Checkmate

by Kris Norris

  He pushed forward, crawling through the battered opening. “Dawson!”

  “It’s about bloody time.”

  Mitchell sighed. “I would’ve been here sooner, but you made one hell of a mess.” He moved closer, releasing Dawson from his wooden prison. “What happened?”

  “Garrick set another timer. We didn’t quite make it out in time.” He was still holding Kendall, her body limp in his arms. “Here, take her. She’s pretty bad, so be gentle.”

  “I’m always gentle with the ladies.” Mitchell lifted her up, draping her across his shoulder. “Can you walk?”

  “No, but I will.” He stole a quick glance at Mitchell. “Garrick got away.”

  “Not quite. He’s still in the tunnel. Doesn’t look like he made it out in time either.”

  “Please tell me he’s dead.”

  “Will you settle for unconscious?” Mitchell helped him to his feet, grimacing when he sagged against the wall. “Maybe you should wait here for the paramedics. You look like shit.”

  “And leave you alone with a beautiful woman unable to defend herself? I know you better than that.” Dawson took a few steps forward, balancing against the wall. “Is Trace okay?”

  “I don’t know. He was still alive when they shoved him in the back of the ambulance. But there were some questions about that poison in him. They weren’t sure they’d be able to identify it in time.”

  “He’d better make it, Mitchell, or it’ll kill Kendall.”

  “She might die anyway if we don’t get her out of here. Believe it or not, she looks even worse than you.”

  “Then why are you standing there?” He gave Mitchell a shove, stumbling out behind him.

  * * * *

  “Can’t you go any faster?”

  “I’m sorry, Agent Dawson, but we’re going as fast as we can.” The ambulance attendant took out a syringe, placing the needle in Kendall’s I.V.

  Dawson groaned. The whine of the siren was aggravating his head, and the constant juggling made him want to throw up. “What are you giving her?”

  “Something to counteract the sedative Garrick gave her. With her pre-existing injuries, it was a poor decision on his part. It could put her into a coma.”

  “But she’s going to be okay, right?”

  “I think we got to her in time. She’s pretty messed up though. She’s lost way too much blood, not to mention having a concussion, multiple lacerations, and one nasty wound to her back.”

  “Garrick did that. He wanted to give me more motivation.”

  The attendant looked at him. “Sounds like you’re not fond of the guy.”

  “You could say that.” He sagged backward.

  “I thought I asked you to lie down?”

  “You did. I didn’t listen.”

  “Well, you will now, or I’ll give you something to make you more cooperative. I’ll take care of Ms. Walker, I promise. But I can’t do that if I’m too busy picking you up off the floor. Now lay down!”

  Dawson gave the young man a glare, but relaxed back onto the stretcher. He knew Kendall was in good hands, but he couldn’t leave her side. She’d followed their plan as best she could, but it still hadn’t been enough. Garrick had too many tricks to anticipate everything, the knife and timer prime examples. He’d hoped to get back inside while she was still occupying Garrick’s attention, though the thought of her allowing him to touch her made him want to scream. He’d been hesitant to accept her suggestion, but knew it was the only way they’d all get out alive. He sighed. At least it was over. Garrick would spend the next few days trapped in the hospital, and then a lifetime locked away in a cell.

  * * * *

  “What on earth do you think you’re doing?” Dawson crossed the room, grabbing Kendall by the arm.

  “I need to see Trace. No one’s letting me see him.” She reached out her hand, trying to stop herself from falling over. Somehow she’d managed to get out of the bed and stagger to the wall.

  “You can see Trace in the morning, when you’re coherent. Now get back into bed.”

  “I need to see him now!”

  “No, you need to lie down before you pull out the stitches in your back.” He pulled her close, balancing her against his chest. “Trace is going to be fine, but he needs to rest. I’ll take you to see him in the morning. I promise.”

  “But Garrick,” she cried.

  “It’s over, Kendall. Garrick’s upstairs surrounded by five federal agents, including Mitchell. He’s not going anywhere. Now let me help you back to bed.”

