Unbearable Fear

by ML Guida

  His snarling tone seemed to take her back, and an uncertain expression rolled over her face.

  “He won’t hurt her.”

  He had to strain to hear her quiet voice.

  “Skye, obviously this man’s unstable.”

  The hard glint in her meant he just made a stupid, stupid mistake.

  “Don’t you think I know that. I know what he’s capable of. What he did to me.” Her angry voice shattered as if an explosion had gone off. Tears glistened in her determined eyes. She covered her mouth. “I won’t let him do the same thing to Sandra.”

  Walfea’s anger died. He gave more weight to her statement. He’d assumed that Hector had only stalked her, but her anguish face–the tears, the paleness, the tightness–told another story.

  He edged closer. “What he did to you?”

  She threw up her trembling hands. “No, don’t. Please, don’t.” Her voice stopped him, and he scooted back to the end of the couch,

  He put his hands up in the air. “I won’t touch you. I’ll stay over here.”

  “Good.” She pulled her knees up and locked her arms around them, then rocked back and forth. “I can’t…I can’t…talk about it.”

  “Shades, what did the bastard do to you?” He was at a loss on what to do.

  She lay one side of her face on her knee, her hair shrouding like a protective veil. “Sandra’s a gentle soul. I won’t let her suffer like I did.”

  Fear radiated out of her like an exploding star. He edged a little closer, wanting to kiss her, wanting to wipe away her haunted memories, wanting to claim her. “But it’s okay for you to go through it again?”

  “No, I don’t want to go through it again.”

  “Then don’t.”

  She jerked her head up. “Do you think I have a choice?” Her voice shook with rage.

  He met her hostile gaze. “Yes, I do.”

  “He’ll kill her if he smells the police.”

  “I’m not a cop.”

  She gestured toward the telicator. “You’re security. That’s the same thing.”

  “That’s a communication device. Not a weapon.”

  Some of the hostility in her eyes faded, and she dropped her arm.

  “I guarantee you I have superior training to your law enforcement. They do not possess the same weapons as I do. Neither does Hector.”

  She wiped the wetness off her cheeks. “What exactly do you plan to do?”

  “I’ll be at the restaurant before he is.”

  “So. And?”

  He grinned. “I have a memorizer.”

  More than a hint of sarcasm crept into the thin smile that curved her lips. “Okay, humor me. What’s a memorizer?”

  “A device that will make him forget why he has Sandra, and then I can easily escort her away from him.”

  Her eyes brightened. “You can do that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does he permanently lose all his memory?”

  He wanted to give her the answer she desperately needed, but he couldn’t. “No.”

  The eagerness in her eyes and her brilliant smile faded away. Her shoulders slumped. “So, how long will he lose his memory?”

  “At least twelve of your Earth hours. Long enough to get Sandra away from him.”

  “But he will still remember me?” Her voice trailed away.

  “I won’t let him harm you.”

  She looked at him straight in the eye. “I want to see this weapon.”

  “Fine.” He stuck his thumb out. “Do you want me to bring it here or do you want to go see it?”

  She grabbed her crutches. “Let’s go.”

  He cast his gaze over her. “You’re pretty wobbly.”

  “I don’t care.” Her voice slurred. “I want to see this thing.”

  Shades, he’d never met a woman so stubborn. “Come on.” He led her out of the main house to the caretaker’s house. He stayed by her side in case she fell and really hurt herself, but the path was well lit and easy to maneuver.

  He opened the sliding patio door to the living room. She hobbled inside.

  “You’re getting pretty good at using the crutches.”

  “The cool air’s sobering me up. So, where’s this gun?”

  He walked over to a large mirror and tapped three corners. “I told you it’s not a gun. It’s a mesmerizer.” The mirror slid across the room to reveal his collection of weapons.

  “Oh, my God.” She put her hand over her mouth. “What are those?”

