The Reaper's Daughter (Book 1 Soldiers Series)

7

The sun had set, and the guys had begun to complain about the hours trapped in the van. Doc, in particular, needed to get out and stretch his injured leg as well as change the dressings on his wound and Trey’s. Eventually, Mace had given in and agreed to stop for the night at some roadside motel. They turned off the interstate and found an out of the way place trying to stay off the radar since they were not sure just how far behind them Jess’ father might be.

They pulled in to the parking lot, and Mace gave Shady an order to rent some rooms while they waited in the van to keep a low profile. Two bleeding men and a girl tied at the wrist and ankles might draw some negative attention. Jess sat in the back seat waiting to be moved. She was tired, and her body was stiff. Her wrist and ankles ached from the tight plastic ties.

Shady returned to the van and slid the side door open. He started to hand out room keys to three rooms; they would have to share. “What are we going to do with her?” He asked looking right at Jess.

“I’ll watch her.” Fat Boy volunteered with a wide yellow-toothed grin that made her cringe and press farther back against her seat.

“I don’t think so,” Mace said jumping out of the van. “That’s like asking the fox to watch the hen house. She’ll stay with me.” He said. Jess breathed a sigh of relief. Mace was the lesser of two evils in this particular situation. “Give me a room.” He said holding his hand out for a room key. Shady selected one then passed they key to him. Mace then reached in and scooped Jess up heaving her over his shoulder and holding her legs to keep her in place.

“Put me down.” She demanded.

“Well, then how would you get to the room?” He asked smugly carrying her up the steps to the second level of the motel.

“I can walk.”

“Not with your legs tied you can’t.” He pointed out.

“Then untie them so I can walk.” She snarled.

Mace laughed out loud. “I don’t think so princess, we both know you can’t be trusted.” He pushed open the motel room door and carried Jess inside. Mace dropped her down on the double bed inside bouncing a foot off the mattress before settling in the middle. Jess lifted her hands to push her hair away from her face. She shot an annoyed glare at him for the careless way he had put her down. “Oops.” Mace teased walking back to the door to address his men. “I want one of you outside this door guarding it at all times. Rotate ever hour. If she gets past me, I want one of you out here to catch her. Fat Boy, why don’t you go around up everyone something to eat.” Mace shut the door and slid the lock in to place.

Jess frowned, she was stuck, and there was no way out of this room. She was too high to jump out the washroom window, and there were guards outside the only door. She held up her wrist and stared at Mace expectantly. “You think you can let me loose for the night?”

“Hell no.” He said sitting on the foot of the bed turning on the television to ignore her.

“Why not?”

“I don’t trust you.” He said simply.

“Where am I going to go? You’ve got me trapped in here.”

“You would probably try to kill me in my sleep,” Mace answered. “I think it’s safer to keep you as you are.”

Jess smirked mischievously. “Is the big bad thug scared of a little country girl?” Her mockery received the desired effect as Mace turned to look at her his expression cocky.

“You don’t scare me.”

“Then what’s the problem? Are you afraid you can’t take me?”

The corners of his mouth curved in a slick grin. “I could take you. I think I’ve already proven that.”

“Then you should have no worries.” She said holding her wrist up once more. Mace rose from his seat taking a switchblade from his pocket. He walked around the bed and knelt beside Jess. In one swift motion, he sliced away the tie wrap around her wrist freeing her and then did the same to the one around her ankles. Jess rubbed her sore wrists scooting herself up into a seated position.

“Don’t make me regret this.” He warned returning the knife to his pocket then walked back to the foot of the bed. Mace sat down and started to roam through the channels. She watched as he skimmed past a few decent shows only to select a sports game.

“I don’t want to watch that.” She protested.

“You don’t have a say in the mater.” He said offering her a wicked smile. “Remember, you’re a hostage.” He went back to watching his game.

Jess looked around the boring motel room. She was stuck in here all night with this guy and his dull game. There was nothing to do. Jess studied Mace closely; he was well-groomed for a thug. A man who took pride in his appearance. He looked like something straight out of a gangster movie. The baggy track pants, the jersey, once white runners now dirty from their run in the woods, and a gold chain around his neck. He was dangerous and ignorant, but incredibly attractive.

Jess’ gaze raked over him. His strong body and muscled arms, down his back to his waistband where she spotted his gun tucked behind him, and his back carelessly turned to her. Jess sucked in an uncertain breath. Should she dare go for it? She might get past him, but there were still five more of them. Then again, her father had taught her to shoot. Jess was a pretty good shot. She could make it.

Summoning her courage Jess went for it. She lunged forward and grabbed the handle of Mace’s gun drawing it from his waistband. He reacted instantly, spinning around to snatch it back but she rolled off the bed using the bed to hide from sight. The gun in her hands Mace hit the floor taking cover on the other side of the bed to shield himself. She was armed, but he still stood between her and the door.

“I’m confused Jess, after shooting me what is it you think you’re going to do? You know my boys are going to come in here and blow you away, right?” Mace called back to her over the bed.

