Misguided Target (5 page)

Kane

My body was still vibrating with anger; I ordered another drink before slamming the rest of the scotch in my glass. I had a feeling there wasn't enough alcohol in the world to make me forget the last thirty minutes. Not only had I finally confronted my brother about how I felt about him, but I also learned that Kendall, the cool, funny, smart, beautiful woman I spent the night with was in fact a hooker who may or may not be sleeping with my brother. It was a great day to be alive because my life was awesome at the moment.

I let out an audible sigh as the bartender handed me my drink. I glanced behind me, spotting James walking away from Kendall. I couldn't help staring at her. I didn't understand my luck; of all the girls in the world that I could have met and sort of fallen for, why did she have to be this person? Why did she have to do this for a living and why did she have to be involved with James? Fuck.

Kendall seemed to be heading in my direction and I quickly spun my head around, feeling the uncontrollable urge to get the hell out of there. Given the things I've faced in my job, it was ridiculous that a woman was making me want to run and hide like a frightened child. My heart raced as she stopped a foot away from me and ordered a glass of wine. It was odd, somehow despising this woman while all the while not being able to take my eyes off her. Even though my brain kept reminding me of what she was, although that fact was slowly being overridden by the drinks I'd consumed. I found myself replaying last night's event in my mind. The way her lips tasted and the way her breasts felt pressed up again me. Dammit.

I considered walking away from her until I heard a man's husky voice, “My dearest Raina, I'm so happy I found you.”

I glanced over at the man who had settled in the empty space between her and me. “Hello, Francis, how are you?” she asked, not doing a very good job of hiding the irritation in her voice.

“Better now that I've found you,” he offered with an annoyingly flirtatious tone. “I called Dom to book you tonight, but sadly you were already taken. Worst of all, I've been told after tonight you will no longer be available. I've wanted to take you out for years now, and it seems like such a waste for you to be here with James.”

“A waste? Oh, how so?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink, clearly humoring him.

“Well everyone knows James' preference is to fuck the others and play wifey with you. So sentimental that he wanted to be your last date, although I could have shown you a better time for more money.”

“James and I are friends. We have been for a long time and he always shows me the wonderful time, with tonight being no exception,” she offered. Her voice remained even but I could tell he'd hit a nerve. Even though I was angry with Kendall for lying to me, I had to admit this guy was starting to get on my last nerves too, I didn't like the way he was talking to her and my patience was starting to wear thin.

“Listen, I won't beat around the bush. Although it's morally appalling, I would still like to get together with you. Even if it's off book, I'd be willing to pay you double,” he propositioned, and I found myself gripping my drink glass tight, fighting the urge to grab this guy's greasy black hair and slam my fist into his face.

“Thank you for that generous proposition, Francis. It is however with great regret that I must remind you I am in fact retired. No more bookings for me, but I'm sure Dom can offer you many other women who would gladly jump at that fine opportunity,” she answered, her voice sweet as honey while still peppered with sarcasm. I found myself doing an inner fist pump because the thought of her sleeping with this creep or really any guy made me want to do bad, evil things.

“I'm not really sure what the fucking problem is here, Raina,” he stated, irritated. “I'm disgusted by your profession but I've heard you're the best and given that you're a
whore
and I'm willing to pay you, I don't see the issue.”

“Listen, Francis, you're drunk so I'm going to let this little outburst slide. I suggest you step away now before you embarrass yourself in front of your colleagues,” she requested sternly and I found myself turning around to face them, waiting for the opportunity to take this guy out. I took a step towards him ready to grab this guy by the throat, but she waved her hand signaling for me to stop. I didn't understand this girl. This douchebag was disrespectful, and yet she wouldn't let me help her.

“I'm not going anywhere,” he threatened taking a step towards her grabbing her by the arm. She didn't flinch. She just stood a little taller, staring him in the eyes.

“Okay, let me get this straight, you are disgusted with me because of my profession and yet you insist this strongly on wanting to have sex with me?” she asked calmly as he nodded his head, a smug look plastered on his face, “Ignoring the fact that this is completely and utterly contradictory, for the sake of discussion let's discuss. What is it about my job that upsets you so much? Is it truly a moral outrage or legal one?”

“The whole thing makes me sick. Anyone who has sex with someone who pays them is at the very least a disgusting human being. The fact that you've had sex with so many men is also appalling.”

“Just me? You're the one who wants to pay me. Does that not make you equally disgusting?”

“No because I'm doing the fucking I'm not the one being fucked,” he answered like a total idiot who thought this was the most logical thing in the world. I'd like to say it was because he was clearly too drunk to make any sense, but I'm not so sure that was the case here. I think he is just a good old-fashioned moron that I would like to punch.

