Sonny checked his watch for the second time in as many minutes as he paced the length of the room. If everything had gone according to plan, Chuck should have been here by now, so what was keeping them?
He’d issued explicit instructions to Chuck this afternoon, repeating the details like one would with a child, reinforcing the plan and leaving no room for error.
It was simple.
All he had to do was park by the curb and wait for Kathy to draw level then drag her into the van. Nothing difficult about that. Chuck was wiry but strong, and she was only small.
So where could that fool be?
As the sky darkened, Sonny ceased his pacing. It was getting later and later and still no sign of them. He’d watched the candles burn down for hours and realized now his well laid out plans had without doubt gone askew.
The possibilities were endless. Perhaps Kathy changed her mind and didn’t go for a run today after all, or maybe there were too many people around and the opportunity didn’t present itself. Maybe Chuck couldn’t steal a van or was too wasted to carry out the plan, but the scenario Sonny dreaded most, was that the police had picked Chuck up.
He’d sing like a bird. The ramifications didn’t bear thinking about. What to do, what to do.
It was crucial that he speak with Socrates. He needed his clear-headed advice.
Socrates would know what to do. Socrates always knew what to do.
Sonny blew out the candle stumps and flicked the switch, flooding the room with stark bright light. Socrates always came through in a crisis, and this was shaping up to be one hell of a crisis. Involving a third person was always risky, but Socrates had been adamant it was necessary.
It was with growing trepidation that Sonny found himself in front of the monitor composing a carefully worded cryptogram. Socrates had reiterated time and time again the necessity to be circumspect. Everything on the computer was traceable. They had to be careful with their correspondence and not let their guard down. Their first slip up could well be their undoing.
Socrates,
Pigeon has not arrived.
Unsure how flight went. Advice sought.
Sonny.
The waiting was interminable. Sonny strummed his fingers on the desktop as the minutes ticked by. Socrates would be infuriated at this perceived incompetence. In one of his rages, he’d been known to sulk for days. Not returning messages, just leaving him hanging for a response.
He prayed that wouldn’t be the case now.
He didn’t have the stamina or the inclination to deal with Socrates in a mood. The outcome was too crucial, and Kathy was far too important to him.
Ambling to the refrigerator, he grabbed a cold beer to calm his nerves. There was a storm brewing on the horizon, and he drew the blinds for something to do. Waiting was something he didn’t do well, he was okay up to a point but then his nerves frayed, and he became twitchy and his thoughts incoherent. His attention was diverted by the e-mail signal.
Sonny,
Check flight path.
No second chances, no loose ends.
Socrates
If Chuck had fucked up, he was ancient history, a walking corpse. Socrates was meticulous; his penchant for perfection would never allow anyone a second chance or a loose end to stay unresolved.
Sonny had planned all along, once he’d fulfilled his purpose, to eliminate Chuck, but now that Socrates had officially sanctioned it, he felt better. He collected his jacket and keys from the bedroom, flicked off the lights, and slamming the back door behind him, headed for the garage where he retrieved a nylon cord, just in case the opportunity presented itself.
The rain had started to fall in earnest as he drove across the Silver Strand, his temper seething. Not only would he have to get rid of Chuck if he’d botched the job, but he would have to formulate a new plan.
Pulling up beside the dumpster where he’d parked before, he locked the vehicle and shrugged into his leather jacket. The rain was only a minor inconvenience as with grim determination he made his way through the familiar streets. He could feel his heart quicken at the possible confrontation. Chuckie would be no match for him, and of course, he wouldn’t be expecting it.
Sonny climbed the rickety stairs to the fifth floor; eerie shadows flickered and danced unceremoniously in the darkened foyer outside Chuck’s door. There was no electric light to illuminate the cramped space. The single cord hung listlessly from the ceiling, its socket empty. The bulb had long since been smashed to smithereens by a disgruntled tenant.
