Group X: Sub Rosa
Chapter 6
Two weeks earlier…
RG Labs
Corridor B
11:45 PM
SE went on his nightly recon mission, searching another area of the research station. So far he hadn’t gone through the higher security levels, but tonight he felt that he had ample opportunity to do so.
Come on baby, I know I’ll find something interesting here, I can feel it. He scanned the empty corridor before him before ducking under the security camera. Will they ever learn not to have the cameras moving at the same time? This is too easy.
He saw the reflection of the exit sign bouncing off the left wall, several feet down the corridor. Hmmm… interesting. They don’t have guard stations like that around here. No security cameras either. This is strange.
Piqued by his curiosity, he warily made his way toward the reflection.
SE stared in horror as he saw the pitiful creature beyond the glass. What did they do to you? What did you do to deserve this kind of treatment?
As if in response to his questions, the being turned and looked at him. It’s countenance asked for mercy and to give it peace at last.
SE cast his eyes downward, unable to face the sorrowful being. Looking up once again, SE saw the eyes once again, pleading for mercy, begging for freedom.
SE nodded yes. The being began to cry in relief and happiness that it’s pain would soon end.
SE scanned the hallway, looking and listening for approaching danger. Silence answered his searching eyes and ears.
Silently, he pressed himself against the left corridor and moved with slight whispers of air trailing behind him.
Peeking around the left corner, the empty hall beckoned him forward. Ten feet down the left corridor, he found the instrument of the creature’s freedom.
Okay, let’s see if I can open that door. He studied the control panel in front of him. Simple alphanumeric touch screen. Doesn’t look like too hard to break into.
“TURN AROUND NOW!”
Shit. Stay calm. Use the charm. SE turned around with his hands up.
The guard clicked his tongue against his cheek as he scrutinized SE’s ID, his finger on the trigger on the automatic weapon. “You’re new here.”
SE nodded. “Yes I am. Uh, I got lost.” SE shrugged with an embarrassed smile. “You know about guys not asking for directions?”
Without lowering his weapon, the guard replied, “Uh huh. So where are you going?”
“Probably where I am… the cafeteria,” echoed a female voice from behind SE. “It’s so confusing to me too.”
SE turned around, hands still raised with ‘The Smile’ beaming. “Yes, that’s right. I’ve seen you there a few times, but we haven’t had time to be formally introduced. The name’s Sabre_Edge. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see I can’t.”
Callie21V moved forward down the hallway. “Come on Informant, cut the newbie some slack.” She smiled as she twirled her long hair absently. She found SE attractive and he filled out the lab coat nicely.
She stopped twirling when she noticed SE staring at her left hand. “Uh… it’s not what you think… um…” She flipped the ring over, revealing her college ring. “It always has a tendency to turn around.”
Informant rolled his eyes. “Okay, Sabre. I’ll give you this one chance.” He glared at her. “Callie, just tell him that you do that so you don’t get hit on.”
Callie blushed, stunned that he would tell him something private on the first meeting. She wanted to find the nearest hiding place to hide her embarrassment.
SE put his hands down and turned to Informant. “Sir, you don’t insult a lady like that. You should apologize to her even if she did reject your offer of friendship or more. A gentleman would not behave in this manner. I demand you apologize to her.”
Informant gave SE another once over. “Are you going to make me?”
SE smiled at Informant. “Sir, we have no reason to quarrel. All I want is for you to apologize to the lady. Maybe she doesn’t want the undue attraction of others. Maybe she needs time to get over a failed relationship or someone hurt her in the past and doesn’t want a repeat of that experience. Whatever it is, it is her private affair and none of ours. We need to respect that.”
Callie was flabbergasted. No one had defended her honor like this before.
Informant wasn’t impressed by SE’s White Knight routine. He had seen it many times before and had employed it on occasion.
“Are you going to keep the lady waiting? She has told you that she was on the way to the cafeteria. She must be hungry right now. A gentleman would have escorted her there by now instead of standing here wallowing in his hurt pride.”
SE hit the right button and found himself staring down the barrel of Informant’s gun once again. “Care to rephrase that lab rat?”
