Damn!
Gently, Wolf laid the woman on the ground before him. He studied her helpless form. Her face was still wet from her tears. Her body was battered, yet not as badly as he had first thought. She seemed to possess a great deal of ingenuity, though her tenacity had succumbed to her heartbreak.
Wolf did not consider himself evil or without certain compassion. He had been led to believe the woman had intentionally sought the demise of the young child. He no longer believed she had. David's story was somewhat different than the scene she described. He had been led to believe the child had been purposely settled into the back of the car without a seatbelt, to set the stage for the accident. He had been told the side had purposely been picked, as it was on the opposite side of the woman.
Of course she would want to see the child easily in the rearview mirror or her peripheral vision, as a mother would; it would have been more difficult if Abby had been situated directly behind her.
David had told him the woman had been completely unscathed during the accident, but the burn mark was real. The last proof of evidence he needed had been held in David's own hand—a fishing lure. The man had held it with his fingers while rubbing his thumb over the shiny item in a caressing way while they had talked. Never once had he admitted the item in question was a gift from the child, her final gift to him.
At the time, Wolf had thought it strange, but he understood now. Of course he would cherish the last item his child ever held. Perhaps his own guilt was driving his rage; the present had been for him. The child had removed the seatbelt to retrieve the object, and now she was dead. Her father must be consumed with hate, but perhaps the real hate was directed towards himself. His wife was the last reminder the child had died, and he couldn't stop blaming himself until she was gone.
But what was he to do with her? He no longer wanted to kill her, the contract be damned. He did not want rumors starting that he killed innocents, which would get messy, change his entire playing field as well as the players. He had never been after the money. He had gone after her on principal, really; this particular assignment had hit a sore spot. He sighed softly, his frown slowly replaced with wily conviction; he answered to no one. Wolf decided his reputation could stand alone.
“David,” the woman whimpered pitifully. She had curled into a tight ball when Wolf had lowered her to the ground before him. Her ankles and wrists crossed protectively as though to ward off more pain.
Wolf stood over her small, helpless form. He ran a hand over his face. She could have killed him, he realized for the second time. She could have ended his life twice. She hadn't. This was no evil assassin. This was a woman agonizing over the death of a child, her child. No matter how it had come to pass she was innocent.
Wolf came to a conclusion.
Casey woke slowly. She sighed and floundered about, trying to get her bearings. A small fire burned brightly, crackling and popping against the black darkness of the starry night, and she stared at it in confusion. She sat up slowly, rubbing at her tired eyes and sand-encrusted limbs. Her eyes focused on a large shape. She became concerned when she saw Wolf sitting across the fire from her. Her head ducked and her hands splayed before her in a pleading gesture.
“Oh, please, no more. I can't anymore,” Casey wept sadly, and she curled back into a tight ball. She had thought never to awaken again. It would seem Wolf would like to play with his prey. Casey had had enough. She felt she was finished.
She lay quietly in her curled position for a short time, waiting for Wolf to do his worst. When he did nothing, she ventured a look at him. Still lying on her side, rounded into a tight ball, she peeked up at him through her arms, frightened. Wolf was watching her carefully with his impassive look.
Casey relaxed her position to sit up. Her head remained bowed; still she knew his eyes never strayed from her. She was grateful he had not bound her. She wept softly, wondering at his intent. She felt so vulnerable and defenseless. She would be powerless to stop an open assault from a man his size. Sadly, she wondered if she would even try. She held her arms tightly pressed to her chest, and she rocked back and forth, whimpering.
“Are you sorry you hurt me?” Wolf asked her suddenly. His voice was low pitched, even; the lilt in his slight accent was not unpleasant, though she could not place its origin.
Casey looked into his expressionless eyes, stilling. She noted with dismay the angry red bump upon his forehead. She knew it must pain him. “Yes,” she whispered honestly. Casey abhorred causing the distress of another. “I was just so frightened of you I didn't think. When you were lying there, unconscious, I wanted to help, but you would have hurt me once you woke. I'm so afraid of you; after all of the confrontations and what you said on the yacht, I just reacted. I ran. I'm sorry, Wolf, I didn't know what else to do.”
She could see Wolf ponder over her words for a moment. He had cornered her three times on two different boats, seeking her fear. She knew what he intended to do with her. Once again she had felt trapped while perched in the tree. Even the most cowardly of creatures will attack when cornered.
Wolf tossed something in her direction. It landed with a small thump near her thigh, disturbing the sand beside her. Surprised, Casey reached a tentative hand for the mango.
“What are you going to do with me?” Casey asked, her eyes on him.
“I haven't decided. But if I were you I would refrain from hitting my head with other paraphernalia or I will be very angry. I will definitely not be as forgiving of a repeat occurrence,” Wolf said sternly.
Casey shuddered at the thought. When he was grinning, he terrified her. His angry, stern look was fearsome. She nodded slowly and stared at the mango, hoping it wasn't her last meal. She wondered again why he had allowed her to awaken. The confusion she felt within was almost overpowering. She knew the man before her must be a hired assassin, yet why had he not finished his job? He had made no move to harm her. Certainly David must have told him what had transpired on the eve of Abby's death, as had she. He must already be aware of the circumstances. Why was he waiting? Shuddering, she wondered if he had something else in store for her.
