Title: Playing for Keeps
Chapter 14- Wrong us? Shall we Not Avenge?
"DAN!" I shout as I watch in horror as my rescuers and friend's body crumples to the ground. I reach for my phone when another shot misses me, forcing my eyes up into the eyes of a man who wants my blood, my gun now drawn.
"Please...put the gun down Taylor," he laughs. "It really won't help anything, much less you."
When I don't move he just offers a small frown.
"How many more will fall because of your insolence Taylor?" Reno smiles as he moves himself from the shadows with his gun drawn.
"You don't expect me to answer that do you?"
"Stubborn, I somewhat admire that."
"What the hell do you want?" I demand, holding Dan's body in my one arm as best I can; his blood flowing onto the harsh cement.
"I want you to be out of my hair for good; you and your wife," Reno smiles.
"You might win this battle, but you'll never win the war!" I state in anger.
"You come with me now and she might live to see another day," Reno offers. "Might."
"I..." I start only to have Dan cut me off.
"Mac...don't give in..." Dan whispers as Reno takes another step closer.
My hand flinches on the trigger and Reno fires off another shot; missing me once again by only inches this time. "I really want your full attention on me," he smiles. "And your mind was elsewhere. PUT DOWN YOUR GUN!" He shouts, cocking the trigger once more.
"No!" I growl in return, my eyes fixed on him.
"You really need to listen more!" He taunts, firing off another shot.
"What the hell do you want, damn it!"
"I want your life."
I of course offer nothing in the way of a reply but hear sirens approaching and know this round will thankfully come to an end; but I fear the game is just getting started.
"What, nothing to say to me Taylor?" Reno goads. "Must have caught you at a bad time. Maybe next time I'll have your full attention; and trust me there will be a next time."
"The next time will end in your death; that I'll bet my life on!" I shout in anger.
"Then that will be a meeting I will prepare for, and trust me I won't have to wait very long," he smiles as he quickly takes his leave. Just as he ducks back into the shadows the doors open and two other officers rush out.
"Help him!" I order as they carefully lift Dan into their arms and rush back inside and into the ER; leaving me alone to search for Reno, who of course has wisely taken his leave! Finally Flack's car races toward me and he hurries up to me with a panicked look.
"Mac!"
"Dan's in the ER," I huff in anger. "No need to call the team here, the bullets are from Reno's gun, I can confirm that."
"What the hell is going on?" Flack asks in anger.
"He's just finishing up what Dario started a few minutes earlier."
"Fastido was here also? Are you serious?"
"Brought Stella flowers. Just waltzed in like it was no big deal," I inform him in anger.
"Is she okay?"
"Thankfully she was asleep."
"What on earth would make him this brazen?"
"He thinks he's untouchable now," I offer in contempt. "That he now owns this damn city and can do whatever the hell he wants."
"We need to change that tonight Mac. What do you think his next move will be?"
"I think he's going to get rid of anyone he can't trust."
"Does he trust anyone?"
"Outside of himself?" I counter. "Well he already took out the two girls that crossed his path; Alice Wilson is dead, care to guess whose next?"
"Us?" Flack asks with a sour note.
"With Dario taking out all his insiders, I'll bet anything Ryder is next," I tell him firmly. "Get Sinclair to get a warrant on suspicion of whatever he can and get his ass in protective custody; that is if he's not dead already. If Dario takes out everyone that can finger him, it'll be a long time before we ever catch the break we need. He's coming after me next, and if I fall, Stella and the team, yourself included, fall with me. That's his promise. I refuse to let that happen."
"I'm ready for whatever he brings at us. You okay?" He asks, eyeing the blood.
"It's Dan's blood," I frown as I turn to head back inside. "I'm going to get that damn thing implanted. With Ryder in jail that's all the distraction I need."
"But with Dan fighting for his life, who is going to watch your back?" He lightly demands.
"That's out of my hands now," I frown as I close the door and rush back up the stairs. I hurry into Stella's room and am thankful that she's still asleep; she looks less pale but at least she's safe and alive. But with Dario so easily able to just walk in here I know she's not really that safe and know that when he comes for me, she'll be next. And so after planting a soft kiss on her cheek I hurry back to the nurse's station to get a few things moved. After arranging for Stella to be taken to a private room that only the two of us and the two officers know about, my mind finally feels somewhat at ease. However with all the plants Dario has in the city, she won't be safe for very long and I know that for a fact.
