Black and White

by Cynthia Rayne

  Savvy came first, moaning as she found her release.

  And when he came, King was lost, under her spell, surrendering to Savvy unconditionally. Hers.

  King held her afterward, keeping Savvy on his lap, clutching her.

  “Gettin’ ready for tonight?” he asked gruffly.

  “Yeah, I wanted to get a little practice in. I heard from Adam again this morning.”

  King tensed. “What did the bastard say?”

  “He won’t be able to make it to the concert, but I shouldn’t worry because Emerald will be there to support me.”

  “Well, that doesn’t sound suspicious at all. Did he give a reason?”

  “A vague one. Adams said he had an appointment.”

  No doubt, his “appointment” would be very public. No one would suspect him, if Adam wasn’t at the event.

  “Don’t worry about it. Once we get our hands on the shooter, we’ll make him tell us who hired him, and then we’ll hand them both over to the FBI.”

  Although King was doubtful, a professional would fess up. He didn’t want to add to her stress levels, so he shut his mouth.

  “Yeah.” Savvy’s sounded doubtful.

  “I mean it. Don’t worry, I got this.” King twisted her on his lap so he could see her face.

  “I know.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Regardless, I’m doin’ the show my way. I don’t care what Adam told the concert promoters. If this is my last gig, I ain’t singin’ anyone else’s material, and if they don’t like it, they can piss up a rope.”

  “Savvy, this isn’t your last—”

  “While I’m thinkin’ about it, I’ve gotta give you somethin’.” King tried to hold on to her, but she slipped through his fingers. She got off his lap and grabbed her notebook from the nightstand. “Here. I want you to have this.”

  He flipped through a few pages. “Thank you, but I can’t accept it. This is your music, you’ll need it.”

  “I hope so, but I don’t know for sure.”

  King shook his head, refusing to hear it. “Don’t start up with the farewell routine again.” He firmly believed, if a person doubted himself, he was far more likely to fail.

  “Listen to me.” Her eyes were wide, pleading.

  “Okay.” King took a deep breath.

  “If somethin’ happens to me tonight—” He started to speak, but she held up the hand. “I want you to have my music. This isn’t the only notebook.” Savvy pointed to the one in his hand. “There are boxes all over my house, and they’ll belong to you if things don’t go our way. I already emailed my lawyer, so it’s done.”

  King was overcome at the enormity of the gift. His eyes burned with unspent tears, as he touched a page, with lyrics done in her own handwriting.

  “These are too valuable. If you can’t sing them, they should be sold to other musicians. Your songs need to be heard.”

  She knelt by his side, pressing the book against his chest. “No one appreciates them more than you. Promise me, you’ll take them.”

  Savvy was trying to give him a piece of herself King could keep with him always. And he was overwhelmed.

  “I’d cherish them, but I ain’t lettin’ anythin’ happen to you.” King dropped a kiss on her lips.

  Her face was solemn. “You’ve changed me for the better. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yeah? How?”

  “I’m not afraid anymore. If I come out of this alive, I’m gonna spend the rest of my career, doin’ things my way. I no longer give a damn what’s popular or what my record label wants.”

  “You’ve made up your mind.” He knew she’d been wavering back and forth. Savvy had made the right decision.

  “What have I got to lose? The commercial stuff I don’t like isn’t sellin’ anyway. It makes the decision a lot easier.”

  “Just for the record, I think you’ll be surprised by the results.” King had a feeling her fans would be clamoring for the new material.

  “Do you mind if I play you somethin’?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Savvy sat on his lap once again and played him a song.

  Her voice surrounded King, consumed him. It was so sweet and pure, it brought tears to his eyes. The melody rocked him gently, like a lullaby.

  And he was overcome.

  I’m in love with this woman.

  He couldn’t deny it any longer. Hell, he wanted to shout it from the rooftops. And even if he spent the rest of his days in her arms, it wouldn’t be enough.

