90 Days (Prairie Town Book 2)

by Ridener, T. E.

  “That was fast. What did your dad say? Is it all there?” She finally asked when neither of them offered to break the silence.

  “It’s all here.” Callum replied with a small nod. “My dad has connections, babe. Even at this late hour all it takes is a phone call. His banker was more than happy to cooperate. He only wanted to know why I needed it, and I promised I’d tell him after it was all over.”

  “It was that easy? He must really trust you.” She frowned.

  “He does trust me, but he also anticipated something like this happening someday. You know my dad and his scenarios.”

  “I do.” She tilted her head curiously, gazing at him. “And I finally understand why he is the way he is, but what do you mean by he ‘anticipated’ it?”

  “I mean he has a code word we’re supposed to use if something happens. In this case, all I had to do was say ‘Mel Gibson’. My dad has been beating that one in my head for years.”

  “As in Ransom.” Jeb popped his head between their seats and grinned at her. “That’s pretty genius, huh?”

  “Sure. If you want to call using such a code word because our sister and my best friend are being held captive by a crazy man and his even crazier new girlfriend—who used to be your girlfriend, by the way—‘genius’.”

  Jeb’s grin disappeared and he stared at her seriously. “I know this isn’t a joke, Lydia. I know it’s dangerous. But, we’ve got the money now. They’re going to be okay.”

  “I know that, but how is it fair that Devin Rose gets to walk away from this without consequence? What about Laney and Benji? They’ll be traumatized because of this. Laney’s already dealing with enough. Don’t you think this will have lasting effects on her?”

  “Of course I think that.” He sighed, bowing his head. “But…we won’t let him get away with it, Lydia. He’ll answer for what he’s done. Mia will, too.”

  “You’re damn right they will.” Callum placed the duffle bag on the floorboard between Lydia’s legs, and then rested his hand atop hers. “Just because I agreed not to call the cops doesn’t mean I didn’t call anyone else. Devin has no idea what’s waiting for him after we make the exchange.”

  “Good.” She nodded, feeling a little better. “I hope the son of a bitch pays.”

  ----------

  Laney

  It was turning out to be the longest night of her life. She and Benji had been subjected to the torturous sounds of two raving lunatics having sex off and on for God only knew how long, and if she were honest, she’d rather bite a bullet than hear those noises.

  “At least somebody’s getting some, huh?” Benji asked, his voice void of amusement. He stretched his legs out and sighed, resting his head against her shoulder. “This is almost over, right?”

  “I think so.” She mumbled, desperately trying to get into a more comfortable position. Her body was so stiff. Her tailbone hurt like hell, but her cramping arms and wrists were fighting for a close second. “I’m really not sure what time it is, but it has to be nearing morning soon, right?”

  “God, I hope so. I can’t handle hearing another orgasm from that freak. She’s got some bolts loose upstairs.”

  “You think?” Laney rolled her eyes and felt a dull ache in her temple. Great. Now she was getting another headache?

  “I keep wishing they’d accidentally shoot each other.” Benji snickered.

  The light Devin had left on in the hallway ‘just in case they got scared’ allowed a little light to seep beneath the door and they could at least see each other, but being able to see Benji’s face sliced her heart into little pieces. The cut on his cheek looked so terrible. An angry bruise surrounded the dried blood, but he still managed to be handsome in spite of it all.

  He was trying to fight for me. She thought. Her heart found a way to leap for joy in spite of their circumstances, and that somehow gave her hope that things would be okay. Devin wouldn’t really kill them, would he?

  “Knock, knock!” Mia pushed open the bedroom door and stepped inside. She flipped on the light and revealed she was wearing nothing more than a racy nightie. Her hair was messy and her dignity had obviously disappeared, but she didn’t seem to mind as she pranced towards them and stopped just mere inches from Benji’s feet. “How are you?”

  Did she honestly expect them to reply?

  “Hm.” She shrugged. “You know, I must say I’m super proud of you for not trying to escape. Did I really tie your hands together that well?”

