Fragrance of Revenge (14 page)

Chapter 37

I had given some thought to going
to Mercedes’ apartment to get some rest. There was nothing said that I couldn’t
use it. However, it had been a long night and I thought I was tired enough to
sleep anywhere. Boy was I wrong.

An hour into sleep and I had this
terrible nightmare. It was similar to my others, but in this one it was
Mercedes and I who were being held captive by her sister. It was Melanie’s twin
who had us captive. She wanted me to make love to her or she was going to kill
Mercedes.

I refused to, but Mercedes was
encouraging me to, saying that I didn’t matter to her anymore. She was in love
with Ralph. Mercedes was laughing at me and telling me I was a fool to believe
she would love me. I had lied to her about doing investigations and now I
needed to be punished. She told Melanie’s twin to hurry because she was late
for a date with Ralph.

We were all naked and Melanie’s
twin was fascinated with my arrow scar. She thought it was convenient how it
pointed to my manhood. I was confused how she knew her twin had carved it, but
she thought it would be very fitting to make a mirror image of it on the other
side. However, she still wanted me to make love to her and was trying her best
to convince my body that it was a good idea.

She set the timer on the counter
and said I had until the time ran out to get in the mood. The timer was three
feet tall and had white gloves for hands. Mercedes kept asking to be released
because she didn’t need to be here for our love making and she was late for her
date with Ralph.

The timer must be broken because
it was ringing before the time was up. Then it rang again, and again.

That’s when I woke up. The phone
was ringing. It rang again before I could answer it.

“Hello.”

“Scott, I must have woken you.
It’s Mercedes. Something awful has happened. Scott?”

“Hi Mercy, Are you okay?”

“No, not really.”

*.*.*

I was awake now and realized I was
having a nightmare. It took a second or two for me to get my bearings. “What
happened?”

“Scott, I’m okay now. But I was
kidnapped earlier tonight.”

Even though I was awake I was
still having a problem processing what she was saying, against the nightmare I
just had.

“Scott I know I just woke you, but
I was kidnapped and luckily rescued.”

“I’m sorry Mercy. I was just
having a nightmare and I’m still trying to get my bearings. You said you’re not
okay. Tell me what happened.”

“Well, Ralph and one of the
Venezuelan police officers went into a cantina and wanted me to stay in the
unmarked car. While they were in there, men busted one of the car windows and
dragged me to their van.”

“Jesus Mercy, I’m glad you were
rescued.”

“Scott, it was awful. Some of what
happened is still a blur, I was knocked out. However, before that in the van
they cut most of my clothes away. There were three men in the back of the van
and they…well, they…never mind you can picture the scenario.”

“You were knocked out?”

“Well, when the van stopped and
they dragged me out, I screamed for help. That’s when they knocked me out. The
next thing I remember I woke up naked and tied against a pole in a warehouse.
There were five men.”

I heard her start to cry. “I’m so
sorry Mercedes. I’m glad you were rescued.”

“Scott, we believe these were the
men who kidnapped the US citizens and killed one of the women.”

“Did Ralph rescue you?”

She didn’t immediately answer.
“No, he didn’t.”

I could tell she was trying to control
her emotions. “Thank God you’re okay.”

“I’m not okay. I might not be okay
for a long time. I got a taste of what these women might have gone through. I
never felt so vulnerable in all my life. I needed to call you to tell you what
happened. Scott, I’m so sorry we argued before.”

“Me too. Are you coming home?”

“No. The police force captain who
rescued me wants me involved in the investigation, because I can identify all
the men. Two were killed when I was rescued, one got away, and the other two
are being held at the police station. This might be the break we were looking
for to find the other people who went missing in Bermuda.”

“Mercedes, haven’t you been
through enough? What if they come after you again?”

“Ralph has been given strict
orders not to let me out of his sight.”

I couldn’t respond to that, but I
had images of what that might involve.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous
Scott. Would you rather I was still being kept a hostage, or taken away again?”

“No. I want you safe, but I want
you home.”

“Now you know what it is like to
worry about someone’s safety…like I worry about yours.”

“Have you called your father?”

“No Scott. I called you first. Just
a minute—“

I heard some talk but couldn’t
make out the gist of it.

“Scott, Max my boss just informed
me that I’m being released from the hospital now. He just told Ralph to take me
to my hotel room to change and then we need to head to the police station to
talk with the police captain.”

“Mercy, I love you. Please be
careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Thanks Scott. Anything
more to
happen
would be more appropriate. I have to go. I love you too.”

Chapter 38

After a restless night’s sleep
thinking of Alexis and their time together he realized something—his career is
shot. All the training to be a doctor and a psychiatrist are not important any
longer. He needs Alexis all the time and not just when he brings her to his
house.

He wondered if she felt the same
way about him, or was it just the sex. He had enough money put away that he
could cease his medical practice and take her away to an exotic island
somewhere.
Would she willingly go? How could he finesse her leaving the care
facility? How would he deal with Stephen?

