Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.”

― Milan Kundera

---

Leena sighed and got up from her desk. She wasn’t really in the mood to do business. It didn’t help it was a Sunday and the kennels were empty so no one should be coming around. However, the black SUV that had pulled in and set off her proximity alert didn’t appear to be just turning around. In fact, moments later, it continued on up the drive.

“Not given how it’s just stopped out front.”

A quick scan of her attire assured her she wasn’t in something overly holey and braless. The dogs were at her side as she made her way to the door. The doorbell pealed through the house and she took another deep breath before reaching out to grasp the latch.

“Yes?” she asked as she opened the door. “How can I help you?”

It was a good thing she’d just taken a breath for in that second all air rushed from her lungs like a bungee free fall jumper drops. The man standing there looked so much like John it hurt. A bit older and a bit more weathered but there was no denying the similarities.

Her heart thundered in her chest and she had to swallow a few times to get enough moisture in her mouth.

“Leena?”

Damn, even his voice was similar. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Name’s Davis. Davis Prince.”

Prince. Maybe she just wanted to see John wherever she looked. She missed him enough. Leena didn’t speak, just waited.

“I’m John’s brother,” he added.

“He’s not here. You should know that, he was coming home and you were supposed to be there to pick him up.” She crossed her arms and ran a critical gaze over the man outside her front door. “Would you like to come in?” Despite the different last name, she couldn’t ignore it was still winter and this man was outside on her porch.

“Please.”

Man of few words. She opened the door and allowed him to come in. His breath left him in a rush, and she heard his muttered, “Shit.” A short moment of silence. “Those are some big dogs,” he commented in a more normal voice.

She closed the door and turned, putting her back to the wood. “Something I can do for you, Mr. Prince?”

“You’re suspicious.” He faced her with a nod. “I understand that. His last name is Prince. I guess after being under for so long the other just stuck in his mind.” He tugged off his black leather gloves. “I can show you baby pictures if that’s what you need to set your mind at ease.”

“Pictures can be altered. I believe you’re his brother, though. You two look a lot alike.”

A quick grin turned up the corners of his lips. “I’m more handsome of course.”

“Right,” she deadpanned. “Is there a reason you’re here. Like I said before, he’s not here.”

“I know but I was hoping perhaps he’d contacted you?”

She stood up straighter, unease slithering along her spine. “No. I’ve not spoken to him since he left here a week ago.” She walked by him and headed for the kitchen, suddenly needing some coffee. “Come on in. They won’t bother you.” Leena poured them both some java and placed the mug before him, sliding along the sugar and creamer if he wanted any. “He hasn’t come home?”

“No. I got the message he was on his way, right before he left here. And I made the arrangements to pick him up as you’d stated. Then I had a partial call, partial as in when I picked it up there was nothing then it ended. I know it was him since it was the number we’d been communicating on since you found him.” He drank and sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “Since then, nothing.”

Damn it.“What’s being done?”

“Nothing. Officially, he’s still undercover. My friend can’t find any trace of him since he crossed into Oklahoma. His cell pinged on a tower, a few actually near Guymon. So, hell, I don’t even know if the phone was in his possession when it pinged.”

Her fingers tightened on the ceramic mug. “You’re a cop. Can’t you start something in the works?”

“I have, but there’s a lot of red tape where I’m at.”

Her mind raced. “Okay, so let’s assume he made it to the city. Does this family have some places there they would keep people for a bit?”

“Sure they do, but if they took him out of the city the first time why assume they would keep him in town this time?”

“Beats me. All I know is if you get someone who escaped outside of the city, perhaps keeping him in a secure location in it would be best until you get to do what you wish to him.” Her gut flipped with this knowledge.

“Okay. Let’s go with this logic. We need to walk around their warehouses. But it’s going to take a while to get this cleared. I have to be careful who I speak to about this. Their influence runs deep.”

“You do, I don’t.”

He frowned. “You?”

“You didn’t see the body I pulled from the river. What they did that time doesn’t make me think they are going to be lenient this time. He needs help and he’s needing it now. I don’t have red tape to go through. I’ll go down there and see if I can find anything out.”

“You’re not exactly the type of people they will deal with. How do you propose getting stuff from them?”

“Suddenly Oklahoma City does not have homeless people?”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “You want to go in as a homeless woman?”

“Want? No. But I will.”

“You can’t honestly think I’ll go along with this.”

“I can and I do. You came to me and that tells me that your own options are damn near shit nothing. We can argue about this or we can get going and you can fill me in on your city as you drive.”