  But King didn’t have a clue how to tell her.

  ***

  “Report,” West said in King’s ear.

  “Just a bunch of drunks here.”

  The entire team was at Bloom. King and the rest of his teammates were milling around the crowd. They were dressed in civilian clothes, although they wore bullet-resistant material beneath it. Like always, they wore earbuds, so they could communicate with one another.

  There was a large, rowdy crowd, and too much was going on.

  The stage was in the middle of the fair, and the place was crawling with people. There were three beer tents, and folks were getting liquored up. Many of them were smashed and sunburned from staying outside all day. And fights were breaking out now and then, nothing security couldn’t handle on their own, but it still troubled him.

  It wasn’t exactly the ideal crowd.

  Savvy hadn’t even taken the stage yet, and things were already headed south.

  “What about you, Nox?” West asked.

  “Nothin’ to report. No sign of the shooter.”

  Since it was an outdoor venue, Nox had perched on a nearby ridge with his high-powered rifle and a set of binoculars, while West was on another ridge.

  “I’ll check in with everyone in another half an hour. West out.”

  What if the shooter knew they were here and didn’t show? What if Adam had suspected something was up and ran for it? There were too many unanswered variables.

  Zane stepped up beside him. “What do you think?” They’d both been assigned to the stage floor.

  “That we oughtta call this whole thing off. I should beat the crap out of Storm, for even suggestin’ it.”

  King was getting agitated, having second thoughts. What if he ended up getting her killed?

  “Too late now.”

  King didn’t respond. Instead, he did a three-sixty turn, scanning the crowd. Come on, you son of a bitch, show yourself.

  “Hey, after the show, we need to talk about Ellie.”

  King blinked. “What about her?” She’d been laying low since she arrived, but at least Ellie hadn’t gone back to the dickhead.

  “Like I said, I’ll discuss it with you later.”

  “Then why’d you bring it up now?” King snapped.

  “Okay, I can tell this is a bad time.” Zane backed off. “Tell you what. I’ll keep an eye on these knuckleheads, and you go see Savvy.”

  “Fine by me.” King stalked off.

  ***

  Savvy paced the length of her dressing room.

  The makeup and hair people had gotten her ready. All she had to do now, was walk out on stage, sing her songs, and King would take care of the rest.

  And what if the shooter’s out there? Loading his gun?

  Don’t. You’ll give yourself a panic attack. Yeah, it’s way too late.

  Her palms were sweaty, and she felt dizzy. Her throat was parched too, as though she’d been walking through a desert. She grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it.

  What if I just left? Said peace out, and started a new life somewhere else? It sounded good. She was contemplating making a run for the border when her dressing room door opened.

  Savvy tensed, but King walked into the room, and she threw herself into his arms.

  “God, I’m glad to see you.”

  “Same here.” He kissed the top of her head.

  They’d spend the entire day together, but she’d wanted even more time.

  Savvy
had eaten lunch with the team earlier, but everyone had been solemn. The minestrone she’d worked so hard on, tasted like ashes in her mouth. It felt like she was a guest at a wake.

  “Security’s tight out there,” King said approvingly. Mack was guarding one end of the hall, while Annie watched the other. No one was getting through without authorization.

  “How are you holdin’ up?”

  She tried to smile. “I’ve had better afternoons.”

  King chuckled.

  “Let’s breathe together. I need to calm down, too.” Savvy thought he was probably lying to make her feel better. King didn’t look nervous at all, but she appreciated the effort.

  Swallowing, Savvy nodded. She was having trouble focusing. Her body was on high alert, nerve endings frayed, jumping at the slightest noise.

  He grasped her shoulders. “Come on, breathe in.” She felt like he was the only thing tethering her to sanity.

  Savvy trusted him completely, had faith in him. He’d never let her down yet, and she knew he never would.

  Savvy locked eyes with King and took in a big gulp of air and then released it. After a few moments they stopped.

