Retaliation (The Assassins Book 1)

by Unknown

  “Of course she does. Fine, she can be questioned,

  tomorrow.”

  “Your father gave permission for it to happen tonight. He is desperate to have Apollo’s murderer found.”

  A string of profanities comes out of Jules mouth. I’m grateful for the interruption. I would rather be interrogated and beaten, then having to endure Jules touch. He glares down at me.

  “This isn’t over. Before this night is over, I will claim your body.”

  He unties my hands, and pulls me off the bed. He opens the door and punches the guard in the face.

  “That, is for interrupting me. I don’t care who sent you. Now, I expect her back in this room tonight.”

  The guard picks himself up off the floor, and rubs his chin.

  “Yes sir.”

  He then leads me back to my room. I have no idea what’s in store for me, but I will endure it.

  αααα

  Jackson

  I’m going out of my freaking mind with worry. The Leader said he would keep me updated on the status of Clara’s release. It’s only been a few hours, but to me it feels like days.

  In the meantime, I’ve finally managed to get rid of the damn wheelchair. I’m pushing hard to get some of my strength back. Sgt. Adrian has already yelled at me about letting my stiches heal. All I can do is yell back. I feel bad about it, but I feel like shit, and I’m worried about Clara.

  Donavan has taken to babysitting me. He knows how much I hate it, and he does it just to get under my skin.

  “It must have been one hell of a plan for you to be still sitting here. You want to include me in on it?”

  “No.”

  “Have it your way then.”

  Man, I really want to punch him in the face right now. I promised the Leader I wouldn’t say anything about what we discussed until Clara is out of Jules hands. What he told me changes a few things. What he failed to tell me, is what happens after she’s rescued.

  Donavan pours me a shot of whiskey. I don’t condone my guys drinking when they’re on duty. Since I’m stuck here, I might as well enjoy it.

  “You look like you could use a drink.”

  “You’re right about that. I can’t lose her.”

  “You won’t. She’s tough. If anyone can survive Jules, she can.”

  “She has to be tough. She’s been through so much. I didn’t help much with my jealousy and anger issues.”

  “Well no, no you didn’t.”

  “Shut up. You’re not helping.”

  He chuckles, and pours me another drink.

  I decide to turn the tables on him.

  “Do you regret this life? I mean you could have gotten married, and had a couple rug rats running around by now. I can just picture you all domesticated.”

  “No I don’t. This is where I belong.”

  “Do you think if you hadn’t lost Meredith you would have considered it?”

  I know he hates talking about her. I feel a little bad for even bringing her up.

  “She made her choice, and I made mine.”

  “Are you sure it was her choice, and not someone else’s?”

  “She could have left with me.”

  “This is no life for someone who can’t stomach being a killer.”

  “I know. It’s why I had to let her go.”

  “Do you ever check up on her?”

  “I did for a while after I first joined the assassins. But, as time went on, I had to let go. Besides, she is no longer in East America.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you ever think of trying to find her?”

  “No, I don’t. We’ve both moved on.”

  “Have you? How do you know that she has?”

  “I just know. Look, you’re like a brother to me, and I know your hurting, but I don’t want to talk about her anymore.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I just want you to be happy.”

  “I live underground with a few smelly men, one cranky woman, and one woman who thinks you’re shit don’t stink. How could I not be happy?”

  He’s being sarcastic, but I know it’s just to cover up the pain. I make a mental note to try and find Meredith one day. Who knows, she may be just as miserable as he is.

  I turn my thoughts to Sgt. Jacobs. He gave his life trying to protect Clara. He and Shade were best friends. I gave her all the words of encouragement I could, then handed her over to Sgt. Jenkins. I know all too well how it feels to lose people you’re close to. Right now she needs to be around someone who can truly comfort her. As long as Clara is in the hands of a mad man, I can’t really offer genuine encouragement to anyone else.

  34

  Clara – Present Day

  I’m glad the guard let me change my clothes before being dragged to an underground facility. I shiver a little at the coldness of the room.

  The guard is not a man of many words as we walk down the cold, damp corridor. I think he’s still pissed from getting punched by Jules. I can’t imagine how it feels to work for this sadistic family.

  The guard leads me to a door at the end of the corridor. I notice the nameplate on the outside. Interrogation Room. Oh great, let the fun begin.

  The guard leads me into the room. He tells me to sit down in the chair that’s in front of the table.

  As I walk toward the table, that’s when I notice the woman in the room. She has her back to me, her arms clasped behind her back. I feel a sense of recognition, but quickly brush it off.

  Perhaps I met her years before when I used to visit my father at work. It doesn’t matter now. I’m sure whoever she is, I’m only a job to her. She needs information from me. I won’t give it to her. I don’t care what they do to me, I won’t give Jackson, and the others away.

  I watch the guard leave. He smirks at me, and sarcastically says, “Good luck.”

  Great, this night just keeps getting better.

  It seems like it’s been ages since I’ve been sitting here staring at the back of the woman’s head. The woman has yet to speak. I lose my patience. I want this over with.

