CHAPTER ELEVEN
Both of them had showered and changed into jeans and thick sweaters. Todd was seated at the table pouring over Gaines’ record book. Karinna sat opposite him and cradled a cup of coffee between her hands.
He systematically went through it page by page. He sighed deeply and glanced up at her. “You weren’t kidding…this guy’s an asshole. He has a list of suppliers as long as my…” He smiled slightly.
Karinna smiled back, the tension broken a bit. “That short, huh?” She quipped.
Todd grinned and pointed his finger at her. “That’s enough outta you. Don’t make me have to come over there,” he threatened. He closed the book and turned serious. “We can’t stay here any more, Karinna. Gaines is coming, and I’m not gonna sit here like a chump and wait for him.” Karinna nodded. “I know, I’m ready to go when you are.”
Todd got up from the table and picked up a small duffel bag. He unzipped it and pulled out his guns. He laid them on the table and shrugged his gun belt on. The P7, he put in the holster underneath his armpit. He placed a booted foot up on the chair and adjusted the Velcro teardown around his calf. He fitted the .45 in, and tugged his jeans down. He reached in the bag and pulled out a couple of oblong cylinders and dropped them into his pocket.
Karinna watched him. He did it with the ease and familiarity of someone who had done it a hundred times before. He looked tough, remote, and every bit as dangerous as Christian. His hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail. The scar stood out sharply. He crossed the room and grabbed his coat.
“Come on, we have to leave.”
“Okay,” she said softly. She felt safe with him, and safe wasn’t a feeling she’d had in a long time. She put on a coat and took her suitcase.
They stepped out into the thick drizzle. It was cold and damp out. Todd closed his fingers around her upper arm. He cut his eyes in every direction. The forest was silent, only the light tapping of rain hitting the leaves was heard. It was a wall of green and sage, impenetrable in the mist.
He tensed, and they continued walking towards the carport. They were almost there, when he suddenly pushed Karinna hard. She slammed into the side of the Shelby painfully. “Stay down,” he rapped out.
She scrambled back around the other side of the car. She hunched down with her head between her legs, breathing hard, and feeling like she would faint from sheer terror.
Todd pulled out his guns and ducked behind the carport wall. “You stay outta sight until I call you, do you understand me? You stay cool and everything will be fine,” he said in a low voice.
“Oh God,” she breathed. “Please be careful Todd, he’s killed before,” she whispered. She was terrified for him. Christian was out there and he wanted them dead.
“So have I,” he muttered. He took a quick peek out. They were out there. He knew it…he could feel it. He stepped out into the open; his guns were up and ready. He quickly crossed the carport and stepped behind an ancient oak tree. Breathing harshly, he rested his .45 against his cheek. He scanned the dense woods around him. He saw a tan HumVee parked a ways down the muddy road. The hairs on him arms stood on end. He saw a quick flash of brown. He pointed the gun and squeezed off a shot. He stepped out from the tree and fired two more shots, then reached into his coat pocket. He pulled the pin out of a concussion grenade with his teeth, and lobbed it into the woods. The impact was deafening. Two men staggered out and dropped to their knees dazed. Todd came up on them and kicked the guns out of their hands. One of the men drunkenly came to his feet and Todd hit him on the temple with the butt of the .45. He pointed it at the other man, “You make one move, I’ll punch a hole between you’re eyes,” he said in a flat voice. “Get the fuck down.”
The man dropped back to the ground and laid down, still stunned from the grenade.
“I’m impressed, Manning,” a voice called from inside the carport. “You’ve managed to disarm my men. But I have the girl and I want what’s mine.”
Todd whipped around and pointed his guns at Christian Gaines. He was standing behind Karinna with a Glock pointed at her temple. One powerful forearm was across her throat.
Gaines whispered in Karinna ear, "You tell this asshole to back off, or I will kill you.”
“Todd, “ Karinna sobbed. “Please just go…go okay?”
“Hey Gaines,” he challenged, ignoring Karinna completely. “Why don’t you stop being a pussy and get out from behind the girl, huh?” He smiled a toothy, white smile. “Come on, you miserable cocksucker…let’s go,” he taunted.
Christian threw back his head and laughed. “Nice try, prick. On any other day but today, I’d dearly love to come out there and kick you’re ass into the ground, but I just don’t have the time to waste.”
