by Maggie Ryan
Jason called to Garrett, who instantly had Ariel out of the restraints, pulling off his shirt to cover her nudity, not taking the time to put her back into her skin tight mermaid tail. Ariel's euphoria from her whipping disappeared at the sight of her friend's faces.
"What's wrong?"
"Liz is missing," Logan said, his words clipped as he attempted to remain calm. "Spread out, look everywhere. I don't want to cause a panic, but no one is to leave until we find her."
Nodding, the group spread out, quietly speaking to other members, enjoining their help in the search. Nancy had just bent down and picked up a blue sapphire, when a cry pierced the air.
Logan jerked up, instantly recognizing the sound, his heart pounding. "Shut it down!" he commanded, his voice easily rising above all others.
The reaction to his command was instant. Red lights started pulsing, signaling that all activity was to cease immediately. Monitors posted themselves at all exits, as other staff began to move towards the stairs to the second floor—though it had yet to be opened. Once the lights activated, all interior doors automatically unlocked, while all exterior doors locked.
Susanna picked up the phone in the lobby, dialing 911 without bothering to explain to her assistant what was happening.
Privacy was disregarded as doors were pushed open and the inner rooms searched, their occupants asked to assemble in the main room. The precision was remarkable, as each member got to see exactly how a possibly dangerous scene would be handled by the owner and employees of Tastsinn's. Not an unnecessary word was spoken, not a person moved toward any exit. It took less than ten minutes for the entire floor to be searched before it was obvious that Elizabeth was not in the club.
"Where is she?" Garrett said, his face drawn, his jaw clenched. Logan was shaking his head, his mind whirling.
"Here's another one," Nancy said, picking up a second blue jewel, her fingers trembling as she held it up. "These are from her costume, aren't they?" Logan took the jewel and nodded, his eyes moving along the wall.
"Oh God, he has her," Barbara moaned, quickly telling them that she had seen what might well have been a glimpse of a monk costume going down the hall, but that it had disappeared before she had a chance to see more than the swirl of a brown robe.
"The employee rooms," Logan said, breaking away as he pressed a well concealed area on the wall that opened to reveal a narrow hallway leading to several small rooms used as either offices or storage areas. His heart was pounding as he spotted a red leather bracelet on the floor. Not bothering to pick it up, knowing that Elizabeth had managed to drop it as a further clue to her location, his heart stopped when another scream split the silence around them. He threw himself against a closed door to a utility closet, cursing when he realized it was blocked from the inside. Another scream propelled him forward as his name was shrieked by the love of his life. Garrett added his weight to the attack, the strength of both men causing the door to crack.
The sound of Logan's roar, as he rammed into the door for the third time, made everyone's blood freeze in their veins. As soon as the door pushed open just the barest inch, Logan was through it in a heartbeat. The next sound was a man yelling, and a thud, as Logan lifted the monk by his robe, throwing him across the room.
By the time Garrett and Carlton entered, Greg Spenser was attempting to find his feet in order to escape the Roman politician who had become a gladiator obviously intent on killing his foe.
"Logan, stop," Garrett thundered, his hand clamping onto Logan's arm just as he snapped Greg's head back with another punch. Logan struggled against the hold until he heard the words, "Liz needs you!" Only the sound of her name kept him from punching his best friend.
Dropping Greg back to the ground, he turned to see Elizabeth pressed against the wall, her eyes huge, her fists pressed against her mouth as if to keep from screaming. His heart stopped until he had her in his arms, his face buried in her hair.
"Shhh, shhh," he crooned, stroking her back as she buried her face against his neck. "I've got you." His voice broke as the gladiator became a man whose worse fears had been realized. He was holding her so tightly that she was having difficulty taking a breath. It was her hand reaching to gently stroke his cheek that allowed him to relax his hold.
"Oh, God," he moaned, "I… I…"
"I knew you'd come," Liz whispered, her lips moving against his own. "I knew you'd find me." Neither paid any attention to what was happening as people crowded into the small space.
