Hi everyone :) So this chapter is definitely getting back to the action based part of the story. Of course I also had to bring in Nate's awful luck that he seems to always have. It's like a strange 50/50.
Is it weird that when I think chase/fight scene I listen to techno music? Deadmau5 and Boyz Noize respectfully. This chapter is also the introduction the character that I was asked to bring in :)
I made this one a long chapter so it gives you guys plenty to tide you over until I have the next chapter up :)
Hope you guys like it!
Abbie knew she probably looked like any other American tourist, gawking up at all the buildings, her mouth agape as she watched Japanese ads go across the many giant buildings. Nate had walked off and was now standing on the edge of the sidewalk talking furiously into his phone. Whoever it was was causing his face to have little mood swings: one minute he seemed content, laughing into the phone and the next his brow was furrowed into deep seeded annoyance. She only spared him the occasional glance just to make sure he was still around but her attention was all for the Japanese buildings that surrounded her.
Even though Abbie wished for her first time visiting Japan she'd been able to see some of the old villages and castles she'd heard so much about. But instead she would have to make do with the city, which she was more than happy to do.
Every other building was lit up with neon signs, others hanging over atop entrances, and to direct you to your destination. It reminded her off New York with so many people passing by and every single one of them walking briskly, completely consumed with getting to where they needed to be. But of course, even though Abbie absolutely loved New York, it had nothing on this.
Japan was breathtaking.
She could feel a presence at her back and without turning around knew Nate had joined back up with her. Abbie was just a little too enraptured with her surroundings at the moment to acknowledge him.
It had been Nate's idea to go out and get some local dinner. It was proving most difficult since they had landed at around eleven o'clock at night and most places they kept going to were already closed. Well, besides strip joints with a very extensive menu but they both quickly decided it would only be a last resort thing if they really couldn't find anything else. When they had made their first stop in San Francisco they'd only had to kill about two hours before they were back on an eleven hour plan ride. So once they'd finally gotten to Japan Abbie had insisted that since they had to wait over six hours for the flight to Malaysia that they at least walk around for a while. Her ass would surely appreciate it.
She felt rude for ignoring the man at her back and instinctively moved back until they were both arm in arm.
"First time in Tokyo?" Nate asked watching a very impressive Coca- Cola ad.
"That obvious, huh?"
They began walking looking for the ever eluding restaurant. Neither of them moved to continue with conversation, which Abbie didn't mind at all. She actually quite preferred it. The less time she had to focus on a conversation the more she could focus on everything that was around her.
She probably wasn't being much help towards finding them dinner.
Shoving his hands in his pockets Nate scoped out for a vendor or any place that still had an open sign. His stomach was going to start voicing its displeasure and the conversation he had just had over the phone had only added to it. Pretty soon he was going to become cranky, especially if his stomach wasn't sated.
The companionable silence stretched out around them as they continued to pass by vendors and stands selling articles of clothing, books, and novelty items. Abbie's favorite had been a man who looked to be selling nothing but old Japanese samurai swords and admittedly she wanted one. Until she reminded herself that this was not a vacation and that their purpose lied elsewhere.
"What did Sully mean about how this is not another jewel heist?"
At first he thought she hadn't heard him but just as he was going to ask her again, slower this time and much louder, she turned and gave him her full attention.
"Probably because that's what, I don't know, my specialty is I guess."
"Specialty? I thought that was blowing your eyebrows off."
Abbie felt her face heat up in embarrassment as she pretended to laugh.
"Out of everything you remember that?"
"Sharp as a tack," he replied, his index finger lightly tapping the side of his head.
Abbie rolled her eyes in response while they passed by a few more shops silence beginning to overtake them.
"So is this where you were hoping the comment about your eyebrows would dissolve the previous question from memory?" he inquired. "Because you gotta remember I'm packing an awesome memory."
