“Have the police found Mark yet?” Sarah asked.
“Not yet.”
“Be careful. Didn’t you say they found guns and sex slaves in his shed?”
“I can take care of myself.” He headed for his granny flat. The door was unlocked. Sarah must have forgotten to lock it after herself. He was halfway across the room when he registered the mess. Couch cushions on the floor, the coffee table on its side and paper everywhere.
“I knew you’d come home eventually.”
The voice made him whirl around, heart pounding. Mark stood in the doorway of the bedroom, clothes grubby, hair a mess and pointing a gun at Kim. Fuck. Kim’s heart lurched and he stepped back.
“Don’t move,” Mark growled.
Kim resisted raising his hands. Think. Be calm. Talk your way out of this. “Mark. Nice to see you.” He dug his phone out of his pocket, fingers shaking as he dialled the police.
“Put it down!” Mark stormed over and ripped the phone out of his hand, disconnecting the call. He threw the phone across the room.
Worth a try.
“You think you’re smart,” Mark snarled. “But I’m smarter. You’ll pay for stealing my woman.”
Now wasn’t the time to antagonise Mark. His gaze was full of fury. “What do you want, Mark?”
“I want my life back and I want Alyse to love me.”
Kim’s hands clenched. The door was only a couple of metres away, but Mark wouldn’t miss if he made a run for it.
“Kim!” Sarah’s call stopped his heart. He whirled around as she strode over the grass towards the granny flat.
“If she sees me, she’s dead.” Mark shifted back into the bedroom. “If you warn her, you’re both dead.”
Kim opened the door, blocking the entry so Mark couldn’t shoot her. “What’s up?”
“Dad rang,” she said. “Wants to know if you’re free for a family brunch tomorrow morning. He says you can bring Alyse.”
Mark growled.
Sarah frowned, glanced behind him. Damn. Kim ran his hand through his hair, moving to block her view. “Sure. What time?” He didn’t dare speak in Vietnamese and tell her to call the police.
“About eight-thirty.”
“All right. I’ll see you then.”
Sarah tilted her head. “Is everything all right?”
“Yeah. I’m just getting a few more things. My clothes had a fight with the washing machine and the washing machine won.” He waved and moved back into his flat, hoping she wouldn’t come any closer.
“OK. Later.”
He let out a breath as she returned to the house.
“How dare you invite her to a family event,” Mark said as Kim closed the door.
“We’re friends,” Kim said.
Mark glared. “We’ll see about that. See if she comes running when she knows you’re in trouble.” He called someone and said, “We’ll be there in ten,” and then gestured to the door. “Here’s what we’re doing. We’re going out the side door and around the back of the flat. If anyone sees us, I’ll shoot them, got it?”
Kim nodded, his heart pounding. The property backed onto bush. Chances were high, Mark had come from there. Did he have a vehicle? At least it would give Kim a chance to get away. They’d have to climb the fence and Mark couldn’t hold the gun on him the whole time.
He wasn’t letting Mark use him as bait to get to Alyse.
No way.
He scanned for something to use as a weapon. He couldn’t overpower Mark, but he was fast.
Nothing.
He hurried through the laundry door and ducked behind the granny flat, the distance between the wall and the fence only a metre. Mark was right behind him, making the space suffocating. “What now?”
“Climb it.”
Kim laughed. “You overestimate my upper body strength.”
“Do it or I’ll shoot you, then I’ll go inside and show your sister what a real man is like.”
Chills spread through Kim, followed by red hot rage. He gritted his teeth. The gun was only centimetres away from him. Without a word, Kim grabbed the top of the fence and hauled himself over. With Mark’s threat playing in his mind, Kim didn’t dare run, but he scanned the bush for a heavy stick. Nothing. Frustration filled him. He’d find another opportunity when they were further away from home. When Sarah couldn’t be hurt.
Mark landed with a thud next to him and shoved the gun into Kim’s back. “That way.”
Not far away, an old white ute was parked at the edge of the bush. Mark gave him the keys. “Get in and drive where I tell you.”
Kim leapt inside but couldn’t get the engine started before Mark joined him. He reached for the seat belt.
