Page 77 of Eagle

“Shiv, Shiv,” I whispered as I nudged her. She hadn’t woken up yet, but I knew she was alive. I was glad she was missing most of this, but I started to think she should be aware of our mess.

Eddie said he’d take care of it, but if these guys decided to toss us in a plane in the next few minutes, we’d be shit out of luck. The clubhouse was at least forty-five minutes from us.

Finally, Shiv twitched, then groaned.

“Shiv, are you okay?”

Mumbling, she asked, “Where are we?” She pushed herselfup slowly, looking around, bewildered.

“Some tiny airport.”

“Why? Do you know these guys?”

“How’s your head?”

She rubbed it, wincing. “Ow. What the fuck happened?” She reached for the SUV’s handle but it didn’t open.

“I’m so sorry, Shiv. I have no clue. I’m just so sorry.”

Shiv tried the door again, jerking it quickly over and over. “Shit, shit, shit. What the fuck is happening?”

“I don’t know,” I said with a shaky breath. “I’m so sorry.”

Shiv righted herself and scooted closer, grabbing my hand. “Why are you sorry? You said you don’t know them.”

“I don’t, but I have a feeling they know me. Maybe some crazy customer? I don’t know. But you wouldn’t be in this mess if I hadn’t told you to come.”

“You didn’t put a gun to my head. I missed you and the timing seemed good. Maybe the fuck up with the flight was a sign, but hey, can’t turn back time.” She sighed and looked out the window. Her voice was calm, but her hand was shaking in mine. “I do have a few regrets in life, but nothing earth shattering, I suppose. I wish I could tell my mom bye, even if she makes me crazy.”

“My boyfriend knows we’re here. We just got to hold on until he can get here. If they try to get us out of the car, we just need to stall a little.”

“Well, I hope you’re right. Otherwise, I want you to know I’m proud of you and I’m glad I got to see you again.”

Even though it seemed like an odd time to say that, I had to swallow down the lump in my throat. “Proud of me? You’re a doctor. With an MD and a PhD. I’m a dancer. A stripper, Shiv.”

“Which is a valid form of employment that clearly keeps you very fit and healthy. Also, it must be completely empowering to have that kind of control. Very fascinating, honestly. But I meant I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. You used to not be so cool under pressure.”

Running my hand over my ponytail, I blew a breath through puffed cheeks. “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But shit, can I be done with this test of will already?”

We both let out a humorless laugh, then wrapped our arms around each other. After a few seconds, we let go, but scooted hip to hip and held hands as we waited.

Sitting around while unsure of what was planned for you was unnerving. At least with Tony, we knew what was happening. Maybe not at first, but once we were in and had our lives stripped away, it was obvious–he owned us and we were nothing other than dollar signs to him.

Now, I had no idea what was about to happen, or why. Shiv clearly was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I wasn’t a doctor, but I was smart enough to know this was targeted at me. But why?

My thoughts were still processing when I heard an engine. It wasn’t a plane, so I looked around and saw a car. An older Trans Am. Random, but okay. Nothing would surprise me at this point.

But as I watched the car to see who got out, my stomach turned to knots. Two of the men that were in the car with us walked over and pulled a woman from the car. One held her and the other stuffed a gag in her mouth.

I tightened my grip on Shiv. “Fuck.”

“What are they doing to her?” Shiv asked with a crack in her voice.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think she wants to go.” I looked around and didn’t see anyone else around.

I was still staring at the woman being dragged away when one of the doors on the other side opened. We both jumped and scooted toward the door closest to me.

“Time to go,” he said as he reached in for Shiv.

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