Unexpected Consequences (18 page)

“You’re sure she won’t get hurt?”

The look of concern on Nick’s face must have given away the fear he carried deep inside. “Let’s just do this so we can get her home safely, okay?”

“This had better work,” Bart growled as they headed back to his car.

* * * *

Fatigue overtaking her, Kelsey had managed to drift off for a short time when the clanging of the door suddenly woke her. She darted from the bed and stood in the corner, trying to prepare herself for what was to come.

The man who entered was barefaced—no mask or coverings. He was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. The fact that she could now identify him scared her.

He set down the tray he was carrying on the small table. “You must be hungry,” he said as he turned and looked at her. “You need to keep up your strength, right?”

Although she despised the leer he was giving her, she forced herself to look into his eyes. Brown. Definitely not the same person who’d visited earlier, but that was apparent from his demeanour alone. He wasn’t as cordial, not as polite, if that was possible under the circumstances. The voice seemed familiar, though. He might have been one of those who had grabbed her, but she couldn’t swear to it. Why he’d allowed her to see his face, she wasn’t sure.

“Well, come on, little lady. Eat up,” he instructed, but didn’t move from where he stood.

She looked down at the tray, unable to prevent her mouth from watering at the sight of a nicely prepared meal. Her stomach was growling, having been too busy to eat lunch, but she was hesitant to try what had been prepared for her.
Is it drugged?

“It looks good, don’t it? It smells good, too. Come on, eat.”

On the plate was a steaming scoop of mashed potatoes, a small pile of green beans, a golden dinner roll, and, in the middle, a beautifully roasted chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces.

“Come on. Eat. I have to stay here until you finish. Don’t make me leave with the tray still full.”

“Do you mind?” She motioned for him to move aside, summoning as much dignity as she could.

Giving in to hunger, and fearing the repercussions of refusing the first food offered, she sat at the table and picked up the only utensil on the tray. “A spoon?”

“Can’t exactly give you a knife, now, can we? And forks can be just as dangerous.”

She tentatively took a bite of the chicken.

“Good, huh?”

“It’s okay.” She figured, if he had to stay until she finished, perhaps she could get some information out of him.
You attract more flies with honey.
She adjusted her attitude. ”What’s your name?”

“You can call me Wally.”

“Is that your real name?”

He gave her a confused look, shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

“I suppose you wouldn’t tell me why I’m here.”

“I don’t know. I just do what I’m told.”

“That’s what the Nazis said at Nuremburg,” she mumbled under her breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, nothing. These potatoes are good.” She spooned a bite. “Are you one of the guys that took me?”

He looked at her nervously before giving her a slight nod.

“Thank you,” she said softly, “for not hurting me.”

“We were instructed to bring you in unharmed.”

Although the thought made her stomach lurch, his interest in her was evident by the way his gaze continuously shifted from her face to her body. The last thing she wanted to do was encourage him, but she needed to know what she’d gotten messed up with. With a tilt of her head and a smile she asked, “And you have no idea why I was brought here?”

“I don’t know. It has something to do with Jensen.”

Her flirty ruse ended at the mention of Nick’s name. “Jensen?”

“Yeah. Nick Jensen. I hear the two of you are real close,” he said with a creepy smile.

“How do you know Nick?”

“I’ve worked with him here and there. Boss was lucky to get him on board. He’s good. Well, he was good, until lately.”

“What do you mean?”

“Guess he didn’t accomplish his latest assignment on time. He was distracted.” The sleazy look on his face made her lose her appetite.

“What assignment?”

Wally sat across from her. “He was lookin’ for a guy named Kapman.”

“Kapman?” she whispered very softly.

“Yeah. I guess a week was too long to wait. Boss got antsy.”

A week? Wally’s words faded as she thought back six nights, to the night she had met Nick.
Did he know? His surprise seemed genuine when Bart and I saw him at Shindigs and we realised they knew each other. Was it an act? Did he hook up with me to get to Bart?

“You okay? Hey, lady?”

“Huh? Ugh.” She groaned and dropped her spoon against the tray.

“Are you okay?”