Todd grinned; he looked like a stone killer. “Nahh…you’re an old fuck,” he said in an arrogant tone.
Christian glared at him. The comment cut, and he fell right into Todd’s mind game. “Still young enough to put a hurt on you,” he threatened. Todd shook his head. “Yeah…whatever. Let’s stop the bullshit shall we? Let her go.”
“Why the hell would I do that?”
Todd laughed then; he let it roll out. “Because…I have this…” he pulled up his sweater. The book was shoved in the waist of his jeans. He tipped his head to the side. “And I know that you want this more than you want her. Don’t you, Gaines?”
“Youstupid motherfucker,” he snarled. Christian yanked Karinna’s hair and pressed the gun hard against her temple. Karinna clenched her eyes shut instinctively. She sucked in a sharp breath and waited to die.
Todd raised an eyebrow. “Do it and you’re a fuckin corpse. Let her go, and I’ll give you the book.” His face was carved in stone. He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t for one second think I’m bluffing…I don’t bluff.”
Christian laughed low-down and dirty. “Fuckin her, huh? Yeah…I know, she’s a fine piece of ass. I had her first,” he said, knowing instinctively which one of his buttons to push. He licked the side of her face obscenely. “Hope you know who you’re jammin it to, Manning. Cause she’s a whore and a liar…she was pregnant with my child. Didja know that? Lost it on purpose too,” he said with an evil smile on his face.
Todd cut his eyes to Karinna. They hardened when he saw the look on her face. Gaines was telling the truth. “Do you want the book or not,” he said coldly. “Because you’ll never see it unless you let her go.”
One of the men slowly got up from the ground. Todd pointed one of the guns at him, the other, he keep locked on Gaines. He glanced at the man. “I thought I told you to stay the fuck down…”
He fired once and grazed the man in his leg. The man howled in pain and dropped to the ground.
He turned his attention back to Christian. “I’m getting really tired of this bullshit. Either you let her go now or I’ll kill you.”
Christian gritted his teeth. He abruptly released Karinna and gave her a hard shove. “You don’t hand that book over I’ll kill her and take my chances.”
Karinna walked slowly towards Todd, afraid she was going to get hit in the back. As she advanced toward him, the look on his face almost stopped her in her tracks. It was cold and hard. He looked at her with contempt.
“Where are the keys to the Hummer?” He asked sharply. Christian gestured to the unconscious man. “He’s got em.” He looked at Karinna. “Get them.”
Karinna did as she was told. She rifled through his pockets and took the keys. She silently handed them to Todd.
He fired two more shots and hit the front and rear tires of the Shelby. He spared Karinna a quick glance. “Get in the truck,” he snapped. She turned and walked toward the big vehicle. Todd dropped the record book in a puddle of muddy water.
He walked backwards and kept his gun trained on Gaines. At the same time Christian advanced towards Todd and the book, his gun was up and ready.
Todd glanced back quickly and eased into the Hummer. He started the huge engine and gunned it. He made a hard U-turn and stuffed Karinna’s head down between her legs. A hail of bullets hit the truck just as he shot off down the road. Todd jumped on it and rumbled over the muddy track. Christian Gaines stood in the middle of the road and emptied his clip in the disappearing taillights of the SUV.
Todd breathed a little. He kept his eyes on the road and said nothing. He stared out, and looked distant and closed off.
Karinna was shaking badly. Not because of what just transpired. But because of what Christian told Todd. Of course, he had to put his own negative, hateful spin on it. “Todd”…she began.
“I don’t want to hear anything you have to say,” he breathed quietly. He didn’t even bother looking at her. “Gaines is gonna come back, this thing isn’t over…”
“What do you mean?” She asked.
He looked at her amazed. “Did you really think that I’d give him that information?” He shook his head, smiling sarcastically. “Man…I guess we don’t know a damn thing about each other, do we?” After delivering that perfectly timed, poisoned-dart, he pulled out the pages to the record book. “All Gaines got was the empty cover.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The rest of the trip was done in complete silence. After Todd told her he’d taken the pages out of the book, he stopped talking. The expression on his face discouraged conversation. He stared stonily out at the road and hadn’t uttered a word for a couple of hours.
