Fighting for Chloe
Page 11
‘Owww.’
‘Get the fuck in.’ Is all he says in return. I adjust myself and try wiggling into the seat as best I can with my arms still restrained.
‘How are you doing today, Chloe?’ Looking over, I come face to face with Patrick Smith, number one asshole himself.
‘Can you tell me where we’re going? I thought you agreed a week with my dad?’ I rapid fire the questions at him. Really hoping to get some answers. I learned the first time they took me that he’s always the chattier of the bunch of kidnappers.
‘Gotta move ya, toots. I did agree for a week, but we can’t take no chances with keeping you there when Dom knows where it is. And since none of the people I sent to check on his whereabouts have been able to find him, I’m taking every precaution. Stupid guy hasn’t even shown up for his fights, and he knows what happens if he doesn’t.’ He pulls a flask out of his pocket and takes a swig, returning it right where he got it from. ‘Couldn’t even find him in any hospital. I think he’s bailed on you. I wouldn’t blame him if he did. But he’s a part of this now and he owes me now just as you and your father do.’
‘Was he in your debt before I came along?’ I question him while trying to think up ways to get Dom off the hook.
‘Nope. He just showed up, fought his fights, which he always won. Took his money and left. Always predictable with him. He’s been pretty consistent over the last few years. Brings in the big bucks for me too.’
‘So, if he wants out, why don’t you just let him out?’
‘Cuz he stuck his nose in the wrong man’s business and took something that didn’t belong to him. No one crosses me and gets away with it.’ Out comes the flask again, but this time he angles it towards me after he takes a drink, I shake my head no.
‘So, it’s all my fault? My dad’s fault, that you’re going after him and his family?’
‘Yep, don’t that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Your little fuckbuddy is involved ‘cause he tried to help you.’ He laughs out loud at himself. ‘God lord almighty, I hope that was some good ass pussy he got in return.’ He continues to laugh.
I have no response for his, my heart feels like it’s breaking in a million pieces. I turn my head toward the window for the rest of the drive, trying to figure out where we’re at. But it’s pointless. I haven’t explored London much since moving here, mostly have just stayed near my apartment. We pass an Italian restaurant named Gregorio’s and I take note to try to at least remember it in case it comes in use. The vehicle starts to slow and I try to look around more, noticing where we could be. But as I stare out the window I’m entrenched into pure blackness. A bag of some sort of canvas material is pulled over my head.
‘Is this necessary? You’ve not put it on the whole way here.’ I enquire.
‘Yes.’ That’s all he says. I hear the door pop open and I’m pulled down from the seat. I’m thrown over someone’s shoulder and I can tell we’re heading up some sort of steps. The atmosphere changes as we enter the place. Loud, swishing noises and people talking in a different language. I’m not sure but I think it’s Chinese or Japanese. The sounds cease off in the distance and the man stops walking.
‘Fuck.’ I yell as I’m thrown down on my butt and the bag is roughly torn from my head, taking some of my hair with it. ‘Do you need to be so damn rough?’ I try to rub my head with my shoulder to soothe the ache of where my hair got pulled but after a minute I give up because there’s no way I can reach it. Patrick opens the door and enters the room. I crane my head to see out of the door before it closes and there’s lines of tables with men working at them, money counting machines in front of them.
‘What is this place? A drug house?’ My eyebrow raises at Patrick as he shakes his head at me.
‘No, it’s not a fucking drug house. What kinda man do you take me for?’ I huff out a laugh at him but he continues without giving me the chance to respond. ‘Just stay here a bit. Your dad has a couple more days to get back to me. Who knows, you could be outta here before you know it.’
Both the men exit the room, leaving me all alone. My hands are still bound behind my back but at least I’m not tied to a chair this time. Bright side, right? I send a silent prayer up to God, please let this nightmare end soon.
Dom
CHLOE WAS MOVED. Andre had tabs on them when I was laid up, but he lost them. I’m not a hundred percent yet, but I’m better than I was. My nan is coming home today and thankfully Zoe is bringing her back for me. I have a lot of explaining to do when she arrives because she’s pissed. But my nan at least has been blissfully unaware which for once has worked in my favour.
I’m waiting for Andre to come back to me with more news, but so far they’ve come up empty. I know I have to go back and fight, otherwise I’ll never find out where she is. I’m still black and blue, but my face is healing well and the swelling has all but gone now. I can see with both eyes luckily. I do have one eye a different colour to the other now though which is really weird. But the doc said its due to heavy trauma and it can happen. So what was once a dark brown colour is now blue. But it’s functional and that’s all that matters.
I think my hands were stamped on too. It’s the only explanation for the mess they’re in, I’m pretty sure most of my fingers were broken or dislocated. I flex them and then make a fist. It hurts but it’s bearable. I try it a few more times hoping the pain in them will subside. But it doesn’t it only gets worse. I was also pissing blood for three days, no doubt due to the battering my kidneys took. But I can’t think about all this right now. I have a slew of fucking injuries and every single one of them means I’m not a safe bet in the ring. How can I go out to win if I’m halfway fucked up before I even get in there?
