“No, please,” she gasped one more time before he lunged at her, pressing his hand roughly against her mouth and forcing her to inhale the cloth’s fumes.
She grabbed at his hand with both of hers while kicking against the chair. The arm broke off, and as it toppled over she could feel herself drifting…drifting…until everything went black.
“Oh, no…” she whispered as the memories flooded her mind. She hadn’t had time to think during the attack, but she’d assumed the men had been there to rob the place, or for drugs, or, God forbid, to rape her, but instead she’d been drugged, kidnapped and brought to this darkened cell.
Fear radiated from every muscle when she was finally able to sit up and swing her legs over the side of the cot. She hugged herself tightly in an attempt to stop her shivering and said a silent prayer that someone would be able to find her.
Adrenaline surged when she heard a loud clanking, allowing her the strength to stand and run to the corner. It was as far away as she could get. She had no idea what to expect, and was utterly terrified.
Her heart nearly pounding out of her chest, she watched as the door opened and a masked man walked in. He set a bucket down in the corner before turning to face her. “Miss Braden, I presume.” She recognised the voice right away. He was the taller of the two men who’d kidnapped her. Despite his calm demeanour, her fear continued to rise.
“The sedation affects everyone differently.” He pointed to the bucket he’d brought. “In the event you need it.”
Kelsey struggled to remember every piece of police work her brothers had taught her. She began to observe detail, mostly so she could concentrate on something other than the paralysing fear, as the man took a seat in one of the chairs in front of her.
“Sit, please,” he said cordially and motioned to the opposite chair.
She contemplated sitting on the cot, its location farther away from the man, but she didn’t want him to see her on anything that resembled a bed. She took three tentative steps, pulled the chair away from the table, and finally sat down.
“You’re probably wondering why you are here and what will happen to you.”
She nodded quickly, only making brief eye contact.
“Well, as long as you behave yourself, and we get what we want, no harm will come to you.”
“What… What do you want?”
“Nothing from you, I can assure you. Although you are a beautiful woman, the men have been instructed not to lay a finger on you… Unless absolutely necessary.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“I give you my word.”
She scoffed before she had a chance to stop herself. “And I’m supposed to accept that?”
“You are a feisty one, aren’t you?
She stared at him, but remained silent, fearing what may happen if she misbehaved. If looks could kill, however, he’d be six feet under.
“I can certainly see what Jensen sees in you, Miss Braden, or may I call you Kelsey?”
A chill ruffled down Kelsey’s spine at the mention of Nick. Have they been following me? How do they know about him?
“I’ll instruct the men to give you a sweater or some blankets. You seem to have a bit of a chill,” the man said as he stood to leave.
“What do you want with me?”
“I don’t want anything with you, Kelsey.” He stepped closer. “You’ve become a distraction. I’m afraid since you turned your boyfriend’s head he just hasn’t been as good an employee as he was before. Of course, I commend him on his taste in women.”
The expression in his eyes as he looked her up and down made her recoil in disgust, temporarily causing her to forget what he’d said about Nick. She wanted him out of the room. Now.
“So we just needed to give him a little motivation. We’re killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.”
She turned her body to sit on the chair sideways, trying to shield herself from his gaze. “Are you going to let me go?”
“That remains to be seen. You be a good girl, though, and I’ll give it serious consideration.” He ran his finger down her cheek.
Kelsey glared at the man. She may have been in danger, but she wasn’t going to be toyed with. “Fuck you.”
He laughed. “I admire your spirit, Kelsey. We’ll save that suggestion for later, though. How does that sound?”
Her courage bolstered, she refused to back down. She stood with her hands fisted at her sides, and surprised even herself when she spat in his face, just like her brothers had shown her when they’d been kids.
His pleasantry seemed to fade as he patted his hand against the small patch of skin the mask didn’t cover. “There are limits to everything, Miss Braden. If I were you, I wouldn’t push my luck.”
He grabbed her wrist and pulled it up roughly, forcing her body directly against his. “I’d hate for anything to mess up that beautiful face.” He paused briefly, giving her wrist another squeeze before releasing her abruptly and storming out of the door.
Kelsey’s entire body shook as she rubbed her wrist and crumpled against the cot. He’s about six foot three, two hundred and fifty pounds. Remember his eyes…one brown and one blue.
Chapter Twenty
Nick turned on his heel to make another pass as he dialled his phone. With their plan in place, he paced nervously while waiting for the man on the other end of the phone to answer.
Bart had turned his back to Nick as he waited to find out if they would take the bait. His sister’s life most likely depended on it.
“Yeah?” a gravelly voice answered.
“Put Vinny on,” Nick barked sharply at the unknown goon.
“May I say who’s calling?”
“Cut the crap. Just put him on!”
“Well, hello, Nick. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you until tomorrow.” The smooth voice sent chills down his spine. Nick closed his eyes and took a cleansing breath, not wanting his anger to get the better of him. He could hear the bastard’s smile, even through the phone. “Where is she?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t believe I understand. Where’s who?”