Karinna looked out the window at the rain, and for the umpteenth time tried to work up the courage to speak. “Where are we going?” She asked quietly.
Todd glanced coolly at her. “Darcy’s.”
Karinna felt her heart jump. “Why are we going there?” The prospect of seeing that woman was not a happy one. Face it…you’re jealous of her and Todd’s relationship.
He smiled unpleasantly. “Because I trust her. She’s really the only woman I that I do trust, other than Rosa.”
The comment stung, just like he had intended it too. Karinna stared straight ahead and blinked back tears. The fact that he didn’t trust her hurt her more than she could’ve ever imagined. She took a deep breath. “Well, I don’t trust her, not at all. She looks like…some kind of army-babe reject. “ Karinna knew she sounded like a bitch, but she couldn’t help herself.
Todd shook his head disgusted. “Typical,” he remarked, in a smartass tone.
Karinna glared at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Todd smiled sarcastically. “You don’t know a goddamn thing about her. So who are you to judge? Lemme tell you a little about Darcy. She’s a MIT graduate. She graduated top in her class in Mathematics and Physics. She has a genius IQ that’s off the charts. She flew fighter planes down in Desert Storm, and hold’s a third degree blackbelt. You really don’t want to fuck with Darcy, ya know?” His face was angry and tense. “She’s smart and loyal, and I respect her. I will not put up with you’re petty, jealous, bullshit as far as she’s concerned…do you understand me?”
Karinna nodded her head. “Yeah…I understand you,” she whispered. She spent the rest of the trip staring out the window, trying to hold back her tears and retain some of her pride.
Darcy lived in an old farmhouse, in Mill Valley. She refurbished the place herself, and it was truly amazing. It sat on five acres of rolling pastures. She kept a couple of thoroughbred horses. They were prancing friskily in their corral.
They rolled up to the gate that surrounded the place. There was a flat metal box on it with a keypad. Todd punched in a few numbers and the gate slid open. As they slowly drove up to the main house, Todd smiled. Darcy was leaning casually against one of the columns on her front porch. She had one hand out of sight that Todd knew was holding a .357 Magnum. No petite guns for Darcy, she didn’t fuck around. The Magnum would blow a two-foot hole into anything that came in its path.
When she saw who it was, she relaxed and put the gun behind her back. She strode down the steps with a quizzical look on her face.
Todd shut off the ignition and got out. He didn’t even look to see if Karinna followed him or not. “Hey, I need a favor,” he asked. “Do you mind if we stay here for a couple of days?”
Darcy glanced at Karinna. “Ah…yeah. You know you’re always welcome here, Todd. You too,” She added to Karinna. “Come in, and then you can tell me what happened.” She raised an eyebrow and grinned slyly. “A HumVee, Todd? Uh…that’s a little bigger then what you’re used to isn’t it?” She teased. Her voice was husky and warm.
Todd smiled at his friend. “I can handle it,” he said easily. He tipped his head towards the house. “Jesus, it’s cold out. Let’s go inside, huh? Then I’ll tell you everything…” The two of them walked up the stairs talking freely to each other.
Karinna dragged herself up the stairs like she was going to an execution. The jealousy clawing up her throat was almost suffocating. It was obvious that Todd had no interest in her. He was in love with his good friend, Darcy. It was as clear as glass. She held her head up. Fine, she was done then. If he didn’t want her, then she certainly wasn’t going to grovel. She walked into the house and tried to close herself off emotionally. Yeah right…who are you trying to kid, huh? You love him and it’s killing you to see the both of them together.
She stepped into the spacious living room and stood coolly taking in the room. She tried not to stare at Todd and Darcy; they were standing close to each other, speaking quietly.
They were about the same height and looked perfect together. Darcy’s head was tipped up slightly because Todd was an inch taller. She was wearing a pair of black jeans and tight black sweater. She looked sleek and sexy.
Todd excused himself and addressed Karinna for the first time in hours. “Why don’t you go upstairs and rest awhile, I know you must be exhausted.” He stared blankly at her. The way he phrased it was more like a command then a suggestion and it rankled. “I’m not the least bit tired, but hey…thanks for you’re concern,” she said tartly. She glared at him.
