At first glance, Lyndee appeared to be dead. Sara watched closely and saw the faint movement of Lyndee’s chest. She was breathing but was unconscious and had been beaten terribly; bruises and dried blood spattered her face. Sara looked upon her daughter with tears of joy and anger all at the same time, but she didn’t dare move her for fear of broken bones. She glanced around the room and saw a sink, toilet and a pathetic excuse for a bed. This was nothing but a prison cell.
Sara, still holding the key that had been placed in her hands by the guards, struggled to unlock her own cuffs. Once she succeeded, she unlocked the cuffs from Lyndee’s wrists.
She saw some cloths by the sink. She ran one under cool water and gently washed the dried blood off Lyndee’s face. She didn’t want to hurt her by pressing too hard. The gentle massaging awakened her.
“Lyndee, Lyndee are you alright?”
Lyndee let out a painful moan as she tried to reposition herself.
“What did they do to you, baby?” Sara asked in a whisper.
“Mom,” Lyndee said opening up her eyes, “is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me.” She choked on the lump in her throat. Her daughter was bruised and broken; it tore her apart to see her like this. “Tell me where it hurts.”
“Can I just tell you where it doesn’t?”
“Do you think anything is broken?” Sara asked with her heart aching to take away the pain.
“Ribs…head…maybe leg…why didn’t they just kill me?”
“Oh honey, I worried they had.”
“He said he killed Dad. Is it true?” Lyndee looked into her mother’s eyes and saw the answer without hearing any words. Lyndee also saw a deep strength in her mother’s tear-filled eyes.
“Where does your head hurt?” Sara asked to avoid a direct answer.
Lyndee motioned to the side of her skull. Sara felt gently with her fingers and easily found a goose egg sized bump with a large matting of dried blood. Sara had Lyndee look up at the light to examine her pupils. They appeared to be normal. Lyndee’s cuts and abrasions were most likely from being shoved around. She had whip stripes on her back and rope burns around her wrists and ankles. Even her neck showed signs of having a rope around it at some point.
Sara knew with a sickening feeling in her stomach her daughter had probably been raped. She didn’t want to think about it but the thought kept pushing its way back into her head. She didn’t want to ask Lyndee; she couldn’t. As soon as they were out of there, she would take her daughter to Dr. Randall.
But when would that be?
A few hours went by and the door opened. Riley entered with two brutish looking men flanking both sides.
“The plan has changed. Your sons are going to give up Eliwese after all; and to think that Paul died protecting her. And you, Lyndee, wouldn’t talk no matter what we did to you. You wouldn’t give up the hideout. But your brothers are going to give her up now. They are weak, just like I thought they would be. Seems like there was a lot of needless brutality here, don’t you agree?” His smile was cruel.
“They are trading us for her?” Sara asked.
“They think they are.”
“What?”
Riley walked closer and his bodyguards stuck to him like glue.
“Sit down Sierra. Sit down and I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
Sara reluctantly sat down on a wooden chair.
“Only one of you will be up for release. So when the deal goes down, they will have to choose which one of you gets to go.” He stepped up closer to her. “Now, here’s the best part: your sons are going to agonize over the choice but in fact, there really isn’t a choice. Victor wants Lyndee for himself and I want you. Your valiant sons won’t ever stop trying to save you so… they will have to be killed.”
The bodyguards were waiting for Sara to jump at him. When she did, they quickly subdued her and held her at a safe distance.
“Let go of me!” she yelled. “You’re a spineless bastard, Riley! Let me pound on you like you did my daughter! What’s the matter? Are you afraid of me? You said you want me. Are you going to have to have your buddies hold me down every time you rape me? Or will you just tie me up like you did her!” Sara yelled so hard her voice cracked.
Riley walked right over to her and stood inches away from her face. “If that’s what it takes.”
Sara had prickles run up and down her spine as the pure devilry of his words penetrated her to the core.
“You are not acting like the royalty that you are. You’d be wise to straighten up or you might find yourself six feet under.”
“You might as well kill me. I’d rather be dead than endure anything you have to offer me,” her eyes fell to his waistline, “no matter how small it is.”
Riley straightened up his back and looked like he would hit her. Then Sara watched as he seemed to cascade through different emotions. He went from angry to dejected to longing and then back to angry in a matter of moments.
“We leave in one hour,” he said as he turned away and headed toward the door.
Chapter 12
So much had happened since the morning. Sean and Ryan had arrived in Northtown, without incident, and had accomplished most everything on the list. Now, late in the evening, Sean was ready to call Dr. Randall. He sat on the hotel bed with his cell phone in his hand, turning it over and over. He contemplated on the events of the day. Thoughts ran through his mind of possible overlooked items but he couldn’t think of anything.
He thought about the funny moment when a guy at the mall tried to pick up on Ryan. They had worn their ‘female’ disguises, as Eliwese had suggested, and apparently Ryan made ‘one hot babe’ to use the exact words of the unlucky would-be.
The surprised expression on that guy’s face when Ryan punched him in the gut was priceless. Ryan was no weakling and his power-packed punch followed up with his high pitched retort of ‘asshole’ had Sean chuckling as he sat on the bed.
