Thin Ice 7 - Echoes of Reckoning Read online

  “Mommy, mommy,” she yelled excitedly.

  Nikki hugged her daughter tightly, kissing her cheek again and again.

  “Are you all right baby,” she asked the little girl, looking her over.

  Rayne gave her a quizzical look and told her she was fine.

  “Are you going to eat with us Mommy,” she asked innocently as Ryan walked into the room sipping a glass of orange juice.

  “Rayne, let me talk to daddy in private for a moment okay,” Nikki sweetly told the child.

  Giggling Rayne told her all right as she headed toward the back of the condo and Nikki assumed her room.

  “What the hell are you trying to prove Ryan,” Nikki asked angrily, careful to keep her voice down.

  “I’m not pulling anything,” he replied his own stubborn hostility apparent. “You have a full plate, so I’m helping you clear it off a bit,” he added as she continued to breathe hard.

  “By taking my baby from me,” she hissed.

  Ryan threw her another nonchalant look and she lost it. Nikki jumped from the couch as did he, the two of them facing off like gladiators in a ring.

  “I want my daughter back,” she told him.

  “That won’t happen,” Ryan replied as she slapped him hard.

  He grabbed her, pulling her close and getting right in her face.

  “I’m going to let that one go and say you were upset,” he told her angrily. “Why are you here talking shit anyway, you didn’t have time for Rayne, you didn’t have time for me, for us,” he told her as Nikki swallowed hard.

  She heard the anger but she also saw the raw hurt in his eyes.

  “Ryan, please, I --,” she got out before Rayne came back into the room and Ryan released her, moving away.

  “You ready to go little girl,” he asked forcing himself back into the cheerful mood.

  “Yeah daddy,” she replied as he picked her up. “Mommy, you’re not coming,” she asked her face sad.

  Nikki felt the knot in her stomach twist as she opened her mouth.

  “Not this time honey, mommy has something to do,” Ryan answered for her, giving Nikki an evil look.

  Rayne sighed deeply but told Nikki okay. Ryan put her down and she ran to her mother giving her yet another hug and a kiss.

  “Will you come back soon mommy,” Rayne asked her eyes locked with Nikki’s now.

  “Yes baby,” she managed to get out, the words barely escaping the knot of hurt in her throat.

  Rayne ran to the door opening it as Ryan followed, holding it for Nikki.

  “Call before you show up,” he said simply closing the door and calling out to Rayne to slow down.

  She watched them get into the truck as Rayne waved goodbye, pulling out into traffic. Her heart was dragging to depths below sea level as Nikki started her own car and headed to class. Her cell rang and Cameron cheerfully greeted her, beginning to chatter. After telling her a seriously corny joke, Nikki burst into laughter at the absurdity of it, the despair she felt temporarily at bay.

  *****

  Kaitlyn heard the knock and headed to the door. She opened it without question, assuming it was room service with the coffee she’d ordered. The powder flew into her face without warning and she closed her eyes, stepping backward, and losing her balance, fell. Lying on the floor Kaitlyn was coughing and wheezing as she wiped at her face trying to clear it from her eyes. Her head started to spin as the room kept moving, faster and faster. She was aware of movement but every time she opened her eyes they burned as if on fire.

  “Who are you, what the hell do you want,” she screamed as the arms enveloped her, a hand clamping her mouth.

  The voice was foreign to her but not the words.

  “Blood that is my blood,” the incantation began in French.

  “No,” Kaitlyn screamed behind the hand thrashing about even more.

  The room starting getting dark and the sounds more and more distant; the voice continued speaking.

  “The inheritance is given, the price must be paid,” the man continued as Kaitlyn lay helplessly in his arms.

  Whatever the powdery substance she was completely incapacitated now.