  Kendall stared into his eyes. She felt confused, and was having trouble remembering where she was. “Dawson?”

  “It’s okay. You’re safe. But you need to rest.” He picked her up. “Back to bed.”

  “But he’ll come for me. He always does,” she mumbled, her eyes drifting shut.

  “Just rest.” He placed her back in the bed, brushing the hair from her face. “You’re safe.” He turned to leave when she grabbed his arm.

  “Please don’t go, Dawson. Just stay for a while. Please.”

  Dawson smiled and moved closer to the bed. “You’re safe. I’ve got two agents guarding your door. No one’s getting in here without my personal okay.”

  “Stay with me.” She caressed his hand, pulling him toward her. “Just lay here with me, and hold me for a while. I promise I’ll behave.”

  “But I can’t make the same promise,” he teased.

  “Please,” she insisted. “Just for a while.”

  He sighed. “You know there’ll be hell to pay for this,” he said, sitting down on the bed.

  “I already paid at the office.” She draped her body across his legs, resting her head on his lap. He felt warm and his presence calmed her. Over, he’d said. But was it? She couldn’t even begin to imagine her life without the threat of Garrick.

  Make no mistake. I plan on doing much more than just fucking you.

  It’s over, she told herself.

  Now why don’t you show me just how willing you can be?

  She tightened her grip.

  “Stop thinking and just go to sleep.” Dawson stroked her hair. “I’ll stay.”

  “He’ll never stop…never.”

  “Then neither will I. Now go to sleep.”

  Chapter Twenty

  May 22nd

  Dawson opened the door, listening for conversation. He’d taken Kendall to Trace’s room three hours ago, and wasn’t sure if he should interrupt them yet. He stepped into the room. Trace was lying on the bed, and Kendall was asleep on the couch. He smiled. He’d spent all night with her in his arms, the warmth of her body a constant reminder of all that had happened. He’d come so close to failure—to losing her—he’d found it hard to sleep. And as much as he was relieved it was over, he didn’t want their connection to end.

  “She’s less annoying when she’s sleeping.” Dawson turned. Trace was staring at him, a devious smile on his face. “It’s one of the few times she’s reasonable.”

  “She does have a unique way about her.” He walked over to the bed. “You’re looking much better than yesterday. How do you feel?”

  “Like I got hit by a truck! But I’m pretty happy to be able to say that. I didn’t think I’d get out of there alive.”

  “Your sister never doubted it.”

  “She’s a fan of happy endings, I’ll give her that much.” Trace nodded at him. “It’s Dawson, right?”

  “That’s right,” said Dawson, sitting down in a nearby chair.

  “So you’re a Fed.”

  “Why do I have the feeling you regard my career choice in the same manner as Kendall?”

  “Hey, you’re the first one that’s ever come through for us. I’ll wager she’ll change her opinion,” said Trace.

  “That doesn’t sound like your sister.”

  Trace laughed. “I see you’ve come to know her quite well.” He raised his eyebrows and nodded in Kendall’s direction. “She seems to have taken quite a shine to yo
u.”

  “Are you asking me something, Trace?”

  “No. Just making an observation. But I thought it might interest you to know, she’s never taken a shine to anyone before.”

  “What about Conner?” asked Dawson.

  Trace huffed. “She never loved Conner. Besides, he was nothing more than a stuck up snob who only dated her because she made him chase her. Kendall runs if there’s even a hint of attraction, and keeps running. She’s not one to give-in to someone without a fight, and that knowledge intrigued him. He considered her the forbidden fruit.”

  “I take it you didn’t like him?”

  “He wasn’t good enough for her. She may be difficult, but underneath, she’s all heart.”

  “So why did she get engaged to him?” asked Dawson.

  “She did it for me. She thought if she showed me she didn’t need me to protect her anymore, I’d settle down.” Trace leaned forward, and Dawson could tell the man was still in pain. “Make no mistake. Kendall never would’ve married the creep. She was just hanging on long enough to give me my freedom.”

  “And what makes you think I’m any different than Conner?”