  Next to the memorizer was a canister of ragon gas that he could grab and spray into her face, knocking her out until he took care of the situation. But if Hector didn’t see Skye at the restaurant, based on what she said, there was no telling what he’d do to Sandra.

  And she would never forgive him.

  “I told you. I was on the Intrepid security team.” He grabbed a memorizer than closed the mirror.

  “They’re so small–the size of my palm.”

  He stuffed the memorizer into his belt buckle. “That’s the problem with humans. You humans all think bigger is better, but we’ve found smaller is superior. Less cumbersome.”

  She tilted her head, staring curiously at the weapon in his belt. “Are they more powerful than other weapons in outer space?”

  He thought of Sutois and grimaced. “No.”

  She tore her gaze away from the weapon. “Is that what happened…”

  “On Sutois?”

  His memory flashed back to running through the forest.

  The Gogs closing in on him.

  Something cold hitting him in the back.

  Not able to move. Hot sweat. Breath quickened. Darkness. Terror.

  Someone clasped his hand. “Walfea?”

  The horror faded.

  Skye had hobbled over to him and was looking at him as if she were afraid he’d had a stroke.

  “Sorry. Sometimes…”

  She squeezed his hand. “The horror takes over?”

  He nodded, the memory scratching at his mind.

  “Take your time.”

  She got it. They both had nightmares they wanted to forget.

  Skye sat on the couch not rushing him.

  His breath and heartbeat slowed. He stopped shaking. He hadn’t even realized he had been trembling like a scared recruit.

  He cleared his throat. “To answer your question…Yes. The Gogs, the creatures, we fought, their weapons…unfortunately, were far superior to ours.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her voice wasn’t the normal appropriate response––sincerity echoed in those words.

  He closed his eyes… Dech being dragged away…. He ran his hand through his hair. “I couldn’t save my brother…but I can save you.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I need you to stay here where it’s safe.”

  She narrowed eyes, crushing the trust between them. “I thought we just covered this.”

  “We haven’t even begun to cover this.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, based on what you said about the memorizer, I should be safe.” She lifted a slender brow. “Or was that lie?”

  The muscles in Walfea’s jaw clenched hard. He knew the taunt was deliberate, and he glared at her fearlessness. “I said Sandra would be safe. I never said anything about you.”

  “You don’t know Hector. If I’m not in the restaurant, then your little plan will go awry.”

  He clutched her stiff hand, caressing it with his thumb. “I don’t want anything happen to you.”

  The tension released, and she took a deep breath. “Nothing will happen.”

  Who was she kidding? Hector was determined, and a determined man can be extremely dangerous. “What makes you think this?”

  She molded her palm against his cheek. “Because you’ll be there.”

  Walfea’s eyes widened. He’d expected her to say that she could take herself or that she’d have a weapon or some other lame excuse, but putting her trust in him hadn’t been one o
f them. Walfea didn’t answer her. Instead, he reached over and took her face between his hands, kissing her full and hard on the lips.

  She pulled away and pushed on his chest. “Kissing won’t change my mind.”

  He reluctantly released her. “I know. No, my fault. I just didn’t expect you to say that.”

  The corners of her frown lifted slightly and something else flickered in her smoldering eyes. “Neither did I.” Her soft voice was enough to give him hope that she’d want to be with him.

  But it only lasted a moment.

  She scooted to the edge of the couch. “I think we need to get Bagalis early, but not together. If he sees me with you, there’s no telling what he’ll do to Sandra. I can feel it.”

  “Okay, so what do you want to do?”

  “You go into the restaurant first…”

  The back of his hair bristled, and his bear growled dangerously in his chest. His face hardened. “No.”

  She lost the challenging gleam in her eyes. “Fine. I’ll go in first.”

  “Good. At least you’re seeing reason.”

  “I am being reasonable. I’ll go to the back of the restaurant with my back against the wall, then I can watch the front door.”

  “So what? He can’t sneak up behind you. That’s your plan on being safe?” He couldn’t keep the frustration out of his voice.

