by Mary Abshire
His fierce hungry gaze revealed her fate. “You’re a hard-headed bitch. I like that. It excites me even more.”
A ring from the phone on the table collected his attention. He pushed his chair back before he stood. He touched the cell before lifting it to his ear. “Yeah?”
There was a small pause.
“She’s not talking. I didn’t think she would,” Don said.
Don turned his back to her. She twisted her wrists, but the rope burned her skin too much, forcing her to stop. She inhaled a deep breath through her mouth in an effort to calm her speeding pulse. She hoped Andrew had got her message and had called Troy. If there was a slim chance of rescuing her, the angel couldn’t do it on his own.
“I’ll take care of it.” Don set the phone back on the table.
“Annie or Christopher?”
He grinned. “Christopher. He wants you to join the other ladies. I guess that means I better fix your nose.”
He shot at her face with his left fist. Her nose made a crunching sound while her head jerked to the side from the blow. Fierce pain flamed hotter than before. Blood collected in the back of her throat. She quickly spit it out. A whimper escaped her, but she quickly concealed her agony with coughs. She couldn’t reveal her distress. She had to remain strong. With the Rebel Yell…
He grabbed her hair from the top of her head and lifted it. Then he pinched the bridge of her nose. “Back in place.”
She sucked in air fast and furiously through her mouth while trying to focus on the Billy Idol tune. This time she had difficulty.
He let go of her head. “I’m going to miss you, Carrie. But don’t worry, I’m not done with you yet. I can’t hand you over without having a little more fun. I just have to be more creative.”
Questions rushed through her clouded mind. Hand her over to whom? And what did be more creative mean?
He picked up his phone and the gun from the table. “I’ll be back with some ice for your face.”
“Where are the other girls?” she asked before he reached the door.
“They’re here getting ready.”
His words continued to make no sense. Ready for what? Maybe the pain had rattled her brain too much.
“Is Annie here?”
“I think you know the answer to that.” He smirked.
“What’s going to happen to the girls?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” His crooked smile made her stomach roll in disgust.
She breathed easier after he left the room. But she had no doubt her suffering would renew with his return. Why he was going to put ice on her face? Why not keep beating her?
The more she raised questions, the more her head ached.
Whatever Christopher’s plans were, she had to remain strong. At least she would be with the other four girls. As a group, they had better odds at trying to escape.
While she waited to find out her fate, she hoped Andrew and Troy would have enough time to figure out a plan. And if they didn’t, then she hoped death would come swiftly.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Andrew sped on the interstate. Sunglass hid his burning weary eyes from the early afternoon sunshine. He’d changed into shorts and a t-shirt before he’d checked out of the hotel with his and Emily’s belongings, but his body temperature remained elevated. The cool air shooting from the vents did little to help. Worry and rage burned within him like acid in the back of his throat. He hadn’t been able to sleep more than an hour and he couldn’t eat. He hated to leave San Diego, but he couldn’t get to her either, even if he’d stolen a boat. Troy was his only compass to find her.
Matt’s cell chimed. He veered his gaze from the passenger window to his phone sitting on his thigh. “It’s Annie.” He answered her call. “Where are you? Is everything okay?”
In the early morning hours at the marina, Andrew had shared the truth with him. Of course, he was skeptical. Andrew informed him of the first three demons he’d destroyed too. As for evidence, he told Matt to research everything online. He’d also shown Matt the tattoo on his arm. The man asked plenty of questions, as Andrew had expected. To Andrew’s surprise, Matt seemed to believe him. But Andrew still sensed some uncertainty.
“I was concerned since I couldn’t reach you and I couldn’t find Don or Sherri,” Matt said, breaking up the short silence.
It was Matt who had convinced Andrew to return to the property to get answers. He offered to help Andrew get Emily and the four girls. To do so, they’d have to go straight to the source, Christopher and Annie.
“I’m heading back with Spencer. He’s concerned about his wife. Any idea when she’ll return?”