"No, no, it's a mistake," Greg yelled, as he was dragged to his feet by Garrett. Attempting to pull away, he held up a hand. "It's just a misunderstanding. Shit, I just wanted to talk to her. I swear I wasn't going to…" He realized his words were having no effect on the angry crowd, and his demeanor changed. "Fuck you all. Everyone knows this is a sex club. It's not like the bitch isn't—"
His words were cut off when Garrett slugged him in the stomach. Greg bent over, gasping for breath, as Carlton forcibly turned him to the wall, wrenching his arms behind his back in order to slap handcuffs around his wrists. Once Greg had been secured, Carlton recited the Miranda loudly as he continued to yell.
"I'm the one who was assaulted. By the time I'm through suing you all, I'll own this fucking club! You can't attack me for being a Dom, taking what he wants. Not when everybody knows what goes on here! Who can blame a man when these… these women dress like the sluts they are, begging to be—"
His words were again cut off as Nancy slapped him as hard as she could. "Shut up! You're lucky a police officer has you in custody, you piece of shit!"
"I have witnesses!" Greg continued, as Carlton began to drag him from the room. "You all saw them attack me! I demand a lawyer!"
"The only thing we saw was you assaulting Elizabeth," Jason said, his arms going around the trembling woman, who obviously wished she could slap Greg again.
"You'll find your case hard to make, Mr. Spenser," an angry woman said. She was dressed as a little girl from a fairy tale. "I'm a lawyer and know that you not only have restraining orders against you, you also entered a private club illegally and attacked my friend. I suggest you follow Nancy's advice and keep your mouth shut."
As the crowd parted to allow Carlton and his prisoner to pass, Logan met Greg's gaze, the venom in his eyes making Greg stumble.
"I'm warning you for the last time, come near Elizabeth again, touch her in any way, and I swear I'll kill you."
All bravado left Greg, and he moved closer to Carlton instinctively. His voice quavered as he turned to Carlton. "Did you hear that, Officer? He just threatened my life!"
"Shut the fuck up," Carlton growled, dragging Elizabeth's attacker through the ruined door.
The club filled with the sounds of cheers and clapping as Greg was led outside and handed over to two additional police officers.
"I'll follow in my car," Carlton promised, having every intention of making sure that Greg was handled properly.
"Don't you want to change first, Sir?" a rookie officer suggested, as he took in the comical uniform Carlton was wearing.
"I don't give a shit who sees me in costume," Carlton said, his eyes never leaving Greg until the man had been placed into the back seat of the police cruiser. "I'll follow."
The rookie nodded, sliding into the car, his eyes skimming the crowd of costumed party goers. It must have been some party, he thought as the car pulled away from the club, and he wondered how he could finagle an invitation for the next one.
Inside, Elizabeth was cradled on Logan's lap as their friends all surrounded the couple. She spoke clearly, Logan's arms around her giving her the strength to tell the story of how Greg had ambushed her.
"He followed me into the Ladies' room and grabbed me when I came out of the stall. He kept his hand over my mouth so I couldn't scream. I tried to fight him off but he was so strong. All I could do was try to leave clues."
"That was what helped us find you," Craig said, opening his fist to reveal the fake jewel Barbara
had found. "That was very clever, Liz."
Elizabeth nodded. "I knew you'd look for me when I didn't come back. He-he had just jammed a chair under the doorknob when I saw the red light pulsing, and understood that Logan had shut down the club. God, I've never been so grateful that you take security so seriously." She again stroked Logan's cheek. "I screamed the moment he removed his hand… it-it was all I could think of."
"You used your voice," Logan whispered, his lips brushing against her skin. "Thank God, you found your voice."
"Only because you helped me find it," Liz replied, her lips fusing to his. "Nothing really happened, except that now I'll lose the deposit on this costume."
Though the humor was forced, everyone knew she was telling them that she was trying not to allow the horrible incident to traumatize her. Sitting up on Logan's lap, she turned to the group. "Thank you, all of you. I never was truly afraid because I knew I had all of you looking for me."
"Yes, thank you," Logan agreed. "Everyone did exactly what was needed. Drinks are on the house." The crowd cheered, all grateful that the attack had not been far worse for a woman they all admired.