"Is that all you're packing?" she baited casting a quick glance in his direction. Silently cursing himself Nate continued to play it cool. "You know you are the nosiest person I have ever met-"
"And you are still avoiding my question."
She had the urge to throw up her hands but resisted.
"There isn't much to tell. I normally get called in to steal things from museums or ridiculously wealthy people's houses. I've never done the whole exploring all over the world for lost treasure or artifacts, type of thing before."
"Aw so you're like a baby?
"What?"
Nate decided to hang a left at the next cross street sending them into what surprisingly was a very packed street. He had to wait until they were side by side before he answered her.
"It's your first time doing a job like this. I promise to be gentle."
"Creepy…that last line was creepy Nate."
"Are you kidding me? That line was the pillar of sweetness. I was offering to be gentle!"
Letting out a light snort Abbie scanned the stands around them. Most of them were already bare of all their objects while others were still under the task of removing items. Even people inside the shops were turning their signs over. She was still thinking about those swords when a much older Japanese woman waved her over to her table.
She wasn't carrying the right kind of money to buy anything from her and Abbie doubted that she had an ATM machine stashed below, but still she walked over. The lady instantly began to show her some of her jewelry pieces; picking up a jade dragon pendant and eagerly lifted it to place it around her neck.
"Oh no, no that's very kind of you but I can't pay."
The woman spoke rapidly still lifting up the trinket. Abbie stood there awkwardly, her smile straining, as neither one of them knew what the other had said. With her body still facing the older woman she looked behind her and scanned the crowd for Nate. He wasn't very hard to miss since he was the only six foot two white guy standing off to the side. Quickly she waved him over and by the expression on his face she knew he was going to have something to say.
Sure enough as Nate came closer he inspected the table briefly already making up his mind about the women and what she was selling.
"Do you have any yen on you?" she mumbled.
Abbie sent the woman a reassuring smile before she looked back at Nate.
"You gotta be kidding?"
She gave him a look that said plainly she wasn't.
"You can buy this crap anywhere Abbie. All kinds of tourist spots have them and I bet it's not even real jade," Nate replied motioning towards the woman's stand.
"I don't care," Abbie said through gritted teeth. "I'll pay you back; I promise."
She held out her hand and Nate just stared down at it and then back up at her. He shook his head no; refusing to give in but saw, as Abbie squared her shoulders, that she wasn't going to give in either. Bouncing on his heels he glanced around and noted that the more they wasted time the more they were missing out on food. If Nate was a slave to anything it would be to his stomach.
Reaching into his pocket he produced his wallet and stepped forward and asked the woman how much she wanted for the necklace.
"Ten yen!" he shouted in horror.
The woman jumped back in surprise, unease spreading over her. Putting on a big showy smile he handed her the money and told her thank you, which easily perked the woman right back up. She handed him the necklace and he turned and gave it to Abbie who was fighting back laughter. Abbie took the necklace from him and tossed her hair over to one side as she began to put the necklace on.
"Glad to see you're so happy. You know ten yen is like thirty bucks in American money."
"Alright so I'll buy you a fancy dinner then."
At the sound of food Nate's mood instantly cheered up.
"You are forgiven."
Laughing Abbie finished with the necklaces lock and looked down at it. Even though it was silly tourist thing Nate had to admit he liked it but what he really would've liked-
No.
Nate prayed that his eyes were deceiving him. Squinting his eyes he looked closer at the four men who had just entered from the side alley and easily spotted their small five foot five leader as he pushed his way in front. There was no mistaking the egg-white suite pants, tacky Hawaiian shirt, and if you looked on his feet, alligator loafers. Hikari always had a thing for 80's television show fashion. Nate was blinded by his overabundance of gold jewelry all the way from where he stood more than twenty feet away from them.