  Reaching out and grabbing Laney’s shoulder roughly, she yanked her forward and peered behind her back. “Wow, those zip ties really do the trick! Can you feel your fingers?”

  “No.” Laney said through clenched teeth.

  “Can you feel this?”

  “Ow!” Laney cried out from the quick jab of pain in her index finger.

  “Oopsie. Did that hurt?” Mia shoved her back and then held up a needle between her fingertips. “I suppose I should have warned you I’ve got a thing for making people hurt. My mother once said it was very disconcerting. Hm.” She tilted her head to the side. “I suppose it was pretty disconcerting when I poisoned her…”

  She killed her mother? The alarms in her mind began sounding off again as she rubbed her thumb against her fingertip, trying to dull the pain. Just great. We’re stuck with a modern day Debbie Jellinsky.

  “Anyway, I’m supposed to let you know we’ll be leaving out as soon as your brother calls back and lets us know he’s got the money. I have to tell you, I’m really excited about it. I’ve got so many plans for that money…”

  “Don’t tell them everything, Mia. What have I told you about that?” Devin asked as he appeared in the doorway. His shirt was hanging open, revealing the dragon tattoo on his chest Laney had always hated. But she supposed that made sense now; he really was a monster.

  “Sorry, baby.” Mia skipped back to him and pressed a kiss to his chin. “I’m just so excited! Have they called yet?”

  “They sent a text.” His eyes met Laney’s. “You’re in luck, babe. They do have the money. They’ll meet us in exactly one hour. I guess they want you guys back as soon as possible.” He shrugged. “But that means our fun time will be cut short. I had more plans for the two of you, but…”—his eyes swept over Laney’s body and her skin crawled—“I guess we’ll just have to skip it.”

  Thank fucking God.

  Laney honestly didn’t want to think about what he had in store for them. Devin needed help in the worst way. How could he do something like this? Sure, he was the town douche, but when did he sink so low?

  “Go get dressed.” He swatted Mia’s ass. “We’re heading out in about twenty minutes, okay? I’m not stupid enough to make this exchange in Prairie Town. We’ll be meeting them somewhere else.”

  “Okay, baby!” She pecked at his lips and disappeared down the hallway, leaving them alone with the lesser of two evils.

  At least Laney hoped he was the lesser of two evils.

  He’s still a dick.

  “Oh, Laney. Your mom called a few hours ago. I sent her a text back to let her know you’d be staying the night tonight with uh, what’s your name again?”

  “Benji.” They said in unison.

  “Right. Funny name.” He snickered. “Anyway, she thinks you’re spending the night with your new boyfriend, so she won’t be too worried.”

  “How courteous of you.” She mumbled, letting her head fall back against the wall.

  “Hey now, I can be courteous.” Devin moved towards them and crouched before her, his hand falling against her knee. “I’m sure you remember just how courteous I can be, hm?”

  She tried to shake his hand off, damn it, but it was no use. Her upper lip curled back in disgust as he inched it upwards.

  “Buddy,” Benji suddenly rasped. “I’d advise you to stop that hand right where it’s at, or when I get free from here you’re going to carry an ass-whooping like you’ve never had.”

  Devin’s sly grin vanished and his hand sto
pped as he glared at Benji.

  “Excuse me?”

  Oh no. Please no. Don’t hurt him.

  “I’m not repeating myself. If you touch her, I’ll kill you.”

  “Is that a fact?”

  “No!” Laney wailed as he fisted the front of Benji’s shirt between his hands and yanked him up like a rag doll. “Please don’t hurt him!”

  “You wanna try that, buddy?” Devin snarled, his nose inches from Benji’s. “You need to remember who has the gun here. Accidents happen all the time.”

  “I’m not afraid of you, you fucking prick.”

  “You think not?”

  Laney watched in horror as he threw Benji onto the floor and kicked him in the side. Benji cried out and curled into himself, trying to escape his attacker. It wasn’t fair; he couldn’t fight back.

  “Please stop! Please stop!” She screamed. “Leave him alone!”

  “Shut your mouth!”

