Chapter 7 #3
The single sound forced the fear of God into me.
They’d found me. Before I had a chance to run in another direction, my foot became twisted in something.
Within seconds, a maze of ropes pummeled against me, some mechanism hoisting me into the air.
I was unable to keep a scream from erupting, the sound floating toward…
the ocean. I’d been right. As the makeshift cage swung back and forth, twisting and turning from one direction to the other, I was able to gather a glimpse of the shoreline.
There were nothing but thick trees and white sandy beaches for as far as the eye could see.
As the net continued to swing, I fought with it, trying to yank apart the weave of thick ropes to free myself.
I only managed to become further ensnared.
“Help me. Please, help me!” My scream was caught by the wind, dragged toward the water.
I’d never felt so helpless in my life.
The rope creaked as I remained hanging, every move I made tightening the confines.
I could only imagine how many boobytraps had been created, the bastards refusing to allow me to escape.
Only when my muscles ached to the point of pain did I stop fighting, easing down and leaning against one side of the ropes.
I was at least twenty feet in the air, but that allowed me to gather even more of a sense of my location.
Whatever tropical location they’d brought me to, it wasn’t a typical tourist area crawling with people. They’d wanted me very much alone. Damn them.
After a few minutes, my breathing started to calm down, my pulse no longer racing.
At some point they’d have to free me. Wouldn’t they?
What if they didn’t, leaving me here to die?
Panic swept in like a tidal wave, causing me to almost hyperventilate.
They’d demanded to know who I was. What would it matter if I told them now?
No. No! I had to keep my resolve. There had to be a way out of this horrible situation.
A full five minutes passed. Then maybe ten more. There was no way to determine time. All I knew was that my legs were starting to cramp, and my mind was a huge blur of rage and terror.
Which was of course what they wanted.
At least fifteen additional minutes passed and not one of them had showed their face.
I was starting to lose it, tears threatening to fall, giving away the fact that I was no professional.
What the hell had I thought I was doing?
On top of this horror, I hadn’t caused any permanent injuries. I was a damn failure.
That doesn’t mean you can’t try again.
The little voice in my head was right, but I couldn’t tell her that I had no stomach left for murder.
I’d been a bigger fool to think I could become something I wasn’t.
As a single tear finally slipped past my lashes, I closed my eyes.
If only I had more memories of Garrison, but we’d spent limited time together.
He’d been much older, certainly wanting nothing to do with me. I couldn’t blame him.
Then he’d gone on with his life after college, acting as if he could solve the world’s problems. It shouldn’t have been a shock when he’d been arrested, the loyalty he had for the other three stronger than any bond. It had nearly crushed me.
Hissing, I could do nothing but concentrate on my breathing, praying there’d be a way out of the nightmare.
“Well, what did our nets catch?” When I didn’t answer, he repeated himself. “Well?”
Alexander’s voice cut through the memories and the dull ringing in my ears. I snapped my head up, trying to twist the net in order to see him. It was ridiculous to think I could move the trap myself.
“Looks like a killing machine,” Brogan added.
“Maybe she’ll bargain for her release.” I was surprised at Daniel’s response, although there was no glee in his tone. In fact, quite the opposite.
“You’re crazy, all three of you.” I heard the ugliness in my tone and cringed.
The worst thing I could do was egg them on, but it was my nature and had always been.
I refused to succumb to their mental game of torture.
They’d let me down for no other reason than they’d wanted to continue playing with me.
“That may be the case, Dahlia.” Alexander walked around the trap, heading closer to the shoreline, the other two following. All three men stood staring at the water, likely contemplating what horrors they’d inflict on me.
Brogan turned toward me first, the sun preventing me from seeing his expression, but I knew he was studying me like a side of prime beef. He was trying to solve the mystery of who I was. Of any of the three of them, he might figure it out, but I was entirely different, all grown up.
He walked closer, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this is a private island.
There is no one else here but the four of us.
” He allowed the words to sink in before continuing.
“Since you are no one, there isn’t a soul on this earth looking for you.
I doubt you told your family or friends about your intent to kill three prominent men in three different cities.
Even if you had, my guess is that if you’d been successful in your efforts, you had plans of going somewhere quiet while whatever heat you caused surfaced, then died. ”
Damn it. He was able to see right through me.
He took another two steps closer, allowing his gaze to fall from my eyes to my scrunched-up legs. “I suggest you be a good little girl and tell us why you were so intent on killing us.”
“Fuck you.”
Even with the harsh glint of sun, I could tell my sharp tongue had surprised him.
“Those aren’t very nice words for a beautiful, sophisticated temptress.
At least that’s what you portrayed while helping me win a significant sum of money.
I am surprised that you didn’t steal the voucher, claiming my chips.
The money you helped me win could have afforded you a year’s worth or more of a lavish vacation.
” He cocked his head, as if waiting for a response.
I looked away, biting my tongue. Little did he know I didn’t need his damn money.
At least a full minute passed. I noticed the wind was starting to pick up, the palm trees swaying.
“We’re going to ask you one last time. What is your name and who are you working for?” Daniel asked.
“You already know my name. Dahlia Black.”
Alexander huffed, taking long strides in my direction. “Have it your way, Dahlia. I think spending a night hanging here will likely change your mind.” He headed away, the other two stopping in front of the trap long enough to give me stern looks. Then all three of them disappeared into the trees.
I hissed, giving them my middle finger.
Then every emotion I’d had over the past few months came crashing down.
Sorrow. Anger. Despair. Blinding fury.
As I dropped my head into my hands, I finally understood a tiny bit of what Garrison must have felt all those years.
I felt nothing but hatred. For the men who’d refused to stand up for him.
For the ugly system.
And for myself for failing the single man who’d treated me with kindness and respect.