  “Easy,” Trace mused. “She isn’t running from you.”

  “Did she tell you that?”

  “She didn’t have to. It’s painfully obvious.” He shifted around on the bed, casting Kendall a sideways glance. Dawson could see the love in Trace’s eyes. “She’s worth the effort, Dawson. But it’ll be a tough fight. She hasn’t let anyone in since our mother died.”

  “I was hoping maybe you’d tell me more about that. Your files don’t say when she died, and Kendall only said it was after your father turned on Garrick.”

  “Kendall doesn’t like to talk about it. She kind of blames herself.”

  Dawson glanced at Kendall. “Why?”

  “Because we survived and she didn’t.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific, Trace. You survived what?”

  “The explosion. Didn’t Kendall tell you about Garrick’s first attempt?”

  Dawson took another look at Kendall, before turning back to Trace. “I don’t suppose you feel well enough to start at the beginning?”

  Trace smiled.

  * * * *

  “Elizabeth there’s no time to search for the damn dragon. She’ll have to go without it.” David released Kendall’s arm. “Now you two get your bags. I’ll throw these into the car and come back for you.” He grabbed the bags waiting by the door and darted back out.

  “Mommy please! I need to find my dragon. Grandma promised it would protect us. That’s all I want to bring.”

  “I’m sure I saw it up in her room,” added Trace, already heading for the stairs.

  “Your father will be back in any second. You don’t have long.” She watched them race up the stairs, Trace leading the way. She turned, eyeing the far cabinet.

  “Where are they?” David demanded, storming back through the open door way.

  “Just give them one more minute. You’re asking them to leave everything they value behind.”

  “That’s all just stuff, Elizabeth. I’m trying to save their lives. I won’t let anything happen to them, or you. I promise.”

  “I don’t understand. What happened today? Why do we have to leave?”

  “Just trust me.”

  “Why don’t we just call Garrick? He’s always helped us before.”

  “No!” He grabbed her by the wrist. “Don’t ever mention his name again!”

  Elizabeth stared at her husband. She’d never seen him like this. He was always so timid, so meek. “You’re not making any sense, David.”

  “I’ll explain everything once we’re safe. Kendall, Trace, now!” He stomped up the stairs.

  “No, daddy, please!” cried Kendall. “I need it.”

  “Just give it a rest, Kendall.” He carried her down the stairs. “We’re leaving.”

  Kendall opened her eyes, panting. She looked around. Trace was sitting in the bed and Dawson was in a chair beside him. They were talking, their voices a dim whisper.

  Trace stopped when he caught her gaze and smiled at her. “Well, it’s about time you woke up,” he teased. “I thought you were going to sleep all day.”

  Dawson smiled as he turned to look at her. “How do you feel?”

  “Better,” she said, still lingering in the thoughts of the dream. “Still tired, though.”

  “That’s because you don’t train hard enough,” taunted Trace. “I’ll make up a new routine for you.”

  “Thanks, but I think I’ll take a break for a few days.” She looked away.

  “Hey.” Dawson moved over to the couch. “You okay?”

  She wanted to lie to him, insist it was just the lack of sleep, but she still felt so vulnerable, she didn’t think she could pull it off. “It’s nothing.”

  “Kendall.” His voice was firm, yet comforting. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I’m not sure. It’s just something Garrick said. A few things.” She shook her head. Everything was still so fuzzy it was hard to distinguish between what had happened, and what was only in her mind.

  Five years… I seduced your mother the first time I saw her.

  “What did he say?”

  “He just knew things. Stuff I didn’t think he’d be able to dig up.”

  Did you think I wouldn’t figure it out? Find out who he was, and that you broke the engagement… I understand you’ve taken quite a liking to Dawson. Maybe it was him who made you scream after all.

  She looked up into his eyes. They were dark and rich, and she wanted to lose herself in them. “It’s not important. Like you said, it’s over.”

  “Maybe we should talk about it anyway,” he said, stroking the hair back from her face. “You haven’t told me what happened in there.”

