Healing Inc.

by Tarbox, Deneice

  “I take it your leash has been removed,” she stated with venom.

  Her insult did little to stop his slow, purposeful advancement toward her. The anticipation of what he was about to do made him impervious to anything she had to say.

  “I guess I should let you know that since Abby isn’t available, I’m going to have to fuck you again when you’re dead.” He continued his slow progression toward the bed. “Squeezing the life out of another human being seems to have that effect on me.”

  “I just wish I could be around when my husband beats the crap out of you for daring to talk to me in such a fashion. He has a bit of a temper and I’m not responsible for what happens to you after he gets a hold of you.”

  He lifted her shackles to unlock them. “Then I guess it’s too bad he won’t be around to watch you get banged like David did. Perhaps I should send him a video of the whole thing. It’ll make you quite the popular girl on the internet.”

  “Then perhaps people will get just as much of a hard-on watching me shove those chains up your ass and pulling them out of your fucking mouth!” Tyler harshly declared from the threshold of the doorway. His hands were balled into tight fist, making the muscles under his black crew-neck sweater pop out and contort to the fabric. His stride was purposeful as he made his way toward Harry. “Get your fucking hands off my wife and I more than advise you to not talk to her like that.”

  A feeling of euphoria encompassed Evy knowing the man she loved had come to save her. His voice appeased her, even though it carried every ounce of “I’m about to kick some ass” with it. The lethal intent in his deep blue eyes was just as menacing as Harry’s.

  Surprised and annoyed by the intrusion, Harry dropped the keys and spun on Tyler. He charged at him full speed as Tyler stepped to the side, delivering an uppercut to Harry’s ribs as he passed by him. Tyler grasped the opportunity from the shock his initial blow provided to deliver three more blows to Harry’s nose, jaw and chin. He then grabbed him by the back collar of his infamous leather coat and shoved his face into the nearest wall. The act was quick, giving Harry no time to recover or hit back.

  Harry fell to the floor. Before he could think to roll away, Tyler’s knee was on his chest and his hand at this throat pinning the large man to the floor. Blood gushed from his nose and mouth. The two men were about the same size making it easy for Tyler to keep him there.

  “So, you like to prey on innocent women,” Tyler bit out through clenched teeth. Veins protruded from his neck and arms as he worked Harry over. Spittle and sweat dripped from his nose onto Harry’s face. Tyler’s grip intensified around his thick neck.

  “You dare come into my world and threaten what is mine!” Tyler hauled back and punched him square in the left cheek. “You took my wife from me and added to her torment for fourteen fucking years.” He repeated the action. “You put my unborn child in harm’s way!” This time he lifted Harry by his neck and slammed him back to the floor.

  He slowly reached behind his back, pulling the hidden gun he carried out of his pants. Harry started to tremble as the barrel of the pistol came to rest at his left temple. His eyes pleaded with Tyler, the concept of words escaping the frightened man.

  “Give me one reason I should spare your piece of shit life,” he said calmly, his eyes revealing the fury behind them.

  “Tyler no! Please don’t do it,” Evy implored from above him. “I need you. We need you to be with us, not in prison. He’s not worth it, baby.” She placed her hands on her flat stomach. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

  Her voice broke the spell of his rage. Tyler looked up at his bride, his eyes now filled with concern. She looked so innocent and childlike in the pink adolescent smock hanging loosely around her body. He immediately noticed that her large eyes were more prominent against her shrunken face. She had lost weight. At that moment he just wanted to hold her, to protect her.

  Marcus and the FBI agents came in the room, granting Tyler the opportunity to release Harry. He wasted no time rushing to Evy. In one swift move he scooped her up into his arms and sat down on the bed with her in his lap. They held onto each other as the tears from their ordeal fell between them.

  ***

  Meanwhile in Manhattan, NY…

  Abby made her way around the grand ballroom with her parents. The three of them posed for pictures with the many dignitaries, politicians and celebrities in attendance. Eric’s company had done very well last year, giving the already well loved billionaire an increase in status amongst New York’s elite. Many wondered why his son-in-law, Ralph, was not in attendance for the grand event. When asked, Abby would quickly explain that his company was very busy right now rendering him unavailable for most local events.

  Knowing she still could and under the influence of much champagne, she used her beauty to flirt fervently with every available, and some not so available, male in the room. Her low cut red clingy gown made the draw of attention only too easy for the brazen beauty. After an hour of standing witness to her mischief, her father grew weary of her behavior and pulled her to the side.

  It wasn’t long before she found herself in the back of her stretch limo heading to the mansion she currently shared with her husband, Ralph. Her father had once again played right into her hand, sending her home just when she was ready to call it a night. She was proud of the scene she had made which served as a ploy to solidify her alibi even more.

  A smile crossed her face as the realization of her accomplishments hit her. All the evil deeds should be complete by now. The ransom money Harry had demanded should be in a secure place. She was still the only heir to her father’s fortune. Best of all, she had hoodwinked the great Moriatti family. Comprehension of that alone made her feel giddy.

