Vengeance (Oak Grove Suspense Book 1) (29 page)

“Married tonight?”

“Yes, we’re getting married tonight and … starting our life together.”

Starting their life together. Starting their life together. Suddenly, my heart stops for a moment as realization sets in. He’s plaining to consummate their marriage? Over my dead, rotting corpse he will.

“What?”

I’m so angry. If it wouldn’t risk hers or Dylan’s life, I’d be on the ATV riding full speed to kill that sorry excuse for a man. I state the obvious for confirmation.

“He’s going to rape you? Shayla, you are not to let that monster touch you. Do you understand me? He will not rape you.”

“I’m not raping her. She has agreed to marry me and all that comes along with being a wife,” Trevor shouts into the phone and then the line goes dead.

I turn to my men. “We need to move out ASAP.”

Marsh holds his hands up. “I understand your need to act quickly, but it won’t do us any good to run in there with guns blazing and no plan. We will rescue them, but we need to be together on this.”

“We aren’t waiting. He’ll rape her!”

“We have a little time. Jessica and Matthew just brought McAdams to the local police station for questioning in Trevor’s disappearance. The only thing she will say is that she had dinner with her son and his fiancée. She knows nothing about a kidnapping or that Trevor’s involved. She won’t tell us the fiancée’s name. Of course, we know who it is.”

“I’m going.” I grab my coat and head for the door. Marsh grabs my arm.

“And do what?”

“I’m a cop. I’ll question her.”

“You’re a cop without a badge. She knows who you are.” I don’t need Marsh’s reminder. I didn’t forget.

“It doesn’t matter. I want to question her. If she knows when they’re getting married, then we can plan our attack.”

“Fine, but I’m going with you.”

“Whatever.”

I storm out and jump into the closest SUV. We make it to the station in fifteen minutes and we’re led back to the holding room moments later. I don’t take time for niceties. I’m done playing games. I get right in her face. 

“Tell me when your son plans to marry my girlfriend.”

She looks at me with her head cocked to the side as if she’s trying to figure me out. “It seems to me you might be a bit delusional.”

“I’m not delusional. Trevor kidnapped and beat Shayla, he’s going to force her to marry him and then he’ll rape her.”

She laughs. I stiffen, ready to fight. Marsh lays a hand on my shoulder in warning. “As far as I could tell, Trevor’s fiancée is over the moon for him and there of her own free will. Why would he invite me to dinner if he were hiding her?”

“Delusional, remember?” 

“Well, the point is, you have no reason to be holding me, Mr. Jacobs. So, if you’ll excuse me. I do need to be heading home. I have a very early morning.” She stands and straightens her shirt.

“I know you have something to do with Mathis’ release. You won’t get away with your part in this,” I warn.

She smiles sardonically. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve not seen or talked to my nephew since his indictment.”

She shoulders her purse and pushes forward to the door. Jessica allows her to pass after a nod from Marsh. Unable to contain my anger any longer, I punch the wall. Marsh grabs hold of me, pulling me back before I do any serious damage to the station or myself.

“Calm down. We need to get back to base. Who knows what damage this is going to cause for us. She’ll probably be on the phone warning him.” 

“We should have just questioned her as if she were anyone else,” Matthew says.

I look at him and glare. “That was what you were supposed to do. This is really on you.” I push my finger in his chest and storm out of the station.

“Ryan!” Marsh yells.

I turn to see him running towards me. I’ve made it about five hundred feet down the road from the station; he grabs my arm and jerks me to a stop.

“This has to stop. You run off every time something doesn’t go your way. This isn’t helping the case. We have a plan. We have people. We will get them. We’re leaving at four a.m. Pull yourself together or I’ll chain you to the wheels of the plane and you’ll stay behind.”

“I’m not running away. I’m blowing off steam so I don’t murder someone. I’ll be fine on the mission. I won’t let anything cloud my judgement where they are concerned.”

“I hope not. Let’s get back. Riley called. They had a visual on Dylan again.”

I smack his chest. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place? Was he okay?”