An hour later I watch as she's moved into her new room and then go in search of a man both Dan and I trust to put the small implant in me; Dario's moved up his timetable and there is no time left to try to out think him; now we just need to be prepared to take him down when he makes his next move.
XXXXXXXX
My fuzzy brain flashes images into my eyes and my heart starts to beat a bit faster. I was in the parking lot talking to Mac when I felt a small prick in my wrist. He mentioned Alice's name and then my heart started to race and I remember blacking out; waking up in the hospital.
"What the hell..." I mumble as I slowly open my tired eyes, hoping Mac is still with me as he said he would be. But as I blink tears away I realize it's not Mac and I frown.
"Lindsay?"
"Hey," she smiles.
"Where's Mac?"
"Surgery."
"Why? What happened?" I ask in a panic.
"He's fine, he's getting some kind of implant," she mentions and I quickly calm down.
"What's going on?" I ask in concern.
"Alice Wilson, the lady that Reno used to give you the poisoned bracelet is dead. Danny and Sheldon are there right now, but I'm sure they'll find nothing. Adam is working on the bracelet but it looks like it was wiped clean, the only prints on the box are Alice's. Flack and Jessica went with two other officers to arrest Cliff Ryder and Dan Grier was shot and is in the ER. Other than that, it's pretty quiet around here," she offers with a slight smile to which I only just offer a frown.
"What happened to Dan?"
"Reno shot him," Mac informs me as he walks into the room with a concerned look on his handsome face.
"I'll get some coffee and be just outside," Lindsay tells me.
"Thanks Lindsay," Mac smiles as he sits down beside me, taking my hand and offering a soft kiss on it. "How are you feeling?"
"Like a million bucks. Reno was here? You saw him?"
"Talked to him too," Mac frowns. "Idle threats as always. You okay?"
"Mac, I'm fine. What did Reno say to you?"
"Told me I was in big trouble. As we suspected it's going to happen tonight."
"What happened to Dan?"
"Shot in the back; he's in surgery right now. He saved me from Dario who was here tonight which is why I got the implant. I'm sure he's moved up his time table and we can't afford to wait for another crime scene and just go back and forth in these games with them, hoping they'll slip up. Now I did mention to Dario that Reno might be getting ready to take him out, but again I am not going to just wait to see what they do next."
"Mac, you can't just offer yourself to these guys," I tell him in agony. "Please tell me you won't just do that."
"Not if I can help it," he huffs. "Trust me, Stella, I don't want to go head to head with either of them, alone and unarmed. But I do want this to end and I want it to end now. I want us to get back to important things like our future together as husband and wife."
"Come here," I whisper and he leans in close. I put my hand on his cheek and he places his warm had over mine; holding it captive against his face and offering a tender smile. "You better be around for our honeymoon," I tell him.
"Trust me, I'll be there," he smiles, leaning in closer and planting a kiss on my lips. "But I want you just to rest," he tells me and I just frown.
"Did it hurt?" I ask about the implant. "Can I see?"
He pulls off his suit jacket and slowly unbuttons his shirt, making me smile.
"I like when you undress for me," I offer in a soft tone to which he automatically smiles.
"I'll remember that for another time."
"Please do," I agree as he shows me his shoulder. My eyes scan the area but can't see anything that looks obvious. "Good job, I can't see it."
"I'm hoping it fools Dario also," Mac replies, quickly dressing himself. "And now you'll rest right?"
"Mac, when I close my eyes, I'll just be wondering if you'll be here when I wake up. And if you're not, what will keep me from assuming the worst? How can I rest?"
He leans back in the chair; my hand still in his and offers a heavy sigh. "Stella, we need this to end. I don't know what else to say. I know I'm next if they took out Dan tonight. The more men I have round me, the more will die? How can I let that happen?"
"Better than dying alone," I offer in sorrow, my eyes watering.
He quickly brushes away a tear with a warm finger and slightly frowns. "How about not dying at all?"
"That would be best."
"How did today go?"
"Tiring," I offer as my eyes want to close.
