Текст книги "Masterpiece"

Автор книги: Xavier Neal

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“You put my daughter's life at risk with that...that heartless, conniving, sociopath?”

“The deal was simple,” I continue on, folding my hands together. “I had to deliver a car to him. In exchange, I would be granted my freedom. No more jobs. No trail leading back to me. I could move on. Get a fresh start-”

Nadie questions, “Why would you want a fresh start?”

“Because I love Jovi,” the words slip out with enough emotion attached I'm not sure I can hold back crying again. “Because she deserves so much more than some kid who got lost trying to keep his head up in a world determined to drown him. There's something about her that makes me wanna be a better man. That makes me need to be. I can't explain it.”

He runs his hand over his bald head. The bald and bearded look, combined with his suit and tie one, almost gives him a more intimidating one than if he were in his uniform. “So you're telling me The Devil has my daughter.”

“Yes sir.”

“Why?”

“I fucked up,” I mutter. “I was on my way back and was spotted for driving a car with no tags. I managed to ditch the car, but-”

“It's the one they brought in to the impound, isn't it? The exotic one.”

Nodding slowly I answer, “Yes sir.”

“He took her for leverage?”

“Collateral damage. I was supposed to deliver that car and something inside of it, yet got it taken. I ignored his calls while trying to deal with my cousin's death and come up with a plan to get it back. He's not a patient person.”

Coldly the Commissioner states, “He's not the only. If he kills her-”

“He's not gonna kill her...” The reassurance looks like it eases some stress. “It's not his style. He only kills if he has to. And as long as he gets his car back by Sunday, there's no need for him to.”

He furrows his eyebrows. “You want me to negotiate that car for my daughter?”

“I-”

“I could just call in a task force.”

“That'd force his hand in a way that might lead him into harming her. Part of the deal was no cops.”

As if he wasn't listening to me, he snaps, “I'm not negotiating my daughter for a car.”

“You don't think Jovi's life is more important!” Nadie shouts.

“It's more complicated than that.” The Commissioner raises his hand to hush her. “I can't just trade her life for it. I can't give him that power. I can't-”

“Bend the law?” Nadie snaps. “Not even for your own daughter?”

“Especially not for my own daughter,” he whispers out shutting his eyes.

“You can't be serious Nick!”

“Damn it Nadie!” He yells popping his eyes open. “Don't say it like I don't fucking care about her! Don't say it like she doesn't matter to me!”

“Then act like it and do something!”

“Excuse me,” I interrupt. Their bickering immediately ceases and they look at me. “I didn't come here to convince you to negotiate.”

Sarcastically he says, “You just came by to drop off the world's worst fucking news?”

“I came to tell you, I'm gonna get Jovi back and-”

“How?” Nadie questions.

“I have an idea-”

“No,” her father denies me. “I don't want any help from you. You got her into this mess. It's your fault she's taken! It's your fault she's not here!”

“I know that sir,” I reply. “And that's why I'm going to get her back.”

“I'm not doing anything illegal-”

Quickly I inform him, “I'm not going to ask you to.”

He opens his mouth, but I cut him off.

“I'm asking you to wait to arrest me until I've brought her home safe,” my pleading seems to take him off guard by the way he stumbles backwards. “Once she's back in your arms, fine. Take me to jail. Throw me in prison. I'm not gonna fight. I'm not gonna run. I'll tell you everything you need to know about me and what I've done. I'm willing to sell out The Devil and his law enforcement associates.”

Nadie whispers, “How?” I glance her direction. “How are you gonna bring Jovi home?”

I shrug. “I have an idea, but no one wants to hear me out.”

“Talk.” The commissioner says surprising the shit out of me.

Here's the shot I was hoping he would give me. Here's to hoping I don't fucking blow it.

“Tell me what you plan to do.”

“I plan to break into the impound and take the car.”

I didn't say it was the best plan...

“That's it?” He looks unimpressed. “That's all you got?”

“Well-”

“That's incredibly stupid. Do you have any idea how long it would take you to get caught?”