  Unable to wait another moment, she pulled out a disposable phone to contact Harry. She allowed it to ring several times before giving up on the call. He must be taking his time screwing that wench she thought to herself.

  Squelching the jealousy that tried to consume her joy, she rejuvenated her high with the thought of Evy being or soon to be gone from her world forever. Unlike Katrina who was worth shedding a tear for, she had not one iota of love for her half-sister. In her twisted mind Evy had caused her to lose Katrina, the only true friend she ever had and had ruined her plans of stability by brainwashing Cecile into hating her.

  Just as the limo was about to reach the long drive that lead to her colossal home she tried Harry again. A strange sensation tore at her gut as it dawned on her that something might have gone wrong. The foreboding only intensified once she realized that the driver of the limousine she occupied had passed her driveway. Gathering her courage, she moved to the lighted console and pushed the down button to the window separating her from the driver.

  “Where are you going?” she demanded. She succeeded in concealing her fear behind her normal powerhouse voice. “What are you deaf? I said where are you going?” she repeated when her first inquiry was ignored. Their silence made her words grow more forceful. “I don’t know who you think you’re fucking with but I suggest you turn this limo around immediately. The limousine came to an abrupt halt. “Smart move!”

  Her confidence started to grow again until she heard the front passenger side door open proceeded by a harsh slam. At that moment, she wished she was carrying the pea shooter Harry had gifted her a few years ago. The crunch of heavy footsteps in the compressed snow set her heart thudding against her chest wall. A quick scream escaped her when her right door was yanked open and a large gloved hand reached in, swiftly pulling her out by her arm.

  Before the idea to fight could occur to her, she found herself thrown to the cold wet ground where the large man proceeded to hogtie and gag her. He then lifted her as effortlessly as most would a bag of bread and shoved her back into the limo.

  She lay on the floor looking up at him, catching a glimpse of the typical limo driver’s uniform, hat and sunglasses included. Abby’s eyes widened as she observed him lift his index finger a
nd slowly wave it side to side. Stepping back, he closed the door casting her into growing darkness as the lights of the limo receded. The light from him opening the passenger door highlighted the driver who was staring at her through the open patrician window. Abby only caught a fleeting glimpse of the dark glasses wearing woman before the window went back up, but she could tell that she was an exotic beauty. That did little to stifle the all-out panic that consumed her as she rode off in the darkness to god knows where.

  Epilogue

  The weather was rather warm for October in Oklahoma City. Evy, Tyler and baby Fredrick were enthusiastically preparing for their annual trip of the hotels. They were happier than they had ever been in their entire lives. So much had taken place within the last nine months.

  Frederick Marcus Moriatti had been born a couple of weeks early last August, weighing almost nine pounds and bringing a welcomed lack of sleep into the couple’s life. Evy started to suspect that Tyler was waking him up on purpose just to spend more time with the little guy. He was almost a replica of his older sister, sporting the same royal blue eyes and nose from their father. But, his coloring was barely a shade darker than olive. Nita joked that Tyler had impregnated some Italian bimbo and slipped Fred in while Evy was under the influence of painkillers. Tyler urged her to be careful with those accusations since she was due to have her own bundle of joy within the next three months. Her brothers, who were present at the time, nodded their heads in agreement.

  Just about everyone they knew had come to visit after the birth of their son, to include the proud Fred and Margaret Wilson. Evy was more than willing to acknowledge them as baby Fred’s grandparents. She also willingly agreed to name her baby boy after the great Fredrick Wilson, who had helped make her husband the man she loved so much, and the detective that had helped save her life. Cecile was home when they showed up, giving her more time with the Wilsons as well.

  Tyler regretted ever doubting the paternity of his lovely daughter. Evy had laughed when he shared Abby’s indiscretion with her and the possibility that Cecile wasn’t his. “If she’s not yours, God’s sense of humor must have been in full force that day because she looks and acts just like you,” she had snickered. “I wouldn’t even bother with a paternity test.” He protested at first but after a stubborn Cecile informed them that she was transferring to a college in Chicago after meeting one Marcus Cole, he relinquished all doubt that she was his kid.

  Cecile also got to see her maternal grandparents, Eric and Sienna Rollsworth, again. With Abby as her only indication, the couple turned out to be nothing like Evy expected. Without an ounce of animosity, Evy and Tyler welcomed her estranged father into her home, promising him and his wife they would allow them to be a part of their grandchild’s legacy. She would also grant him the chance to build the father daughter relationship he so desperately wanted. She had no reservation he had loved her mother and she found it in her heart to forgive him for the wrong she initially thought he had done to her.