Darcy bit her lip to hold back a smirk. “Uh…listen, I need to take care of some stuff. Karinna, if you’re tired you can use the second room to the right. It’s upstairs… you can’t miss it. I’m gonna be in my study, so I’ll see ya later.”
Todd touched her arm as she passed by. “I’ll catch up to you in a minute.”
Darcy nodded and disappeared down the hall. He in three quick strides he was in Karinna’s face. “Don’t you ever speak to me like that again, do you understand me?” He thrust his face close to hers.
“Me?” She cried. “You’re the one who’s given me the silent treatment all day long. Then when you do speak to me, you treat me like dirt. I’m not going to put up with it, Todd,” she said breathlessly.
He bunched his jaw. “Well guess what? You have no goddamn say in the matter. You lost those rights when you lied to me, yet again.”
“I did not lie to you!” She shouted.
He closed his fingers around her upper arm and roughly jerked her to him. “You carried that man’s child and you didn’t tell me,” he said in a quiet, deadly voice. “I waited for you to spit in his face and call him a liar. But you didn’t.” He brushed his lips over hers, and squeezed his eyes shut briefly. And you want to know why? Because you’re the liar…”
Karinna drew in a shaky breath. “Please…if you would just listen…” “How could you sit there and lie to me?” He interrupted. He pressed his forehead hard against hers. “You knew that it was something that I’d want to know…you knew it, and you still kept it from me,” he said coldly. “So…is it true then? That you also lost you’re baby on purpose?” He looked at her with barely disguised contempt. He couldn’t imagine his life without his child. How could she throw hers away?
Karinna stepped back from him. The hurt look on her face almost made him feel ashamed for asking the question. He hardened his heart.
“Well…did you?”
“How could you ask me that?” She whispered. “I have nothing to say to you…” She shook her head and turned away from him. She raced upstairs and found her bedroom. She curled into a small ball on the bed and cried until she had no more tears left.
****************************
Karinna rolled over groggily. She peered at her wristwatch. “Jesus,” she muttered. She’d been asleep for a couple of hours. She sat up in the darkened room. The rain was relentless and gloomy. It was only five thirty and it was already dark out. She sighed softly as the memories of a few hours ago came flooding back to her.
It physically hurt to think that Todd had such a low opinion of her. He thought she killed her own baby. Tears slipped down her face. She wiped them quickly with the back of her hand when she heard the door to her room open.
Todd walked in and placed her suitcase on the floor by the closet. He headed straight for the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Karinna stalked into the bathroom. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” She demanded.
Todd pulled his sweater over his head and tugged his boots off. “Taking a shower,” he replied. He calmly began to unsnap his jeans and stepped out of them. He raised an eyebrow. “Are you gonna stand there and watch me?” He asked sarcastically.
Karinna glared at him. “Why are you taking a shower in my room? Take one in your own,” she said icily.
He laughed in her face. “This is my room.”
“Then I’ll ask Darcy to put me in another one.” Karinna turned away. Todd grabbed her arm and spun her around. “You will do no such thing,” he said quietly. “You’re staying put.”
Karinna jerked her arm free. “I’m getting really sick and tired of you pushing me around.”
“Yeah? Well tough shit,” he sneered. “I am the only thing keeping you from getting killed. So like it or not, you have no choice but to do exactly as I tell you.”
“I hate you,” she trembled.
“Yeah…I know,” he said in a bored tone. “You’ve said it before, so all you’re doing now is repeating yourself,” he paused to step out of his underwear. “I’d like to take a hot shower so if you don’t mind, I’d really like to do it in peace.”
Karinna clenched her fists. “Gladly!” She shouted. She strode out of the bathroom and slammed it behind her. He was without a doubt the most arrogant, pig-headed…jerk she’d ever come across. And you love him… that’s why he has the power to hurt you… “Shut up,” she muttered to her stupid conscious.
She ran her fingers through her hair and walked downstairs. The living room was empty and silent. She could smell something cooking. Huh. She cook’s too.
She wandered around the room picking up knick-knacks and trying to get a handle on just what kind of woman Todd’s “friend” was. The woman herself entered the room looking like a vision. Karinna gaped at her. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands.
“Hi, Karinna,” Darcy smiled. “Did you manage to get some sleep?”