  She saw stars when Devin’s hand made impact with her cheek and time stood still.

  I will not be intimidated again. She thought, sobbing uncontrollably. I will not let him win.

  But how could she stop him? How could she save Benji?

  Seconds seemed like hours as Devin punched him again and again, hitting wherever he could. She knew she would never get the sounds of Benji’s pain out of her mind. His grunts and groans burned into her brain simultaneously shattering her heart.

  When all was said and done, Devin stood back up and ran his fingers through his hair, breathing heavily and smiling like the wicked villain he was.

  She had never hated anyone so much in her life.

  “Now then, let’s see how smart that mouth is.” Devin spat on the floor and began buttoning his shirt up. “We’re leaving soon.” His eyes moved to Laney. “You better teach your boy here some manners, babe. Next time will be much worse.”

  And then he stormed out of the room.

  “Benji.” She scooted across the floor on her butt until she got to him, wishing now more than ever that her hands were free, and sucked in a painful breath when he lifted his head to gaze at her.

  His left eye was already swelling shut and the gash on his cheek had reopened. Blood trickled from his nose. It broke her very soul. She couldn’t take it.

  “Oh, God. Oh, Benji…”

  “I’m fine.” He said, his voice quivering with anger. “I’m really fine, Laney. Don’t worry.”

  “You are not okay.” She argued, rubbing her cheek awkwardly against her shoulder in an effort to wipe away her tears. “God… Your face… Shit.”

  “Battle scars, baby. I’m all right.” He slowly pulled himself up onto his knees and caught his breath, keeping his good eye on her. “We’ll look back on this one day, huh? We’ll laugh about how I have a tendency not to listen.”

  “Benji…”

  “I love you, Laney.”

  “I l-love you, too.” She burst into tears and leaned into him, resting her face against his shoulder. “I do, Benji. I love you so much.”

  “That’s good.” He replied breathlessly, easing his cheek to rest against her hair. “Because I’d feel awfully stupid to be fighting for a girl who doesn’t love me back.”

  “You’re so stupid.” She laughed weakly. “But so amazing. I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  It was probably the silliest thing to say. She would have never dreamed of putting him in harm’s way, ever. He was too good to her. He’d made her too happy over the past few weeks to deserve the beat down Devin had given him, but she couldn’t imagine being held hostage with anyone else.

  Was it a twisted sign they were meant to be together?

  ----------

  Benji

  He’d had his share of fists to the face during his lifetime, but he’d also been able to swing back during those fights. Getting his face smashed in by Devin whilst restrained wasn’t necessarily going to be one of his favorite memories, but hearing Laney say she loved him back would somehow make the memory tolerable.

  I do love her. He thought as he kissed her cheek and pulled back to gaze at her. Seeing her tears was more painful than any punch Devin Rose could throw. Laney didn’t deserve to cry over anything or anyone—he was supposed to change that.

  Did I fail her?

  He was being as brave as he knew how, but was he being brave enough?

  How would Callum handle this situation? Jeb?

  He couldn’t really help the direction his thoughts went; they were bigger than him. They were stronger than him. Would they have been able to protect Laney more sufficiently?

  “Benji.” Laney gasped. “There’s a knife under my mattress!”

  His good eye snapped back to her face and he stared at her, puzzled.

  “I know it’s weird. But I’ve been keeping a knife under my mattress for years. Not to hurt myself or anything,”—she sighed—“It’s always been for protection. Just in case, you know? I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner.”

  “I would never think that, Laney. Just so you know.” He rested his forehead against hers. “But just for the record, I don’t ever want you to hurt yourself. I know the past has been hard on you—mine, too. I swear I’ll tell you all about it when we get out of this.”

  “Okay.” She nodded, blinking rapidly as moisture glistened in her eyes. “I’m going to try to get it.” Her voice became quieter and she glanced towards the bed, her bottom lip quickly falling victim to her teeth once more. “Just watch the door.”

  “Okay.” He nodded.