“And your dogs?”

“Give me a second to make a call.”

She finished her coffee and went to her phone. As it rang, she took several fortifying breaths. “Bobbi, hey. It’s me. I need you to come by and check on the dogs for me. Can you do that? I’m not sure. Have to go out of town for a few. Yes. The three younger ones. Sure, of course you can stay. There’s food. Thanks. As soon as you can. No boarders just them. Thanks hon.” She ended the call and spun back to look at the brother of the man she’d fallen for.

All of that right there explains why I am about to do what I’m doing.

“Just like that? You’re going to come partway across the country for my brother?”

Eyes narrowing at him for the stupidity of his inquiry she cleared her throat. “Of course. I’ll be right back.” She jogged to her room and dug in the back of the closet for some older clothing then pulled out her father’s old army green jacket. Putting on some layers, so she wouldn’t be too cold out there, she laced up the paint splattered and scarred boots. Jacket in hand she went to the laundry room and stared at the leashes before grabbing a rolled nylon one that had seen better days. After that she took an old collar as well.

“You’re crazy,” he said from behind her. “I can’t let you do this.”

“I wasn’t asking for your permission. We’ll need to stop outside town at a hotel so I can do some finishing touches then you can drop us off near the area and we can walk in.”

“Wait, we? Who’s we?”

“Argo’s coming with me.” She faced him. “Let’s get going.”

“Who’s going to buy that your dog looks so nice and you’re homeless?”

“Let me worry about that. We should get going, it’s a drive.” She kissed the three others and locked the door behind them.

---

“This should do it,”Leena told Davis as she walked out of the bathroom in the roadside motel they’d stopped at. “What do you think?”

“Holy fuck. That doesn’t look at all like the shepherd you entered the room with. What did you do to him?”

“Some hair products and some coloring.”

Argo no longer was the proud dog she owned. His left ear folded sideways, he was almost all a muddy dark brown, no saddle marking. Sure his head showed characteristics of a German shepherd dog but that’s where it ended. His tail had been slicked so it nearly looked like a Labrador’s tail. And she’d turned the color of his back right paw white, well more of an off-white. There was dirt on it. Topped the ensemble with a burgundy collar and the leash which were strictly for show since they wouldn’t hold him if he’d pulled hard.

Davis approached her shaking his head. “I’m not a fan of this idea.”

“I’m getting that, Detective. However, this is our best chance to see if he’s here or perhaps I can find out where he is.”

“What are you going to do for sleeping?”

“I’ll be outside.” She gestured over her shoulder to the bags on the bed. “You bought me some blankets. All my stuff will go in the duffle bag from the Salvation Army.”

“It’s winter.”

“I’ll be okay. And we’ll stay safe. The name of the game here is saving John, not getting me in more trouble.”

“I don’t like it. Not at all.”

She pushed up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “We can do this. If they move around at night, I’ll be up, keeping an eye out. I can sleep during the day. Argo will keep me safe.”

“What about food?”

“I’ve got some MRE’s in the bag and we’ll see what else pans out.”

“I’ll be by at different times to bring you food.”

“No. That’s not going to help, especially if they’re watching you. I have the phone so I’ll call if I need you.”

He gripped her upper arms and stared directly into her eyes. “You’ll call with updates. John would never forgive me if something happened to you.”

“We’ll be safe. This isn’t about me but finding your brother. Let me do this. I can do this.” She gestured to her dog. “We can do this.”

“Okay, but I mean this. Call and check in or I will drive down there and pull your ass out.”

“Understood.” His protectiveness was nice. Different than it had been from John but his was much more brotherly. “Let’s go.” She shouldered the tattered bag and picked up the leash. “Come on, Argo. Time for the performance of a lifetime.”

Davis left first and opened the door for them. They hurried over to his truck and climbed up inside the rented vehicle. She sat in the back with Argo who merely yawned and put his head down. She wasn’t concerned, he’d be ready when the time came.

He got her some fast food from a drive through then drove through town as she ate and shared with Argo. Could be the last warm meal she had for a while.

“Phone’s charged?”

“Yes.” She didn’t even reach for it on the inside of her coat pocket. “Fully charged and will only be used in emergencies and to check in with you.”

“Up here is where I’ll drop you off. Their area is five blocks over, but it begins about three blocks over. Watch your back.”

She met his gaze in the rearview. “We’ll find him, Davis.”