He entered the numbers in the phone and Dr. Randall’s familiar voice answered with a recorded message. “You’ve reached the office of Dr. John Randall, our office is closed. If this is an emergency, please call the hospital. Otherwise, press one to leave a message.” Sean pressed one, thinking to himself how odd it was he didn’t know Dr. Randall’s first name was John. He hadn’t even thought to ask. The line started ringing and Dr. Randall answered.
“Hello, how did it go?”
Slightly taken aback, Sean stuttered an answer. “F-fine. I think it went fine, I mean.”
“Before you say anymore, just remember cell phone conversations can be monitored. Caution would be a good idea and names should be left out.”
“I understand.”
“Someone would like to talk to you.” Dr. Randall handed the phone to Eliwese.
“Hello, has everything on the list been accomplished?”
Sean was elated to hear her voice. “Well, not everything, there’s some banking I was unable to do.”
“I understand. Tell me about the location for the seminar.”
“Oh, it’s a fabulous place with seating and standing room for hundreds of people. I also liked the internet capabilities. The scenery is wonderful with unobstructed views for many yards in every direction. I noticed a lot of strange people walking around talking to themselves.”
“Perfect. What about spectators near the seminar building, have you seen any?”
“Yes, I began to wonder if I was in a parade what with all of the spectators on the rooftops. They even brought their field glasses to take in the sights.”
Eliwese chuckled a little. “You are very good at describing the not so obvious.”
“Oh, I almost forgot, there is a special place I want to show you. We’ll go there after the seminar. It’s absolutely perfect for what we need it for.”
“Excellent.” Her voice revealed to Sean she was smiling.
“I can’t think of anything else, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Perha
ps. I’m going to give the phone back to its owner now. Good bye.”
Without a chance for Sean to respond, Dr. Randall got back on the phone.
“Would you meet me at the front door in ten minutes?”
“What?”
“Ten minutes, the front door, meet me please.”
Sean sat with his jaw hanging open as the line went dead. What front door? Was he talking about the entrance to the hotel? A sudden surge of energy rushed over him. He realized they were already in Northtown and he jumped up and bolted to the door. Ryan exited the bathroom as Sean rushed by.
“What the…. where are you going?”
“I’ll be back.”
“What about your disguise?”
“No time.”
“Well, take your cell with you, moron.” Ryan tossed the phone to Sean and he caught it with one hand.
Sean walked briskly down to the front lobby and scanned the few people present, but didn’t recognize anyone. He decided to position himself on a sofa beside a large fireplace which allowed him an unobstructed view of the front entry-way.
An excited family of four entered the lobby and walked to the front desk. Then a business man walked in, and then a clingy man and woman, another business man, a group of flight attendants and two pilots, an elderly man in a wheelchair pushed by a woman, a family with twin toddlers, and a group of teens dressed in business attire; but Sean never saw Eliwese or the doctor. He kept checking the time; every passing minute deflated his anticipation and excitement. Fifteen minutes passed by and brought heavyheartedness with it; he must have misunderstood Dr. Randall.
His cell phone rang. “Hello.”
“I apologize for the confusion. I won’t be able to meet you. I’ll talk to you later.”
Sean walked aimlessly from the lobby to the lounge and sat on a barstool. He rested his folded arms on the top of the polished surface and made eye contact with the bartender.
“What can I get you, sir?”
“Just a cola, please.”
“Oh, big day tomorrow and need a clear head?”
“Something like that.”
The bartender left and returned with a tall glass of ice and a can of cola. “On the house.”
“Thanks.” As he sat there sipping his soda, he peered at the mirrored wall behind all the colorful bottles of liquor. He could see most of the people seated behind him without even turning around; a few happy couples sat at tables for two, a group of what appeared to be male coworkers having a good time were positioned in the center of the room, and a group of ladies sat over near the door eyeballing the table of male coworkers.
It astonished Sean to think these people who were engaged with their own lives were oblivious to the impending danger awaiting him tomorrow. The happy customers were not concerned about rotten politicians, over-zealous dictators, or even the fact their town had snipers positioned on almost every rooftop. Their social lives were the main focus in their minds and Sean sat in heavy contemplation thinking about the extreme differences between himself and everyone else.
He sipped his cola, lost in his own thoughts, when something caught his eye. Off in the corner of the lounge sat four men in business suits and one of them was Victor Rawlings! They were simply sitting in a booth having a drink like it was nobody’s business.
Sean felt sick to his stomach. His pulse raced with trepidation as he sat rigid, barely breathing and trembling. He took a small sip of his drink and cast a glance over his shoulder toward the other side of the lounge and right away noticed security guards wearing black suits and earpieces. How had he missed seeing them? He had unknowingly entered the lion’s den and needed to get out before he was recognized. He reached in his pocket for tip money.
“Hi there, would you like a little company?”
He turned his head to the right and found an attractive young lady standing with a drink in her hand. She didn’t look very old, maybe twenty-one and a day. She smiled at him, waiting for his reply.
