Page 58 of Mile High With the Bikers
“Let Shrapnel go. You're not getting anything out of me if you hurt him. Let him leave, and I'll do whatever you want.” I try to push forward to get the guy to at least look at me, but I'm not strong enough. “I'll cooperate if you do.”
“Rory! No. Jesus fuck, you need someone with you.” Shrapnel tries to break free again, and for a moment he does, before his guard whacks the side of his head, knocking him sideways. With his arms tied, he has no way to protect or catch himself. I cry out as he hits the floor hard, into a roll over his shoulder. There's a trickle of blood from his forehead. He spits at the floor. “Untie me and try that again, motherfucker.”
The guy on me grabs me by my upper arms and basically carries me into a large garage. There's one of the black SUVs there, waiting for us. A moment later, Shrapnel's out too, back on his feet and surrounded.
Finally their leader turns, pulling off his shades. In another life, he could've been handsome, but the expression of pure disdain as he looks at us gives me chills. “Yeah? His life for your cooperation? What, your father's life isn’t good enough?”
As cool as I try to play it, I can't help sucking in a sharp breath at that. So they do have him? Or at least they want me to think so. “Dad and I never got along, and he knew what he was getting into when he started the Hermes project. Shrapnel doesn't know anything. You don't need him. I mean, look at him. He's just my bodyguard. I don't want someone to die on my behalf, just because he's doing his job.” I hope Shrapnel understands that I'm just trying to protect him, and the farther that dongle gets from my laptop, the better.
Shrapnel’s eyes are furious. “Rory, don't be stupid.”
I pretend not to hear him. “His life for my cooperation. I promise. Just let him go. He's not involved.”
“It’s your lucky day. The boss wants you, but she doesn’t give a shit about the bikers.”
“So let him go then. Sounds like it's in your power.”
“Rory!” Shrapnel's furious. “We're not fucking doing this.”
A couple more of the henchmen come running over to help keep him under control. The lead one smirks. “Sure. You get in the car peacefully and come with us, and the scumbag gets to walk away. You have my word.”
“Rory!” Shrapnel growls.
“Take him outside.”
The garage opens up, and three of the goons perp walk Shrapnel out the front. “Don't fucking do this,” he yells over his shoulder, and I really don't want to. I'm already feeling so alone, but if I can at least save his life, then that's something. The only alternative I can imagine is much, much worse. I don't want anyone else’s life on my conscience.
“In the car.” The lead guy points me to the back of the SUV. From one prison to another.
“I want proof he's released.”
My captor laughs. “Your negotiation is done, bitch. No adding clauses at the last second. Be glad I’m throwing him out of my garage instead of putting him down and burying him behind it. Now, come on. Get in the car.” He points emphatically.
Not much choice. I can only pray this guy's word is worth something.
We pull out as soon as the door shuts, barely giving me time to drop into the seat. I press my face against the window, trying to see Shrapnel one last time. I'm pretty sure that once they realize what I've done, they're not going to keep me around for very long either.
30
SHRAPNEL
The SUV drivesoff with Rory in it, and I'm so fucking pissed at her. If I survive this, I'm gonna give her a goddamn piece of my mind. But I'm guessing my odds aren't looking all that fucking great.
The goons have let go of me, but my wrists are still tied and they're not making any move to change that. Not surprised. Really, the only surprise is Rory thinking that these fuckers would keep their word. Maybe she figured it was a better chance than definitely dead in there, which is fair, but the idea that these guys might let me go at all is naive at best. Well, at least I’m outside and get to appreciate the setting sun one last time.
I turn to face the goons, walking backwards. “So, no chance you boys were actually planning to keep your word, is there? Maybe go grab a burger and laugh at this whole thing? Do each other's hair?”
“Your girl might be real dumb, but I'm glad you see how it is.” This guy's about as generic as the others, except his high and tight is copper red, and he's got to be at least a size and a half bigger than the rest.
“Yeah. I figured. Guess I should thank you.”
The big guy cracks his knuckles. “Thank me? For what?”
“Letting her live on in ignorance. I don't know what your bosses have in mind for her, but I'm guessing she's not coming over for crumpets and tea. At least now she can believe that she saved me.” I shrug my shoulders. “Any chance of making it quick?”
The big guy laughs. “No, I don't think so. I got nowhere I need to be. We’re going to make this hurt.”
“Yeah, alright. Kind of what I figured.” I throw myself at him, charging head first, digging my skull right into his gut at a full run. A sharp pain shoots down my neck and onto my back, but he grunts, surprised and breathless. He tumbles backwards, breaking my fall as he tries to wrap his big arms around me. Much as I'd fucking love a hug, he's not my type, so I twist sideways, just getting out from under his sweep and onto the asphalt.