He pulled up along the curb and turned in his seat. “Keep yourself safe. And you,” he said focusing on Argo. “Keep her safe. Whatever it takes.”

Argo’s low growl, she took as an agreement. “We should go. Come on, boy,” she said, opening the door and hopping out.

Tugging her ball cap low over her eyes, she scanned the area as Davis drove away without waiting. She imagined he was watching her in the mirror, however. She adjusted the bag and began walking, a loose hold on the leash. Argo kept beside her without being in the perfect heel position.

The homeless watched her as she made her way along the streets, getting closer to the area he told her belonged to that family. Once she was in it, she noticed some people standing watch, although appearing not to. They had a network of people to act as alarms for the cops. Smart.

Finding a place along a wall, she sank down and sat on her bag. Being in the sun, the snow had melted so Argo was just on the cement. She trailed her fingers in her cut off gloves into his matted hair.

“I promise to get you all clean soon, boy.”

He chuffed and settled closer to her, sharing his heat. Yawning, he put his head down and closed his eyes. She wasn’t fooled, he wasn’t oblivious, but he was trusting her to be on guard right now.

For three hours she sat there, getting the layout and feel for the area. Some people walked by and made rude comments, but she ignored them. Others offered her money which she took, planning to give it to another person when the time came for her to leave. The one thing she did pay attention to was the grey Mercedes that passed through the area three times. Once an hour. Give or take five minutes. The blacked out windows didn’t allow her to see who was in the vehicle but no reason a car like that would have to be going by the same area unless they were keeping up surveillance.

Later on in the afternoon, she got up and took a few more walks around the area, doing her best to blend into the background. With Argo beside her they moved slowly and the sun had begun to set, temperature dropping when a woman approached her.

“New around here are you?”

“Yeah,” Leena said, with a hint of defiance in her tone.

“Have a place to sleep?”

She shook her head, glancing about.

“Come with me. I have space by a grate so we’ll be able to have some of the warm air and your dog can help keep an eye out.” She beckoned with knotty fingers.

“Thank you.”

She got her cart and they headed off. Leena flexed her fingers on the leash and kept pace, aware that Argo picked up on her unease.

What am I doing out here? I’m not an undercover, hell, I’m not even any sort of law enforcement.

She was a woman who wasn’t about to let a good man get killed because there was a mole in his department. And no, she wasn’t stupid to assume she would have done this for anyone, this was strictly because it was John who was in trouble and somewhere along the lines of spending all that time with him, serious feelings had developed for him.

Love? She couldn’t say for sure but if not then damn close to it.

Why else would I be sleeping on the streets at night for a chance to see what’s going on around the area if not for love?

The woman barking at another snapped her from her thoughts and she saw two people scrambling away.

“My area,” she growled, brandishing a stick. “You go get your own.” She shuffled along, making a big production of parking her cart then pulling out some items to get comfortable with. “You can sit by me here. At least we won’t freeze.”

After the woman got situated, Leena lowered herself to the part of the grate available. Argo got between her and the street. The heat was nice and she nearly groaned in relief. “Thank you.”

“You look a bit out of your league here, hon. You’re going to have to get sharper if you plan on surviving it out here. Have any blankets?”

“I do. Two of them from the shelter I was at last time.” Leena opened her bag and withdrew the folded blankets.

“Good, don’t lose those. You may try to find an old sleeping bag like I have.” She wrapped up in the item and hunkered down. “Your dog will bark right?”

“He won’t let anyone near us tonight.”

“Nice to know. The cold nights a lot of people try to get on a grate. Doesn’t necessarily allow for a good night of sleep.”

The Mercedes rolled by again and Leena watched it as they moved by. “What’s that car doing down here? A bit out of place isn’t it?”

“Stay away from that one. And any guy you see come out of it. They’ll fuck you then you’ll never be seen again.” The woman farted and rolled over. “I’ve seen it happen. They take you in, drive you into a warehouse and no one ever comes out again. Just trucks and vans. The Fyodorov family isn’t one to mess with.”

“Noted. Stay away from them. What is their building so I can make sure to avoid it?”

“This entire area is crawling with their people. Majority of the time the two buildings they use are down the street three blocks. Usually have two guys leaning outside on the wall smoking. Sleep.”

Wrapped up in her blankets with Argo and the heat she wasn’t too cold. Ducking her head beneath the barrier to protect her from the wind, she withdrew the phone and sent a text to Davis assuring him she was safe. Then she slid it back in her coat. Curling up, she wrinkled her nose at the smell of the ground and backed Argo up so he had a portion of her spot on the grate as well, plus she got more of his heat. With a whispered word of him being on guard, she closed her eyes.