  “I feel like a coward,” Savvy confessed.

  “No, you’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met, queen. You and me are gonna get through this.”

  “Yeah.” Savvy tried to smile.

  “Say it like you mean it, Savvy.”

  Savvy’s studied him a minute. King looked absolutely certain, and it sustained her own faith. Together, they could do this.

  “Yes.” She tipped her chin up.“We got this.”

  He smoothed her eyebrows with the pad of his thumb. King leaned down for a kiss, and she encircled his neck, wrapping her arms around him, clinging to him.

  “You believe me, don’t you?” King asked as he pulled away.

  Savvy really smiled this time. “Well, I’m eighty percent sure, so it’s a passin’ grade.”

  King chuckled. “You must be feelin’ better, you made a joke.”

  “I just want this over.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you have your GPS?”

  “Yep.” She pulled out a small, button-like device. Storm had gotten it for her so they could track her movements, in case anyone tried to run off with her. It made Savvy feel marginally better, although she’d rather not be abducted.

  “Excellent, keep it in your pocket.” He kissed her again and headed for the door. “I’ve gotta get in position. Try not to worry, Savvy, this ends tonight.”

  Savvy prayed he was right.

  A half an hour later, there was another knock on the door.

  “What now?”

  Night had fallen, and the last opening act had just taken the stage. Savvy was up next, and she had about thirty minutes before she had to be in place.

  “Miss Summers?” Another knock.

  “Yes? Can I help you?” Savvy strolled to the door but didn’t open it.

  “I’m Mr. Matthews, the festival organizer.” She’d heard the name before but never met the man. “I wanted to check in with you, and make sure you had everything you needed.”

  “Thank you. Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” Savvy grimaced.

  Normally, this is the kind of thing Adam would take care of. Of course, she didn’t want her homicidal manager in the mix. If she’d had to pretend with him for hours, Savvy couldn’t have done it.

  “Can you let me in? I have a gift basket for you as a thank you for performing.”

  She didn’t want to appear rude, and he’d made it through the security checkpoints, so Savvy opened the door.

  Mathews was a handsome blue-eyed, dark-haired man in his mid-thirties. He was muscular, tall, and carrying an enormous wicker basket filled with coffee, tea, expensive chocolates, and other goodies.

  “Well, thank you.”

  He set the gift on the couch.

  “You’re welcome.” And then he pulled out a gun.

  “You’re not Mr. Matthews.” Savvy took a step back and lifted her hands into the air. How could I be so stupid?

  “No, I’m not.”

  Black spots flecked her vision, and Savvy swayed on her feet. For a second, she feared she would pass out.

  “You’re the hitman.”

  “I prefer the term sniper, but you can call me Phil.”

  “How did you get past security?”

  “I didn’t.” Phil gave her a sharky smile, all teeth, and no conscience. “There are plenty of hidey holes around here, especially if you case the joint ahead of time.”

  It made sense. They’d done a preliminary sweep of the venue, but there were so many nooks and crannies for storage, it would’ve been easy to overlook one. And Adam could’ve snuck him in at any time. He had an all-access pass.

  She opened her mouth, but he held up a hand.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  “Do what?”

  “Scream. If you do, you’ll be dead before they get here.” Phil tightened his grip on the gun.

  “I won’t.” She swallowed the lump in her throat.

  “Smart decision. Now, give me your phone.” That smile again. “I can’t have you calling them either.”

  She tossed it over, and he smashed it under his heel. Apparently, her phones had a short lifespan. Savvy wondered if she’d have the same problem.

  “Let’s go.” He pointed to the wall with the barrel of his gun.

  “Go where? Through the wall?”

  “I can’t very well take you down the hallway. We’ll have to use the crawl space, behind the stage. They don’t use it anymore, but they haven’t blocked it off.”

  When she took a closer look at it, there was a seam around one section. Savvy hadn’t even noticed it earlier. There were a couple of chairs situated in front, so it didn’t exactly standout.

