There was a single light on in the room as we sat across from each other on opposite couches. A paper-thin pretense hung between us, as we pretended that he was going along with Malokin and that I was here willingly.
The clock ticked by slowly, every minute counted if I was going to figure out a way out of this. I hadn’t gone through everything just to have Fate blow it wide open and get Kitty killed. I hadn’t taken more than one beating for nothing, or suffered Luke to let it fall apart at Fate’s whim. Still, some contrary part of me was relieved he knew, even if it changed nothing.
We stared at each other. I didn’t move, because I didn’t know how to get out of there. What was more nerve wracking was why he wasn’t stirring. What was he waiting for? I knew he had some plan in motion, and it wasn’t a huge leap to guess I wouldn’t like it.
Every second that went by wound me tighter, and I shot him several accusatory stares. They ranged in different degrees of rage that mostly conveyed, you think you’re helping, but you’re fucking things up.
He retaliated with his own variety. His were more along the lines of you’re so stupid, what did you think would happen? Occasionally, I caught a hint of you were going to get yourself killed in his look. That one didn’t last very long before it reverted back to you’re so stupid again.
Getting up, I went to his bar area, daring him with my eyes to stop me. He didn’t move; he just shrugged, as if taking me down wasn’t a concern. Tomorrow I might possibly find that insulting. Tonight I was just happy to get a drink without a fight.
The bar was devoid of Maker’s Mark, so I poured a Cutty Sark neat. I flaunted my glass with a flourish as I walked back to the couch. Yeah, see that? I don't need ice anymore because I’m a badass. I don’t need ice and I don’t need you.
I threw back a healthy gulp, realizing how ridiculously I might be acting.
He rolled his eyes, confirming it.
The booze burned its way down to my stomach, and I felt the tension ease slightly.
“What time are we leaving to do the job?” I asked, putting him on the spot, since I knew without a doubt we weren’t going.
“We’ll be moving forward shortly,” he said. He had the nerve to smile at me.
Those ominous words had me downing another gulp. Whatever it was we’d be doing, it wasn’t going to be for Malokin or Luke.
Those two might be able to hear everything said, but I was pretty sure a lot of smaller movements were lost through however they got their information. I placed the glass down on his wooden table between us, purposefully avoiding using a coaster from the stack right next to it. I fisted my hands and gave Fate the double finger. The double, for when one just wasn’t enough.
The jerk laughed.
Having depleted the double finger gesture, I was at a loss for an appropriate silent reply.
Then two things happened at once; Lars tapped on the glass back doors and my throwaway phone started vibrating.
We got to our feet at the same time. I didn’t want him to let Lars in. I didn’t have specifics, but I knew it would be bad news for me. He didn’t want me to answer my call.
My purse sat to the right, on the dining room table. Lars stood waiting to the left, at an approximately equal distance. Lars or the phone?
Fate made the decision for me when he took a step toward the door. Abandoning the phone, I lunged for him. He was too much larger than me for a clean takedown if I jumped on his back. I dived straight at his knees. My arms wrapped around his legs as we both thudded hard against the hardwood floor, but I didn’t let go. I wrapped my entire form around his legs, locking my ankles and wrists together.
He leaned over and I thought he was going to start prying my hands apart. He didn’t. He tickled me under the arms and then above the knees.
I released him by no choice of my own, as my body convulsed with giggles for a few seconds, which only mad me madder. “That was an undignified way to fight,” I yelled as I got to my feet. “Do not engage in tickling again!”
Fate didn’t answer, he just headed toward the door again. I ran and jumped on his back this time. I got a satisfying “umph” as I landed on him, but it didn’t stop him. Legs free, he walked to the door with me clinging to his back and making unsuccessful attempts to put him in a chokehold.
He unlocked the door even as I tried to wrap my arms as tightly as I could around his neck. I wasn’t trying to kill him, just make him unconscious. He opened the door and stepped out of the way to let Lars enter, as if I wasn’t in the middle of attacking him. It dawned on me that he might be a bit stronger than I’d given him credit for.
With Lars in the room, I jumped off his back and switched tactics, which had absolutely nothing to do with the strange looks Lars was giving me.
I quickly realized my best option was to grab my phone and get the hell out of there. It was still vibrating where it sat, in my purse. I hesitated a split second and it cost me my opportunity.
Fate had an arm wrapped around my stomach and was swinging me back toward him. “Not gonna happen.”
“Let go of me.” I tried to rear back with my head but only connected to his chest.
Ignoring me, he addressed Lars. “Is everyone in place?”
I swung a lose arm backward, trying to nail him with an elbow.
“Just like you asked,” Lars said, as his eyes kept shifting to me. “She looks mad.”
“We need a minute.” I could feel Fate’s voice vibrate through me.
“Sure,” he said. “I’ll wait out there.” He hooked a finger toward the beach, looking more than happy to leave us alone.
The room quiet again, I could hear the phone vibrating, over and over. Both of Fate’s arms were wrapped around mine when he spoke. “I’m going to let go of you. Don’t go for the phone.”
His arms dropped and I spun on him the second I could. My legs were shaking from the exertion I’d put into trying to stop him from letting Lars in. Or maybe it was from the panic I felt. And I was panicked. No composure left. All of my attempts to keep things afloat were about to come crashing down around me if I couldn’t get out of here.
I didn’t know what would happen to Kitty, and who might be next? Fate may be able to handle Malokin, but what about Murphy or Luck? He didn’t understand; I couldn’t be here.
“You don’t understand everything that’s going on. You need to let me go.” I felt like I was talking to a crazy man in a hostage situation who hadn’t yet seen the ramifications of his actions in a hostage situation.
“No.” And the crazy man looked like he was digging in to his position.
He stood there and I knew he was serious. The phone didn’t stop vibrating as my gaze darted back to my purse again and then to him. How many times had they called?
It didn’t matter what I said now, or if they heard me; if I didn’t get to Malokin, none of it would matter soon. He must have known Fate wasn’t really with them by now. They also must know what Fate was planning. It was time for damage control.
Closing the gap between us, I gripped the front of Fate’s shirt in my hands. “He’s got Kitty. If you don’t let me go, he’ll kill her and then someone else after that. I have to go.” I waited for the understanding to show in his face.
He stared at me where I clung to him, practically begging, then shook his head. Why was he looking at me like he was sad?
“Don’t you hear me? They’ve got Kitty.” My tone was frantic and I needed to stay calm.
“You’re not leaving.” His voice was soft.
“You don’t know what they’re doing to her. They’re torturing her.” What was wrong with him? He needed to understand what was at stake here, and then he’d change his mind.
“What about what they’ve done to you?” His palm came up and cupped my face, and there was that sadness again. “Can’t you see what’s happening?”
I stepped back away from him. “What? A couple of bruises that will heal,” I said defensively. “They’re going to kill her.”