---

αβ

---

His body screamed in agony.John blinked away the blood that dripped down into his eyes from the cuts above them. Shoulders cried out for mercy as he hung by his wrists, toes not even touching the floor. Time again, had ceased to have any meaning for him.

He retained his sanity by focusing on memories of Leena and the time he’d spent at her house. Her smile, her touch, her love.

Through the silence the hum of a motor kicked on and his body jerked in response. More jumper cables for electric shock. They had it hooked up to a generator. Didn’t want to run out of juice the man had said.

The lights flickered and he lifted his lids to see two men strolling over the floor in his direction. He didn’t recognize them but there wasn’t any doubt who they worked for. Fyodorov family had a look one didn’t easily forget.

“Why would you try to infiltrate our organization and bring us down? We welcomed you in treated you like family?”

He spat to the side. “Who the fuck are you? You’re not the top so crawl back into whichever grunt hole you squirmed from. I don’t have to answer any of your questions.”

“My father isn’t going to be pleased.” He tugged on the cuff of his suit coat.

“So send him in. Let the men talk and leave the boys at home.”

His blue eyes narrowed and he punched John in the gut, muttering in Ukrainian. “I could kill you right now.”

“Doubt it. If I was supposed to be dead, I would be. Your father wants something from me and that’s why I’m alive. You don’t have the power to kill me. Like I said, run along, send him in so the men can talk.”

Another hit to his solar plexus. John coughed and spat again. “Run along, little boy.”

“You’ll not be calling me little boy when I’m fucking you.”

He lifted his head and stared in his eyes. “Really? This what turns you on? A man hanging from chains? What, even with your money, can’t get a man willingly into your bed? They do have surgeries now that can make your little worm larger. You could afford that expense. Of course, you may just suck in bed and no amount of money will make that better.”

He flushed an angry red. “I will fuck you—”

“So, you’ve already said. I’m still not interested nor impressed.”

“Fuck you up. I will fuck you up. I like women.”

“Must suck they still don’t like you.” He flexed his fingers, trying desperately to keep feeling in them. How long had he been hanging here like a deer ready to be prepared?

Another two hits before he pulled out his phone and placed a call. John couldn’t understand what was being said so he used the time to try and see how he was going to get out of this. When the father arrived, he was dead. That much he knew to be fact. And while the old man was here to kill him there would be fifty other people willing to say he was spotted at a restaurant miles from here.

Whatever news he was receiving from the call didn’t sit well with the boy, his expression grew even more mottled red.

“Bad news from pops? He won’t let you kill me, will he?” he taunted when the call had finished.

“You should shut up before I really hurt you.”

“Big talk from a man who’s not been chained up and beaten. Let me down and take your best shot. Unless of course, you’re scared of your father and what he may do to you.”

The man with him shook his head and stated something else the kid brushed off. A few heated exchanges of words and the other man left, scowling.

The son glared up at him and John waited, watching with a dead expression. “Something you wanted to get off your chest, boy?”

“Do you even know who I am?” He thumped his chest.

Sure he did, he knew each and every member of this damn family. Made sure to, so he wouldn’t be caught unawares. Not that it helped in the grand scheme since he was still betrayed and exposed by Tiltman, who apparently claimed familial ties. “Nope. So must not be the important son. Your name never once came up. All those times we had dinner, your father and I. I did meet your sisters and some of your brothers, but you, nope never mentioned.”

“You aren’t important enough for me to be mentioned.”

“Really? Cause he was thinking I should marry your sister, Elsa. Interesting, I should be important enough to marry his eldest daughter, but not enough to meet you. We both know how he dotes on her.” He sniffed and rotated his ankles. “So, what is it? He keeps you hidden because you’re gay, you like sucking men’s dicks and ignoring pussy? Or is it just that you’re a stupid bastard and can’t do anything right?”

The roar of anger didn’t come as a shock to him but the hit… okay, that was a bit impressive. His air was shot out of his body as the guy slammed into his hanging body. Doing his best not to react even while tears sprang to his eyes, John laughed.

“Even your baby sister hits harder than that. You know you’re falling into the stereotype of gay men being wimps.”

“I’m going to kill you,” he seethed.

“Then cut me down and do your worst. Look at me, surely you can take me in this condition if you’re a real man like you’re trying hard to be.” He spit out some more blood. “I’m sure your boyfriend out there will help you hang me back up, so your father doesn’t know you did it.” A smirk. “Not that he would believe it.”