A knock on my front door gives me pause for a second. I answer finding Patrick himself smiling up at me like we’re old friends. Fucker. I grind my teeth together and bite my tongue. Inviting him in with a sweep of my hand. He walks in front of me with his bodyguard at my back. As we get into the living room he sits down without being asked and puts his feet up on my nans coffee table. That irritates the fuck out of me and I knock his legs down. He doesn’t say anything just grins a little harder.
‘What do you want?’ I bark out.
‘Oh now, Dom, let’s not start off like that. We’re all friends here right?’
‘The fuck we are asshole.’
‘Always so vulgar.’ He tsks and shakes his head like he’s disgusted by my insult.
‘FYI, Friends don’t kidnap girlfriends or have them beaten up.’
‘But we are just starting out at this relationship Dom. It’s only just getting to a stage where I feel understood, am I understood Dom?’ His voice is sickly sweet, like he’s talking to someone’s grandmother.
‘Yeah I understand you. You’re a sick, twisted motherfucker who gets his rocks off on hurting women.’
‘I do believe you’re not a woman, unless I am sorely mistaken, perhaps we should find out?’ He nods to his bodyguard who steps up and tries to grab a hold of me. But I don’t let him. As I swing he ducks and my timing is off because he lands a punch on my jaw. I see stars but quickly recover when the guy tries to yank at my sweat pants. Oh fuck no. I kick out grabbing the waistband, holding them tight. I kick again and his shin takes the brunt, but his hands come away from me and go to stopping him hitting the floor. I pull the cord tight and knot it so I’m not caught short again and I stand waiting for the next attack. Patrick chuckles behind me. I glare at him and he laughs harder still.
‘Fucking coward, had to have me beaten by five men before you’ll come talk to me.’
He laughs loudly and my blood starts to boil. Motherfucker.
‘No, Dom, that beating was a lesson. One I hope you’ve learned? You don’t get to touch me. Ever. And I own you. Remember that and it won’t need to happen again. Now let’s get down to business, because every night you don’t turn up the more money you owe me.’
I sigh in resignation. Will this
ride ever fucking end? ‘Give me Chloe and I’ll fight every fucking night as promised. You can’t expect me to fight and win after the state you left me in. So, any money lost is on you not me friend.’
‘Oh, Dom, another lesson you obviously need to learn is that I’m always in charge even when you think you are. I will always be here breathing down your neck. Oh, and the money lost just doubled. So, if I were you, I’d shut the fuck up.’ He chastises me like I’m a child. Fucker. My teeth grind together and I bite my tongue. I will take so much pleasure in watching this bastard die. The thought eases my frustration a little.
‘Fine you’re in charge. Just please let Chloe go, what difference does it make to you if she’s here? We can’t go anywhere.’
‘Oh but then where is your incentive?’
I shake my head. ‘How about knowing she’ll be taken if I don’t? You’ve proven your point once. I won’t step out of line.’ I hear a car door as the last words leave my mouth and it’s like everything goes into slow motion, as I watch through the window at my nan and Zoe walking up the path to the front door.
‘Dom?’ Zoe’s voice echoes down the hall.
‘Oh how nice to see you again.’ Patrick smiles as they round the corner into the room. Zoe pales and almost takes a misstep. My nan smiles and offers her hand in greeting.
‘My son has forgotten his manners,’ She smiles. ‘How nice to see you...Err?’
‘Patrick, Ma’am.’
‘Well how about a cup of tea?’
‘Nan, Patrick was just leaving he’s already had a drink.’
‘Nonsense I can stay and have a cup with your nan, Dom, don’t be rude.’ Zoe looks at me her face a picture of fear. Patrick was the one who tried to smother my nan, I know that now. Nan takes her coat and scarf off and sits in her usual chair, while Patrick gets comfortable on the sofa end. Zoe is still stock still and looks like she’s unable to move from shock. I snap my fingers in front of her face and she looks at me, her eyes welled up with tears. How the fuck do I deal with this shit without everyone getting hurt? And where the fuck is Andre?
***
Chloe
Is this how a caged animal feel? If so, I’m picketing all zoos and fighting for their release back into the wild. I can’t be sure how long I’ve been here, but it seems like a lifetime. Staring at the same walls, day in and day out. Sleeping non-stop because there’s not much else to do. I’ve even tried talking to the fuckers who are keeping me here when they come into take me to the restroom and give me food, but it’s it always turns out to be a one-sided conversation no matter what craziness I throw at them. Patrick hasn’t returned since the first day they brought me to my new living quarters. I’ve asked to speak with him, but my requests fall on deaf ears. So now I sit here lost in my own head, counting the cracks in the wall. There’s fifty-three. I know for sure because this is my umpteenth time counting them.
No matter how much time has passed, my mind stills wanders back to Dom. I’m positive he followed my instructions and just let it be and moved on with his life. Taking care of Nan, finding a new way of supporting her, trying to right the disaster I’ve made of his life. I really don’t blame him. Even if we had a mind-blowing connection and our bodies screamed out for one another, he has to think of what’s best for Nan’s health and his life. No matter if I die tomorrow, I’ll never regret giving him a piece of me that no one else has ever had. I may even have given him a piece of my heart at the same time.