  King Diesel walked into the room looking down at the helpless woman. His mind was moving at warp speed, yet he held his tongue. He glanced around the suite, eyes coming to rest on her purse. The incantation was still going on as he opened her purse and took out the wallet. He found all the information he needed quickly committing it to photo with the phone he held. Placing everything back inside, he returned to the woman just as the man stopped speaking. He laid the woman on the floor rising and leaving the room. Blue entered upon his exit, his eyes glued to Kaitlyn.

  “Finish it and then meet us,” King Diesel told him calmly. “Don’t get caught up, we have a plan,” he added seeing the emotion in Blue’s face as he continued to watch the helpless woman.

  “I won’t,” he said calmly as King Diesel grunted and left, closing the door behind him.

  Blue finally knelt beside her, stroking her face gently. She didn’t stir.

  “Soon Lauren, this will all be finished and we can go home,” he told her lovingly as he undressed her.

  Blue couldn’t help the rampant desire that arose as he looked at her beautiful body now fully nude. Lifting her he took her into the bathroom and placed her inside the empty tub.

  “I’m here,” Mason called out.

  He had done the incantation.

  “Leave it all in the bedroom, I’ve got it,” Blue told him as Mason acknowledged his understanding.

  Blue went back into the bedroom seeing the tubs of ice and began his task. Thirty minutes later Kaitlyn was firmly encased, still unconscious. Blue took her body temperature wanting to be assured she would awaken in enough time to free herself. After taking it and finding it to be fine, he began writing the messages on the mirror and the walls of the hotel bathroom. He finished ten minutes later as Kaitlyn slowly moved her head. Blue knew she would be fully conscious in a few more moments. He walked back to the tub and leaned close to her ear.

  “You can’t run from your blood, from yourself, or from the one who knows your heart best,” he told her, kissing her ear gently at the end of his sentence.

  Kaitlyn moaned slightly at the declaration a single tear tracing her cheek. Satisfied that everything had been done as planned, Blue made himself turn away and walk out of the hotel room, closing it behind him. King Diesel and Mason waited for him at the elevator doors.

  “Is it done,” King Diesel asked as they all heard Kaitlyn scream for help, answering the query for him, calmly stepping into the now open elevator and pressing the lobby button.

  14

  “Good morning Mr. Lockhart,” Rahja greeted his employer.

  Ray returned his greeting sliding into the booth seat across from him, ordering coffee as the waitress stopped.

  “I need the utmost discretion on this assignment, Rahja,” he told him after getting his coffee and preparing it to his taste.

  “Of course Mr. Lockhart,” the man readily replied.

  Ray told him that he was to report his findings to no one except himself. Rahja nodded as Ray opened his mouth and began to explain what he wanted and how quickly he wanted it done. The man’s expression never changed throughout the entire explanation. There were no questions or commentary. Rahja simply informed Ray he would begin immediately.

  “Thank you Rahja,” he returned as the man smiled, rose and paid his tab, leaving him alone in the restaurant.

  His cell vibrated and Ray smiled seeing India’s text message. She’d been released yesterday from the hospital and he’d refused to allow her out of bed since. ‘Warden, can I talk to you about parole,’ the message read bringing a slight chuckle from him. Quickly texting back a ‘we’ll see’ message, Ray turned his attention to his breakfast companion now making their way to his booth.

  “Good morning Santana,” Ray greeted the young man.

  He returned the greeting, adding a smi
le and quickly asking how India and the baby were.

  “Everyone is fine, thank you for asking,” Ray returned pleasantly.

  The waitress returned as both men ordered an entrée and she thanked them, promising prompt delivery of their orders, and walked away.

  “Santana, I won’t beat around the bush,” Ray began, garnering the man’s full attention. “I’m concerned about the business.”

  Santana frowned slightly asking him why he felt that way. Ray sighed deeply and crossed his hands on the table in front of him.

  “Honestly, Brent has been extremely distracted lately and there have been mistakes,” Ray lied.

  Santana’s frown deepened.

  “I’ve had to step in on more than one occasion and quickly disarm situations that could have cost us all our freedom,” he continued to spin the yarn. “I’ve tried asking him, but Brent simply shuts down on me, tells me everything is fine, which clearly it isn’t,” Ray finished giving Santana an opportunity to speak.

