KILTED DESIRE 2 - Russian Roulette

by A. B. McKINLEY

  It wasn’t late, but everyone was tired, especially Chris. Tiffany showed him to one of the guest rooms, he needed to try and get some sleep. A few minutes later Jim walked back upstairs too, leaving Scott and Tiffany in the living room.

  “I need tae call Tom tae let him know what we’re planning.”

  “Okay, do you need me to leave?”

  “Nae, it’s fine,” he said, as they sat down together on the couch. Scott reached for his phone and called Tom. It rang out for a while.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Tom, I know it’s early over there. Did I wake yer?”

  “Not really, I was just resting.”

  “Have yer found oot any information yet?”

  “No, nothing. I’ve asked around, but this is a huge city.”

  “Tom, I’m coming over there. We contacted the kidnappers by email and I’m going tae meet them tae make sure Kyle is okay afore we give them the money.”

  “You’re not bringing cash are you?”

  “Nae, we’ll have an account set up and I’ll have a code fer it. We’ll have a laptop and I’ll transfer the money when I see Kyle is alive and well.”

  “Okay, I’ll go with you. Where are you meeting them? And, what day are you planning on coming in?”

  “I’m nae sure yet Tom. But, I’ll call yer as-soon-as I know. It will be sometime in the next few days though.”

  “Right, that will be good.”

  “Do yer have a car there Tom? Will yer be able tae come tae the airport?”

  “Yes, let me know when and I’ll come and get you.”

  “How about weapons? Do yer have any, and can yer get anymore?”

  “Yeah, I can arrange that, don’t worry.”

  “Okay, Thanks Tom. I’ll call yer when I have more details. Bye.”

  “Yup bye.”

  Scott wrapped his arms around Tiffany and held her tightly.

  “How are yer holding up, Tiff?”

  “I’m doing okay. I’m just tired.”

  “I know this is nae easy fer yer.”

  “It’s not. But I am glad you’re here.”

  “I’ll do everything I can. I hope yer know that. Do yer know if yer parent’s told yer sister what’s happening?”

  “No they didn’t, or they haven’t yet. They couldn’t decide whether to or not.”

  “I just wondered.”

  “Please be careful over there, Scott.”

  “I’ll be fine, dinnae worry,” he said, as he placed his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her gently.

  “Do that again,” she whispered.

  He kissed her again, this time more passionately, caressing the side of her neck as their lips came together.

  “I know! I have nae done this fer a couple of days. It’s nae that I did nae want tae. It’s just with everything going on, I’ve been a wee bit distracted. I’ll make up fer it when all of this is over.”

  “It’s fine. We are both stressed,” she said, before kissing him.

  “Yer should try and sleep, tomorrow is going tae be an important day.”

  “I know. I’m exhausted,” she said, as she snuggled up to him and rested her head on his shoulder.”

  Scott was tired too. He gently stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. She seemed to relax more when she was in his arms. Soon she was asleep. Scott laid his head back onto the couch and closed his eyes too.

  Chapter 16

  Everyone was up early on Wednesday morning, even Linda. She was still visibly shaken but reluctantly managed to get some sleep. Jim immediately got to work organizing the off-shore bank account. He asked Linda to help him to give her something to do, and take her mind off things. Tiffany went out to a local store and picked put a phone, while Scott and Chris discussed tactics and strategies for their upcoming mission. There were a lot of intangibles that needed to be taken into account, and contingency plans to make.

  When Tiffany returned home, Scott asked her to call Alexei. He needed to ensure the young man still planned on coming to the Robinson’s house. Scott instructed her to tell Alexei, that they received some news about Kyle and that they really needed his help, urgently. She called, and half expected to need to leave a message, but he answered and she relayed what Scott had told her to say. When she finished the call, she turned to Scott and told him that Alexei really sounded genuinely concerned and that he would be at the house around noon. As the morning wore on, Scott reminded everyone; especially Jim; that they could not mention anything to Alexei about suspecting him. That it was important to make him think they trusted him and they needed his help. Jim completed almost all that he needed to do with the new bank account and was now checking flights to Russia. It looked like the best option would be to leave early the following morning from Los Angeles, change planes in London and arrive in Moscow early on Friday afternoon. All they needed was to know whether they would need two tickets or three.

