by Blake Hudson
Knox took a second to take in the scene now playing out at the main entrance, but his eyes hadn’t lied to him. Isabella was making her way out of the hotel. Great just what he needed, Isabella and Dani must have had a cat fight. Just as Knox put his helmet on and was about to start up his bike to head over to ‘princess bratty’, Isabella stood looking around as if she was waiting for someone. What was she playing at? She hadn’t called her private car or worse, Howard, had she? Knox started his bike and dropped his left foot on the gear peg knocking it into first gear.
He checked over his shoulder before pulling off, a life-saving check for all bikers. It was a good job he did as a large SUV shot past him missing him by mere inches. Knox, shocked for a second, put both feet back on the ground to steady himself from the wind force generated by what he could now see was a black, tinted out Range Rover.
Wait! Knox's eyes widened and the penny dropped, it was the same Range Rover from that evening at the beach watching over them. Knox watched on as it swiftly pulled up alongside Isabella. At first, she smiled but as the rear door flung open her smile turned to a worried look. Arms came out at her and dragged her into the vehicle. Before she was fully in, the tyres squealed and its engine redlined as it made a getaway.
Knox followed in pursuit…
Chapter Fourteen
Chase and Scrape
Knox tailed the black SUV at a safe distance matching its speed. Holding back just far enough so that he wouldn’t be noticed, Knox looked on as the Range Rover became erratic, sharp short swerves followed by hard braking. Knox couldn’t see into the windows due to the tints, but something was going on inside… could Isabella be fighting back?
They ran a red light, the rear end of the hundred thousand plus euro Range Rover, narrowly missed a night bus. Knox filtered, passed the queue of traffic that had pulled to a stop at the lights. A taxi driver, incensed at what he had just seen, hung his head out of his window, shouting a string of obscenities in Spanish at the reckless driving he had just witnessed. He looked to Knox for confirmation he was right to be pissed off. Knox nodded and as soon as the bus was clear and he saw his gap, Knox launched away, front wheel lifting as he shot through the flow of traffic, giving the other driver more fuel to add to his rage.
“Loco, loco” the taxi driver yelled.
The rev counter’s needle touched the red and Knox upped a gear. The Triumph snaked left to right as Knox weaved past cars as he pushed to catch up with the now out of sight SUV. His right hand rolled forward and the motorcycle slowed, the shift of weight moved to the front, as the engine applied resistance. Knox frantically looked around for any sign.
A mass of red LED’s lit up a dark side street and the Triumph’s momentum overshot the entrance of the street the Range Rover was down. Knox pulled a U-turn across the main street and pushed it over the double white lines in the process. Knox skilfully got the bike around and pulled up on the other side of the road to the adjacent street. Werp, werp, sounded behind Knox as the local Police patrol car pulled up behind him. They had been parked nearby and witnessed Knox pull the illegal manoeuvre.
“Shit!” Knox said as he watched in the wing mirror as the first cop got out of the patrol car. This was all he needed. Knox turned back to look at the SUV. The lights were off now and they were either parking up or were trying to keep a low profile now the blue roof lights of the patrol car illuminated the whole area, rotating with an almost eye hurting bright blue.
“Apagado, documentos, seguro, licencia,” the cop called from behind Knox as he walked up. He didn’t have time for this let alone the fact he didn’t have the bike’s documents on him and he sure as hell wasn’t getting off the bike. And just as Knox was about to speak, the Range Rover lit up as it slowly pulled away down the street.
“Sorry pal, holiday, holiday!” Knox shouted pulling away at speed as he cut up an oncoming car, making a beeline for the street across the way. The cop, fumbled trying to draw his weapon but was yelled at by his partner to get back in the car as he pulled up to his colleague.
The people in the SUV now knew that Knox was tailing them if their erratic driving was anything to go by. They mounted the kerb and drove over a reservation, cutting into the oncoming vehicles. Knox followed on his side of the carriageway watching the Range Rover dodging oncoming traffic, palm trees between them and Knox, making the scene look like a flicker book as their speed increased. But Knox had another problem with the Police tailing him adding another two cars to the chase.
A break in the reservation ahead gave Knox the opportunity to cross onto the SUV’s side of the carriageway, a mental, crazy ass opportunity but one Knox took. Horns of vehicles sounded long shrieks as Knox passed them. Going against the flow of traffic the police didn’t follow Knox, they opted to stay on the right side of the road and follow alongside...their insanity levels obviously not as high as Knox’s, he thought wryly.
The black Range Rover slammed on its brakes, it skidded to a halt as its path was blocked by a bus and a heavy good’s vehicle. Both of the drivers stamped on their respective brake pedals and the two only just stopped before colliding head on with the black four by four. The rear passenger door of the SUV opened. Out got a heavily built black man who lifted his arms up, wielding a mini machine gun.
“Fuck!” Knox shouted gripping a fist full of brake hard and rapidly coming to a stop with the rear wheel lifting before slamming hard back down. Gun fire tore through the car windows that were caught between Knox and the gunman. The screams of innocent people as they took cover could barely be heard over the torrent of bullets that ricocheted off the roofs and bonnets.
