"One Last Love" PART THREE
It felt as if every muscle and nerve in her body was tensed as she sat against the broad brick wall, feet extended a foot ahead of her and her knees bent slightly. A cramp seized her left leg and forced her upright, causing her to pace the small area between herself and the cement sidewalk as not to draw attention to herself in any way.
Detective Sandoval stood watch, peering through his binoculars to the next street which lie just around the bend from where they waited.
Their shadow of protection was a small one and secured them both narrowly. Katheryn ambled to the farthest edge and slightly placed her sandaled foot a small measure beyond it and into the light. A train whistle tore into the cool and distant night air and, startling her softly. She jerked back quickly. Her nerves were tightened and tense to be sure.
"Won't be long now," the detective announced as he lowered the binoculars from his squinting eyes and relaxed.
Katheryn spun softly to face him. She nodded nervously and hoped he had seen her do so as she returned to her place against the wall. She raised her gaze to follow the well-worn red bricks upward. It must be an old place, she wondered to herself. "What is this place?"
"Don't know," the detective joined in her interest as he leaned against the building with one hand. He looked over his street-gang attire and sighed. "Not the most flattering, eh?"
Katheryn offered an assuring smile. "At least you're not the one in glittery makeup and two-inch heels."
"True," Detective Sandoval stifled a chuckle. "Are you saying you aren't much into that sort of attire?"
Katheryn shook her head eagerly. "Exactly. I'd much prefer shorter heels and less makeup. I don't mind being girly every once in a while. But this is just too much."
"Well if it helps any, I think it's pretty convincing."
"Thanks," Katheryn's eyes hung low with sarcasm and she responded flatly.
A car engine revved in the distance, causing Sandoval to spring into action quickly. He turned around and narrowed his gaze to the oncoming car around the corner.
Katheryn quickly moved up to behind the detective, staying as close as possible. She flattened her back against the wall and looked upward, breathing a silent prayer into the darkened skies as she looked upon them.
Carlos turned around to face Katheryn, his eyes admitting a bit of nervousness as he looked towards her. For a brief moment, Katheryn could not deny that she may have noticed a hint of concern as he looked her way. And for a brief moment, she could not deny the same in return.
He hesitated….as if he wasn't sure if he'd be able to take on the rough persona necessary for the job. Yet Katheryn's gaze told him she trusted him and that all would turn out okay.
He grabbed her arm, trying not to inflict pain while appearing as legitimate as he possibly could. She resisted almost immediately, jumping into character as if she really was Leo's daughter. Together, they started around the corner, stepping out of the shadow of safety as they approached the waiting car beneath the streetlight a short distance away.
Carlos stood straight, his grip tightened, as he tried to not make eye contact with the girl at his side. Katheryn didn't want to resist. It wasn't in her nature to put on a show or tantrum. Yet she stepped into character as best she could and attempted a successful resistance.
"Let me go!" she yelped and tugged away from the detective's grasp. Her voice was rather loud and alerted the four men that awaited them afar off.
The men were clearly of high-standing in their realm of "business." Two men wore suits and ties while the other two seemed to be the muscle of the group.
"Good evening," the front-most suited man called out to Carlos with a smile. "A lovely evening isn't it?" His evil eyes smirked and sparked with unseen fire and deception.
Sandoval tugged on Katheryn's arm easily as he approached the still-running car, stepping into the headlights' broad shine. "Yes. It has been a lovely evening…if wrangling a brat and waiting an hour counts."
"Our sincerest apologies, Mr. Williams." The man dipped his head forward apologetically and took three steps forward.
Katheryn stilled herself and huffed, following the suited man with fear-filled eyes as he encircled her and seemed to look her over with lustful eyes. She cringed inside. Flying bullets could never inflict as much fear as the piercing glance of this man could.
"Did you bring the goods, Williams?" the man directed Carlos a question while still glancing her over.
Carlos said nothing as he tossed the briefcase onto the hood of the car before him.
"Good," the man nodded. He was pleased…in more than one way.
"And…," he placed his finger on Katheryn's forehead and gently brought it down, cupping his full hand softly around her cheek, caressing her face. "…how did you come by this loveliness?"
Carlos threw back his head arrogantly. "That old Leo Andrews had it coming when I told him I was friends with a notorious bunch that would have his hide if he didn't comply. I forced it out of him."
"Nice work," the man was pleased again. He reached for the young woman's hand and lifted it to his lips nearly kissing it before Carlos gently jerked her away.
The man was not pleased. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"She's mine." Carlos said angrily and sighed.
"Very well!" the man straightened his suit jacket and marched away. "In the limo! Both of you!"
The two bodyguards glared at them and told them everything they needed to know without uttering one word.
Carlos and Katheryn followed closely behind. The detective motioned harshly for her to get in first. He attempted to abstain from using any force this time. He hoped it would not be noticed.