“My dad taught me to shoot. I’ll peg them off one by one as they come through the door.” She called back.

Jess heard him laugh and could not imagine what he found comical about their present situation. “You’re nothing if not exciting you know that.”

“I’m so glad I amuse you.” She snarled.

“Oh Boo, under different circumstances…” He trailed off suddenly she heard the sound of metal sliding against metal and a click. Oh god, he had another gun. “I have an idea. Why don’t we kill each other?” She heard him say. Jess jumped up and aimed. Mace leapt up coming over the bed. He was on her in seconds, his gun pressed against her. “Drop it.” He barked.

Jess struggled against Mace refusing to relinquish her advantage. His strong hand forcefully pried the weapon from her hands and tossed it across the room out of her reach. Jess screamed with frustration and hit him. Mace tossed his gun aside so she could not take it from him as he struggled to get her under control. “I hate you.” She hissed clawing at him.

Mace did his best to restrain Jess as she lashed out at him. “Don’t make me hurt you.” He barked. “I don’t want to hurt you.” His arms closed tightly around Jess pinning her down between them so she could not move a muscle. Jess strained to free herself but could not; he was too strong. Finally, she relaxed giving in. Both of them breathing hard from the struggle she glared up at him with fire and fury flaring in his dark eyes. “You are becoming a real pain in my ass.” He hissed.

“Drop dead dirtbag.” Jess spat back as his dark gaze held hers intensely. As Mace stared at Jess, something changed. The heat in his eyes became something else, something she did not understand. Suddenly he leaned in, and his lips captured hers in a hot passionate kiss. His mouth ate at hers. Jess felt his tongue tease her lips pleading for entry. She was not sure what came over her as her lips parted and allowed his tongue to slip past sweeping her mouth, dancing over her own.

His embrace relaxed, and Mace’s hands moved up framing her face as his kiss deepened. He was intoxicated and made her head spin. Jess reached out and pushed Mace away breaking their heated kiss. She scrambled to her feet watching him stand up. They both stared at one another confused and shaken by what had just occurred. Jess watched Mace; she felt a shudder spread through her body, an unexplained longing deep down in her very core. This was insane, and she knew it. “What are you doing?” Jess snapped unsure of herself.

“I don’t know,” Mace said staring at her with desire in his eyes. It excited her the way his eyes raked over her body.

“Ok.” Jess threw herself against Mace lacing her arms around his neck. She kissed him once more; it was like a fire exploded between them. Mace backed Jess up until she felt the bed at the back of her legs. They fell back onto the mattress together, Mace’s body stretched out over top of hers. Jess shuddered as his mouth blazed a hot path down her throat. His hand slid up her thigh slowly pushing up her skirt.

A sudden loud thump startled them both, and Mace looked up at the door. “Supper.” The voice from the other side called. Mace lowered her skirt and climbed off Jess. She sat up and tried to collect herself as Mace walked to the door to open it. Fat Boy was on the other side holding a takeout bag. He looked in at Jess seated on the bed her face flushed from the excitement, and he smiled knowingly. “Hypocrite.” He teased.

Mace slammed the door in Fat Boy’s face locking it once more. He did not turn to face her for a long moment. The longer he was away from her, the more foolish Jess felt for having lost her head. What on earth had she been thinking off? Mace turned around and reached into the bag. He removed a burger then tossed it to her. Catching it, Jess watched him from the bed. “Eat up.” He ordered keeping his distance from her. Clearly, he understood the mistake they had nearly made as well. He was not coming anywhere near her.

Gathering up the weapons strewed around the room, Mace sat down on the floor with his back against the door and ate his burger. Jess settled herself on the bed. It was going to be a long night.

***

Mace rested propped against the door. He hadn’t dare sleep in the bed. After his loss of control earlier that evening, he did not trust himself to be near Jess. For god sakes, he had almost taken her. Had it not been for his boy’s excellent timing he might have lost his head completely. Still, he had been unable to get the memory of the way she felt beneath him out of his mind.

They did not speak to one another for the rest of the night. Mace had shut off the light. He tried to get some sleep, but his mind kept racing with erotic images of the young woman less than ten feet away. He needed to get away from her.

When morning came, Mace got up from his place on the floor and stretched the stiffness out of his back. He opened the door ordering Doc who was waiting outside to bring more tie wraps. Once he had the tie wraps in his hand, Mace walked over to the bed where Jess was still sleeping. She looked beautiful laying there. Her dark hair partly covered her pretty face. Mace reached down and gently brushed the hair behind her ear. She stirred, and her eyes fluttered open. Jess smiled in a sleepy haze. A moment of peace before she remembered where she was.

Jess looked up at Mace and frowned when she saw the tie wraps in his hands. “It’s time to go.” He said softly reaching for her wrists.

“Must you?” She complained as he tied her up. “It hurts so much. I promise I won’t make trouble.”