“Well that's where I think you're wrong because getting paid to do something is generally the better end of any agreement, is it not? Who knows though, Francis, maybe you're right. You're a handsome, rich and powerful man with a killer body, so I'm sure you've had your fair share of action with women. You'd know more about sexual intercourse than me,” she complimented with a coy smile, running her index finger along his jaw. It instantly released some of its tension.

“Yeah, you could say that. Ladies love me,” he answered, peacocking like a fool over her compliment. He clearly didn't understand she was not only mocking him while also manipulating the hell out of him. This woman was good and this guy was a tool. I don't know who in their right mind would hire him as a lawyer.

“I'm sort of ashamed to admit that I've been with at least twenty men, possible more, which I know is a lot more than the average woman, but I somehow doubt it's more than your number. I've seen the way women respond to you. You're incredibly appealing, I bet even clients hit on you and want to sleep with you, and rightfully so.”

“Well you'd be right. I've had my fair share of them,” he answered smugly, now garnering the attention of a few men nearby.

“So by that logic, we've now established that were both arguably 'whores' by your previous definition. Now if we look at the legal objection due to the exchanging of money –”

“We are nothing alike, you bitch,” he sneered, cutting her off and roughly releasing her, causing her to stumble a bit.

“Oh, but I think we are. Tell me that you've never slept with any of your clients. Not even one,” she demanded, taking a defiant step towards him. When he didn't answer she continued, “Judging by your silence I'm going to assume that you yourself have also had sex with someone after they paid you for your services. So I ask you then, how am I the only
whore
in this conversation?”

“Go fuck yourself, Raina!” he snapped, his hands balling up into fists hearing the men nearby snickering at their conversation. He was clearly embarrassed that she was making him look unbelievably ridiculous.

“Oh so sensitive Francis,” she teased. “I suggest you run along now and have a good night. Also, maybe you switch to coffee and water for a while to avoid such scenes in the future,” she said dismissively, grabbing her wine and walking past him settling next to me.

“I have to admit I'm impressed with how you handled that,” I complimented after a few minutes had passed, “But I still wish you would have just let me punch the guy. He was such a douchebag.”

“Oh really?' she asked her eyebrow arched with surprise. “He's a douchebag? Why?”

“Well yeah he is…' I offered awkwardly, not sure why I had to explain myself, “I mean he's an asshole for treating you like that. He called you a whore and yet insisted on propositioning you. It was ridiculous.”

“Wow, suddenly you're such a noble and caring gentleman defending my honor. The truth is that you're not really in a position to judge him. In fact, he is a drunken asshole lawyer with an ego complex and probably a small dick, but at least he isn't trying to play it off like he isn't those things. You, on the other hand, should take a look in the mirror before you start judging others, because not even an hour ago you were quite content with calling me a whore. The only difference is he didn't spend the night with
me
as in
Kendall
and didn't make
me
as in
Kendall
believe that he liked me before he made
me
feel cheap. So please save your hypocritical outrage because I have no use for it. James asked me to tell you he'll be ready to leave shortly.”

I was stunned into silence as she walked away from me, disappearing onto the terrace. I stood there trying to think of some sort of response but I couldn't argue with her. She was right, I was a hypocritical jerk.

Kendall

I inhaled the crisp air deeply into my lungs and exhaled it, willing for all the tension in my body to go along with it. As an escort I've had to deal with many men and women who treated me unkindly and the assumption that I was first of all cheap and second of all slutty showed just how little other individuals knew about what my job really way. The people who judged me too freely were also the ones who would never know or understand. Having a work persona helped me maintain control over my work life and I usually maintained a form of separation between my private and professional lives. James and Dominique taught me a long time ago to not let anyone belittle me or devalue me. Truthfully, if I did my job properly, they would never have had the ability to take power away from me and cheapen me. I was always in control and believe it or not I did have power, but Kane was the first man I had ever let into my private life. He didn't know me as Raina, he knew me as Kendall, and this was totally uncharted territory for me. I, Kendall, had not had anyone make me feel as cheap as he made me feel in a long time, and I didn't like remembering the feeling of it.

The terrace being as quiet as it was, I could easily hear the footsteps approaching me from behind. Even with my back to the door I somehow knew that it was Kane. After he stood there silently for a moment, he finally spoke, “Listen, Kendall, or I mean Raina…” he sighed audibly, “Fuck, I don't even know what to call you. Fuck! I'm sorry I didn't mean that rudely. It's just… listen… I didn't mean to take my anger out on you but I'm just –”

I turned around and silenced him with a wave of my hand, “Listen, Kane, it's fine. I understand you have a lot going on with your brother and probably others things in your life and…” I paused wondering if I should in fact let him finish. He would probably give me some form of an apology, perhaps even a lie explaining to me that he did care about me but that he couldn't get involved with me. Then in return I would want to tell him the old cliché that I was more angry with myself for letting him in, but I wasn't ready to hear the rejection he was about to subject me to, or be honest with him about my own feelings. I didn't agree with him, but I couldn't be mad at him for whatever feelings or opinions he might have. Still, every time he opened his mouth he seemed to hurt me. I'd had enough hurt feelings today “Let's just chalk up meeting each other up to a memory. Your brother must be done and will likely want to leave, so we should probably go back in.”