The ride was a quiet one as they remained surrounded by the muscle men of the outfit on either side. Katheryn wanted to talk to Carlos to ask questions and prepare herself. These men were notorious. How were they to be prepared for the hours to come? Yet she could say nothing. She could not even look his way for fear she would break her cover.
##
The darkened warehouse could be seen afar off as the limo moved closer and closer. The hush interior of the limo put forth an atmosphere that could be cut with a knife.
A deep fear encased Katheryn's heart. She wanted to run and was afraid this had quickly become far too much for a novice like herself to handle. Carlos stole a glance at her and attempted to relieve her fears. She could sense his meaning. Although he did not smile and played his part well, Katheryn felt safe…and somehow reassured that they would come out of this safely. Somehow.
The limousine came to an easy halt, and the door swung open. The driver stood outside, never stooping down to show his face as he announced that they could exit the vehicle.
The "leader" pushed his way forward and exited first. "Get out, Williams. But leave the girl." He nodded once with a twinkle in his eye.
"What for?" Carlos retorted with a flash of presupposed anger.
The tall man in suit stooped to glare Carlos in the eyes. "Because…I said so."
Carlos squeezed Katheryn's hand softly as he made his way to the outside of the car.
Katheryn clasped her eyes and mouth shut and took in a deep breath through her nose. It was becoming fairly easy to play the part of a very frightened young woman. The two muscle men climbed out the car and nearly bumped into her rudely as they did so with chuckles lacing their icy cold stares back at her just before the door slammed shut behind them.
Katheryn's eyes jolted wide open and her body jerked as the fierce sound startled her to her core. She was alone. Her eyes scanned her surroundings as she remained frozen and glued to the seat although no seatbelt held her in place.
She strained as she tried hard to hear Carlos' voice. She heard some muffled voices through the well-secured automobile. But none was Carlos' voice. Katheryn wanted to cry. But every part of her resisted the notion. It wasn't like her. Well, maybe it was sometimes. But she tried not to let it become a regularity. When others panicked, she was always the one to insist everyone calm down and make a collected decision with wisdom. After all, freaking out never solved any problem.
Two voices became louder and louder as they seemed to near the car. One was Carlos'. Katheryn smiled softly. Just to know he was near her was a relief.
"Alright then, she's all yours." She heard Carlos' say to the leader of this company. The words sent a chill throughout her. Her smile faded to none. Whatever did he mean by that?
A soft tap on the door…And then the window whirred as it eased downward ever so slowly, allowing a stream of light within. She was shocked that such a warehouse could be so well lit at night and still be hidden from outside sources.
Carlos stooped to look inside of the car. He winked just before he eased back under cover. "You're going to be with us tonight, little lady. And you're all mine for the night before I hand you over in the morning."
Katheryn began to understand his hidden meanings and dared to smile but stopped herself for fear someone or something was watching or listening. Instead she clasped her lips together as the smile nearly came to fruition. It was enough of a signal, she told herself before relaxing.
"Come on," Carlos shouted to the driver to unlock the limo's door. Carlos' tugged on the handle impatiently once…then twice…then finally succeeded in opening it the third time. "Get a move on!" He shouted harshly with a subtle smile to ease any fears the young woman may have.
Katheryn urged herself forward and out of the open car and took in a deep, unseen breath. But her relief was short-lived.
##
A steady light spread inside the little room from the dilapidated lamp in the corner. The shade was layered in ominous dust and the bulb flickered every few minutes. A hazy silence filled the little room where Carlos and Katheryn took shelter in away from the crooks. It was a horrible undercover story that Carlos had devised. But it had worked nonetheless.
"Are you warm enough?" Carlos asked as he peered through the small opening in the door that he had since bolted shut. They were safe for now he had told himself.
"Warm? Any warmer and I may as well bake." Katheryn attempted a smile.
Carlos stifled a chuckle as he bent low beside where Katheryn sat, removing his coat and sunglasses as he settled onto the floor with a sigh. "I hope you don't think of me badly now."
"Why would I think of you badly?"
"Well…," he paused. "Since I had to be that bad guy back there."
Katheryn looked at him directly. "No worries. I understood everything you said. You were only keeping your cover. And for that I am grateful."
Carlos was taken aback pleasantly and settled into his own thoughts, looking away and to the flickering light ahead as he mused.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Katheryn teased, bringing forth the first question Carlos had ask her when they had met last week.
Carlos laughed softly. "Oh, nothing." A frown erased his light-hearted response.
"What?" Katheryn's concerned showed.
"I, um, I was just thinking about," he struggled to finish. "I was thinking about my brother."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. He, um, he got killed awhile back. It was blatant murder."
Katheryn said nothing…only listened.
