Page 44 of Desire

Chapter 35

The houror so drive to the Shipmans’ cabin was the longest sixty minutes of my life. By my estimation, Bridget had been there for a couple of hours already. I prayed like I had never prayed before that I made it to the cabin before Malcolm hurt either of them. I was still trying to understand his motive for taking such desperate measures. Considering the amount of money he owed Mr. Falcone, my guess would be fear. Fear was always a motivating factor when people did crazy things.

I knew Miles would be right behind me, so when I finally reached the vicinity of the cabin, I pulled off on the side of the road, left the car there, and began my trek the rest of the way to the cabin. I didn’t want to give away the fact that I was here. After about fifteen minutes of walking, I came across the driveway. I snuck along the drive, staying close to the trees to conceal my arrival as best I could. As soon as I moved around the last tree, I spotted Bridget’s car. I didn’t realize how scared I had been, not knowing whether this was exactly where Bridget had come. I breathed a small sigh of relief.

A soft rustling sounded behind me. I withdrew my gun and waited. When Miles peeked around the corner, I relaxed. Miles had been in my employ since the second year I opened Blacklight Securities. He was, in fact, my second-in-command. I trusted him more than I trusted anyone. Well, besides Bridget now. He’d been a good friend throughout the years.

Miles came to stand next to me. “Have you seen anything yet?”

“Nothing. You arrived right behind me so I haven’t had the chance to get closer and scope anything out. All is quiet.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“My only plan is to not get Bridget or Alex killed. I need eyes inside that cabin. To see what we’re up against. I’m going to see if I can get around back by heading through these trees. I want you to stay here and wait for my signal.”

Not waiting for an answer, because I knew Miles would follow my instructions to the letter, I set off through the trees, staying close to the outside to keep the house in view. After dodging branches and other foliage, I finally reached the back of the house. I crept out of the woods, and ducking low, I raced to the house and leaned against it, staying out of view of the windows. I quickly snuck a glance into the nearest one. Inside was a bedroom. The bed was still made, and I could clearly see one door led into a bathroom. The other door appeared to lead out into a hallway.

I ducked under the window and kept creeping along the wall until I reached the side of the house. Again, I peeked into the window and stopped in my tracks. The window was in the kitchen, but with the open floor plan, I was able to see the living room as well. Malcolm was pacing back and forth, a gun in his hand, and with each pass, I caught a glimpse of Bridget and Alex. What I saw pissed me off. Bridget was sitting on her knees on the floor, her hand on Alex’s leg. A bruise was forming on her face and her lip was split. Again. Her lip had only just recently closed up. Alex was tied to a kitchen chair and had a black eye and who knew what other injuries. Both of them looked terrified with tear tracks running down their faces.

Bridget sat awkwardly, her side hurting. I saw red at the thought that Malcolm had caused further injury. I needed to formulate a plan. So far, everything appeared calm, but I had no idea if Malcolm would go off at any second. I had to stop myself from charging in. I didn’t want to rush in and put them into further danger. I don’t know if she sensed my eyes on her or not, but at that moment Bridget looked up and our eyes connected. I saw her gasp, and I quickly ducked back and away from the window.

I heard Malcolm start yelling. “What did you see out there? Is someone here?” And then louder, “Is that you Connor? I have your whore and her bastard in here. You just made my job easier. I don’t have to wait to kill you. I get a two for one here.”

Miles was still out there, waiting. I signaled to him I was going in and he needed to be ready when the time came. I made my way to the front of the house and stood pressed against the wall next to the front door. I tucked my gun in the waistband of my pants at the small of my back. Then, I called out a warning before I slowly started to open the door.

“I’m coming in.”

Through the crack in the door, I slowly stuck my head in, hoping he didn’t blow it off. I kept my eyes on him as I stepped fully inside. Hoping Malcolm didn’t notice, I kept the door cracked open for Miles and attempted to distract him. I put my hands above my head to show him I wasn't a threat.

“What are you doing, Malcolm? Do you think you’re going to get away with this?”

“I have no other choice. If it weren’t for the two of you poking your nose in my business, then none of this would have had to happen. I need that money from the trust. Mr. Falcone will kill me otherwise.”

“What makes you think I won’t kill you first?”

He swung the gun in Bridget and Alex’s direction and cocked it. “Because those two are my insurance policy.”

My body froze when he aimed the gun in their direction. I needed to keep him talking, distracted, and away from the door where I knew Miles was making his way to. But first, I needed to check on my woman. Keeping my hands where he could see him and without breaking eye contact, I slowly walked in their direction, making sure I didn’t show him my back. When I reached them, Bridget stood and both of us moved to stand in front of Alex to block him with our bodies.

“Are you all right, baby?” I wiped the tears that had begun to fall.

“I knew you’d find me,” she whispered.

“Always, love. You know that when we get out of here, I’m going to spank your ass raw for not only coming here alone but for not even contacting me first before you set out on this harebrained scheme.” I spoke softly so Alex couldn’t hear.

She laughed quietly in spite of her tears. “I’d expect nothing less, Sir.”

I looked down at Alex. “What about you, son? You okay? You’re not hurt anywhere else are you?”

He shook his head. “No, sir.”

“I’m going to get us out of here. I promise.” I winked to try and reassure him.

I turned my head to face Malcolm again. As I did, I saw a shadow pass in front of the door. I knew Miles was in place.

“Let me untie Alex. He’s just a little boy. You’re the one with the gun. The one in control. But I need to make sure he’s okay. So, let me untie him.”

“No. He’s fine right where he is. Now, I need you to step away from them.”

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