She shifted her feet and a sharp pain shot up her legs,
every muscle was screaming, an involuntary groan to
come from her dry throat but it was muffled by the dirty
rag covering her lips. The intense heat and closeness of
so many bodies was starting to make her woozy, sick to
her stomach. She imaged the others were bound as
tight as she was. Thick masking tape covered the rage in
her mouth. Her arms cramped from being forced behind
her back. The coarse rope binding her wrists rubbed
deep sores as she constantly fought for freedom.
Was it only this morning that we had been carefree and
incredibly happy? The morning had started so
promising. Everything had been wonderful; the sky had
been clear and bright as she and Bianca made their way
back to school. They were ready to start the last
semester of a long six years. They rode in her birthday
present a brand new 2007 convertible sports car. The
sun had just crept over the horizon, as they zoomed
down the road. Pale shades of rose, peachy-orange and
yellows streaked the soft blue of the sky as she zoomed
by with the top down. She swore she could smell the
clean, crisp morning drew that filled the air. Her thoughts
had been so simple, even trivial. Why do mothers have to
cry every time you leave home? Rachel had wiped a tear
from one of her eyes. She would miss her family. She
always did. This was her last year as an intern, the very
last semester, she had just taken the bar and was
waiting on the results hopefully next year she would be a
full fledge criminal lawyer. But her parents wouldn’t
understand that she was an adult now. She could take
care of herself. They still treated her like a child. Having
just reached the age of twenty-four, she was ready to be
on her own.
every muscle was screaming, an involuntary groan to
come from her dry throat but it was muffled by the dirty
rag covering her lips. The intense heat and closeness of
so many bodies was starting to make her woozy, sick to
her stomach. She imaged the others were bound as
tight as she was. Thick masking tape covered the rage in
her mouth. Her arms cramped from being forced behind
her back. The coarse rope binding her wrists rubbed
deep sores as she constantly fought for freedom.
Was it only this morning that we had been carefree and
incredibly happy? The morning had started so
promising. Everything had been wonderful; the sky had
been clear and bright as she and Bianca made their way
back to school. They were ready to start the last
semester of a long six years. They rode in her birthday
present a brand new 2007 convertible sports car. The
sun had just crept over the horizon, as they zoomed
down the road. Pale shades of rose, peachy-orange and
yellows streaked the soft blue of the sky as she zoomed
by with the top down. She swore she could smell the
clean, crisp morning drew that filled the air. Her thoughts
had been so simple, even trivial. Why do mothers have to
cry every time you leave home? Rachel had wiped a tear
from one of her eyes. She would miss her family. She
always did. This was her last year as an intern, the very
last semester, she had just taken the bar and was
waiting on the results hopefully next year she would be a
full fledge criminal lawyer. But her parents wouldn’t
understand that she was an adult now. She could take
care of herself. They still treated her like a child. Having
just reached the age of twenty-four, she was ready to be
on her own.
Forgive Me,
My Love
One
Eyes half closed, birthday girl Rachel McKinney felt
her head slowly falling back and she let it. The loud
thump echoed through bare metal, and jarred her
awake. Blinking rapidly against the sting of salty sweat
in her eyes, she had a desperate need to lick her
bound lips. It was hard to swallow with her mouth
stuffed full of some kind of disgusting rag, but she
tried anyway. As far as she could tell, it was dark, all
she could see was maybe an inch in front of her face.
They had been driving hours. She closed her eyes
again and the relief was instant. The constant strain of
trying to see through the blackness surrounding her
was beginning to take its toll. Salty sweat rolled down
her forehead plastering her hair to her head, neck and
back. Her skin was sticky and moist she felt every fiber
of her clingy orange dress. A soft whimper came from
her left, followed by the rustle of cloth. Every now and
again she could hear muffled crying. It came from the
far right corner of the hollowed out van in which they
traveled. She knew Bianca was some where in the
tangled mix of bodies.
Thank God I’m not alone. As soon as the thought ran
through her beleaguered mind, she was filled with
shame. It was wrong to wish this kind of thing on
others and she immediately regretted it. She knew
there were other women with her, all as unwilling as
herself. But it would give them all a better chance at
escape.
My Love
One
Eyes half closed, birthday girl Rachel McKinney felt
her head slowly falling back and she let it. The loud
thump echoed through bare metal, and jarred her
awake. Blinking rapidly against the sting of salty sweat
in her eyes, she had a desperate need to lick her
bound lips. It was hard to swallow with her mouth
stuffed full of some kind of disgusting rag, but she
tried anyway. As far as she could tell, it was dark, all
she could see was maybe an inch in front of her face.
They had been driving hours. She closed her eyes
again and the relief was instant. The constant strain of
trying to see through the blackness surrounding her
was beginning to take its toll. Salty sweat rolled down
her forehead plastering her hair to her head, neck and
back. Her skin was sticky and moist she felt every fiber
of her clingy orange dress. A soft whimper came from
her left, followed by the rustle of cloth. Every now and
again she could hear muffled crying. It came from the
far right corner of the hollowed out van in which they
traveled. She knew Bianca was some where in the
tangled mix of bodies.
Thank God I’m not alone. As soon as the thought ran
through her beleaguered mind, she was filled with
shame. It was wrong to wish this kind of thing on
others and she immediately regretted it. She knew
there were other women with her, all as unwilling as
herself. But it would give them all a better chance at
escape.
“What is it?” She turned and lowered the sunglasses
Bianca squinted at Rachel. “You know us old folks need
our rest.”
“What do you mean old?” Rachel laughed. “You are only
two weeks older than me.”
“Yeah, yeah what do you want? I need to get some sleep
if I'm going to be up all night again.” Bianca announced.
“You weren't complaining when it was your birthday.”
“That's because I didn't want to go anywhere, you forced
me to go. And we only stayed out until two A.M. not five A.M.”
“Well if I hadn't made you go celebrate what would you’ve
done?”
“I would’ve been perfectly happy flirting with Stay's
boyfriend at our place.”
“Ha, ha!” Rachel laughed. “He’s too cute for her, maybe if
she wasn’t so mean.”
“Yes he is,” Bea was saying. “But I heard he’s about to
dump her.”
“No, for who?”
“I don't know and I don't care.” Bianca waved it off.
“But you should, maybe this is your chance. You haven't
had a boyfriend in six months.” Rachel insisted.
“And you know why,” Rachel was upset to see some of
the glow leave Bianca’s face as she settled back into the
seat and put her shades back on.
“Yes, I know, but the Doctor said you were just a carrier
for HIV. You don’t have aids. There’s only a small chance
that you could give it to some one.”
Bianca gave her the meanest look she could muster but
Rachel didn’t cringe. “I’m a walking death trap. Any and
everyone I touch could die Rach. Why would I do that to
him? Why would I do it to anyone?”
Bianca squinted at Rachel. “You know us old folks need
our rest.”
“What do you mean old?” Rachel laughed. “You are only
two weeks older than me.”
“Yeah, yeah what do you want? I need to get some sleep
if I'm going to be up all night again.” Bianca announced.
“You weren't complaining when it was your birthday.”
“That's because I didn't want to go anywhere, you forced
me to go. And we only stayed out until two A.M. not five A.M.”
“Well if I hadn't made you go celebrate what would you’ve
done?”
“I would’ve been perfectly happy flirting with Stay's
boyfriend at our place.”
“Ha, ha!” Rachel laughed. “He’s too cute for her, maybe if
she wasn’t so mean.”
“Yes he is,” Bea was saying. “But I heard he’s about to
dump her.”
“No, for who?”
“I don't know and I don't care.” Bianca waved it off.
“But you should, maybe this is your chance. You haven't
had a boyfriend in six months.” Rachel insisted.
“And you know why,” Rachel was upset to see some of
the glow leave Bianca’s face as she settled back into the
seat and put her shades back on.
“Yes, I know, but the Doctor said you were just a carrier
for HIV. You don’t have aids. There’s only a small chance
that you could give it to some one.”
Bianca gave her the meanest look she could muster but
Rachel didn’t cringe. “I’m a walking death trap. Any and
everyone I touch could die Rach. Why would I do that to
him? Why would I do it to anyone?”
Rachel remembered basking in the caress of the wild
wind and the sweet, warming kiss of the sun just
breaking free of the night on her mocha skin as she
roared down the road with the top down. Grinning from
ear to ear, she had punched the gas pedal with her
bright orange sandal. Texas A&M awaited her return.
“Bea, are you ready for tonight?”
Bianca stretched and yawned in the seat next to her.
“Did you say something?” It was more like a moan then
actual words.
Rachel laughed slanting her a quick look. “Wake up
sleepy head. The fun is about to start. Just wait until we
get back to the apartment.”
“Oh God Rach,” she groaned and clutched her flat
stomach. “Don't you think we partied enough?”
“Excuse me! It's not everyday a girl turns twenty-four.”
“Just let me catch up on my sleep then maybe I can
keep pace with you tonight.” She grumbled.
“Fine go back to sleep,” Rachel let her eyes run over
her best friend. Bianca's long frame was slumped
down in the seat, lying as far back as it would go. Black
sunglasses cover blood shot green eyes. Her long red
hair was pulled back in a ponytail. A form fitting lime
green dress clung to her thin body.
Last night, long after her parents had gone to bed, she
and Bianca had gone out to a local nightclub and
danced the night away. Rachel still didn’t know how
they had gotten up so early, having had only two hours
of sleep.
“Bea?”