The only one who knows about her
background is Stephen. Nobody in her family knows she even exists. If Stephen
were out of the picture, that would eliminate the major obstacle. The next
issue would be the care facility. He could release her to the real world and
nobody would suspect anything out of the ordinary.

If Stephen was deceased, the only
heirs would be his wife, and his other daughter. If they were both out of the
way, Alexis would inherit the family fortune. If Alexis was his wife, they
would be rich and could enjoy living anywhere in the world. He has the necessary
legal papers to show the probate court she is the next of kin and entitled to
the Strong estate.

He wondered if he should share
Alexis’ heritage with her and feel her out about spending the rest of her life
with him. Even so, how would he ever do away with three people including an FBI
agent? Stephen’s wife has had several nervous breakdowns and a bad heart. If
Stephen were killed somehow, she might just pass away with a heart attack. How
the hell could he ever manage to kill Mercedes? Could he do it? Or, could he
get someone else to do it? That would be a witness, who would also have to be
disposed of.

My God Alexis…see what you have
done to me.
Maybe I should just kidnap you and run away with you.

The thoughts of having Alexis for
the rest of his life excited him. He threw the sheets off and felt where she
had shaved him. He recalled being at her mercy and remembered at one point he
felt she might just remove his manhood. There was something he detected in her
eyes that gave him a concern.

He wasn’t alone any longer and the
photos had turned into a beautiful redhead intent on making his current problem
history.

At this moment he had the will
power to kill anyone.

Chapter 39

She was uncomfortable about
meeting with her boss and Ralph. However, Max said it was urgent and wanted
them both to meet with him in his hotel room.

Ralph hadn’t left her alone for
one minute since her rescue and he was acting like a gentleman and not an
infatuated school kid.

“Ralph, before we head up to see
Max I want to tell you something.”

“What?”

“You know all to well that we have
never gotten off to a good start. I know you want to have a relationship with
me, but you know where my heart is. Your staging my apartment crossed a line
and you’re very lucky I’m not reporting it.”

“Are we going to go into that
again?”

“No, we’re not. Listen to me. This
is important. I’m very lucky to have been rescued from those kidnappers. I’m
also lucky the captain didn’t just keep me for himself. He looked like he could
easily have done that. I don’t trust him, and my gut says he might have been involved
somehow in my kidnapping. However, this isn’t about that. I want to thank you
for making me feel safe. You have been a gentleman and I respect you for it.
You’re a good agent and I can see you have a good side. Thank you Ralph.”

She realized the emotion of her
trauma may have been too much for her and saying these nice things to Ralph quickly
caused her eyes to water.

“Mercedes, once again I apologize
for doing what I did. It was childish, but I wanted to drive a wedge between
you and Scott. It wasn’t the right approach to have you like me, but thanks for
telling me you do in your own way.”

He took a step closer to her and
she couldn’t resist hugging him. The emotional turmoil got the best of her, and
he hugged her tighter. When the emotion passed he pushed her away from him so she
could look into his eyes. She could tell he wanted to kiss her and she let him.
After the short kiss she put her head on his shoulder and felt closer to him.

“Ralph, we need to get to Max’s
room. Will you excuse me for one minute? I have to go to the bathroom.”

He nodded, but he followed her to
the bathroom. “Ralph, there is nobody here…give me a moment to myself.” She
closed the door, but she knew he was right outside.

*.*.*

“Ralph thanks for taking care of
Mercedes,” Max said to him after they were both seated on the couch in his
hotel room. “Mercedes, I know this was a significant trauma to you. We were
very lucky tonight, but those aren’t the right words.”

“Max, I want to thank Ralph for
making me feel protected. I needed to feel that right now.” Mercedes looked
over to Ralph and pushed on his shoulder.

“Okay, so here’s the deal.
Mercedes I have arranged for you to be on the first flight home tomorrow
morning. Your role here is complete. It would be wrong to keep you here as you
have had a significant trauma, and I don’t feel you are safe any longer.”

She started to object. He continued.
“This is not negotiable, the decision has been made. Ralph, her flight leaves
at 10 tomorrow morning. I want you to stay with her tonight, and…do I have to
remind you to be on your best behavior? There is an embassy unmarked vehicle
coming at 8 to take you both to the airport. You are to see that she makes it
safely onto that flight. Do either of you have any questions?”

“Sir, I respect your decision, but
I can be more help here than at home.”

“Actually Mercedes you will take
more attention away from our investigation. We would be focusing more on your
safety and not fully on what we need to pursue here.”

She nodded, and realized the
decision was cast in stone, and it made sense to her. “Where does the
investigation stand, if I might ask?”

“I met with Captain Chavez and he
says the two men they have in custody will certainly shed more light on the
kidnappings and what is going on related to the slave trade.”

“Sir, if I may.” She thought about
her choice of words. “My gut says the captain might actually be more involved
than we suspect.”