His nose wrinkled with distaste at the dank smell of poverty that lingered in the air. Muffled music filtered through the crevice under the door from the adjacent apartment as Sonny fisted his hand and grazed the door with his knuckles. The urge to pound on it, smash it in, pulverize it as if it was Chuck’s face was almost overpowering, but he restrained himself. Chuckie would be getting his just desserts all too soon.
In the space of two heartbeats, the door cracked open an inch. The safety chain still in place provided little protection and would offer no resistance if he chose to break in. It was flimsy, and the screw securing it was loose, he’d noticed it on his last visit. Chuck was sloppy, incompetent, and dead. Or, as good as.
“Open up,” Sonny ordered the bedraggled figure peering timidly through the narrow gap. Chuck’s facial tic foretold his nervousness as he fumbled to release the chain.
Chuck launched into his tirade the moment the door swung open. “I can explain everything,” he said. “It wasn’t my fault. I had her in my arms when some crazy woman in an SUV started honking her horn and screaming. The bitch kneed me in the nuts and gouged my arm.” He thrust out his wounded forearm in an attempt to strengthen his argument.
Sonny gave Chuck’s arm insignificantly more interest than he gave his diatribe, which was zip. He had his answer and needed explanations now like he needed a hole in the head.
“But before I could stop her, she’d wrenched open the SUV’s door and they sped away.”
He allowed Chuck to prattle on. It kept the junkie occupied while he focused on the problem at hand, how best to get rid of him. What to do, what to do?
Sonny fingered the nylon cord in his pocket as he followed Chuck into the living room. The place was a sty. A week’s worth of empty fast food cartons and crushed soda cans lay scattered on the floor. Yesterday’s newspaper was discarded on the coffee table next to an over flowing ashtray, and almost lost in the litter was a small plastic bag of white powder and a straw in readiness for Chuck’s next hit. Sonny’s mouth pulled up at the corners as an idea started to germinate. His fingers released the cord, seems he wouldn’t need it after all.
“Don’t sweat it, shit happens. I knew there’d be a logical explanation. We’ll try again later.”
Visible relief washed over Chuck as his panic ebbed away. Sonny mustered concern, “You’re soaking, go shower and warm up, then we can make another plan.” His sly suggestion sounded plausible even to his own ears.
“Okay, I won’t be long.” Chuck crossed to the bathroom wearing an unsuspecting grin.
Sonny waited for the sound of running water before heading into the kitchen to see what he could find. He moved stealthily and methodically, opening cupboards and checking the contents. He spared a glance in the pantry but could see nothing useful. Under the sink, he hit pay dirt, a packet of rat poison and an unopened bottle of drain cleaner.
All he had to do was mix them with the coke for a lethal cocktail, and fate would take care of the rest. Hell, he didn’t even have to be here when Chuck snorted it.
Sonny opened the clip lock bag, tipped half the contents down the sink, and replaced it with his own special concoction. He gave it a good shake to evenly blend the three powders then replaced the plastic bag on the table where he’d found it. The drain cleaner and rat poison containers, he stuffed into his pockets. It had to look like an overdose, and no point leaving any clues for the cops.
With that taken care of, his eyes searched
the apartment for any evidence that would connect him to Chuck. On top of the television, he spied Kathy’s photo and underneath it was the yellow sticky note that he’d written his address on. He shoved that into his pocket and wiping the photo clean replaced it for the police to find. They would draw the obvious conclusion and blame everything on Chuck, leaving him in the clear.
Sonny walked down the hall and rapped on the bathroom door. “Gotta split man, something’s come up. I’ll call tomorrow and arrange a meeting,” he yelled through the ply.
Chuck’s reply was drowned out by the sound of running water and the closed door. He didn’t give a shit what the guy had to say so he headed for the exit.
Sonny opened the door a crack and, with a cautious eye, peered into the dim foyer to ensure no curious busybodies loitered around. Satisfied the coast was clear, he made good his escape.
