Resident Evil: Abduction
Chapter Seven
The brightness of the day did nothing to disguise the flashing lights reflected in her rearview mirror. Riane groaned her irritation, wondering what they could possibly want that could not wait until they reached her home. The sooner she turned over the case, the sooner she would be rid of them and her family would be safe. She had to laugh at that thought; somehow, she knew that would never be the case. The lights flashed again, but this time the same fear that struck her when she opened her eyes to find Carlos Olivera in her bedroom came back full force. Was it their plan all along to kill her as soon as she left Spencer Biotech? Sweat broke out on her upper lip, and instead of slowing, she placed more pressure on the gas pedal.
"Damn it, pull up alongside her," Jill demanded. "You know she damn well saw us."
Her words were met with silence. Carlos' speeding up the SUV and pulling alongside Kincaid's vehicle was his only acknowledgement. She rolled down the window and waited with great impatience for Kincaid to do the same. "Pull over," she ordered sternly when the window began descending.
"What for?" Riane questioned. "We're miles from the house."
"No shit. Just do what you're told," Jill replied tetchily. "The alley up ahead. Now!"
Jill had no idea what the woman muttered under her breath, but she was sure it was considerably less than ladylike. She had to admit she admired the showing of backbone from time to time, but if she pushed too hard, Jill might have to show her a thing or three.
They followed Kincaid into the quiet alley behind an abandoned strip mall. They carefully surveyed the area before exiting the SUV. Jill quickly approached the driver's side. "Get out, and give me the case."
Jill heard an irritated huff and barely managed to move back in time to avoid the car door that was opened with so much force it would have knocked her on her backside. Yes, their little teammate was rapidly getting on her nerves. She flashed her a hardened look when she caught the case that was shoved at her. "Jesus, you idiot. Be careful with this!"
Riane shrugged as she exited the vehicle. "That little bit of movement won't harm the vials. They're snugly packed...for whatever purpose you're intending. They're safe."
"And they'll stay that way," came Carlos' deep voice as he approached them, another case much like the one Kincaid had passed to Jill clutched in his hand. "Stop messing around," he scolded. "Get into the back."
"What's wrong with my car?" Kincaid asked when he pointed to the SUV.
"You're leaving it here, along with your purse and security badge," he informed her. When she opened her mouth to protest, he grabbed her by the arm and gave her a rough yank. "Go sit in the damn car. I won't tell you again."
Her eyes narrowed into thin slits, and he knew as much as she wanted to strike out at him, she would remain compliant. He also knew her toeing the line was only due to the threat on her family. He had the feeling that once she knew they were safe, she would give him a good taste of her wrath. "Go with her," he ordered Jill and released Kincaid in order to relieve Jill of the anti-virus.
"Let's go," Jill responded, giving Kincaid a good push.
Carlos took a moment to scan the area again to make sure they weren't being observed. He opened the back door and leaned inside, placing both cases on the seat. After opening the empty case, he unlatched the one with the anti-virus and carefully transferred the vials. They weren't taking the chance that the case Kincaid brought contained a tracking device. After that was completed, he closed the lid and hurried to the SUV and handed it to Jill while he slid behind the wheel.
"Scan it," he insisted.
He saw Jill nod before he turned to look at their passenger. She was seething, and although silent, he knew she was damning them nine ways to hell. He turned away and started the car, thinking she might find it ironic that he agreed they should be damned. What was perhaps more ironic was that he believed they already were.
Before he put the vehicle in drive, he waited for Jill to scan the contents of the case for any bugs or tracking devices. When she gave the all clear, he threw the car in gear and drove off.
"I don't see why I had to leave my things," Kincaid groused. "And where are we going?" she asked when she realized they were not headed back to the house. She wrung her hands nervously wondering their plans. Would she ever see her family again, or would she wind up in a ditch somewhere with a stranger stumbling over her decomposed corpse months later?
"Listen," Carlos began, his voice teeming with impatience. "You used good judgment in there, even tried to cover your tracks a little, but how long do you think it will take for them to figure it out? Even with the video feed we have at the house making it seem as though nothing is going on, they'd come looking for you."
"What do you mean...video feed?"
