Hi:

Well, something is happening. I wonder which blows-up first?


Chapter 65

Tine is running out

The motel room's center is the double bed. The wine colored bedspread holds a young woman. Her light brown skin is tense as three armed figures surround her.

"We don't want to gag you. Just stay like you are and nothing will happen to you." Spoken in a calming tone by the tallest of the group. His taut expression does not match the relaxed tenor of the words.

"She looks pretty calm, Mike." Eddie points out to his leader.

"Me being kidnapped is become a habit." Maddie chuckles and then slides back against the mahogany headboard.

"Hah?" Eddie's expression is one of confusion. Thick eyebrows raise over an open mouth.

"Would you like something to drink, honey?" John offers her a bottle of water. "This has to be a trying day for you?" The senior member of the group asks over a gentle grin.

"Where is that red headed…?" Maddie needs to control her temper. Being abducted does seem to be one of her past-times, however making enemies is not going to be a good idea.

"Bitch!" Eddie belches out over a laugh. "You're not the only one that thinks so."
"Enough," Mike voice is strong silencing the young man.

"The little red firecracker is doing her job. Don't worry yourself." John talks to her as he walks to the beige drapes and peaks through a small crack in the material.

"Mike, It's clear."

"Mike is it?" Maddie asks.

"I know you're not Russian and that…witch with the red hair is American." She takes a breath.

"You know about the Russians?" John turns from the window and moves with great interest toward the bed.

"I witnessed a hit on one of their agents." Maddie pulls on the top of her red and white bold striped sweater. "I guess he failed in his mission?" She tries to suppress a slow grin. She is unsuccessful.

"You're awful cool for some chic that just got snatched." Eddie asks.

"Yes, little lady…why is that." John unbuttons the top button of the scotch plaid shirt. Eddie has turned the heat up.

She sighs as if wanting to say something, but halts.

"That's my business." Maddie snaps.

"Look," Mike inhales as he sits at the edge of the mattress.

"Maddie, can I call you Maddie?"
"You seem to know a lot about me. Now why am I here?"

"We know your two friends there…the mermaids or whatever you call the half-human," he stops realizing from Maddie's expression the young captive is angry. "You know those clinched teeth and drawn back lips really don't do much for your pretty face."

"Maybe I'm not worried cause when the…mer-maids…and the…half-human know I'm here your heads will be ripped from your bodies." A disgusted blast of air leaves flexed nostrils.

"Damn, Mike," the young man states. "She's tougher than my sister."

"Don't tell Mikey the lover boy about that." John erupts with a hearty laugh. "He knows what's up."
John and Eddie chuckle as Mike remains with a serious expression.

"Look, let me get back to why Vanessa stuck a gun in that little tummy."
"Please do." Maddie snaps her head twirling long loose curls.

"That Tia, the psycho." Mike takes a breath. "Her and that turn-coat agent Torello where going to live off that loot."

"Joe was not a turn-coat. If he was alive he'd…" Tears stream, from her eyes.

"I'm sorry. Really, I am." Mike takes another breath, hoping she would calm down.

As Maddie wipes her eyes, he notices the sobbing woman staring at his chest. As their eye meet, he clears a dry throat and continues.

"She robbed the Russians blind. Millions in all types of currency. Real stuff they had collected from the US and Europe over the years."

"Not counterfeit, lady." John adds.

"Well, she hid it in three countries in Europe. We know…"

Eddie interrupts Mike.

"Cause of my secret agent sister."
"Hush up…idiot." John grabs the young man by his arm.

"Easy, John, Eddie" Mike tells the two of them. "She already knows our names and faces…but she won't talk."

"I wondered about that." Maddie declares. "I mean, I wish you had blindfolded me."

"No need to worry. You won't identify us cause of what his sister knows about the US Navy's plans for your friends." Mike presses his lips together. "Even you sweetheart."
"What do you mean?" Maddie moves from the backboard to Mike's front.

"That red-head will explain." The leader answers.

"Where is my damn sister, anyway?" Eddie asks.

"She's taking care of those Russians." John sits in a wicker chair near the window. Moving his finger slowly, he checks the front of the motel.

"Russians? What Russians? Are they in danger?" Maddie has moved to her knees, frail hands are lost on Mike developed biceps.

"Wait till Vanessa gets here. In a way…we saved your…" He thinks about the next few words. "Your friends will be safe." His tone is soft. "All they have to do is tell us where the loot is. We know some details, but we know they know more."

Mike's dark eyes looks at Maddie's fingers as they graze his dark skin. The young prisoner's lighter shade stands out from the ebony background.

"Now, may I have my arms back?" He asks an embarrassed Maddie.


In a car a few miles from the motel

"Ryn, listen…" The anonymous caller talks into the burner phone.

"Never mind who this is…" Vanessa continues.

"In less than twenty minutes a man with a slight English accent will knock at your door. He will say his car broke down and his cell phone's battery died."

The red head nods at Ryn's questions.

"Listen, if you let him in, two more men with machine guns will barge into your home."
Vanessa pauses as Ryn speaks.

"Yes, in less than twenty minutes. They want all of you. The children too."
Ryn is too busy telling Hope to get Little Ted in the backyard.

"Ryn, never mind who this is…No, you don't have to…I've already called Martinez. I'm sure Chief Hawkins will be there before Greg…" Vanessa stops herself. "Listen, don't let that Blond in."

Ending the call, she slows down as the car approaches the motel.

"Damn, they have no IDs and have sworn to die rather than be captured."
She pulls the Elantra into a parking spot near the group's room.

"All that precaution and I almost tell her a Russian name."

Flipping the sunshade down, she looks at her reflection.

"That damn man of mine better not start sweet talking that Bishop woman."

As she leaves the vehicle, "he's too good-looking for his own good."


Note to reader:

Those that have become interested in this tale, thank you.

After Ben's breakdown in the car as he leaves Bristol Cove, I thought someone would give me a review with questions.

However...

Unless I get at least one review, I will not post the next chapter.

I have an incredible amount of views and visits, but to really know if people are reading your work you need reviews.

Thank you

GJ