  “Can we get on with the torture? Oops… I mean questioning.”

  Still, she says nothing. I don’t know what the hell she’s waiting on. Finally, I hear her speak.

  “I’m going to turn around now. You will pretend like you’re not happy to see me. I know this will be a shock to you, but I need you to remain passive. Both of our lives will be on the line if you don’t. We’re being watched. I had the audio on the video cut off, but it’s only a matter of time before they fix it. I apologize for anything that is about to take place. Just trust me, and make it look like we’re arguing.”

  I know that voice. I haven’t heard it since the night of the Casting Ceremony when the guards took her away for treason. What the hell is going on here?

  I watch her turn around, and I do the best I can not to react. I want to rush into her arms, but at the same time, I want answers.

  “Hello Clara.”

  “Mother, or should I call you something else?”

  “We don’t have much time, so listen to me carefully.”

  She’s leaning over the table doing her best to look angry. I can see the hurt in her eyes. I know she still loves me, but I’m so confused. I stand up, and stare back at her. If she wants an act, then she’ll get an act.

  “Why are you head of security for those murderers? You know what they did to me. You know they killed Jonathan and attacked me.”

  “We don’t have time to get into that right now.”

  “Then what am I doing down here?”

  “Justice wants you to marry Jules and become part of the family. There is no way in hell that I’ll let that happen. You’re getting out of here, tonight.”

  “Oh yeah, and how’s that going to work? Are you going to do it? Are you coming with me?”

  “No, I can’t be the one to do it. I have to stay here.”

  “Why not? Why can’t you come wi
th me?”

  “All will be explained later.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I keep hearing, and to be honest it’s getting old.”

  “Just be ready to move tonight when my accomplice comes for you.”

  “How will I know who it is?”

  “Believe me, you’ll know. Now, by my estimation, we have about ten seconds before the sound is back on. You will go back, and seduce Jules. Slip a sleeping pill into his drink. He won’t leave you alone if you don’t. We need him out of the way. The sleeping pill, and more information will be in your room under your mattress.”

  I really don’t know what to say. Just when I thought nothing else could shock me tonight, my own mother wants me to go back, and seduce Jules enough to drug him.

  “Clara, there’s one more thing.”

  “What now?”

  “I’m sorry to have to do this. I love you.”

  Before I realize what she’s doing, she literally hops over the table, and pushes me hard against the wall as her hand closes over my throat.

  I’ve never seen my mother like this. My sweet and loving mother has a few secrets. I realize the audio is back on. Time for another show.

  “You’ll either join us, or you will be killed for treason.”

  “Go to hell!”

  She pulls me away from the wall, and pushes me back into the wall again, this time a little harder. It hurt like hell.

  “You have until tomorrow morning to give me your final answer. Join us, or die.”

  Those are the last words she says to me. She releases me, and calls for the guard.

  “Take her back to her room to change, and then escort her back to Jules.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  I give one final look in my mom’s direction. Her eyes are pleading with me to understand. I don’t understand a damn thing, but I have to do what she asked. It appears to be my only way out of here.

  The guard returns me to my room, and tells me that I have ten minutes to be ready. I shut the door, and then quickly go to my bed. Like my mother said, the pill is there. I also find a note.

  My Dearest Clara,

  I’m so sorry it has come to this. I can’t give you any answers right now. Just writing this puts us all at risk. When you leave here tonight, I need you to go straight to your father. He will have all the answers you seek. Now, destroy this letter. Until I see you again, please remember that I love you.

  Mom

  She is telling me to go to my father. The man who turned his back on me when Jonathan died. To hell with that. Once I’m free, I’m heading right back to Jackson.

  The thought of him sends me into a panic. With everything going on, I haven’t had time to worry about him. I don’t even know if he has woken up yet. If he has, he’s going to be out of his mind with worry. I now worry that he’ll try something stupid to rescue me. I have to get out of here, and back to him.

  I look in the dresser drawers. I notice some sexy lingerie. Of course Jules would have picked out my clothes.

  I quickly put on a little black teddy. I cover myself with a silk robe I found earlier during my shower. I take a deep breath, tuck the pill in the pocket of robe, say a small prayer, and open the door.

  35

  Jackson – Present Day

  I would’ve been content to drink myself into a stupor waiting on a report back from the Leader, but I need to stay clear headed. I’m about to punch the wall when the call comes in.

  “General.”

  “What do you have for me? How is she? Is she safe?”

  “She has made contact with her mother. The plan has been set into motion. She’s unharmed.”

  “What time shall I expect her arrival?”

  “We need to discuss that General. You see, she won’t be returning to your group.”

  “The hell you say. Just where do you think she’ll be going if not here?”

  “She’ll be with me.”

  “Oh yes, the man who turned his back on her when she needed him the most.”

  “You know why I did it. This is a family matter General. You will do well to remember that. I know you two care for one another, but her place is with me until this is all over. I can keep her safe.”

  “I don’t just care for her, I love her. What makes you think I can’t keep her safe here?”