Quick decision-making wasn’t his forte. Should he accept, or should he decline? If he turned her down, she might return to her table of friends, dejected, and cause a scene. All attention would be drawn to him, including that of Rawlings and his guards. So, he nodded in approval.
“Are you here on business?” she asked.
“Yes, how about you?” He quickly responded before she could question his business.
“I live here. My father and I run the hotel. I’m Jacquline, by the way.” She held out her hand to Sean.
Sean shook it politely. “I’m Steve. You live here in the hotel?”
“Yes. I meet many people who pass through Northtown; many repeat customers. I’ve never seen you before though, I would have remembered you.” She threw him a flirtatious wink.
“Well then, maybe you could tell me why Victor Rawlings is here.”
“He’s one of our regulars. The Presidential Suite on the top floor is held exclusively for him. Not many people remember that the southern tip of Baylend used to be part of Rendier until it was sold off sixty years ago. With our ski resorts, pristine lakes and trophy fishing, one can only wonder why King Louis would ever sell this vacation wonderland away. It’s understandable why the Rendierians removed him from power if he was making bad decisions like that. The Rawlings family always stays with us while vacationing in Baylend.”
Sean knew more of the story than she did, like the fact Gen. Alexandar Rawlings tricked the King into selling the land and then proceeded to convince the country that Louis was unfit to rule. Sean also knew the potential future wherein Victor Rawlings forcefully takes back the sold portion, along with the entire country of Baylend, unless Sean’s small group of rebels do something about it.
Sean realigned his focus. “Is it weird to have such a powerful leader here?”
“No, not really. He is kind to the staff and is a generous tipper.”
“Do you know any of the other men at his table?”
“They’re all bodyguards. Mr. Dennison is sitting beside Victor Rawlings and Mr. Stone is across from Victor. I don’t know the other one.”
“Riley Stone?” He hoped his voice sounded steady.
“Yes, he’s Victor’s Head of Security.”
Sean’s face heated with rage as he scrutinized Riley Stone. When Eliwese spoke of him, Sean imagined an entirely different looking person in his mind; someone younger, not a man as old as his own father. The thought of him forcing himself on twenty-two year old Eliwese was appalling and nauseating.
Jacquline continued. “He’s always asking me out whenever they’re in town on leisure, although I’ve never accepted. He’s too old, but still, it’s flattering to have such a persistent admirer.”
“You’re wise to turn him down.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. So, are they here on business or leisure?”
“Business. It must be serious because they don’t want to be disturbed. No room or maid service is to be administered during the stay. Riley made the point explicitly clear when the reservations were set up. But enough about him, I want to talk about you. Are you in town for long?”
“No, just one night.”
Through the mirror, Sean watched the four men stand up to leave. Dennison and the other guard escorted Victor out of the lounge while Riley dropped a single piece of paper money between the drained glasses, and then to Sean’s horror, walked towards Jacquline.
His black hair was well trimmed and his dark gaze seemed even darker due to his deep-set onyx eyes. His tailor-cut business suit revealed his muscular build making Sean even more frightened.
“Hello Jacquline, always a pleasure.”
Riley’s authoritative low rumbling voice prickled Sean’s spine and he forgot how to breathe as Riley looked him up and down. Why, oh why, had he rushed out of the room without his disguise? His foolishness would be their undoing.
Sean’s cell phone rang.
Elated at the distraction, he answered not even heari
ng who was on the other line. He kept his eyes on Riley through the mirror. Riley took Jacquline’s hand and raised it to his mouth and kissed it gently, and left the lounge. Sean looked over to Jacquline on his right and then picked up the conversation on the phone.
“Where are you? What’s going on? You need to come back to the room. Are you listening to me?” Ryan’s voice sounded through the phone.
“Yes, of course. I’ll be right there.” Sean hung up.
“Oh dear, I guess that ends our little chat.” Jacquline said with a sigh. “It’s too bad you have to go, Steve. I would have loved to get to know you better.”
Sean decided to leave things on a pleasant note with her. “I would have liked that also, Jacquline.” He smiled at her as he stood up.
She slipped him a card. “This is my cell number, if you are ever in town again and would like some company, just call.”
“Thank you,” Sean said and left the lounge.
As he was about to swipe his key card in the door to his room, he picked up on more than one voice coming from inside. He entered the room and was filled with complete surprise to find Ryan sitting on one bed with Dr. Randall and Eliwese seated on the other with pillows propped behind her.
“Where have you been?” Ryan’s voice echoed down the hall.
“Shhhh, they’ll hear you.” Sean scolded him while closing the door. He attached the chain and peeked through the peep hole for followers.
“Who will?” Ryan toned his voice down.
Sean walked over to Dr. Randall and shook his hand firmly and patted his shoulder. “Good to see you.”
Sean went to Eliwese with tenderness in his eyes. He sat down beside her and took her hand. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m alright.”
“Sorry for the confusion, Sean,” Dr. Randall said. “But there were too many guards in the lobby.”
“We’re all in danger. We need to leave.”
“What do you mean?” Ryan walked closer to Sean in concern.
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