"Stella, stop fighting the medication and just get some rest. Please for me, okay," he gently instructs and I can do little more than close my eyes and offer a prayer that when I wake up next, my husband will be at my side; alive and safe; but I know that prayer's are not always answered.
XXXXXXXX
I wait until Stella falls asleep and then head back outside to talk to Lindsay. But just as I reach her my phone rings.
"Sinclair, what's going on?"
"Judge Marrs has agreed to give us a warrant on another Fastido safe house, we're moving in tonight. Boyles tells me a deal will be going down in a matter of hours; we get this and those guys sing we can get a warrant to go after Fastido. Marrs knows the risks but is willing to go out on a limb for us."
"Make it happen Rick, I'm going to see Flack and get Ryder's take on this," I tell him as I hang up and walk up to Lindsay.
"I trust these men, but trust you with her life even more."
"I'm here for as long as you need."
"Trust no one, even if they say they are from me. I won't send for her, you know that. Be on guard; Fastido has a long grasp and money enough to buy anyone."
"I give you my word," she assures me. "Do you think they'll come tonight?"
"I think when they take me, they'll come for her and we need to be ready."
"Where are you going?"
"To find Flack and get some damn answers," I tell her firmly. "Be back as soon as I can." I quickly take my leave, Lindsay calling Danny for backup; my eyes nervously darting around every second, knowing that at any time I could be taken by a man that wants my very soul and I might never see my beautiful wife again.
I have no doubt they'll come for Stella after I'm taken and that thought also worries me more than I'll admit to her; but I have faith in my team and now can't really trust anyone else with her life except them. I know they aren't SWAT members, but in a fight to the death, I'll place her life in their hands before anyone else's. I head back downstairs and head for the FBI Field office where I know Flack is right now.
The ride there is one of torment; my mind in a constant state of flux at what I'll either walk into or have left behind. I can't lose Stella and yet the image of her lying motionless on the floor of the parking lot after she was poisoned is forever burned into my very soul. I can't let Dario win and each day that we allow to slowly pass is just one more day closer to our extinction; this ends now. I refuse to let this city be swallowed up by a too bit crook or my future ended on a vendetta.
I finally reach the field office and race inside only to rush into the middle of a heated argument; a showdown between friend and foe.
"What the hell is going on here?" I demand, as I watch Flack and Ryder facing off with their guns pointed at each other.
"Hostile negotiations," Jessica throws at me in sarcasm.
"Ryder, give it up, you are surrounded and Dario has left you out to dry!" I order in anger; not caring if they point their guns at me. "He's going down tonight and he'll finger you for everything."
"That's what I told him," Flack snarls as I walk up to Jessica who also has her gun ready.
"Go to tell hell Taylor!"
"We're taking you all down Cliff," I inform him. "We have a warrant and Fastido's men. It's just a matter of the right deal from the DA and they'll send your sorry ass to the chair! What is your role in this?"
"Grier's dead Taylor and you're next," Ryder smiles.
"He might..." I start.
"Mac, Dan died tonight," Flack offers in anger. "This bastard was a part of it."
"Reno Carlito pulled the damn trigger, not me!" Ryder snaps, not realizing that everything he is saying is on tape and will be used against him; in more ways than one."
XXXXXXXX
"Ryder sold you out!" Fastido yells at Reno. "The cops are there now! What's to stop him from talking?"
"He's done his bit for us," Reno huffs in return.
"And I told you to leave that twit Grier alone. We didn't need him."
"Killing him was very satisfying!" Reno shouts back.
"If you like death so much, maybe you'll enjoy your own. Because you cross me one more time and I swear on my life, you'll be next!"
"What about Ryder?"
"Take him out and when you are done BRING ME TAYLOR! We finish this tonight. I'm sick of these damn games!"
"Be back soon."
XXXXXXXX
"You're next unless you tell me what I want to know!" I demand of Cliff Ryder, who now has three guns trained on him. He finally figures out what we are saying is true and despite some hesitation, lowers his gun and allows Flack to cuff him.
"What the hell do you want to know?" He barks at me in anger.
"Did you have Stella Bonasera's citizenship revoked?"
"I did, so what?"
"Who helped you?" I continue. "WHO?"
"Leo Bolderson," he finally confesses.