Callie was spurned to action, moving in between SE and the weapon. “Hey, we don’t need to do this. This is getting ridiculous.”
“Callie, get out of the way. I’m taking him in for questioning for breaking into this section without the proper clearance. You know the rules as well as I do. Move it Sabre before I accidentally fire.”
“Callie, he’s right. I was in an area where I shouldn’t have. I’ll pay the consequences for it. Nice meeting you.” He took her right hand and lightly kissed it before looking up into her eyes. “Though this was only a short meeting, I will always remember you. The way the light reflects off your eyes. Your ruby necklace… a talisman against evil, a good choice… a symbol of everlasting love. The way you gasped. I’ll remember everything about you. Good-bye Callie.”
He let go of her hand and placed his hands behind his back. “Let’s go Informant, the lady doesn’t need to starve any longer. I suppose you want to handcuff me. Be my guest.” He grinned at Callie. “Don’t worry, my lady, everything will be okay. No need to worry about me. A bullet to the head only hurts for a second and then it will be over. I’m pretty sure Informant is a good shot and won’t make me suffer. Please Callie, don’t worry. It will be okay. I’ve had a good life and now it’s better now that I’ve met you Callie. I’ll be thinking about you every second I have left.”
Informant wanted to choke SE to death right there. He had a few choice words to tell him later if he lived that long. He was disgusted with men like SE with their smooth words and actions. They were the ones that you had to watch for they could influence those susceptible to their charms.
“Leave him alone Informant,” her voice cold and deadly serious. “You are the one out of line. Desist in your action or face the consequences.”
Informant felt cold steel behind his neck and immediately relinquished his weapon, raising his arms in defiance.
“Go to hell Callie and bring Sabre with you,” spat Informant as he felt handcuffs clicking into place.
“You first.” Callie glanced at SE and saw surprise on his face.
She glared at Informant once again. “Sabre and I are going to the cafeteria. You should have apologized to me, bastard. Take him away.”
The two guards hauled him away. “BITCH! You haven’t heard the last from me! Sabre, you’re on borrowed time! We’ll see who has the last laugh!”
“Now then, Sabre, let’s go get some dessert.” Callie smiled ear to ear.
SE watched as the guards dragged him past the glass window before turning his attention to her. “Dessert you say, my lady? First I have to apologize for that scene.”
“Come on my knight in shining armor. Forget the apology. He should have done it. Let’s go somewhere else than here.” Callie pulled on his right arm. “Come on, don’t you want the best dessert in this entire place?”
“Sure, lead the way, my lady.” SE let her lead, but glanced back one more time at the glass window.
Within a few minutes, they reached their destination. SE had tried to remember the turns in the winding hallways to no avail, since there wasn’t a map for this area when he was studying it earlier.
Callie stopped in front of an unmarked doorway. “Inside is the best dessert this place has.”
“Does it now?” SE smiled at her, his muscles tensing for action if necessary.
After switching on the light, Callie pulled him into the room.
Puzzled, SE asked, “I don’t see any dessert here. It’s an empty office room.”
“I’m the dessert.” Callie pulled at his lab coat, sending buttons flying and catching him off guard.
She kissed him passionately before he could pull her away. “Callie, what if I’m late getting back to work?”
An innocent smile appeared on her face. “I’m project manager. You were helping me with the new protocols.”
“Research and development?” he offered mischievously, pulling her closer and embracing her.
She leaned close to his ear. “Could take days…”
Present Day…
King and Queen Hotel Bar
3:15 AM
SE picked up his drink murmuring, “Best dessert, I’ve ever had… make that the best week, I’ve had. Callie and Informant may you both rot in hell together.”
After downing his drink, he felt someone watching him. Turning his attention to his right stood a young lady dressed in an exquisite low cut red dress. “Mind if I sit down here?”
Momentarily stunned by her beauty, it took him a couple of seconds to respond. “Please.” He stood up and waited for her to sit.
“Businessman?” She asked as she crossed her legs, a long side slit revealing her calves and lower thighs through black fishnet stockings.
“Uh… yeah.” He couldn’t resist staring at her.
She touched her index finger on her red luscious lips. “Let me guess… just got in for business.” She looked him over in fascination. She liked men dressed in a sharp business suit and he was that.