“You’re going to regret those words.”

“Doubtful. Now if you bring your sister in here, that may be. She’s got a mean right hook.” He grinned. “But she’s great on her knees as I shove my cock down her throat.”

Yep. That did it. The man ran to the hook that had his chains on it and released it. John tumbled to the ground in a heap. Ukrainian curses filled his ears as the young impetuous guy began punching him.

John tried to curl up and avoid the blows best he could while feeling surged—painfully—back into his limbs. Eyes closed, he flopped on his back with a kick to the midsection. The man, whose actual name was Nazar, straddled him, his ankles brushing John along each side. With a deep breath he exploded into action. Lunging up, he struck him hard in the groin all the while swinging to the right, taking one leg out from under him.

Nazar fell and John was on him in a second, muffling his cries so he couldn’t call for help from his gorilla bodyguard outside the door. Ignoring the screaming agony in his arms, he choked Nazar out until he slumped to the side. Aware he’d not move again, John checked for a weapon and withdrew a Glock and an extra magazine.

Pushing to his feet, albeit still a bit wobbly, he dropped back down and took the phone as well. First, he disabled the GPS locator then he went to the door. Pounding on it, he stepped to the side and waited. Sure enough, the bodyguard came in, muttering, his unhappiness apparent.

John didn’t wait, just clipped him in the back of the head and sliding the door behind him. While the guy was out cold, he struggled to drag him back near Nazar. Securing him, he huffed and puffed while hoisting him up in the chains he’d just been in. Locking him up there, John wiped the sweat off his head.

Now came the hard part. He knew this place was crawling with spies for the family and he couldn’t just walk out of here. However, he also couldn’t stay for someone would come looking for them at some point, especially when they couldn’t get him on the phone.

He fell to his knees, breathing hard and lightheaded. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been here, and his body had been subjected to hell once more. At least it was dark out, maybe he could slip out and blend in on the street. He couldn’t call Davis, not from this phone. He was confident this cell had been tapped and if whomever was in on his exposure with Tiltman got to it first, Davis could be put in the line of fire.

Can’t call 911, I’d be locked up and in a place they knew I was at. I’m going to be safest out on the streets. Damn, this was going to suck. It was cold out and he didn’t have much in the way of warm clothing. He searched both men and took their cash. It was enough he could buy something off someone.

He shut off the lights and walked out, quietly, from the building. The vehicle wasn’t an option, either. They would know he wasn’t the one supposed to be climbing in. Down the street he spied two men smoking against a corner. Watchers. He tugged his thin coat around him and went the other direction, keeping his head down. Wasn’t hard the cold wind was blowing, and it bit into his exposed skin.

Movement was slow, he had two broken ribs and they weren’t making it easy to go fast. He remained hunched over and shuffled along. People were huddled together and covered in newspaper. His heart hurt for their situation but he couldn’t do anything for them currently. He had issues of his own. Right before he went around another corner, he glanced back and saw two people running for the building he’d snuck out of.

Damn, not as much of a head start as I would have liked.He bought a hat off someone and gave them enough to buy drink and another hat. Hopefully they would listen. It smelled and he was sure there were creatures living on it but it helped combat the cold and disguised him better.

He stopped a few times and looked in trash cans for food, doing his best to blend and not be conspicuous. It was late and the night was steadily growing colder. His head hurt as did the rest of him. John struggled to stay upright as his energy amount sank well below operating levels.

He sank against a wall and slumped down to the cold cement. The cold spread through him faster but he didn’t have the wherewithal to get up.

“That’s no place to sleep,” a man said.

“Just resting,” he forced out.

“You can’t stay here, the shop owner won’t like it. I know a place.”

Peering up, he found himself looking at a tall thin man. Didn’t ring a bell in his mind as one who worked for the family but given how many people they paid on the street, he still could be. Beyond him, the store owner was approaching, face drawn in a tight scowl.

“Okay.” John got to his feet and fell into step with the man. “Where is it?”

“Three streets over.”

He tried to pull up a mental map of the section of town, but his mind was shutting down from pain and cold. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. You look like you aren’t used to being on the street. Got your ass kicked already I can see. Someone did a number on you.”

“You have no idea.” They crossed the street and kept going.

“What did you do? Sit in his spot?”

“Not that I was aware of. I don’t think he liked my face.”

“Happens.”

Without anything smart to say, John grunted. Sweat dripped down his skin, making him even colder.