In a low mumble I confess, “If I could use the cops on The Devil's payroll it would go a lot smoother...”

“You've mentioned that more than once about his reach. I know he has it. I know not all of my men are clean, but how many?” The question lifts my fallen face. “How many cops are on his pay roll?”

Unsure of how to answer without being completely honest I shrug. “A lot.”

“Do you know them by name?”

“Some. Most of the dirtier ones.”

Madden associates with them. He thinks I don't hear, but I do. I've kept an ear to the ground. I've retained more information than I probably should've, but what's done is done. Maybe something good can come from it? Reduced sentence maybe? Don't laugh. I need the least amount of time away from Jovi possible.

“I can't go to them for help on breaking in because The Devil specifically said no cops.”

“Yet you're here,” he points out matter of factly. “Do you ever listen?”

“When it matters,” I snap back.

The attitude causes him to glare.

Right. Future father in law and the man who can haul me away to prison. Mind my tongue. Yup...

“You're the last person he would expect me to contact. Which to me makes you perfect. I didn't come here just looking for help, but won't leave without asking for it.”

He wets his lips. “I'm listening.”

“I wanna break into the precinct without breaking in.”

“Like an undercover op?”

“Right, except no back up from your end. At least where anyone can see. It all has to look real. If we raise any suspicions that this is phony, The Devil will hear about it and I can't promise Jovi home safely.”

“And that's what we want,” Nadie pipes in. “Jo' home safely.”

“I want the man who took her.” He adds coldly. “If I let the police handle this-”

“You'll never find him.” Fiddling with my thumbs I continue. “You think it's a coincidence, they have nothing to report? You think it's chance that they aren't beating down your door with leads? That there's no trail or sign?” His body clenches again this time swallowing hard. “No. You know nothing because the men you trust are being paid to keep their mouths closed and look the wrong way.”

In a whisper he says, “You're telling me I can't trust my own men, but have to trust you?”

“If you wanna help me bring Jovi home, yes sir, that's exactly what I'm telling you.”

The Commissioner unexpectedly sits down beside me.

Don't worry I know how to bob and weave, though I don't know how well that's gonna work out for me. You saw how quick he was earlier.

“Okay,” he sighs deeply. “What do you need from me?”

“Whatever was taken from the vehicle, put back.”

“We didn't remove anything,” he assures me. “It's being transported to be stripped and searched thoroughly. I didn't trust my men to do it for this very reason. Called in a favor. It's leaving Saturday.”

“Perfect. I just need a few well-placed opportunities and your word that you won't arrest me until this whole thing is over.”

Slowly he nods before he looks at Nadie who is on his other side. “Can you make us some coffee? I have a feeling the night is about to get a little longer.”

“Sure,” she softly replies.

Once it's just the two of us he scoots closer and lowers his voice to a threatening level, “You are going to do everything it takes to bring my daughter home or I will not hesitate to shoot you and then arrest myself for it. Are we clear?”

“Crystal...”

Terrifyingly, crystal clear.

“Good,” he whispers again. “I don't like you McCoy. I don't like your family. I don't like what you represent. I don't like what the fuck you've done to my city, but most importantly I don't like what you've done to my daughter. So, I'm gonna give you one fucking shot to make this right. All of it. But that's all you get. Just one.”

“One is all I need Commissioner.”

Believe me. I promise to keep my fucking word on that. I'm bringing Jovi home or I'll die trying. Have some faith in me. It might help him have a little more.

Merrick

Strolling through the front door I'm immediately assaulted by Madden who wraps his hand tightly around my already bruised neck.

Fuck. I was hoping for a gut punch. Hell, even one to the eye. At this rate I'll have suffered brain damage from lack of oxygen before this plan gets under way.

             

The second my head hits the back of the door, he barks, “Are you fucking kidding me! I told you to stay home!”

While I wish I could answer, I can't. His grip around my vocal chords isn't working in my favor.

“Where the fuck have you been?! How the fuck could you leave your phone at home!” I watch as the emotions cycle through his eyes.

