Page 50 of Island Whispers

When there was room inside for her to wait, he leaned back against the wall.

“Sometimes a girl needs her space, y’know?” One woman sniped at him.

He didn’t take the bait. Outside opinions were irrelevant.

“Women have to take care of each other,” another said. “Someone in there is asking her right now if she needs help.”

And her answer would be “no”. Counterproductive to mention it though. “That’s very kind,” he allowed. “And smart.”

“You’re loitering.” This declaration came from a mountain of a man stationed near the rear exit. “Move along.”

“I will. Just waiting for my girlfriend.”

The man ambled closer. “You heard me, dude.”

Boone wasn’t fooled. This guy looked slow, but he wouldn’t be at that post unless he could be quick when necessary. “She’ll be out in a minute.”

“If she’s here, she’s old enough to find her way back to your table by herself.”

“Look,” Boone began, but he got clocked by a meaty fist he didn’t even see coming. He cradled his jaw as he turned to face his attacker. The second man was almost as big as the first guy. “What the hell?”

Bouncer number two blocked the hallway. The customers waiting for the restroom were moving out of the way. Boone registered a few faces, including the sneer on one woman’s face, along with murmurs that he was getting what he deserved.

Damn it. Why did everyone have to meddle tonight? Yes, Nina was scared. But not of him. Maybe of what his presence meant, but this wasn’t the time for introspection unless he wanted to get his ass kicked.

“Get out of the bar,” Mr. Slow said, crowding Boone into Bouncer Two.

“Shortest distance is that way.” Boone pointed toward the rear exit. He was doing his best to hold his ground, but they were effectively moving him back. In seconds, he’d lose his view of the women’s restroom door.

“You’re leaving by the front door.” Mr. Slow advanced again. “All civilized-like.”

“Not without my girlfriend.”

Bouncer Two hooked Boone’s arm. “We’ll let her know you’re waiting on the street.”

Boone could take out both these clowns with a few precise strikes. Throat. Knee. But who might get hurt in the process? Worse, who would jump in and help the bouncers?

He craned his neck for a glimpse of the restroom door. “Let me text her.”

“Do whatever the hell you want. Outside.” Mr. Slow gave him a hard shove and Bouncer Two used the momentum to spin Boone around.

“Wait.” Boone dragged his feet as they neared the end of the hallway by the bar. “I need to pay the check,” he said.

It was enough to make the bouncers hesitate. He had to buy time for Nina to get out here and see what was going on. What was taking so long?

He glanced back down the hallway and caught a flurry of movement. Someone was hustling toward the backdoor, now cleared of any supervision. He would’ve chalked it up to a customer skipping out on their bill except for the struggle. And the shriek.

“Boone!”

Someone was hauling Nina out of the club.

Oh, hell no.

He shoved Mr. Slow aside and stormed back into the hallway. The women who had been closest to Nina in line tried to block him, but he twisted and wedged his way past the flimsy barricade without causing any real harm.

He was outside, only seconds behind her. The door slammed shut behind him. No hope of surprise. But when the man looked back, Boone recognized her abductor.

“Spratt, stop!” he ordered.

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