They couldn't be seriously here looking for him; how would they even know he was here? Nate got his answer however when Hikari looked in his direction causing Nate to hold his breath; for a split second it looked like he hadn't seen him. It was wishful thinking; he was only the tallest white guy on the street. He could see Hikari recognize him instantly and his arms flung out, his hands moving wildly as he gave orders, and he and his men started through the remainder of the crowd towards them.
Son-of-ah-bitch…
"Crap, we gotta move!"
Right away Nate moved forward taking Abbie by the elbow and started back down the way they'd come, his eyes scanning frantically for a way out. Unless they broke into the closed buildings they're only option was to get up onto the roof. The next alley he saw he bolted for his hand still grasping tightly to Abbie's elbow.
"What's going on Nate? Did Golomya find us that fast?"
She could hear shouting behind her and risked a glance back to see a small group of men pushing their way towards them; but they didn't look like Golomya's guys. After a while the people just started to move out of there way. She watched as the men drew nearer to them until she was unexpectedly jerked roughly behind a wall. Abbie instantly looked in Nate's direction, looking completely oblivious to the pain that was radiating down from her shoulder. She tried to shake herself loose as his eyes scanned for what she assumed was the fire escape. The more she wiggled the more it seemed his grip tightened. She thought for a second her arm was just about to go completely numb.
He finally dropped it as he ran over to the fire escape, having to jump a little to grab a hold of it and bring it down to them. Waving her over Nate damn near tried shoving her up it and Abbie had had enough.
"Damn it Nate what the hell is going on?"
"I'll tell you as we go but believe me Abbie when I tell you that you do not want these guys to get a hold of you."
His eyes darted frantically to the entrance of the alley and she could see the anxiety strain against his face and the light jumping he did as he stood in place. She could hear the sound of pattering feet drawing closer; that and along with the desperation on Nate's face was enough to spur her to begin climbing. She didn't have to look back to see if Nate had joined her or not because she could feel him right behind her.
"Who are these guys Nate?"
"We're old partners."
"Partners?"
"More or less. The guy, Hikari, he was a client of mine asked me to occur something for him."
Hoisting herself over the edge of the building Abbie waited until Nate joined her on the roof before she spoke.
"Did you not give it to him or something?"
Nate started across the roof, calculating the distance between the rooftops ahead of them.
"Or something," he replied giving her a sheepish look.
Abbie narrowed her eyes as she could hear angry chatter below them and the sounds of someone ascending the ladder. They were running out of time and in a few more seconds this Hikari's men would be all over them.
"You can jump across this, right?"
"Of course I can I'm like Batman."
"Wouldn't it be Batgirl?"
Taking a step back away from the ledge she waved him off but kept her eyes focused forward.
"You say tomato I say tomato."
"That was the same thing!"
Nate yelled after her as she took off running at full speed for the edge of the roof. Abbie could feel her pulse catch in her throat as she neared the edge and just as she leaped into the air, her heart hammered in her chest. That weightless feeling took hold of her again as her body moved through the air, having to fight the urge to close her eyes just in case she didn't make it; until her body instinctively came to a roll onto the opposite roof. Nate threw himself across to the other roof letting out a grunt as he went and landed somewhere off to her left. Abbie laughed, relieved that they had both made it, until she glanced behind them and saw Hikari's men coming over the edge of the roof.
Getting to their feet they both rode their rising adrenaline as they began to make their way across the rooftops. Their pursuers were close behind and Nate knew at this rate they would never lose them unless they turned and fought them off. That was normally easily said than done when he didn't even know if the assholes had guns.
As they leapt through the air and landed on the roof, one of Hikari's men suddenly appeared at the northwest side of the building. No doubt having come up an alternate fire escape. Nate could feel his feet falter as he watched in what felt like slow motion as the guy reached around to the back of his waistband, going for his gun.
They were too close to back track and with the sound of grunts behind him Nate knew that wasn't a real option to begin with. He had to come up with an option number two and fast.