His mind was telling him to be alert… to focus on the plan ahead, but at the moment he wasn’t paying attention.
He played up the charm. “Yes I did. And you?”
“My date stood me up… he was supposed to meet me here over two hours ago.” She looked at the clock across the bar. “Looks like he’s not going to show.”
“At least this place isn’t a dark, smoky bar.”
“That it is. The clientele here are usually the business types.” She scanned the room for signs of her errant date.
SE raised his eyebrow. “You’ve been here before?”
“Never. This is my first time. I know the place by reputation.”
“Bartender, another drink for the lady.” He turned his attention to her once again. “So what’s it going to be?”
The bartender turned up the volume of the TV screen above the bar. “ChrissaSlider reporting for WSLD… we’re on the scene of an apparent explosion at the Ivory Towers Hotel. Also there have been unconfirmed reports of gunfire in this area.”
“A glass of red wine is fine.”
SE turned his head at the mention of Ivory Towers Hotel and ignored her. “What the… Uh… I got to call my wife. I was supposed to be at that hotel.” Frantically he scanned the area for a pay phone, but saw none.
“Wait a minute here. You’re married? I thought… there’s one in the lobby near the restrooms.” She pointed in the direction, her hopes dashed.
“Yeah, happily.” He showed her his wedding band after throwing money onto the counter. “Bartender, give the lady whatever she wants on my tab.”
“Hey, you’re not even going to tell me your name?” she asked as she grabbed onto his sleeve.
“The name’s Sabre_Edge, ma’am, but I have to go now.” He gently pulled her hand off. “Please my wife is probably going crazy. My cell phone died hours ago. I’m sorry if I led you on.”
“Happily?” she asked as he disappeared behind a pillar nearing the exit of the bar.
“Very.” SE made his way as quick as possible to the lobby, offering “Sorry” and “Excuse me” as he went through a crowd of people.
She smiled as she talked into her earpiece. “Pick him up, he’s headed to the lobby.” She took off her high heels and removed the gun from her thigh. “He’s not getting away this time.”
BritSlider and QBall79, dressed as the doormen, burst through the front lobby doors, guns drawn.
“Everyone down now!”
A small group of guests hit the deck as Brit and QBall warily approached the entrance of the bar.
“Do you have him?” she asked as she made her way to the bar’s entrance.
“I don’t see him. That’s impossible,” replied Brit as he scanned the perimeter.
“Me either.” QBall reached the entrance of the bar and saw her standing in the doorway.
A lone door stood between the bar’s entrance and the lobby. Brit covered the door on the left side while QBall opened the door.
“Nothing! Just a messed up janitor’s closet,” exclaimed Brit as he moved in and checked the right side as QBall scanned the left side.
“No vents either,” she said as she looked above and at floor level in the hallway. “There couldn’t be more than 15 seconds from when I lost sight of him to when you two would have been able to see him. He’s vanished.”
Brit scowled as he pushed aside the mops in the 6 by 4 feet room. “This is the only hiding place between the lobby and the bar.”
“There’s no place to run. Teams seal off the outside perimeter. He can’t have gotten far.” She scanned the area, but he was gone.
QBall slammed the door shut in annoyance. “We lost him again. How does he keep doing that?”
Brit looked at her and sighed. “We’ll catch up with him. Care for a drink? We can’t have you dressed up like this going to a waste.”
She nodded in agreement. He escorted her to the bar and ordered their favorite wine. Both of them clinked their wineglasses together. “Cheers m'dear, spaz.”
“Cheers, Brit.”
Group X HQ
Mission Access Entrance
5:20 AM
Eusti lied in wait, watching the entrance. The mole was effective in neutralizing the security protocols and communications. Those that remained on base were busy with repairs and tracing how their security was breached.
“I need a vacation,” he muttered, rubbing his throbbing head. “Where the hell is SE? Dammit delly, you should have told someone where he went. Damn your secretive ways in the effort to…”
The light above the door lit up, announcing a new arrival. Eusti watched intently as the tunnel door opened, finger on the trigger.
“Confirm identity now or die where you stand.”