“Keep it off,” Mark said, strapping himself in.
No chance of crashing the car and getting away. He followed Mark’s directions along the outskirts of town, rain spitting against the windscreen. Yesterday’s beautiful weather had been an anomaly. He turned towards the ocean. The beach road was quiet and the rain now fell in sheets, making the turns slippery and requiring all of Kim’s attention.
“Turn left.”
Kim frowned as he slowed, looking for a road. A small track, barely distinguishable amongst the bush. “Here?”
“Yeah.”
They were about five kilometres from town, and not many would be out in this kind of weather. The track ended, and the ocean was visible through the trees.
“Get out.”
By Kim’s calculations they had to be around the point from town where large granite boulders met the ocean. No one came this way because there were more accessible swimming and fishing spots along the coast. Kim pushed open his door, the rain soaking him. Could he wait until Mark got out and then jump back in and drive away? No. Mark would have an easy shot.
Kim pocketed the keys and pushed his hair back, wiping the rain off his face. Maybe he could run for it. There were enough trees to give him some cover.
Mark picked up something from the tray of the ute and tossed it at Kim. Kim caught the heavy metal chains.
“Put them on,” Mark said.
What the—? Leg shackles—similar to the type prisoners wore. Had Mark used them on the kidnapped women? If Kim put them on, running wouldn’t be an option. He’d be more at Mark’s mercy than he already was. His gaze caught on Mark’s moon boot. Of course. With a broken foot, Mark wouldn’t be able to chase Kim if he ran. No wonder he had the chains.
“Hurry up.”
What options did he have? Run and risk being shot, or hope he could outsmart Mark later.
Even if Kim got away, Mark could still call Alyse, and lure her here before Kim found a phone to call her.
“Now.” Mark pushed the gun hard into Kim’s chest. He wasn’t playing around.
Slowly Kim squatted and attached the first cuff. His best chance was getting back into the car, but Mark stood between him and it.
He was screwed. Kim clipped the second cuff and stood. The cuffs rattled and the short chain made it difficult to walk.
“That way.” Mark gestured to the ocean, the waves noisy as they crashed against the rocks. Kim inhaled the salty air, and stepped through the low bush, hoping an idea would come to him. By the time he reached the granite rocks, he had nothing.
“Up you go.”
The rain washed down the dark grey surface making it slippery. Maybe if he pushed Mark, he’d hit his head. His first step rejected the idea as he slipped and fell heavily onto his hands. Mark’s laugh bellowed behind him.
Kim climbed to his feet, wiping his stinging palms on his wet jeans. At the peak of the rock he had a clear view of the ocean. Someone stood at the tiller of a boat anchored not far offshore and between the boulders was a channel leading onto a small beach. Damn.
“Keep going.” Mark shoved him in the back and Kim caught himself before he sprawled down the rock.
What was Mark’s plan? The boat would have to gun it to get through the narrow channel without getting pushed again
st the rocks. Kim scanned the ocean to see if the waves were coming in sets.
“Down there.” Mark gestured to the beach and then waved to the boat.
As Kim reached the sand, the boat sped through the small gap, surfing the wave. It slowed and gently brushed against the beach. They’d done this before. The skipper jumped off the boat and Kim recognised Mark’s nephew, Don. His eyes were full of fear and fury.
Mark grabbed him. “Remember, you tell anyone about this and I’ll kill your little brother, got it?”
Don nodded. He walked past Kim, shoulder checking him and murmured, “Flare gun.” He climbed the rock not looking back.
Kim blinked. Was Don helping him?
“Get in,” Mark said.
Kim’s boots squelched as he climbed awkwardly into the boat searching for the gun. The orange safety device was on the dashboard. Before he could reach it, Mark shoved the boat back, and the movement caused Kim to trip on his chains and sprawl onto the wet carpet. He struggled to stand and by the time he did, Mark was at the wheel.
Mark shifted the boat into reverse and backed the boat out of the channel. Yeah, this wasn’t the first time he’d used this spot. Kim eyed the flare gun and then the gun Mark still held in his hand. He’d have to time it perfectly.