Andrew glanced at him. Shades hid Matt’s eyes. He too had changed and now wore khaki pants and blue shirt. The color reminded Andrew of Emily’s eyes. Grip tightening on the steering wheel, he swore revenge to anyone who harmed her.
“Okay. We’ll be there within the hour,” Matt said. “Bye.”
“What did she say?”
“She didn’t answer any of my messages or calls because Sherri had her phone and they were too busy partying. They had too much to drink. She left Sherri and Carrie at the party, and then went to the hotel. She slept a few hours and then checked in with Don and Sherri. According to Sherri, Carrie was still sleeping. Annie decided to head home on her own in Sherri’s vehicle.”
“She’s a fucking liar,” Andrew spat.
They’d stayed at the marina for a few hours while Andrew had spilled everything to Matt. Annie had never showed up at the marina and the boat hadn’t returned. When they’d gone back to the hotel, Matt convinced the manager to let him and Andrew inside Annie’s suite. Once they noticed she’d packed up and left, Matt convinced him they needed to do the same.
Matt scratched his cheek. Dark day-old growth had sprouted on his face. “She claims she just made it back to the house. We know that’s not true and we know she never showed up at the marina.”
“Don’t believe anything she says.”
“Oh, I’m not. I’m going to stick to acting like I do though. She needs to think I’m still on her side.”
“Did she say where Don was?”
“No, she didn’t.”
“He has to be on that boat with Sherri and Emily.”
“Can you say Carrie? I’d hate to accidentally call her by her real name in front of the others.”
“Are you sure you can find out what they plan to do?”
“I’m not sure of anything at this point, but I can hack into Christopher’s database and search for information.”
“And you can get me in to see Annie alone?”
He delayed his response. “I can shut the surveillance down, make it look like a blip in the monitoring system.”
With Matt and Troy’s help, Andrew remained confident he could get Emily and the girls back and destroy both demons. Emily had to be alive since Don and Sherri hadn’t returned to the marina. Plus Troy had sent a message three hours earlier letting Andrew know the ship was still in the Pacific.
“I know you have doubts,” Andrew said. “I don’t blame you. Carrie didn’t believe me until she saw me touch the demon. Everything I shared with you is true. You’ll see.”
“I’ve seen some crazy things in my life that I haven’t shared with anyone. Only once did I ignore my instinct and it led to death. I’ve regretted it ever since. Your story is very unbelievable, but something inside me tells me to trust you. I believe who you say you are because I saw the article on your death. So everything else has to be accurate. I’m going with my gut, but killing someone in the absence of self-defense or war still seems wrong. That’s me speaking from experience.”
“What you’ve seen and what I’ve seen are different. These humans are shells to demons. There is no good in them. Only evil exists.”
“I’ll be honest, I’m not easily frightened. But it scares the shit out of me to know pure evil exists in humans. The men I killed in battle, I guarantee you they were just like me, a s
oldier serving his country because they believed in the greater good. To know that some innocent-looking young woman is a demon just…” He shook his head. “Fucking scary as hell.”
Emily had been frightened too. She’d practically had gone into shock after she saw the first demon. Reality seemed too difficult to believe sometimes.
Her old cell phone rang. Andrew quickly reached for it from the slot under the radio.
“Any news?” he asked.
“I’m sitting in the St. Louis airport, waiting on my fucking flight, and thought I’d check the GPS. One of the phones moved south,” Troy said.
“What does that mean? Which one?”
“It means someone is heading south of the border. The one that ends in 5228.”
Andrew looked at Matt. “Don’s phone is heading to Mexico.”
“Looks like it,” Troy said.
“What about Sherri?” Matt asked.
“What about the other number?” Andrew asked Troy.
“It showed up in San Diego, on land,” Troy said. “I couldn’t stay on long.”
“I bet she’s going to head back to the house,” Matt said.
A sick feeling coursed through Andrew. Don had his eyes on Emily from the start. If he was alone with her… Andrew’s heart thumped a heavy and fast rhythm.
“Can you get a boat after you land in San Diego?” Andrew asked.
