Chapter 3
Another man came out of the kitchen and the grey haired man gestured him over. "Check them for weapons."
Aramis and Constance were shoved up against a wall and searched briskly. The man searching them swore. "They're cops, Max."
Aramis and Constance exchanged a glance. Neither had a plan at this point.
"Get in the kitchen." They were shoved at gunpoint through the dining room and into the kitchen.
"Athos!"
"Sylvie."
Aramis and Constance's respective statements were spoken at once. They were unceremoniously shoved to the floor. Aramis moved enough taking Amelie's spot. He relieved Sylvie placing his hands over Athos' wound.
"What's going on?" Constance asked wrapping an arm around Sylvie's shoulders. Sylvie sagged against her holding her bloody hands out in front of her.
"No talking," one of the men ordered.
Aramis gave a cursory exam of Athos' condition. He was ashen and sweating. His breathing was labored. He couldn't help sharing a worried look with Constance.
A ruckus could be heard coming from outside the back door of the restaurant.
"Go see what's going on," the one who seemed to be the leader ordered the grey haired man.
The grey haired one stepped outside closing the door behind him. Silence followed.
The leader walked across the kitchen to where Michael was tied up. "Listen, you better get us that money or I'm gonna start killin' people."
TM
"Captain, we need to do something," d'Artagnan said hovering next to Treville's side.
"We should check around, look for another entrance," Porthos said stopping his pacing to stand next to d'Artagnan.
Treville folded his arms looking thoughtful. "Brujon should be here in a few minutes. You can go then."
Porthos and d'Artagnan looked at each other nodding in agreement.
TM
"Is there a first aid kit around here?" Aramis asked no one in particular.
Before anyone could respond the creak of the back door got everyone' attention as it swung open. The leader looked up likely expecting the man he sent out moments earlier.
"Hey, I need some help." Porthos' imposing form filled the doorway.
The leader grabbed for his gun. Aramis saw his moment as the man had his back to him. Tackling him from behind, the gun slipped out of the man's hand and slid across the floor. It stopped at Porthos' feet.
"Hey boss," the last one of the goons walked back in from the dining room. Constance stuck her foot out tripping the man. Pitching forward he hit his head on the counter and slumped to the floor.
"Porthos, Athos needs an ambulance," Aramis said righting himself making sure the leader was neutralized.
"It's on its way," Porthos said. He picked up the gun at his feet and checked the one Constance had knocked out for weapons.
Seconds later, d'Artagnan rushed in looking frantic. Seeing Athos he joined the rest on the floor. "Athos?"
"Alive, but weak," Aramis said.
D'Artagnan leaned over wrapping one arm around Constance's shoulders and another around Sylvie's.
"Treville's got back up on the way. We'll have these guys taken care of soon," d'Artagnan said.
TBC
