Guarding Midnight

by Kacey Hammell

  “You bastard! I’ll kill you. Let me go!”

  He backhanded her once again. Pain exploded in her cheek.

  He pushed her back against the seat, lying over her, nearly nose to nose. “Now shut up. Fucking little bitch.”

  “Let’s get her to the boss. Her boyfriend won’t be far behind,” the goon in the front seat ordered.

  The one in the back held her against the door, his hand tight against her throat and his eyes cold. “We’ll play later, bitch.”

  Shree prayed as she never had before. During the torments of her past, talking to God had never done much good. No one came to rescue her. But this time, she knew that someone cared enough about her, would notice she was missing, and come looking for her.

  She watched the buildings whip by as they rushed through town and hoped Gavin would find her before it was too late.

  ****

  Gavin finished his third coffee of the night and turned to Frank who sat on the bar stool next to him. “Jonas and Marc reported the two goons left about half an hour ago. Have to wonder what they’re up to since we’re closed.”

  Frank shrugged. “The way they look, they’re probably gobbling up another pizza or four.”

  “Maybe. But after this afternoon, I don’t like it. Hagen was too sly and too pleased with himself. Something will happen soon. I feel it. The calm before the storm.”

  “Don’t wish too much upon yourself, man. We don’t want things happening here. If we can take care of all this away from Charlotte and these girls, it’s best we try for that angle.”

  He nodded. “Yeah, I hope trouble stays far from this place. There’s too much at stake.”

  “Like the main attraction around here? She is certainly easy to look at. I don’t blame you.” Frank winked.

  “She’s mine,” Gavin ordered, then grinned. “Okay, yeah, she has a lot to do with what’s at stake. She’s gotten under my skin... Hell, never mind. I’m not talking about this shit with you.”

  “Hey, man, I get it. You never know when the right lady will come along. Sometimes she hits you over the head before you even realize she’s there.”

  Gavin stared at Frank, his mind churning. So the big guy knew from experience, huh? Gavin had an inkling he knew exactly what woman his friend was thinking about at this moment.

  “Gavin!”

  The lady in question came barreling through the side door of the club. Eyes wide and ponytail swinging fast, he pushed off the stool as she got close. “What’s the matter?”

  “Oh God, it’s horrible. I just saw the car speed away. I was taking out the trash. I never thought—” Charlie tried to catch her breath. “Gavin...”

  “Damn, woman, settle down.” He gathered her in his arms and settled her on a stool. After filling a glass of water from the jug Adam had set in front of him before leaving for the night, he handed it to her. “Drink this and then tell me. You’re not making any sense.” He heard Frank’s cell phone buzz beside him, but ignored it. “Tell me, Charlie, what is it?”

  She took deep gulps from the glass, tears running down her cheeks. Damn it, he didn’t have time for weeping women. Drawing in a deep breath, he glared over his shoulder at Frank when the other man grabbed his arm.

  “That was Marc. Man, we have to get to Hagen’s place. Now.”

  “Please, Frank. Bring her home.” Frank’s eyes met Charlie’s. The fear in their depths didn’t settle well in Gavin’s gut.

  “Would one of you tell me what the holy fuck is going on? Is Hagen on the move? Was he here again, Charlie?”

  She grabbed his hand, clasping it tight. “I was taking out the trash, walked out the door as the car sped away. I saw the one goon that Hagen has in the back.” Her gaze cut to Frank then back to Gavin. “And Shree was in the back, too. She was struggling.”

  Gavin scowled. It couldn’t be true. “What?” He heard her wrong.

  “She’s right. Just got a text from Marc. The two assholes just showed up with your girl.”

  He didn’t need them to say anymore. Gavin turned and started for the exit.

  “Whoa, Gav. Man, listen,” Frank held him back.

  Gavin jerked once, then twice, trying to shake his friend loose. “Let go, damn it.”

  “Listen, man, you go in there half-cocked, you’ll do no one any good. Come on, you know this. Get your head out of your ass and focus,” Frank ordered.