“Of course I can,” Troy said. “Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?”
“Matt thinks he can hack into Christopher’s database. If he can, he might be able to find out where the boat is going,” Andrew said.
“I’m not waiting for your dumb ass. I’m going after her,” Troy said.
Andrew couldn’t speak. He wanted Emily back safe and unharmed. In his heart, he knew Troy could get her back faster.
“Fine, do what you got to do, but keep me up to date on your progress,” Andrew said. “When I get the information from Christopher’s database, I’ll pass it on. I can meet you after you’ve found her.”
“I don’t want to alarm you, but whoever has her has the advantage. It will take me hours to catch up. And if she makes it to land, I will not be able to reach her without some help. There are crazy motherfucking drug lords in Mexico. I will need weapons and transportation,” Troy said.
“Okay, I’ll figure something out. Between the three of us, we can come up with something,” Andrew said.
“And keep in mind, this isn’t her phone I’m tracking. I could be on a wild goose chase,” Troy said.
“He’s with her. I know he is, but I don’t know for how long,” Andrew said.
“Then you’d best get some fucking answers fast from your demons. I’ll call you from San Diego,” Troy said.
“Understood,” Andrew said before the line went silent. He returned the cell to the slot.
“What did he say?” Matt asked.
“He can get a boat and go after her, but it will take time. And if Don reaches land in Mexico, Troy will need weapons and transportation.”
Andrew’s grip on the wheel tightened while he pressed his foot harder on the pedal. He couldn’t stomach to think of her alone with Don, especially in Mexico.
“I might be able to help. I have a few buddies I can call,” Matt said.
“Do it. And send that bastard another message. Let’s see if he responds.”
Matt lifted his cell and began typing. Between Matt and Troy’s resources, Andrew hoped they could find a way to get Emily and the four women back.
Andrew’s heart and mind ached with worry. He couldn’t stop thinking about Emily being with a fierce predator. If the powers that be could hear prayers, he said plenty to protect her.
The remaining drive to the property seemed too long even though Andrew had cut it down by almost half. He’d never sped so much in his first life. By the time he reached the main entrance, he wanted to beat the living shit out of anything that approached him. After the gate moved, he put the pedal to the floor. The back tires spun and gravel flew back.
“She’s going to be surprised to see us so soon,” Matt said.
“Good.”
“You don’t want to show your anger,” Matt said. “She’ll shut down.”
“How can I not be angry?” His knuckles turned white from grasping the wheel so strongly. “How am I supposed to act?”
“In her playbook, your wife partied too much. She’s fine, just coming back late. You need to show restrained concern.”
Andrew clenched his jaw so tight his teeth hurt. Was Matt serious?
“You made it this far. Don’t blow it now,” Matt said.
Andrew slowed his speed as he reached the fountain at the front of the mansion. He circled around it and then stopped.
Matt unlocked his seatbelt. “Let me start the conversation. She needs to believe I’m on her side and you’re mildly worried about your wife. Do as I say and our plan will work.”
Andrew took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He longed to kill Annie and Christopher, send their demon spirits where they belonged. But he had to find Emily first. He had to know she was alive and safe. Destroying the demons would have to wait. Matt was right. Andrew couldn’t allow the demons to think he or Matt had a plan to get Emily back.
Sweating within seconds of leaving the Jeep, Andrew followed Matt to the large house. Inside, he removed his shades as Matt continued into the large living area. He paused for a moment until Annie’s voice spilled into the room. He led the way toward the kitchen.
Annie sat at the indoor table with a cold cut sandwich in front of her. She wore a white shirt and held a phone to her ear. When she saw them approaching, she said, “I’ll call you back.” She set the phone down and then stood. “You’re back early.”
“I was worried,” Matt said. “Your dad pays good money for five security guards. You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I’m fine. Really. Don’t be over dramatic.” She gave a casual wave of her hand and shifted her gaze to Andrew.
“Any news from Sherri or my wife?” Andrew asked as calmly as he could. Perspiration rolled down the side of his face.