“Umm,” came the groan of protest.
“Bea, look at me.”
wind and the sweet, warming kiss of the sun just
breaking free of the night on her mocha skin as she
roared down the road with the top down. Grinning from
ear to ear, she had punched the gas pedal with her
bright orange sandal. Texas A&M awaited her return.
“Bea, are you ready for tonight?”
Bianca stretched and yawned in the seat next to her.
“Did you say something?” It was more like a moan then
actual words.
Rachel laughed slanting her a quick look. “Wake up
sleepy head. The fun is about to start. Just wait until we
get back to the apartment.”
“Oh God Rach,” she groaned and clutched her flat
stomach. “Don't you think we partied enough?”
“Excuse me! It's not everyday a girl turns twenty-four.”
“Just let me catch up on my sleep then maybe I can
keep pace with you tonight.” She grumbled.
“Fine go back to sleep,” Rachel let her eyes run over
her best friend. Bianca's long frame was slumped
down in the seat, lying as far back as it would go. Black
sunglasses cover blood shot green eyes. Her long red
hair was pulled back in a ponytail. A form fitting lime
green dress clung to her thin body.
Last night, long after her parents had gone to bed, she
and Bianca had gone out to a local nightclub and
danced the night away. Rachel still didn’t know how
they had gotten up so early, having had only two hours
of sleep.
“Bea?”
“Umm,” came the groan of protest.
“Bea, look at me.”
“Why not? You’re a part of my family now.”
“I wish that were really true.”
“But it is, it’s as if my parents adopted you.”
“Well Simon hates me, but I can say everyone else is
great.”
“I wish we could go back, I wish none of this had ever
happened.”
“Not any more than I do,” she cried. “I wanted to kill
myself when I found out, if you hadn’t been in the car
with me I would’ve run off the road and into that bayou
by the church.”
“I don’t think you would’ve done that,” Bianca laughed
and Rachel cringed at the sound, it made her entire
body hurt.
“You don’t know what I’m capable of. You know my
mother is a trailer park queen, and a drunken whore
and I was headed to be just like her, I knew it, until this
happened.” Bianca had become thoughtful for a
minute. Rachel wondered if Bea were thinking about
what she’d told Rachel not long ago. Bea had tearfully
explained her motives for pushing Rachel to make out
with a strange man. Rachel knew Bea was sick to her
stomach with loathing for herself and she desperately
want Bea to get over it. But she could never forget that
night. Bea had confessed to wanting to bring Rachel
down to her level. She wanted Rachel to be trashy, to
get drunk and prove that she was no better than them.
Rachel was proud of herself for proving her wrong. She
had gotten no further than one drink and a few kisses.
Then she stormed through the door where Bianca was
with and the other man and demanded they leave.
“I wish that were really true.”
“But it is, it’s as if my parents adopted you.”
“Well Simon hates me, but I can say everyone else is
great.”
“I wish we could go back, I wish none of this had ever
happened.”
“Not any more than I do,” she cried. “I wanted to kill
myself when I found out, if you hadn’t been in the car
with me I would’ve run off the road and into that bayou
by the church.”
“I don’t think you would’ve done that,” Bianca laughed
and Rachel cringed at the sound, it made her entire
body hurt.
“You don’t know what I’m capable of. You know my
mother is a trailer park queen, and a drunken whore
and I was headed to be just like her, I knew it, until this
happened.” Bianca had become thoughtful for a
minute. Rachel wondered if Bea were thinking about
what she’d told Rachel not long ago. Bea had tearfully
explained her motives for pushing Rachel to make out
with a strange man. Rachel knew Bea was sick to her
stomach with loathing for herself and she desperately
want Bea to get over it. But she could never forget that
night. Bea had confessed to wanting to bring Rachel
down to her level. She wanted Rachel to be trashy, to
get drunk and prove that she was no better than them.
Rachel was proud of herself for proving her wrong. She
had gotten no further than one drink and a few kisses.
Then she stormed through the door where Bianca was
with and the other man and demanded they leave.
“That’s not true,” Rachel declared hotly. “It’s not true at
all. You know how to prevent contact, how to protect
yourself and the person you’re dating.”
“It’s not worth it,” she sighed long and hard. “I’d rather
be alone.”
“Don’t say that Bea,” Rachel couldn’t help but worry
when Bianca started talking like this.
“I feel old. I’m about to finish my last year of college
and yet my life is over before I can even live it.”
“Your life isn’t any more over than mine is.”
Bianca gave a choked laugh and stared out the
window. “My life was over that night we snuck out of your
parent’s house to meet those horrible guys.”
“I remember like it was yesterday, we were only
sixteen, it was so unfair, all we wanted was to have
some fun.”
“But you were smart Rach, you pushed your guy away
and ran. But me,” her voice wavered and her hand lifted
to wipe at her face. Rachel clasped Bianca’s hand and
held it tight as Bianca continued. “I had to go all the
way.” She shrugged. “Maybe I was trying to prove
something to myself. I still can’t live down how bad I
teased you for still being a virgin.”
“You can’t possibly know how I felt when you got sick
two years later. If you hadn’t have had that blood work
done we would’ve never known. How I prayed they were
wrong.” Rachel became quiet, and then said. “I wish I
could take your place, you deserve so much more.”
“And you don’t?” Bianca snapped. “You were the smart
one Rach, stupidity runs in my family. I knew I was
headed for rocky waters in my life. I just didn’t know how
I’d get there. After all, I can’t keep tagging along with
your family.”
all. You know how to prevent contact, how to protect
yourself and the person you’re dating.”
“It’s not worth it,” she sighed long and hard. “I’d rather
be alone.”
“Don’t say that Bea,” Rachel couldn’t help but worry
when Bianca started talking like this.
“I feel old. I’m about to finish my last year of college
and yet my life is over before I can even live it.”
“Your life isn’t any more over than mine is.”
Bianca gave a choked laugh and stared out the
window. “My life was over that night we snuck out of your
parent’s house to meet those horrible guys.”
“I remember like it was yesterday, we were only
sixteen, it was so unfair, all we wanted was to have
some fun.”
“But you were smart Rach, you pushed your guy away
and ran. But me,” her voice wavered and her hand lifted
to wipe at her face. Rachel clasped Bianca’s hand and
held it tight as Bianca continued. “I had to go all the
way.” She shrugged. “Maybe I was trying to prove
something to myself. I still can’t live down how bad I
teased you for still being a virgin.”
“You can’t possibly know how I felt when you got sick
two years later. If you hadn’t have had that blood work
done we would’ve never known. How I prayed they were
wrong.” Rachel became quiet, and then said. “I wish I
could take your place, you deserve so much more.”
“And you don’t?” Bianca snapped. “You were the smart
one Rach, stupidity runs in my family. I knew I was
headed for rocky waters in my life. I just didn’t know how
I’d get there. After all, I can’t keep tagging along with
your family.”
"I'm sorry I mentioned it,” Rachel frowned and it
marred her smooth brow, but what she had been
thinking about was worthy of a fierce frown. Now wasn’t
the ideal time to tell Bianca what she’d been thinking of
but she had to talk to someone. And she might as well
get the fight over with.
Casting a hesitant glace at Bianca, she said. “Listen, I
know you have issues with this, and I know you think I’
m being stupid but, I'm going to give in to Richard and
seep with him.”
Bianca sat up slowly; her movements measured, as if
she were fighting for control. “What did you say?”
Narrow green eyes stared at her.
“I said, since I'm going to marry him anyway, I might as
well go all the way.” Rachel had to look away from the
fire in Bianca's eyes. “Don’t look at me like that Bea. I
know what I’m doing, I’m not sixteen anymore.” She
swallowed hard and steeled herself for the fight that
was surely to come.
“No, you didn’t just say that.”
Rachel kept her eyes on the road, her nose flared, and
her cheeks grew hot. “What's wrong with that? I told you
I’m going to marry him. I decided yesterday that I want
to.”
“I knew it!” Bianca's palm slammed against the black
leather of the dashboard. “I love your family but the
minute you get around them you cave in.”
“Stop it, I know what I'm doing.” She’d been to angry to
look at Bianca and now that she thought about, she
knew it was because Bianca was right. “Richard loves
me, he always has.”
"The hell he does!” She riled. “You don't
marred her smooth brow, but what she had been
thinking about was worthy of a fierce frown. Now wasn’t
the ideal time to tell Bianca what she’d been thinking of
but she had to talk to someone. And she might as well
get the fight over with.
Casting a hesitant glace at Bianca, she said. “Listen, I
know you have issues with this, and I know you think I’
m being stupid but, I'm going to give in to Richard and
seep with him.”
Bianca sat up slowly; her movements measured, as if
she were fighting for control. “What did you say?”
Narrow green eyes stared at her.
“I said, since I'm going to marry him anyway, I might as
well go all the way.” Rachel had to look away from the
fire in Bianca's eyes. “Don’t look at me like that Bea. I
know what I’m doing, I’m not sixteen anymore.” She
swallowed hard and steeled herself for the fight that
was surely to come.
“No, you didn’t just say that.”
Rachel kept her eyes on the road, her nose flared, and
her cheeks grew hot. “What's wrong with that? I told you
I’m going to marry him. I decided yesterday that I want
to.”
“I knew it!” Bianca's palm slammed against the black
leather of the dashboard. “I love your family but the
minute you get around them you cave in.”
