Chapter 35 - Nothing to Lose
Chapter 35 of 36
MelenkaThe pale fingers of dawn traced the edge of the window. She stood behind the couch, wanting to rest her hands on his shoulders, hesitating lest she wake him. He tilted his head and opened his eyes.
"Come to bed." She held out her hand. He let her lead him to the bedroom, her hand light on his. Everything was neat, orderly, empty. He took a deep breath.
"It's okay," she said. They lay down on top of the covers and fell asleep.
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The ringing of church bells woke him. He stared at the ceiling, cataloging his injuries mostly bruises, none bad. He sat up, waiting for a wave of dizziness that did not come. When he stood, pain shot through his knee. He groaned, reaching for the headboard to steady himself. Deira stirred and opened one eye.
"How bad is it?" she slurred.
He pulled himself to his feet, gritting his teeth against the pain. Careful steps got him across the room without falling. He leaned on the doorframe, breathing heavily.
"Let me help you." She rolled out of bed.
"I am fine," he lied. He hobbled to the bathroom and closed the door.
Four bottles of painkillers were lined up on the sink next to a glass. Everything else had been cleared out. Details.
The scent of coffee drew him to the kitchen. She leaned against the counter, her back to him, looking out over the yard. The coffee maker dribbled and hissed, too slow for his needs.
He opened the freezer and removed a bag of frozen peas. He limped to the chair, lowering himself gingerly to keep his knee from popping. He propped his foot on the other chair and applied the makeshift ice pack. Eyes closed, he waited for the combination of drugs and cold to bring relief.
"I'm sorry I hurt you." She set a cup of coffee in front of him.
"As am I." He sipped the coffee, a taste of heaven in a cup. It was the only salvation he would know. The church bells had stopped ringing.
"We've got some things to sort out," she said.
"Nicky would have called if she had news of Sticks." He purposely ignored her intent.
She sighed. "She'll be waiting for us to call." She handed him his phone. "You do it."
He checked in with his service, then had them place the call. Several seconds passed before Nicky picked up.
"About time." Despite precautions, she had identified the call.
"We had trouble sleeping."
"I'll bet."
"Nicola," he growled.
"Chill. If you're calling to check on the old man, relax. He's stable. Won't be up and about for awhile, but that's what happens when you shoot yourself in the side." She gave him enough information to confirm the hospital had believed their story. He passed the news on to Deira.
"About the mishap on the job," he started.
"What mishap?"
"I was unable to fulfill the contract." The admission irritated him. He had never failed to finish a job before.
"Taken care of," she said with relish.
"How?"
"Turn on any cable news station. Call me back in half an hour." She disconnected. He stared at the phone, then set it down. Deira didn't have a TV.
She set the laptop on the table and went to refill their cups while he found a news web site. He carefully moved his leg so she could sit. Then they stared, unable to speak, while the video played. The ticker ran underneath, augmenting the story in truncated sentences. None of it made any sense. In the corner of the screen, time counted down, promising more details.
The politician stepped up to a lectern, reporters jostling for position on the stairs below, and began his story. A major pump ring had been broken up. Raid planned for months, several agencies cooperating. Street value. Forced labor. Police under fire. Four killed. More injured. Explosions. Attempt to destroy evidence. Cavuto arrested, held without bail.
The words blended, creating a detailed fantasy. They glanced at each other, then back to the screen. The politician took questions. He practically glowed. Gage closed the browser and let out the breath he had held for too long.
Deira found her voice. "What just happened?"
"Nicky did."
---------------------
She left him to check the news wires. The stories were consistent. It was over. She set her suitcase by the door, took their cups from the table, and washed them.
"Can I leave the rest of the clean up for you?" She dried her hands and hung up the dish towel.
"You are ready to leave?"
"That was the plan. I figure I'd best get out before some enterprising fire inspector turns up with lab results that unravel," she waved her hand towards the table, "whatever that was."
"I do not think it will happen that way." He shifted in the chair and closed the computer.
"Doesn't really matter, does it? The job is done. It's time for me to go."
"I bought you a plane ticket."
"Did you." She gave him a level look.
"Do you want to know the destination?"
"No. I'm not getting on a plane, so I hope that ticket is transferable."
"You need to leave the country," he argued.
"No. What I need is to go home."
"Which is where?"
She said nothing. He didn't need to know.
"You may still be in danger. Cavuto answered to someone, and they will not be pleased."