"When we were kids, he said he always wanted to be in police work. He was the good kid you know. He wanted to save the world." Carlos smiled towards Katheryn as he spoke before returning his gaze to the room around them. "When I fell in with the wrong crowd, he was watching me. I think he was saddened that his brother had gone wrong. Now I'm the one getting the bad guys, and he…and he's not here to see it."
Katheryn could sense his emotions wearing thin. Yet she could not understand Carlos' meaning for speaking of his brother. "I think he can see you now," she offered. "I'm sure he's looking down from heaven and smiling. I think he knows who you have become."
Carlos exhaled. "You are just like him, you know."
Katheryn focused on his words as Carlos spoke.
"The mediator…that he was," Carlos rose to his feet and paced to the door and back, coming to a stop at Katheryn. "He always had the right words…Like you just did."
A shy smile eased from the corner of Katheryn's lips as she looked upwards. Standing to her feet, she sighed. "I don't suppose you could call for room service?" She attempted to pull a smile from Carlos and succeeded.
"I'm afraid not," he chuckled and pulled a couple of protein bars from his coat pocket on the floor. "But I did manage to sneak these in." He handed one to her and she accepted.
A mile away, a "delivery truck" sat in a secluded area by a grove of trees just beyond Leo's bookstore. Ranger Trivette covered his headset's mic, "I am beginning to wonder if putting those two together was really a good idea."
Ranger Walker furrowed his brow. "Why do you say that?"
Trivette stifled a smile. "You know how it's not good to let your emotions get in the way of an undercover job?"
"Yeah."
"Well!" Trivette urged as if his partner should know what he meant.
"Well what?" Ranger Walker teased.
"Well," Trivette sighed. "You could cut the atmosphere with a knife with those two. Sandoval is smitten with that girl."
"No, he's not."
"Yes, he is."
"No, he's not."
"Yes! He is!"
"Okay," Ranger Walker surrendered, aggravating Trivette.
"All I'm saying is, can Carlos keep his head on straight in there?" Trivette reasoned.
"Detective Sandoval is a good cop. One of the best in fact. He'll be okay."
Trivette sighed. "O-kay."
A chuckled surged through the speakers of the hidden mics.
"I know," Katheryn insisted, stifling a chuckle. "That has always bothered me too."
Carlos wiped a tear from the corner of his eye from laughing so hard.
Back in the "delivery truck," Trivette cast a very sarcastic glance towards Walker.
Walker only shook his head. "They're fine, Trivette."
Trivette threw up his heads and feigned a surrender without saying a word.
A loud knock pounded its way upon the large iron door causing the twosome to quiet instantly. Carlos hurried to put his disguises back in place as he moved to unbolt the door. Yet he did not open the door as he spoke. "Who's there?"
"Parker!" a voice barked in return.
"What do you want?" Carlos raised his voice.
"The boss wants to know if the accommodations are all right."
Carlos wrinkled his forehead as he thought through his next words. Katheryn held her ground with caution, watching Carlos as he searched his thoughts. She could tell he wasn't sure what was happening.
"Yeah," Carlos retorted. "Everything's all right if you like dumps. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
The man on the other side seemed to chuckle. "Then you two enjoy yourselves."
"Wait!" Carlos shouted, hoping the man would not walk off.
"What?" the man barked even louder.
Carlos motioned for Katheryn to move away from view as he was in the process of easing the door open. He eased outside.
Parker moved aside. "What do you want?"
"A deal," Carlos nodded once.
"What kind of deal?" Parker wrinkled his forehead.
"Tell your boss that he can only have the girl…on one condition." Carlos eased closer to the man as he lowered his voice.
"No conditions, smart guy. You already dealt with the boss. What he says goes."
"I know. I know," Carlos nodded. "Let's just say, I need a bit more to be convinced to hand the pretty gal over."
"I see." Parker seemed to be interested now.
"Where does your boss keep the good stuff?"
"Now," Parker backed up one step, lifting his hands slightly as if in apprehension. "I can't do that. Besides, you'll get your cut."
Carlos reached a hand and tugged on Parker's collar within his fist. His knuckles turned white. "You sure about that?"
The big man didn't so big any more. "Alright! Alright!" Carlos let him go. "I'll take you to it."
"Good."
"Give me one hour," Parker insisted, dusting off his leather vest.
"No. You'll take me there now." It was far too risky too let this fear-filled man escape into the night with a promise as thin as a shirt string.
Katheryn eased her way to the door, narrowing her focus to listen closely.
Carlos nodded towards Parker, pointing his finger at him. "Wait here." Detective Sandoval returned to the little room and sighed, gathering up the few items there and handing them to Katheryn. He looked her in the eyes directly. "Hang on to these and stay put. I'll try to be quick, get the evidence, and come back in half an hour. Bolt the door when I leave. Wait by the door until you hear my signal. I'll knock three times in a row very gently. Got it?"