“Stop it, I know what I'm doing.” She’d been to angry to
look at Bianca and now that she thought about, she
knew it was because Bianca was right. “Richard loves
me, he always has.”
"The hell he does!” She riled. “You don't
But instead of following her out Bianca had laughed
and called her chicken and tried to tease her into being
bad for once. But Rachel had looked down at her and
said. “Being bad is one thing, being stupid is a whole
different ballgame. I’m leaving, are you coming?”
It had made Bianca so mad that she had gotten up and
slammed the door in Rachel’s face, then continued with
what she had been doing. Rachel remembered crying
all night long.
“We’ve known each other since we were in daycare.”
Rachel was saying. “We were a year old and we liked
each other from the start. Nothing could separate us
Bianca. No man or anything else will come between us.”
“Except my own arrogance and stupidity,” Bianca had
ranted, and Rachel’s whole body tense and her fingers
clamped hard onto the steering wheel.
“You are not a weak person and there is no way you
are like your mother.”
“You don’t know Rach,” Bianca sighed, and Rachel
had wondered if maybe she didn’t understand what
Bea was going through. “My Daddy left because he
knew, I look just like her. He knew I’d probably end up
like her and there I was, well on my way.”
“Stop it!” Rachel shouted and banged her fist on the
steering wheel in frustration. “You stop that right now!
That boy was your first and to this date he was the last
guy you’ve slept with so don’t go telling me you are
some big whore! Tell it to someone who doesn’t know
you.”
“Human Immune Virus has a way of defeating you in
so many ways.”
and called her chicken and tried to tease her into being
bad for once. But Rachel had looked down at her and
said. “Being bad is one thing, being stupid is a whole
different ballgame. I’m leaving, are you coming?”
It had made Bianca so mad that she had gotten up and
slammed the door in Rachel’s face, then continued with
what she had been doing. Rachel remembered crying
all night long.
“We’ve known each other since we were in daycare.”
Rachel was saying. “We were a year old and we liked
each other from the start. Nothing could separate us
Bianca. No man or anything else will come between us.”
“Except my own arrogance and stupidity,” Bianca had
ranted, and Rachel’s whole body tense and her fingers
clamped hard onto the steering wheel.
“You are not a weak person and there is no way you
are like your mother.”
“You don’t know Rach,” Bianca sighed, and Rachel
had wondered if maybe she didn’t understand what
Bea was going through. “My Daddy left because he
knew, I look just like her. He knew I’d probably end up
like her and there I was, well on my way.”
“Stop it!” Rachel shouted and banged her fist on the
steering wheel in frustration. “You stop that right now!
That boy was your first and to this date he was the last
guy you’ve slept with so don’t go telling me you are
some big whore! Tell it to someone who doesn’t know
you.”
“Human Immune Virus has a way of defeating you in
so many ways.”
“Yes he is,” Bianca grabbed Rachel's arms. “You don't
see it but he is. All men are dogs!” Tears filled her eyes,
Bianca said. “If you do what I did who’s going to look
after me when the time comes.” Rachel immediately
pulled Bianca into her arms hugging her close.
“Don't Bea, please don't do this,” Rachel caressed her
shaking back through her curly red hair as the tears
subsided. “I'm here for you honey, I'm always here.”
“You don't know what it's like Rach,” came the sob filled
reply. “I’m lost and I’m selfish. I love you so much. I want
you to find love Rachel. Find a man who loves you above
all else and have his children. Then I can live through
you. I’ll make the best Aunt ever, I swear.”
“You're wrong; I know exactly how it is. You are a part of
me Bea and when this happened to you, it happened to
me also.” Her arms tightened.
Suddenly bright light flooded the darkness, temporarily
blinding her. For second she saw a head full of brown
hair peak inside, then it was gone. But the door was left
open and hope was there. She kicked with all her might,
and the doors flew wide open. Rachel blinked her
eyes free of the stinging sweat and spotted Bianca right
away. Bianca nodded. She scurried towards Rachel
whose feet had just hit the ground. Looking around she
spotted no one. Rachel took one step and fell on her
face. She had forgotten her feet were still bound. Tears
welled up closing off her throat. Hot, dust filled her
nostrils. Another thud landed beside her. Turning quickly
to her left she saw Bianca struggling to get to her feet.
Suddenly the sound of booted feet crunching gravel met
her ears, her eyes widened. Frantically she rolled to her
back. Her hands opened, flat on the gravel Rachel
pushed herself into a sitting position, and then she
brought her knees under her she made it to her feet. The
sound of a single gunshot whipped her around. There
on the side of the store stood their abductors. The young
man standing between them slowly slid to the ground,
his mouth gaping, she saw stunned disbelief in his
eyes as he turned to her. Then she was screaming
through the rag.
“Christ!” The taller one shouted. “I thought you said the
damned door was locked!” He yelled in Spanish as they
ran towards the van.
“It was lock, I swear.”
Rachel screamed and kicked as she was lifted off her
feet and tossed back into the van followed by a franticly
squirming Bianca.
They were moving again. She swallowed her tears.
They would have to stop again. Next time we will escape.
see it but he is. All men are dogs!” Tears filled her eyes,
Bianca said. “If you do what I did who’s going to look
after me when the time comes.” Rachel immediately
pulled Bianca into her arms hugging her close.
“Don't Bea, please don't do this,” Rachel caressed her
shaking back through her curly red hair as the tears
subsided. “I'm here for you honey, I'm always here.”
“You don't know what it's like Rach,” came the sob filled
reply. “I’m lost and I’m selfish. I love you so much. I want
you to find love Rachel. Find a man who loves you above
all else and have his children. Then I can live through
you. I’ll make the best Aunt ever, I swear.”
“You're wrong; I know exactly how it is. You are a part of
me Bea and when this happened to you, it happened to
me also.” Her arms tightened.
Suddenly bright light flooded the darkness, temporarily
blinding her. For second she saw a head full of brown
hair peak inside, then it was gone. But the door was left
open and hope was there. She kicked with all her might,
and the doors flew wide open. Rachel blinked her
eyes free of the stinging sweat and spotted Bianca right
away. Bianca nodded. She scurried towards Rachel
whose feet had just hit the ground. Looking around she
spotted no one. Rachel took one step and fell on her
face. She had forgotten her feet were still bound. Tears
welled up closing off her throat. Hot, dust filled her
nostrils. Another thud landed beside her. Turning quickly
to her left she saw Bianca struggling to get to her feet.
Suddenly the sound of booted feet crunching gravel met
her ears, her eyes widened. Frantically she rolled to her
back. Her hands opened, flat on the gravel Rachel
pushed herself into a sitting position, and then she
brought her knees under her she made it to her feet. The
sound of a single gunshot whipped her around. There
on the side of the store stood their abductors. The young
man standing between them slowly slid to the ground,
his mouth gaping, she saw stunned disbelief in his
eyes as he turned to her. Then she was screaming
through the rag.
“Christ!” The taller one shouted. “I thought you said the
damned door was locked!” He yelled in Spanish as they
ran towards the van.
“It was lock, I swear.”
Rachel screamed and kicked as she was lifted off her
feet and tossed back into the van followed by a franticly
squirming Bianca.
They were moving again. She swallowed her tears.
They would have to stop again. Next time we will escape.
have a clue what you’re playing with!” After long tense
minutes, Bianca turned to Rachel. Catching her free
hand she held on to it. “Honey you have known this man
for thirteen months. I know your father introduced you
two, and has made it plain he wants you two to get
married, but sugar that doesn't make him right for you.
For Gods sake Rachel he is a liar and a cheat and you
know it.”
“I know that Bea, but what man isn't? You said yourself
that we have to train them.”
“The point Rachel is that he can't be trusted. You don't
need a man you can't trust.”
“So he slipped up once, everybody does.” Rachel
shook her hand free and continued staring at the
winding road ahead. She didn’t want Bianca to talk her
out of this, she was starting to feel like a fool, lying to
everyone about her sex life or lack there of.
“You know it's more than once. You don't want a man
you know lies flat out.” Bianca continued. “For no reason
at all he lied to your face, and he has cheated, not once,
but twice. Tell your father he’s wrong about Richard. Do
you want to be like me and have to take AZT every day for
the rest of your life?”
“Richard would never allow himself to become infected.
I’m sure he has too much respect for me to let me
become sick. As for Dad, I won't tell him that because I
don't think he is wrong.”
“Listen, I don't want what happened to me to happen to
you. Richard is an ass, and you know it. You have asked
Richard to get tested, to wear condoms, to respect your
wishes and what does he do?” Now she was shouting,
Rachel sighed as Bianca ranted. “He has cheated on
you three time Rachel! Who knows what he has picked
up from those girls.”
“You are exaggerating. He only cheated twice. And it was
because I hadn’t taken care of him, if I had he wouldn't
have had to do that.”
“I hear your father talking. Stop it Rachel!” She growled.
“Just stop it. If you so much as think of giving in to him
you can find yourself another friend. I won’t stand by and
watch this.”
The tires screeched in protest as Rachel slammed on
the breaks and skidded to a halt on the shoulder of the
road. “What are you saying Bea?”
Her green eyes stormy Bianca crossed her arms over
her chest. “I'm saying you and I have been friend for
twenty-three years. You are more like a sister to me than
a friend. Your parents have become my parents I actually
call them Mom and Dad. Rachel, you and your Mother
are the only people alive who know my secret. I can't sit
back and watch you fall into the same trap I did.”