  She frowned as if the thought of him not thinking she was being logical had occurred to her. “Yes. For such a tall man, Hector’s a master of jumping out of shadows.”

  He clutched her shoulders. “I don’t want you to leave the restaurant for any reason. He won’t make a move in a public place.”

  “So, you’re banking that Hector’s sane?”

  He clenched his jaw tightly, biting off an icy retort. They didn’t have time for an argument. He motioned toward the door.

  She seized her crutches. “You need to drop me off at least a block away from Bagalis.”

  He gritted his teeth but kept smiling. “That’s not what we just agreed upon.”

  “Don’t you get it? He’ll be watching. I know him.” Her voice hit an octave and then hit rock bottom.

  His heart sped up. He thought of the Gogs on how they’d waited, hiding in the jungle, before they attacked. “Where’s your telicator?”

  “In my purse. Why?”

  “Because I’m going to turn on the beacon, meaning not only can I track you, but the Intrepid will be able to locate you. If need be, you can contact the captain.”

  She sighed heavily and kept checking her watch.

  He took out the telicator. “I take it you don’t have an objection with this.”

  “No, not at all.”

  He wasn’t sure he quite believed her. “I need to notify my captain.”

  He turned off the mute button. “Captain Tash, this is Walfea. Can you read me?”

  A loud whining buzzed.

  “Tash, can you read me?”

  The whining turned into a screech then died.

  A troubled look fell across Skye’s face. “That didn’t give me much confidence.”

  Something was wrong. He tried to ignore the panic flaring in his heart. “He’s obviously out of range, but my signal would have been recorded. He’ll contact me later.”

  “Why do you want him to contact you?”

  “If for some reason you and I become separated, and I can’t find you, I want back up.”

  “You mean the captain can beam us up to the Intrepid?”

  “I don’t know what beaming up means?”

  She rolled her eyes as if he hit dumb statement number ninety-nine. “Never mind. You’re expecting the worst to happen?”

  “I always expect the worse. That way I’m always prepared.” Except for Dech. He hadn’t expected betrayal. A mistake he wouldn’t repeat. He put the telicator into his belt. “Whatever you do, don’t lose the telicator.”

  She saluted him. “Aye, aye sir.”

  “This isn’t a laughing matter.”

  “I know.” Her smile slowly faded. “I’m scared shitless. Please don’t let him take me.” Sweat glistened off her forehead. Her low lip quivered. “I can’t…I can’t go through that again.”

  Every protective instinct went into action. He wrapped his arms around her waist, then pulled her close. His frantic heartbeat thumped against hers.

  He kissed the top of her head. “I promise I won’t let him take you.”

  She raised her head. “I’m holding you to that.”

  He hoped he was right. He’d made the same statement to Dech. “I think you should

  let––”

  She cut him off. “No. You’re dropping me off a block away.”

  Against his better judgment, Walfea caved into Skye’s plan. They drove in silence. She wrapped her beautiful hair and stuffed it underneath her baseball cap. If he didn’t know better, he’d thought she was bald.

  But even bald, she’d be beautiful.

  He dropped her off down the street from the restaurant.

  Every instinct told him that this was dumb, dumb, dumb. Hector could be wangling, watching, waiting for an opportunity.

  And Skye was the prize.

  Chapter 10

  Hector sat in a truck that was parked across the street from Bagalis. His friend had loaned it to him, so Skye wouldn’t recognize the SUV. Cars and trucks were lined up in front of the restaurant and parked on the side streets. The restaurant had a steady stream of customers, but no sign of Skye.

  She’d come. He knew she’d come.

  Sandra sniffed.

  He pulled out his hunting knife that he’d hidden underneath his jacket. “I told you one word, one scream––you’re dead.”

  She nodded. One of her hands was handcuffed underneath the seat. Her eyes were still red from crying. He’d tied a scarf around her neck to hide the purple and blue bruises. He didn’t want any questions asked when they entered the restaurant.