"Jessica, get Adam over here right now and get what we need from his computer. I want a warrant for Bolderson tonight!"
"Your next Taylor," Ryder smiles at me and I just grit my teeth as Director Boyles rushes up to us. "Dario is coming for you tonight."
"I have this place locked down Mac, what else do you need from me?" He asks in concern as Flack starts with Ryder for the front door.
"I need an undercover team sent over to the hospital to watch over my wife."
"We have the tracking piece in place; you go under and we'll be there," he tells me quickly.
"Sorry about Grier," I huff.
"Let's end this before any more good men fall," Boyles states. But just as he is about to say something else to me, I watch in horrible slow motion as the front glass doors start to shatter with glass.
"FLACK!"
XXXXXXXX
The next time I open my eyes, I see Lindsay once again looking at me with a soft smile, but no Mac. Once again leaving me to curse myself for falling asleep.
"Where did he go?"
"He went to help Flack with Ryder. His is hoping he can get some answers about your paperwork and what Fastido has planned next."
"Ryder won't know, Dario wouldn't chance that information on him," I huff as I look up and see Danny in the doorway with a sheepish grin.
"Just arrived," he informs us. "Sheldon is finishing up with Alice Wilson's place and Adam is on his way to the FBI office to help Jessica and Billy get the computer stuff. Judge Marrs has agreed to a warrant on a safe house tonight and we can catch Fastido in action and Detective Sullivan is going to get a warrant for Bolderson"
"This nightmare might finally be over," I offer with a heavy sigh. "How are you you?"
"Tired," Lindsay smiles. "It's well into the night but none of us are going anywhere until the dust settles."
I offer a nod and my team and know that both Mac and I are more than proud at their diligent effort and willingness to help out, even if it means their very lives are at stake.
"I am going to get some coffee. Linds you want anything?"
"Tea," she answers him and I just smile at the young couple before me. She looks back at me with a warm smile. "Think we'll ever get that dinner together?"
"Maybe not tonight, but I'm sure we will. What happened to Dan Grier?"
XXXXXXXX
I watch Flack duck for cover and sadly Ryder's body absorb the death shot that was purposely meant for him.
"Damn it!" I curse as I remain where I am until the shooting stops. "DON!" I yell out.
"I'M OKAY. RYDER'S DEAD!" He calls back as the glass still continues to fall. I look at Boyles and we both waste no time in pushing ourselves up and then heading for our men to see what damage has been done.
I offer a curse as I look at the bullet between Ryder's eyes and know my time spent as a free man is rapidly declining. "I'm next."
"Think Reno will be at the raid tonight?" Flack wonders as he wipes some blood from his face; Jessica finally emerging from the emergency stairs and racing toward us with a look of panic.
"No, I'm willing to bet he'll be my personal chauffer," I huff.
"Mac, you can't..."
"Don, he's just upped the stakes. If you haven't found Munne yet, you never will. The girls were just to flesh us out as part of their game, but they never counted on the safe house and now that we've spooked them they have no other choice but to take out those that can bring him down. It's already been a couple of weeks and I know Dario is growing impatient toward his roadblocks. Grier was one of those and he's gone; I'm next. Marrs is willing to bring him down and we need to act on that before that offer expires and he's taken out next. And you can bet your ass, if Dario knows about Marrs willing to stand against him, his life is forfeit and I refuse to let another good man die!"
"I'll get Sullivan and we'll get Bolderson," Jessica offers. "That is if he's still alive."
"Fastido wants me and he'll be waiting for Reno to bring me back. I'll bet anything that once I'm there, he'll send Reno back..."
"He'll just kill you, damn it!" Flack curses.
"He wants me to hear Stella die. Don I need you to watch her," I tell him firmly. "I need you to do this for me. She's my life and I trust you with that life. Please; its the only way I'll be able to concentrate on taking down Dario."
"But the FBI..." Flack starts.
"Don, I trust you."
"And if I'm there waiting to take down Carlito's ass, who is going to be watching yours?" Flack asks in anger.
"I'll do that," Boyles states firmly, pulling out a small device. "And now that we don't have to worry about Ryder..."
"Yeah now we just wait for them to take Mac?" Flack asks in anger. "That's just stupid!"