“But Richard isn’t like Todd.”
minutes, Bianca turned to Rachel. Catching her free
hand she held on to it. “Honey you have known this man
for thirteen months. I know your father introduced you
two, and has made it plain he wants you two to get
married, but sugar that doesn't make him right for you.
For Gods sake Rachel he is a liar and a cheat and you
know it.”
“I know that Bea, but what man isn't? You said yourself
that we have to train them.”
“The point Rachel is that he can't be trusted. You don't
need a man you can't trust.”
“So he slipped up once, everybody does.” Rachel
shook her hand free and continued staring at the
winding road ahead. She didn’t want Bianca to talk her
out of this, she was starting to feel like a fool, lying to
everyone about her sex life or lack there of.
“You know it's more than once. You don't want a man
you know lies flat out.” Bianca continued. “For no reason
at all he lied to your face, and he has cheated, not once,
but twice. Tell your father he’s wrong about Richard. Do
you want to be like me and have to take AZT every day for
the rest of your life?”
“Richard would never allow himself to become infected.
I’m sure he has too much respect for me to let me
become sick. As for Dad, I won't tell him that because I
don't think he is wrong.”
“Listen, I don't want what happened to me to happen to
you. Richard is an ass, and you know it. You have asked
Richard to get tested, to wear condoms, to respect your
wishes and what does he do?” Now she was shouting,
Rachel sighed as Bianca ranted. “He has cheated on
you three time Rachel! Who knows what he has picked
up from those girls.”
“You are exaggerating. He only cheated twice. And it was
because I hadn’t taken care of him, if I had he wouldn't
have had to do that.”
“I hear your father talking. Stop it Rachel!” She growled.
“Just stop it. If you so much as think of giving in to him
you can find yourself another friend. I won’t stand by and
watch this.”
The tires screeched in protest as Rachel slammed on
the breaks and skidded to a halt on the shoulder of the
road. “What are you saying Bea?”
Her green eyes stormy Bianca crossed her arms over
her chest. “I'm saying you and I have been friend for
twenty-three years. You are more like a sister to me than
a friend. Your parents have become my parents I actually
call them Mom and Dad. Rachel, you and your Mother
are the only people alive who know my secret. I can't sit
back and watch you fall into the same trap I did.”
“But Richard isn’t like Todd.”
already was. “You two, untie them, if I find that status
has changed due to the recent trip here, someone will
pay with his life.”
Suddenly the ropes were being roughly yanked from
her hands and feet, then the gag was pulled from her
terribly dry mouth, peeling off a layer of skin from the
inner lining of her dry cheeks and tongue. She
cringed in pain, then lastly the blindfold was removed.
Rachel coughed desperately trying to clear her throat,
and then swallowed a few times to wet it. Blinking
furiously, her eyes flew to the other occupants of the
room. A cry of instant relief sprang from her lips as
she spotted Bianca being untied. Rachel stumbled to
her knees and curled across the bed. “Bianca! Are you
alright?”
“Rachel,” Bianca cried. “Did they hurt you?”
Rachel pulled Bianca into her arms and both girls
squeezed each other tight. “I’m fine,” Rachel pulled
back and brushed the hair back from Bianca’s flushed
face. “They don’t know who they’re messing with. You
wait until Daddy finds out, there be hell to pay.”
“On the contrary my dear Rachel I know exactly who I’
m messing with as you so quaintly put it.”
Rachel turned quick, a gasp burst from her lips and
sick dread formed in the pit of her stomach. Easing
out of Bianca’s arms, she slid off the big bed. “Mr.
Henry?” Her brow creased in a tight frown, as she
stared at the tall distinguished looking man. His black
hair was nearly covered with gray and his face had a
few extra lines creasing it then she remembered. He
had been a constant in her family’s home for years
then all of a sudden, nothing. “What is this? I thought
you were friends with my father.”
“You Americans, far too trust my dear. Your father had
been useful to me on occasion.” He shrugged, and
then walked closer to her; he lifted a stray curl from
her shoulder and mused. “You are almost as pretty as
your mother.”
has changed due to the recent trip here, someone will
pay with his life.”
Suddenly the ropes were being roughly yanked from
her hands and feet, then the gag was pulled from her
terribly dry mouth, peeling off a layer of skin from the
inner lining of her dry cheeks and tongue. She
cringed in pain, then lastly the blindfold was removed.
Rachel coughed desperately trying to clear her throat,
and then swallowed a few times to wet it. Blinking
furiously, her eyes flew to the other occupants of the
room. A cry of instant relief sprang from her lips as
she spotted Bianca being untied. Rachel stumbled to
her knees and curled across the bed. “Bianca! Are you
alright?”
“Rachel,” Bianca cried. “Did they hurt you?”
Rachel pulled Bianca into her arms and both girls
squeezed each other tight. “I’m fine,” Rachel pulled
back and brushed the hair back from Bianca’s flushed
face. “They don’t know who they’re messing with. You
wait until Daddy finds out, there be hell to pay.”
“On the contrary my dear Rachel I know exactly who I’
m messing with as you so quaintly put it.”
Rachel turned quick, a gasp burst from her lips and
sick dread formed in the pit of her stomach. Easing
out of Bianca’s arms, she slid off the big bed. “Mr.
Henry?” Her brow creased in a tight frown, as she
stared at the tall distinguished looking man. His black
hair was nearly covered with gray and his face had a
few extra lines creasing it then she remembered. He
had been a constant in her family’s home for years
then all of a sudden, nothing. “What is this? I thought
you were friends with my father.”
“You Americans, far too trust my dear. Your father had
been useful to me on occasion.” He shrugged, and
then walked closer to her; he lifted a stray curl from
her shoulder and mused. “You are almost as pretty as
your mother.”
Two
Rachel shivered; she was thoroughly bound. This
time she lay on something soft. She was in a room,
probably on a bed, that much she knew. She had been
awake for at least ten minutes trying to figure out her
situation. She knew she wasn’t alone, muted voices
could be heard, and a few lewd chuckles. She had
finally stopped gagging at the foul tasting rag that was
stuffed in her mouth and tied tight behind her head.
Some kind of cloth was wrapped so tight around her
eyes it pulled her hair causing pain with every with
movement. They had made sure her eyes were
covered and her hands and feet were still secure.
There was movement on the other side of the bed and
she froze. Then the faint fragrance of peaches hit her,
she wanted to cry with relief, and sadness. It had to be
Bianca. Rachel was so sore, and she knew as fragile
as Bianca was she had to be sore and hurting too. But
what frightened her most was that Bianca couldn’t get
her daily shot, and that would surely kill her. It had
already been, to her estimates two days. Her parents
had to be worried, Rachel was sure the College had
notified them when she and Bianca didn’t show up.
“Ah Médico que usted está aquí,” she stiffened as she
heard the heavy British accent; speaking bad Spanish
coming from her left. Why did they need a doctor? Was
Bianca hurt? “Miguel, Santos ¡venga!,” that voice, so
cold and flat made her want to shrink away as other
men were called into the room. She knew she could
never let them know she was fluent in that langue as
well as three others.
“Si Patron,” there was a scurrying of feet, and then a
door closed.
“El médico yo he sido aconsejado que la chica de
McKinney es todavía una virgen. El pelirrojo no es,” his
voice changed direction, and Rachel tried to follow it,
but she froze at the word virgin. Why did they care if I’m
a virgin? The thought frightened her more than she
Rachel shivered; she was thoroughly bound. This
time she lay on something soft. She was in a room,
probably on a bed, that much she knew. She had been
awake for at least ten minutes trying to figure out her
situation. She knew she wasn’t alone, muted voices
could be heard, and a few lewd chuckles. She had
finally stopped gagging at the foul tasting rag that was
stuffed in her mouth and tied tight behind her head.
Some kind of cloth was wrapped so tight around her
eyes it pulled her hair causing pain with every with
movement. They had made sure her eyes were
covered and her hands and feet were still secure.
There was movement on the other side of the bed and
she froze. Then the faint fragrance of peaches hit her,
she wanted to cry with relief, and sadness. It had to be
Bianca. Rachel was so sore, and she knew as fragile
as Bianca was she had to be sore and hurting too. But
what frightened her most was that Bianca couldn’t get
her daily shot, and that would surely kill her. It had
already been, to her estimates two days. Her parents
had to be worried, Rachel was sure the College had
notified them when she and Bianca didn’t show up.
“Ah Médico que usted está aquí,” she stiffened as she
heard the heavy British accent; speaking bad Spanish
coming from her left. Why did they need a doctor? Was
Bianca hurt? “Miguel, Santos ¡venga!,” that voice, so
cold and flat made her want to shrink away as other
men were called into the room. She knew she could
never let them know she was fluent in that langue as
well as three others.
“Si Patron,” there was a scurrying of feet, and then a
door closed.
“El médico yo he sido aconsejado que la chica de
McKinney es todavía una virgen. El pelirrojo no es,” his
voice changed direction, and Rachel tried to follow it,
but she froze at the word virgin. Why did they care if I’m
a virgin? The thought frightened her more than she
“Si usted coloca una mano en el niña del Negro, yo
dejaré le caer era usted se para!” The thunderous
voice halted all movement. All eyes swung to Henry
and the large black gun he held in a steady hand.
Santos moved away from the bed to stand back
against the wall, his large hands held up, and his dark
brown eyes nearly black.
“Pero usted dijo obtiene el Patrocinador de chica,” it
was an unexpected whine from such a big man. If the
situation hadn’t been so dire Rachel would’ve laughed.