“He appeared to be, they walked him back into the house.”

“Good. Let’s hurry. I swear I’m fine.”

“You better be. I mean it, Ryan; I’ll chain you up if you give me any more problems.”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Shayla

Trevor shuts and locks Dylan’s door, then turns and smiles at me. He runs a finger down my cheek and I have to fight back the urge to be sick.

“You are so beautiful.”

I try to smile at his compliment, but the worry and fear running through me is overwhelming. I feel like I’m shaking all over, as if I’ll come out of my skin at any minute.

“Everything checked, boss.” I jump, startled at the sound of Travis’ voice; I turn to see him looking at Trevor.

“Good. Make sure one of you stays in here at all times. Jason will be back shortly. If something comes up, get him. Tonight is the honeymoon for me and my missus.” I shiver in disgust. He mistakes my action for excitement and tugs me into his side as he kisses my forehead. “Patience, my dear.”

He talks to Travis for a few more minutes, but I don’t hear anything he says. The smell of sweat and his strong cologne clog my mind and make me feel nauseated. Trevor guides me across the hall to his bedroom, sweeping me up into his arms and carrying me across the threshold. He looks positively ecstatic. I want to bash the stupid smile off his face, but fear has me frozen. He sets me on my feet.

“I’m so happy, Shayla. You just don’t understand what your cooperation has done for me. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

He pulls me to him, kissing me. I can’t respond. I want to, only so he doesn’t hurt Dylan, but my body is too afraid, nervous, scared, and a whole slew of other emotions I can’t describe. He stops and looks at me.

“Kiss me.” His lips meet mine again, but I still can’t respond. He growls, gripping my arms, digging his nails in. I cry out in pain. “Do what you are told. I’d hate to have to punish Dylan for your insolence.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just nervous, and scared.”

His expression changes from anger to understanding, almost caring. “Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. It’s not like you’re a virgin.”

“It doesn’t matter if I’m not a virgin, Trevor. This is all against my will. That’s not okay.”

The anger comes back full force. “You’re my wife. I’ll make love to you like any good husband would.”

“But I don’t want to make love to you.” I know I should shut my mouth, but I don’t. “None of this is what I want. This is what you’re forcing me to do. Don’t you see how wrong that is?” I’m being sincere. I want him to see this is wrong. I cup his face in my hand. “If you want me to do this willingly, you have to give me time.”

His eyes soften slightly, fear setting in. “I don’t have time, Shayla. Someone tried to break into our gate today. They’re getting closer. I don’t have time,” he repeats again with desperation.

He runs his hand through his hair, tugging it harshly. My heart soars with joy at the thought of Ryan getting closer to me. Oh, please, God. Let him find us in time.

“Is that where Mathis is?”

“Yes, he’s dealing with it right now. Luckily, we’d already called in reinforcements. We were able to get at least one of them, but I don’t know anything else.” My heart sinks.

“Killed them?” I can feel my eyes burning.

“No, wounded. Let’s not worry about that now. I know you are just trying to distract me. I need you, Shayla. It’s a deep-seated feeling that won’t stop, it won’t go away. I need you as my wife, my partner, and I honestly don’t care how I get you. The need is too strong. I don’t want to take you by force. I want you to do this with me willingly, but honestly, it’s beyond the point of reason now. I will have you and I’ll have you tonight, right now.”

A loud commotion outside the door startles us both.

“Mom!” I hear Dylan scream.

I’m out the door before Trevor has a chance to stop me. “Dylan!”

Mathis has him by one arm and Lester the other. They’re dragging him towards the back door. Dylan looks terrified as he thrashes against them, desperately trying to get away. Mathis on the other hand looks like he is enjoying himself immensely.

“Where are you taking him?” I grab at their hands, trying to free Dylan. Mathis smiles evilly at me and swats my arm away effortlessly. 

“You’re not going to win. Just give it up already.” Mathis laughs. He looks behind me, then shoves me back hard. “Take care of your woman or I’ll do it for you.” His face morphs into a scowl of hatred.