“Yeah, Sherri said Carrie lost her phone. They’re looking for it. After they find it, they’ll start heading back in a rental. Are you okay? Your face is red.”
“The air in the Jeep went out,” Matt said. “And he was a bit worried about his wife since he hadn’t heard from her.”
“She usually lets me know if she plans to stay out so late,” Andrew added as he wiped his forehead.
“I’m so sorry. We got to drinking and talking, and drinking…” The demon smiled. “Your wife is a true party animal.”
Andrew swallowed hard and slid his hands into his pockets where he fisted them. He never wanted to kill someone as much as he wanted to kill Annie right then. But he had to know Emily’s whereabouts first. “If you find out when they’re heading back, can you let me know?”
“Of course,” she said.
“Have you heard from Don?” Matt asked.
“I was just talking to him. He’s going to stay another day or so.” A grin spread. “I’m afraid we were a bit rowdy and made a mess. He’s on clean-up duty.”
Matt put his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go back to your apartment and unpack? I can pick my stuff at your place. I need to check on a few things from the concert.”
Andrew inhaled deeply as he gave him a nod. “Let me know if you need anything.” He met the demon’s gaze. “You too since there are only two of us here. I know Sherri was your go-to girl.”
“I’m sure I can handle everything,” she said, smiling.
He fought the overwhelming desire to reach over the table and bash her head into it. His tightly fisted hands trembled in his pockets. Fearing he would act on his rage and lose the woman he loved, he turned and walked away. But he wouldn’t wait too long to destroy the demon.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Emily sat at the farthest end of the bench in
the truck. She could see out of one eye. The other had swelled shut. The wall next to her had a small window with a shutter, which was currently closed. Jenny sat across from her and next to Don. He had the strap of an automatic weapon hanging over his shoulder. Gripping the handle, he looked ready to aim and pull the trigger in two seconds. His cold stare and ready to kill appearance didn’t intimate Emily. Cheryl, Natalie, and Pamela were on the bench to her right. All of them were bound, hands behind their backs. They also appeared a bit woozy, not the drunk kind, but the drugged kind. Everyone except Emily had gags. Since Don had broken her nose, then fixed it, she suspected he didn’t want her to have difficulty breathing, which indicated he wanted her alive. This was good news. It would give Andrew and Troy more time to find her. She tried not to think about the bad side—more time for Don to hurt her.
The truck hit a bump and they all swayed from side to side. A small breeze blew inside from underneath the flap in the back. Emily barely felt the air. Her sweaty, drenched clothes stuck to her while her hair clung to her face and neck. Small holes the size of peas on both sides of the truck allowed light inside. Diesel fumes seeped in too. She nearly choked after they’d first got on board over twenty minutes ago by her estimate.
Men sitting on the other side of the wall spoke in Spanish to each other. She had no clue what they were saying and wished she’d taken language classes in college. Since they’d left the ship, everyone spoke Spanish, including Don. She hadn’t seen Sherri since they switched boats in the Pacific. Emily could only assume she’d returned to Annie and had let Don take charge. Peachy.
Emily looked into Don’s heartless eyes. “Where are we going?”
His lips formed a crooked grin. “To meet your new owner.”
“We’re not slaves,” Emily said.
“You are now,” Don said. “Don’t be surprised if you get sold to someone overseas. It happens frequently.”
One of the gals sitting beside her whimpered. Jenny leaned her head back as tears slid down her cheeks.
Realization came to Emily in a sudden rush. Annie had singled out unmarried attractive girls at least twenty-one years of age. Over the years, most of the women who had disappeared were near coastal areas. How did Emily not put the two together? Christopher had organized deals to sell women after Annie’s shows. His daughter offered the perfect cover up. That’s how they’d made so much money. That’s how she had funded her career and had got everything she wanted. She lured women and then sold them. The ones who had gone missing were probably in some other country being raped and abused if they were still alive. No wonder heaven put Annie’s name on Andrew’s arm. But why not include Christopher since he’d likely started everything?