“What did David tell you?” Casey asked hesitantly. She needed to hear. She had to know why this man had been hired, and then not finish what he had set out to do.
“Are you certain you want me to tell you?” Wolf asked.
“Yes,” Casey replied, and swallowed with trepidation. Wolf's look unnerved her.
“David said you murdered his little girl on purpose, that you had never wanted her around. He said you wanted to send her away to the farthest school possible because you despised her interference. David said when he insisted Abby was to stay at home you planned the car accident; he maintained you wanted her out of your way. Daddy's little girl was interfering with your plans. I was informed you had intended on getting pregnant, and once having accomplished the deed you would have taken his money and the new baby and left, to abandon him in grief,” Wolf informed her brutally.
Casey's mouth fell further at each sentence, horrified. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She could have understood David's pain. She knew in her heart she would have forgiven him even this, if he had been honest, but to lie so blatantly... David knew these were hideous lies. Casey was overwhelmed, disgusted. How could he do this to her? Why?
“I'm guessing I was perhaps misled?” Wolf asked.
“The crash was an accident, an awful, horrible accident. I was terribly hurt, battered and bruised, burned and in shock. David never once came to see me while I recovered in the hospital. He never phoned to check on my condition, or return my calls. He had all of our friends shun me.
“When Abby had asked where I had gone to school, I mentioned it had been a private school in Switzerland. She asked me if she could go, but I told her I felt she was too young. I didn't want her away from me. I had missed my own mother so desperately; I didn't want her to be lonely. I suggested we visit first so she could see what the country was like, and when she grew olde
r, if she was still interested, well then we could sit and discuss it.
“I only mentioned the baby after Abby's death. David had said before, Abby had gone without a mother for so long she needed my undivided attention, and I had agreed with him. I had wanted a baby, but postponed pushing the issue for Abby's sake; she really did seem to need all of our attention. I didn't mind, I loved her so much. I would have done anything for David, anything to take away his hurt. My God, I can't believe he was using my own money to kill me.” Casey sat stunned.
She was devastated at David's betrayal. So devastated she had handed over her life to the man before her, not caring what he would do to her. Casey's hurt turned to anger, and then slowly to outrage. Her insides seethed at his treachery. How could David do this to her? How could he be so cruel, when he had once held her in his arms and made love to her? How could he have held her in his arms and cried, begging her not to leave? Had he been planning this all along?
He must have; that was why he had pleaded with her to stay. He had needed the time to plot against her, all the while keeping an eye on her, casting her forlorn looks until he knew she would do anything for him. Even offer him an opportunity to end her life. How could anyone be so cold to someone they professed to love and care about? How could he use her caring, loving words against her? Casey felt a sickening, furious anger; an icy finger slid down her spine. Coldness seemed to envelop her very being. How could anyone act so disgustingly, so inhumanely? How could she have married someone so depraved and twisted?
“So, does that mean my check would have bounced?” Wolf asked with wry amusement.
“That scum-sucking toad!” Casey raged suddenly. “That slimy, filthy little weasel!”
Wolf's eyes rose. He now warily noted she held the mango in a death grip. Wolf prepared himself to duck—she was armed again. Casey jumped to her feet and began an erratic pacing, limping slightly.
“How could he! I loved him! We did everything he wanted to, whenever he wanted to! I even went on this bloody cruise just for him!” Casey shouted in outrage.
“Poor little thing. A cruise in the tropics. I'm certain it would make any woman distraught,” Wolf drawled up at her somewhat sarcastically.
Casey stopped her pacing to scowl darkly at him. “I almost drowned when I was barely six years old. I fell from my father's yacht and they had to perform CPR on me. I was in the hospital for a week before my mother felt safe enough to let me come home. Do you know how lonely I was?
“My parents were unable to stay with me. I suffered with that nightmare for years! Afterwards, I refused to get on any type of boat. Even a canoe sent terror into my soul. David knew that. I confided in him and he used it to frighten me!”
Casey seethed through gnashed teeth. Yet, she did this for him. She thought maybe if he felt he was punishing her and she accepted it, it would show to him how much she really loved him, her loyalty towards him.
“I suppose that was why he insisted you be drowned,” Wolf muttered. “And here I thought I was a cold-hearted bastard. Apparently I have competition.”
Casey slumped to the ground. He had demanded she be drowned. Her suspicions were confirmed. David hated her. Perhaps he had never loved her in the first place. He had done it all for Abby. She had been convenient money.
“Why haven't you killed me?” Casey asked Wolf suddenly, brows furrowed, as she calmed her erratic heartbeat.
“Would you like me to? Am I keeping you from an appointment?” Wolf asked.
An assassin with a sense of humor. Well this trip really is getting better and better, Casey thought. “No, I would not like you to. I would like to get off this island and head for my lawyer and a speedy divorce,” Casey informed him, annoyed.
“I could kill him for you,” Wolf casually mentioned. Once again he wore the impassive look upon his face.