“You will not touch her, Jason. You swore you wouldn’t harm family. She’s my wife and that makes her family.” Trevor wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me against his chest.

Mathis rolls his eyes. “You’re so dramatic. I’ll leave her be for now, but if you can’t control her, then I’ll be forced to do it myself.” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Touch her and die,” Trevor seethes. His grip on my waist tightens.

“Calm down. I have to take care of him first.” He jerks Dylan, making his head roll and causing him to cry out in pain.

“Don’t hurt him!” I reach out for Dylan, but Trevor pulls me back. “Please, don’t hurt him.”

“Don’t worry about him, Shayla. I’ll make sure he’s well taken care of … at least until Ryan shows up.” Mathis cackles wickedly as he leaves with my screaming son.

“Dylan!” I yell as the backdoor slams shut. I turn quickly, grabbing Trevor’s shirt in my hands. “Please, Trevor. You have to help him.”

He snorts. “I think you overestimate the power I have. Jason is in control here. He's placating me at the moment, so don't think you're out of danger. Neither of us is.”

He almost looks afraid. The sight sends ripples of fear through me so badly that I physically shiver. He rubs his hands up and down my arms. Even Trevor recognizes how dangerous Jason is. Ryan, where are you?

“We'll be okay. Don't worry.”

“How can I not worry? He has my son. He's planning on hurting him, and he wants to hurt Ryan. He's taking pleasure from harming the ones I love.”

Anger flares on Trevor's face. “I told you never to speak his name again. You are a married woman; you need to leave your childhood crush behind.”

I jerk out of his grip. “Ryan’s not a childhood crush. He's the love of my life and the father of my child. He didn't have to force me to love him. I wanted to. I was happy to have his child!” I step away from him and reach for one of the plates on the counter and hurl it at him. “I hate you!”

I grab another dish and throw it at him again. He dodges both, but his temper is on the rise and he's reaching for his belt. I grab another dish, but before I can throw it, he takes it from me and shoves me hard against the counter, pinning me there.

“You will not talk that way to me. You'll do what I say or you will face the consequences.”

“So you'll beat me like your father beat your mother. I bet her family killed him. It serves him right,” I grunt as I push back against him, trying to get free.

He bangs my head against the countertop. “Shut up! You don't know anything about my family.”

“I know you're a bunch of psychopaths!” He slams my head again and everything goes black.

I come to with a groan. I don't know how much time has passed, but I'm so tired. It has to be well after midnight. The room is dark, but I'm pretty sure I'm in Trevor's bedroom. I'm not tied up and my clothes are still on, so that's a good sign.

“You're awake.”

Trevor's monotone voice comes from the corner of the room. He walks into a beam of moonlight. He looks horrible. His hair is standing on end, his clothes are rumpled, and he has a fresh black eye to match the one Ryan blackened.

“What happened to you?” I ask.

“I tried to get Dylan.” He sits on the bed beside me. “He's fine, but Jason has him hidden. I'm sorry, Shayla. I tried. I want to be a good husband. I really do.”

He looks so sincere. When he's like this, it's hard for me to hate him, but then again, I know this isn’t how he always is. He can be so sweet, and then so evil. I'm almost positive he's got some kind of bipolar disorder. He needs medical help for so many reasons.

“Thank you.”

I don't know what else to say. He risked his life to try to help me, even if his motives are less than honorable.

“I do love you. I know you don't believe me, but I've loved you since I first set eyes on you in college. You were perfect. You were sitting alone in advanced chemistry; I walked by you and you smiled. No one does that. They ignore me. Never had anyone looked up from what they were doing to see me, but you did. You spoke kindly to me. Even when you wouldn't go out with me. I understood, you had a son and you didn't want to date. I got that. Then you did say yes. I didn't handle our date well; I should've taken it more slowly. I think you would have loved me. I’ve screwed everything up. This was the only answer.” He gestures around the room. “I built this place slowly over the last twelve years. I finished it last year. I didn't think you'd ever be mine, because you were married by then, but I took care of that.”