  “Honestly Mr. Lockhart, I’m not really sure what’s up with him these days,” he replied, sighing at the end.

  Ray asked him to elaborate. Santana gave him several instances of mindless errors as well as carelessness on Brent’s part as of late. Ray nodded, taking in every word and nuance as Santana spoke. What are you up to my son, he brooded behind the quiet façade of deep thought.

  “Do you have any idea why he’s so distracted these days,” Ray finally asked, seeing if his godson would level with him.

  Santana breathed deeply, brow furrowed. Ray supposed he was wrestling with betraying a confidence perhaps.

  “I’m not supposed to tell you this,” Santana began quietly, furtively glancing around the restaurant to make sure no one saw or heard.

  Ray leaned forward so he didn’t need to raise his voice.

  “There’s something going on with him and Necie,” Santana told him as Ray’s interest was piqued. “They’ve been fighting a lot, and --,” he faltered giving Ray a hesitant look.

  “I promise no one will know of our conversation here today Santana,” Ray assured him. “I just want to know what’s going on with my son and perhaps help if I can.”

  Santana nodded slightly and began again.

  “Brent says he thinks Necie may ask him for a divorce,” he finished as Ray’s brow shot up in surprise.

  He had no idea things were bad between them. What brought all of this on, he continued to think after assuring Santana once more he would keep the information confidential. They ate and chatted more about business, with Ray telling Santana he was going to slowly integrate him into the position Brent now held, at least until his son got his act together. Santana rose shortly after the meal telling Ray he had errands and a lunch meeting. Ray nodded smiling and wished him a good day. He rose moments later, paid the check, and headed back to the house, his mind still calculating.

  *****

  Ashlyn was smiling still as she perused the menu looking for something she wanted to eat. Tae called and invited her to lunch, stopping to pick her up and bringing here to Montana Grill. Tae watched her younger sister taking in the demeanor and having a pretty good idea the why behind it. Her mind briefly went back to yesterday and the look on Shells face when she sauntered into the house shopping bags in tow. She almost laughed aloud at the confusion that clouded the man’s expression, considering he’d never left the living room, she’d locked herself in the bedroom, and their bedroom was on the second floor. “You climbed out de window, seriously gurl,” Shells had asked as she shrugged and continued on her way with the bags.

  “I think I’ll have the bison burger,” Ashlyn told Tae bringing her back to the now.

  Reeling her thoughts in she smiled and told her it sounded like a good choice. The server came moments later and they relayed their choices to him, with Tae asking for the bison meatloaf, sweet potato on the side. The server graciously thanked them for their order and told them it was being put into the kitchen now.

  “So,” Tae began, sipping her water and looking at her sister.

  “How was it,” she threw out calmly as Ashlyn gave her a quizzical look.

  Chuckling, Tae spoke again.

  “The dick, how was it,” she clarified watching Ashlyn blush deeply.

  “How did you --,” she began and faltered as Tae burst into laughter.

  “Damn Ash, I’m not that old,” she told her as her sister giggled.

  “It was amazing Tae,” she told her, before frowning slightly. “It hurt like hell at first,” she added as Tae smiled telling her it always did.

  “I’m sure you forgot that pretty quickly though,” she added as Ashlyn again smiled and sipped her iced tea.

  “Were you two careful,” Tae began again, giving her sister another look.

  Ashlyn dropped her head and Tae sighed deeply.

  “Ash, are you at least taking your pills like you should,” she asked.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry Tae, I mean we got caught up,” she apologized not wanting her big sister mad at her.

  “It’s okay girl, we’ve all been there,” she told her, gently patting her hand. “I just don’t want you to get hurt, to get pregnant before you’re ready,” Tae explained as Ashlyn nodded.

  “He’s taking me to meet his mother,” she told Tae excitedly.

  The server interrupted their conversation delivering their orders and placing them in front of them. After adding condiments the women began eating and talking once more.