Casey looked at Wolf, considering his offer, she was that angry. She had recently had a taste of confronting the terror David wanted her to experience. She could envision herself, floundering in the empty vastness of the ocean; feel her overwhelming terror, knowing that no one would come. Would she die swiftly, or would she battle for days?
She shook at the thought of night enveloping her, wondering what would swim up beneath her, taking her apart, piece by agonizing piece. David wanted that, he wanted that end for her. Her stomach churned as she fought the rise of bile. She then pictured David, dead, lying in a pool of his own blood, his vacant stare. Casey's shoulders slumped. She sighed. She knew what it was like to be terrified and hunted.
“I think we have been through enough. David and I are finished. We have nothing left,” Casey said quietly. She wrapped her arms around her knees.
“You have your lives,” Wolf informed her.
Casey exhaled slowly. She hoped that meant he was now going to spare hers. She didn't want to die anymore. She sadly wondered if she would ever love or trust anyone ever again. She had confided her entire life to David, hopes, dreams, and fears. He had thrown it back at her sadistically, without remorse. What kind of demonic man solicited his wife's demise? A man so consumed with hate and overwhelming sorrow he could no longer see straight.
Despondently, Casey curled back into a tight ball. The jungle around her was dark and threatening. The man before her was dark and threatening. She opted for the man and the fire. Casey closed her eyes. She was once again too tired to care, her emotions were overwhelmed. She wanted to hide in sleep. Sleep was safe.
Wolf watched the woman and knew the moment she drifted off. Her even breathing was soft, and her small body slowly relaxed and uncurled from her tight position. She looked so incredibly vulnerable. Wolf wondered if her husband was going to allow her to live. Wolf was not the only assassin out there. There were those who would kill her no matter her crime or lack thereof. Wolf considered those people to be thugs. He had no use for them. Perhaps he should have a talk with her husband. He would not like it if a life he spared was to be taken; it would make him angry.
Wolf sat back against a tree, watching her as she slept. If she had ordered a hit on her husband, he might still have taken her life, feeling she was indeed somehow responsible for what happened to the child in some adverse way. He knew she had pondered the thought momentarily. Given the circumstances, he felt she deserved at least that. No, this woman was harmless.
Well, perhaps not completely harmless, he thought, and, grimacing, he rubbed at his still paining head. He decided she would pay for that, whether she claimed she was sorry or not.
Wolf wondered if they were alone on an uncharted island. He felt certain that help would come eventually. He remained unconcerned the woman would tell what had transpired between them once they were found. She would be very foolish if she talked. He would explain that in great detail.
At least if they were alone he had company. He didn't like the idea of being the only one on a deserted island. He didn't even have a soccer ball, he thought wryly. He had noted they had various foods, having found the mangoes and bananas. He was more than well aware of the coconuts, having been up close and personal with one.
Wolf closed his eyes. It was a damn shame the redhead wasn't here. He would have liked her company. The woman before him was cute, all right. But she had commitment written all over her. Wolf was a lone wolf. He preferred it that way. Besides, he highly doubted that after trying to kill her, the woman before him would be receptive to any idea relating to intimacy. He even wondered if she would be here in the morning.
Sighing softly, he decided it didn't matter. He had spared her life. He would only track her down and give her a harsh warning. Feeling vindictive about his paining head, he thought perhaps he would have her beg his mercy very prettily once more. She owed him that. Wolf slept.
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* * *
Chapter Five
* * * *
When Wolf woke he was not surprised to see the woman was gone. He stretched lazily, unconcerned. He would be able to track her easily e
nough. At least she had taken the time to throw more wood on the fire before she left. He even noted with interest a mango set out for him nearby and a few wild figs. Perhaps it was her attempt at placating, very nice. Though Wolf still wanted to get his hands on her, he was in no rush. The woman could wait.
Wolf rose and headed for the small falls, seeking a drink. He stopped dead in his tracks, and then leaned leisurely against a small tree. Surprisingly, she had not left. She stood under the waterfall, completely nude, apparently trying to stay hidden. All thoughts of the redhead vanished and Wolf stalked closer, interested.
The woman he had thought was just cute now made the blood in his veins pump faster and his loins tighten. Her hair hung halfway down her back while wet. Her behind was gently rounded, attached to slender, shapely legs. When she turned slightly, he noted her high, jutting breasts did not appear as small when exposed, and his fingers twitched to caress them. Water cascaded around her, dripping slowly in places as though lingering over her, quickly in other places as though sliding silkily with the urgency of a passionate lover—very tempting indeed.
Casey had arisen early. Hungry, she had set out to gather more food, not straying far. Though fearsome, Wolf was the only other living being nearby and she was loath to run from him, certain he would follow regardless. She sensed if she made him chase her he would be angry. She did not want to anger him.
When she returned and Wolf still slumbered, she looked at the water longingly. She was bloodied, hot, sticky, itchy, and sand-covered. Once more she had risen and, hiding behind a jutting rock in the water, she had stepped under the falls. She had washed at her clothing, but could not seem to remove all of the sand properly. It seemed to collect in small openings of her clothing, making her feel even more uncomfortable, as the sand was now weighted and pooling heavily in discrete places.
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