That raises a huge red flag for me. “Took care of what? Is Todd okay?”

He smiles. “Of course he's okay. I'm not a killer, Shayla. I just found out about his wife, that the divorce was never actually legal. His marriage to you wasn't legal. I also paid him a good chunk of money to leave you, not that I had to try very hard. He didn't love you enough. As soon as I mentioned money, he was on board.”

I'm in shock. My marriage fell apart because of Trevor. Of course, I reconnected with Ryan because of him as well. All of this was his fault. I’m equal parts furious and happy. How dare he interfere with my life, but then if he hadn't I might still be in an unhappy marriage, trying to have a baby to fix it. 

“Why would you do all this?”

“I told you. I love you.”

I'm so overwhelmed. “Trevor, as well-meaning as you may have been, it’s not right for you to manipulate my life like this. I should be able to choose what's best for me and my son. This isn't it, don't you see that? My son is in mortal danger because of what you've done.”

“I'm sorry for that. I didn't anticipate what Jason would do. Believe it or not, the fact that he knew Ryan and had a vendetta against him was merely a convenient coincidence for me.” He smiles happily at the thought.

“Did you help Mathis get out of prison?”

“No, but the timing was perfect.”

“You know he's not only a mob boss, but a serial killer. He's called The Fox in the FBI. He kills women who look just like me.”

He frowns. “I know. It seems the men in our family tend to go for the same type of woman. We called him Fox when he was a kid. He was always so sneaky.”

“As a kid? How did the FBI not pick up on that?”

He smiles, then rubs his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh. “I guess since you're my wife now and you'll never be able to say anything, I can tell you this. There's an FBI agent named Gregory Edwards. He grew up with Jason and me. He gave him the nickname. He also helped him get out of jail.” I gasp. He laughs. “I don't think you understand how far the Mathis ties go.

“How are you related to him?” I figure if I keep him talking then maybe Ryan will get here before he has time to do anything.

“Cousins. My mom and his mom are sisters.”

“Oh. But your mom’s last name is McAdams?”

He stares at me for a second. “I know you’re trying to distract me, but that’s okay. I’ll answer. My mom kept her maiden name; her mother was a Mathis and married a McAdams. My dad was a lawyer and it was easier to differentiate between the two that way.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I should keep my maiden name, you know, so they don’t confuse us at the hospital.” I have no idea why I just said that.

He chuckles darkly. He stands and leans over me. “I think you misunderstand, Shayla. You aren’t going back to the hospital. You’ll be staying here and taking care of me. I want you barefoot and pregnant.” He pushes me back down to the bed until he’s lying on top of me. I try to push him away, but he doesn’t budge. “Did you think I’d forget?” He leans down and kisses me. I have nowhere to go. I shove at him again and turn my head, but he just trails kisses down my neck.

I have to find some way to stall. “I need to use the bathroom, Trevor. Please.”

He sighs and rolls away. “That’s probably a good idea. Go freshen up for me, sweetheart.”

I run to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind me. I look absolutely horrible. I’m still in the wedding dress, but it’s torn and dirty from our fight in the kitchen. My hair has fallen out of the up-do and my makeup is smeared; black trails of mascara mark my face. A huge knot and bruise have bloomed on my forehead and cheek. I don’t know how he can even find me attractive. I’d be disgusted with myself if I hurt someone I’m supposed to love like this. I guess that’s part of his problem. He can’t see the hurt he’s causing me.

“Hurry up, Ryan. I don’t know how long I can hold off the inevitable.”

I take my time. I wash my face, use the toilet, comb my hair, and reapply my makeup. I don’t want Ryan to see the bruises if he gets here in time, because God knows what he would do if he did. I close my eyes for a moment and pray that he gets here soon. When I have nothing left that I can possibly do to waste time, I open the door. Trevor is sitting on the bed reading something on his cellphone. He looks up to me and smiles.

“You look lovely. Sorry your dress is ruined.” He jumps up and goes to the closet. He grabs a white silky nightgown and robe. “Here, put these on.”