“That is a very good observation.
I have had some research done on the captain and it seems his bank account
shows a heavy balance when compared to his earnings. This is where the
expression comes in, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’”

“Sir, bear with me on this, when
he and his men rescued me, and he saw me tied to that pole…well, my feeling was
he didn’t want to release me. Is there any chance he is involved with the slave
trade? More importantly, do you think he had anything to do with my
kidnapping?”

“That my dear agent is a thought I
have already considered. However, we might be able to use what he knows to find
the other citizens. Hopefully we’re not too late already.”

“One final note Mercedes. You are
to take the next week off and plan on meeting at the bureau the following
Monday morning. Ralph and I will meet with you there, unless there is a reason
for us to stay longer here.”

He looked over at Ralph. “Do you
have anything to add, and are you clear on your assignment until her plane
leaves?”

“No I don’t have anything to add,
and I’m clear that I need to ensure she remains safe until the plane departs.”

“Right. Mercedes I’m sorry you
were kidnapped and put through that ordeal. This investigation is much more
dangerous than we considered it to be. Please rest up when you get back home.”

“What about my ticket?”

“Arrangements have been made. Go
to the American Airlines ticket counter and show your ID.”

*.*.*

She watched Ralph check out her
hotel room. “Everything is okay here. Pack your bag we’re going to my room.”

“What?”

“You heard me. This room is too
much of a target while you’re still here. My room is much safer.”

“Does Max know you’re going to
move us to your room?”

“No. But I am responsible for your
safety and that makes you just that much more secure.”

She wondered if it was going to be
safer there. “I need to call Scott to let him know I’m coming home tomorrow.”

“That’s fine, but put your stuff
together and you can call him from my room.”

*.*.*

“Any luck?” Ralph asked.

“No, he still isn’t picking up. He
must be out.” She was concerned she couldn’t reach Scott.

“Mercedes, why don’t you give it
some time and try to reach him later.”

“I have to admit, I’m exhausted.”

“I’m not surprised. You had quite
an ordeal. Why don’t you take a nap? I’ll just read through some of the case notes.”

“It was nice of you to offer your
room and to give up your bed for me.”

“Is that what I said?”

“Ralph.”

“Poor timing huh?”

“I need to take a hot bath and
then I think I will take that nap. If I do fall asleep, please don’t let me
sleep too long this afternoon.” He nodded, but when she turned to head to the
bedroom he stood and started to follow her. “What are you doing?”

“I need to keep an eye on you.”

“Ralph enough please. There isn’t
anybody in the bedroom, or the bathroom. I will be okay and I could use the
privacy, okay?”

He looked like he was going to
make a point, but turned and sat back down.

*.*.*

Her body fit nicely in the
combination shower and antique tub. The hot water was very relaxing. This was
basically the first real privacy she’s had since she was rescued. Parts of her
body were sore.

She lifted her right leg and saw
the bruise on her shin, the scrape on her knee and another bruise on her thigh.
It must have been when they knocked her out. She lifted the other leg, but
there was no pain there and no bruises.

She didn’t want to recall her
ordeal, but she noticed both wrists showed signs of where her wrists were
bound. Images came flooding back and she remembered her clothes being ripped
and cut from her body. She remembered her bra hanging in two pieces when they
were pushing her to the warehouse.

The next thing she remembered was
the pain on the top of her head and watching the lights go out. When she woke
she was tied to a pole with a rope around her neck and another around her waist
with her wrists bound from ropes above her head. Fortunately the men’s comments
were foreign to her, but she could imagine what they were saying by how they
were touching her body.

They took pictures of her and up
close pictures of her body. So close, she remembers the heat of the flashes
against her body. She looked down at her breasts and saw the red welts across
her flesh. She doesn’t remember how they got there, and actually doesn’t
remember much else of her captivity. It was only about an hour, but it felt
like an eternity.

The wash cloth was hurting her
skin now as she tried to get rid of the dirt and the dirty feeling she had. The
only person who had ever seen her naked and touched her body was Scott. It
wasn’t rough and dirty, but soft and slow and sensuous.

She stood in the tub and rinsed
off. She saw her image in the mirror and turned to see her back. There were
marks there as well, running from her right shoulder down across her buttocks.
Those must have been from the pole she was tied to, or was it from something
else? Up until now there was just some tightness on her back, but standing in the
air caused them to burn.

She dried her hair and dried her
body and wrapped the towel around her. The memory of wrapping the small towel
around her at the cabin with Scott that first night came back and she was
surprised it brought a smile to her face. When she was beside the bed she
removed the towel and climbed between the sheets. It hurt now to lie on her
back and she rolled onto her stomach.

Ralph had been quiet in the other
area and she was concerned whether he was still there or worse knocked out. She
listened intently but couldn’t hear anything. There was some thumping outside
the bedroom door and she feared the men had come for her. She froze for several
minutes trying to comprehend what she was hearing.

“Ralph? Ralph, are you okay?
Ralph, are you there?
”