“That’s a nice way to welcome me back home. I was expecting Cassie,” muttered SE as he walked into the hallway. “Cassie, stop joking around!”
“Confirm identity!”
SE searched the hallway for him. “Dammit Eusti! It’s me! What the hell is going on here? No one would answer me when I called here. Communications blackout or what?”
SE heard a bullet rip past his left ear. Immediately he raised hands above his head to show that he wasn’t holding any weapons. “Okay! Sabre_Edge!”
Eusti saw the almost worn out watch on his left wrist appear above the cuff of the suit, but still wasn’t convinced of his identity.
“What was the last thing you said to me before leaving for your mission more than two weeks ago?”
SE sighed, tired of this game. “Lay a hand on Cassie and I’ll kill you.”
“Yeah, it’s you.” Eusti holstered his weapon and came out of the shadows.
SE lowered his hands. “Now, will you explain what’s going on? Where’s Cassie?”
“I saw Cassie about thirteen hours ago. As I went by her office, I heard her talking to that teddy bear you gave her. She said that she had a feeling you were coming home today and that she wanted to celebrate your homecoming. I stopped by to say hi and she told me that, but I laughed it off, telling her that it was wishful thinking. She was adamant and knew that you were coming home.”
“So where is she? Is she mad at me? Is that why she isn’t here?”
“Have you been in contact with her since you left?”
“No, I haven’t. The last time I talked to her was the night before I left.”
“Let’s go to the Mission Access Room. I have some things to tell you in private.”
“Eusti, what the hell is going on?” SE asked as he followed him inside.
Eusti closed the door behind SE. “I think you’ll want to sit down when you hear this.”
SE complied as he took a seat at the edge of the couch. “Go on.”
“Now that you’re here, I relinquish leadership to you.”
“delly and Alex aren’t here? Is something wrong with Cassie? Is that why she isn’t here? Did they take her somewhere?” Disturbing thoughts rocketed through his mind.
“Here’s what Cassie wanted you to have since she couldn’t be here right now.” Eusti pulled out a padd and handed it to SE.
SE was shocked to see dried blood on the padd. “Is this a joke?”
“No joke, SE. That’s her blood. She typed that about eight hours ago. Read it.”
He read the message proclaiming, “I love you Sabre.”
“She killed herself?” he whispered as he closed his eyes, feeling nauseous.
“No, she was murdered.”
Disbelief - that she was gone
Anger - that he wasn’t there for her
His love torn from him once again
Grief made it’s home in his heart
“Alex told me earlier that he was going to take delly to a safehouse since he knew who were the traitors. They were having a meeting and he managed to drug them and got delly to safety, but he couldn’t get Cassie out of there in time. The traitors were out cold, but one managed to shoot Cassie before she could get off a shot. I saw Cassie on the floor in a pool of her blood from a gunshot in the abdomen.”
“No… Cassie… ”
“I tried to stop her bleeding, but I couldn’t. She said, ‘Sabre will come and protect me. I’m waiting for him.’ I told her when I saw her earlier that she needed to put that flack jacket on, but she laughed at me. She said, ‘We’re going to die someday. Gotta grab what life offers you and enjoy it while you can.’ Sound familiar?”
“I begged her to keep wearing that… that it would save her life. Why didn’t she listen to me?” SE held the padd close to his heart.
Eusti’s anger burst through the wall he had built. “She waited for you for thirty minutes… convinced that you would come to her aid… that you would protect her as you promised Ryan. You never came. I was there instead… feeding on the lie that you cared for her… that you would give your life for her. ‘He’s my knight in shining armor,’ she said. No one deserved to suffer like she did. Where were you? Probably having a great time with another woman, weren’t you? Your words are just empty promises… your actions prove that. In the end, she whispered, ‘He’s not coming… it was all a lie… broke his promise… I’m coming now, Ryan, my one and only love.’ She was your trophy. Are you happy now?”
“Don’t you dare accuse me for that! I loved her and that promise…” The words stuck in his throat as he looked at the padd once again, placing his index finger on the bloodstained keys.
“She died in my arms, SE. I couldn’t do anything. delly’s the closest to a doctor we have and she wasn’t around. She knows that her sister is dead. You know how it is with twins. When she comes back and hears this report, you’ll be the one to explain that to her.”