Jill scoffed. "This is Umbrella we're talking about, Lady. Did you think you were safe from their probing eyes?"
"Preposterous."
"Maybe so," Carlos interjected. "But, we took a week's worth of transmission and played it back for them in case they decided to peek into your house this week."
"A week... are you telling me you watched me for a week?"
Jill shrugged as she exchanged glances with Carlos. "Give the modesty routine a break, will ya? We really have more important things to worry about."
Sitting back in the seat, Kincaid crossed her arms over her chest, subconsciously protecting herself from eyes unseen. Despite what she was going through, she couldn't tame her curiosity. "Where are we going?"
"Just keep quiet until we get there, will you?" Jill requested irritably. She held the case protectively in her lap, afraid to set it down. They wouldn't meet up with LJ and Angie soon enough to suit her.
Carlos glanced into the rearview mirror and locked eyes with Kincaid. In them, he saw her fear and the desperate need to know what was happening to her. If it were possible to end this now and set her world straight again, he would. He wanted to tell her holding her family was all a hoax; they were fine, and she would be too, but they needed a head start on Umbrella. Right now, she was too big of a threat to let out of their sight and he couldn't afford to be charitable.
"We're meeting LJ and Angie. They spent the better part of the morning making it look as though you had unwelcome visitors..."
"How nice of you," she spat.
"You'll think so when Umbrella cuts you some slack knowing you were threatened into doing this and not helping of your own accord," he answered tersely. "They'll let you go after questioning you. You may lose your job, but you'll stay out of jail."
She turned away, afraid she was seeing a little compassion creeping into his chocolate colored eyes. She didn't want his concern or the little bone he was throwing her. "Don't expect me to thank you for ruining my life."
777
"We're too recognizable...especially when we're together," she heard Valentine say as she awakened. Every bone in her body ached and she had no idea how long she'd been asleep or how far they had driven. All she knew was, it was dark, Valentine and Olivera were arguing, and Angie and LJ were now with them.
"Then just one of us can make the arrangements," Olivera returned.
Riane stretched and sat upright. Angie was now seated behind the steering wheel, looking small in the large seat. Olivera was in the passenger seat, while Jill stood in the door opening with LJ beside her.
"Sleeping beauty can perform one more task for us," Valentine suggested arrogantly, her gaze fixating on Riane.
"I'm done," Riane answered without waiting for anyone else to add their two cents. "I got what you wanted. Leave me out of your little schemes."
Olivera turned in the seat. What she saw now, she had gotten a glimpse of earlier. Compassion. She hated that look. How dare he play that card with her after what he'd put her through?
"One more task and you won't be required to do another thing," he urged. "I give you my word."
"The word of a wanted criminal?" Riane scoffed. "What good is that to me?" She was amazed to see her words actually wounded him, although he masked it well. Releasing an aggravated sigh, she said, "Fine; if it gets me closer to my goal. What do you want?"
He surprised her when the faintest of smiles appeared on his mouth and was even more surprised by the burst of...pleasure, excitement?...that coursed through her. Revulsion crept in soon after, making her ashamed that she still found this man attractive. It was sickening. Even through her disgust, she could only manage a dutiful nod when he told her to get into the front passenger seat. After he helped Angie into the back seat, he slid behind the wheel and looked over at her. His "Thank you" only further confused her. She sat back in the seat while he returned to his conversation with Valentine and LJ. She decided they were just trying to drive her mad...and succeeding.
777
She looked from the small clutch purse that Olivera placed in her lap, to his face, and then to the quaint little cottage the motel used for an office. "You want me to get a room? That was the big mission?"
Her question seemed so absurd that Carlos actually laughed. "Yes. It may sound stupid to you, but we have to be extremely careful. Ask for cabin 28. It's in the back, out of view. It has two bedrooms."
Riane gave a half shrug. "Okay."
"Your ID is in the bag along with the cash to cover three nights, although I doubt we'll be here that long." When she nodded her understanding, he continued, "Your name is Diana Churchill. Take Angie in with you. Register us under Mister and Missus Rafe Churchill." When Kincaid's eyes widened, he had to fight off the urge to chuckle. "Do not use Angie's name...be sure to call her..."