As his feet pounded the pavement the lighter his step became, and the closer he got to the car, it felt as if a great weight was being lifted from his shoulders.
Socrates always said, never send a boy to do a man’s job and Chuckie boy had never grown up, for that he would pay the ultimate price. Socrates would be pleased that the state of affairs had been so easily resolved, but from now on, Sonny would handle the situation himself, and then Kathy would learn what a real man was like.
* * * *
Kathy was subdued on the journey home. When Ice suggested he get takeout, she balked at the idea. It dawned on him then that she was nervous of being left alone in the car, so instead they bought some fast food from a drive through not far from home.
At their apartment block, he took Kathy’s keys and unlocked her door. Although highly unlikely the kidnapper would be there, he wasn’t taking any chances and took a precautionary look around before allowing her inside.
“All clear,” he announced satisfied. “Come on in and eat while it’s still hot.”
Kathy sat beside him on the sofa and picked at her fries, the burger she left untouched. “Not hungry, babe?”
She shook her head and pushed the food away. “I just want to wash, go to bed, and forget.”
He tilted her chin and examined her face, fighting back the anger that threatened to break the surface. He wanted to console her, take her to bed, and have hot steamy sex, but she was fragile. He brushed his fingertips across her cheek. “How about I run you a nice hot bath and when you’re done I’ll put some antiseptic cream on that cut.”
* * * *
It wasn’t late when he pulled the covers over them both. Her hair was damp, her skin smelled of floral body wash, and he devoured her scent. He wanted her bad, but he pushed those feeling aside. Tonight was all about her, what she wanted, and her needs.
“Make me forget please, Shane.”
“Okay, let’s see, what shall we talk about?”
“That’s not what I mean.”
The hand that stroked his cock was unexpected but not timid, and he was lost. He soothed her, caressed her, couldn’t get enough of her, and bought her to orgasm after orgasm. He’d never felt such overwhelming desire to touch and be with a woman, as he did with Kat tonight. It was unnerving; he didn’t want to explore that. He’d examine it later. Tonight was all about Kathy, calming her fears, and making her feel safe.
When she at last fell into an exhausted sleep, he quietly slid out of bed. He wasn’t about to allow this situation to continue and didn’t hold much hope of the police handling it. Sure, the detective was on the ball, but their resources were stretched, and they couldn’t watch Kat all the time. He didn’t want her left alone, not even for a minute. The sooner this was finished the better, he was not about to take any chances with her life.
He toyed with the idea of telephoning Frosty but quashed it. It was after eleven, the kids would be asleep, and Sarah could go into labor at any time. Wolf was the better choice. He picked up the phone and dialed. It was answered on the second ring.
“Buchanan.”
“Are you alone?”
“Affirmative Ice, what’s up?”
He cut straight to the chase. “There’s been an incident with Kat…”
“She’s all right isn’t she?”
His response was quick, and Ice allayed his fears. “Yes, she’s sleeping now, but I’ll fill you in later. I’d appreciate it if you could round up the team and all meet at my apartment tomorrow, oh-nine-hundred.”
“Consider it done.” Wolf severed the connection.
Ice crawled back into bed beside Kathy and draped a protective arm around her. He closed his eyes, knowing that his crew was on the job was a load off his mind.
* * * *
Kathy woke beside Shane, his arm weighing heavily across her waist, his breath fanning her neck, and the even cadence of his breathing confirmed he was still asleep. With great care, she lifted his arm and eased over to the edge of the bed. As she slipped from the covers, the mattress creaked. It was loud in the early morning silence, but he didn’t stir. She smiled down at him with love. He was so protective of her, and she marveled at how, in such a short space of time, he had become a major part of her life.
The smile dissolved into a frown when she noticed the pillow next to his was stained; her mouth must have bled during the night. Her tongue glided over her lip. The feel of the crusty scab brought back the horror of the previous evening. She didn’t want to be reminded, so with a mighty effort, pushed those thoughts away and crossed to the bathroom. Shane had been relentless in his lovemaking last night, not that she was complaining. He was so gentle and considerate, it was wonderful, but she was in desperate need of a shower before school.