Using her adrenaline Abbie pushed herself to sprint faster towards the man passing Nate quickly as she rushed forward. Nate yelled something behind her; it sounded like, "What are you doing?" but the only thing she could accurately hear was the pounding of her pulse.
Just as she reached him the guy moved to point his gun at her and without another thought she rammed into him hard. The loud crack of the gun going off was followed by a bright burst of light as she shoved him back hard, sending him stumbling back over the edge.
Nate thought he was going to be sick.
Abbie's vision was spotted from the sudden burst of light but her hands patted over her body feverishly searching for any entry wounds.
"What the hell was that?" Nate spat as he reached her.
"I was improvising," she shrugged.
The sounds of the men closing in on them spurred them forward again. Abbie felt like she probably should have mentioned that her vision was still going in and out but instead she continued to sprint alongside Nate or attempt to keep up. He appeared to run a lot faster when not holding onto her hand the whole time.
The next gap between the buildings seemed to be a bit far but she wasn't worried about it. Nate shot across the empty space without trouble and landed a few seconds later on the other side. Abbie took in a deep breath as she lunged off of the side but realized just too late that she wasn't going to make it; she was going to fall just a few inches sort.
Instantly a scream escaped her as that weightless feeling depleted and the massive weight of gravity took hold of her, taking her back to being tossed over the side of the Shore Hotel's balcony. This time Abbie did close her eyes not wanting to see her plummet down to the cold asphalt below. Maybe she would get lucky and some trash would catch her fall.
Her shoulder erupted in an array of pain sending spots all over her vision once more but this time in patterns of what reminded her of Rorschach photos. Shouldn't more than her arm hurt?
Oh god what if the fall didn't kill me? What if I've just broken all of my bones? Or was this what the afterlife was really like?
"Abbie," Nate grunted.
Nate's here? That's a little odd…
"Abbie! A little help!"
Opening her eyes she waited for them to adjust before she realized why her shoulder had hurt; Nate had a taut hold of her forearm and was straining to lift her up. Once her brain had been able to process that she wasn't dead her good arm searched for leverage to help him. The guys that had been following close behind them weren't waiting (obviously), one in particular lunging himself off of the roof.
Nate felt worry sing through him at the thought that the little guy was actually going to make it across. If he did it would definitely complicate Abbie's rescue and make it hard for him to fight back. Letting her go was not an option.
Luckily for the both of them he collided into the building next to her startling her as he fell to down to the street, his screams ending instantly.
"Give me your other hand!"
She complied immediately and using her legs helped him hoist her up to the roof. It was the second time in the span of two days that Abbie had never been happier to have her feet on solid concrete.
Nate moved to take her hand when he noticed she was clutching tightly to her left arm. He easily noted that it was dislocated, the arm hanging uselessly down the length of her body; her face scrunched in deep set lines of pain. Nate did a quick glance over at the remaining guys, none of them making a move to try and jump across after their pal had ended up a decoration on the concrete below.
"Come on."
It was time for them to get down from the roof and find some place to hide. It looked like having a comfortable evening wasn't going to happen after all.
She wasn't sure how much longer she could've gone but she was betting it wouldn't have been far. Every step she had taken was excruciatingly painful and before long her forehead was beaded with sweat.
Nate had come across what looked to be an abandoned old shop. After loosening the boards on the windows he helped her through and followed behind her, placing some of the boards back over it so not to cause suspicion.
"Here let me take a look at that."
"I'm fine-"
"You're not fine!"
It had come out sterner than he had intended. He could tell she wanted to fight him but her face was ghostly pale and she was already fighting to stand; he was impressed that she hadn't passed out already but it wouldn't be far behind.
"We've gotta pop your arm back into socket."
"Can't we just skip that part?"
"Sure if you like having a floppy limb. Personally, it looks kind of nasty and could be hard for a guy to get used to."
"You never cease-to-amaze me," she groaned.
Abbie pressed her forehead against the wall not caring how gross it had looked seconds before. She looked just about ready to faint.
