Preconception

by Aliyah Burke

  “If they don’t want you returned to them in pieces.”

  She gulped. “Oh great.” Her tone was an octave higher.

  “I don’t want to cut you up piece by piece. Body part by body part. It would ruin our time together.”

  It was official. She wanted to puke her guts up.

  “Can’t have that, can we?”

  The door opened, admitting two more men. She recognized them from her apartment. Their looks were even more unsettling. Neither smiled and both glared.

  She sat in silence as they conversed amongst themselves. Occasionally they turned their attention to her, piercing her with looks that further unsettled her.

  One walked toward her and withdrew a wicked-looking knife. She stiffened as he bent down and sliced through her ropes. “You make trouble, I use this on you.”

  The ropes fell away and she immediately rubbed and moved her limbs.

  Whack!

  He backhanded her in the jaw and sent her flying off the chair into the wall with a hard thump. Tears burned her eyes and some spilled free. No one helped her—not that she expected them to.

  She made several attempts to get up before giving in and remaining against the wall. The urge to succumb and cry nearly overwhelmed her but she struggled to not give in.

  Crying won’t do anything. I can do this. She was on her own. Twin or not, she didn’t trust Jasmine to assist if that were the case.

  She managed to reposition herself upright and maneuvered herself into the corner where she used one wall to support her head. More tears fell as she thought about her parents and how this would affect them.

  I never got to say goodbye. Whether or not a deal was made with getting their boss out, she knew they wouldn’t let her go.

  The idea of never hugging her parents again, or participating in another game night while they munched on homemade doughnuts and wine, was painful to digest—to say the least. This wasn’t how she wanted to end her life.

  Regrets suck. I won’t give up without a fight. I can’t. There’s too much left for me to do.

  “We go.” The one who had said that he would keep her walked near. “Get on feet.”

  Slowly, she did as he’d ordered and as her legs screamed with agony, she went to his side. His strong bruising grip dug into her arm as he dragged her toward the door. The other two flanking them, they pushed outside and she braced herself for the cold that never came.

  Where am I? This isn’t Wisconsin. No snow covered the ground and she looked around but didn’t see much beyond the numerous rows of warehouses. They passed a vehicle as they headed for the car door and she saw the license plate. Georgia. They shoved her in the back and her new keeper slid in after her. The other two got in the front. They pulled left the area and she could see the skyline.

  Shit. I’m back in Atlanta. Immediately her thoughts turned to Declan. He was out there somewhere in this city. That alone gave her a sprig of hope, no matter how tiny it may be, she gripped it and held on for dear life. He would find her. He would rescue her.

  Right, a man who said if he never saw you again it would be too soon. She ignored that reminder. He was a man of honor and put his career and job before everything else, including personal feelings.

  Staring at the skyline as it neared she prayed. Prayed he would find her and get her out of this hell she knew waited for her. They pulled into a different area and drove up a long drive. She stared at the opulent home as they passed it to park. They exited the vehicle and she stood gazing around before her world went black.

  * * * *

  Declan didn’t even bother to hide his scowl as he strode down the mostly quiet halls of the District Attorney’s floor. He paused for a brief second then pushed open the door with the name Jacquelyn Ashcraft painted on the frosted glass.

  She glared at him from her seat, eyebrows up in surprise.

  “Hang up,” he ordered.

  Jackie held up a finger and turned her chair so he couldn’t see her face. He growled low in his throat and pushed down on the base, ending her call. Sparks flew from her eyes when she whipped back to glare at him.

  “Dammit, McBride! You have some gall coming in here and ending one of my calls like that.”

  “They took Caro.”

  Her eyebrows snapped close together, and she shook her head, momentarily thrown off track. “What are you talking about?”

  “Kazakova’s men took Caro.”

  She leaned back in her chair, crossing one toned leg and tapping the end of her pencil on the desk. “What do you want me to do about it?”

  He paused then slammed his hands on the desktop, taking satisfaction in seeing her jump. “You are such a bitch, Jackie. For all your high touting shit, you’re still just a cold-hearted bitch. Fuck you.” He spun around and slammed the door on her as she called after him.

  He bypassed the elevator and took the stairs down. Back in his truck, he drummed his fingers on the wheel as he thought about the past eight hours. He’d gotten off the phone with Terri then called the Madison Police Department and had the report sent to him as well as speaking with one of the responding officers. He’d gone to the station, perused what they’d sent him and tried his best to find out more about what was going on. Then he’d gone to see Jackie.

  Obviously a mistake. He punched the gas at the green and headed back to the station. After he parked, he strode in and headed straight for LT’s office. This time he knocked.

  “Come on in, McBride. Shut the door behind you.”

  He did as ordered and took a seat across from his boss. “Don’t bother telling me to let it go, LT. I won’t do it.”

  “I know you won’t. That’s not what I’m going to tell you. I was going to say is I’ve arranged for Jasmine to be made available to you, they’re bringing her here. And if you want to talk to Kazakova that can be done as well.”

  “Damn right I want to talk to that fucker.”

  LT nodded. “Tell me what you know.”