I could tell he wanted to say something but didn't, instead he just nodded and I walked past him, heading back through the doors to James with Kane in tow. I was ready to leave and James' softening expression told me he somehow knew exactly what I was thinking.

“If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I will be calling it an evening. I have other plans to attend to,” James stated, smugly gesturing over at me as I approached. I played my role well and sent him a coy smile as I always did. We never actually had sex, but I always made it seem like we did. James often used this excuse to leave functions early. People were always so understanding of his need to leave when they thought he was going to screw some young woman. That's exactly why I was his choice date for events, I played along with the life and that way we both finished work early.

“James, you're leaving so soon?” Mr. Richton asked, sounding almost panicked, which I must say was an odd reaction.

The look on James' face told me he found it a little curious as well. “Yes unfortunately I am. Let's do lunch next week if you'd like. We can continue our chat then.”

“No, you can't leave,” he blurted out. “I mean, I really must insist you stay a little longer.” Richton persisted, regaining his composure, which further raised flags for me. Why was it so important that James stay? Richton was an asshole but not usually this pushy. He especially has never had issues with us leaving early in the past. Kane took a step towards us, looking rather alert. Something about his stance seemed defensive, which had me thinking he was also getting a bad vibe. Kane barely knew this man, so the fact that he reacted this way had me all kinds of worried.

“No, not tonight, but thank you so much for your hospitality. This was a lovely evening. Raina, Kane, the car is waiting outside,” James said, looking at us both and waiving a hand at the exit.

Once I'd grabbed my coat and we were safely outside I glanced up at James, who appeared much more on edge than usually. His demeanor was normally so calm. “Was it just me, or was that a little weird?” I whispered once we were out of earshot, fighting the urge to look back to make sure we weren't being followed.

The U.S Capitol Police who served as James' security team met us in the parking lot. I was incredibly happy that James was a senator who often opted to have protection when he was in Washington, “Yes. To say he seemed fixated on me staying is an understatement. I'll feel better once we're away from here,” James offered, looking around nervously.

“James… what's going on?” I asked, concerned, getting the feeling we were in danger.

“I'm not sure. Now is not the time to discuss it, but we should call Dom once we're in the SUV to tell her we're leaving, and to stay clear of here,” James answered, which received questioning glances from both Kane and me. He was being evasive, but whatever it was it clearly involved Dom.

“Sir, O'Connor is heading this way with the vehicle. We should hurry,” one of his security men stated. I spotted the black SUV speeding down the parking lot and quickly braking in front of us. We hurried towards it when Kane barked, “Stop!”

“What is it?” James asked, confused.

“Someone's here,” Kane warned, and within seconds there was a flash of light followed by a groan and the sound of a car horn. Instantly Kane grabbed me by the forearm and we fled behind a nearby vehicle.

“What happened? What was that?” I asked breathlessly, feeling panicked.

“A gunshot. Stay here! Don't move unless someone is coming,” Kane demanded before quickly disappearing into the darkness. I adjusted my crouched position so I could easily see my surroundings. I could hear men fighting close by, but I couldn't see what was going on. I heard a gunshot followed by a scream and a loud thump. My heartbeat was pounding in my ears. I barely registered what was going on around me. A strong pair of hands grabbed me from behind and dragged me from my hiding spot. I screamed as loud as I could, but the man slapped me hard across the face, sending me stumbling backwards onto a vehicle.

“Where's the man you were with? Did that coward leave you all alone?” The man questioned with an evil smile spreading across his lips. I had no clue where Kane was, and even if I did I wouldn't have told this asshole. I knew one thing for sure: Kane would not leave me here.

“Russ! We got the senator and all the security detail is dead. We have to bring the girl too! We have to move!” A nearby man shouted at my attacker as he wrapped his arm around my waist and dragged me towards a blue GMC SUV with blacked-out license plates.

“Let me go!” I shouted, trying to free myself. I dug my heels into the asphalt in an attempt to gain what little traction I could. I looked around frantically as we inched closer to their SUV. I knew if they got me in there I'd be doomed. I heard a loud gasp followed by what sounded like a loud twig breaking and suddenly my assailant released me. I looked up to find Kane standing over my attacker's dead body. I could tell by the distorted way his neck looked it had been broken.