I hate seeing him like this. I do. I really do, but you saw him. He wasn't trying to hear me out. None of them were.

“Maybe if you let him breathe he can answer,” Daniel calls from somewhere in the background.

“Shut the fuck up,” he bites over his shoulder.  “You're in so much shit! You were supposed to watch him!”

Daniel tries, “I-”

“As far as I'm concerned everyone is responsible for him leaving!”

Drew attempts to object, “But I-”

“No!” He shouts and lets the grip on my neck go.

After a short pause he pulls back his fist and punches the door with enough force to create a very distinct crater next to my face.

Fuck that was close.

“Feel better?” Knox mocks from the kitchen counter top where she's sitting. “Now we have a door to repair.”

“Keep laughing,” he snaps at her. “It wouldn't be a joking matter if this was your family.”

“This is my family!” Knox shouts. “How fucking dare you Madden! These are my brothers just as much as they're yours! I cook for them! I clean! I help make sure they've taken their shots! Go to the fucking dentist! I'm a part of this family just as much as you are, so the next time you fucking try to pull that card make sure shove it back up your ass instead.”

Whoa...

Madden clenches his fist yet doesn't respond. Quickly he looks back at me, “Where the fuck have you been?”

“I...I...” the words seem to stick in my throat.

It's now or never. Remind me to duck.

Bracing myself for the next impact I confess, “I went to see The Commissioner.”

“What?” My family croaks at me.

“You really do just get dumber and dumber,” Hayli mutters from beside Drew.

Don't agree with her. I've got a good plan! I swear!

“You didn't.” Madden shakes his head. “You wouldn't. You're not that fucking stupid.”

“I'm not,” I stand up for myself. “But I went to see him. I needed him not only to know where Jovi is and the fact that I'm gonna bring her home safely, but his help in getting The Devil's Hot Tottie back.”

“No way he's gonna help. Daughter or not,” Hayli states. “That man lives and breathes the law. He bends for nothing.”

“He breaks for nothing,” I correct. “He'll bend for Jovi.”

Madden grouses, “I told you I would come up with a plan.”

“And you hadn't,” I announce moving past him towards Knox who is already fashioning an ice pack for me.

Best mom like figure ever.

“Besides Madden, I needed to fix this. I need to make this right. I got myself into this shit storm, I need to get myself out.”

He tries again, “But-”

“Shut up and listen.” My demand takes him off guard and I use the opportunity to continue, “After a long talk with The Commissioner, we agreed on some things that will help me grab the car and shut The Devil down, but we need all McCoys on deck for this one. I need you to trust that I can handle this Madden and follow my lead for once.”

Daniel folds his arms across his chest and nods his head at me. “We're in baby bro. Talk.”

“I'm gonna break into the precinct and then the impound lot. I'm gonna deliver his car and we're going to make a prisoner exchange for Jovi. There will be a tracking chip implanted in the car that will give the Commissioner our location when the time arrives. The bottom line of this mission is to get Jovi out of there no matter what.”

“You're our responsibility,” Drew tries to correct.

“No.” I place the cold compress on my bruises. “We're getting Jovi out and then yourselves, because when the cops arrive, they're taking me with them.”

Knox gasps. “You can't possibly be serious right now. They're gonna take you to prison for this.”

“Yeah.” I nod slowly adjusting the ice pack. “That's the plan.”

“No fucking way,” Madden argues. “No fucking way.”

Clearing my sore throat I sigh, “I already confessed everything to The Commissioner.”

“What?” They shout.

“I kept your names out of the loop, but yeah. Ghost is dead and Merrick McCoy is going to prison for a very long time.”

In a shaky voice Madden groans, “How could you do this?”

“It needed to be done,” I answer. “I'm done. I've been done. I need to make this right and wash my hands, Madden.”

“You're not going to fucking jail,” he assures me. “We may do this plan your way, with The Commissioner's off the record blessing, but you're not going to prison and that's the end of it.” I open my mouth when he lifts a hand. “Kill that and tell us what you need from who and when this all goes down.”