Under the spray, she thought about what transpired at the precinct. Shane and the detective suspected Ian, but in her heart of hearts, she couldn’t accept that as a possibility. Ian and she had been friends far too long; shared memories. Liz was probably right about his odd behavior being nothing more than concern. Ian would never do anything to harm her. The only other men she knew were the ones from work and Shane’s friends, and they all seemed normal enough, so that only left a stranger, but why?
“Hey, you beat me out of bed this morning.” Shane slid open the shower door and stepped in beside her. “How do you feel?” He asked, bending to give her a kiss.
“A bit strung out, but once I get to school I’m sure I’ll feel better.” Kathy was quietly confident as she handed him the soap to wash her back.
“School, shouldn’t you have the day off?” He asked, lathering her up and slipping his hand between her thighs.
“Shane we don’t have time for this, I don’t want to be late for school,” she exclaimed as he pressed her against the shower wall and began nuzzling her neck and petting her pussy.
“Babe, we always have time for this,” he whispered, nibbling her earlobe. “Take the day off, spend it with me.” He slipped a hand around her waist, ran it over her belly and down through her curls.
“As tempting an offer as that is, I have responsibilities, the school and the kids need me.”
“Look at me Kat, I need you too.”
Kathy eyed his erection over her shoulder and watched as Shane eased the condom over his penis. She arched her spine and tossed back her head. Her long hair fell in a curtain to the swell of her bottom. Shane gathered it in one fold and dropped it over her shoulder, where it draped her breast, allowing him to plant gentle kisses down her spine.
The steam from the hot spray filled the cubicle, causing condensation to run in rivulets down the glass and her body to heat with desire. Kathy widened her stance and palmed the tiles for support as Shane took her from behind. She thrilled at the way his body worked its magic as he glided in and out of her. It made her feel alive, excited, and loved. He was right. They could always make time for this, and it did make such a great start to the day.
When they’d finished, Shane stepped from the shower, leaving her a bit of extra relaxation time under the soothing water.
* * * *
Ice wanted to make Kath
y a healthy breakfast. She hadn’t eaten much the night before, and he didn’t want her getting sick. With the makings of a cheese omelet started, he began to mull over the best way to protect her. Around the clock was the only solution, but that created its own problems. He was still involved in SEAL training so couldn’t take any leave until the substantive trainer returned to duty; that left the guys. He hoped and prayed they’d be more than willing to take on the job.
His thoughts stalled as Kathy strolled into the kitchen looking refreshed, her long hair hanging in soft waves to her waist. He loved it when she wore it out like that, and the morning sun flickering through the window reflected the highlights like burnished gold.
She caught him admiring her from beneath her lashes and gave him a timid smile. It amazed him that even now, after every intimate thing they had done together, she could still color up under his gaze. But he did find it rather endearing. He moved to the table and pulled out her chair. “Take a seat.”
Kathy crinkled her nose and grimaced.
“I’ve gone to a lot of trouble for this breakfast.” Ice pointed out at her lack of interest.
“I don’t have much of an appetite this morning,” she complained.
“Humor me.”
Kathy sat as he put the plate before her. Her good manners dictated she’d at least make a cursory attempt to eat the fluffy omelet he’d prepared. She raised the fork and half-hearted brought it to her lips. He waited until the first mouthful disappeared then went to get his plate and Kathy’s mug of tea.
Ice took the seat opposite her. “Good, you need to keep your strength up,” he approved as she swallowed another mouthful.
Kathy surprised him by cleaning her plate. “That was delicious. Thanks Shane, you’re a wonderful cook, and you always have my best interests at heart.”
Her words stabbed him, the plans he had of breaking up with her were not stone dead, but he couldn’t address that particular issue when she was this vulnerable.
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