Knox ducked as much as he could before he was forced to drop the motorcycle onto its side and roll himself behind what small cover there was from the nearest car. He reached up, seeing the people trapped inside, and opened the door. He told them to get out and keep their heads down, as they made their way towards the traffic further back.
A second burst of gun fire drilled all over Knox’s cover. The Police were now out of their cars and pulled their weapons on the gunman. A second gunman got out of the SUV and opened fire on the Police, followed by the big black guy. They were outmatched and stood no chance as the gunmen’s firepower obliterated the two patrol cars. One officer took hits, the other three fled for cover. Knox drew his weapon.
“One, two, three!” Knox said taking in a deep breath as he stood, and started to run for the next closest cover between him and the gunmen. Rapidly firing off his handgun as he ran, he didn’t have the firepower but he did have the aim. His first shot shattered the open passenger door glass of the Range Rover, the second knocked the first gunman back as it got him in the shoulder. The third clipped the top of his thigh.
The second gunman turned his attention on Knox as he saw him and Knox knew what was about to come as he launched himself into the air, knowing he had no time. Landing hard on the tarmac road he just managed to get behind a small van as bullets whipped over his head like a mass of deadly shooting stars, sparks danced from the shots hitting the van. The moans of the first gunman could be heard as he dragged himself into the SUV, but then silenced. Two distinct kill shots rang out and the black guy fell to the ground, shot in the head. The second gunman was shouted at to get in, as the black Range Rover started to pull away, mounting the kerb and ramming through the thankfully empty tables and chairs. Frightened people scattered like bugs found under a plate full of food.
Knox stood up and emptied his gun as he fired at the rear of the vehicle, desperately trying to take out a tyre which he failed to do. He ran to his bike, reloading as he did. Knox struggled to pick up the Triumph but just managed it as he started the motor back into life.
Pulling away, Knox looked over to the Police officer down on the ground bleeding out, Knox shook his head in anger and the chase was back on.
At a blistering pace, Knox was soon back behind the SUV, now on the right side of the carriageway. The one passenger door wit
h the window shot out wasn't shut and swung freely as the Range Rover weaved. Then the door hit the side of a passing car, leaving no hope of it ever being shut again as it was completely mangled. What little glass was left after being shot out hit Knox like tiny razors. They nicked at his jacket and bounced off the top of his helmet as he tilted his head so he wouldn’t get hit in his face.
Knox saw a hand holding a machine gun come out of the back window and Knox darted to the other side of the vehicle with the mangled door. The gunman let rip and meaningless bullets shot out in all directions other than at Knox. He pulled level with the broken door and peered inside to see Isabella. Her hands were bound in tape and she had a strip across her mouth. Now, why hadn't he thought of that he wondered.
She stared at Knox with heavy makeup smudged eyes, Howard looked over from the front seat and locked eyes with Knox. Howard said something to the gunman who was half holding Isabella down. The gunman looked to Knox as he trained the machine gun on him and fired over the top of Isabella. A shot just clipped somewhere on the framework of the bike as Knox was just too late in braking hard to avoid being hit. Knox felt something hit his arm and it hurt like the mother of all bee stings.
The motorcycle’s handle bars wobbled as if he had hit a pothole or something in the road, sending the bike out of control with tank slap. Knox wrestled the machine, slowing it down as much as possible before it locked up and threw Knox from it. Knox slid to the side of the road as he watched the bike scrape the road surface and a cascade of white-gold sparks followed it.
Knox took a moment as he lay down, looking up at the black starless sky.
“God damn it, Knox!” he shouted at himself, they had Isabella and they got away, he had failed her. Slapping the floor with his hand he took a few deep breaths and got up. Blood was dripping off his fingertips as it ran down his hand from under his jacket sleeve. A leather jacket that was now covered in road rash.
“For fuck sake! I love this jacket,” Knox said as he walked over to the total mess that was his Triumph, he kicked at what was left of the twisted front wheel. No time to mourn, he thought to himself as he heard the many sirens that headed towards him. Locals tentatively started to come out of nearby bars and buildings to see what had happened. Knox needed to get out of there and fast. He walked straight into the biggest group of people. The first few spoke to him but with one deadly look from him they made the sensible choice and wisely ignored him. After that, he kept his head down and slipped away through the crowd as the authorities closed in on the area from all directions.
After a long trek, Knox made his way through the lobby of the Gran Hotel Miramar. He looked over all the people he could see as he checked for signs of anyone who may have been a threat. Now, stood in the elevator, the doors closed and Knox could see himself as he stared back at the mess the night had caused.
“Hard night?” Knox said aloud as he winced a little, stopping him from laughing at the state he was in. Knox reached Dani’s room and the door wasn’t fully shut. Knox drew his weapon, his mind raced…his only thought, Dani!
Knox closed his eyes tight and mentally emptied his mind, visions of Dani being taken, being killed or being tortured flashed vividly before him. Knox knew like this he was no good, so he pressed his gun muzzle into the part of his arm that hurt most. The pain pulled him back and his eyes snapped open when the thoughts had been expelled. The soldier in him firmly engaged.