Staring at the message
I love you Sabre
Hearing Cassie’s voice
In his mind
Remembering the first time
She had told him that
Haunted by the memories
Of the past five years
The emptiness in his heart
“Who else knows about this?”
Focused only on the words, haunted by the memories, SE didn’t see Eusti smile briefly before continuing.
“You are the only one that I have told this. Everyone thinks that Alex took delly and Cassie to a safehouse and that ST and dark are on a mission. I took care of ST and dark as Alex wanted. I personally cleaned the scene as I always do after your messes. This is your last life SE. You’ve run out of ‘Get out of dying’ cards. I’ll have the first row seat for your execution.”
He had time to mourn later. “Tell everyone to get back here now. That’s an order.”
“I ordered an Omega 1269. They’ll be back in about 16 hours.”
SE looked up from the padd, fury in his eyes. “You did what! I want a meeting NOW!”
“I needed time to clean the scene and come up with a reasonable explanation. Our security has been breached and we lost all communications.”
“INCOMPETENT!” bellowed SE as he pulled his gun on Eusti, dropping the padd onto the floor. “Get everyone here on it now! Where’s nole? I’m going to wring his neck when I see him!”
Eusti remained calm as he watched in glee at his outburst. “nole was killed in an explosion in the cafeteria. Death by coffee… Are you going to shoot me too? Go ahead, fearless leader… face the wrath of the Devil…”
SE lowered his gun. “Don’t think I won’t remember this… I’m following the orders I’ve been given… and now you’re going carry out mine out. Failure to comply… you’ll have a rousing reunion in hell with the rest of the team that died under your command.”
Moving back toward the door, his eyes watching his commanding officer, he continued his taunt. “I was given specific instructions and I intend to carry them out. At least I keep my promises. Be sure to tell Cassie about your promise to her. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you then.” Eusti smirked, knowing that he had won this battle.
SE picked up the padd. “I want to see her now. Tell me where she is.”
“You don’t have the clearance or you wouldn’t have to ask me. Deal with it. You tell me that all the time.” Opening the door, Eusti remarked cheerfully, “Welcome home.”
SE didn’t reply as Eusti closed the door. Staring at the words, tears falling, he whispered, “Cassie, you should have been wearing that flak jacket like I told you… I wouldn’t have shot you if I knew you weren’t… I just wanted you to be safe… I love you Cassie… now I’ve lost you once again.”
Chapter 7
Unknown location
Present day
As the fog was lifting from her mind, the pain hit her all at once.
“Someone help me… please…”
The thirst was almost unbearable
The smell of her blood filled the air
Her body ached for death
Her mind called for help
The comforting voice was quiet“Help me…” she cried, desperate to hear anyone’s voice even that of her betrayer.
Silence answered her.
She was alone. Now only the memories comforted her as the fog descended once again.
Flashback 5 years ago...
Club 1013 Bar
1:32 AM
Cassie sat at the bar listening to the weather report. She had just given Ryan an ultimatum hours ago and was impatiently waiting for the consequences of it.
“How did it get so bad? Ryan couldn’t you just...” she muttered as she stared at the clock above the bar once again.
She was told that they were bringing her in about two hours ago. She nervously picked at her drink as she looked toward the door.
How much longer do I need to wait? This isn’t the best place to meet someone.
She went over the conversation she had with Ryan. She was fed up with everything. They never belonged there. She was grateful they had saved her life, but she couldn’t pay the price. She didn’t have any choice in the matter. She was too sick at the time to protest more vigorously. She finally had it out with Ryan in front of their commanding officer.
“Never should have gone down like that,” she whispered as she wiped a tear from her eye.
Looking down at her bare ring finger, she was scared out of mind. She was never alone like this. Someone was always there for her, watching her back. Now, no one was there. The safety net was gone.
Closing her eyes, she ran through the last memory of Ryan.
“Either you come with me now or we’re over.” She saw herself take off her loose wedding band and held it in front of him.
“Cassie, I can’t…”
She dropped the ring and ran. More tears fell as she remembered running through the corridor, her commanding officer’s voice booming, “Take two months downtime. That’s an order!”