Another pause, another breath. “You know who I’m talking about, Vincent. Where’s Kelsey Braden?”
“Kelsey Braden? Hmmm… No, I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Nick got a sick feeling in his gut from the tone of voice the mobster was using. “If you’ve laid one finger on her…”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, Nick.”
“I’ll ask you again,” he said through gritted teeth, his patience running thin. “Where is she?”
“You’ve become tiresome, Mr Jensen. You’ve given me no choice but to…”
“Kapman’s in!” Nick called out before Vincent had a chance to finish his sentence.
“Pardon me?”
“He’s in. He’s agreed to play ball.”
There was deathly silence. “And I’m just supposed to believe this.”
“You want to talk to him? He’s right here.” Nick nodded and handed the phone to Bart after engaging the speaker phone.
“Yeah, this is Kapman.”
“Well, well, if it isn’t the esteemed Detective Bart Kapman. I’ve been following your career quite closely, Detective.”
“Have you now,” Bart said, keeping his eye on Nick.
“I have. You’ve developed quite the reputation. I understand you are responsible for taking down Ernesto Romano.”
“Yeah.”
“Congratulations. You boys in blue had been after him for quite some time.”
“What the chief really wants is Romano’s boss.” Nick could hear the accusation in Bart’s voice.
“Oh, yes. I can see that being the ultimate goal.”
“Look, Jensen gave me the rundown. What do you want from me?”
“Perhaps it would be better if we spoke in person, Detective Kapman.”
“You let my sister go first.”
“Your sister? So the Kelsey Brad
en that Nick just mentioned is your sister? And she’s missing?”
Bart rolled his eyes. “Let her go and we’ll talk.”
“I’d love to help your sister, Detective. If I knew where she was, that is.”
Bart sighed and gritted his teeth as Nick motioned for him to settle down. “Fine. You want to meet? Let’s meet.”
“Excellent. My office in an hour. I trust Jensen can show you the way.”
“We’ll be there.”
“Vinny!” Nick called out.
“Yes, Nick?”
“You don’t lay a finger on her, you hear me?”
“One hour,” Vincent demanded before hanging up.
“Are you sure about this?” Bart asked.
“What other choice do we have? Look, man, you’ve been his target for a while. He won’t hurt Kelsey if he thinks he can get to you.”
“You’re sure she won’t get hurt?”
The look of concern on Nick’s face must have given away the fear he carried deep inside. “Let’s just do this so we can get her home safely, okay?”
“This had better work,” Bart growled as they headed back to his car.
* * * *
Fatigue overtaking her, Kelsey had managed to drift off for a short time when the clanging of the door suddenly woke her. She darted from the bed and stood in the corner, trying to prepare herself for what was to come.
The man who entered was barefaced—no mask or coverings. He was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. The fact that she could now identify him scared her.
He set down the tray he was carrying on the small table. “You must be hungry,” he said as he turned and looked at her. “You need to keep up your strength, right?”
Although she despised the leer he was giving her, she forced herself to look into his eyes. Brown. Definitely not the same person who’d visited earlier, but that was apparent from his demeanour alone. He wasn’t as cordial, not as polite, if that was possible under the circumstances. The voice seemed familiar, though. He might have been one of those who had grabbed her, but she couldn’t swear to it. Why he’d allowed her to see his face, she wasn’t sure.
“Well, come on, little lady. Eat up,” he instructed, but didn’t move from where he stood.
She looked down at the tray, unable to prevent her mouth from watering at the sight of a nicely prepared meal. Her stomach was growling, having been too busy to eat lunch, but she was hesitant to try what had been prepared for her. Is it drugged?
“It looks good, don’t it? It smells good, too. Come on, eat.”
On the plate was a steaming scoop of mashed potatoes, a small pile of green beans, a golden dinner roll, and, in the middle, a beautifully roasted chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces.
“Come on. Eat. I have to stay here until you finish. Don’t make me leave with the tray still full.”
“Do you mind?” She motioned for him to move aside, summoning as much dignity as she could.
Giving in to hunger, and fearing the repercussions of refusing the first food offered, she sat at the table and picked up the only utensil on the tray. “A spoon?”
“Can’t exactly give you a knife, now, can we? And forks can be just as dangerous.”
She tentatively took a bite of the chicken.
“Good, huh?”
“It’s okay.” She figured, if he had to stay until she finished, perhaps she could get some information out of him. You attract more flies with honey. She adjusted her attitude. ”What’s your name?”
“You can call me Wally.”
“Is that your real name?”
He gave her a confused look, shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
“I suppose you wouldn’t tell me why I’m here.”
“I don’t know. I just do what I’m told.”
“That’s what the Nazis said at Nuremburg,” she mumbled under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing, nothing. These potatoes are good.” She spooned a bite. “Are you one of the guys that took me?”
He looked at her nervously before giving her a slight nod.
“Thank you,” she said softly, “for not hurting me.”
“We were instructed to bring you in unharmed.”
