by Nella Tyler
They walked to the lounge feeling terribly hopeless.
Chapter 12
Beni woke from a drugged sleep to the feel of the moving vehicle. She opened her eyes and remembered that she had been tossed into a van. She remembered a foul smelling cloth covering her nose when they snatched her. The lowlifes had used some kind of chemical to knock her out.
She cringed as she became aware of the pounding ache in her head. She looked around the van and saw that she was alone. There was a windowed partition separating the front from the back of the van. It must have been cracked, for she could hear voices. The passenger turned his head to look at her and she quickly shut her eyes. She didn’t want them to know that she was awake.
“She’s still out,” one of the men mumbled.
“Yeah. She’ll sleep like a babe for another few hours. We should be at the warehouse before she wakes,” the driver said.
“Do you think they will pay to get her back, Larry?” the passenger asked.
“They’ll pay,” Larry answered. “But she won’t be alive when they find her.” He laughed harshly.
“Do we really have to kill her?” the passenger asked.
“What do you think, Moe? She will be able to identify us if we let her go. We ain’t wearing no masks. She’s got to die,” Larry snorted.
“I guess you’re right. Too bad she didn’t have the key on her. I searched all of her pockets. She didn’t have it. It would have made things a lot easier. Now we have to go through the ransom thing,” Moe said. “At least this time we will have good news for Mister West when we talk to him again.”
“Yeah. He will like our ingenuity in handling the situation.” Larry laughed.
“You sure he won’t mind us nabbing the lady? He didn’t tell us to do that,” Moe asked uncertainly.
“But he will like the results. And that’s all that matters,” Larry answered. “Hey, I’m hungry. We can stop at the next diner to eat.”
“What about her?”
“She’s out for the count. She ain’t going nowhere,” Larry replied.
They turned off the highway into a truck stop. Larry got out of the van. Moe took another look at Beni. She appeared to be unconscious.
“You coming?” Larry called.
“Yeah.” Moe got out of the van and the two men went into the diner.
Beni watched them enter the diner and sit at the counter with their backs turned to the van. She knew this was her chance to escape. She opened the back door of the van and looked around the parking lot. She saw an eighteen-wheeler truck with its headlights on. It slowly inched forward to leave the lot. Beni knew she had to get to it and beg the driver for a ride before he left. She jumped out of the van, slammed the door shut, and ran for dear life toward the truck. Thankfully it had paused at the stop sign. The driver looked like he was fiddling with his radio before leaving. That gave Beni time to reach him before he pulled off. She arrived at the passenger door and banged on it. The driver looked out of the side window then leaned over to open the door.
“What’s up, lady?” he asked. He was an older man with a kind smile.
“Please, sir. I need a ride. I’ve been taken against my will and I must get away before they miss me. Can you give me a ride?” Beni explained frantically.
The driver surveyed her at length. Then he nodded solemnly.
“Sure. Get in.”
Beni almost collapsed from relief. She scrambled into the truck and shut the door.
“Where are you headed?” she asked.
“To Honolulu,” he answered.
“Oh thank God! That’s where I need to go. My friends are there and they must be worried sick,” she replied.
“Well, we’ll be there in about five hours,” he said.
“Thank you so much for helping me,” Beni said sincerely.
“I’m always willing to help a lady in need,” he smiled. “Do you like country western music?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a good thing,” he grinned.
He pumped up the radio and country music blasted through the speakers. Beni laughed. He pulled out of the parking lot and soon they were on the highway heading toward Honolulu.
Meg stayed in her suite with Ashlee. She didn’t want to leave her alone. She’d tossed and turned for hours then finally got up. Sleep was eluding her and she knew why. She was too upset about Beni to sleep. She put on her robe then went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of papaya iced tea. She then went out onto the patio. She wasn’t surprised to see Ashlee sitting there.
“You couldn’t sleep either,” Meg said as she sat on the couch beside Ashlee.
“No. I’m just too worried about Beni to sleep,” Ashlee mumbled. “I keep going over in my head what happen when they took Beni and wondering if I could have done anything to save her. Maybe I could have pulled her out. Maybe I could have saved her. It’s my fault that she is missing.”
Meg turned to face Ashlee and rubbed her arm comfortingly.
“No, Ash. You couldn’t have prevented them from taking her. You did everything right in calling the police,” Meg said softly. “You gave a detailed description of the van as well as the partial plate number. You even described the man that pulled Beni into the van. You’ve done a lot to help her.”
“But it wasn’t enough,” Ash said bitterly.
“I think it was enough. We will get Beni back. I know we will.”
“Then why does it feel like it was my fault?” Ashlee questioned.
“Because you love her. And you never want to see her hurt. I love her too. That’s why I choosing to believe that she will be fine and back with us very soon,” Meg declared. “You must do the same. It wasn’t your fault, Ash and you can’t blame yourself.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“But you can do it, Ash. Beni would not want you to blame yourself,” Meg responded.
Ash leaned on Meg’s shoulder. Meg wrapped her arm about her shoulders.
“I just want her back. Safe and well,” Ashlee mumbled.