“Yes…thank you,” she said faintly. The other woman was a dream in black velvet. The severely cut pantsuit was chic and stylish. The jacket was nipped in sharply at the waist, it was held together by one onyx button. The cut was of the jacket was deep, it buttoned below her navel and she wore nothing under it. All you could see was white, pearly skin.
Naturally her hair and makeup were applied perfectly, as well. Karinna’s discomfort level rose about ten notches. An exotic perfume wafted lightly through the air. “Good. You looked like you could’ve used the downtime. Are you thirsty? I have wine or mineral water…”
Before Karinna could even answer, Todd came walking down the stairs looking devastatingly handsome. She wanted to slap his arrogant face. He too, was dressed formally. Hip, in Armani slacks and a coal black sweater. His hair was loose at his sides and he smelled like soap, cologne, and toothpaste.
She felt rumpled and totally underdressed. She still had on jeans and a sweater. She cut her eyes to Todd. “You didn’t tell me that it was such formal attire.” Her green eyes were hard and glaring.
Todd smiled whitely. “No?” He said innocently. “Huh. I coulda sworn that I did… hmm…Ya know what? You’re right, I didn’t. I think it was because you were so pissed off, and you left before I could tell you,” he rapped out. He was grinning like a smartass. He knew there was no way in hell she’d discuss that in front of Darcy.
Karinna’s nostrils flared slightly. There was no sense in provoking him, there was nothing he wouldn’t do or say. She kept her cool and completely ignored him. It didn’t really matter anyway; she had no formal attire. All of her clothes were still at Christian’s house. She turned to Darcy. “I’ll take a Martini if you have one,” she said pleasantly.
Darcy smiled, amused. “Why absolutely…stirred or shaken?” There was a faint challenge to her tone.
Karinna smiled back, equally as amused and feeling more than a little challenged. “Stirred…with a pearl onion…if that’s no bother,” she coolly. “None at all,” replied Darcy. “In fact, I’ll join you,” she said lightly.
Todd walked behind the mahogany and steel wetbar. “Relax Darcy, I’ll make us a pitcher,” he said with a charming smile. “We accomplished a lot together this afternoon. I can’t thank you enough for all your help.”
Darcy looked at Todd amazed. He, never in his life would say something so sweet and civilized to her. Todd could mind-fuck with the best of them, and she felt sorry for Karinna. One look at him and you knew he was up to no damn good.
“Uh…thanks, Todd,” she mumbled. “Skip the onion. I’ll just have a shaved lemon rind. She turned and crossed the room putting as much distance as she could from herself, to the two of them.
He expertly stirred the Martini and poured them into three glasses. He handed Karinna hers. “That was with an onion right, “ he inquired. He looked at her indifferently.
“Yes,” she said tartly. She took the glass from him and took a sip. She turned, and gave him her back.
He waked over to Darcy. “Here’s your drink,” he said softly. Hey...you mind if I take a sip? I’ve never had one with the lemon rind in it.” He drank deeply and gave her the glass. “Mmm.…that’s perfect,” he said, running his tongue over his lips. “I think I’ll have mine the same way.” His tone was teasing and intimate.
Darcy grit her teeth slightly. The last thing she wanted or needed was to be dragged into his love life. Man…and he had it bad for the redhead. She rolled her eyes slightly. “Well you just go ahead and do that then,” she cooed sweetly. “And let me finish what’s left of my drink in peace,” she added, her dulcet voice slipping dangerously for just a second.
Todd smirked a little and strolled across the room to the bar. The silence was uncomfortable. Darcy stared into her drink and Karinna was moodily gazing at some point off in the corner of the room.
The only one who looked comfortable and at ease, was Todd. He took his cocktail and drifted over to the small loveseat that Darcy was seated on. He eased himself next to her. He stretched his arm across the back of the couch and sipped his drink. “Darcy has some important information. I think you’ll be interested in what she has to say.” He casually cupped the back of her neck and absently rubbed the side of her throat with his thumb. The motion wasn’t wasted on Karinna; she dragged her eyes away from Darcy’s long, slim throat and looked her in the eye. “What information do you have for me?”
Darcy leaned forward to set her drink on the coffee table, effectively shaking off Todd marauding hand. He let it slid slowly down her back before he rested it on his thigh. She dearly wanted to kick her friend in the shins for this little torture game he was forcing her to participate in.