Knox’s blood covered hand slowly pushed the door to the penthouse suite open, the TV was on which provided the only light in the room.
Knox stepped in, his heart raced, emotions built up. He scanned the room, taking note that there were no signs of a struggle. And then the biggest weight lifted from Knox, he let out a breath he had unknowingly held in.
His Dani.
His eyes widened at the sight of the back of her head, which was off to one side on a high-backed chair. Knox walked over to her, each foot now felt like lead weights were strapped to them. His heart dropped with each step as he drew closer. He stretched out his right hand after putting his gun into his blood stained one. Knox placed his hand on where her neck met the shoulder, he closed his eyes. The feel of her skin still warm.
Thank God, he said to himself…
She was alive…
Chapter Fifteen
Stitched
Dani stirred but didn’t wake from her sleep. She simply fidgeted and then nestled her cheek onto Knox’s hand.
Knox froze as he watched her shallow breaths fill her lungs and her chest move up and down with the smallest of movements. Her face was angelic in a peaceful deep sleep. Relief washed over Knox, to a point it almost overwhelmed him. The realisation of how much she meant to him, hit him like a boot to the chest. Coming off his bike had been nothing compared to this blow. He wanted to stroke the side of her face, he lifted his crimson hand about to do so, then remembered the gun and his blood covered skin.
It pained Knox to do it but he slowly pulled his hand out from under Dani’s cheek. If anyone was watching him they wouldn't have thought he was moving at all. He pulled a face as though he was trying not to wake a baby that had been up all night.
Knox found himself sat on the balcony of the penthouse, trying to rein in his thoughts and heightened emotions. He wanted to find out how Isabella had left under Dani’s watch. That’s if she even knew Isabella was gone, Knox would have it out with her in the morning. It wouldn’t make any difference now or later as Knox couldn’t bring himself to wake her when she slept so peacefully. Knox had other things to think over in his head, like how he felt when he walked into the penthouse before and after he saw Dani.
Knox sent a large plume of smoke into the air, Christ it felt good. Knox had a love hate relationship with smoking. He loved the act, enjoyed the little hit of nicotine, the ritual of it all. How he could take a moment to stop and think. How it felt with the first cup of coffee in the morning or the taste of it with a drink in the hot sun. What Knox hated was the health risks, the looks none smokers gave him or worse yet ex-smokers. Ex-smokers pissed him right off, smug and condescending.
In truth, he was jealous of their achievement. The real sad truth to it all was men like Knox had a different outlook on life. Former SAS servicemen had an average life expectancy lower than civilians, and with years of being in extreme and dangerous situations where the chances of not coming home were very high, you start to live for the here and now.
“You know smoking will kill you,” Dani’s sleepy voice spoke out into the night air. Knox turned to see Dani in unbelievably cute little pyjama shorts and top that had a picture of a kitten on it. You can forget all the silk negligees and baby dolls, how Dani looked was perfect.
“Ay Lass, first I need a good woman to give them up for,” Knox said as he turned back to look out over the view. Knowing full well if he continued to look at Dani dressed like that, he would have struggled to control himself. Dani walked over and put a hand on his arm, about to speak when Knox winced a little. Dani pulled her hand back in horror at feeling the sticky wetness on her fingertips. She held her hand to the light and saw Knox’s blood.
“Lucas..!” Dani gasped.
“What has happened to you, are you alright?” Dani asked in a shriek of concern before she moved around to the front of Knox and checked him over.
“Nothing a bit of warm water and a cloth won’t clean up.” Knox smiled at Dani and her concerned look. Dani took the cigarette from Knox’s finger and threw it off the balcony.
“You know we are in Spain and you could set fire to something, Lass.” Knox joked as Dani took hold of his hand and looked at it covered in dry blood.
“We are in the city Lucas, not the campo, now get your ass up and into the bathroom,” Dani said with a tone that said she wasn’t impressed.
“Have you come off that bloody, dangerous boy toy of yours?” Dani spoke to him like she would a child.
“Well, I would be lying if I said ‘no’.�
�� Knox laughed as they walked through the penthouse to the bathroom. Knox picked up a decanter and two glass tumblers.
“Sit!” Dani demanded, their eyes met and Dani couldn’t help but turn a little shy at the sight of his raised eyebrow.
“Please… I mean please sit.” Dani was embarrassed for the first time commanding Knox to do something, it just felt wrong. Knox couldn’t help but smile at Dani’s reaction and said nothing, instead opting to comply and sit on the edge of the bathtub. Dani took the decanter filled with whisky and tumblers out of his hands. She rolled her eyes as if to question was now the right time for a drink? Knox gave her a look and then said.
“Pour me one… please.” Knox gazed into Dani’s eyes as she bent down putting the decanter slowly on the mosaic floor. She poured two drinks, picked one up and Knox reached for it. As Dani looked into Knox’s eyes, she softly shook her head and pulled the glass away. Knox looked at her as if to say, ‘why did you do that’? Dani then put the glass to Knox’s lips for him to drink. Knox took a big drink, followed by a big exhale as it tasted good.
“Do you approve, Mr Scotsman?” Dani asked with a little smile across her lips, but her eyes gave him a bigger smile.