I hope everyone enjoyed their thanksgiving. But now it's time to get back to this story. I hope you all like this, we're slowly turning a corner.

Chapter 9: Rescued

5 Weeks Later

Moscow, Russia

"Come on man, we're celebrating. We just made a huge business deal and now it's time to celebrate at the hottest strip club in the city." John said excitedly to his friend.

"I don't know man, it's late. Our flight is at eight tomorrow."

"Peter Bedford, we just made a billion dollars, that's reason to have some fun, now lets go!" John said knowing logic and persuasion would convince his friend.

"Fine." Peter relented. "But!...you buy me a private session and I will kill you Hoffman." He threatened. John just grinned and bumped his friend.

XxxxXXxxxTerrorxxxXXxxxXxx

Peter sipped his vodka uncomfortably. He wasn't a big fan of alcohol or strip clubs, especially ones with huge Russian guys armed to the teeth. He was sitting at the table waiting for John to return with drinks when familiar red hair caught his eye. He did a double take and zeroed in on the face. She was different from the pictures on the news and magazines but similar enough to recognize. The story of her and Tony's sudden disappearance and kidnapping had captured the attention of every newscaster and paper around. As soon as John sat down Peter hit his arm.

"Remember the news on Pepper and Tony's disappearance?"

"Yeah, it was everywhere for weeks, why?" John inquired.

"I found Pepper." He shouted in a whisper. John followed his line of sight

"No, that's not her." John denied.

"Dude, yes it is. Just imagine she's wearing a business suit and not a bikini type thing and her hair would be longer."

"That's not her." John said believing his friend had gone crazy.

"Forget this, give me your money." Peter demanded.

"What?!" He cried.

"Just do it!" Peter yelled. John handed over a couple hundreds that Peter snatched and began walking casually over to the red head.

She was guarded by a huge gorilla with an AK. For show he held up the money and nodded to her. "I'd like a private dance." He said confidently.

"Ruby." The gorilla said gruffly nodding to Peter.

Pepper gave a sultry smile and lead him to a curtained off room. He checked for cameras and once he saw there were none he whispered, "Pepper Potts?" There was a brief spark in her otherwise dull, lifeless eyes. "Believe it or not, I know Tony, well I used to know. I'm an old friend from MIT. My name's Peter Bedford." He noticed another spark when he mentioned Tony's name again. "I'm going to get you out of here Pepper."

"Wait! My friend. She's twelve, her name's Kai. I have to get her. She needs to come with me." Pepper whispered. She disappeared out the curtain and three minutes later returned with a small child in tow. Peter's heart broke that a child was thrust into a life of prostitution. The child seemed to hide behind Pepper.

Peter knelt down with an easy smile on his face. "My name's Peter. I'm going to get you out of here, okay?" The girl shook her head but hid behind Pepper still.

"It's alright Kai, he's a friend of Tony." Pepper reassured. That seemed to be the key word tonight. Kai's eyes sparked to life briefly at the mention of his name.

"Is there anyway we can sneak out of here?"

"There's a room in the back that has a secret panel that leads outside." Pepper said. "Just follow my lead. Kai, I want you to go ahead of me. I'll be there in a minute, alright?" Kai nodded and silently darted out. "This way." Pepper said. She wrapped a feather boa around his neck and pulled him out giggling. She lead the way and danced to the background music. Peter followed trying to appear caught up in her charms. Within a minute they had made their way to a back room Pepper mentioned. Kai had already opened the panel and were waiting for them. Peter let them go first and watched the door. They were both out before trouble happened.

Peter quickly crawled out and ushered them forward. "Hurry up! They're coming!" He grabbed the keys to the rental from his pocket and continuously pressed unlock until they reached the car. He heard yelling and saw people running and hurried Pepper and Kai along.

"They're coming!" He said nervously turning the key. Bullets ricocheted off the car and Peter slammed his foot on the gas pedal as soon as Pepper and Kai dove in and they sped away into the night with an angry Russian mafia behind them.

XxxxXXxxxTerrorxxxXXxxxXxx

If you can believe it, the story is actually almost finished. We're wrapping up everything. I'd estimate no more than five chapters before our journey is finally done. So leave me a review please guys.