She looked at her drink as she wiped more tears away, trying to soothe her broken heart again. “It’s over.”
“He’s not coming.”
Cassie stared numbly at her drink. “Who’s not coming?”
“The one that broke your heart. I’ve been watching you for the last two hours.”
Cassie looked up as she wiped the last of her tears away. “I know. I saw you watching me from the far corner.”
The bartender watched from several feet away as he rubbed dry a wine glass. He had kept a protective eye on Cassie the second she walked in the door. His stare kept away those that his gut knew would prey upon her vulnerability. That same gut told him to let in the one now standing next to Cassie. He felt this one was one that he could trust to take care of her.
“Want a seat? Not like it’s going to be taken anytime soon.” She smiled half-heartedly as she admired his well-developed physique beneath the gray suit.
“Ma’am, I can see you’re upset. If it’s your wish to be alone, I’ll take a seat at the end of the bar.” He pointed to the empty seat.
She pointed to the empty chair to her left. “No, I’m through crying. Please stay.”
“Are you sure? I think you need to talk to someone… it’s better to talk to someone than to keep your troubles inside.”
His genuineness won her over. “I am talking to someone… you.”
“Ma’am, I’m not a qualified therapist. I’m just making an observation… I’m sorry. I’ll be leaving now. Sorry to have bothered you.”
She grabbed his arm as he turned away. “No, please. I insist.”
He gently removed her hand from his arm and held it as he looked into her eyes. “Ma’am, please. This isn’t the time to do this.”
Undeterred, she continued begging. “Sir, please, don’t go. I just want to talk… I…”
His eyes stopped her. A flicker of indecision. Her smile, enticing him to stay.
She found it hard to focus on his face and not wander elsewhere. She blinked to focus them, but it didn’t help. She caught herself staring at his chest, wondering what surprises he had inside. Her smile grew wider.
He kissed her hand lightly before letting go. Looking up and smiling, he gave her his answer. “Ma’am, I’ll stay only for one dance of your choice.”
His behavior floored her. She closed her eyes as her walled up emotions hit her full force.
Concerned eyes scanned her over. “Ma’am, are you okay? Do you need medical attention?”
She opened her eyes and whispered, “I forgot today’s the anniversary of my parents’ passing.”
“My condolences. Do you want to talk about it?” He undid the button on his suit and sat down next to her.
“No. This is just the first time I’ve forgotten. It was a long time ago.” She waved off the memories and focused on the present.
“Are you sure? Want to go to a quieter part of the room?” He pointed to the corner where few patrons were congregated. “We can talk in a more private area.”
“No, this is fine.” She smiled slightly. “So what brings you here? You don’t quite fit into the regulars. Businessman?”
“You can say that. You don’t belong here either.”
“I was supposed to meet someone here.” She looked around the room once more. She frowned as she saw no one.
“I’m sorry he did this to you.”
She wiped an errant tear. “Let’s not talk about him anymore.”
“I’m sorry.” He was at a loss of words.
She started to smile when she heard the song start. “I love this song. Care to dance with me sir?”
““Unchained Melody” is a favorite of mine too.”
“So madam, do you want to dance?”
Cassie’s heart was telling her to accept his invitation, but her mind was telling her to watch for any signs of the one she was to meet. Something was telling her that she could trust him. It wasn’t rare that her heart would tell her to do something impulsive and her brain arguing against it. Her brain analyzed the situation and told her that nothing was amiss.
For once, you two don’t fight.
“Yes sir, I would like the pleasure of your company for this dance.”
He gently took her left hand and led her to the dance floor.
“It’s been a long time since a gallant knight showed this lady to the dance floor.” Her tired eyes twinkled.
“Really? I’m sure all the young knights were fighting over your hand.”
“They all were fighting to run away from me because this fair lady tends to step on toes.”
“Well, they just don’t know how to lead.”
“My white knight, where is your armor?”
“I didn’t like it squeaking so I left it at home.”
She stood close to him. “Then how are you doing to protect this fair maiden from those who wish to harm her?”
He placed his right hand on her waist. “I have a few things up my sleeve, fair maiden.” He held up his left hand.
“Oh, my own bodyguard.” She grasped his hand and smiled.