The red lights stopped pulsing, and drinks were poured as only the eight of them remained in the small sitting area.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Nancy asked from where she was seated on the floor, her hand stroking up and down Liz's leg.
"Yes, I'm fine," Liz assured her, patting her hand. "God, I can't believe you slapped him, Nancy."
Nancy finally relaxed a bit, her smile indicating she'd like to slap Greg again.
They each made physical contact with Liz, their touch reassuring both her and themselves that she was back where she belonged.
After a little while, Logan felt calm enough to release his iron hold, allowing her to stand. "Let's go home," he suggested, and was surprised when Liz shook her head.
"Not until you announce the winners," she said, and smiled at his look of disbelief. "Sir, I'm fine, and it would be nice to prove it beyond a doubt by continuing the evening's events. I don't want to have to remember the club this way. I need to have the party go on or I'll never feel comfortable here again."
"Are you nuts?" Logan exclaimed, looking around their circle as if to gather support for his question.
"She's right," Garrett said, putting his arm around Logan's shoulders. "You've got a very brave girl, Logan. I say we trust her to know what she needs right now."
Despite his disbelief, Logan capitulated and nodded. After he got Liz a bottle of water, and Garrett helped Ariel back into her costume before donning his own shirt again, the announcement was made that the prizes for the various costume winners were to be awarded.
Bottles with Halloween inspired labels, such as Witch's Brew and Warlock Potion, were given out, along with cheap plastic trophies. Nancy was blushing as Jason grinned, watching her accept her prize of sexiest costume. Garrett accepted the prize given to Carlton and Beth for most authentic, with everyone agreeing that even a Keystone cop was a cop. A couple dressed as Dracula and his blood-drenched victim were presented with a trophy for most frightening, and the club erupted into cheers as Elizabeth and Logan were declared the most romantic couple.
Holding Logan's hand and the plastic trophy, Liz accepted hugs and praises for her bravery as they finally began to get ready to leave. As he helped her into the car and secured her seat belt, she noticed that Logan's hands were still trembling. "I love you, Logan," she whispered, placing her hand over one of his. "Take me home and love me."
Logan felt his throat close again with the emotion that consumed him. Despite her insistence that they continue the evening, that she was fine, his soul felt bruised. With her words, he realized that he needed to have her all to himself. He had no intention of letting her out of his sight for the foreseeable future. Kissing her softly, he traced her cheek with his finger. "Always," he murmured, his lips sealing against hers.
Chapter 7
The events of the Halloween party had shocked everyone, and though they were very grateful that nothing worse than a horrid fright had befallen Elizabeth, the thought of what could have happened would continue to haunt them until the conclusion of the case.
Barbara once again donned her lawyer persona to provide legal counsel to her friends. Though Greg was, without a doubt, guilty of attacking Liz, several mitigating circumstances had clouded the case.
Elizabeth swore that she would have no problem testifying at a trial even though everyone knew that facts related to the case would be brought into the public eye.
Logan had attempted to keep his internal struggles hidden until they almost tore him apart. He felt he had failed in the most important duty of a man—especially a dominant man—by not keeping his submissive safe from all harm.
In a meeting with his sister, he broke down, finally admitting to being torn between wanting to force Greg Spenser to face a jury of his peers, and wanting to protect his love from that same group. He knew it was highly unlikely they would get a jury made up of a dozen people who truly had no prejudices against what was considered by most to be an abnormal lifestyle—practicing any form of BDSM. He was loath to expose Elizabeth to such a group, to be grilled by Greg's lawyer, who was no doubt determined to portray her as some sort of perverted sexual player, and sure to bring up her many years of consensual play and experimentation.
Barbara managed to change Logan's focus, to trying to find the perfect balance of justice for Liz and his need to protect her. She didn't bat an eye as she called in favors, pushing for a fast resolution before people started disappearing for long holiday breaks. It had been amazing at how her doggedness over the last couple of weeks had paid off.
