Thanks for the reviews, greatly appreciated as always.:) Longer chapters are coming, I promise.
Title: Shattered Soul
Author: Cindy Ryan
Summary: When Emily becomes the hostage how far will Matt go to bring her home?
Emily cried out in pain and frustration as she once again hit the ground. Her fingernails most broken were covered in dirt and blood. The blood was mainly from scratches on her knuckles as she refused to give in to the sliding, crumbling dirt.
Tears ran down Emily's cheeks as she moved into a sitting position. Pain shot through her left wrist causing her to awkwardly draw her hands as close to her as she could despite the handcuffs. She'd injured her wrist in one of her early attempts when she'd landed wrong.
In an effort to calm her rapid heart beat and rough breathing, Emily closed her eyes. As she did Emily clung to a memory of less than a week ago. It seemed so much longer. But if Emily concentrated really hard she could almost smell the salt air of the ocean waves as they hit Venice beach. She could still feel the warm night breeze as it washed over her.
The small beach side café had an equally tiny dance floor at the left side of the building. If the owner was lucky they might be able to fit three couples comfortably around the juke box.
That night there had only been her and Matt.
Emily's breathing calmed as she remembered Matt's strong arms around her waist as he held her close. A song by Nickelback had played in the background.
That night it had become clear to Emily that their relationship had gone way beyond casual. They may not be ready to admit it yet. But she had seen it in her partner's eyes as they had danced after dinner.
The memory gave Emily renewed determination. She looked up once again at the walls that confined her. Perhaps if she couldn't climb her way out she could some how signal her location to the outside world.
Emily began to sort through her meager belongings to see if there was anything she could use.
Macgyver, she wasn't; but maybe, just maybe she could get her luck to change.
If only a little.
As they drove through the streets of Vegas, Agent Grafton looked at the map his partner, Taylor had pulled up on the small GPS screen.
"Damn, still got at least five miles to go."Grafton muttered as he scrolled through the screen. "This ranch is barely within the city limits."
"Think Ellis is holed up there?"Taylor asked as he double checked his gun and ammunition supplies.
Grafton shrugged. "Ellis is a drifter, but this place may feel safe to him. I called Vegas S.W.A.T. to meet us there just in case."
"You love her, don't you?"
Frank's quiet question startled Matt out of his dark thoughts and pulled his gaze away from the plane's window.
"Yeah."
Frank turned slightly in his seat. "You never told her?"
Matt shook his head. "No, we never said it. We were still feeling each other out….seeing where things were going."
Matt leaned forward. "Frank, if I don't get a chance to tell her….."
Frank squeezed Matt's right shoulder reassuredly. "You will. She's put up with you this long. Emily's not going to let scum like Ellis take her away from the people she cares about."
Matt nodded. "We've got twenty minutes till we land. You got an address for the Stratmore place?"
"Yeah and there's a rental car waiting."