Sirens rang in the nearby and Kane grabbed my hand and we quickly ran over to a nearby bush, settling into a crouched position. “Shouldn't we be running towards the sirens or something?” I whispered in confusion.
Why are we just sitting here?

“No,” he answered, watching intently as the blue SUV stayed put even with the police cruiser approaching.

“Why aren't they leaving?”

“That's a good question. Let's wait and see,” Kane offered, pulling me in little closer to him as we watched the scene unfold. The squad car pulled up next to the blue SUV. The police officer on the driver's side of the vehicle got out and walked over to the passenger side of the blue SUV.

“Where's the woman?” the cop asked, which gathered meant me.

“She got away but she wasn't alone, there was some other guy with her.”

“Fuck, Marty! This was supposed to be clean and discreet!” The officer said, angrily running his hands through his hair.

Have you found where that bitch lives yet, at least?” The guy named Marty asked, angrily lighting a cigarette.

“No, and no luck on the lists yet either.”

“Dammit!” he hissed roughly, running his hands through his greasy blond hair, “Well we will see what Mr. Senator here is willing to share. Hopefully it's more than that French bitch. Clean up this mess. We'll talk soon.” And without another word the SUV sped off.

“So the cops are involved in all this?” I asked in disbelief. What the hell was happening here?

“Looks like it. That means we won't be able to depend on them for help. What the hell has James gotten himself into?” Kane asked aloud to himself. “We should get out of here.” He grabbed my hand and we took off running in the opposite direction through the wooded area as far away from the parking lot as possible.

After we ran for what felt like a forever, we reached a bar parking lot. Kane stopped abruptly. “Stay here. I'll be right back,” I wanted to protest but I was too tired and out of breath to get the words out. Within moments Kane pulled up beside me in a green Toyota Camry. “Get in Kendall.”

“Did you steal that?”

“Really, Kendall? After everything that's gone on tonight getting into a stolen vehicle is where you draw the line? We don't have time for this! Get in,” Kane spat, exasperated, before I reluctantly got into the stolen vehicle and he sped off.

“They took James…” I whispered after a few minutes.

“Yes, it appears as though they came for him and you too.” Kane answered, never taking his eyes off the road. “Any ideas why they came after you guys?”

“No clue at all,” I answered, bewildered, seeing his eyes glance my way as though he wasn't sure I was telling the truth, “Honestly, I have no clue. I mean I'd tell you if I did!”

He nodded, seeming satisfied. “I wonder who called the cops. Shouldn't we have stayed there to give our statement?” I inquired, unsure what the proper procedure was for this sort of thing, but it seemed inappropriate to just leave the scene of a crime.

“I called the cops using one of James' security personnel cell phones. That's why it took me a second to get to you when that scumbag took you. Calling the police was just to buy us some time to escape. My guess is that the cops who are in on it were close and opted to respond, which is why they showed up so quickly and without backup. I know professionals when I see them, and these men were professionals. They have the added bonus of having cops on their side, which means whoever orchestrated this must have deep pockets and a lot of power. They came for James and for you and until we figure out what the hell is going on and why, we need to be careful and smart.”

I was trying process everything that was going on. This whole thing was completely insane. How had I gotten in the middle of it? What did they want with me? One name came to mind,
Dominique
. “We have to get to Dominique,” I stated frantically getting a confused pair of eyes staring back at me.

“Why?”

“James started acting weird and he said he needed to contact her. The man back there mentioned a 'French Bitch'. That can't be a coincidence. She knows something about what's happening. I know where she lives Kane.”

Kane was quiet a moment, thinking, “Fine, I don't like this idea but we don't have much else to go on. We'll ditch the car a few blocks from her place.”

Kendall

Kane and I climbed the fence leading to Dominique's backward. Kane insisted on us staying as hidden as possible so we wouldn't draw any attention to ourselves. The lights were on inside the house, but there didn't appear to be much movement. The back door was eerily ajar but there were no sounds coming from the house. Something told me this wasn't a good sign.

“Do you think they took her?” I asked, knowing someone had been here. I was a little unsure as to whom that someone was.

“Possibly. Wait here, I'm just going to check the house quickly.”

“No! I'm not staying out here by myself. I'd rather be in there with you. I'll stay back. I won't get in the way. Please,” I pleaded. He let out a deep sigh before nodding in agreement. Relief flowed through me; the last I wanted was to be alone out here.

“Be careful and quiet and don't touch anything. We don't want anyone to know we were here,” Kane insisted as we made our way through the back door. I could see the house had been ransacked. Whoever had been here had obviously been looking for something. I walked down the hallway which led to a series of rooms including Dominique's office. I entered and was taken aback by all the misplaced and broken furniture. There were papers everywhere and there appeared to be bloody handprints on the wall. My pulse quickened in my terror at what I might find on the other side of her desk.