To see that giant of a man squeaking like a little girl
was amazing. But you told me to get her. He had
squeaked and Rachel looked at Henry. He can’t have
that kind of power. Could he?
“Dije también que el negro no debía ser dañado en
de todos modos. Si ella descubre una marca que
usted pagará por lo.” He said in low tones.
Rachel took some comfort in that comment; she didn’t
want to think of why she wasn’t to be hurt; she hurried
to Bianca and hugged her close. “Speak English you
coward!” she sneered.
He smiled, but instead of being the friendly smile she
remembered, this time it was sinister, it reeked of evil
and her skin crawled. “I know all about Reds illness,”
he said in English and turned towards Bianca. “That
was very careless of little one. I am sorry for your fate, I
made sure we had the meds for you. I don’t know long I
will keep you alive.” He glared at Rachel. “That
depends on this little lady right here.”
“Please you have to let her go.” Rachel said, her back
straight she stared at him. “She’s not a part of this,
apparently it’s me you want, let her go.”
He grinned and she wanted to shrink away. “I’ve
watched you over the past five years. You are the type of
woman who must be controlled. Your friend is a
walking death trap to all around her, it seemed only
right to use her against you.”
“I’ll do whatever you say,” Rachel cried, meaning every
word. “I’ll crawl, beg, plead, anything just send her
home.”
dejaré le caer era usted se para!” The thunderous
voice halted all movement. All eyes swung to Henry
and the large black gun he held in a steady hand.
Santos moved away from the bed to stand back
against the wall, his large hands held up, and his dark
brown eyes nearly black.
“Pero usted dijo obtiene el Patrocinador de chica,” it
was an unexpected whine from such a big man. If the
situation hadn’t been so dire Rachel would’ve laughed.
To see that giant of a man squeaking like a little girl
was amazing. But you told me to get her. He had
squeaked and Rachel looked at Henry. He can’t have
that kind of power. Could he?
“Dije también que el negro no debía ser dañado en
de todos modos. Si ella descubre una marca que
usted pagará por lo.” He said in low tones.
Rachel took some comfort in that comment; she didn’t
want to think of why she wasn’t to be hurt; she hurried
to Bianca and hugged her close. “Speak English you
coward!” she sneered.
He smiled, but instead of being the friendly smile she
remembered, this time it was sinister, it reeked of evil
and her skin crawled. “I know all about Reds illness,”
he said in English and turned towards Bianca. “That
was very careless of little one. I am sorry for your fate, I
made sure we had the meds for you. I don’t know long I
will keep you alive.” He glared at Rachel. “That
depends on this little lady right here.”
“Please you have to let her go.” Rachel said, her back
straight she stared at him. “She’s not a part of this,
apparently it’s me you want, let her go.”
He grinned and she wanted to shrink away. “I’ve
watched you over the past five years. You are the type of
woman who must be controlled. Your friend is a
walking death trap to all around her, it seemed only
right to use her against you.”
“I’ll do whatever you say,” Rachel cried, meaning every
word. “I’ll crawl, beg, plead, anything just send her
home.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she pulled away from him not
liking the way his eyes roamed her body. “Since you
know my father so well,” she snapped trying to keep her
fear at bay. “I’m sure you realized what a mistake it was
kidnapping us.”
“Oh no dear, there is no mistake. Your father owes me;
you can leave when I get my money.” The silky
smoothness of his voice made her want to slap him.
“You can’t do this! We’re not back in the old west or in
your case the eighteen hundreds!” She raged. “I
demand you release us now.” Rachel glared at him, fire
flying from her eyes.
“Would you like to talk to your father?”
Rachel frowned at this sudden change, he sounded
almost sympathetic. “Yes.”
Henry snapped his fingers. “Miguel, get John McKinney
on the phone.”
“Si, si Patrón,” the man nodded his dark head wildly.
Rachel turned to Bianca. “See, I knew he would see
things my way.”
“Santos, bring the red-head to me.” Rachel blanched
as a huge, bald man headed for Bianca. Panic ripped
through her and she jumped in his way, planting her
feet in an attack mode, she had learned in karate.
“Don’t you touch her!” Rachel slashed out at his
massive chest, but he caught both her hands in one of
his and flung her from him. She fell face first on the bed
with Bianca’s screams ringing in her head. She turned
over quickly and shouted. “She’s sick, she can’t take
much more of this!”
Bianca had jumped on the bed and was now standing
on top of it trying to run but having no place to go. She
removed the one shoe she still had and waved the high
heel like a weapon. “Don’t you come near me; I’ll bash
your head in!”
Rachel rolled from the bed, jumped on his back, and
sank her teeth into the flesh of his shoulder. He howled
in pain, and she panicked as his meaty hand reached
behind him and grabbed her dress. He pulled her from
her perch as if she were a doll and tossed her to the
bed.
liking the way his eyes roamed her body. “Since you
know my father so well,” she snapped trying to keep her
fear at bay. “I’m sure you realized what a mistake it was
kidnapping us.”
“Oh no dear, there is no mistake. Your father owes me;
you can leave when I get my money.” The silky
smoothness of his voice made her want to slap him.
“You can’t do this! We’re not back in the old west or in
your case the eighteen hundreds!” She raged. “I
demand you release us now.” Rachel glared at him, fire
flying from her eyes.
“Would you like to talk to your father?”
Rachel frowned at this sudden change, he sounded
almost sympathetic. “Yes.”
Henry snapped his fingers. “Miguel, get John McKinney
on the phone.”
“Si, si Patrón,” the man nodded his dark head wildly.
Rachel turned to Bianca. “See, I knew he would see
things my way.”
“Santos, bring the red-head to me.” Rachel blanched
as a huge, bald man headed for Bianca. Panic ripped
through her and she jumped in his way, planting her
feet in an attack mode, she had learned in karate.
“Don’t you touch her!” Rachel slashed out at his
massive chest, but he caught both her hands in one of
his and flung her from him. She fell face first on the bed
with Bianca’s screams ringing in her head. She turned
over quickly and shouted. “She’s sick, she can’t take
much more of this!”
Bianca had jumped on the bed and was now standing
on top of it trying to run but having no place to go. She
removed the one shoe she still had and waved the high
heel like a weapon. “Don’t you come near me; I’ll bash
your head in!”
Rachel rolled from the bed, jumped on his back, and
sank her teeth into the flesh of his shoulder. He howled
in pain, and she panicked as his meaty hand reached
behind him and grabbed her dress. He pulled her from
her perch as if she were a doll and tossed her to the
bed.
“I dare because I can, I want the money you owe me.”
“I don’t owe you a dime. I don’t know how you got my
signature on that invoice but you and I know it’s a lie. If
you lost something, which I doubt, then it was your own
fault.”
“I need you to be more compromising than this
John, after all we were friends. I could take you to court.”
“And do what? Slit your own throat? You don’t have a
case and we both know it. This harassment will stop,
either you stop it or I’ll stop it for you.”
“I may not be a recognized member of the house of the
Lords but make no mistake, I am of pure blood. You will
respect me as such.”
“Did you hear anything I said?” John a nasty
chuckle. “I should’ve listened to my sons. They said
something wasn’t right about you. You keep your crazy
ass buried deep in Mexico like you always have and
everything will be fine.”
“But John you didn’t say this when we made the deal.”
Rachel swallowed hard; confusion gripped her and her
eyes stung with hot tears. “Daddy, tell him to let us go!”
“What?” John said in hushed tones. “Who said that?”
“Bring Red to me,” Henry said in his crisp tones.
“What are you talking about?” John’s voice became an
angry roar through the phone lines and Rachel shook
when she heard the tremor in her father’s voice. “Who is
Red?”
“No!” Rachel screamed, “You said you won’t hurt us,
leave her alone!” She fought hard but the men were
stronger by far.
“Noo, let me go,” Bianca’s eyes were wild as she fought
them. “Please let me go!” She screamed as she was
dragged to a far corner of the room.
“Daddy, help us!” Rachel screamed as she was held
back by the man Henry had called the Doctor.
“Daddy! Please.”
“Oh my God!” Stunned silence came from the phone.
“Rachel? Rachel, is that you honey?” She blinked back
the tears of fear and tried to focus on his comforting voice.
“I don’t owe you a dime. I don’t know how you got my
signature on that invoice but you and I know it’s a lie. If
you lost something, which I doubt, then it was your own
fault.”
“I need you to be more compromising than this
John, after all we were friends. I could take you to court.”
“And do what? Slit your own throat? You don’t have a
case and we both know it. This harassment will stop,
either you stop it or I’ll stop it for you.”
“I may not be a recognized member of the house of the
Lords but make no mistake, I am of pure blood. You will
respect me as such.”
“Did you hear anything I said?” John a nasty
chuckle. “I should’ve listened to my sons. They said
something wasn’t right about you. You keep your crazy
ass buried deep in Mexico like you always have and
everything will be fine.”
“But John you didn’t say this when we made the deal.”
Rachel swallowed hard; confusion gripped her and her
eyes stung with hot tears. “Daddy, tell him to let us go!”
“What?” John said in hushed tones. “Who said that?”
“Bring Red to me,” Henry said in his crisp tones.
“What are you talking about?” John’s voice became an
angry roar through the phone lines and Rachel shook
when she heard the tremor in her father’s voice. “Who is
Red?”
“No!” Rachel screamed, “You said you won’t hurt us,
leave her alone!” She fought hard but the men were
stronger by far.