  It was nearly noon, Linda had gone for a lay down and Jim went up with her. Scott was pleased, it was important not to scare Alexei away. He didn’t want to see the young man mobbed on the driveway again. He was unsure how well Jim could keep his anger hidden towards the young man. It was just after ten past noon when Alexei’s car arrived. Tiffany went outside alone to greet him and brought him inside. Scott and Chris were sitting in the living room.

  “So what news did you get about Kyle, is he okay?” Alexei asked.

  “We think he’s okay, but we dinnae know fer sure,” Scott replied.

  “So what was the news?” he asked, again.

  “Alexei, we got a message from someone who has Kyle. They’re holding him hostage and they will nae let him go unless they get a lot of money.”

  “Is this some kind of joke?”

  “It’s nae joke bonny lad. Can yer think of anyone who may have done this?”

  “Damn. I really don’t know,” he said, clutching his head with his hands.

  “Alexei, could there possibly be anyone involved in your casino that may have known anything about Kyle. Someone, who might be doing this?” Tiffany asked.

  “Honestly I can’t think of anyone. I’m sorry.”

  “Are yer sure? Can yer think of anything or anyone at all? Scott said.

  “I’m sorry. I’m telling you the truth. If I could think of someone I’d tell you. Kyle is my best friend. Have you called the police?”

  “Nae, we cannae call the police. The message said, if the police were involved then they’d kill Kyle.”

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “We’re going tae go and get him back. Chris is coming with me and we have a contact over there that we’re going tae meet up with.”

  “That sounds dangerous.”

  “Aye it is. But, Alexei none of us speak Russian. And none of us have actually met Kyle. We’ve only seen pictures. We need someone with us who personally knows him and understands the language. Will yer come with us and help us get yer friend back?”

  “I’m not a fighter. I’ve never fired a gun or hit anyone in my life. How are you going to get him?” Alexei replied, sounding very nervous.

  “We’re nae going tae fight them. Kyle’s parents are paying the ransom. We’re just going tae give them the money and make sure Kyle is okay afore we give it tae them. But as I said, we dinnae know Kyle, we need someone who does.”

  “You’re talking about a Mafia group aren’t you. Oh man, I thought I was going to be going to be partying with Kyle this week not dealing with Bratva.”

  “What’s Bratva?” asked Tiffany.

  “It’s just a Russian mob term, it means brotherhood,” Scott answered and quickly turned back to Alexei. He was watching his body language to see if he could pick up any obvious signs that he was trying to cover something up.

  “Well, are yer with us lad?” Chris asked.

  “We need yer Alexei. Kyle needs yer,” Scott added.

  “Okay, when do we need to go?”

  “First thing in the morning, hopefull
y we’ll only be gone a couple of days.”

  “I need to get my passport and some clothes. And do I have to pay for the ticket?”

  “No, we’ll cover the tickets,” Tiffany said.

  Scott knew Alexei would have to go home to get his things, but didn’t want to let him out of their sight. He didn’t want him to change his mind and disappear, or make any phone calls to anyone who may be involved.

  “Alexei, since yer live near the airport and the flight will be early in the morning, can Chris and I come stay tonight at yer place? So we’re close tae the airport?”

  “Uhm sure,” he answered, uncomfortably.

  A few seconds later, Jim came into the room. Tiffany told him that Alexei had agreed to go to Russia to help bring back Kyle. Jim thanked him and quickly went to get the tickets booked. Soon it was all arranged, the return flights were to leave Moscow on the upcoming Sunday afternoon. Scott thought that it would give them plenty of time to take care of business.