"Alright come on we need to set your arm back in place."
He moved towards her removing his belt as he went.
"Woo Nate this isn't the time for any risky business-"
"I'm not screwing around. We can't go anywhere unless we take care of this. Here," he handed her his belt. "You're going to want to bite down on something."
Nate knew the kind of pain she was about to endure and he didn't envy her none. Of course she had his pity but at least she had him here to do it for her. Both times he'd ended up having to do it himself and both times ended with him having to try more than once to get it back in. He kept her right shoulder leaning on the wall and also used the front of his body as a support system to keep her from falling forward. He waited for her to place his belt in his mouth, worry spreading rapidly in her eyes.
"You're going to be fine Abbie I've done this a few times on myself."
Abbie's eyes widened and her words came out a muffled mess. She went to remove the belt but he motioned for her to keep it in as he removed her sweater and threw it on the floor. Nate was once again greeted with more mumbling, which he quickly drowned out.
He needed to examine her arm closer to make sure he knew exactly which way it had popped out so he knew what way to go to put it back in. Nate gently grabbed a hold of her arm and put his hands in the appropriate position wanting nothing more than to hurry up and get this over with.
"I'm not going to lie to you, this is going to hurt; a lot. When I tell you to take in a deep breath, do it, and then you can exhale once I'm done. This is gonna be real quick so be ready."
Her body began to tremble under his hands or was that his own? Licking his lips Nate went to steady himself placing all his weight on his back leg so he could jerk hard and keep them both stable. Nate knew it had to be done but he wished he didn't have to be the one to do it. Abbie's trembling had grown into a quiver that Nate could feel from his knees up. She mumbled something to him and he didn't understand. The second time she mumbled it was short and much louder, full of agitation, and unmistakable: Just do it.
"Take in a breath," he ordered.
The minute he felt her do it he jerked back hard on her arm and a loud pop echoed off the walls letting him know it had slipped back in.
Abbie's knees instantly went weak as the pain shot through her. She was sure that Nate's leather belt was going to have indentions of her teeth. Her mind was spinning and her body became sick and she would've collapsed on the floor to heave her guts out but once again Nate's arm caught her and held her up.
"Let's sit down alright? It'll help you."
Nate ushered her over to a corner that was painted in reds, oranges, and yellow hues; probably from a sign outside, picking up her jacket along the way. He eased her down until she was safely on the floor before joining her and covered her with her jacket like a blanket.
He glanced down at his watch and saw that they still had almost four in a half hours before they left for their plane.
"You can go to sleep for a few hours. If you, uh, want it's entirely up to you."
She must not be too bad, Nate thought, if she just giggled.
"That sounds like the most awesome idea you've had since I've met you."
"You're badly hurt and are recuperating. I'll let that one slide."
"So kind of you," she yawned.
Leaning in Abbie rested her head on his shoulder and instantly passed out.
"Oh Drake."
Someone was singing his praises; or just his name.
"Drake it's time for you to come out and play."
Nate wanted to tell this asshole to go away until he felt the tip of the gun tap against his temple. He let out a heavy sigh before he opened his eyes and was greeted by the yellow-toothed grin of Hikari.
"Hikari, buddy, thought you were going to get those teeth whitened."
Nate had to fight the urge to gag when Hikari ran a slow tongue across them.
"Always were such a funny man."
Nate wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult but by the contempt that had rolled off of his tongue with each word, he was going to guess the latter. Motioning with the gun Hikari barked, "Pick him up!"
Just like he ordered two men came into view and each one grabbed an arm and hoisted him up. Each man on his side pressed themselves pretty close to him and Nate looked between them.
"Hey, easy fellas. Isn't there normally a first date rule or something?"
"Yes keep cracking your jokes Drake. Your little friend will be the one to continue to pay for them."