“Noo, let me go,” Bianca’s eyes were wild as she fought
them. “Please let me go!” She screamed as she was
dragged to a far corner of the room.
“Daddy, help us!” Rachel screamed as she was held
back by the man Henry had called the Doctor.
“Daddy! Please.”
“Oh my God!” Stunned silence came from the phone.
“Rachel? Rachel, is that you honey?” She blinked back
the tears of fear and tried to focus on his comforting voice.
“You will, I know that you will. I have made sure of it.”
He assured her. “In her weakened state Bianca can’t
take much abuse, which means you will behave
yourself and do everything I ask of you or I will deny her
the medicine she needs or I can have her throat slit
right in front of you.”
“Aaahh!” Rachel screamed, and jumped back.“You
black hearted monster! You wouldn’t! My father would
have your head on a platter! My brother is a Navy Seal,
he’ll find us and he’ll rip your black heart out with his
bare hands if you touch us!”
“Such fire!” He laughed, then he became quiet, his
blue eyes nearly black intent. “I wonder how much of
that will transfer to the bed?”
She froze and her mahogany skin paled at the threat.
“Patron, I have the man.”
A pleased smile lifted one corner of Henry’s thin lips,
but Rachel ignored it, she just wanted to hear her
father’s beloved voice. “By all means please put it on
speaker phone.”
“Hello?” Rachel gave a shuddering sigh, as that
much loved voice filled the room. “Who is this?”
“Daddy!” She and Bianca yelled at the same time.
“Who is this?”
“John, John my old friend. Have you my money yet?”
“You listen to me Henry Dennison. I don’t know what
you transplanted Brits are about, but I don’t peddle
drugs, and I have no idea what happened to your
diamonds! Now, for the last time go fuck yourself, you
insane bastard.”
“It’s Lord Henry, please do try to remember.”
“You are no member of the peerage. I can’t believe I
knew you all those years and didn’t realize I was being
set-up. You’re lucky you got away or I would’ve taken
pleasure in skinning your hide for what you tried to do
to my company.”
“Hey, when you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.”
“I thought I was in with a friend. How dare you do this
to me.”
He assured her. “In her weakened state Bianca can’t
take much abuse, which means you will behave
yourself and do everything I ask of you or I will deny her
the medicine she needs or I can have her throat slit
right in front of you.”
“Aaahh!” Rachel screamed, and jumped back.“You
black hearted monster! You wouldn’t! My father would
have your head on a platter! My brother is a Navy Seal,
he’ll find us and he’ll rip your black heart out with his
bare hands if you touch us!”
“Such fire!” He laughed, then he became quiet, his
blue eyes nearly black intent. “I wonder how much of
that will transfer to the bed?”
She froze and her mahogany skin paled at the threat.
“Patron, I have the man.”
A pleased smile lifted one corner of Henry’s thin lips,
but Rachel ignored it, she just wanted to hear her
father’s beloved voice. “By all means please put it on
speaker phone.”
“Hello?” Rachel gave a shuddering sigh, as that
much loved voice filled the room. “Who is this?”
“Daddy!” She and Bianca yelled at the same time.
“Who is this?”
“John, John my old friend. Have you my money yet?”
“You listen to me Henry Dennison. I don’t know what
you transplanted Brits are about, but I don’t peddle
drugs, and I have no idea what happened to your
diamonds! Now, for the last time go fuck yourself, you
insane bastard.”
“It’s Lord Henry, please do try to remember.”
“You are no member of the peerage. I can’t believe I
knew you all those years and didn’t realize I was being
set-up. You’re lucky you got away or I would’ve taken
pleasure in skinning your hide for what you tried to do
to my company.”
“Hey, when you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.”
“I thought I was in with a friend. How dare you do this
to me.”
“Now, why would you say that?” Henry chuckled. “Is a
dead virgin better than a living non-virgin?”
“No, leave her alone, she’s just a child! We are both
grown men, don’t do this to her.”
“Hold her down.”
“No, please dear God!” John’s voice began to waver. “I’
ll kill you, you son of a bitch!”
“Let me go!” Rachel fought with all her might, her teeth
sank into the hand of one of her capturers. He howled
in pain, and raised one meaty fist, he delivered a
stunning blow to the side of her head sending her to
the floor in an semi-conscious heap.
“God damn you Santos! Now you have ruined my
show,” Henry lifted the gun, pointing it straight at
Santos chest and fired.
Bianca screamed as the sightless body fell forward
not inches in front of her to lay next to Rachel. Hysteria
held her in its’ grip as she continued to scream.
“Oh, shut the hell up!” With the butt of the gun Henry
brought it down on the back of her head. The sound of
bone cracking brought a piercing cry from the phone.
“You bastard! If you hurt them you’re dead!”
“I will call you with details of the delivery. I’ll give you no
longer then four days!” With that he hung up the
receiver. “Now Doctor do your job, make sure she is
still intact, I plan to make a lot of money off of her. I’ll be
in my study!”
*****
John McKinney fell into his chair, his skin felt clammy,
and his heart racing with fear. He grabbed his chest,
the pain was intense, blackness swirled in front of
him. My babies. His mind refused to register what was
happening. He’d just seen them, just kissed them
good-bye. In his mind they was safe at College. His
chest caved in, and fear tingled alone the edge of his
mind. His mouth opened on a silent cry that came from
his soul, and then hot tears raced down his weathered
cheeks.
dead virgin better than a living non-virgin?”
“No, leave her alone, she’s just a child! We are both
grown men, don’t do this to her.”
“Hold her down.”
“No, please dear God!” John’s voice began to waver. “I’
ll kill you, you son of a bitch!”
“Let me go!” Rachel fought with all her might, her teeth
sank into the hand of one of her capturers. He howled
in pain, and raised one meaty fist, he delivered a
stunning blow to the side of her head sending her to
the floor in an semi-conscious heap.
“God damn you Santos! Now you have ruined my
show,” Henry lifted the gun, pointing it straight at
Santos chest and fired.
Bianca screamed as the sightless body fell forward
not inches in front of her to lay next to Rachel. Hysteria
held her in its’ grip as she continued to scream.
“Oh, shut the hell up!” With the butt of the gun Henry
brought it down on the back of her head. The sound of
bone cracking brought a piercing cry from the phone.
“You bastard! If you hurt them you’re dead!”
“I will call you with details of the delivery. I’ll give you no
longer then four days!” With that he hung up the
receiver. “Now Doctor do your job, make sure she is
still intact, I plan to make a lot of money off of her. I’ll be
in my study!”
*****
John McKinney fell into his chair, his skin felt clammy,
and his heart racing with fear. He grabbed his chest,
the pain was intense, blackness swirled in front of
him. My babies. His mind refused to register what was
happening. He’d just seen them, just kissed them
good-bye. In his mind they was safe at College. His
chest caved in, and fear tingled alone the edge of his
mind. His mouth opened on a silent cry that came from
his soul, and then hot tears raced down his weathered
cheeks.
“Daddy please, he has Bianca kneeling on the floor
with a gun to her head, he’s going to kill us!”
Rachel screamed through her tears. Bianca knelt with
her eyes closed tight, her arms were held behind her
back.
“God damn you Henry, what have you done?” John
thundered. “Let them go!”
A deep chuckle filled the room. “Who told you I would
kill you sweetheart?” All was quiet, as Henry cooed. “I
have much more interesting things in store for you.”
“Don’t you touch them Henry or I will give you war you
will never forget.”
“John,” that deceptively silky voice said. “I heard your
beautiful daughter here is still intact.”
Silence reigned. Then softly, “Please,” John choked
out, “don’t touch her, she’s just a child.”
“So now you beg, and how nicely you do it.” He
grinned. “Are you on your knees?”
“Yes, anything just don’t hurt her.”
“Strip her.”
“Nooo!” Rachel screamed fighting with every once of
strength. But with both men ripping at her clothes she
did not stand a chance.
Bianca turned soulful green eyes on Henry. “Please
Mr. please don’t do this, I’ll do anything you want.”
Henry looked into her eyes and caressed her wildly
tangled red hair, he said. “How nice of you, but you will
do what I say regardless dear!” He murmured.
“Henry, please don’t!” John begged tears evident in
his voice. “I’ll pay you anything you want! I can have the
money to you in one week!” His voice broke, as Rachel’
s screams echoed through the large room. “Ssh, ssh
baby-girl, it’s okay, please Rachel darling.”
“One week you say?”
“Yes! Twenty million dollars in small bills, I’ll deliver it
myself.”
“That’s fine. I tell you what; I will use her sweet little
body until you get here.”
“No! If you touch her the deal is off!”
with a gun to her head, he’s going to kill us!”
Rachel screamed through her tears. Bianca knelt with
her eyes closed tight, her arms were held behind her
back.
“God damn you Henry, what have you done?” John
thundered. “Let them go!”
A deep chuckle filled the room. “Who told you I would
kill you sweetheart?” All was quiet, as Henry cooed. “I
have much more interesting things in store for you.”
“Don’t you touch them Henry or I will give you war you
will never forget.”
“John,” that deceptively silky voice said. “I heard your
beautiful daughter here is still intact.”
Silence reigned. Then softly, “Please,” John choked
out, “don’t touch her, she’s just a child.”
“So now you beg, and how nicely you do it.” He
grinned. “Are you on your knees?”
“Yes, anything just don’t hurt her.”
“Strip her.”