  He spoke to Chris and Tiffany privately and explained why he had asked to stay over at Alexei’s house and both of them agreed it was wise. Tiffany said she would travel down with them because she wanted to check on her house, and needed to water her plants. Scott also made a call to a special contact he had back in the U.K. They would need visas to be able to enter Russia legally, and they didn’t have time to go through the normal channels. At times like this it was good to ‘know people’ he thought. He arranged for visas for himself and Chris. And was told someone would meet him at Heathrow.

  At just after 2:00 p.m., they were all prepared and ready to leave. Scott was given all the details of the bank account; written down; plus, he the secret code that allowed for the money to be transferred. This wasn’t written down on paper, he carried it written in his mind. Scott was the only one who knew the code and he had memorized it.

  Just before they left Scott asked Jim to send another message to the kidnappers giving them the cell phone number that he carried, and telling them that he would be arriving in Moscow on Friday afternoon to complete the exchange. There wasn’t an immediate reply so they arranged that Jim would call if any further email messages came through.

  Soon, they were on their way. Jim and a tearful Linda wished them well as they left the house. Tiffany bid farewell to her parent’s too, and told them she planned to return the following morning. But, she wanted to spend the night at home.

  She was driving her bright yellow Porsche and Scott jumped in the car with her. Alexei followed them closely down the coast in his car, with Chris in his passenger’s seat. It took about ninety minutes to reach Santa Monica. Both cars headed toward Tiffany’s house. She had invited them all to come for a meal before they continued on to Alexei’s place. As they pulled in to her driveway Scott admired the house, it was a modern structure, much smaller than her parent’s place. It was very nice. It was a couple of blocks from the ocean, but you could still see the waves as they rolled onto the beach. Scott was impressed and complimented her on her residence.

  Later that afternoon, after they finished eating, they sat drinking coffee at the dinner table. Alexei was pretty quiet and hadn’t said much all afternoon.

  “Yer quiet Alexei. Are yer okay?” Scott asked.

  “Yes I’m okay. I’m just not used to this kind of thing,” he replied, shakily.

  “Yer’ll be fine. I promise we’ll look after yer. We’re just going tae get yer friend back, there should nae be any trouble.”

  “Okay.”

  “Hey, why don’t you guys stay the night here? I have plenty of room. We can swing by Alexei’s house first thing in the morning and get his things. Then, that way, I can take you to the airport,” Tiffany offered.

  “Sounds guid tae me.”

  “Aye, thanks Tiffany,” added Chris.

  They all looked at Alexei, waiting for his answer.

  “That’s fine with me, thank you. I’ll just have to grab my passport and throw a few clothes in my bag. It will take me about five minutes.”

  “That’s settled then, I’ll make up the beds in the spare rooms.” Tiffany said, as she started to walk away. Then, she stopped and turned to Scott.

  “Scott, what about your passport?”

  “I have it with me. I always take it with me when I travel anywhere. Along with a few other things. I’m always prepared,” he replied, smiling.

  They spent the evening watching TV and shared a few beers. The alcohol seemed to relax Alexei a little and he didn’t seem quite as concerned as the evening wore on. Scott went out onto the balcony and called Tom. He relayed all the times and details of when they were due to arrive and that Chris and Alexei were coming with him. It was now arranged that Tom would meet them at the airport.

  When he returned back inside with the others, he could see Alexei was getting tired. It didn’t take long before he said he needed to sleep so Tiffany showed him to his room. Chris was tired too and headed for bed just after Alexei. Tiffany returned to the living room and sat next to Scott.

  “I bet you’re tired too, neither of us has truly slept for a while.”

  “Aye, I am a wee bit.”

  “Would you like to take a bath with me? I have a tub with jets in my room. Then we can sleep in a real bed instead of on the couch.”

  “Sounds great,” he said, taking her hand and standing up.

  Her room was modern, mainly black and white décor with red accents. Inside the adjoined bathroom was a white corner tub with jets. There were lots of candles all around the tub. Tiffany started to run the water and lit the candles. Scott joined her in the bathroom. He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Go ahead and get undressed and get in, I’m going to grab some fresh towels,” she said, as she freed herself from his playful grip.