Mark pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialled. “I’ve missed you, Alyse.” The pure malice on his face made Kim sick. “I can change your mind,” he said. “I’ll trade your Asian whore for you. Take my dinghy and meet me off Old Man’s Blowhole.”
Kim’s heart froze. No. Over his dead body. “You’re crazy. She won’t get on a boat in this weather.”
“Fear is a great motivator.” Mark grinned.
No. He wouldn’t let her. “Tell Bosch, Alyse,” he yelled.
Mark pistol-whipped him and Kim slumped against the wet, smelly marine carpet, his head spinning. Darkness claimed him.
Chapter 20
“We’re finished now, Alyse.” Bosch stood at the entrance of the shed.
Alyse placed the paintbrush on the can and joined Bosch at the door. “Already?” Kim wasn’t back yet.
Bosch smiled. “We have everything we can use. It will keep the lab busy for the next few weeks.”
Alyse shivered and hugged herself as the wind blew around her. The clouds were low and dark, and the trees shook back and forth. Over by Mark’s shed, the technicians were packing up. “So what now?”
“Now we keep looking for Mark. Have you thought further about going into a refuge?”
Maybe she was crazy not to. “I’ll call them.” Mark was dangerous, but if he couldn’t get to her, he might target Kim. Better if she was the bait.
“Great. Is Kim back yet?”
“No. He shouldn’t be long.” He’d been gone forty minutes already, but he was probably catching up with his family.
“I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”
She wasn’t keen on the idea either. “I’ll call Kim and if he’s going to be much longer, I’ll go over to Jeremy’s.” Zamira had said to drop around any time. She dialled Kim’s number, but he didn’t answer. She frowned. Perhaps he hadn’t heard it. Unease crept into her stomach as she called Zamira and explained the situation.
“Sure, come around. I’ll put the kettle on.”
Alyse hung up. “I’m going next door,” she told Bosch.
The police vehicles were packed and Khan waited for Bosch in the car. Alyse shook her hand. “Thank you for your help.”
“Thank you for yours,” Bosch said.
Alyse climbed into her van. This was it. When she returned, she’d have to be alert, constantly on the lookout for Mark. Nausea swelled in her stomach. She was an idiot. Her life would be constant paranoia, constant tension. Going to a refuge, even for a week while the police actively searched for Mark, would be sensible and Kim could go away as well. She’d call the refuge when she arrived at Jeremy’s.
As she reached the road, she waved to the detectives in front of her and they drove away.
She was about to pull out after them when her phone rang. “Hello?”
“I’ve missed you, Alyse.”
Mark. She tightened her grip on the phone and glanced around. Was he watching her? Had he seen the police leave? She forced herself to speak. “I haven’t missed you.”
Mark’s next words shot her heart into her throat. He had Kim. Fear trampled her, and she gritted her teeth, focusing on what he was saying. He wanted her not Kim. All she had to do was board a tiny boat in terrible weather and motor offshore near the blowholes. Bile rose in her throat. The dinghy still sat in the open doorway of the man cave and she did a U-turn and drove towards it. The wind buffeted the car and she bit back the urge to scream. “Prove you have Kim.”
In the background, Kim yelled, “Tell Bosch, Alyse.”
Shit. Kim was there.
“If I see the police, I’ll shoot him,” Mark growled. “You have twenty minutes, then I use Kim for target practice.” He hung up.
Alyse squeezed her eyes shut, clutching her stomach to stop from vomiting. This was her punishment. He’d taken Kim and made it virtually impossible for her to save him. Even as panic threatened to take control, she checked the time and then backed the van to the dinghy and connected it. One step at a time.
She couldn’t lose Kim. Not now. Not ever.
Though she doubted Mark would stick to his word about doing a trade, she had to try. She scanned the boat. It had been so long since she’d prepared a boat for a day out. What did she need to check? Fuel first. She tried lifting the fuel tank, but it was too heavy. The cover was back over the engine, so she assumed Mark had fixed the issue. The drain bung was in and then her gaze caught on the life jackets sitting on the bench next to the EPIRB beacon and flare gun Mark’s father had bought. Alyse’s heart jumped and she threw them into the boat. Perfect.