“Nooo!” Rachel screamed fighting with every once of
strength. But with both men ripping at her clothes she
did not stand a chance.
Bianca turned soulful green eyes on Henry. “Please
Mr. please don’t do this, I’ll do anything you want.”
Henry looked into her eyes and caressed her wildly
tangled red hair, he said. “How nice of you, but you will
do what I say regardless dear!” He murmured.
“Henry, please don’t!” John begged tears evident in
his voice. “I’ll pay you anything you want! I can have the
money to you in one week!” His voice broke, as Rachel’
s screams echoed through the large room. “Ssh, ssh
baby-girl, it’s okay, please Rachel darling.”
“One week you say?”
“Yes! Twenty million dollars in small bills, I’ll deliver it
myself.”
“That’s fine. I tell you what; I will use her sweet little
body until you get here.”
“No! If you touch her the deal is off!”
crocked smile lifted one edge of his dry lips. With this
one catch he could relax for a full year if he wanted to.
His sharp blue eyes scanned the crowded room. He’d
thrown his dusty booted feet up on the seat in front of
him, and pulled his battered black hat further down to
cover his bearded face. He had very little time to make
this catch. Bounty hunting was illegal in Mexico, if he
were caught he would find himself behind bars. The
sooner he left these parts the better, besides that if
these people recognized him and reported it back to his
father he would be forced to leave without this fat purse
and that was something he had no intention of doing.
Nick thought back on the last time he had seen his
father. Ten long years, what a child he had been. Once
he’d found out his father was a drug lord, who owned
almost everyone in the lower basin of Mexico, he’d been
judgmental, angry, hurt and most of all disappointed.
Two of his three brothers were key figures in the
operations of the cartel, but one older brother had
gotten away, never to be seen again, but what made
him angry was that no one seemed to think this was
wrong. They operated as though it was the most
acceptable thing in the world. To buy, sell, rape, kill and
rip apart families was as natural to his father as
breathing. So, Nick had left home calling his father
every name in the book and swearing he would never
come back. Well, now he was back. After being
persecuted by the very justice system he had fought so
hard to protect, he now knew life was a bitch waiting to
be fucked and anyone who believed other wise was a
fool. The real world had proven his father wasn’t all that
bad, the law could be even worst. Corrupt and vengeful,
it could turn on its best friend and you would find
yourself in a cell with the very criminals you had put
there.
Five years as a police officer, and he had been as
naiveté as they come. Believing in truth, Justice and the
American way. What a fool he had been. That last year
he and his partner had stumbled onto a prostitution
ring. Only this was a ring of officer’s wives and run by
the officers.
one catch he could relax for a full year if he wanted to.
His sharp blue eyes scanned the crowded room. He’d
thrown his dusty booted feet up on the seat in front of
him, and pulled his battered black hat further down to
cover his bearded face. He had very little time to make
this catch. Bounty hunting was illegal in Mexico, if he
were caught he would find himself behind bars. The
sooner he left these parts the better, besides that if
these people recognized him and reported it back to his
father he would be forced to leave without this fat purse
and that was something he had no intention of doing.
Nick thought back on the last time he had seen his
father. Ten long years, what a child he had been. Once
he’d found out his father was a drug lord, who owned
almost everyone in the lower basin of Mexico, he’d been
judgmental, angry, hurt and most of all disappointed.
Two of his three brothers were key figures in the
operations of the cartel, but one older brother had
gotten away, never to be seen again, but what made
him angry was that no one seemed to think this was
wrong. They operated as though it was the most
acceptable thing in the world. To buy, sell, rape, kill and
rip apart families was as natural to his father as
breathing. So, Nick had left home calling his father
every name in the book and swearing he would never
come back. Well, now he was back. After being
persecuted by the very justice system he had fought so
hard to protect, he now knew life was a bitch waiting to
be fucked and anyone who believed other wise was a
fool. The real world had proven his father wasn’t all that
bad, the law could be even worst. Corrupt and vengeful,
it could turn on its best friend and you would find
yourself in a cell with the very criminals you had put
there.
Five years as a police officer, and he had been as
naiveté as they come. Believing in truth, Justice and the
American way. What a fool he had been. That last year
he and his partner had stumbled onto a prostitution
ring. Only this was a ring of officer’s wives and run by
the officers.
After long moments he collected himself. His face
hardened, cold fury turned his eyes black. He picked up
the phone.
“Tyrell,” his voice was graveled.
“Hey, Dad what’s up,” he yawned, “It’s kind of early isn’
t it?”
“Come home!” The steel in his voice could not be
mistaken.
Tyrell was instantly awake. “What is it? What
happened?”
“Call your brothers, and get Richard. Get your man to
handle things for now.”
“Alright,” Tyrell hedged, “It’ll take a day or two but I…”
“We don’t have a day or two!” John growled. “Your
sister and Bea have been kidnapped!”
*****
It was early nearly ten P.M. and he was neck deep in
the Mexico badlands, in the cold, wet month of January.
Dominick Rawlins lounged in the shadows of the
glorified cantina. He hated places like this, it reeked of
vile corruption. But it was a necessary evil in his line of
business. And ever now and again he could find a
sweet bit of something to take his mind off his troubles.
The place was a contradiction in every way. Wealthy
men dressed in suits and ties mingled with dirty,
desperate men fresh off the road. If the money was
right anyone was allowed inside this den of the
damned, as he liked to think of it. He had been here
many times in his youth, it was some sixty miles from
his father hacienda. Back then in was just a playground
for a young man learning about life. But now he saw it
through different eyes, the eyes of a bounty hunter.
He was hot on the trail of Jose Raphael Cortez,
notorious bank robber and killer. After six months of
tracking the bastard, he had finally gotten a good lead.
Having to leave Houston in a hurry after the last robbery
Cortez had very little time to cover his tracks. Nick
snorted; he probably didn’t think he needed to, who
would follow him across the Mexican boarder? Let
alone deep into the wild woods of the backcountry. A
hardened, cold fury turned his eyes black. He picked up
the phone.
“Tyrell,” his voice was graveled.
“Hey, Dad what’s up,” he yawned, “It’s kind of early isn’
t it?”
“Come home!” The steel in his voice could not be
mistaken.
Tyrell was instantly awake. “What is it? What
happened?”
“Call your brothers, and get Richard. Get your man to
handle things for now.”
“Alright,” Tyrell hedged, “It’ll take a day or two but I…”
“We don’t have a day or two!” John growled. “Your
sister and Bea have been kidnapped!”
*****
It was early nearly ten P.M. and he was neck deep in
the Mexico badlands, in the cold, wet month of January.
Dominick Rawlins lounged in the shadows of the
glorified cantina. He hated places like this, it reeked of
vile corruption. But it was a necessary evil in his line of
business. And ever now and again he could find a
sweet bit of something to take his mind off his troubles.
The place was a contradiction in every way. Wealthy
men dressed in suits and ties mingled with dirty,
desperate men fresh off the road. If the money was
right anyone was allowed inside this den of the
damned, as he liked to think of it. He had been here
many times in his youth, it was some sixty miles from
his father hacienda. Back then in was just a playground
for a young man learning about life. But now he saw it
through different eyes, the eyes of a bounty hunter.
He was hot on the trail of Jose Raphael Cortez,
notorious bank robber and killer. After six months of
tracking the bastard, he had finally gotten a good lead.
Having to leave Houston in a hurry after the last robbery
Cortez had very little time to cover his tracks. Nick
snorted; he probably didn’t think he needed to, who
would follow him across the Mexican boarder? Let
alone deep into the wild woods of the backcountry. A
The man lifted a beefy hand and let it fall with stunning
force across the redheads already red face. Nick was
surprised the girl’s neck didn’t snap from the force. They
looked like girls he had passed days ago at Jeb’s. The
one face he saw smiling at him every time he closed his
eyes. They were dressed as Mexican peasants, their hair
covered with multicolored scarves. Their feet bare, and
bound with thick rope. Loose white shirts hung around
their shoulders and long flowing skirts whirls around their
trim ankles. The black girl snarled something he couldn’t
hear then she lowered her slim shoulder and rammed
into Hectors unprotected stomach sending both herself
and him to the floor. The crowd roared with laughter.
Hector pushed the girl off him, dumping her to the hard
wood floor where she sat glaring at him.
“I told you not to hit her again!” The girl spat, “I’ll kill you if
you do.”
Hector grabbed the girl’s long black hair pulling her to
her feet and she cried out in pain, but once standing she
sucked in a breath and let a huge wad of spit, it flew
straight into his face.
“No, Rachel,” the red head screamed, struggling with
her capture. “They’ll kill you.”
The girl looked at her friend. “No they won’t, they need
me,” her golden eyes shinning like new coins. “If it’s true
then I for one would rather go out…” she never finished.
Hectors meaty hand snaked around her throat cutting off
her air, her eyes bulged then she was tossed over his
shoulder where they disappeared in the back behind the
bar.
Nick became aware of many things. A stage was being
pulled out. Chairs were being arranged as if getting ready
for a show. Dread pulled at him. His stomach sick, he
could only hope it wasn’t what he thought it was. The soft
background music stopped. Chuy, the proud owner of
this establishment stood in the center of the stage calling
for silence.
“El Favor de Por Senors, la calma por favor,” he waved
them all forward. “We have a rare treat for you tonight.