  “Get moving.”

  “Where are you taking me?” Savvy stalled for time. As soon as she stepped out of this room, it would all be over.

  No one would ever see her alive again.

  Savvy locked down her jaw, refusing to fall apart. King will find me. She kept repeating it like a prayer, over and over again. Savvy slowed her heart rate down, harnessed the fear before it got away from her.

  “Somewhere quiet. You’ve got bodyguards crawling all over this place.”

  “But—”

  “Move!” He lifted the gun.

  Savvy did as he asked.

  The passageway was narrow, littered with dust and spider webs. Phil was right behind her the entire time. A few minutes later, she crawled out of the hidden passageway behind the stage and into a deserted hallway.

  Savvy had no clue where she was.

  There was an elaborate network of corridors. Although, there was an exit sign at the far end of the hallway. Phil must’ve chosen this location so he could make a fast getaway after he shot her.

  “Move your ass.” Phil pushed her into an empty room and locked them in.

  This is it.

  Savvy’s figured she had only moments left. She doubted King would find her in time, even with the GPS in her pocket.

  Instead of panicking, she got very calm. Savvy pictured King in her mind’s eye and held onto the image for strength.

  Although, he didn’t pull the trigger. Instead, he studied her, a speculative gleam in his beady little eyes.

  “Well, if it isn’t Savannah Summers, in the flesh.”

  “Are you tryin’ to tell me you want an autograph?” Savvy’s spoke with a confidence she didn’t feel. Fake it until you make it.

  “No, but you’re a hard woman to find. This would’ve been over sooner, but you were in a fortified house, surrounded by a former Navy SEALs and a fantastic security system. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

  “I thought you wanted to scare me.”

  Savvy was a creator, an artist, and she’d never hurt anyone in her entire life. She didn’t know the first thing about destroying someone. Savvy couldn’t understand w
hat drove this man, or the person who’d hired him.

  “Yes, but I didn’t want to draw this out for such a long time.”

  “Yeah, he paid you to make it hurt, didn’t he?” Savvy asked bitterly.

  “What makes you think a man hired me?”

  “You’re saying a woman wants me dead?”

  Phil smirked. “Discretion is important in my line of work. Nobody hires a chatty sniper.”

  “Great. You’re a murderer with ethics.”

  Phil clucked his tongue. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I really am. This isn’t personal. I actually like your music.”

  “You don’t have to do this.”

  “Yes, I do. There’s thirty thousand bucks on the line, with a ten-thousand-dollar bonus for cruelty.”

  Wait a minute. Thirty plus ten is forty. Not fifty. But I don’t have time for math.

  Savvy stared him down, but he didn’t pull the trigger.

  Phil swallowed. “This is easier to do from far away.”

  Oh God. Any second now. Savvy had a sick sort of dread, willing him to do it, instead of hesitating, drawing this out. Waiting was even worse.

  I don’t wanna die here like this.

  Savvy tried to be brave. She’d always pictured dying like her Gran, in bed with her husband beside her, not backed against a wall, at the mercy of a professional killer.

  I should’ve written my own music sooner. I should’ve kissed King that first night in my room. I wonder if he has feelings for me, too?

  Now, I’ll never know.

  Dying with regrets is terrible. Better to fail spectacularly than go out a coward who was too scared to chase her own dreams.

  She thought back to the conversation she’d had with Annie and Mack during the team meeting. Be your own her.

  “Don’t worry. It’ll be quick and painless.” He raised the gun once more.

  Savvy opened her mouth and hit a C sharp, using every ounce of volume she possessed. She sang as though her life depended on it because it did.

  Savvy blasted him with the note and he stepped back. Phil winced, bringing the other hand to his ear.

  It was the only opening she was going to get.

  Savvy kicked Phil in the balls and ran.

  ***

  “What the fuck do you mean, she’s missin’?”