Crashing Down

POV: Adrian

As we headed down the interstate my phone rang.

*Ring Ring*

It was from a blocked number, “Hello.”, but I answered.

“Hello. My name is Valerie and I hear you have my son.”, she paused as I looked in the rearview mirror at Cameron.

“Yes.”, was all I replied.

“I will talk, but you need to follow my instructions. You are being followed, lose the tail and turn off your phones. Then ask Cammy to take you on the detour. He will know what that means.”, I didn’t have time to think as I noticed a dark SUV four cars back.

“See you soon Agent Beneventi.”, she knew my real name.

“Shit. Buckle up everyone.”, I warned before speeding up.

The dark SUV increased their speed and now it on. This wasn’t a game of who was the better driver, it was a game to see who the smartest driver was.

Keeping my cool I exited for the city, the best place to lose a tail is in a heavily populated area. The more traffic and commotion the better. And I had a secret weapon.

“Take a left in two lights, veer to the right, and then I will change the lights right as we make a U-turn at the divided median.”, Hendrix was two steps ahead of me.

I stayed in the far-right lane until the last minute to ensure we had a large enough gap between the SUV before shooting over to the left lane to turn. After the left, the veer was a tight curve that I managed at over 45 mph. I had lost them at the first left, but the additional directions were a cautionary step to guarantee we lost the tail.

After Hendrix turned the light red, I shot a U-turn to get in front of the oncoming traffic. There was no competition when it came to driving, that was one Bureau test I passed with flying colors. It helped that Hendrix was a master in his craft behind a screen.

“Phones.”, Hendrix looked in the back to grab both of their phones.

I handed him mine, “Find out who’s been tracking us.”.


**********

POV: Leah

Waking up the next morning, I noticed that Graham wasn’t in bed. Sitting up I was able to look around and see that breakfast was set on the table and there were fresh flowers in a vase next to a note. Raising my arms in the air to stretch, I felt his t-shirt glide across my soft warm skin.

My original plan had backfired on me, but I didn’t have time to sit and think about it. Gradually making my way out of bed, I decided to poke around the cabin. I mean he wouldn’t have left me here unattended if he had something to hide… right?

Each room was fully open to the others, but yet it felt so contained in each space. I noticed there were no delicate fabrics like curtains. Each window was just wide open to the outside, like privacy wasn’t a concern.

Looking out the window of the bedroom, I noticed a long dirt road that curved around a thick patch of wheat. That was the road we came in on, I believe. Still in shock that he didn't blind fold me on the way to his house.

It was odd that there weren’t any photos around or any personal touches. Something just didn’t sit right. I shouldn’t care because I was only using him for sex and a getaway plan.

Last night didn’t mean anything to me, he was just some guy that kidnapped me. Sure, I flirted with him for several weeks and he was nice to me, but for fucks sake… he fucking kidnapped me with his thug friends. And then showed no remorse for leaving Cameron on the side of the road.

I was bitter toward them. Graham may be hot, but it still doesn't make up for the fact he was a criminal. They all would pay because I have seen their faces, I doubt they know I have been taking mental notes this entire time.

Skipping breakfast because this was the perfect time to leave. Both my sexual and physical appetites had been fulfilled and I was well rested. There was nothing holding me back...

Well, except the lack of clothing and shoes. I could remedy that though, digging through the closet and dresser. Layering on socks because the shoes didn’t fit, and I found some long johns and a jacket.

Once I was dressed, I noticed that these cloths fit well. Graham was much larger than me by almost double. I should be swimming in this outfit, but it wasn’t very big. Like these clothes weren’t his, yet he said this was his home.

My mind cussing at what I may have just stumbled into. Over the last three months my life has gotten so complicated. I went from the meek and quiet girl to wanting to fuck every hot guy I meet... and now look where that has gotten me.

Hearing something outside, I hurried to the front door.

“Shit!”, his vehicle pulled up before I could get out.

If I made a run for it, he would catch me.

“Fuck, Fuck, Fuck.”, think Leah.

Pulling the jacket off, I threw it over the back of the couch and headed for the table. Shoving food in my face to make it appear like I had been eating. And I pulled the note down and placed it under my plate.

He opened the door, “Good Morning Leah.”.

I smiled and waved, acting as casual as I could while my heart was racing.

Looking around he noticed the jacket and my attire, “Going somewhere?”.

Think, think, think…

“I figured you would have to take me back today, so I got ready with what I could find.”, that a girl.