My eyes meet my brother's but I don't make further arguments.

It doesn't matter. The deal has been made. My freedom for Jovi's. I know it doesn't matter how many times I say it, he won't listen. He won't believe it until it's done. So I'll let it go, but hear me now. I'm trading my life for hers and there's not a damn thing anyone can say to stop me.

Jovi

Blinking slowly, I try to observe the surroundings across from me in the room.

I haven't been conscious long enough to really grab anything to memory, but I know Merrick's gonna need some clue as to where I am. Something subtle. Something that won't get him killed or me wounded for helping. Because of the damn drugs, I barely even remember talking to him. Somehow I clutch onto those thoughts the hardest and they've been sticking. I know he made some mistakes and that's why I'm here. I know he's coming for me. Right now...that's enough.

There's a window covered by black curtains directly in front of me. My sheets and bedspread are brightly floral colored, which makes me scrunch my face. Casually I look over to see there's no nightstand. No lamps. Nothing that could help in an escape.

Wouldn't try it. He feels like the kind of man to shoot you in the back and torture you after just to keep giggling about something. What was his name again? The Don? No...

In the corner there's a single chair being occupied by the woman with the braid. Her name is on the tip of my tongue, so close to sticking out in my memory I can almost shout it. The woman hasn't noticed I'm awake yet, which is fine. She's got her face buried in a book with a very distant look in her eyes.

“If you just lay there still, it won't register you're up yet,” she whispers, eyes still on her page. “That string on your wrist and ankle are motion bracelets.”

Trying not to panic I glance at my wrist to see a small string around one. In a quiet voice I ask, “Why?”

“The drug is strong enough to keep you passed out and prolong the need for you to pee, but when it starts to wear off, I have to take you to the bathroom, and give you another glass of water with it in it.”

“And you're...?”

“Melody.” Quietly she informs me. “I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to watch over you.”

Thankful for the refresher, I try to bear down the fear that's creeping up my throat. “I don't...I don't remember waking up. I don't...I don't remember much.” Tears sting my eyes. “How long have I been here?”

She turns the page. “This will be day 4. They took you Tuesday night.”

“Merrick...”

“You have spoken to him more than once,” the reassurance soothes me. “He's the man known as Ghost. And the only thing you've been begging me to remind you of is that he loves you. That this is all about him trying to get out of this way of life to be with you. That everything is forgivable.”

Is it? He's Ghost! That means he's been a career criminal for how long? He didn't tell me that from the beginning either...Yeah, he wants out now, but doesn't change what he's done. It doesn't change the fact he's been hiding this from me. That my life is in danger because of it...but you know what? If he gets me out of this... and swears to never get me in it again, I'm sure we can work through this.

“I'm sorry,” Melody whispers. “I hate that you're here. You don't deserve this.”

“Guess this is what happens when you fall in love with a criminal.”

“When you fall in love period,” Melody counters.

Curious I ask, “Been here before?”

“I didn't end up as a house wench because I didn't feel I was cut out for college.” Her sarcasm makes me snicker a little too hard because the thing around my wrist starts flashing. There's a vibrating sound and I notice she checks her phone. “Well The Devil knows you're up now. Guess I'll grab your breakfast. He'll be in shortly.”

“Thanks,” I sigh and sit up. “Not just for the talk but...ya know, everything?”

“You're welcome,” she coos quietly seconds before the man known as The Devil arrives.

That's right! Don't let me forget. The Devil! He's the one my father's been after! Have to remember everything I can about him. God, I hope my father takes him down.

“Ah. Sleeping Beauty awakens,” he says with a cheesy smirk.

For the record he looks like a bigger douche wearing that pink monstrosity he calls a shirt. Hayli would rip him a new one for it.

 

“I take it you're resting well.”

“I'm fine. Thank you,” I politely answer tucking my legs beside myself.

“Good,” his remark is followed by him reaching for a remote in his pocket. “Let's make a phone call, shall we?”