"Should I go flag them down instead?" I quip and he just rolls his eyes as Adam hurries up to us. "Adam, let me know what you or Billy find on Stella's paperwork? Maybe this nightmare will be over in the complete sense of the word before any more bodies have to fall."
XXXXXXXX
"Lindsay, can you please bring me my phone?" I ask in a soft tone.
"Sure Stella, hold on," she tells me as she reaches for my purse and brings me my phone. I quickly take it into my hands and dial Mac; I just need to hear his warm voice and make sure he's okay.
"Stella? Everything okay?" He asks in concern.
"Everything is fine. I just wanted to hear the sound of your voice," I reply with a smile and I hear him offer a sigh of relief. "How are you?"
"Ryder is dead," he tells me. "But Adam is here now and hopefully he'll be able to get an insider's look into your paperwork and then put that to rest. How are you feeling?"
"Like I should be out there by your side instead of in here being a hindrance," I state in frustration.
"Stella, you are safe there, if I can even use that word. Besides, it's better to be there then at home," he tells me in a softer tone. "I love you, never forget that."
"Can I offer you the same request?" I offer and he agrees. "Are you coming back here?"
"Yes."
"I heard Dan Grier is dead," I frown and he lightly curses.
"I know," replies. "I'll see you soon."
"You better," I hang up with a smile and then hand the phone back to Lindsay.
"Think they'll take Mac tonight?" She asks in concern.
My heart is already racing at that thought and although I know he won't be in their hands for very long; even one minute alone with Fastido or Carlito is more than enough time for them to do permanent damage.
"I hope not, I hope they just forget about their plans to do him harm, but I know that is false reasoning on my part," I answer, my eyes watering once more at the thought that Mac could be coming back to me in a coffin. "I keep telling myself this will work, that nothing will go wrong and his plan is foolproof. But I know that is only deluding myself and so put that thought aside and let reality take over. I know in my heart Mac is going to endure hell until he's back at my side and both those men are either dead or behind bars. And since I doubt that will happen that thought scares me to death."
XXXXXXXX
The ride back to the hospital is one again of nervous anxiety, my eyes darting around nervously; wondering when Reno will make his move. Thankfully the small device was inserted in such a way that an old scar covers it but inside I can't help but wonder if it will actually work. But when I reach the hospital alive, I actually allow myself to exhale as I quickly head inside. I race up to Stella's room and pause in the door; just watching her, almost afraid to wake her. I nod to Lindsay who offers a smile and heads outside to be with Danny; affording me precious alone time with my wife.
However as I take a few more steps in the room, Stella's eyes open and she offers me a soft smile.
"Is it all over?"
"I wish," I offer with a frown as I lean in and plant a soft kiss on her warm lips. "I love you."
She kisses me back, offering an, "I love you too," in return and I take her hand and hold it in mine, just sitting beside her, watching. I brush some stray hairs off her face and am thankful that she has more color.
"I hate this waiting, this not knowing," she lightly laments and I can only agree.
"I'll bet anything this will end tonight. Dario knows the longer he waits with us around the more desperate we'll become and the more he's likely to do something stupid and then he knows he's I'll be there to take him down. So far the only ones that can tie him to any of those murders is us; with Dan and his other insiders dead, we are the only ones left alive in his way."
"You promise me you'll come back alive," she tells me with a serious face.
"Only if you do me the same in return," I tell her in haste. She offers a nod and I look at the clock.
"Almost time for Cinderella to turn back into a maid," she whispers and I can't help but finally smile.
"Well I'm still waiting for Dario's chariot to turn into a pumpkin," I retort and she finally smiles at me and I squeeze her hand. "My wife," I whisper. "The most amazing woman in the world," I offer and her eyes slightly water. "That was supposed to make you happy," I mention, gently brushing away a tear.
"Mac, I don't want you to go up against them alone," she finally admits. "I know you have the implant but what's to keep him from just killing you right there."
"Because he has to come here for you, that's what he wants. I know Reno's threat about me not being around to hear you scream; but Fastido wants me to suffer as he did when his wife died and he'll make sure he gets his way before Reno does. I'll bet he sends Reno here to do that for him. He'll come for you and Flack and the FBI will be ready for him and that will allow Boyles to get to me and with any luck, you and I will be talking about this over breakfast in bed tomorrow."