“Ah. About that. We have a meeting tomorrow and if all goes well, you’ll be going home.”, he rubbed the back of his neck.

The fork fell and my mouth gapped, “Really?!”.

“Unless you want to stay here with me…”, there was an awkward silence as he shrugged.

Do I piss him off before I can see freedom? No.

“Let’s just enjoy tonight and get through this meeting.”, I walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Happiness and hope flooded me, but part of me was saddened. I think he does actually like me. At first, I thought it was a front or he was playing me to get in my pants, but how he nonchalantly just asked me to stay with him… he had developed some feelings for me, and I don’t think I feel the same way.

My body was with him last night, but my mind was with someone else.

Going back to the table to enjoy the food, the mood in the cabin was light.

I was curious though. Who paid my ransom?


**********

POV: Adrian

Cameron took us on a detour that only added 30 minutes to our drive. It was a well calculated route that avoided cameras and gave a good vantage point to spot a tail. This woman acted and thought like a criminal.

It slipped my mind that she was harboring the head of one of the largest criminal organizations… Cooper.

We pulled up to a grand estate were Valerie suggested we use the garage to keep from being detected. I didn’t like the idea, but I could take the safety off of my gun faster than she could sick her guard dogs on me. For her, I wouldn’t aim to kill because I needed information.

Walking down a hall we stopped at an elevator, my hand never leaving Cameron’s shoulder. He was our bait, shield, and weapon. We took it up and when it opened, he began leading us to a large living room. There was a woman standing at a large window overlooking the grounds.

“Sit, please.”, she spoke never turning around.

I decided to stand, “Where is Leah?”.

“She is safe with Graham.”, still she never turned around.

“Who the fuck is Graham? And he better keep his fucking hands off of her.”, I wanted all of my questions answered.

"What he said!", shouted Jared.

"What's going on mom?", Cameron questioned.

“Well, that is a longer story that will require you to get comfortable and stay a while.”, I could hear her smile as though she was still planning something.

“I am fine standing.”, turning my head to nod at Hendrix who scoped out each exit.

“I am sure each of you know Monica, my son’s ex-lover.”, she clasped he hands behind her back.

“What’s Monica have to do with this mom?”, Cameron chimed in.

“Her father cut her off and, in an attempt, to regain the golden spoon she grew up with, she decided to use my Cammy to get her money.”, pausing slightly to breathe.

“Adrian. I am sure you know that Cammy has recently come into some inheritance, so to speak.”, she waited for an answer.

“Sure, his father’s resort.”, I retorted.

“And by now you know who Monica’s father is.”, she spoke sure of herself.

“I do.”, that folder safe in my computer bag.

“She had Leah taken in an effort to pressure Cammy, but it’s not the first time Leah was used for her bidding… now, is it?”, unsure of what she was insinuating, but I caught up quickly.

“Canada?”, Cameron stood up.

I looked at him, “What about Canada?”.

“I only left Leah alone because Monica told me she was headed to my father’s house. I didn’t want her around Leah, so I met her down the road.”, he was putting together his own puzzle.

Something still didn’t add up. Monica’s jealous and entitled personality may have started this, but there were still questions to be answered. I crossed my arms waiting for her to explain.

“Feel free to scope the place, I have nothing to hid here.”, she noticed my every move using the glass window as a mirror.

“Then why are you hiding Cooper?”, I asked, and the guys looked at me.

“Uncle Donny?”, Cameron shouted.

“Uncle is it?”, I shot him a glare.

“Calm down Adrian, he really is as clueless as he looks.”, she spat.

It was starting to get suspicious that she wasn’t looking at me, “What are you hiding?”.

She ignored me, so I asked again.

Slowly walking toward her, my hand was now on my weapon. The room was silent as they watched the scene unfold while dumbfounded. Still, she never wavered.

“I asked what you are still hiding woman.”, my eyes pierced, and my teeth clinched.

That’s when she turned around…

She had a face that I would never be able to forget, even though the plastic surgery and aging.

“Mom?”, I stepped back confused.

“Mom?”, Cameron shouted.

“You really should sit and let me explain…”, she reached for my arm.

I pulled away from her, everyone gasped. Each person in the room turning to the other, unsure of what to do.

My whole life was ruined by the man she was harboring. I spent my whole career chasing her justice. Everything came crashing down, I stormed out of the house trying to find my next move.

-To be continued-