Katheryn nodded eagerly and held her gaze as she listened. "And if they come before you do?"
Carlos tried to dismiss the thought. "I won't let that happen."
Katheryn nodded once more although an eerie feeling possessed her for a brief moment as she took satchel from Carlos and watched as he walked back out of the room. She hurried forward to close and bolt the door behind him before any suspicion could be aroused.
"Alright, Parker. Lead the way."
Katheryn pressed up against the door and strained to hear any voices. Two sets of footsteps echoed out of sync and into the distance, getting quieter and quieter until they were no longer noticeable. Her neck soon was tired from the strain, and she reached a hand to massage her neck softly. Panic seized her as she realized her listening device was no longer around her neck. The satchel she held cascaded to the ground as she fell to her knees, searching every inch of the room for the mic. It was nowhere to be found. Yet she breathed a sigh of relief as she found it had fallen into the satchel just moments ago.
Sending a prayer of thanks upward with closed eyes as she clasped the small item in her hands, Katheryn whispered into the mic, using the code words Carlos had told her to use in certain situations. She prayed that they had heard her. For she had no way to know nor no way to hear a voice in return.
Twenty minutes felt like twenty hours to Katheryn although she tried not to be anxious. She had prayed most of the time. And those brief moments of prayer had seemed to make the time pass quicker. One minute of praying seemed to be far shorter that one minute of worry she had estimated.
Three slow and uniform knocks sounded upon the large bolted door, bringing Katheryn to her feet with a broad smile as she crossed to unbolt the door as quick but as quiet as possible. Easing the door open rather swiftly, her smile soon faded from view.
"Expecting someone else?" A smile played at Parker's lips.
Katheryn nearly stumbled upon an answer but could not speak any words as fear seized her. Attempting to remain calm, she tightened her lips together and took a deep, unseen breath. "What have you done with him?"
"Oh," Parker leaned against the opposite wall and toyed with the pistol in his hands. "He's safe…," his eyes turned, narrowing against Katheryn's own eyes. "…unlike young women who play act along with an officer just to get their daddy off the hook."
Katheryn was forced to process each word faster than she would have wished. They still assumed her to be Leo's daughter Darla. But what had they done to Detective Sandoval?
She swallowed hard. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Oh, don't be coy." Parker smiled broadly, his light stubble creasing under the pressure of his deceptive looks. He laughed, "I bet that store's just about burnt to a crisp right about now." He laughed some more.
"What have you done?!" Katheryn demanded.
"Aww," Parker reached a hand, caressing her cheek with sympathy. "Is daddy's little girl upset?"
Katheryn took hold of the hand that rested on her face and secured it tightly in her grasp. She slapped at Parker's face with all her might and dashed forward with all her might only to meet with the boss himself as she wheeled around the corner and to a halt.
"Going somewhere?" the tall man cackled, securing a rather uncomfortable hold on Katheryn's arm. She grimaced as he held her, walking her back to an area she had no knowledge of.
"Carlos?" she cried as she saw Detective Sandoval secured to a chair his hands tied behind his back. He had a black eye to show for his efforts.
"Oh, so that's your real name." The "boss" laughed softly, his steps sounding upon the cement floor of the little warehouse room as he crossed to where Carlos remained. He crouched down…slowly…easing into Detective Sandoval's face. "I don't like being lied to." He was far from pleased.
Parker took hold of Katheryn's arm and nearly threw her across the room. She landed on foot a few feet away, standing behind Carlos maybe three or four feet. Katheryn choked back her fear and tried searching for some of the bravery she was always so sure she had. She remained faceted to her place in the room although no hand held her there. Her necklace! She had nearly forgotten all about it. Surely help would be on the way soon. They had to have heard all that had happened…she hoped.
Katheryn closed her eyes and breathed a silent prayer. A door suddenly slammed shut, causing her eyes to jolt open wide from the surprise. They were alone.
The dank room echoed her voice as she exhaled. Darkness covered the room and was only omitted by a small lamp in the corner much like the one they had left behind. Except this time…they were far from the safety they had taken for granted not a short while ago.
"You remember what you said the other day?" the Detective queried as Katheryn immediately sought to free him.
"What's that?" Katheryn stood to her feet, searching the room for a sharp enough object to cut the ties. She found a pocket knife and prayed it would be sharp enough as she knelt once more, sawing back and forth against the stubborn material.
"You were saying how my line of work was so brave and admirable." Carlos smiled sarcastically, straining slightly to look back at her. "You still think that?"
Katheryn nodded. "Of course. Got it!" The ties snapped, and Carlos brought his hands forward, rubbing at his sort wrists. "Does it hurt?" Katheryn winced.
"No, not at all," Carlos attempted a smile. "Now," he glanced upward. "Time to find a way out of here."