“Sorry, sir. We have a flat. Must have been something in the car park gone into the tire. I need to change it. Give me five minutes and we will be on our way.”
James glared at him before nodding. “Fine, but just get on with it. I do not want to be disturbed again.” He pointed the gun at the driver before the screen went back up.
“Right, where were we?” He unzipped his fly. “I have to say, Fe. I like this feisty side of you, but I’m disappointed by the lack of tears. I wonder what it will take to make you cry.”
A knock tapped against the window. “Sorry, sir, but there doesn’t seem to be a spare. Would you like me to call for another car or is there someone you’d like to call to come and pick you up?”
“What the actual fuck is going on?” James yelled, zipping himself back up and grabbing me by the hair. “Get out. I don’t want to take any chances of you running.”
“Open the door,” James yelled to the driver, who obliged, stepping to the side as I was pushed from the vehicle. James climbed out behind me, wrapping one arm around my waist and pushing the gun under my chin.
I wanted to run, scream, cry for help, but I felt numb. I was so tired of fighting; I was exhausted and so I stood still, letting his angry words dance around me while I stared into the darkness.
The first time I saw the red dot, I thought I was hallucinating. The second time, hope filled my chest and when I heard that familiar voice, I almost cried with relief.
“Ah, James, did you really think you could pull one over on me?”
Thomas.
The driver stepped back, reached behind him, and pulled out a gun, pointing it at James. Before James could move, Thomas appeared in front of us, shaking his head.
“I’ve said all along that you’re an idiot, James, and tonight proved it. You have no idea who I am or what I can do, do you?”
“I won. I got her away from you,” James screeched, brandishing the gun around in the air like he didn’t know who to aim it at.
“Really?” Thomas signaled to someone I couldn’t see and a car door opening and closing sounded out along the silent road we had stopped on. “Recognize him?”
James spun around, a cry spilling from his lips as the man who kidnapped me stepped forward.
“I checked you out. I know what you do for a living,” James yelled.
“And I do all of those bad things. But I also don’t kidnap women for sick fucks to rape. You contacted me and I contacted Thomas.”
“You let me get kidnapped?” I cried, glaring at Thomas.
“Yes. So we could catch this dickhead once and for all. I thought you’d be all for it.” He winked, but I continued to glare, almost forgetting the number of guns pointing in my direction.
“I’ve still won,” James hissed. “I have her and I won’t lose her. I’d rather see her dead first.”
Thomas dropped his gun as if he was worried by James’ words. “You’re right. We should all step back. Let James and Fern go. I mean, he really has all the power here, don’t you, James?”
“Damn right, I—”
“Except you don’t,” Thomas interrupted. “Look.” He pointed to two red lights on the floor just in front of me. “See those lights? They are on the guns, being held by two of the best snipers in the world. Two snipers who you’ve pissed off because you kidnapped and threatened their friend. Now, before you could even get the safety off the gun you’re holding… because you’re such a dickhead, you still have it switched on… they could shoot you.”
“You wouldn’t dare. You’d shoot her. You wouldn’t risk her.” His grip tightened around me, using me as a human shield. Thomas offered the slightest nod of his head and seconds later, James screamed, dropping his hold on me, his knees hitting the floor as he fell. Thomas reached forward, grabbing me, and pushing me behind him.
“You shot me?” James cried, holding his hand to the side of his thigh as his face crumbled.
“It’s a flesh wound, you pussy. My wife has taken a bullet with less fuss.”
“You fucking shot me. I can fucking end you. You have no idea how powerful I am.” James looked deranged, his eyes wild, blood spilling through his fingers as he sat on his knees, shouting threats at Thomas. Just then, the two red lights landed on him; one on his head and one in the center of his chest.
“Keep talking, James. I’d love to hear how you’re going to end me.”
Silence.
“That’s what I thought. So, here is what’s going to happen. Fern is going home and you and I are going to take a little trip. But first, you’re going to say sorry to Fern.”