  “Fuck you. Just fuck off. I don’t have time for this.” Gavin turned then came to a halt when Charlie yelled, “Gavin, that’s enough!”

  She ran toward him. On any other day, her short frame, eyes angry, and her mumbling profanities at him would have been hilarious, but he was in no mood to be fucked with.

  Jesus. His girl was being held captive by a bunch of ruthless fucktards who wouldn’t think twice about killing her. After they tortured her.

  “Listen to him, Gavin. Please. For Shree’s sake. They’ll kill her. I know it and you do too. But they’re calling you out. Think about it.” How Charlie got so clever about the minds of sociopaths, he didn’t know. Drawing in a calming breath, even though his heart raced far faster than it should have, he turned to Frank. “Let’s go over how to do this.”

  There was too much at stake not to go over every entrance and exit, every room and hidden passage of Hagen’s place before he brought hell and fury down upon the bastards. He’d studied the blue prints of the man’s home and offices long enough to know every bit of them.

  He had to hold onto the hope that Shree could stay strong for just a little bit. She was a fighter. He just prayed that she would know it too, and fight until he got there.

  “I’m going to call one of the guys in. One will stay to give us some eyes, but the three of us have to come up with a plan first. Let me get a hold of them, then get the blueprints from upstairs.”

  Gavin sat at the bar again and pulled out the notepad he and Frank had been working on earlier. He tore off the rough outline of how to capture Hagen, then started drawing the layout of Hagen’s building on the new sheet. He tried to recall everything he’d seen on his one visit there. It wasn’t easy and Frank would bring the blueprints with him, but Gavin needed something to do. Had to keep his mind busy.

  A soft hand touched his shoulder. He looked over at Charlie. Tears ran down her cheek. “I’m so sorry. It’s me they want. My signatures. Why didn’t they take me?” He hated dealing with crying women, but in this case, he needed her as much as she did him.

  He pulled her into his arms, her tears soaking his shirt, and took a moment for simple emotion. Hell, his own throat was tight as he held back unshed tears. He hadn’t cried since the bombing in Afghanistan that had nearly taken the lives of so many small children. The desire to weep for the woman he loved, who had to be scared out of her mind, was strong, but he couldn’t. If he did, he may not come back from the overwhelming emotions rolling through him, and he had to be strong.

  For her.

  For them.

  Chapter Eight

  Shree struggled against the rope binding her arms behind her.

  The two thugs who’d taken her from the club had dumped her in a filthy sparse room with only a single mattress and a dim light on the ceiling. The smell of it hit her the moment they dragged her into the room and shoved her on the floor.

  Sweat, urine, and rotting meat.

  It’s what she imagined death would smell like—pungent, filthy decaying, and eye-watering. She’d never smelled anything remotely like it before. She’d remember it forever.

  They’d stripped her of everything except her leotard. The cold immediately washed over her body. The air conditioning had to be on full blast. In the back of her mind, she knew it was to throw her off, keep her on edge and eventually make her weak. The chill would set into her limbs and she’d be too shaky to fight them.

  If only they knew the tactics of her ex, they wouldn’t be so quick to count her out just yet.

  The creep in the backseat had enjoyed groping her. She’d slap
ped him away for as long as she could, but eventually, she’d shut her mind off as best she could. She’d been through it too many years to not zone it out. It always killed her to do so because it was as if she was giving in, but it was also what kept her sane. She swore she’d never go allow such trespasses against her body ever again, but tonight, she had no choice.

  Gavin would come for her. He’d save her. So she had to survive.

  One more time.

  For him.

  Keys in the lock caught her attention. She scurried back on the bed until her back was firm against the wall. She couldn’t allow them to crowd her from all sides. Hopefully, it would work.

  But the two men who entered the room had her second-guessing everything. What kind of man wore pink and neon green together? This had to be Hagen’s right-hand man that Charlie told her about. Good lord, even in the darkened room, he was blinding. All clothing mixed like that should be burned. They weren’t meant to be worn together.