The rickety old door swings open and Kyle is here to take me to the bathroom, just like clockwork. Although I really wouldn’t know because there’s no clock in here, but it sure seems that way.
‘Time for me to empty the canister, eh?’ I pull myself up from the floor the best I can. ‘What’s on the menu for tonight? Please don’t tell me it’s peanut butter and jelly again. Can’t we mix it up a little, maybe get me some Chinese takeout or damn, even something from the fast food drive through.’
‘Shut up and move.’ He throws my food down on the wooden table, pb&j as predicted, and puts the black canvas bag over my head.
‘Oh, feeling a little talkative today, are we? It’s about damn time. I think I was starting to get tired of my own damn voice.’
‘I said shut up.’ And with that he yanks the bag securely down and directs me to the bathroom. Long hall, right, right again, and then left into the bathroom. He nudges me in and yanks the bag from my head, slamming the door behind him. After doing this so many times, I’ve gotten used to the wiggle wiggle skooch skooch to get my pants down and back up. I used to get angry pounds on the door when I took too long, but fuck what do they expect. My damn hands are bound. I finish my business and do a shake to try and dry the piss from my crotch. If I ever get out of here, the first place I’m going is to the gyno to get myself checked. I know there’s a UTI on the horizon.
I give two kicks to the door to signal that I’m done and Kyle pops in and begins to jam the bag back over my head. He has it down to my mouth when I feel the weight of his hands on the bag disappear. I hear a scuffle in the doorway and try to use my shoulder to get the bag up off my eyes to see what’s happening. My body hits the wall as I lose my balance. Pushing my head against it, I manage to manoeuvre the bag up over my nose and get it so one eye is able to see out. I rush back over to the door and get there just as a man chokes out Kyle. I’ve never seen a man killed before and I’m frozen to the spot. Who is this man?
‘Come on, we gotta go before anyone finds the body.’ The mystery man grabs my arm after he pulls Kyle’s body into the bathroom and closes the door.
‘Who are you?’ I question as he drags me down a back corridor and out a door where I’m met with blinding light, I run through the pain of the burn, seeing freedom on the other side.
‘No time to explain now. Just know that your father sent me and that you can trust me.’
‘My dad?’
‘Yes, now come on. There’s a van waiting on the other side of this building.’ We both break into a full sprint down the back alley and around the corner. Thank God he kept a hold of my arm or I for sure would have been face down on the cement from my legs being so wobbly. ‘Get in the back.’ He tells me as we approach the van. ‘I’ll be right back.’
‘Wait wait. Where’s your phone? I have to call Dominic and let him know I’m okay.’
‘He’s in the building. Now get in the back and don’t open the door for anyone but me.’ I do as he says and climb in through the sliding door and lock it behind me. Dom is in the building. What’s going on? Has he been taken? Is he fighting? Is he okay?
Dom
AS I GET to the meeting point, Andre comes into sight, his van behind him. I look at him waiting on him to say one way or another. Please tell me you got her. When he nods his head, I don’t hesitate, my feet are in motion and I meet him halfway across the road. He turns and walks with me to the back of the van.
‘Chloe open up.’ He says quietly tapping, the adrenaline screams through my body and my heart races. It’s been too fucking long since I saw her last, tied up and beaten. When the door opens, I don’t even get the chance to speak because she leaps into my arms and wraps herself around me like a limpet. Sobs wrack through her body and she shakes uncontrollably in my arms.
‘Hey, baby it’s okay...it’s okay you’re safe now.’
‘We need to move. Now.’ Andre says into my ear.
I nod and holding Chloe tightly, I climb into the back of the van, sitting her so she straddles me chest to chest, I haven’t even seen her face yet because she’s been clung to me so tight. I pull my head back trying to see her. My heart breaks a little when I get a proper look. Her cheeks look sunken, she’s lost weight, and she looks like she’s been smacked around more than I care to imagine. I clench my jaw, my teeth grinding I try to hold the anger back. As the van jerks into motion she looks directly into my eyes.
‘I thought... they... were going to... kill you.’ She sobs the words out. ‘Is... Nan... Okay?’
‘Where are we?’
‘In a safe place, where they can’t find us.’
‘Us? Is Nan here? Zoe?’ My heart drops a little as I swallow down the disappointment at what I had to do.
‘No. Nan is in a care home right now, and Zoe is fine too. She’s not happy with the situation but I did what I had to do to make everyone safe.’
‘What you had to do?’
‘My nan, I promised her she could live out her years at home.’ I swallow down the lump in my throat. I had spent a lot of time online and visiting the homes while Chloe was held hostage. Because I knew this moment was coming. Zoe was obviously worried about Chloe but she didn’t know the weight of the situation and still doesn’t. So I didn’t expect her to understand, she was angry over Nan, like really fucking angry. But gave me her blessing and told me that she loved me and that she knew I’d only do good by her. And she obviously wanted Chloe safe too.