"You make it sound easy."
"Hardly."
"But I am going to hold you to that," she tells me with a slight frown.
"I think I'll hold me to that also," I lightly frown as I lean in and kiss her again. "You should try to rest now, while I'm here. Please for me?"
"Okay," she whispers and finally closes her eyes and tries to rest. I stay were I am, held in place by an unseen force; unable to take my eyes away from her, not wanting to miss even one second of remembering her, even if it's to watch her sleep. I know there is the chance that I either or both of us could die tonight but I still can't bring myself to say goodbye. I hate that word, it's so final; and yet I never got to say it to Claire, would I once again be forever damned if I dont say it tonight?
I glance up at Danny and Lindsay and offer a small nod. I know they'll protect her with their lives; but I also don't want their lives taken in a rash act of heroism. I turn back to Stella and frown, my heart is now starting to pick up the pace. I am more than tempted to just call Dario and ask for a meeting and then just put a bullet between his eyes and be done with it; but I curse myself at the same time, knowing I cannot become that man. I feel hatred inside for him; the intensity is almost without match, but know that I will not allow myself to sink to his level, and for one important reason. And as much as I would like to think it's because of my innate love of justice, I know it's because of the woman I value more than my own existence. She would never allow me to walk that path and so I know I have to trust in the system and close friends this time around to set things straight before my own imperfect reasoning.
About half hour later, I finally push myself out of my chair and head back into the hallway and over to Danny and Lindsay. "Flack is waiting downstairs, and the FBI has a team across the street and scattered throughout the building. But we need Reno to make it to this floor, just be careful. If we arrest him for just walking in the building we screw ourselves and he'll spit in our face to spite us. But no one is to play hero and sacrifice themselves if it's not needed," I instruct them.
"Mac, you watch your ass," Danny huffs. "This guy means to kill us all."
"I'll never allow that to happen."
"Sheldon is on his way to help Adam," Danny informs me as my phone buzzes to life. "Who is it?"
"Dr. Adams," I huff. "Probably wants to talk about Stella. Talk to you later. But if it's not Adams and I'm not back in half hour, prepare for war."
They offer me a nod and I offer one more glance at my wife who is watching me with watery eyes but offers a brave smile and whispers I love you before I take my leave; my heart racing and my anxiety high.
I head for the stairs, my heart stopping at every whispered sound, every hushed noise and every taunting laugh that Dario's taunts fill the air with. I reach the bottom of the stairwell and just as I am about to go out into the hallway, an arm reaches out and wraps itself around my neck and a gun is quickly pressed into my cheek; my struggling put to a quick end.
"Hello again," Reno smiles, relishing in my useless struggling. "Next time take the elevator Taylor," he laughs as two other men step from the shadows. One reaches for my gun and the other lands a hard blow to my stomach; another hit and I'm straining in Reno's grasp.
"Let's go," he orders as he starts to drag me from the darkened stairwell into the outside, a dark van waiting nearby. I know the FBI is watching but in order for this to work in our favor, this tormented reality needs to play out until we have them where we want them. Sadly I just have to endure whatever they have in mind. I offer an angry curse as I am thrown into the back of the van. Within minute my jacket is ripped off, followed by my dress shirt and then my hands are tightly bound behind my back, and I know that my stay with them is going to be pure hell. I am quickly given a full body scan with a small hand held device as I suspected, but thankfully the small implant is passed over and I offer a sigh of relief for that one small miracle.
"You'll never..." I start only to have one of Reno's men slap a heavy piece of tape over my lips, silencing me effectively.
"Sorry, can't hear you. You'll have to speak up from now on," Reno laughs as he kicks me in the gut. And with my hands bound behind my back, I can do little more than allow my unprotected mid-section to endure his assault. However, it's short lived as I know Dario wants the pleasure of my slow torment all to himself. I lay my head down on the cool van floor; hoping this all works in our favor.
And as my captor races away into the night with me as their hostage, I offer only one prayer; that if all else fails tonight; Stella's life will be spared.
A/N: so what do you think is going to happen? Will Mac's plan work out? Will be saved in time? Will he endure hell? Is Stella really safe? Please review and let me know.