The Devil turns on the television and I'm exposed to the sight of Merrick in front of the screen with a hopeful look on his face. At the sight of me he sighs, “Baby...”

Meekly I say, “Hi...”

“Love the warm sentiments,” The Devil sarcastically starts, “but I have a few questions McCoy and I expect the truth or your beauty won't be so beautiful.” At the words I turn just in time to see a gun drawn, cocked and pointing my direction.

Nervous I swallow and turn to look back at Merrick who has tensed up.

There's a gun pointed at my head! An actual fucking gun! Oh my god! Oh my god! I don't wanna die! Please don't let me die.

He scoots closer like he's trying to reach me. “Don't you fucking dare.”

“I'm not gonna kill her, but I don't have to send her home whole. Now.” He pushes it against my shoulder. “Why did you go the Commissioner's house? I told you no cops.”

“You did,” Merrick hurries out, which is when I spot Madden on the couch behind him rigid like he's ready to attack as well.

Well at least he's on our side.

“So you were....selling him Girl Scout Cookies?”

“I was killing his scent off me,” Merrick explains. “Nadie knows my face. She knows that I'm Jovi's boyfriend. It wouldn't have been much longer before they came sniffing so I sent them another direction as a distraction.”

I cut a glance at The Devil, who looks unsure if he buys it.

Do you buy it? Can you come up with another reason Merrick would be at my house? Talking to my dad? Oh my God. The fact my father didn't murder him on the spot is impressive in itself. Maybe he'll accept us someday. Yeah. You're right. I'm getting way ahead of myself.

“You've never been able to buy The Commissioner off. What the fuck makes you think he'd change his tune now? Better yet what make you think he trusts me?” Merrick's words sound so sad. “I just needed him out of the picture to steal back your package tomorrow.”

“So you're finally bringing it home,” he sounds excited. “I look forward to watching the show.”

Merrick lifts his eyebrows. “You're gonna be watching?”

“I'm always watching McCoy. Remember that.” He uncocks the weapon and lowers it. “Now tell your love goodnight.”

“Can I have a minute?” Merrick pleads.

He looks at his watch. “60 seconds.”

Such a heartless asshole!

“You okay, baby?”

With a sharp nod I decide to clue him the best I can to my whereabouts.

I don't buy my father wouldn't help him any more than I buy this man is just gonna give me up with no backlash. Not really sure how any of this is gonna go down, but the easier I can make it to get to me the better.

“You remember when we stayed in the hotel suite with that one large gorgeous window?”

The false description looks like it registers instantly.

Thank God.

He adjusts in his seat. “I do. It was um...on the first floor.”

“Yeah. We could see those ducks from it.” I fake an emotional attachment before I ask, “When you save me...can we go back?”

“We can go anywhere you want baby,” Merrick whispers. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Sweet. Really. Time's up. Ghost, I'll be seeing you again real soon.”

“Yup.” He swallows. “Real fucking soon.”

The Devil kills the T.V. as Melody enters the room. Knowing the drug I need to take is in the liquid I make a mental note to have it last.

No way I can get out of drinking it all together, but the least I can do is prolong my next pass out. It's crossed my mind to accidentally spill it, so you're not alone there. I get the feeling that would make this situation worse not better. No. And not just for me, but for Melody who has been way better to me than I would expect. For now, I've just gotta keep my head down and deal with it. Merrick is coming. I know he is. I believe it.

“Enjoy your meal,” he states warmly. “We'll be chatting again soon, Miss Carter.”

Melody puts down the tray in front of me and sighs, “Please drink your juice first.”

Her eyes are pleading with me not to put up a fight.

Something tells me if I do, if I change any part of this routine, she will suffer worse than I will.

I lift my glass and take her soft smile of apology.

What makes a person this evil? What turns a person so cold that he has to treat someone the way he does her? To force another human into servitude? To hold another hostage? To move others like pieces on a chess board for only his benefit? Are you even human anymore? Do you even have a soul at that point? Maybe that's why they call him The Devil.