“If the lady wishes.”
“The lady wishes you to come closer.” Cassie yanked him forward.
“Whoa!”
“I said closer…” Cassie stuck her right hand underneath his suit under his left arm. She pulled it back in shock. “What the…”
“Hey, I can explain.” He gently held onto her as he revealed his secret. “I work in security, madam.”
“You’re armed!” She stared at the holster now revealed.
“As I said, I work for a security firm.” He dropped the edge of his jacket.
“I wasn’t expecting that.” She looked around the bar, but saw no one.
“Hey, I wasn’t expecting you to find that.” He smiled. “Well my secret’s out.”
“I guess you weren’t kidding about protecting me, were you?”
“No, I wasn’t. So where does this leave us?”
Cassie placed her arms under his. “I just want to dance. Please make sure that doesn’t accidentally go off.”
“I promise it won’t.”
She placed her head on his chest. “I won’t bite. Go ahead my knight.”
“As you wish.” He gently embraced her. “Slow dancing, is that what my lady wishes?”
“Yes.” She closed her eyes lulled by his beating heart. “I never even asked your name, my knight.”
“The name’s Sabre_Edge.”
“I’m Cassie, Sabre.”
“I like your name.” He looked down and saw that she was halfway asleep.
“Mmmm…”
“My lady, I think you need to rest.”
“Don’t leave me, Sabre.”
“Wouldn’t think of it.” His eyes searched for the bartender.
“Keep dancing…”
“The song’s over, my lady.”
“I’m so tired…”
“Let’s go find a quiet corner so you can rest.” He caught the attention of the bartender who nodded back in return.
“I’m not sleepy.” She willed her eyes to open, but couldn’t.
“You’re exhausted, my lady.” He looked around at the crowd.
“Don’t leave me…”
“I won’t. Lean on me.” SE eased her back to the bar.
“Cassie are you okay?”
“So tired…” Cassie shuffled her feet forward then stopped.
“Okay, Cassie, that’s it.” SE lifted her and went to where the bartender pointed.
“How much has she had?”
“I’m not drunk.” She tried opening her eyes once again, but failed.
“Nothing, but soda. Bring her to my office. She can rest there.”
“No Sabre, I have to be out here.”
“Cassie, listen to me. I can tell you’ve been through hell. I see a lot of customers come through here and you dear lady need some rest.” The bartender opened his office door. “There’s food in the fridge. Feel free to use the phone if you want.”
“Why are you being so good to me?”
“My dear, you look like you need it. You remind me of my daughter. Please rest.” The bartender looked sternly at SE. “Son, you’re going to take care of her, right?”
“Yes, sir.” He brought her inside and laid her on the couch.
“Thank you sir,” she murmured as SE covered her with a blanket.
The bartender looked at Cassie once again. “Rest well, my dear.”
Smiling, he closed the door, knowing that his gut was right.
Club 1013 Bar
1:46 AM“We’ll never get her out of here.” Blinker watched the bartender move to the other end of the bar.
Tf watched two suspicious men near the bar. “Bartender’s probably got a shotgun underneath.”
“Report.” Tex’s voice ordered over their earpieces.
“Boss, we can’t get to her.” Blinker adjusted his glasses. “Anything on the man with Cassie?”
Tf rubbed the condensation off his beer mug. “Tex, I don’t think we should have gone in to get her with disguises.”
“You two are too well known to them. Cassie would be dead if they knew you were bringing her in.” The frustration in his voice was beginning to show. “No, nothing on him. What the hell is she doing in there with him?”
“Tex, she looked like she was drugged.”
“We’re running out of time. Blinker, four o’clock. Tf, eleven o’clock. I think I recognize them.”
“Will do Boss.” Blinker slowly turned to his right. “Who is it?”
Tf turned to his left, scanning the room. “I don’t like this.”
“The more time goes by, the harder it’s going to be to get her out.” They heard the building frustration in his voice.
“Tex, where’s our backup?”
“No backup. I can’t risk them finding out about this.”
“Tex, we’re outnumbered. I see another one.” Blinker spied the party crasher entering the door and nodding to the others.
“Come on Cassie, get out of there.”
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