  “Where is his mother,” Tae asked curiously.

  “Chicago,” Ashlyn returned between bites.

  Tae nodded absently, thinking nothing of it.

  “How long are you going to be gone and did you tell mama and daddy,” Tae asked, once more giving her sister a knowing look.

  “I told them I was going out of town with a friend,” Ashlyn replied. “I’m going to introduce them to him after we come back,” she added quickly as Tae shrugged slightly and told her okay.

  “You call me though when you get there and let me know everything is cool,” she told her.

  Ashlyn assured her she would. She knew how protective Tae was, not that she thought Sa’Cari would ever harm her.

  “Prissy says I’m too young to be this serious,” Ashlyn told Tae, the sadness creeping in her voice.

  Tae told her not to stress it.

  “Prissy is much older and she grew up in a different time, you know that,” she tried to reassure her sister. “You know what your heart feels, all I’m saying is not to let your brain go on vacation while you date him,” Tae told her as Ashlyn nodded her understanding.

  “I’m excited about going,” she told Tae. “I’ve never been to Chicago,” she added as Tae chuckled.

  “Yeah not since you were born,” she replied still giggling as Ashlyn chuckled too.

  “Yeah not since then,” she replied as they continued to eat and talk about her, school, and of course, Sa’Cari.

  *****

  Sapphire was exhausted after her dialysis, thankful yet again for Horse and his loyalty.

  “Would you like me to stop and get you something to eat,” he asked gently seeing her eyes closed as she laid her head against the headrest.

  “Not really,” she replied quietly.

  “You’re supposed to eat though, right,” he pressed a bit.

  She smiled weakly opening her eyes and regarding him.

  “You’re worse than the nurses,” she teased as Horse smiled slightly.

  Sapphire told him to stop and grab a hot dog or something.

  “OK,” he replied as she again closed her eyes and they continued to ride.

  Horse was very interested in meeting the young woman coming with Sa’Cari this weekend. His mind flashed back to a conversation with Socrates months before his death. “Horse, make sure my son chooses wisely,” he told him as they talked about the young man’s future. “He will be very wealthy come his 18th birthday, even more on his 21st, and I don’t want some gold digging whore tr
ying to take him for all he’s worth,” he’d fumed as his strength waned. “That won’t happen Socrates, I promise you,” Horse told him calmly, the unspoken by any means necessary passed between the two. Socrates nodded then, returning to his rest as Horse rose and quietly left the room.

  After making the stop and getting her hotdog, they’d arrived at her place and Horse helped her into house, made her eat, and then helped her into bed.

  “I’ll be in the living room if you need anything,” he told her.

  This particular session seemed to have drained her more than usual.

  “Thank you so much Horse,” Sapphire told him. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she added, smiling now.

  Horse assured her she was welcome as her eyes fluttered and she quickly drifted off. He was still sitting, admiring her beauty as she slept. Please let them find a donor, he thought quietly. Horse didn’t want to lose her, even if he could only admire her from afar. Until she was ready to move forward, he wouldn’t say or do anything to make their friendship complicated. Sighing deeply he rose and left her alone in the bedroom making his way through the condo. Walking over to her fuse box, he popped the cover open, placing the small screwdriver from his pocket behind the fuse holder and pulling it out, revealing another intricate network of wires and controls. These were the switches for the various cameras and listening devices installed throughout the condo. Horse had them installed when she bought the unit after Socrates death. His bosses had taught him the importance of eyes and ears a long time ago, and he’d never forgotten it. Now he would be able to observe the young woman who’d captured Sa’Cari’s heart as she truly was, not the usual façade people put on when they know you’re watching and paying attention.

  Hearing Sapphire stir, Horse quickly closed everything and headed back into the bedroom.

  “Are you all right,” he asked as she rose from bed.

  “Yes, just a call of nature,” she told him as he smiled and nodded.

  “Horse, would you mind making some tea,” Sapphire asked.