  Declan did and the man listened throughout the entire thing. When LT had been caught up, Declan leaned back in his chair and rested one ankle on his other leg.

  “Did you check flight logs?”

  Declan steepled his fingers beneath his chin. “I did. Found a flight which went to Wisconsin and came back early this morning. Like around three thirty it landed. Owned by the Kazakova family.”

  “So you think she’s here.”

  “I know she is.” He couldn’t stand the thought of her in their clutches. “All I have to do now is find out where she is and get her out of there.”

  LT glanced past him and beckoned to someone with a hand gesture. Declan turned around in time to see Detective Baldwin enter the room and shut the door behind him. They exchanged a head nod before Baldwin sat in the seat beside him.

  “You’re going to need some help, McBride. Don’t argue with me on this. You’re officially taking some time off so you can find her. Baldwin here will be your backup if you need it. Of course the rest of us are available as well.”

  Lance turned slightly in the chair. “I know this family. I know a lot about them. I used to be in the gang task force. If she’s here, in this city, we’ll find her.”

  Declan tried to calm down but he wanted to be out there. Scouring every inch he could until she was back in his arms. “Did you have someone pick up Jimmy?”

  LT drank some coffee. “I did. He’ll be here soon. You know the Feds will want in on this.”

  “Fuck ‘em. I’m not sitting around while some pencil pushers want to engage in a jurisdictional pissing match. They better stay out of my way.”

  LT’s smile bordered on feral. “Like I said, you’re on leave, McBride. You’ll have no reason to interact with them.” He leaned back in his chair, leather and springs squeaking. “You should go talk to Kazakova before they arrive.”

  Both he and Baldwin stood. “Thanks, LT.”

  “Don’t mention it. At all.”

  “No, sir.” Declan faced the doo
r. “Let’s go, Baldwin.”

  They didn’t speak as they left. Outside in the bullpen he looked to the man beside him. Baldwin carried himself with an impressive presence. He looked capable and there lived a hint of trouble and danger in his gaze.

  “You don’t have to come to meet him with me.”

  “I think I should. I’ll stay in the observation room so he doesn’t know I’m there but this way I can refute things if he’s lying. He shouldn’t see me. If they know I’m there they may put her somewhere new. A location I don’t know about.”

  “Meet you there.”

  “I’ll be about five minutes behind you.” Baldwin walked off without a look back or another word.

  Declan zipped up his jacket as he went to his truck. He ignored everyone and just left. Driving down to where they were holding Kazakova he tried his best not to think about the numerous witnesses who had been killed by this family. Caro would be fine. She had to be.

  He went in and asked to speak to the prisoner. Declan watched them escort him into the room. Sacha Kazakova wasn’t an impressive man by any means. In fact he was one people could walk by on the street and he wouldn’t make any type of impression. He stood five-nine, a bit portly and had a face that didn’t stand out. His head of thinning hair only added to the anonymity he possessed.

  Declan wasn’t fooled. The man was a stone cold killer. Sacha sat across from him and the guard who’d escorted him in left.

  “Officer McBride. Something I can do for you?”

  “Where is she?”

  Blue eyes blinked at him. “You think I have a woman in here with me? Trust me, it would be nice but sadly they don’t allow that. I’ve not had a woman in months. Perhaps you could put in a word so I could get some. I find myself longing for a nice black woman. Fit. Lovely curves. Dark brown hair that falls past her shoulders. A small mole on the base of her spine. No tattoos, though. Know a woman like that?”

  He curved his hands into fists at the description of Caro. It took all the control in the world not to punch him in the face. He shrugged. “Sorry, like you said, you can’t have one.”

  He gave a slight smile. “Soon I’m sure she’ll be in my reach.”

  “Where is she?” His question was lower and more gravelly this time.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re discussing, Officer.”

  Declan narrowed his gaze. “If anything happens to her, I’ll come back here and take it out of your ass. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Nope. That’s a promise, pure and simple. I will take everything you love from you, demolish your organization and leave you with nothing but memories.”

  Sacha’s eyes hardened, the first sign of emotion. “Don’t threaten me, Officer, when all it takes is one call and I can have you wiped from the face of this earth.”

  “And one from me will do the same to you. You’re not the only one with ties, Kazakova. Think about my name, McBride, and figure it out. I don’t play games and I won’t stand for you hurting my woman. We both know your men have her. You want something in return. There will be no deals other than this. You want to keep living and breathing air, you return her to me. Unharmed.”

  Declan sat back unaware he’d leaned in so close to Sacha. The man held his gaze before grinning. The hairs on the back of Declan’s neck stood up.

  “You are more than what people give you credit for.”

  “And you’re the same as everyone states. Full of your own worth. Tell me where she is.”

  He splayed his fingers out on the table and stared at his nails. “You want me to make it easy for you?”

  “So you do have her.”

  “We both know the answer to that will never be vocalized. Any other questions?”

  “Is she unharmed?”

  He sniffed. “She’s alive.” A wicked grin. “I would assume. Again, Officer, I’m in here. I don’t know what goes on out there.”

  “You’re right. So there’s no reason for me not to have you put in solitary. No privileges. One hour in the yard alone. Better that way, all around.” He leaned closer. “All your little perks, gone. Your life is going to be the hell I decide until she’s back.”