Hikari snapped his fingers and a few men parted until one guy holding Abbie came into view. Nate's eyes widened as his skin began to boil as he counted every visible mark on her. The whole right side of Abbie's face was swelling fast and she had dried blood above her eyebrow and chin; bruises decorating her face and arms.
How long have I been out?
"You son of a bitch! Let her go she has nothing to do with this!"
"I disagree Nathan. See, a very powerful man named Golomya has put out an outrageous bounty on you two and as your pretty little friend here knows, I am just so curious as to why he wants you two so bad. He says you stole something from him-"
"Get to the point jackass," he growled.
Hikari hit him hard in the stomach with the gun as he began to cuss at him in Japanese. Pain sprang to life in Nate's chest as he tried to double over but was kept upright; the coughing only making the sharp feeling in his ribs increase.
"You done?" Nate spat.
"Oh I am just getting started." Hikari ran his hands through his hair and suddenly pulled it tight, gripping it by the roots. Nate gritted his teeth as he struggled to get lose. "You will tell me what Golomya is after Nathan; trust me."
His ears were ringing and all the shaking in the world wasn't going to get them to stop. As another assholes fist crashed into his face Nate was willing to bet that it was probably going to take a week for the dull hum to fade. Blood was filling his mouth and it was forced out as the second hit crashed into his stomach. It sprayed out in a mist splattering all over the two guys in front of him; Nate couldn't help but laugh.
They both hit him then even one of them going so far as to kick him in his face while the other followed it up by striking him twice.
"Easy-easy fellas you gotta-you gotta pace yourselves. Don't want you to wear out too fast."
One of them gave him a smile before crashing his fist down on his nose.
God that hurts…
"You know I'm surprised Drake," Hikari spoke, swinging his legs as he sat on the table, "You haven't even asked about my sister."
"How rude of me," he mocked. "How is your sister?"
"Dead no thanks to you."
Hikari jumped off of the table and began to walk towards him. For a brief second Nate was able to enjoy the spacious environment of the warehouse they were in but didn't care much for its inhabitants. Grabbing a scalpel off of the tray on Nate's right Hikari leaned down until they were eye to eye.
"I should carve her name into your flesh!"
Nate hissed as he sliced down across his cheek nearly missing his eye.
"I didn't harm your sister you crazy dick!"
"No! You just dishonored her and then left!"
"She refused to come with me!"
Oh crap.
Hikari's eyes lit up with pure rage as he swiped down with scalpel. Even though he knew it was pointless Nate fought desperately to get out of the way. The blade cut through his Henley as Hikari continued to swipe at his chest furiously; Nate's head becoming dizzy as the blood started to swell and spill out of the cuts.
Great, just great.
"Tell me what Golomya is after Drake!" Hikari shouted at last. "I know it is worth more than just a damn measly two million dollars."
It took Nate a minute to work up to his reply; his mind was still spinning, his ears were still making that ungodly ringing noise, and beneath it all he was fighting the dread that was increasing with every minute that passed.
"Only two million for the both of us, huh? That is pretty lousy."
Hikari smacked him hard across the face.
"Two million for each, actually."
Hikari may not have been that impressed but Nate sure was. He never knew he could be worth so much to someone before. Color him impressed, healthy, and alive to enjoy it.
Letting out a scream of frustration Hikari threw the scalpel and Nate watched amazed as a twenty-nine year old man, threw a temper tantrum like a child. His gold jewelry jingling together like those on the hips of the dancers in India.
"Resistance! Every single time I am met by resistance! If you do not value your own life for the information Drake let's see if you value hers."
As if one queue a man walked in dragging Abbie by the arm. She struggled to get away from her handler but he just pulled her in closer his grip no doubt tightening.
Her clothes looked filthy; caked on it was dirt and a red color that wasn't blood but made him think of brick. Abbie hadn't been tied down to a chair like he was only her hands were bound tightly with rope. As she drew closer he could see where she had struggled against them and for some reason they had taken her shoes leaving her feet bare as she walked along the cool cement floor.
