'm sorry, but you know that isn't true. Why would Pedro let him go? He's a witness to Jacob's murder, and they've already proven they have no compunction in killi
ng minors. I want to rescue Alex and Kyle. It won't be easy, and there's a chance we'll fail, but I truly believe it's your boy's best chance of survival."
Tears rolled down Louis' cheeks. His hand came out, and he stroked Jacob's hair. Abbie pulled her hand back, let him have this moment.
"We need to go, with or without him," said Alice. "We have no time to waste."
Abbie held up a hand, letting Alice know she understood but needed another minute.
"It's true; time is running out," Abbie told Louis. "I could have left already. I'm here because it's your house we need to break into, and your help could be invaluable. No matter what, I'll try to save your son, but our chances will improve with you by our side."
Louis continued to stroke Jacob's cheek, continued to cry. His eyes never lifted from his boy. Abbie gave it a slow three count, then rose.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I'll do everything I can to save Kyle."
She swept around Louis and shooed Alice and Tony through the barroom door. She was about to follow when Louis called out.
"Wait."
Abbie turned. Now sobbing, the father was leaning forward, kissing his son's forehead. Abbie experienced pulses of mixed misery and fury at the sight. Angel and Pedro would pay for this. No matter what.
Pulling up from his boy, Louis closed Jacob's eyes and pulled the sheet over his face.
Rising, he turned to Abbie.
"Okay," he said. "Let's save Kyle.”
Thirty
They took Max's car, finding the keys in the pocket of the man Abbie had undressed and left unconscious in the driveway. First, they shoved the unnamed friend of Max in the boot of Gray's car, then they went.
Minutes later, they stopped at the end of Louis' street. The hedges around his property meant it was unlikely Pedro or his team would see them approaching. Still, Abbie and co. wanted to ensure no one heard a car, lest they decided to come out and investigate.
Once they'd stopped, headlights dimmed, Abbie turned and handed Max's gun to Alice and the gun that had killed Max to Louis. They’d already made their plan. At once, Alice opened her door and stepped out. They watched her proceed down the street, keeping close to the hedges, in the shadows, while trying to walk naturally. When she reached the hedge border of Louis' property, she made her way left around the edge, disappearing into the darkness.
"Twenty seconds," said Abbie and turned to Louis. "You sure you're up for this?"
Louis checked the gun's magazine before smacking it back into place. He met Abbie's eye.
"Like you wouldn't believe."
"Alright, move out."
Louis opened the door and stepped onto the pavement. A second later, he was tracing the same path as had Alice, not diverging until he reached the hedge border of his property. Instead of left, he turned right, passing the metal side gate and disappearing towards the front of the house.
"Twenty seconds," said Abbie, turning to Tony. "Same question: you sure you're up to this?"
"I loved Aurora with all my heart," said Tony. "She was always my little sister, and me her protective big brother. Alex never felt like a sister. More a mate. A best mate at times. I'll do anything to keep her alive."
Abbie met his eye. When she saw no sign of hesitation, she nodded.
"Come on."
"Not sure how comfortable I feel about being unarmed, though."
Abbie smiled. As part of her retirement, Alice had ensured no guns remained in her house. The two they'd taken from their enemies had gone with Louis and Alice. For the time being, Abbie and Tony had nothing but their bare hands.
"Don't worry," she said. "I'm going to sort that."
"Fine," said Tony. "Let's go."
They made their way up the street, stopping at the metal gate. As before, Abbie grabbed the sides and lifted her legs over. Tony tried the same and almost fell on his face.
Once Abbie had saved Tony, they snuck along the path to the side door Abbie had previously picked and entered through. Ignoring this entry point, Abbie's eyes traced the wall, picking out the segment where the brick changed colour. A ground floor extension, added five years previously when Louis decided his office was too small for someone so important. Above the extended office, two upper floor windows looked upon a slanting roof. One of these windows, Louis had assured them, was broken and could not be locked.
Somewhere nearby, Alice would have found her way to the back entrance. True to her word, she wasn't making a sound. Around the front, Louis would be preparing to approach the main door. Though not quite yet. The time wasn't right.
Gesturing to Tony, Abbie led them to the corner of the house. Tony crouched and knitted his hands together, awaiting Abbie's trainer. Abbie stepped on his palms, and he hoisted her to the slanting roof.