“She’s coming back, Ash. As bubbly and gregarious as ever,” Meg comforted.
Meg didn’t know how long they had sat there, huddled together, praying for Beni’s safe return. They must have fallen asleep at some point for when she opened her eyes the sun was high over the ocean. People were out on the beach sunning and swimming. Everyone looked like they were having a good time. Meg yearned to feel that way again. She looked over at Ashlee who was beginning to wake up.
“What time is it?” Ash asked groggily.
“I’m not sure. Probably mid-morning. I’ll put on some coffee.”
“No word from Drake yet?” Ash inquired.
Meg shook her head as she stood and stretched her cramped limbs.
“Not yet.” She then went inside to make the coffee.
Ashlee followed.
“I’ll be in my room washing up.”
“All right,” Meg said.
Meg put the coffee on to perk then moved into her own bedroom. She went through her usual routine, showered and put on a blue shirt and white shorts. After running a brush through her straight hair, she pushed it behind her shoulders and left the bedroom. Ashlee was already in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee when she entered. She moved to do the same when a knock sounded on the door.
“I’ll get it,” Ashlee said. She walked through the suite and opened the door. Kai, Noah, and Drake stood there. “Hi, guys. Come in.” She backed away from the door and they moved into the suite. “Do you have any news? Do the police have a lead on Beni?”
Kai shook his head negatively.
“I’m sorry, Ash. They haven’t found her yet. But they did find the white van ditched in a ravine,” Kai said. “They’re combing that area for additional clues.”
“What a strange thing to do. Why would they ditch the van?” Meg questioned.
They all moved into the patio and sat.
“Maybe to make it harder to be found,”
Drake said. “If they secured another vehicle, the police would have a harder time finding them.”
“Great!” Meg said dejectedly.
“But the police will find them,” Noah said encouragingly.
“Time is not our friend. The longer she’s gone, the less likely it will be of locating her,” Ashlee complained. “We have to find her soon.”
“Remember, Ashlee, they are not going to harm if before they can cut a deal,” Kai said.
“What do they think that we have?” Ashlee asked.
“The only thing that we do have—the key,” Drake answered. “Remember how you felt that someone was watching us?” Ashlee nodded. “Well, they probably saw us find the key.”
“Those thugs were the ones staying at the shack. They’ve probably have been looking for the key and couldn’t find it,” Meg said.
“They didn’t have our inside information,” Noah smiled wryly.
“Exactly. They weren’t so lucky. And without that information, they would never find it,” Ashlee surmised.
“But once they knew we had it they were determined to take it from us. And they won’t stop until they get it,” Drake added.
“Why is the key so valuable? What does it open?” Meg asked.
“That’s the million dollar question.” Kai said.
“Or maybe it open a chest worth a million dollars,” Noah suggested.
“Wouldn’t that be nice,” Meg smiled. “Would you like some coffee? I just made some.”
“Sure,” Drake answered.
“We’ll have some too,” Noah said for him and Kai.
“I’ll be right back,” Meg said and exited the patio.
“I hope your logic is correct, Drake. That they won’t harm Beni before making the deal.”
“They won’t harm Beni before or after making the deal because Beni isn’t there.”
Everyone spun around to see Beni standing at the side patio railing.
“Beni!” Ashlee exclaimed. She hopped over the railing and practically squeezed the breath out of her friend.
“I can’t breathe,” Beni squeaked.
Ashlee pulled back to allow the men to hug Beni. Noah kissed Beni soundly.
“I’m very happy you are back,” Noah said.
“We are so glad to see you. What happened? How did you get away?” Ashlee asked.
“Come sit down, Beni, and tell us the story,” Noah said.
“What’s going on?” Meg asked as she stepped onto the patio. Then she saw Beni. Dropping the tray she carried onto the table she ran to Beni. “My God, you’re back!”
Meg hugged Beni tightly.
“I can’t breathe,” Beni croaked.
Everyone laughed and Meg pulled back and cupped her face. “Are you all right? You’re not hurt, are you?”
“No. They knocked me out with a chemical, but I’m fine,” Beni said.
“No lingering after effects?” Noah asked in concern.
“None. I’m perfectly all right,” she smiled.
“Tell us how you got away,” Noah prompted. He guided her to the sofa to seat her. Then he sat beside her.
Everyone sat and Meg poured the coffee and handed out the hot cups. Beni told her story.
“They’re pretty dumb. The one name Moe only glanced back to see if I was still unconscious,” Beni said. “But that was fortunate for me. I didn’t have to suffer being shaken and not open my eyes.”
“Thank God the trucker was kind enough to give you a ride,” Ashlee sighed gratefully.
“His name is Ben and he’s a great guy and loves country western music. We talked and sang all the way into Honolulu. He took me to the police first. I told them what I overheard. Officer Honi brought me back to the hotel. He said he would be calling Drake soon,” Beni related.
“What a harrowing experience. I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Beni” Meg said.
“So am I,” Beni laughed. “But at least we know that we’re not dealing with any Einsteins. Oh! They have a boss. Some guy named Mister West,” Beni recalled. “And by the way they spoke, I don’t believe this West dude knows that they kidnapped me. Larry seemed to think that West would have been pleased about it. Moe had his doubts.”