  He had a revolver in the glove compartment, but he liked the knife better–more terrifying.

  From around the restaurant, Skye appeared hobbling on a pair of crutches. She wore her Colorado Rockies baseball cap pulled down low to try and cover those beautiful eyes. He could hardly wait to rip that silly hat off and run his fingers through her thick mane.

  “Sandra?”

  She huddled against the car door. “What?”

  He tilted the knife toward Skye as she entered Bagalis. “What happened to Skye?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Don’t lie to me.” He edged the tip of the blade into the side of her thigh.

  Her eyes widened as she stared at the blade. “I…swear…I don’t know…. Please don’t cut…me.” Her voice shook like an earthquake.

  He pulled the blade away. She didn’t know. He didn’t like Skye being hurt.

  Only he could hurt her.

  “Don’t make a sound.” He hid the blade again. “We’re going to into the restaurant. If you’re a good girl, you won’t get hurt. But if you make me mad…”

  “I’ll be good. I promise I’ll do what you say.” She nodded her head up down like a bobble-head.

  “Good.”

  He got out of the car and sauntered over to the passenger door. The tallest, broad-shouldered man he’d ever seen walked toward the restaurant. Their eyes met briefly. A shimmer of chills rushed down Hector’s back. For a moment, Hector thought the man knew his plans.

  The man disappeared into the restaurant.

  The moment passed.

  Hector released a pint of air. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath. He must be nervous. Strange, he was never nervous.

  He grabbed Sandra hard and she yelped.

  A couple of women walked past them on the other side of the street and flashed them a curious look.

  “What did I tell you about being a good girl?”

  “My hand.”

  He scanned around the street, but no one was near them. How could he be so stupid? He car
efully unlocked her handcuff. He hauled her out of her seat, then clutched her arm tight. They walked down the street slowly.

  “That’s a good girl,” he whispered into her ear.

  She didn’t make a sound and stared straight ahead. A car stopped as they crossed the street. He recognized his friend’s new sports car and glanced at Sandra to see if she noticed, but she had gone Stepford.

  Why was his friend here? Everything was going to plan. He knew Skye. She wouldn’t call the cops––not after the last restraining order had failed.

  He opened the glass door to the restaurant and dug his fingers into Sandra’s arm. “Remember what I told you.”

  He inhaled the fragrant smell of basil, sausage, and tomatoes. His stomach growled, but he wasn’t interested in food.

  An older gray-haired woman greeted them at the door. “Good evening. Two for dinner?”

  “We’re meeting someone.”

  The woman motioned with her arm. “Feel free to see if they’re here.”

  “Thank you.” He easily dismissed her.

  Through the crowded room, he spotted Skye sitting at a table in the back of the room next to the red brick fireplace. She had a glass of wine in front of her and watched him like a mouse, wary of a cat. Her pinched face and pale skin could barely contain her fear. It tasted so sweet.

  He escorted Sandra passed the bar. A low growl made him stop. The tall blond man he saw earlier sat at the bar, drinking a beer. Had it been him? Was he playing games?

  Hector gave him his best serial killer stare.

  But the man didn’t flinch.

  His brilliant green eyes were unnerving. The man stood, forcing Hector to back up, losing his grip on Sandra. Hector was a tall man, but this man made him feel like he was the weakling no one wanted on their team.

  “Hello, Hector.” The man looked down at him, blocking out the warm lights.

  His shadow grew into a bear.

  Hector looked furiously around the restaurant for a stuffed or wooden bear.

  But there was none.

  The man flashed him a smile that would make Hannibal Lecter be on guard.

  But Hector wasn’t a yellow-belly coward. He narrowed his eyes, not sure if this was a cop or not. “How do you know my name?”

  “I know all about you.” The man pulled what looked like a silver cellphone out of his belt. “I’m your worst nightmare.”