“I wish I could believe you, but if I did, we both know I would be a fool.” He did not want to hurt her, but Jess could not be trusted. Mace bound her wrist and then did the same to her ankles. He lifted Jess from the bed cradling her in his arms like a child. Carrying her from the room and down the stairs to the parking lot moving her quickly to the van so not to be seen. It was early in the morning, and the other guests were still sleeping. Mace placed Jess in the rear seat of the van then climbed in beside her.

The others got in, and Doc slid the side door shut. With Shady behind the wheel, they were back on the road and heading home. Mace could not wait to reach Los Angeles. He was sick to death of the country. They drove along the guys all talking about what they were going to do first when they got back to Los Angeles. Everyone was eager to get home.

Mace watched as Doc changed the dressing around his leg cursing at Jess as he did it. Jess sat calmly in her seat smugly smiling at the wounded man and his suffering. A question had been bugging him this whole time. Mace could not understand why she would stab a huge guy like Doc in the leg when she could have stabbed him in the chest. He presented a large target and yet she deliberately had gone for the limbs.

“Why in the leg?” Mace finally asked trying to satisfy his curiosity. “I mean he’s a huge target. Of all the places you could have done damage why the leg?”

“Because she’s a vicious bitch.” Doc snapped.

“Hush up I wasn’t asking you.” Mace barked.

Jess casually looked over at Mace. “The arteries can pump out 7.5 l****s of blood every five minutes.”

“So?” He did not see the relevance of her answer.

“The human body only produces five.” She turned her cold gaze on Doc fixing him to his seat with her icy stare. “I missed.” The colour drained from Doc’s face as he realized how close he had come to death at the hands of some pint-sized little girl.

“Aren’t you resourceful?” Mace smiled. “I bet your father taught you all sorts of things.” She refused to answer him. He could not help it the girl fascinated him. She was beautiful, cocky, and fierce. Jess was no shrinking violet cowering in the corner. She was like a wildcat cornered, teeth bared and her claws out ready to shred the first person to come near her. It was enough to tempt a man to tame her.

Jess looked out the window and sighed. “How long until we get to LA?”

“Are you in a rush?” Mace asked surprised by her question.

“Just sick of having to be stuck in here with you six.”

“Soon enough,” Mace answered. He wanted to be rid of Jess as much as she did him.

“You know my dad will find me.” She informed him.

“That is the plan.” He told her. “Don’t worry Boo; we’re more than ready for daddy.”

***

Chris Hues walked up the long driveway; it had been two days since anyone had seen Sasha and he was beginning to worry. He had tracked down Mary and questioned her about the man Sasha was with when she had left the club. He had spoken to Ruby and Fran as well only none of them knew anything about the man except that his name was Jonathan Max, he was the father of one of her troubled students and Sasha had met him earlier that day.

Chris had used his contacts at the DMV to pull up any car registered under that name in Hillview and came up with this country address. When he arrived, his instincts began to tell him something was not quite right. A Camaro was parked up the lane with its lights on in the middle of the day. Finding it odd Chris drew his gun and proceeded with caution. He walked over covering his mouth and nose when he found a body slumped against the steering wheel. Just some dumb kid. It smelled as if he had been dead for days.

Chris took his cell phone from his pocket and called it in. While he waited impatiently for backup Chris walked slowly to the house his gun in hand. The door was open. Chris called inside identified himself as an officer and slowly entered. The house was clear, no one living or dead, and no Sasha. The house had been trashed, and despite the lack of bodies, there was blood on the floor. Either someone was injured, or bodies had been moved, but then why leave the body in the car?

Chris noted the torn down wall, and without touching anything, he peered through the cracked closet door. Inside were numerous guns one could not just buy in any store, he would bet his life they were not registered. In the front entrance was a woman’s thong, it was not Sasha’s so he could only assume it belonged to the girl that lived there. A foot away laid a discarded cellphone.

Chris walked the perimeter of the house. The bushes beneath the garage had snapped branches. Something or someone had dropped into them. Small footprints in the slush and dirt faded from the weather, but he could tell they led away from the bushes and down the driveway. Following them, the trail led back to the Camaro.

The footprints could not belong to the victim they were too small. Sasha would have no reason to run to this man’s car; the prints must belong to the missing girl. A tire tread in the mud and slush crossed over the prints. Someone had spun their tires, probably leaving in a hurry. Until CSI had a chance to go over the scene and interpret the evidence all his theories were merely suspicion and he could not go after anyone. The only thing Chris could bank on was the fact that three people were missing and one person dead.

Chris walked back to his car and typed Jonathan Max into his onboard computer. Maybe this guy was in the database.

Nothing.

So, he tried John Max.

Still nothing.

J Max.

Nothing again.

Chris cursed and hit the steering wheel in frustration. Who the hell was he dealing with?

He tried again, typing in the suspect's initials.

Nothing.

Johnny Max.

Nothing.

It must not be his real name, Chris assumed finding it hard to believe the man did not have a record, not even a damn parking ticket. There was just something about Johnny Max that screamed suspicious.