"See you've decided to join us."
The handler tossed her down to the floor where he made sure she stayed with his foot pressed to her back. Abbie tried to shove him off but he just pressed it in harder the next time shoving her face closer to the ground.
Hikari started towards were she was and Nate's chest filled with panic.
"You leave her alone! You hear me? Hikari!"
Spinning on his heels Hikari held up his hands and replied voice in a sing-song tone, "Sorry Drake but you left me no choice."
As Hikari kneeled down in front of her Nate struggled with his restraints; the chair jerking beneath him. Hikari used his index finger to lift up his upper lip to show her something.
"You loosened my tooth you know and the other asshole knocked it out."
"Good; you have ugly teeth to begin with dick."
He cursed loudly in Japanese as he grabbed a hold of her by her hair and began to drag her over towards a single bathtub Nate had seen, that had been filled with water.
Abbie kicked out furiously as she struggled trying not to scream but felt even worse when the tears escaped her from the pain. She scratched at his arms because it was the only thing she could do. When they reached the bathtub he let go of her hair and she turned on him quickly kicking him as hard she could in his side. Hikari doubled over, his hand holding onto his side, as Abbie took the opportunity to try and get away. But he quickly grabbed her by the back of her head and buried her head into the water. This time Abbie did scream causing bubbles to rise up in a frenzy at the top of the water.
Nate struggled harder against the rope that held him bounded to the chair not caring as it scratched into his skin. He was hopping like mad in the chair hoping that he could break the son of a bitch so he could get loose when one of Hikari's men came up behind him. The guy placed his hands on Nate's shoulders trying to keep him from moving but Nate continued to fight against it.
"Get off of me! Hikari! Hikari!"
He watched in what felt like part of a slow motion horror movie as he brought Abbie up for air, heard her gasp, before he shoved her face back down under the water. Nate had thought he could never feel hatred so intense that he wanted to murder someone but here it was. He felt it now as he was forced to watch Abbie struggle as Hikari held her down; Nate could feel that hatred burn in his chest until the feeling was almost maddening.
He noticed Abbie's feet were beginning to move less and less and he could feel the panic underneath but it barely made a ripple.
"Hikari let her up! Let her up you son of a bitch!"
Nate knew that he was giving the asshole what he wanted and when Hikari looked over at him, an amused smile played on his face as Abbie thrashed around under his hand; he knew he had given Hikari exactly what he wanted.
He waited just a few more seconds before he finally brought her up and let her fall back onto the floor.
Why isn't she moving? Come on Abbie take a breath.
Nate couldn't even see her chest move as she just continued to lie there wet and lifeless. He couldn't take it; the sudden impact of anguish and hatred was too much. He was about to scream, about to renew his struggle in getting free so he could wrap his hands around Hikari's throat, when Abbie started coughing.
Water was spilling out of her mouth with each cough but he didn't care. She was coughing, which meant breathing, meaning she was alive.
"So shall we try for round two Drake or have you had enough?"
"Alright, Alright you bastard you win. I'll tell you."
A sinister grin came across Hikari's face as he made his way back towards Nate; whipping his wet hands off with a towel.
"Don't you tell this-this asshole anything Nate!"
Turning back Hikari rushed over and kicked her hard in the stomach causing her to collapse into a tight ball. Nate turned away knowing that he needed a plan. If he told Hikari about Vishnu he would surely kill them both or continue to torture them. There was also the possibility that he would force him to find it for him holding Abbie as collateral. None of these options sounded good to him but he couldn't go through with watching that again or watching anything happen to her for that matter.
"So glad to see you came to your senses Drake," Hikari said smugly.