She leapt back into the car and tore out of her property. The rain, which had been threatening all day, suddenly unleashed, blurring the windscreen. She’d already wasted precious minutes preparing the boat. As she sped past Jeremy’s place, she hoped Zamira would realise something was wrong when she didn’t turn up. Seconds later her phone rang.
“Where are you going?” Zamira asked.
“Mark’s taken Kim.”
“What?”
Alyse took a breath to calm herself. “He’ll trade me for Kim. We’re meeting somewhere off Old Man’s Blowhole.” Though she doubted she’d still be alive when Mark made it to shore, the police would catch him. “Don’t let the police come after me,” she said. “Mark will shoot Kim if he sees them. Have them monitor from the shore.” Even if they commandeered a boat in time, she had a head start. “I have an EPIRB in the dinghy. I’ll turn it on when I see Mark’s boat so the police have my position.”
“Alyse, you can’t do this. It’s too dangerous.”
“If I’m not there in twenty minutes, Mark will shoot him.” Her heart squeezed. “Please, Zamira. I can’t let Kim die.”
Zamira groaned. “I’ll call them now. Be careful.” She hung up.
Alyse yelled, the pain and frustration ripping out of her like a wounded animal. She’d finally found friends, people she trusted and Mark wanted to rip them from her. Enough was enough. She wouldn’t let Mark beat her. He’d taken too much already.
She and Kim would be alone on the ocean with him. Mark had a gun, and he had a boat—either stolen or his father’s—but it would be better than hers. Even if she got Kim on the dinghy, Mark could run them down, or shoot Kim from a distance.
The gun was her first hurdle. Perhaps the rain would render it useless. Disarming Mark would be impossible, and she might not have the opportunity to shoot the flare gun. What kind of speed and accuracy did it have?
She pulled up at the boat ramp and her heart froze. The ocean was choppy, dark, menacing. The waves weren’t as big as they were last week, but it wasn’t the smooth glassy surface of yesterday. Nausea rose, and she swallowed hard.
S
he forced her hand to move, to put the van in reverse and back down the ramp, not bothering to take off the rear lights. Mark wouldn’t be using it again if she had anything to do with it. Rain drenched her as she got out and the wind blew through her. Quickly she loosened the cable and pushed the boat off.
She clenched her hands as the dinghy bobbed in the waves. Time to get in and go. She waded knee deep into the water. Where was the life jacket? She grabbed it from the bottom of the boat, and put it on. It gave her a measure of comfort.
She checked the time. More than ten minutes since she’d left her property. She visualised Kim’s deep brown eyes, his patient gaze and the tension in her body lessened. She could do this. She would do this.
Waiting for a break in the waves, she leapt onto the dinghy and started the motor. It purred to life. Relief filled her. She accelerated, one hand rested on the tiller while the other gripped the metal side.
Kim. Keep thinking about Kim, about his rescue, not about the depth of the dark ocean, or the soaking waves, the salt stinging her eyes. The pressure in her chest made it difficult to breathe. She sucked in short sharp breaths. Focus on something else. Old Man’s Blowhole was still a fair distance away and speed wasn’t an option in this weather, in this boat.
After she motored past the break, she turned east, keeping as close as possible to the shore. If anything happened, she could swim to the beach.
No, she had to rescue Kim.
She scanned the empty ocean for another boat. They must already be around the point.
Was Kim still alive?
The EPIRB caught her attention. She uncoiled the rope and tied one end to the fuel tank.
Her phone vibrated in her jeans and she slowed while she tried to dig it out of her pocket.
“Hello?” She rested the phone between her ear and her shoulder.
“You’re late.”
“I’m almost there,” she pleaded. “I’m coming around the point now.” Or would be shortly.
“I knew you were faking it. You didn’t want to go fishing with me.” She wanted to vomit at his flat tone. This was furious Mark, unpredictable Mark.
She prayed for Kim’s life, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m terrified,” she sobbed. “You gave me no choice.”
Harbour Page 21