“Take this away, please,” she said as she pushed the food away. She started reviewing every moment she’d spent with Nick.
What did he say? Were there clues? Was what we shared real?
“I think I’m gonna be sick.”

She stood quickly, searching the room for something, anything suitable. She gasped when she saw the small bucket in the corner. Dropping to her knees, she began retching as countless images of Nick ran through her mind. Memories that wouldn’t stop.
No, it can’t be true.

“Oh, man.” Wally groaned as he backed away. “Uh, are you… Are you okay?”

“I’m okay now,” she whispered, wiping her mouth with the napkin from her tray. “I’m okay.”

“I’ll uh… I’ll just get rid of this.” He picked up the pail with his fingers and held it as far away from his body as he could. He opened the door, setting it outside, then turned back for her tray before leaving.

She crawled onto the cot and curled into a foetal position, using every ounce of strength not to cry before the strange man left her alone. Once the door had slammed shut, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed as the pain began to seep through every inch of her body.

“Wally!” TJ had been trying to work his way up the ranks of the Gianelli organisation for some time, but it seemed no matter what he tried, he managed to mess it up. His determination and loyalty kept him in his boss’ good graces, but tonight he was stuck with guard duty.

“Hey, TJ,” Wally said. He balanced the tray of food and bent over to pick up the bucket.

“How is she?”

“Sick. She threw up.” He nodded to the soiled pail held delicately between two fingers.

“She okay now?”

“Seemed it. Oh, and before I forget.” Wally handed TJ the tray before reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out a cell phone. “She had it on her when we snatched her. It rang when we were putting her in the van, so we turned it off after we took it from her.”

“Her phone?” TJ grabbed it and pushed the tray back into Wally’s arm.

“Dude, I gotta get rid of this before I hurl. You need anything before I leave tonight?”

“No, I’m cool. Go ahead. I’ll watch her.”

Wally turned towards the stairs. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See ya.” TJ slid the phone into his back pocket. He’d deal with it later. He settled on the chair outside her door and kicked his feet out. Keeping watch always made for a long night.

Chapter Twenty-One

Bart and Nick walked silently into the large office. The cabinets were crafted with the finest woodwork, rare paintings adorned the walls, and the bar was stocked with expensive crystal glassware. The house itself was larger than any Nick had ever seen, and included the wing dedicated just for offices, the largest of which was where they now stood.

Nick took a seat in front of the desk as Bart paced the room, inspecting as much as possible while they waited for their host to join them. Nick knew he was trying to find any possible recording or surveillance equipment, but as much money as this Gianelli had, anything he used would be so discreet it would be virtually impossible to spot with the naked eye.

“Would you relax, man? You’re a bundle of nerves,” Nick said, beyond irritated.

“This isn’t a social visit. Need I remind you this asshole has my sister?”

“No, you don’t!” Nick snapped, trying his best to keep his voice down as he stood to face Bart. “She’s all I can think of, and I told you I want her back more than you do!”

Bart rolled his eyes, his distrust of Nick obvious, but for now, they had to work together—at least until Kelsey was safe.

“Gentlemen,” the distinguished figure said loudly as he entered from a side door, “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

Bart and Nick remained silent, neither moving from their respective places as they watched the boss sit behind his desk.

“Sit, please,” Gianelli motioned to the chairs.

They did as requested, but waited for the man to speak.

“I trust the guards at the door didn’t give you too much trouble,” Gianelli said, referencing the pat-down both had been subjected to when they’d entered the house. “You understand, security can be difficult for a businessman such as myself. Can’t be too careful.”

Bart scoffed at his words. “Businessman? Is that how you justify yourself? By calling yourself a businessman?”

Gianelli continued as if Bart hadn’t spoken. “So, Detective Kapman, I understand you’re interested in doing some business with me.”

“Interested? You certainly have a way with words. I’m willing to listen to what you have to say.”

Gianelli looked from Bart to Nick, who was struggling not to reach over the desk and strangle the son of a bitch. “Okay, Detective. I’ll get right to it. I’d like your help.”

“Help with what?”

“The Brookfield Police have some pretty damning evidence against Ernesto Romano… Evidence you were instrumental in gathering.”

