Page 69 of Dangerously In Love

“Time for a show,” James says, his smoky laughter echoing in the large space.

I move as quickly as I can to flip onto my other side, a difficult maneuver with my legs and hands bound. I twist my body towards the entranceway, where I can make out James’s tall figure standing between the curtain of my now sweaty, matted hair.

Footsteps are getting closer and then the sweetest sound: Brandon’s voice.

“Where is she?”

James draws a gun from his waist and waves over in my general direction. “The bitch is over there, still breathing as long as I get my money. Speaking of which, you showed up empty-handed.”

Before I hear Brandon respond, another set up footsteps comes rushing in and the man who grabbed me appears. The same weirdo who was watching my block and followed Brandon and I in the bodega.

“And you.” James briefly turns to the third man, his gun still pointing at Brandon. “How did you let him past you? What happened to my fucking protection?”

“I—” He doesn’t get a chance to defend himself. James quickly waves the gun away from his son and executes the man.

My scream is muffled by the unexpected gunshot. From my vantage point, it’s hard to read Brandon’s expression. I see the blood splatter from the shot, now covering the remaining men. The slain man’s blood has joined that of the animals.

“Don’t make that face,” James says to Brandon. “He’s served his purpose in loaning me this place, but she’ll be next if I don’t get my fucking money.”

The rope starts giving from the constant maneuvering, and I have to bite back a scream as it digs into my already bloody wrists. I’m getting closer to removing the blasted bindings. Have to strike at the right time.

“I’m going to ask you one last time, Brandon. Where is the money?”

“It’s right here,” Brandon says, but there’s nothing in his hands. I squint to bring him into focus. He’s patting his breast pocket.

“I’m going to reach into my pocket for the drive,” Brandon responds.

James chuckles as if there is a damn thing funny about this situation. “Your generation is something. Where is my cash? I don’t want a flash drive.”

“Couldn’t exactly get millions in a duffel bag under short notice. Cryptocurrency is the best I could do with the time you gave me.”

“Unbelievable,” I hear James mutter. “Before you reach for anything, give me your gun.”

Brandon scoffs. “What gun?”

“Don’t be so thick, Brandon. I know you have it on you. Place it on the ground. Slowly.”

Brandon doesn’t move at first, seeming to weigh his options.

After a beat, Brandon slowly removes his Glock and places it on the wet ground near his feet, inches away from where the slain flunky of James lies.

“Now kick it,” James says.

My wrists are free, I realize. I slowly push away the offending rope. I squint to see Brandon kick his weapon towards me, right within arm’s reach.

Brandon briefly glances over at me as I’m rubbing my chaffing wrists. James doesn’t even turn around, thinking the gun in my vicinity is of no consequence because my hands should be tied. Quietly as I can, I reach down to loosen the rope from around my ankles, never taking my eyes off the men.

“Let her go,” Brandon exclaims in his father’s face. “None of this has anything to do with Ava.”

“You’re right, son. This was all about you from the start. You were the target the whole time. That shooting? I wanted to get your attention. When you refused to answer, I had to switch tactics. She’s just collateral to make sure I get my money.”

Brandon runs his hands through his hair in frustration. “Leave Ava out of this.”

“You weren’t the one who rotted in a state prison for almost a decade. When I came out, everything was gone.”

“It’s what you deserved after you ruined thousands of lives.”

James gets in his son’s face. The men are nearly nose to nose, and I hold my breath, waiting for what’s next.

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