Some of you were invited for just this occasion.
force across the redheads already red face. Nick was
surprised the girl’s neck didn’t snap from the force. They
looked like girls he had passed days ago at Jeb’s. The
one face he saw smiling at him every time he closed his
eyes. They were dressed as Mexican peasants, their hair
covered with multicolored scarves. Their feet bare, and
bound with thick rope. Loose white shirts hung around
their shoulders and long flowing skirts whirls around their
trim ankles. The black girl snarled something he couldn’t
hear then she lowered her slim shoulder and rammed
into Hectors unprotected stomach sending both herself
and him to the floor. The crowd roared with laughter.
Hector pushed the girl off him, dumping her to the hard
wood floor where she sat glaring at him.
“I told you not to hit her again!” The girl spat, “I’ll kill you if
you do.”
Hector grabbed the girl’s long black hair pulling her to
her feet and she cried out in pain, but once standing she
sucked in a breath and let a huge wad of spit, it flew
straight into his face.
“No, Rachel,” the red head screamed, struggling with
her capture. “They’ll kill you.”
The girl looked at her friend. “No they won’t, they need
me,” her golden eyes shinning like new coins. “If it’s true
then I for one would rather go out…” she never finished.
Hectors meaty hand snaked around her throat cutting off
her air, her eyes bulged then she was tossed over his
shoulder where they disappeared in the back behind the
bar.
Nick became aware of many things. A stage was being
pulled out. Chairs were being arranged as if getting ready
for a show. Dread pulled at him. His stomach sick, he
could only hope it wasn’t what he thought it was. The soft
background music stopped. Chuy, the proud owner of
this establishment stood in the center of the stage calling
for silence.
“El Favor de Por Senors, la calma por favor,” he waved
them all forward. “We have a rare treat for you tonight.
Some of you were invited for just this occasion.
Three Detectives and a Police Officer, all dirty and all
up to their neck in crime. One day he had found his
partner dead, killed in an accident so they said. It was
just coincidence that they had planed to go to the Chief
with their findings that next day. Soon after, Nick began
to receive threatening letters telling him to keep his
mouth shut. But with his incredible belief in right over
wrong, he had gone to the Chief. Only to find the Chief
was in it all just as deep as the others. After sending
two years in jail, all because his name had become lost
in the system. He was released and his name at the
Police department was mud. His records were filled
with malicious lies. Nick had resigned himself to a
world where there was no absolute right or wrong. In
this world it was who had the most money and power.
He had become a bounty hunter. Even though he didn’t
like what his father did, he thought it was time to talk to
him about what happened to his mother, Belinda. It was
still a sore spot in his heart, but there had to be more to
it then just her drug use. Why would a man send his
wife away for her to die in the mountains?
Rowdy laughter pulled him from his morose thoughts.
His eyes shot to Cortez who sat at the bar breaking a
cardinal rule. His narrow back was to the room, anyone
could sneak up on him. But Nick was no fool, he was
sure Cortez had friends here, friends that wouldn’t mind
killing for him. This far into Mexico there were no hold
barred, death came quick and usually ugly, suddenly
there was a commotion near one of the entrance ways.
“Don't you touch me!” A female voice rang out with
unleashed fury. “Leave us alone you filthy bastard!” He
stiffened at the sound of the girl screaming, then the
ringing sound of a slap. He sucked in a sigh and
shifted his gaze towards the struggling pair.
“You will do as you are told,” instant recognition
stiffened Nick.
“Christ,” he hissed under his breath. “Why the hell can’
t things ever be simple?” he muttered.
“But I don't understand,” the obviously black American
woman was yelling. “You spoke with my dad. He said
he would pay you. Why are you doing this?”
up to their neck in crime. One day he had found his
partner dead, killed in an accident so they said. It was
just coincidence that they had planed to go to the Chief
with their findings that next day. Soon after, Nick began
to receive threatening letters telling him to keep his
mouth shut. But with his incredible belief in right over
wrong, he had gone to the Chief. Only to find the Chief
was in it all just as deep as the others. After sending
two years in jail, all because his name had become lost
in the system. He was released and his name at the
Police department was mud. His records were filled
with malicious lies. Nick had resigned himself to a
world where there was no absolute right or wrong. In
this world it was who had the most money and power.
He had become a bounty hunter. Even though he didn’t
like what his father did, he thought it was time to talk to
him about what happened to his mother, Belinda. It was
still a sore spot in his heart, but there had to be more to
it then just her drug use. Why would a man send his
wife away for her to die in the mountains?
Rowdy laughter pulled him from his morose thoughts.
His eyes shot to Cortez who sat at the bar breaking a
cardinal rule. His narrow back was to the room, anyone
could sneak up on him. But Nick was no fool, he was
sure Cortez had friends here, friends that wouldn’t mind
killing for him. This far into Mexico there were no hold
barred, death came quick and usually ugly, suddenly
there was a commotion near one of the entrance ways.
“Don't you touch me!” A female voice rang out with
unleashed fury. “Leave us alone you filthy bastard!” He
stiffened at the sound of the girl screaming, then the
ringing sound of a slap. He sucked in a sigh and
shifted his gaze towards the struggling pair.
“You will do as you are told,” instant recognition
stiffened Nick.
“Christ,” he hissed under his breath. “Why the hell can’
t things ever be simple?” he muttered.
“But I don't understand,” the obviously black American
woman was yelling. “You spoke with my dad. He said
he would pay you. Why are you doing this?”
his father had let it be known that he was to be taken
on sight and kicked out of Mexico. Nick kept his eyes
on his prey. He wouldn’t be sidetracked. The girls were
victims, but sometimes the innocent had to suffer,
sometimes they just got in the way. There was nothing
he could do, so he clenched his jaw against his self-
ingrained principles, and his gaze hardened, as he
turned his attention back to his reason for being here.
He gave a mental shrug. They might not even be the
same girls, what were the chances?
*****
on sight and kicked out of Mexico. Nick kept his eyes
on his prey. He wouldn’t be sidetracked. The girls were
victims, but sometimes the innocent had to suffer,
sometimes they just got in the way. There was nothing
he could do, so he clenched his jaw against his self-
ingrained principles, and his gaze hardened, as he
turned his attention back to his reason for being here.
He gave a mental shrug. They might not even be the
same girls, what were the chances?
*****
This night we have a selection of fair beauties from
around the world.” There was a round of applause, as
the man kept talking. “Some of our beauties are for
sell. Others alas are only for use this night.”
“What about the virgin?” Someone yelled from the
crowd.
“Aah si le virgin,” Chuy rubbed his hands together.
“That one is feisty. That would be our own precioso
Princessa. You see how she handled Hector no? She
will give us a fine show. There is one special rule with
that one. Her owner has asked that the man who beds
her, share his treasure with us.”
“No way,” one man cried out, “if I get her I won't be
letting everyone else have her.”
“Yes,” Cortez yelled, he raised his beer mug to the
crowed. “I could careless who has her after I’m done.”
“No, you misunderstand,” Chuy said, “I mean you
have to be man enough to let us watch you deflower
that little dove,” the man eyed the crowd. “Anyone who
disagrees need not apply.” He grinned. “The games
will begin in one hour.”
“Will they be drugged?”
“Oh no,” Chuy said, “No, with this one the fight is half
the fun.”
“What about the red-head?” A man yelled, he looked
like a college prep student. He and his three friends
stuck out with their pale white skin. “Is she a virgin?”
Chuy shook his dark head, “No, but she can be just
as wild in bed and they are both very young.”
One man next to Nick rubbed his hands together.
“After tonight they won’t feel so young.”
Nick wondered how these two had gotten into such a
dire situation. For sure he wasn’t going to be of any
help to them. He couldn’t get involved. He was a
wanted man in these parts. Bounty hunting in Mexico
was illegal, and he had been in Mexico more times
then he cared to count. Just not this deep. If he were
ever discovered there would be hell to pay, both from
the law and his family. The day he left home,
around the world.” There was a round of applause, as
the man kept talking. “Some of our beauties are for
sell. Others alas are only for use this night.”
“What about the virgin?” Someone yelled from the
crowd.
“Aah si le virgin,” Chuy rubbed his hands together.
“That one is feisty. That would be our own precioso
Princessa. You see how she handled Hector no? She
will give us a fine show. There is one special rule with
that one. Her owner has asked that the man who beds
her, share his treasure with us.”
“No way,” one man cried out, “if I get her I won't be
letting everyone else have her.”
“Yes,” Cortez yelled, he raised his beer mug to the
crowed. “I could careless who has her after I’m done.”
“No, you misunderstand,” Chuy said, “I mean you
have to be man enough to let us watch you deflower
that little dove,” the man eyed the crowd. “Anyone who
disagrees need not apply.” He grinned. “The games
will begin in one hour.”
“Will they be drugged?”
“Oh no,” Chuy said, “No, with this one the fight is half
the fun.”
“What about the red-head?” A man yelled, he looked
like a college prep student. He and his three friends
stuck out with their pale white skin. “Is she a virgin?”
Chuy shook his dark head, “No, but she can be just
as wild in bed and they are both very young.”
One man next to Nick rubbed his hands together.
“After tonight they won’t feel so young.”
Nick wondered how these two had gotten into such a
dire situation. For sure he wasn’t going to be of any
help to them. He couldn’t get involved. He was a
wanted man in these parts. Bounty hunting in Mexico
was illegal, and he had been in Mexico more times
then he cared to count. Just not this deep. If he were
ever discovered there would be hell to pay, both from
the law and his family. The day he left home,
| Available Now: Forgive Me My Love |