67. LUKE
Chapter 67
LUKE
We finally pull up behind the building, and I spot a car I recognize. I turn to Bruce.
“That red Mercedes is Lily’s car.”
He looks at me, stunned. “Are you sure?”
“I’m certain.”
“Then we’re at the right place. But before we go in, call her office and ask about her whereabouts.”
“Good idea,” I dial her office number.
“Lily McIntyre’s office,” the PA answers, though I can’t remember her name.
“Hi, this is Luke Blythe. Is Lily available?”
“Mr. Blythe, I’m sorry, Ms. Lily left for the day. Can I take a message?”
“No need. I’ll try her cell. Thank you,” I say, hanging up.
“She’s not in the office,” I tell Bruce.
“You’re going to call her and keep her on the phone. But before you do, let me check in with the other guys.”
I nod my understanding, watching as he calls the others. When he hangs up and turns to me, I notice his serious expression.
“The car was pulled over, and they found the watch on a lady. She claims a guy gave it to her, saying he didn’t want it anymore. Law enforcement is taking her in for questioning about the guy and where the watch was given to her. Dele’s active signal in that building just went off. We need Lily’s exact location. We know she’s on the fourth floor, but there are at least six units on that floor.” He signals to the guys to check if they’re ready. They nod, and he adds, “Remember, you have to keep her talking. She’s not a pro at this. Just keep her talking.”
I dial Lily’s number. It rings a few times before she answers.
“Hi, Lily,” I manage to keep my voice calm.
“Hi, Luke.”
I ask her about her day and her whereabouts, and she happily lies. I ask her about Dele, and she lies again, inviting me to lunch, claiming she’s willing to bury the hatchet. She even says Dele may have run off with some loser. I’m upset, but I stay calm until the guys inform me that they have what they need.
As I hang up, she makes another call. I overhear her speaking to a man, arranging to have Dele picked up and “dealt with.”
“Is she awake?” the man asks.
“Yes, but I can knock her out again, if that works better for you.” Lily replies.
“I don’t like you hitting her, just blindfold her. I’ll call when I’m close.”
“Fine, I don’t know what you stupid men see in her.” The guy hangs up without responding.
I’m fuming, but now isn’t the time for anger. Bruce pats my shoulder to reassure me before dispatching his team. We head into the building quickly, and the guys break down the door to Lily’s unit. Inside is an empty space, and the team restrains Lily as I rush to my wife. She has a busted lip, swollen face and a bloody nose, with blood on her scrubs. The necklace lies on the floor next to her feet, probably the reason the signal went out.
She leaps into my arms the moment the zip ties on her arms and legs are cut. I carry her out of the building as she cries non-stop. Lily is screaming my name. I tune her out and take Dele to the ambulance that’s waiting. Whether Bruce or law enforcement called them, I don’t know, but I’m thankful. I sit quietly with Dele, squeezing my hands tight; she’s not letting go. She flinches when the paramedic tries to break our hold and check her blood pressure. I signal to the guy not to bother. He gently cleans her bloody nose and lips.
When the paramedic mentions taking her to the hospital, she shakes her head and starts crying. I know she doesn’t feel safe away from me.
“I’ll take her home.” She clings to me as we head to the car Bruce has waiting for us. Her cry is breaking my heart, but I can’t tell her to stop, knowing she’s just escaped her worst fear. On the drive and elevator ride up, she frighteningly clings to me. In our unit, I remove all her bloody clothes, shoes, and socks, down to her underwear. She doesn’t say anything, just follows my lead and continues crying. I carry her to our bathroom and set her on the counter. She doesn’t protest when I start to wash her body in the shower.
Her winces seethe my blood at the pain Lily inflicted on her. I will exert my revenge. Right now, I’ll take care of Dele.