He was almost too Nate when randomly the sound of a car horn started going off in the distance. A frown replaced Hikari's smug expression as he looked over to his men confused. None of them seemed to know what to make of it either when it went off again, this time louder seemingly getting closer. He gave the men orders to check it out from what Nate could guess because two of them began to walk towards the front of the warehouse. Hikari turned his attention back to Nate when the horn went off and this time you could hear it perfect; an instant later a large truck came smashing through the side of the warehouse. The front end slamming right into Hikari sending him flying back further into the heart of the warehouse.
All his men were stunned and Nate couldn't blame them because so was he. The driver's side door opened up and he could feel the anticipation in his muscles as he wondered who it was; friend or foe. Finally the driver emerged standing on the edge of the truck using the door as a shield. Nate couldn't help but laugh never thinking he could be so happy he could kiss the guy.
"I'm sorry I'm late to the party again darling but traffic was a disaster," Flynn said as he climbed out of the truck cocking a shotgun as he came around the door.
He took down two of the men who went for their weapons and tisked the others using the shotgun as an extension of his index finger. Flynn made his way over to him and pulled out his knife immediately making quick work of Nate's tied hands as he kept a watchful eye on the goons. Once he had his hands free Nate went to work on trying to release his right ankle as Flynn quickly removed the other restraint.
"Well don't you just look like shit."
"Gee thanks."
"Now is that anyway to talk to a date that brought you flowers?" Flynn asked voice light with teasing.
Reaching around his back Flynn removed a Browning High-Power from his belt and handed it to him.
"But I didn't get you anything."
Flynn went to pat him on the back when Nate winched he retracted his hand and helped him stand instead.
"You can pay me back later. Now then where's your partner in this adventure gone to shit already?"
Nate pointed over to Abbie and began to limp his way towards her. When Flynn saw her his eyes widened just a bit.
"You didn't say it was a girl."
"Does that really matter?" Nate called over his shoulder.
"I think it does mate as in there is a slight difference between the two."
It hurt so much to lean down but the minute Abbie saw it was him she got to her feet in an instant, helping him back towards the waiting truck. Flynn helped them both into the backseat and rushed around to the drivers' side. Putting the truck in reverse he pulled out like a bat out of hell, literally, and speed his way back towards the freeway.
"You've got to admit I always have bloody damn good timing."
"Speaking of that," Nate began winching as he tried to sit up, "How is it that you knew exactly where to find us?"
"I just followed the sounds of fighting and screaming and it lead me directly to you."
Nate gave him a blank look as he stared at him through the rearview mirror.
"Your GPS genius," Flynn replied using his phone as an example. "When you and your lovely companion, whom you didn't mention was a female-"
"Don't see how that matters-"
"-Didn't show up like you said you would I decided to go on a hunting party and track you down myself."
"Yes…because that isn't the least bit creepy."
"Aw Nate you have a fan."
Abbie tried to giggle but it was instantly turned into a cough that sounded like it hurt.
"Well how can I resist? Just look at those cute little cheeks; and I'm talking about both."
She fought so hard not to laugh at the playful sound in the other man's voice as Nate just sat there looking more annoyed than she had thought possible.
"So tell me, what fresh hell have you gotten yourself into this time Nate?"
"Get us as far out of Tokyo as you can and I'll tell you all about it."
"Woo I have the perfect little place in mind. Girls while fix you both right up, give you a good hot meal, rub your aching body parts-"
"Just exactly what sort of place is this Flynn?"
"I could honestly careless what the place is. I just want the hell out of Tokyo."
"Now that's the spirit!"
It depressed her that she had actually meant those words but in just over a few hours Tokyo had become the worst vacation she would probably ever have. Looking out the window her hand went to touch where the jade necklace Nate had bought for her had been and wondered where exactly it had ended up.
So how did you all feel about Flynn's introduction? And also would you like to continue having him in it?
Next chapter will have them going to the first temple and getting all those missing pieces and coming closer to the actual secret I have in store for this story
:)
As always I'd love to know how you guys are feeling about the story so far. Your input is always appreciated.
~Much Love, Jeneane~