  After the kidnapping and the birth of Fred, the Moriatti family of New York decided to strengthen family ties with Evy and Tyler. The couple was shocked when Nathan and the rest of the Moriatti clan showed up on their doorstep bearing gifts and a variety of Italian food one Saturday afternoon. Evy was taken aback when she saw Drago and Rie mixed in the crowd. It was later revealed that Drago was Tyler’s older brother. Apparently, Nathan had him follow Tyler to Oklahoma all those years ago when he suspected Abby was up to no good. The couple becoming her martial arts instructors was purely coincidental. They wouldn’t fess up to it but Evy started to suspect that they were riding her harder during workouts now that she knew they were related.

  However, none of them could deny the bond that was growing stronger between the two couples. Tyler and Tony were more than happy to bring Drago on board as a partner at their real estate company. Rie joined up with Evy to tackle the numerous charities that Healing Inc. participated in. In turn, Evy became an instructor for their martial arts school. They loved spending time together with Nita, and Tyler felt okay letting his wife out of his sight knowing that the warrior women were hanging out together.

  One thing continued to tug at Evy’s conscious; where was her sister, Abby? Surprisingly, she had slept peacefully after her ordeal despite the news from the FBI claiming her sister had disappeared before they could apprehend her. She suspected having Tyler by her side had everything to do with her continued serenity. He was more loving toward her, believe it or not, than he had been before. Unlike Abby’s parents, Evy wasn’t worried about her causing any more trouble; the girl would have to be plain stupid to do that after challenging Nathan Moriatti. She felt sorry for her and sincerely hoped she was okay.

  Nine Months Earlier…

  Abby’s eyes struggled to open. The breeze tackling her face and lose hair carried the acrid smell of salt. Darkness surrounded her but the glow of the full moon bouncing off the white surface that stretched as far as the eye could see illuminated everything around her. She couldn’t be on snow because her feet were still warm in her red stilettos.

  Her eyes adjusted, settling on two regal figures standing fifteen feet in front of her. Their legs were slightly parted, their hands clasped in front of them. The pair wore dark glasses, black gloves and long black trench coats that blew in the wind.

  The identical adornment was where their similarities ended. The one to the left was a short black woman sporting all black shirt, skirt and knee high flat suede boots. Her long curly hair blew freely about her head, taking nothing away from her intimidating stance. The figure on the right was a tall muscular male that reminded her very much of her ex-husband. His black attire contrasted with his pale skin and cropped sandy blond hair. As she continued to stare at them she realized they were the drivers from the limo. She tried to rise and walk toward them but the ropes tying her to the chair prevented that.

  A car door slammed behind her, startling her from her inspection of the two figures. The methodical pace of the people approaching grated on her nerves causing her jaw to tighten. One set of footsteps stopped a couple of feet behind her while the other set continued until the great Nathan Moriatti himself stood in front of her.

  “Abby, Abby, Abby! How nice it is to see you again.” The smile he gave her was genuine. “I doubt I need to tell you why we’re here.”

  “I don’t know what the meaning of this is, Nathan. No disrespect but I honestly have no clue.” She cast him the most innocent look she could muster under the circumstances causing Nathan to chuckle.

  “The sad thing about all of this is I would have loved to have someone of your calibre in the family business. I was willing to leave you alone when you decided to kill Katrina Stoneland because hey, that was none of my business. I even turned my other cheek when you tried to take a hit out on Tyler, seeing how you couldn’t find anyone dumb enough to do it. But, this kidnapping business, trying to kill your own sister and smite her unborn child…that I could not ignore.” Abby’s eyes grew wide at the revelation of Evy’s pregnancy. “Yes, she’s pregnant and she is Tyler’s current wife making her superior to you in the eyes of the Moriatti family.”

  “But, I gave birth to Tyler’s child first. Doesn’t that grant me immunity to being snubbed? Doesn’t Tyler have to give permission to have me removed from the family since he is the one that brought me into it?” Her voice became frantic with the knowledge of what was about to happen.

  “Actually, the code says you have to be killed by a family member. Perhaps it’s time for introductions.” In emcee style he waved his arm in the direction of the two still figures beyond him. “But since you believe I need Tyler’s permission to keep you out of my hair for good, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask him.” He directed his attention to the person behind her. Looking over her head he asked, “Would it hurt your heart any if we removed Abby from the family?” Abby heard the sound of his approach before Tyler joined Nathan in front of her.

  “Not at all, dear uncle. Not at all.”
His deep blue eyes shimmered in the moonlight as they made contact with her brown ones. She swore she saw a glimmer in them from the excitement of witnessing his first hit.

  “Tyler, you can’t let them do this to me! I promise I won’t try anything ever again.”

  His eyes softened as he placed a warm hand to her cheek which she snuggled into. “I know you won’t. We brought you out here to make a point.” His words ignited a glimpse of hope that lit her beautiful eyes. “In case you didn’t realize it, you’re in Utah. The Bonneville Salt Flats to be exact. I chose this as your last resting place for two reasons.” The glimmer in her eyes disappeared and was replaced by one of trepidation. With Tyler against her she knew her life was over. “I take comfort in knowing the mother of my first born will probably be preserved forever under all this salt.”