Although the thought made her stomach lurch, his interest in her was evident by the way his gaze continuously shifted from her face to her body. The last thing she wanted to do was encourage him, but she needed to know what she’d gotten messed up with. With a tilt of her head and a smile she asked, “And you have no idea why I was brought here?”
“I don’t know. It has something to do with Jensen.”
Her flirty ruse ended at the mention of Nick’s name. “Jensen?”
“Yeah. Nick Jensen. I hear the two of you are real close,” he said with a creepy smile.
“How do you know Nick?”
“I’ve worked with him here and there. Boss was lucky to get him on board. He’s good. Well, he was good, until lately.”
“What do you mean?”
“Guess he didn’t accomplish his latest assignment on time. He was distracted.” The sleazy look on his face made her lose her appetite.
“What assignment?”
Wally sat across from her. “He was lookin’ for a guy named Kapman.”
“Kapman?” she whispered very softly.
“Yeah. I guess a week was too long to wait. Boss got antsy.”
A week? Wally’s words faded as she thought back six nights, to the night she had met Nick. Did he know? His surprise seemed genuine when Bart and I saw him at Shindigs and we realised they knew each other. Was it an act? Did he hook up with me to get to Bart?
“You okay? Hey, lady?”
“Huh? Ugh.” She groaned and dropped her spoon against the tray.
“Are you okay?”
“Take this away, please,” she said as she pushed the food away. She started reviewing every moment she’d spent with Nick. What did he say? Were there clues? Was what we shared real? “I think I’m gonna be sick.”
She stood quickly, searching the room for something, anything suitable. She gasped when she saw the small bucket in the corner. Dropping to her knees, she began retching as countless images of Nick ran through her mind. Memories that wouldn’t stop. No, it can’t be true.
“Oh, man.” Wally groaned as he backed away. “Uh, are you… Are you okay?”
“I’m okay now,” she whispered, wiping her mouth with the napkin from her tray. “I’m okay.”
“I’ll uh… I’ll just get rid of this.” He picked up the pail with his fingers and held it as far away from his body as he could. He opened the door, setting it outside, then turned back for her tray before leaving.
She crawled onto the cot and curled into a foetal position, using every ounce of strength not to cry before the strange man left her alone. Once the door had slammed shut, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed as the pain began to seep through every inch of her body.
“Wally!” TJ had been trying to work his way up the ranks of the Gianelli organisation for some time, but it seemed no matter what he tried, he managed to mess it up. His determination and loyalty kept him in his boss’ good graces, but tonight he was stuck with guard duty.
“Hey, TJ,” Wally said. He balanced the tray of food and bent over to pick up the bucket.
“How is she?”
“Sick. She threw up.” He nodded to the soiled pail held delicately between two fingers.
“She okay now?”
“Seemed it. Oh, and before I forget.” Wally handed TJ the tray before reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out a cell phone. “She had it on her when we snatched her. It rang when we were putting her in the van, so we turned it off after we took it from her.”
“Her phone?” TJ grabbed it and pushed the tray back into Wally’s arm.
“Dude, I gotta get rid of this before I hurl. You need anything before I leave tonight?”
“No, I’m cool. Go ahead. I’ll watc
h her.”
Wally turned towards the stairs. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See ya.” TJ slid the phone into his back pocket. He’d deal with it later. He settled on the chair outside her door and kicked his feet out. Keeping watch always made for a long night.
Chapter Twenty-One
Bart and Nick walked silently into the large office. The cabinets were crafted with the finest woodwork, rare paintings adorned the walls, and the bar was stocked with expensive crystal glassware. The house itself was larger than any Nick had ever seen, and included the wing dedicated just for offices, the largest of which was where they now stood.
Nick took a seat in front of the desk as Bart paced the room, inspecting as much as possible while they waited for their host to join them. Nick knew he was trying to find any possible recording or surveillance equipment, but as much money as this Gianelli had, anything he used would be so discreet it would be virtually impossible to spot with the naked eye.
“Would you relax, man? You’re a bundle of nerves,” Nick said, beyond irritated.
“This isn’t a social visit. Need I remind you this asshole has my sister?”
“No, you don’t!” Nick snapped, trying his best to keep his voice down as he stood to face Bart. “She’s all I can think of, and I told you I want her back more than you do!”
Bart rolled his eyes, his distrust of Nick obvious, but for now, they had to work together—at least until Kelsey was safe.
“Gentlemen,” the distinguished figure said loudly as he entered from a side door, “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
Bart and Nick remained silent, neither moving from their respective places as they watched the boss sit behind his desk.
“Sit, please,” Gianelli motioned to the chairs.
They did as requested, but waited for the man to speak.
“I trust the guards at the door didn’t give you too much trouble,” Gianelli said, referencing the pat-down both had been subjected to when they’d entered the house. “You understand, security can be difficult for a businessman such as myself. Can’t be too careful.”
Bart scoffed at his words. “Businessman? Is that how you justify yourself? By calling yourself a businessman?”
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