  And the second man, dressed finely in a pin-striped suit, straight tie, and gold rings adorning his fingers...this was a man to be feared. Hair slicked back, gold studs in his ears, and an air about him that screamed “worship me” made her stomach churn. Some women might find him attractive, but it was his eyes that terrified her the most. Cold and harsh, dark and evil eyes...she was certain she was looking into the empty depths of a black soul. The stench rolling off him—sweat, bourbon, and foul odor—threatened to choke her.

  Shree wasn’t so sure she’d be able to fight him when the time came. Deep down, she knew he’d break her neck and not wrinkle his suit one little bit while doing it. No, she’d need to tread carefully with this man.

  Shoring up every ounce of courage she could fester, she relaxed a bit, not wanting to show belligerence or defiance.

  “So, you’re the kitten who has caught all the attentions of the men in the club. Hmm, I will say, you are a beauty.” Even his voice was slimy. It oozed arrogance. Shree remained silent. “Parker, undo those ropes. Really, I employ beasts. No woman so lovely should be treated so roughly. Don’t you agree, my dear?”

  His sidekick untied the ropes. She rubbed her wrists while keeping her gaze lowered. Hagen reminded her of her ex. A man who wanted his women submissive and in total agreement with everything he said.

  “Come now, beauty, my men didn’t cut your tongue out, did they?”

  Parker’s high-pitched laugh made her flinch. God, was this guy for real?

  She stared at Hagen. “Thank you for untying the ropes.”

  He beamed under her gratefulness. “Of course, my dear. Now, as much as I’d like to spend the whole night in your company…” He leered. A shiver curled around her spine at the monstrous gleam in his gaze. “We have business to attend to. This is what I need from you.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Oh wonderful.” He clapped his hands. “Parker here will take you back to the club. I’m sure your boyfriend is on his way. In fact, I am counting on it. But while he is here and my boys are handling him, you and Parker will be at the club getting the lovely Charlie’s signature on these papers. I want everything signed and accounted for, Parker. Don’t come back here until it’s done.”

  Shree grimaced. “I don’t think Charlie will sign those. Even for me. I won’t ask it of her.”

  Hagen waved his index finger at her. “Now don’t be so humble about your talents. I know once Charlie realizes Parker has orders to slit your throat, and hers if she refuses, she won’t hesitate to sign them. The game has gone on long enough.”

  Parker rubbed his palms together, a wide grin on his face. Though he tried to look domineering and frightening, Shree knew if she kicked him in the balls hard enough, he’d squeal like a girl in the process.

  All she had to do was get the upper hand and she might just be able to save herself and Charlie. But Gavin wouldn’t stop fighting until he saw her. If she was gone, would Hagen allow him to believe that she was dead? He’d be tormented that he couldn’t save her, and give up his own life for revenge.

  Suddenly, the walls around them shook. Shree screamed and hunkered low near the end of the bed. What the hell was going on?

  She heard Parker and Hagen shouting, but the ringing in her ears made it hard to understand what they were saying.

  Hagen moved quickly toward her, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her to her feet. “Too late, beauty. Sounds like your boyfriend has arrived. Come on.”

  She struggled as much as she could, pounding on his shoulder and scratching at his face and neck. Her attempts did no good.

  He pulled her behind him through a long, dark corridor and down a flight of stairs. She didn’t want to get too far from Gavin or Frank. She lost her footing landed hard on the stairs, wincing as her hip screamed in pain.

  “Get up, for God’s sake.” As Hagen reached for her again, she raised her right foot and kicked him in the face. He shouted in pain and fell back the remaining few steps.

  Moving fast, she got to her feet and raced down the stairs and over him. Limping, the pain in her hip bringing tears to her eyes, she moved as best she could and never looked back.

  But the way they came was lost to her. She’s been so busy trying to break free, she couldn’t remember the turns Hagen had taken. How could she have been so stupid? Taking another left, a scream erupted from her as she ran directly into a broad chest.

  Arms came around her and a voice at her ear shushed her. Shree struggled, angry and afraid, but not wanting to be captured again. “Quiet. Stop struggling. I’m a friend of Gavin’s. Stop. Ouch, shit, that hurt.”

