Page 2 of Dismantle & Prevail

I kick, punch, scratch, and try to bite the assailant, but it’s futile.

“It’s okay. We are not here to hurt you. We want to help you.”

My feet hit the floor as a deep voice that sounds as if he smokes a pack of cigarettes a day sounds over my shoulder.

I spin on my heel and face the now unmasked man. Holy fucking shit.

My supposed savior stares down at me, eyes dark as chocolate, tattoos scattering up his neck and into his light brown hair, which is tied in a knot atop his head.

“I’m not here to hurt you.” He pauses to pull out his cell phone, unlocks it, and hands it to me. “Call anyone you want. I’m sure your family will be happy to hear from you. But if I can ask where the others are first, I swear I will leave you to speak to your loved ones in peace.”

I stare at him blankly. Who the hell is this guy? What kind of trap is this?

As if mystery man can read my mind, he scrubs his tattooed hand down his face. “I apologize. My name is Aries. My team and I were sent to this location to eliminate Ron and his team. We are here to rescue you and the others that were in Ron’s captivity.”

The man, Aries, speaks as if he has done this once or twice. Either that or he is an excellent liar.

Nevertheless, I don’t trust this guy or his team. Trust has gotten me nothing but scars, and I’m not about to earn another one.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t use his perceived naivety and make good on my promise. I’m about to speak when the door flies open and a man with shaggy blonde hair points to somewhere behind us.

“I found the others. Myers, call an ambulance. Tombstone, come with me. Indy, stay with Aries. The rest of you, wait for Prez’s orders.”

Everyone moves without hesitation, and I use the commotion to carry out plan Z.

Putting on my best poker face, I reach deep inside of me and will a fake, but real-looking tear to shed down my face. I meet Aries' gaze as I put the phone to my ear, and he points to a corner of the bar and whispers, “Take your time. I will be right here. I promise, you’re safe.”

Swiping at the fake tear, I turn and quickly put the finishing touches on my stupid, but foolproof plan, then stand in the corner, speaking to a ghost on the other end of the line.

I continue the charade until the doors fly open once more. “Prez. The women are loaded up in the caravan. Do you want to drive it? Or VP?”

Aries head darts to mine and I pretend to hit end on the call and make my way over to him.

“I’ll drive.”

Aries holds his hand out, and I hand him his phone. “Thank you. My family is very excited to see me.”

“No need to thank me. Let’s get you and the rest of the women somewhere far from here.”

He motions for me to walk toward the door and I do my best to keep the facade up. I desperately want to drive my fist into this too-good-to-be-true man, get to my girls, and disappear into the night. But I can’t. I need to time this perfectly or this will all be for nothing.

The cold air hits my face and I feel as if I am moments from freedom as I catch a glimpse of the caravan full of my girls. Some are smiling, some are sobbing, and some are staring straight ahead.

Just a few more steps.

Aries yells to someone behind us, and I use this as my opportunity.

I take off in a dead sprint towards the caravan and go straight for the driver's door. I rip the door open and melt into the chair at the sight of the keys in the ignition.

Time to get my girls the fuck out of here and onto a better life. I don’t know where we are going, but our pockets are now half a million dollars richer, thanks to Aries.

I should feel bad, but I don’t.

I don’t bother putting my seat belt on before slamming the car into drive. “Hang on, girls. I’m going to get us the hell out of here.”

My head looks back for a brief moment to do a quick count and when I turn back, ready to peel out of the parking lot, I freeze.

Aries and his men are surrounding the caravan, guns pointed at the van.