“Yes…”

“I’d like it to disappear.”

“Are you kidding? You want me to destroy evidence? Even… Even if I wanted Romano to skate, how do you suggest I do that? You think I can just walk evidence against a major drug dealer out the front door undetected?”

“I have faith in you, Detective. And, I assure you, you will be well compensated for your efforts.”

Bart stopped arguing and stared at Gianelli. “How well compensated?”

Nick suppressed his reaction, but he was shocked by Bart’s tone of voice.
He’s playing a part, right? He’s not really interested in working with Gianelli. He can’t be.

Gianelli grabbed a pen and scribbled a figure on a small piece of paper before passing it across the desk to a contemplative Bart. Nick could see by Gianelli’s smug smile that he believed Bart would agree.

“This is how much you’ll pay me? Just for destroying the evidence?”

“For starters, yes. Of course, I may want some other services from time to time.”

“This is more than twice what I make in a year.”

“Almost triple, if I’ve calculated correctly.”

Nick continued to watch Bart’s reaction.
He’s a damned good actor.
The genuine interest was beginning to concern him. But, he’d been in Bart’s shoes. The money was awfully tempting. He knew that better than anyone.

“What other services?” Bart asked.

“Well, nothing comes to mind right now, Bart. May I call you Bart? But perhaps someday in the future, I may find having a decorated police detective an asset.”

Nick sighed, knowing exactly what that meant. Taking this deal would mean that Bart was selling his soul to the Devil. In any other circumstance, he suspected Bart would tear up the paper and storm out of the room regardless of how difficult it would prove to be, but this bastard still had his sister, so Bart was left with little choice.

“And if I agree, you let Kelsey go?”

“I’m afraid I can’t help with the location of your sister, but I will tell you this. You agree to join my team and I will put all my resources into locating her. I have no doubt I’ll be able to find her.”

“You fucking son of a bitch,” Nick mumbled quietly into his hand as he rubbed his jaw. The rage was growing, and he was finding it difficult to remain in his seat.

“You’ll put all your resources into locating her?” Bart mocked with a laugh. “That’s such a comfort, Gianelli.”

“Take it or leave it, Detective.”

Bart sat still, quietly staring at the figure written on the small piece of paper. “I’ll take it. Like I have a choice.”

“Oh, there’s always a choice, Detective, but, as you know, choices have consequences… Some good and some bad.”

Bart nodded in disgust before rising from the chair. “So you’ll be sure to
find
my sister?”

“I’m afraid it’s not quite that easy, Bart.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Nick growled as he stood, no longer able to quash his anger. “You said if I brought you Kapman, Kelsey wouldn’t be hurt!”

“I’m afraid I can’t just take your word for it. Sorry, Jensen, but I don’t trust you. I want proof that evidence has disappeared. Then I’ll help find your girlfriend.”

“Don’t call her that,” Bart grumbled.

Nick took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself enough to talk with his boss. Regardless of his personal feelings, this monster still had Kelsey somewhere, and if he made a wrong move, she could get hurt. He wasn’t about to let that happen. “Look, can you just tell us if she’s okay?”

“How would I know that, Jensen? I don’t know where she is,” Gianelli said innocently.

“Cut the crap, asshole!” Nick yelled, stepping towards the desk. “You better not touch one hair on her head, you got that?”

Nick felt Bart’s hand on his shoulder. “Nick, let’s just go, okay? I gotta figure out what to do. I may need your help.”

A few calming breaths helped Nick regain control. “You got it, man.”

Gianelli smiled. “Very good, Detective. I think our new arrangement will work out just fine. You bring me proof the evidence is taken care of and you’ll get a nice, big pay cheque.”

“And my sister?” he asked.

“I’ll do my best.”

* * * *

Kelsey didn’t cower when the clang of the door again jerked her from sleep. A man, covered in black from head to toe, stepped in and approached her. There was no way for her to see any distinguishing marks. All she could see was the soft amber shade of his eyes. “Come on.”

“Where… Where are we going?”

“Bathroom. You’ll be allowed to clean up, and then I’ll bring you back here.”