  She kept fighting until his words registered. Lifting her head, she encountered a forest. The man’s dark green eyes drew her in, made her feel safe and protected all at once. The scar along his left cheek should have frightened her, but the kindness in his gaze negated that.

  “You’re one feisty lady. I’m Marc. Come on, I promised Gav I’d get you out of here.” He took her hand and led the way through dark tunnels. Some smelled as bad as the room she’d been in. Once she became used to the darkness, only seeing by the light of his small flashlight beam, she realized they were walking the length of a hallway with cells on either side.

  She drew to a halt and gaped at the dirty walls and floors and bloodstains on filthy mattresses that she imagined would tell of unspeakable tragedies. “Where is Gavin? And what the hell is this place?” she whispered to Marc.

  “Gavin won’t be too far. I’ve worked with him before. I know Charlie’s brother Sean, too, and I promised I’d get you out of here while he went after Hagen. Now is not the time to explain. We have to get out of here.” He pulled her along with him.

  She hoped the exit was close because she needed fresh air, a shower, and Gavin’s arms around her tight. The images she couldn’t get out of her mind now chilled her to the bone. She was so lost in thought, she yelped in surprise when she was torn away from Marc.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Parker shrieked in her ear. “My boss has a job for us.” He held a knife to her throat. The blade pressed into her skin. She wasn’t sure if she was more afraid he was crazy enough to actually kill her, or that it would happen by accident because his hand shook so much.

  Marc trained the gun he was holding in one hand and the flashlight in the other on her. “Let her go.”

  Parker shrilled with laughter. “I’ve got her. Now move aside. I’ll kill her. I swear I will.” He pressed the tip against her skin. Shree felt the trickle of blood run onto her throat. Heart racing, she tried to remain as calm as possible while Marc thought of a way to get them out of this. The need to breathe fresh air was overwhelming.

  The smell of burned flesh, sweat, and dust, mixed with the darkness had fear washing over her. She’d never been claustrophobic before, but this was pushing her into depths of hell she’d never thought of before. Drawing in a deep breath, her gaze met Marc’s. Though it didn’t work last time, she had no choice but to try the same tactic. Parker was weaker than
the goon who’d grabbed her from the club.

  Going limp in Parker’s arms, as if fainting, he let out a yelp as she fell to the floor. A gunshot rang out. Shree kept her head low. The last thing she heard was Parker’s cry echo around the room and ring like a drum in her head.

  “It’s okay. Come on,” Marc ordered her as he grabbed the still-alive Parker by the back of the collar, his hands tied over his stomach, and dragged him from the tunnel. His wailing was enough to drive a sane person batty.

  “For fuck’s sake, dude. Have some dignity,” Marc mumbled as Parker continued his tormenting wails.

  “You shot me. Oh my goodness. My favorite shirt. How dare you?”

  Shree saw the light at the end of the tunnel and happiness flooded her. Finally, she’d be free of the dark and back with Gavin. If only she knew where she was.

  “My boss will shoot you dead, mister. I promise you that.”

  “I can’t take it anymore. Marc, stop.” Before Marc could ask her any questions, she drew a foot back and put every ounce of strength she had into kicking Parker in the face.

  Silence.

  Blessed silence.

  Her ears thanked her.

  “Remind me never to piss you off.” Marc pulled Parker along and out into the daylight.

  Shree drew in a deep breath. Clean air filled her lungs and calmed her a little. She wasn’t shackled, hadn’t been tortured or raped. Now all she had to do was find Gavin and Charlotte.

  “Where to?”

  “We’ll head back to the club. I have to get you out of the way in case things go twisted.” He tossed Parker into the bed of a black pickup truck, tucked his handgun into the waistband at his back, and opened the passenger door for her. “Hop in.”

  She shook her head. “No. Not until I see Gavin. Where is he?”

  Marc sighed. “I should have known I’d get the ‘what should be easy, but isn’t going to be’ job. Gavin gave me explicit instructions—find you and get you the fuck out of here. Now, get in the truck.”

  “Where is he?” She folded her arms over her chest.