  And he did. He watched it like a damn hawk as she carefully scooted towards her bed, turning her body until her tied hands were against it. Slowly, very slowly, she maneuvered her legs beneath herself and lifted up on her knees, her face skewing in concentration as she felt around for the knife.

  “I’ve got it!” She whispered excitedly.

  “That’s my girl.” He smiled, to the best of his ability, and then moved his eyes to the door again. “Be quick.”

  “I’m…trying.” She grunted, moving her torso up and down. He couldn’t see what she was doing, but he suspected the blade was working against the zip ties. If anyone could do it, his girl could. He had faith in her.

  This may be our only chance.

  “Almost there.” She panted, tracing her tongue over her bottom lip. “Ow…this blade is sharper than I remember.”

  “Don’t hurt yourself, babe.”

  “I’m fine.” She laughed nervously, eyebrows furrowing as she leaned forward a bit and wiggled her arms. “Almost…aha!”

  He heard the zip ties snap and then her arms fell to her sides. She lifted her hands and stared at them in amazement before looking back at him.

  “You’re fucking amazing.” He grinned, ignoring the pain in his jaw. “Goddamn, I just fell in love with you all over again.”

  “Oh, stop.” She blushed, grabbing the knife and crawling to him. “It’s your turn.”

  “Hurry.” He murmured, squirming until his back faced her. “I don’t think we’ve got much time.”

  “We’ll be okay.” She insisted, quickly pressing the blade between his wrists. “Just stay still or I’ll cut you.”

  “Wait.” He froze when he heard footsteps returning. “Toss it under the bed, Laney. We don’t have time.”

  “But—”

  “Toss it now!”

  His breath hitched in his throat as he heard the knife hit the floor with a thump and then Laney quickly scrambled back to his side, just in the nick of time.

  Devin and Mia returned, fully dressed, and pulled them up from the floor. Devin gripped his arm roughly and shoved him forward.

  “Out.” He ordered, pressing the gun to his back. “And don’t get any funny ideas, pal. I won’t hesitate.”

  “You, too.” Mia cackled behind them. “Come on, little whore. Time to go.”

  Benji nearly toppled over when Devin gripped his shoulder and stopped him. Turning his head to see what the hold up was, he saw Devin gl
aring at Mia.

  “What?” She asked innocently.

  Benji glanced at Laney and realized she was playing the part of a captive perfectly; she was still pretending her hands were tied behind her back.

  That’s my girl.

  “If you ever call her a whore again…” Devin warned, his voice low and threatening.

  Mia’s demeanor changed and she glared back at him, the corner of her mouth twitching. The jealousy she felt was easy to see as she tightened her grip on Laney’s shirt and yanked her back a little.

  “I’m sorry.” She bit the words out. She didn’t mean it—Benji was certain of that—but she said it anyway.

  “Good.” Devin shoved him forward again and they made their way out of the apartment.

  Benji carefully stepped over various items lying on the floor and then entered the hallway, breathing a sigh of relief. It was almost over, wasn’t it?

  They got into the elevator and fell silent. He glanced at Laney occasionally, giving her reassuring smiles. What he needed more than anything in that moment was for her to know they were going to walk away from this.

  And he would still love her.

  He didn’t even know it was still raining until they got outside, a promise of daylight barely showing in the sky. Not that it would matter much, not really; the dark clouds looming overhead didn’t exactly look like they were going away any time soon.

  “Ugh, I hate rain!” Mia scowled as she pushed Laney forward. “Get a move on, will ya? My hair isn’t meant for this kind of weather.”

  Too bad she won’t just melt already.

  “Okay, he’s riding in the backseat with you.” Devin instructed when they finally made it to his car. “Laney, you’ll be up front with me.”

  “Wait. What?” Mia whined. “Why is she riding up front with you?”

  “Baby, we’ve talked about this. You don’t want them to sit back there alone, do you? They may try to escape. It’s better this way.” He tugged open the door behind the driver’s seat and nodded. “Get in, Benji Boy.”

  Giving Laney a reassuring nod, he eased down into the seat and looked up at her. She was terrified. His girl was terrified and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.