  “We both know it’s only a matter of time before we take down the President. I want her as far away from that as possible.”

  “She won’t leave here. She’s as much a part of this now as you and I. You may think you know your daughter, but you don’t know the killer she’s become. She won’t sit this out.”

  “I don’t expect her too. I just want her far away from Jules.”

  “She doesn’t understand why this is all happening.”

  “I will explain everything to her when the time is right.”

  “I won’t let her go.”

  “I know. I need you to though. At least until this is over.”

  “I can’t keep that promise.”

  “I didn’t think you would.”

  αααα

  Clara

  I’m about to put on the performance of my life. Jules makes me sick to my stomach. Now, I have to pretend he has won me over. I also have to think about what will happen if I can’t get him to take the sleeping pill. I can’t think like that. This has to work.

  It only takes one knock for Jules to yank the door open. He takes one look at me in my robe, and pulls me into the room. He turns to the guard.

  “If anyone, and I mean anyone, interrupts us again, well let’s just say, it’s been awhile since I tortured someone. Now get the hell out of my sight.”

  Jules slams the door, and then turns back to me.

  “Now, where were we?”

  I put my hands up to stop him.

  “Can I please say something first?”

  He nods his approval. I know he won’t last long, so I have to talk fast.

  “I’ve just seen my mother, but you already know that.

  She’s asked me to join the family. I lost her once, I don’t want to lose her again. I’m here to give myself to you. I just ask that we take it slow because I’m still a virgin.”

  His eyes light up at my lie. If this went too far, boy would he be in for a surprise. I can’t let it get that far. I hope that pill works, and fast.

  “I’m happy to hear that you’re finally coming to your senses. I will try and take it slow, but only for the first time.”

  I’m shocked that he agrees to my demand. He softens toward me a little bit. Seeing Jules act somewhat normal is new to me.

  “I was hoping we could have another drink.”

  “I’ll get it for you.”

  “No, wait. Let me serve you. I must get used to doing things like this. What can I get you to drink?”

  “I would like a shot of bourbon on the rocks. I have to admit, I really like seeing you like this. I do hope you haven’t lost all your fight though.”

  “Oh, don’t worry there will be plenty of fight in me. I may have agreed to be docile tonight, but I can’t promise you how

  even tempered I’ll be tomorrow.”

  He smiles at me. “That’s what I like to hear.”

  I smile back, but when I turn around, I roll my eyes, and I want to gag.

  I pour two glasses of bourbon, and slip the sleeping pill into his glass. Thank goodness it dissolves fast. I take a deep breath, and face him with a smile on my face. I take his drink to him first.

  “Here you go. Let me get mine, and we can toast to our newfound truce.”

  I return with my glass, and we clank glasses. To my surprise, he downs the whole contents of the glass. I need to keep stalling him until the drug takes effect.

  “So, tell me where you see us heading from here.”

  “Oh, I know exactly where we’re heading from here.”

  “Easy tiger. I mean after tonight.”

  “You just leave the details to me. We’ll be married
by the end of the week.”

  The hell we will, I think to myself.

  “Where will we live?”

  “Here, for a while. I have a house being renovated just for us. I can show it to you tomorrow. It will be a good project for you to pick out the home decor. I will give you everything you could ever want. All you have to do is never betray me. Fight me all you want, but betray me, and you’ll be punished. I don’t have to remind you of the last time you betrayed me.”

  I knew he would bring that subject up eventually. I have to act like it doesn’t bother me, so I just shrug it off.

  I can tell that his patients is gone. “Enough talking. We have plenty of time for talking later.”

  He stands up, and falters a little. The pill is starting to take effect.

  He shakes it off, and walks toward me. He grabs the glass from my hand. He puts his mouth close to mine. I realize he’s testing me to see if I mean what I say. This is so going to suck. I close the gap between us, and before I can change my mind, my lips meet his. It was all he needed as confirmation that I’m telling the truth. I break away, and grab his hand, and lead him over to the bed. He falters a little again. His eyes are getting heavier. Just a few more minutes.

  He undoes my robe, and pushes it over my shoulder, and I let it drop to the floor.

  “You really are beautiful, and now you’re all mine.”

  He stumbles again. This time he almost falls to the ground.

  “My Jules. How much did you drink tonight?”

  He sits on the bed. I push him onto his back. His eyelids are growing heavy. I straddle him, and bend down close to his ear. Before he drifts off, I whisper, “I will never be yours. I will kill you before that happens. Sweet dreams you sadistic son-of-a-bitch.”

  Just like that, he’s out. I want to finish him off, but I’m not that stupid. If I want to make it out of here tonight, I have to save my revenge for another time and place. I will kill Jules if it’s the last thing I do. I don’t waste another minute. I pull Jules up further onto the bed. I need it to look as if he went to sleep on his own.

  Once I’m content with my presentation of a sleeping Jules, I start my search for Jackson’s knife. It takes me a good ten minutes to find it, but I do. I drop it down the front of my lingerie, cover myself with the robe, and head for the door.