by Jodi Vaughn
Chapter Thirty-One
They pulled into New Orleans around nine p.m. It was dark and the streets were getting crowded with tourists.
Lucien pulled into a parking lot and killed the engine. He let Catty get off first before he climbed off.
“How are you feeling?” He brushed her blond hair out of her face.
“Good. I’m completely healed.” She rubbed the area on her chest where she’d been stabbed. She spread her arms and looked down at the shirt his mom had given her to wear. It was sleeveless and white and billowed when the wind caressed it. “Doesn’t really go with my biker boots, does it?”
He grinned and pulled her close. “You look great in anything.”
She burrowed her face in his chest and chuckled. “I can’t believe your mom gave me a bra to wear. That’s so embarrassing.”
He’d overheard his mother tell Catty she needed to wear a bra with her shirt because it was see through. Thankfully his mother had bought some personal items for the women’s shelter. She happened to have a bra in Catty’s size.
“She really likes you,” he murmured against her hair.
She pulled back and looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes. “You think so?”
“I know so. You impressed her. That’s hard to do.”
She smiled and reached up on her toes to place a kiss on his lips. “So what’s the plan?”
“According to the witch, the Guardians are underground. The Triple X is close. So I’m wondering if there isn’t a tunnel running from the club to the shipyard. I remember when I first got here I was talking to a waitress who said bad stuff happens at the Triple X. She was a wolf and she was trying to warn me about even going to the club.”
He looked at her and frowned. “Do you know of any rooms in the club that have an underground compartment or some way to get underground?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Wait. The rooms near the back of the club where they do lap dances. There’s a room in the back that’s always locked. None of the girls are allowed to go in there. They said it’s where the supplies are kept.” She looked at him. “Or so they’ve told us.”
“It’s worth checking out. In the meantime, go back to your place and get your stuff packed. I don’t know how long this is going to take, but once this is over I’ll come get you. So pack light.” He grinned.
“I will. There’s not a lot I want to bring with me.” Her eyes lit up.
“Want me to walk you back to your place?”
“Nah. I’ve got it.” She kissed him long and hard. “Lucien, please be careful.”
“I always am.”
He watched her walk in the direction of her apartment until she disappeared around the corner. He fished his cell phone out of his jacket pocket and pulled up Barrett’s number. He sent a quick text regarding the possibility of an underground tunnel leading from the Triple X toward the shipyard. It was his only lead on where they would be holding the Guardians.
He pressed send, turned his phone on silent and tucked it away in his pocket.
He needed to get to the club before his Guardians did to see if Catty’s hunch panned out.
He grabbed his .9 mm out of his saddlebag and tucked it in the back of his jeans. The club owner might have humans guarding the tunnel and if so he couldn’t shift in front of them. But he sure as hell could shoot.
***
Catty dumped the contents of her backpack out on her bed and glanced around the room. She would need something bigger if she wanted to cram as much stuff in as she could.
She knelt by the bed and pulled out a duffle bag. It was bigger and could be attached to the back of her seat on the Harley.
Excitement pounded in her chest as she packed her laptop and then opened the drawers on the small dresser. She couldn’t take all her clothes so she decided on the essentials: underwear, bra, three pair of jeans and some shirts. She glanced down at her feet. She would wear her biker boots and could pack her tennis shoes.
She opened her closet and rifled through the numerous jackets. Her fingers landed on the soft black leather of her favorite jacket, and she quickly tugged it off the hanger and tossed it in the bag. She pulled a chair over to the window and stood on it. She pulled the curtain rod down and stepped off the chair. She unscrewed the finial on the end. She smiled at the roll of hundred-dollar bills stuffed inside.
She’d saved as much money as she could for months now. She didn’t understand her compulsion at the time, but now it made perfect sense. Long before she accepted the fact she was leaving, she was making her escape.
She laughed as she dug out the roll. She quickly counted the money on the floor. When she was done it was close to three thousand dollars.
Not much. But more than enough to get her through until she found another job. A respectable job.
Hope swelled in her chest and crested. She was on her path to a new life. She was getting her do-over. She was getting it with Lucien.
She grabbed the money, wrapped it in a rubber band and tossed it in her bag.
She glanced at the time.
Mrs. Willis.
She needed to go see Mrs. Willis before she left. She didn’t want the old woman to think she’d abandoned her.
Setting her duffle by the door, she grabbed her keys and checked the time. She’d make a quick trip to say goodbye to Mrs. Willis and then come back and wait for Lucien.
Then she was going to start living.
She hurried out the door and made her way downstairs. As she stepped outside she inhaled deep. A sense of hope for the future settle around her. Smiling she took off in the direction of Mrs. Willis’s house.
As she got closer, Catty kept to the shadows so she wouldn’t draw attention to herself. It was after ten and people were hanging out on the street and front porches.
Mrs. Willis’s house came into view. She waited until the men on the porch next door finished their cigarette and headed inside before running over to Mrs. Willis’s house.
Her heart banged in her chest as she knocked on the front door.
After a few moments, Mrs. Willis called out. “Who is it?”
“It’s Catty, Mrs. Willis. Can I come inside?” She pressed her hand to the door as she spoke. One of the men next door had come back outside and was watching her with interest.