  Scott removed his clothes and climbed into the bath. The water was hot and there were lots of bubbles. He wasn’t really used to bubble baths. He lay back and rested his head against the side of the tub. It was a big tub and was easily big enough for two. After a couple of minutes Tiffany reappeared with a pile of big fluffy towels. She walked in wearing a white bath robe. She put the towels down and removed her robe before entering the water. Scott slid his legs apart and she sat in between them, backing up into him and laying her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.

  She reached her arm across to the far side of the tub and turned on the jets.

  “I’m scared Scott.”

  “I know, I understand. We’ll bring yer brother back haem, dinnae worry,” he whispered in her ear, as he gently stroked the side of her neck.

  “I’m trying not to worry, but it’s hard. What if something goes wrong and I lose you and my brother?”

  “We’ll be fine. We’re nae going tae try some dangerous rescue. We’re just paying them and making sure we get him back. It’s how yer parent’s wanted tae do this.”

  “I know, but it’s still scary. Well, it is for me anyway. I know you’re used to this kind of thing. But, I’m not Scott.”

  “Aye, I guess I am used tae it. We’ll be fine. Chris and Tom both know what they’re doing and it will be useful tae have Alexei with us. Especially, if it is someone he knows who has Kyle.”

  “Do you still think Alexei knows something that he’s not telling us?”

  “I really dinnae know. He’s hard tae read.”

  “He seems genuine to me, but what do I know? I believed my ex wasn’t cheating on me for a year.”

  “Dinnae worry aboot the past Tiff. Yer cannae change what’s already happened. Just try tae focus on the future.”

  “I know that. So, tell me, have you ever been in a hostage situation?”

  “I’ve been involved in rescuing hostages.”

  “I know that, I mean have you ever been a hostage? I just wonder how Kyle’s being treated.”

  “Nae, I have nae ever been a hostage. Well, unless yer count my training. I did go through a straight thi
rty-six hoors of resistance tae interrogation training. That was hard. But, they will nae be doing anything like that tae Kyle. They’re nae trying tae get any information oot of him. Apparently they already know plenty aboot him.”

  “So what happened to you, when you did that training?”

  “I was given a piece of information that I had tae keep secret. I was blindfolded and tortured. Plus, I was deprived of sleep, food, water and heat. I dinnae want tae go in tae details, but I always knew it was training. I could have made it stop at any time by giving them the information.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “It was a long time ago.”

  “Well maybe, but I don’t like to think about you going through something like that. And, I just hope Kyle isn’t being tortured,” she said, getting upset.

  “Stop yer talking and kiss me,” he said, trying to distract her as he gently lifted and turned her around.

  She was now on her knees, astride him and looked into his eyes. She put her hands on each side of his face and moved her mouth towards his. He gripped her back tightly and pulled her body tight and close to him. The soft warm touch of her lips excited him. Their passionate embrace continued for what seemed like hours as the powerful jets massaged their bodies. Scott moved his lips away from hers and started to kiss her neck, then moved slowly down her body. He kissed and nibbled at her breasts and nipples. All the time, his strong hands held her firmly. He occasionally massaged her back and shoulders.

  Scott was aroused, and he wasn’t a bubble bath connoisseur, so after his second mouthful of bubbles he decided it was time to be back on dry land. He slowly stood up, and lifted her as he rose. Her legs were wrapped around his waist and she started to kiss him as he climbed out of the tub. He walked slowly out of the bathroom and towards the bed, holding her tightly and gently laid her down. She lay back with her arms above her head and Scott lay on top of her. He supported his weight on his elbows. He kissed her again, deeply, passionately, he didn’t want to stop. She reached her hand down and gripped him tightly, then started to stroke slowly. He let out some muffled but excited sounds, he was trying to control himself because he knew there were other people in the house but she turned him on, a lot!