"Emma," Angie inserted.
"Sure, Emma," Carlos acknowledged, winking at Angie.
Riane shook her head and mumbled, "I must be going insane."
"Not yet," Carlos commented. "Try not to bring too much attention to yourself."
"Come on, Emma," Riane said, exiting the vehicle.
"Wait," Carlos called out. He extended his closed fist when she leaned back inside and dropped what he was holding into her palm when she held out her hand. "For appearances."
She looked down at her palm to find two rings – a diamond engagement ring and a plain gold wedding band. "What the hell," she agreed, slipping them on, surprised they were a close fit. She gave another shrug, took Angie by the hand, and they made their way to the office. When she looked back, she saw Olivera busily rummaging through the back of the SUV.
"Can I help you?" came the disembodied voice after the bells that hung above the office door jingled as it opened.
"Yes, is cabin 28 available?" Riane asked, searching for the person the voice belonged to as she neared the counter. The office looked lived-in, so she assumed this was also someone's home. When the voice's owner popped up from behind the counter, Riane took a step backward, nearly stumbling over Angie.
"It is," he answered. "You'd like to register, then?" he asked, sliding a card and pen across the counter.
The man gave her the creeps, but she managed a smile in spite of it. In looking at him, she wondered when Frankenstein or Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde would appear, since this guy reminded her so much of Boris Karloff's multitude of late night horror movie creatures.
"Please," she finally answered. She quickly filled out the registration form, pulling her fake driver's license from the purse to complete the information. She noted the lack of computers in the room and realized that was the main attraction of this place to her captors. Less likely for anyone to track them down when there was no means of electronic transactions.
"Missus Churchill," he said, reading the card while picking up the money that lay next to it. "My name is Ben Anders." He offered his hand in a polite greeting before looking down at the young girl. "And who might this be?"
"I'm Emma," Angie answered brightly.
"Your daughter?" Ben questioned. His confusion was evident on his face.
Riane knew it was Angie's accent that had him guessing. "Yes," she acknowledged. "Emma was born while my husband and I were living in England. We've only recently returned to America."
"I see," he replied, satisfied with the answer. "One moment while I get the key."
"Thank you," Riane said, glancing down at Angie. Her skin appeared clammy and pale. "Sweetheart, are you okay?" she asked, cupping her chin.
"I'm a little tired, Mummy," she answered truthfully while keeping in character. It worried her that she was becoming weaker with each passing day.
"Jump up, Princess," Riane urged, placing her hands under Angie's arms. She found it odd how all the little endearments she bestowed on Lindy came easily to her with this child. When Angie jumped, Riane lifted her into her arms, straddling her on one hip. "Just a little while longer, and we'll get you into bed. Daddy's looking for your doll baby now." She added that last bit in effort to explain her husband's absence. When Angie rested her head on Riane's shoulder, she laid a comforting hand on the child's cheek.
"Your key, Missus Churchill," Ben said as he returned and placed the key upon the counter. Along with it, he gave her an ice bucket. "Cabin 28 is far back from the office, so you might want to get ice before you head off."
"Thank you, Mister Anders," she replied, picking up the key and accepting the bucket from him.
"Have a nice stay."
"I'm sure we will," she replied as she left the office. Olivera met her at the steps and took Angie from her.
"Go all right?" he asked concernedly, noting Angie's lethargic appearance.
Riane held up the key. "The cabin was no problem, but Emma's running a fever."
Carlos nodded, thankful she used the false names in case the owner was listening. Upon glancing over at the cottage's window, he saw a quick movement behind the curtain and realized someone was watching them. "She needs rest," he answered softly.
Riane nodded and thumped the ice bucket she held. "I'm going to fill this to make her an icepack," she said, walking off toward the ice machine that was nestled up against the office. "I'll be right...."
"I'll go with you."
Looking back at the vehicle, she saw he had already gotten Angie settled into the back seat before running back to her. "You're quick, Mister Churchill," she noted, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words.
"I hate leaving you out of my sight, Missus Churchill," he replied smoothly. "We're being watched," he whispered. "I can't take the chance that you'll run off."
