Chapter 21: Trap
Kelly walked out to the car twirling the keys around her pointer finger. She smiled when she saw James look over his shoulder and smile to see her walk up. She opened the door, sliding herself into the driver's seat. "You know I'm going to miss this car," she said, starting it up and listening to the engine purr, "I'm not even a car person but this is a really great car."
"It is nice" he grinned at her.
They drove away and Kelly glanced at the cabin fading in the distance. Three hours. That was the length of time before they reached the older couple's home. She turned on the radio to an oldies station and grinned at him. "Remember any of these?"
"A few but not all," he answered while turning to face her, "Are you nervous?"
"To leave this continent? A little, yeah," she admitted, "But I have always wanted to go to Europe," she smiled, "I wonder where the headquarters is. I would really love to see Paris. Seeing the sunset over the Eiffel Tower would be… magical."
Kelly glanced over at him smiling back at her before blushing, "I know I know. I'm a big sap. But for the record, I did tell you I'm a romantic at heart and Paris is the City of Love after all."
"Then we have to go" he answered, his grin only growing wider.
"Will you stop that?" she said.
Chuckling he asked, "What?"
"Looking at me like that," she giggled.
They both laughed and then stayed silent awhile, just listening to the radio. James looked out the window but his gaze always came back to her. She only looked over at him every so often to focus on the road ahead, but still he saw the red still in her cheeks. After all she'd done for him, he'd take her anywhere. Out of the blue, the song that James played on the record player came on. Their eyes met until she blushed and said, "Well that's just…dumb luck isn't it?" smiling she added, "You are a good dancer."
"So are you" he said.
Glancing at him, she said, "Guess we'll have to finish that dance some other time."
James shrugged then smiled and said, "Maybe in Paris."
Kelly grinned and looked at the road. Her cheeks flushed and she said, "Maybe."
Finally they reached the drive and Kelly pulled up to the house. She took off her seatbelt and opened the door. Just as she was about to get out he grabbed her arm. "Wait," he said, looking around, "Something's different."
"How?" she asked, looking around.
"I just have a feeling."
Rolling her eyes she said, "I think I can handle knocking and giving them their car back. They were nice enough to help us I don't think they're the enemy."
"Take this" James said, handing her his gun.
Kelly glanced at it then back up to him, "I don't even know how to use one."
"Just pull the trigger" he answered.
Slowly she took it from his grasp, hiding it in the back of her jeans. "Happy now?" she asked.
"Much. Be careful" James answered.
Walking up the sidewalk, Kelly made it to the front door, knocking just loud enough. The elderly lady opened the door and smiled. "You're back so soon! I hope you are well, dear. Where is your fiancé?"
Smiling she said, "Oh he's in the car. Can we just park it in the garage for you?"
"Of course," she said, "I'll go open it for you."
"Thank you" Kelly said, turning away and heading back towards the car. James already got out and made his way back toward Natasha and Steve. Slipping back in, she started it and drove straight into the garage. Getting out, she handed the keys over to the nice woman. "I can't tell you how grateful I am. I wish there was something I could do for you and your husband" she said.
"How about you come in for a minute?" the kind woman asked.
"Oh I don't know…" Kelly said, glancing back through the door, knowing they were waiting for her.
"Please. We won't keep you long" she said.
Kelly smiled and nodded before she stepped inside. The older lady shut the door then led her to the living room. Inside was a group of 5 men all staring at her. Turning around she said, "What's going on?"
The old woman laughed then her faced changed into that of a younger one like a computer screensaver. "Sorry for the ruse, but we needed you to stay, Fräulein Olsen" the younger woman said.
"Who are you?" she asked with wide eyes, stepping back. Two of the men stood behind her, stopping her from moving further. "What do you want?"
The woman tilted her head and smile menacingly, "I think you know."
Kelly stared at her, lips tight. "You can't have him."
The woman chuckled, "But we already do, thanks to you."
Kelly gritted her teeth, trying to form a plan. Staring ahead she quickly stepped hard on the one man's foot on her left then kneed the other in the groin. Pulling the gun out from her back, she pointed it at the woman and two other men. "Stay back or I'll shoot. Don't make me," she said.
"I wouldn't do that, Fräulein", the woman said/
Kelly stared at her pointed it straight at her head, "Why not?"
The woman signaled to the other men who then took the moment, knocking it away and holding her arms. The woman stepped close and said, "Because you won't like your fate."
Looking to the men she said, "Take her away."
Kelly struggled but to no avail. The two men holding her overpowered her easily. As loud as she could, she screamed "James!"
James heard her scream and bolted towards the door, finding it locked. Kicking it down, he rushed inside, Steve and Natasha behind him. Each took on one man who are almost equally as skilled as them. Steve took out his with his shield and then helped Natasha. James shoved his through the window before rushing into each room calling, "Kelly? Kelly!"
Steve and Natasha searched the other rooms. "Anything?" James asked but they both shook their heads.
"Do you hear that?" Steve asked. Suddenly a whirring noise from above deafened them. James ran outside and looked up to see a helicopter rising in the air. He ran and jumped on top of the car but it was already too high in the air. In the copter he saw a wild eyed Kelly with a gag in her mouth. The gun butt to the side of her head took her down. "Kelly!" James shouted but was drowned out from the sound of the helicopter.