  “And if it’s just the same, I’d rather not.” She attempted a smile, but failed. How could she ever tell anyone what Garrick had done to her? How he’d touched her. What she’d allowed to happen. What would Dawson think? Would he ever want to be with her knowing that? She wanted to cry, but her body felt hollow, empty, and she wasn’t sure she had the strength.

  Dawson reached out, pulling her into his arms. “You can tell me when you’re ready,” he said. “If you want to.”

  “Um, excuse me,” said Trace, rolling his eyes. “Sick man still in the room. Getting sicker just watching you two.”

  She felt Dawson smile against her hair, and he chuckled in way that told her he wasn’t immune to Trace’s charm anymore than she was.

  “Then perhaps the sick man should go back to sleep,” teased Dawson, pulling her even closer.

  “Or perhaps you could just go back to her room,” suggested Trace. “She looks like she’s had enough excitement for one day. Besides, that blonde nurse with the perky breasts promised to give me a sponge bath.”

  “Trace you’re incorrigible,” scolded Kendall. “Garrick’s had you locked up, and drugged for a week, and all you can think about are perky breasts.”

  “Hey, everyone’s got to have something to keep them motivated.”

  Kendall shook her head, allowing Dawson to help her up. It was nice to see Trace in such good spirits. She’d been afraid he’d be stuck in some dark hell from suffering at Garrick’s hands. She’d been shocked when she’d seen him, bloody and bruised, and wondered how haunting the torture would be. But he seemed determined to get through, despite the hint of anguish in his eyes. “Well you’d better hope her perky breasts interfere with her eyesight because you look like shit,” she said, grinning at him.

  “Don’t try flattering me, sis, it won’t work. I’m still kicking you out.” He winked at her. She smiled and headed for the door. “Hey, Kendall?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Thanks.” His voice was low and sincere. “I don’t know how I’ll ever make it up to you. What you did for me…thanks.”

  Kendall could hear the tears tight in his chest, and fough
t to keep hers from spilling down her cheeks. “You’re welcome.” She grinned. “And I’ll tell what’s her name with the perky breasts you’re ready for her.”

  “And to think I told Mom I didn’t want a little sister.”

  Back in her room, Dawson helped Kendall into bed. “Trace was right about one thing. You do need to rest more. You still look pale.”

  “Really? I thought I had a purplish tinge to me.”

  Dawson furrowed his brow. It was obvious Garrick had hit her, her face a mirror of his handiwork. “Don’t joke about him hurting you. It isn’t funny.”

  “It’s not your fault. I’m the one who suggested it. Besides, you got us all out alive. That’s more than I planned on.”

  “But less than I’d hoped for.” He touched her jaw, tracing the welt across her face. She’d been so brave. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to get Garrick to believe her. What she must have done to convince him. What she’d let him do to her. “I’m sorry.”

  “Dawson.” She stroked his face. “Don’t.”

  “Did he hurt you? Other ways?”

  She tensed her jaw, breaking his gaze. “Dawson.”

  “Did he?” He raised her face back to his. He couldn’t stem the anger racing through his veins as he forced the words around his clenched teeth. “Did that bastard rape you?”

  Kendall closed her eyes, tears dampening her cheeks. Her body was trembling in his touch, and what little color had hued her cheeks had drained. She opened her mouth, as if to speak, but then closed it again, burying her face in her hands.

  “Oh God, Kendall, no.” He watched as she crumbled, her body riddled with shame. He wanted to take her in his arms, but he didn’t know if she’d allow him. “Please, tell me he didn’t hurt you. Not like that.”

  Kendall jumped off the bed and stumbled to the window. “He didn’t finish. He had me pinned to the wall and he started to, but then he saw how much blood I’d lost, and I think he was afraid I’d die, so he stopped.” She shook her head, sobbing against the glass. “He didn’t finish,” she whispered again.

  Dawson stood up and crossed over to the window. God, how far had the monster taken her? Had he only touched her, or was it more? He cursed, reminding himself to ask again when the memory wasn’t so painful. He calmed his anger, getting as close to her as possible. “I’m so sorry.”