“Catty?” Mrs. Willis fiddled with the locks before throwing the door open. “Dear, is everything okay?”
“Yes ma’am.” She stepped inside and shut the door behind her.
“It’s late. You shouldn’t be over here this late at night.” Mrs. Willis chided.
“I know, but this couldn’t wait until morning.”
“Well, come on into the living room.” She led the way, tapping her cane against the hardwood floors.
“I don’t have much time. I just wanted …” Catty’s voice trailed off when her gaze landed on Shelly sitting on the couch. The girl looked up and shot her a glare.
“Shelly dropped by for a visit as well.” Mrs. Willis smiled.
“I see.” Catty forced herself to smile at the girl. “Hello, Shelly.”
Shelly arched her brow as she silently studied Catty.
“Shelly brought a friend over. He must have gone to the bathroom.” Mrs. Willis smiled. “Would you like some coffee, dear?”
“No, I’m fine. Listen, I just wanted to come over and tell you I’m leaving.” The hurried words came out in a rush of excitement.
“You are?” Mrs. Willis seemed taken aback. “But what about your job?”
“Yeah, Catty. What about your job?” Big Mike walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. Shelly stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist as she nuzzled him close.
Catty’s heart nearly stopped in her chest. Big Mike.
“What are you doing here?” She murmured. He’d heard everything. She wrapped her arms around herself to keep Big Mike from seeing her tremble.
“Catty, this is Shelly’s friend, Michael.” Mrs. Willis’s smiled faded.
“Now tell me more about you leaving, Catty.”
“Mrs. Willis, I had no idea you knew my friend Catty,” Big Mike said. He kept his focus on her, searing her with a glare. “Why, me and Catty go way back.”
“Is that so? It’s a small world.” Mrs. Willis eased into her chair. “Tell me, Catty, where are you moving to?”
“Probably to some little town no one’s ever heard of,” Shelly murmured.
“I don’t…” Her heart thundered in her chest as Big Mike lifted his shirt revealing a large gun on his side. Her mouth went dry and she couldn’t find the words to speak.
“I think this calls for a celebration. I’m gonna take Catty out for her last meal… here in New Orleans.” He looked down at Shelly. “Shelley go ahead and start the car. We’ll be out in a minute.”
Shelly shot Catty a glare. It was clear she didn’t want her anywhere near Mike.
Stupid girl. He’d brainwashed the college student into thinking she was the only woman in his life. He was probably trying to coax her into stripping at his club.
“Fine.” Shelly took the keys and slammed the door behind her.
“I don’t know. It’s really late. Don’t you think you should just go on home?” Mrs. Willis frowned as she worried the top of the cane with her finger.
Big Mike pulled out his gun and aimed it at the old woman’s head.
“No.”
Big Mike smiled.
“I mean, no, I don’t think it’s too late for dinner. I’ve not eaten so it’s… fine.” She wasn’t sure how she got the words out or exactly what she said. She just didn’t want Big Mike to hurt her friend.
“Good.” Big Mike holstered his gun and held out his hand. “Let’s get going then.”
“Bye, Mrs. Willis.” Catty gave the old woman a hug and a tear ran down her face. She scrubbed it away with the back of her hand and walked over to Big Mike.
She trembled under the evil of his smile. He placed his hand around her shoulder and walked out the door.
“If you try to run, I will shoot you. Then I’ll drag you back to the club and show you what happens to girls who go against me,” he whispered near her ear.
“I’m not a slave. I can come and go all I want. You don’t control me.” She hissed.
He grabbed her by the arm and shoved her inside the car. Shelly turned around and shot her glare. “Why is she here? You said you wanted to meet my family, Mike. That didn’t include her.”
Big Mike followed her in the back seat and slammed the door. He looked at Shelly and forced a smile. “Sweetheart, I need you to drive back to the Triple X.”
“But…”
“Shelly, if you don’t put your fucking foot on the pedal I’m going to crawl up in the front seat and show you pain you’ve never felt before.” He growled.
Shelly blinked and then pulled out into the street.
“Shelly, I don’t know what he’s told you, but he’s not what he seems. He’s a monster.” Catty blurted out.
“Ha. I can’t believe you, Catty. You are such a whore. I know your type. You aren't satisfied with the man you got, you want more. You and what’s his name, Lucien? He’s plenty of man for any girl but now you want Big Mike too.” She glared at her through the rear view mirror. “Well you know what? He’s mine.”
“He doesn’t care for you, Shelly. He doesn't care for anyone but himself.”
Big Mike brought his hand down across her cheek. Stars splintered before her eyes as she screamed in pain.
Shelly looked over her shoulder, fear creeping across her face. “What are you doing?” Her voice trembled and her wide-eyed stare looked at them.
“Shut up or you’re next.” He glared.
Shelly turned around and put the car in drive.
“You see, I’ve had someone following you for weeks now, Catty. I knew all about your friend Mrs. Willis. I didn’t have a problem with that old bat. But when I got wind of you hanging out with a large biker guy, I knew something was up. It was a stroke of luck when Shelly came into the Triple X wanting a job.”