“Yes I did actually, and it may help you. Christian Gaines is currently under investigation with the FBI and the DEA. I’ve got a friend that’s in the bureau, and tomorrow I’m going to ask a few question’s and see if I can’t find out exactly what they have on him.”
Karinna nodded her head. “Yes. I guessed that he might be. Every time anyone ever came to the house they were searched with a wand. He had the entire house swept twice, daily. He was completely paranoid.”
Darcy smiled. “Well, tomorrow I’ll see what I can dig up. In the meantime you must be hungry…let’s eat.” She got up and smoothed down her pants. Todd stood also. He took Darcy’s arm and they walked out of the room and into the dining room. He didn’t even bother glancing back at Karinna.
She drained the rest of her drink and poured herself another. She felt a wave of dizziness hit her. She had to get something into her stomach before she touched another drop of alcohol.
She made her way into the dining room just as Todd was pulling Darcy’s chair out for her. As Karinna approached her own chair he sat down and dropped his napkin on his lap. She clenched her jaw and pulled out her chair and sank down in it. She took another healthy gulp of her drink and set it down with a hard thud. “I’m starved,” she said abruptly. “So what are we eating, anyway?” Her eyes were sparkling dangerously. She had a don’t- fuck- with- me look on her face and it was directed straight at Todd. Darcy looked mildly surprised at her little outburst. She buried her nose in her drink and waited to see what would happen next.
Todd raised a glossy eyebrow. “Shaved Foie Gras and Arugula salad with Spaghetti all’Astice.” He paused to take a long swallow of the ruby red Merlot in his wineglass. “Ever had it?” He asked a trace condescendingly. “Spaghetti with lobster?” She grinned coldly. “Hey…I’m full blooded Italian…Sicilian to be exact. And yes, of course I’ve had it. I much prefer Gamberoni Grigi al Gratin.”
Todd smiled slightly. “Yeah…it’s alright, but I just don’t care for the Friuli white wine that goes in it,” he said laconically.
Karinna set her jaw. No matter what, he always seemed to come out on top. “My, my…we sound like a chief, is that what you do when you’re not hunting down people like dogs?”
Todd threw back his head and laughed, but his eyes were chips of amber flint. “Touché, Karinna. And yes, I did prepare this meal. After all the help Darcy has given me I felt I owed her this treat.” He glanced at Darcy and put his hand over hers. “I mean it, Darce…I really appreciate it,” he said softly. He looked at her intently. He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles. Karinna had enough abuse for one night. She drained her glass and stood up, scraping the chair back. “Excuse me, but I really couldn’t choke down a bite. Darcy…thanks for finding out the information on Christian, I am grateful. I think I’m going to turn in for the night. I have had my fill…of everything.” She walked out of the room with her head held high. She took the stairs two at a time and threw herself on the bed. She lay trembling and out of breath. “I hate you,” she whispered brokenly. She wiped the tears from her eyes and seethed.
If Todd thought he was going to continue to treat her this way, then he didn’t know her at all. She quickly got up and walked over to her suitcase, she tossed her clothes out and pulled open a false bottom. There were three stacks of money bound together with a thick rubberband. She had about twenty-six thousand dollars left.
She grimly tucked the money in the waistband of her jeans and tugged her sweater over it. She threw on a leather coat and quietly tiptoed down the stairs. She made it to the front door without incident. She opened it silently and closed it behind her. The icy wind and rain took her breath away. She tucked her head in her chest and ran to the barn.
It smelled like wet hay and horseflesh. The two stallions whinnied and stomped around, sensing they were not alone. Karinna went to the smaller of the two. “Shh…it’s okay fella, “ she crooned softly, gentling the horse. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She kissed it on it’s velvety nose and hoisted a saddle from a the wall and placed it gently on the horses back. She knew about riding and harnessed the stallion quickly and efficiently.
She swung a leg over and smoothly mounted the beast. She dug in her heels and led the horse out of the barn and into the night air.
She heard a sharp click to the left of her.
“Going somewhere?” Todd Manning stood just outside the barn staring at her. His voice was as cold as a gravediggers. The click she heard was the hammer of a .357 Magnum being cocked. He had it pointed straight at her.
To be continued…