  “Piece by little piece if I am not released.”

  The words were whispered and chilled him to the bone. Declan didn’t allow it to show on his face. Instead he smiled. “Each one of her correlates to one of yours. And since you won’t get a chance to pass that message along, you’d better hope your men keep their hands to themselves.”

  “You talk a good game, McBride. But can you back it up?”

  “It’s already been arranged. Want to tell me where she is?”

  “I know nothing of what you’re asking.”

  Declan rose. “We’re done here.”

  Sacha looked smug until the guard walked in. It wasn’t the one who’d brought him in.

  “Finished, sir?” the guard asked.

  “Yes. I believe his new arrangements have been set up?”

  “Yes, sir. Solitary. No contact with the outside other than his attorney.”

  “Perfect.” He stared at the man in the jumpsuit. “Enjoy your stay. You want to talk, have them give me a call.”

  Declan waited for them to shuffle off before he exited. Baldwin waited for him.

  “You got to him. I’m impressed, not many can do that.”

  “He’s a bully. Nothing more.”

  “He’s a killer.”

  “Still a bully. What do you think?”

  “My guess is she’s in one of his homes. They have plenty of warehouses as well. I pulled a listing of his properties before I followed you here. Have it in my car.”

  They walked out and Declan took possession of the file. Lance crossed his arms and leaned against the side of his truck.

  “I have to go over the list then.”

  “I’ll bring dinner, you supply the beer.” Baldwin smacked him on the shoulder. “Six or so. I know where you live, McBride. I’ll be in touch.”

  “Thanks.” He didn’t move until the detective had pulled out. Then he tossed the file in his truck and went back inside the prison. “I need to see Angus McBride.”

  Before long he was in another room across from a man also in a jumpsuit. He stared at the shaved head and tattoo-covered neck and arms.

  “Well, well, well. Look what we have here. If it isn’t Declan McBride. Tell me, what did I do to be blessed with your presence? I mean, you never call, you never write. It’s like you don’t want to remember me.”

  The familiar Irish brogue soothed him in ways he wasn’t ready to acknowledge. Maybe it was time to go home for a bit.

  “What do you know about the Kazakova family?”

  He sniffed and spat on the floor. “Russian scum. They all deserve to have a blade between the ribs. What do you want to know?”

  “Everything.”

  Angus titled his head to the side. “You mixed up with them?”

  “In a roundabout way. What do you know?”

  His green eyes narrowed. “Trouble?”

  “I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

  “Watch the lip, boy. You may be on that side of the table with a badge but I’m still yer elder. Show respect.”

  “Show some to the badge and I’ll think about it.”

  He harrumphed, a wry grin lifting his lips. “Just like your old man. Arrogant to a fault.”

  “I don’t have much time, Angus.”

  “And I have all the time in the world. What do you need, boy?”

  “I need any and all information you can get on places they would hold a person. I asked Sacha but he wouldn’t give me anything. I have a list of their holdings but the fucker is huge. I’m against the clock here.”

  “So you come to me, your uncle, the black sheep of the family for help.” He leaned back. “Who is she? You wouldn’t come to me if it weren’t important. It’s not that bitch you married, is it?”

  “I’m no
longer married to her and no, it isn’t her.”

  “You bring her here to meet me and I’ll tell you all I know. And will find out more. I’ll send the boys out on a scouting mission.”

  “Deal. When I get her back, I’ll bring her to meet you.”

  He grinned. “Always good for her to meet family.”

  “Clock’s ticking, Angus.”

  “Always were impatient, boy. Fine. This is what I know.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself tighter. Caro peered through eyes that were more swollen shut than open. She was alone. Finally. Inching her way to the small toilet she then used it before hobbling back to the corner she’d been sleeping in.

  The beatings were daily. Or was that hourly. She had no sense of time anymore. Didn’t know if she’d been here one day or ten. All she knew was that she was scared out of her mind and wasn’t sure how much longer they would keep from killing her. Or cutting off body parts.

  The opening door had her stiffening instantly. She stayed as small as she could. The man who filled her line of vision was the only one who hadn’t hit her. The one who wanted to keep her.

  “Up.”

  She moved as fast as she could, not wanting him to join the ranks of her beaters. He put his fingers on the tip of her chin and angled her head, staring at the injuries.

  “Clean up.”

  Caro didn’t argue. She wanted the dried blood off her. So she padded after him. He left the room she’d been in and they stepped into a furnished area. She wanted to curl up on the couch and wrap herself in the blankets there.

  He stopped by the small kitchen and handed her some paper towels. She took them, turned on the water and put them by the sink. The hot water was heaven on her skin.

  She didn’t rush and was grateful the man there didn’t seem inclined to push her to move faster. Using the door of the microwave as a mirror, she got to work cleaning off her face.

  It stung but she kept at it. While she worked, she tried not to think about how bad she looked. How much like a person who’d just been in the Octagon and got their ass kicked she appeared similar to.

  She felt his presence behind her like a looming cloud. Turning to meet his gaze, she waited.