“Shelly, why would you want to work in a strip club? You’re already in college.” Catty glared at her in the mirror.
“I’m not doing well in my classes.” Shelly looked at her in the rear view mirror. “I’m going to lose my scholarship for next semester. I heard how much money strippers make and hoped to make enough to pay for my tuition.”
“You’ve been taking things from your grandmother, haven’t you. Like the silver tray.”
Shelly’s face heated and she looked away. It was all the confirmation Catty needed.
“He’s never going to let you go back to college if you start stripping for him.” She met Shelley’s gaze. “He won’t ever let you leave the club once you start working there.”
“Shut the hell up.” Big Mike slapped her across her cheek. Stars burst behind her eyes and she buried her face in her arms.
“Anyway, after talking to Shelly, I realized she was Mrs. Willis’s granddaughter. I told her to keep an eye on you for me. She told me all about your friend Lucien and how he made a visit to Mrs. Willis’s house.”
Catty’s heart sank to her toes. Fear pounded in her heart and she tried the door handle. It didn’t budge.
He bent near her ear and whispered. “Would you like to know that the Pack Master of Louisiana doesn’t like Arkansas werewolves, especially Guardians in his state, nosing around?”
She looked at Shelly. The girl hadn’t heard Big Mike say werewolves.
“Anyway, you two have been followed from here to, let’s say Mississippi.” He grinned. “And it seemed like you are in a whole world of trouble, Catty.”
Shelly stopped in a parking lot behind the Triple X. She turned in her seat. “We’re here.”
“Good. Go on in and grab a seat at the bar. Tell them I said you can have anything you want, on the house.” He gave her a charming smile.
She nodded and then cast a worried look at Catty. She hurried out of the car and into the club.
“You’re such an asshole.” She shot him a glare.
“And you, my dear, are so dead.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Lucien entered the Triple X and shoved his way past the crowd of people to the bar. He scanned the crowd for a stripper but they were all occupied. The female manager, he believed her name to be Celine, passed by him with her cigarette and clipboard.
He grabbed her arm.
“Hey, don’t touch me,” she spat out.
“Sorry. Look, I want a lap dance. But I don’t see any girls available.”
“Yeah. It’s crowded tonight.” She cocked her head. “Aren’t you the guy that got the dance from Catty?”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
Her eyes lit up. She must have remembered how much he paid.
She looked down at her clipboard and then back at him. “Come on, I’ll get you a room and send a girl in. Any preferences?”
“Blonde.” He placed a wad of money on her clipboard.
“You got it.” She grinned. “Come on.”
She led the way to the back of the building to the private rooms.
“I want privacy, if you know what I mean.” He gave her a look.
“Sure do, buddy.” She took him to the next to the last room of the hall and opened the door. She waved him in. “No one will bother you here. Give me about five minutes and I’ll send Bambi in. You’ll be more than satisfied with her.” She grinned and headed back down the hallway.
Lucien poked his head out in the hallway.
Empty.
He quietly made his way to the last door. He studied the padlock. The music in the club was loud enough to cover the sound of him breaking the door. He glanced over his shoulder and made sure no one was in the hallway. Turning back to the locked door he rammed his shoulder into the wood. The door broke free from the lock and swung open.
A quick look inside told him no one was there. He stepped in and closed the door behind him. He had to move quick
before Celine discovered him missing and the door open.
His eyes quickly adjusted to the dark and he scanned the room.
It was small and had a floor to ceiling shelf filled with toilet paper, boxes of liquor and cocktail napkins. There was a large picture of angels floating around in the sky on the other side of the wall. He looked down to see if maybe there was an opening in the floor that led down.
Nothing. Not even a grate. He ran his hand through his hair and gritted his teeth.
Frustrated he punched the wall where the picture hung. A hollow sound reverberated in the small room.
He stilled. The wall shouldn’t be hollow.
He grabbed the picture frame and pulled.
The picture swung free, opening up a stairwell behind the painting.
“Son of a bitch.” He dug out his phone and sent a quick text to Barrett with the exact location. Barrett would be angry at his disobedience, but he would deal with that later.
Right now he had to save Mitchell if he was still alive.
He made his way carefully down the steps. The musty scent of damp walls and mold seemed to seep into his bones.
Pain shot through his head and light flashed behind his eyes. He turned in time to see two large men hit him again with a metal baseball bat. The last thing he heard was menacing laughter.
***
“That’s far enough.” Big Mike led her inside the club to the storage room. He moved a painting, revealing secret opening into the wall He led them down underground to a room lit by portable lights run by generators.
She gagged as the smell of blood and excrement overwhelmed her. She pressed her hand to her mouth and tried to slow her breathing down.
It smelled like horror and death.
A moan on the far side of the room drew her attention as her heart beat like a drum.
“I’ve got someone I want you to meet, Catty.” Big Mike stepped over to the unlit wall. Something moved in the shadows but she couldn’t make it out.
He grabbed a floor lamp and angled it to shed light on the wall.
She gasped.
A man beaten and bloody was chained face first to the wall. His clothes had been stripped from his body and his back had been whipped until blood pooled on the floor. He panted as he struggled to catch his breath.