Pulling herself up, Abbie didn't look back to thank Tony or offer him a thumbs up. Instead, she proceeded to the bathroom window. The one Louis had indicated was broken.
The blind was up, the room was dark. Abbie saw no sign of one of Pedro's people relieving themself and would have to hope no one came to take a leak while she was crawling through the window.
Taking the metal handle, Abbie placed a hand on the splintered wooden frame. It was old and had needed replacing a long while. It was also stiff. Abbie had to press her shoulder to the wood to assist her hand in forcing the window open. When it swung in, she almost collapsed onto the toilet.
Window open, Abbie leaned in but remained on the roof, listening.
From somewhere below, she could hear voices, laughter. Pedro's team would be down there with their feet up, awaiting Angel's return. They'd be bored, hence the chatting and jokes. With any luck, they'd have lowered their guard.
Unable to hear anyone upstairs, Abbie put her legs through the window and, pressing against the frame, lowered herself into the bathroom. The door was closed. With utmost caution, Abbie eased it open and looked into the hall.
Dark. Quiet.
Abbie was at the opposite end of the house to Louis' bedroom. To reach her target, she would have to pass the bannister, which looked onto the landing below. The light in the landing was on. Abbie could still hear voices, but it didn't sound like anyone was in the hall. Everyone was in the living room or the kitchen.
Keeping to the side of the hall opposite the bannister, Abbie made her way quickly but quietly from one end to the other.
Louis' bedroom door was closed, as it had been the previous day. Abbie heard a louder bout of laughter from downstairs, then the living room door opened.
Startled, afraid to be seen, Abbie opened Louis' door and slipped inside, closing the door behind her.
Downstairs, whoever had left the living room walked down the hall and into the kitchen. Probably didn't even glance upstairs.
The last time Abbie had entered this bedroom, Alex had screamed and tumbled off the bed when Louis had kicked her in shock.
No chance of that this time. Louis was outside.
Crying and naked, Alex was tied to the bed, unable to move.
In the en-suite, someone flushed the toilet.
For a second, time stopped. Then rage hit Abbie like a flaming hammer. Spinning from the bed, she strode to the toilet. When the scumbag on the other side opened the door, Abbie smashed a boot into his chest, sending him stumbling backwards. As he tried to steady himself, Abbie stepped forward, grabbed the doorframe, lifted both legs, and sprung them into the oncoming enemy's face.
With a cry, he crashed into the bath, taking the shower curtain with him. Taking no chances, Abbie rushed in, pulling the door closed behind her.
The guy was trying to rise. Abbie crushed his face between her boot and the tiled wall.
He collapsed into the tub, dazed, groaning. He looked pathetic. Abbie's mind offered her a flash of Alex: naked, crying, tied to the bed. New waves of rage raced through her.
She went for the cistern, removed the lid and looked inside, her eyes confirming Louis' claim from the previous day.
A shining steel blade.
In the bath, the scumbag tore the shower curtain from his head. Abbie placed the cistern on the floor.
The scumbag tried to drag himself upright. Abbie tore free the knife.
The guy was shirtless; his trousers unbuttoned. Unbidden, Abbie saw images of him on top of Alex, laughing as she cried and screamed and begged.
The scumbag came for Abbie.
Abbie stabbed his throat.
Withdrew the knife.
Kicked him back into the bath.
Jumped in after him.
Brought down her knife, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again.
He was dead long before she stopped. When she did, she became aware of a burning sensation in her hand. Squeezing the knife into her sliced palm had not been smart. Where she had agitated her bruises and bumps, many of her body parts ached and groaned. More than they had since she'd emerged from the sea, but less than her heart, which throbbed with loss, anger, frustration.
Covered in blood, Abbie hauled herself from the bath, staggered across the room, and let herself back into the main bedroom.
Someone was coming up the stairs.
The someone shouted in Spanish. Abbie didn't have to understand the words to know what they were saying or what they were going to do next.
Still sobbing, Alex remained on the bed, tied up, desperate and afraid. Abbie wished she could free Alice's daughter but had to focus on the next threat. Forcing herself not to meet Alex's eye, Abbie removed her phone. Dialled Tony as she went to the carpet and reaching beneath the bed.
"What's up?" he said.
"Change of plan. You need to get to Louis and tell him it's time to go. Now”
"You can't be serious. What about mum? How will she know?”
"Don't worry about your mother," said Abbie.
From beneath the bed, she yanked the shotgun.