“You sick?”

“No, just hurt.”

They were near a liquor store and John held up his hand. “Hang on. I need to get a drink.”

“You have money?”

“For this I do.” They went inside together and the man behind the counter barely looked up at them. He got a small bottle of Crown Royal and went to the register.

“You look like hell,” the man stated when he looked up. “Anything else?”

“No.”

He made sure to crumple the bill before he handed it over. The man took it, eyed it carefully before making change and handing it over along with the drink in a brown bag. He took both eagerly and headed out the door.

“You sharing?” The man with him posed the question.

“Sure.” He opened the bottle and took a drink. The warmth burned through him and he closed his eyes in bliss. Then he passed it over. The man took a drink and handed it back.

“Thanks. It’s nice to have on these cold nights.”

“Yes.” I’d prefer a warm bed and Leena but I can understand why these guys drink so much.

They made their way across another street and the lights weren’t as prevalent as before. Together they went by people sleeping. He passed two people and a dog on a grate. The shabby looking dog lifted his head as they went by, but he didn’t bark or get up. Then he put his head back down and turned away.

Dismissed just like Argo does me.They moved further down the street and the beams of headlights crossed them. A car door slammed and he turned slightly to look behind him. One guy climbed out of the vehicle and was approaching them.

“Don’t make eye contact,” the man with him said. “It will hurt less.”

“What will?”

“The beating he wants to give you.”

I can’t take another beating.“Does he travel alone?”

“Yes.”

“Oy!” the cry halted them. “Yes, that’s right, you homeless fucks. I’m talking to you. Want to make some money?”

“No.” The guy with him ducked his head and walked faster.

“No? You’re living in shit conditions. I can give you some money. Then you can drink it up.” He laughed. “Hey. Hey! I’m talking to you.”

John faced him fully just in time to see him shoot the man beside him. The soft pop barely discernible over the wind. His companion fell with a cry, grabbing his chest.

“Should have taken the money. Now you’re going to bleed without any money. What about you? Should I shoot you too?”

John had had enough. He recognized the man. Cousin to the main family. Makim. Typically dealt with human trafficking and not the gun side. “No, you want to fight, let’s fight.” He cut a glance to the guy lying beside him. Hang in there.

“I think I just want to shoot you as well.” He lifted the gun and fired. John moved so it lodged in his shoulder.

“Damn it.”

Running at the man, he prayed he got there before he could get another shot off. The man lifted his arm again and went down hard under a large dog attacking from the back. The shot went wild and John skidded to a stop as he stared at the scene before him. The man screamed as the dog continued to hold his arm, the growls meaner than anything he’d ever heard before.

A figure dashed through the light and drew up short. His heart caught in his chest as he locked eyes with the woman staring at him.

“Leena?”

Back to the dog then to the woman. He shook his head; sure he was seeing things.

“John. Oh, thank God, you’re okay.”

“What the fuck are you doing here, woman?”

“Apparently saving your ass once more. I see blood, are you okay?”

“I am but my friend was shot in the chest. We need to get him to a hospital.”

“Vehicle’s running, put him in there. We can leave this fuck here.” She looked down at the man still held in check by the dog. “Shooting people is wrong. Have you learned your lesson?”

“Bitch,” he hissed. “Get this damn dog off me.”

“No. I think he’s staying right there for a bit.” She ran to the SUV and brought it closer.

John hefted the man and put him in the back. He waited while the dog jumped in then the door closed. Leena turned them around and stopped briefly by the grate he’d first seen this dog on. She crouched by the woman and spoke to her then got back inside after pressing something in her hand.

He leaned over her seat and ripped the nasty hat off his head. “Stop the car,” he barked.

“Where’s the hospital?”

“Look at me.” She did and he kissed her, groaning in pleasure as her taste once again coated his taste buds. “We really need to have a talk about this.”

“Sure. Hospital?”

He gave her directions and she pulled out a phone and placed a call, giving what he’d just told her.

The warmth combined with his blood loss, made him lightheaded but he held on, keeping his hands over the bullet hole in the man’s torso. The hospital had someone out there waiting who took the man inside. Leena drove into the parking lot after and shut off the lights. “Come on.”

He got out, weaving, and used the SUV as a support. Not much later a truck pulled up and a sigh of relief streamed from him when the driver hopped out. Davis.

“Shit, he’s been shot. Let’s get going.”

He passed out in the back of the truck, his head on Leena’s lap and the dirty dog up in the front with his brother.