"Neither can I," she reminded him. "Not until my family's safe."
He nodded and took the ice bucket from her when they reached the machine. "It will be over soon," he promised as he filled the bucket.
When finished, he took her by the arm while they returned to the car. He put no force behind his grip; it was merely for appearances. He walked her to the passenger door and opened it for her. The curtain lurker was still there, so on an impulse, he pulled Riane tightly against him and kissed her soundly.
Her first reaction was to push against his chest, but he didn't relent. He softened the pressure of the kiss, using all his persuasion to urge her to participate. He wasn't sure when he gained control, but soon her moans of protest turned into groans of pleasure as the kiss deepened and her arms wound around his neck. His tongue slipped between her accepting lips, dipping in to taste the sweet warmth she possessed. When her tongue met his, he nearly came undone, releasing a moan of desire deep from within his chest. Goddamn it, I don't need this complication, he cursed mentally, forcing himself to break away.
Her dazed expression conveyed her confusion and he felt the guilt creep back in for what they...no, he...was putting her through. He held her arm while she slid into the passenger's seat, handed her the bucket of ice, and then quietly closed the car door. Going around to the driver's side, he once again saw the movement behind the curtain. Even as he calmed his still pounding heart, he hoped the lurker enjoyed the performance.
777
Riane carried Angie inside the cabin, switching on the light as she entered. Ironically, she wasn't surprised to see LJ and Valentine awaiting them in the small sitting room. LJ took Angie from her while Valentine hurried out into the darkness to assist Olivera. She had no idea why it crossed her mind at this time, but she wondered if there was something between those two. Reflexively, she touched the tips of her fingers to her still swollen lips. She didn't care...did she?
She glanced around the cozy cabin while LJ disappeared into one of the adjoining rooms with Angie. She assumed it was one of the bedrooms. The little cabin contained a small kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and a bath. Not a bad little set up for the price. She spotted the case containing the anti-virus on the kitchen table and moved over to it. Just as her hand lay on the metal casing, she heard, "Step off, Red."
She turned toward Valentine and Olivera as they entered and set down the items they carried in from the SUV. "What do you want with this?" she demanded, her voice rising to a near scream as her anger grabbed a hold of her. "Will you use it to spread more of your heinous lies? Will you try again to make a circus out of what happened to those poor souls at Raccoon City?"
"Don't dare speak to us about Raccoon City," Valentine spat, stepping closer and getting into Riane's face. "You weren't there; you have no goddamn idea what we went through!"
Riane's face pinched into grief stricken horror. "I lost my brother that day. Lindy's father. I will not listen to any of your lies!"
Valentine backed away, stormed over to one of the cases, and tossed it open. She reached inside, extracting a small digital camera. Returning to Riane, she shoved it into her stomach, holding it there until Riane took it from her. "This was Terri Morales'...she recorded it as it unfolded. Watch it before you judge us based on lies Umbrella handed out. Then and only then will I listen to you, you little bitch."
Stunned, Riane looked from Valentine to Olivera, who nodded his agreement. He walked over to her and took her by the arm, leading her into the other bedroom. He urged her to sit on the bed and looked down at her. Again she saw the compassion that managed to penetrate his strongly erected wall of cold uncaring steel. "Watch it, Riane. Then we'll talk."
She watched him leave the room, closing the door behind him. Never in the stressful time she was with him had he used her first name, and now he was leaving her alone. She glanced around the room, her gaze focusing on the window at the far end. She could easily slip through it and go for help. Yes, she could, but it would take one call to end the lives of her mother and niece. Could she risk that? Releasing the thought of escape, she looked down at the little camera and pressed the play button.
She lost track and had no idea how long she mucked through the scenes of betrayal and carnage. It was all so gruesome and unreal. It couldn't be true. And then it happened, something so monstrous she thought she might come unhinged. It can't be...it just can't.
On autopilot, she opened the bedroom door and padded back into the living room. She was unprepared for the sight of the three adults hovering closely around Angie. Olivera's hand gripped the injector filled with the anti-virus, ready to administer it into her arm.
"If you care anything for that child, you will stop right now."
...to be continued.