Everyone, including Craig, was amazed at the change that had come over Barbara. After exchanging her juvenile overalls for a dark business suit, and her pigtails for a severe bun, her eyes were intense as she placed her briefcase on the table in a conference room at the courthouse, snapping it open and pulling out piles of folders, tablets and pens—as if prepared to camp out on that very spot until the matter was settled. While those involved were allowed to sit in a grouping of chairs behind her, she cautioned them not to say a word. "You've got to trust me to handle this. If you can't handle it, leave the room."
When Logan made a sound of protest, she shook her head, and he saw the woman who had earned the nickname of the Ice-Queen staring at him, her hand lifted. "Shut up, Logan, you need to listen to me. You are in my territory now. If it helps you keep silent, consider this my dungeon, and you are looking at the Domme who is going to make Greg Spenser wish he'd never decided to act like a naughty little boy."
Perhaps it was her stern appearance, or the shock at hearing his sister's choice of words, but whichever it was had Logan nodding and sitting back in his chair. It was also a help that Elizabeth immediately reached for his hand, entwining her fingers with his.
It was a silent room that greeted Greg and his lawyer, Charles Wilson. Barbara barely allowed them time to settle before she began. Without letting either man know that Logan was actually keen to keep Liz out of the public eye, Barbara coldly informed Charles that if he couldn't convince his client that the proposal she had worked out with the help of an arbitrator was in his best interest, she'd be more than happy to nail Greg's balls to the wall. It had been discovered that Greg had waited outside the club until a member dressed in an almost identical monk's costume had left the party. He had then simply pulled the hood of his robe over his head, walked into the club as if he had only stepped outside for a moment, given a wave as he walked past the desk where several couples were checking in, and walked into the club proper.
Barbara's unwavering gaze, as she relayed that Greg could well receive years in prison for the attack—adding the attempted kidnapping charge, and the fact that he was in violation of breaking not one but two restraining orders, as well as trespassing on private property as he had no membership at Tastsinn's—all added weight to her argument.
She never eve
n blinked when Charles asked for the opportunity to speak to his client out in the hall. Even though the door was shut, she warned the others to remain quiet, not wanting to chance a single sound being overheard by Charles.
The group waited silently, all eyes on the door. When it opened, Barbara said nothing as Charles suggested a few changes to the agreement. He even pointed out that the benefit of reaching a new agreement meant that all parties could avoid a trial altogether, mentioning that the holidays were fast approaching, and everyone should be willing to give a little.
Barbara could practically feel the anger emanating from Logan, and was grateful that Elizabeth was holding his hand tightly, her presence the only thing that kept Logan in his chair.
The concession Charles was asking for wasn't that much, and yet Barbara knew it was a price she simply couldn't pay—not if she wanted her brother's life to ever return to normal, and Elizabeth and Nancy to truly feel safe. She allowed Greg to feel the full force of the contempt from every other man in the room as she stood and paced the length of the table for a few minutes, as if giving the proposal some consideration. Finally, she crossed her arms and shook her head, informing them that she couldn't care less if the upcoming holidays were spent in the courtroom down the hall, instead of at home surrounded by family and friends. To make her point absolutely clear, she placed her hands flat on the table and leaned close to Greg.
"You are a pitiful excuse of a man, Mr. Spenser. I promise I will not rest until every person in this city—hell, this entire great state—knows that you are a coward who uses deplorable tactics when bested by superior designers. This is not a world run by the Good-Ole-Boys any longer. You've not only attempted to slander my friends' good names by lying about their professionalism, but you actually donned the vestments of a religious authority and attacked an innocent woman. Tell me, how many clients, especially those men who actually respect the females on this planet, do you believe would think of hiring you—even if, by some miracle, your ass isn't thrown into jail by Christmas Eve? I suggest you sign the agreement as it's written… unless, of course, you're curious to discover what gifts your cellmate might have for you on Christmas morning? I guarantee the only stocking you'll see is the one he shoves into your mouth to stifle your screams." She didn't move a muscle as Greg grabbed the papers, flipped to the last page and scrawled his signature. Once Charles had added his own, Barbara accepted the papers and stood up. "That was the smartest move you've made in a year. Happy holidays."