by Billi Jean
If only.
New phone in hand, she transferred her data as she walked quickly down the darkening street. Around her, venders stood outside in the cool weather and smoked, or talked in low voices over drinks and spicy food. She drew some looks, but she ducked into another store and managed to pick out a new set of clothing. The girls working there were more than happy to allow her to change for her ‘date’ in the dressing room. As quickly as she could, she ditched her suit jacket, red sweater and blouse for a blue and white shirt and bright yellow mini skirt with a pair of black leggings. She hid her clothes in her leather bag along with her shoes. The girls handed her a pair of cute, black combat boots to finish the look and she smiled for them like she really was going on a date, rather than into a mess she had no hope of fixing. With another line of makeup around her eyes, a bit of darker lipstick outlining her lips and her long hair tucked into a baseball cap, she bet no one, not even the snake Eric, would recognise her. A tall, drop dead gorgeous Shemar Moore look alike didn’t stand a chance.
Two blocks down from there, stomach full of butterflies, she dialled Eric.
If the Americans stood in her way, what would she do?
The question went unanswered even as Eric answered.
“Kylie! I expected your call hours ago.”
The irritated tone of voice was like nails on a chalkboard. She’d just suffered through hours of fear, worry and confusion, all the while locked on a plane, and this man sat at his desk, probably watching porn and eating one of his healthy snacks. She kept her anger down though, and counted to ten before she said, “The flight was delayed. What have you heard from my dad?”
“Your dad is fine as long as you get what they want,” Eric said, sounding crisp and emotionless—nothing new. “You have one week to deliver, and already you are behind schedule.”
She fisted her free hand until her nails bit into her palm, but she managed to keep her emotions under control. Eric reminded her of a snake in many ways, but sometimes he acted like a cat toying with a mouse. He should know she wasn’t a mouse, but then, he’d always ignored what he didn’t like to admit. She forced herself to calm down so she could test him. “I’ll be there. There were some complications at the airport, but I’m on route to pick up what I need here. I want to speak to my father. Have these men call me.”
“You know I can’t make that happen, Kylie,” Eric said.
He sounded so condescending she shook her head. Didn’t he realise his opinion, and what he thought, didn’t concern her?
“Make it happen, Eric. Why did they call you? You’ve never answered that for me.” She made sure not to let her anger filter into her voice, and kept her questions low, as if she still needed him. She did, too, she knew that, even if it made her sick to her stomach.
“I didn’t want to tell you this, but he wasn’t able to speak to me the last time I communicated with his kidnappers.”
Kylie halted so fast the people behind her bumped into her. She apologised quickly before moving on. The reason why her father couldn’t talk wasn’t lost on her. They’d hurt him. Tortured him. She shivered from her head to her toes remembering her own torture. Certainly they’d not do anything to him that would limit what he could do for them. She counted on that. She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. Was Eric lying?
“I hope you can do this. Need I remind you that your father is depending on you?”
She bit her lip at the threat in Eric’s voice. He could be lying, or he could be telling her the truth. She couldn’t find out, either. Not now. But she would, she would buy herself some time now and try to analyse the situation without fear and anger clouding her mind.
Slowing her breathing, she nodded even though Eric couldn’t see her. “I will get what they want. All of it.”
“Good, Kylie. I would hate for you to be responsible for your father’s death. You’ve done well so far. Just don’t make mistakes.”
Like I have before, right?
Kylie swallowed, and held in the angry response that jumped in her mind. “I will be there.”
“See that you are. He’s counting on you.”
The silence after that comment made her want to throw her phone.
Did Eric sound odd then? It’s almost like he wants me to fail.
He’d been unable to speak to her dad.
The chill racing along her arms had nothing to do with the air around her and everything to do with the fear making her heart hurt.
What have they done to you, Dad?
She would have to go to Japan after this, then on to LA.
Her doubts and fears rose up like they were going to choke her. She increased her steps until she was running, until the people made moving faster impossible without drawing too much attention. Slowing, she was forced to keep pace with the crowd even as her heart raced from the need to run.
Minutes dragged on more like hours until finally she reached the side of town she’d headed for since landing in Seoul. Here, she’d pick up what she needed and go as straight as possible for the ferry she’d take to Japan. In Japan, they’d already arranged for her flight to the US. She just had to get there on time. Once there, she would get to her father’s lab, then on a flight to LA.
Her father’s life depended on it.
At the corner she stopped and waited for the cars speeding by. Even this side street was packed with drivers, none, thankfully, her Americans.
Someone bumped her from behind. She ignored it, but seconds later, someone eased closer, then the smooth metal of a gun barrel rested against the back of her neck, sending a chill down her spine.
“I have someone who wishes to speak to you concerning your father,” a brisk, British accented man informed her.
She gathered her nerve and turned her head to spot a dark-skinned, bearded man of Arab descent.
What is going on? she thought at the same time as she heard someone yelling her name.
Order your copy here
About the Author
Billi Jean has been writing since high school when she couldn’t wait for Robert Jordon to write his Wheel of Time series faster. She writes from home in a little two hundred year old farm house in Western Massachusetts where she shares her space with her active children, an old dog and two lazy cats.
Email: [email protected]
Billi Jean loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totallybound.com.
Also by Billi Jean
Love’s Command: Running Scared
Love’s Command: Safe in His Arms
Love’s Command: Catch Me If You Can
Sisterhood of Jade: A Spartan’s Kiss
Sisterhood of Jade: Golden’s Rule
Sisterhood of Jade: Sorcha’s Wolf
Sisterhood of Jade: Eternal Embrace
Totally Bound Publishing