“Since they didn’t pull off the kidnapping, I doubt they will tell West that they tried. It would only make them look like idiots,” Kai said.
“They’re the Three Stooges without Curly,” Beni giggled.
Everyone laughed.
“We’re so happy that you’re with us again. I should have known you would find a way to get back to us,” Ashlee said. “You’re too sharp and determined not to.”
“Thanks, Ash. You don’t know how happy I was to be riding in that truck and singing country western songs. I was coming back home and it felt so good,” Beni replied.
“The two stooges may be bumbling, but it was a still very dangerous situation. You were courageous and quick thinking, Beni. You did really well,” Drake smiled. He stood and bent to kiss her cheek. “I’m going inside to call Officer Honi.” He moved into the suite.
Meg lifted her coffee mug. “Welcome back, Beni.”
Everyone toasted and began talking amiably.
Meg sat in Drake’s bed and sketched the scheme for the Kids’ Zone. Drake was in the shower and she could hear his off tune humming. She smiled as she thought about Beni who was tucked into bed probably snoring. She and Ashlee left Beni in the suite in Noah’s care. They decided to give her some privacy. Ashlee was with Kai at his place. The shower water stopped and Meg knew that Drake was exiting. She tossed her iPad aside and daringly went into the bathroom. Drake was in the process of draping a towel about his hips. He stopped when he saw her and allowed the towel to drop to the floor. Meg leaned against the doorjamb and perused him appreciatively.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” he arched a brow.
She pushed away from the doorjamb and walked slowly toward him.
“Quite a bit.”
She moved behind him to embrace him. She kissed his back and trailed the tip of her tongue on his wet skin. It was a thrilling sensation. Her fingers began to trail downward and he sucked in his breath.
“Lady, you’d better be ready for what you’re asking for,” he rasped.
“I am so ready,” she murmured.
He turned quickly and scooped her into his arms. He dropped her onto the bed and she laughed delightedly. She opened her arms and he went into them eagerly. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have her in his life and in his bed. He’d always been content to date a woman a few times then be on his way. There had never been any commitments between them and there had only been a few nasty break ups when the woman had thought that she could change his mind about their arrangement. But since he’d been with Meg, there had been no thoughts of wanting to leave the courtship. If truth be told, he preferred to think of their dating as a real relationship. He wanted to be with her all the time.
And he didn’t want to imagine a time when she wouldn’t be there with him. She made no demands on his time or attention. But ironically, she held his interest without even trying. He woke up thinking of her and only wanted to fall asleep holding her in his arms. Was he falling in love with her? Is this what it was like to do so? He wasn’t sure. But he wouldn’t run from whatever was happening. He wanted her in his life too much.
He pulled her nightgown over her head and stared at her private core. He slowly lowered his head to trail kissed down her flat belly until he reached the center of her desire. He mouthed her until she yelled with passion. She arched her hips and he dove deeper into her core. He adored going down on her and apparently she loved it too. After a while, he rose above her and she grasped his penis to guide him inside her. She wanted him and was bold enough to show it. He liked that about her. It drove him to give her the pleasure she craved. He began pumping rapidly and didn’t stop until they were careening to the ceiling. He dropped his head in the nook of her neck and howled his satisfaction as she s
tiffened with carnal gratification. They both were panting fast, struggling to catch their breath.
“It gets better and better with you,” she breathed heavily.
“And it will only get even better,” he grinned.
He rolled to his side and threw his bare leg over her thighs. He was soon asleep. Meg loved the feel of his weight on her. She caressed his thigh and fell into a contented sleep.
The girls decided to go back to the dress shop they had visited before. They thought about staying close to the hotel for safety, but then decided against it. They refused to allow those two bumpkins to ruin their time on Oahu. They arrived at the crowded market and pushed their way through the throng to reach the dress shop. The proprietor was hanging garments on a rack in the back of the shop.
“Hello, Ola!” the girls chorused.
Ola turned to grin broadly at them.
“Welcome! I knew you would come back today. I set some dresses for you to try.”
The women looked at each other in surprise.
“You couldn’t have really known we would come here today,” Ashlee said doubtfully.
“Of course I did,” Ola smiled.
“But how?” Meg asked incredibly.
Ola shrugged.
“I had a feeling and they are never wrong,” she said. She turned to Beni. “Have you recovered from your recent horrible experience? It must have been a nightmare in reality.” Ola shuddered.
“Yes. But how do you know about that?” Beni questioned.
“I’m not sure now. Someone must have told me,” she said evasively. “Many people saw the incident. It has been quite the story.”
“I imagine it has,” Beni said. She was unconvinced with Ola’s explanation but could not think of a rational reason why.
“Come. Let’s not think of such an awful experience. Try these dresses on. You will love them,” Ola said gaily. She gave them the clothes and directed them to the changing rooms.
The girls soon forgot about Ola’s knowledge of the incident. They became caught up in the fabulous clothes.
“Look at this. It’s lovely,” Meg exclaimed about the red, maxi halter sundress. “It can’t wait to wear with Drake.”