"Everyone who knew my connection to Cavuto is dead or in no position to bargain with that information. I don't care if there's some asshole who may or may not have it out for me. At this point, I have nothing to lose."
"There is always something to lose."
"Right up until there's not." She looked away. "Are you going to give me a ride to a used car dealer, or do I have to call a cab?"
Supporting his weight on the edge of the table, he stood. He winced as his knee straightened. He walked steadily to the door and held it open for her. She picked up his computer and her suitcase and walked out.
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He waited in the parking lot while she registered her truck. Manny had assured him it would run for several years, at least. She had chosen well. A small, old SUV with dated, two-tone paint drew little attention. She would probably trade it before she got to her destination or very soon after.
She held herself rigid as she made her way through the queue. It meant nothing. Some day, the full extent of what had happened would overwhelm her. He knew she would recover, but she would never forget. That was the price.
"It's done," she said, getting in and closing the door. She turned to look at him. "Thank you."
He nodded. "I'll take you back."
Manny waved as they pulled in. Her truck sat out in front, freshly washed. One of the mechanics came over to attach the license plates while she transferred her belongings.
He leaned against the truck. She walked towards him, hesitated, then stepped up.
"So this is goodbye," he said.
She nodded. "Thanks for the loan."
"And the rest?" he asked.
"Figure out what I owe you and give the rest to Nicky. She set up an account for me." She opened her mouth to say more but closed it again, looking down.
"In case I did not survive," he finished for her.
"I'm glad you did." She leaned in and kissed him on both cheeks. "Doviđenja," she whispered, then got into her truck.
He closed his eyes, waiting for the sound of her engine to fade.
---------------------
Nicky sat at her desk, waiting. When the last transfer was confirmed, she reached over and shut off her machine. Everyone had gotten what they'd asked for, and she was still breathing. She unplugged the external hard drive and put it in her safe. Tomorrow, it would go in a safe deposit box. Then she could wipe her hard drives and start over. If only it were that easy.
Her phone rang. She had known he would call. He never let anything go.
---------------------
They sat at a table in the back of her favorite restaurant. Nicky had insisted he reserve this particular table, in a quiet room near the back. He suspected she'd done it to buy time; it was a popular spot for private parties.
She fidgeted throughout the meal. He had not felt the need to mention the double contract, preferring to let her think he would collect at a later time. She would eventually figure out that he had let it go. He needed the few friends he had, and for the moment, only she and Sticks qualified.
He poured the rest of the wine and sat back, turning his glass in his hand, savoring the color. He took a sip, letting the taste run over his tongue. He had been right; it was a good year.
"She hasn't contacted you."
"No."
Nicky laughed. "That's really not working for you, is it?"
"It does not bother me."
"Good thing you aren't in marketing. You couldn't sell that if your life depended on it. Well, maybe if." She was enjoying this.
"Believe what you wish. I have other pursuits."
"You always do," she said. "But here's the problem. That girl woke something in you, and you're searching for a way to feed it. That's what this dinner is about."
"Did you think so?" He set down the empty glass.
"Oh, I know it. You're wound so tight you're going to snap, and that never works out well. So do what you need to do to get her out of your system, but you won't be doing it with me."
"My only concern is that she remains a loose end. I do not like those."
"There's nowhere she can go where she can't be found," she said.
"That is part of the problem."
"I mean found by me. She'll be careful not to show up on the general radar."
"She is reckless."
"Not as reckless as you think. She has two ways to go. She can make a lot of noise and get killed. Or she can stay quiet and alive. That's it. She's going to live or die and there's not a lot you can do about it now." She sat back, head tilted. "Except kill her if you think it's necessary."
"I am trying to avoid that, but she is keeping the option on the table by staying in the country."
"Look, she needed to go home and make peace with her father. She needed to say good-bye. After that, no matter where she goes, I can find her. Unless she decides to go off the grid and eschew all modern technology and banking, and we both know she's not the sort to go live off the land."
He nodded, but it was as if he had not heard her.
"You feel like finding the girl, let me know and I'll make it happen."
"Would you?" he asked.
"For a fee." She smiled. She didn't need his money. "I'd curse you for a fool, but I'd do it."
"Why?"
"Because I love you." She shook her head in disgust. "You made me go and say it. Couldn't figure that out on your own. I don't know why I put up with you at all."
"Because I love you," he said.
"I know. You're the worst best friend a girl can have."
"You would not have it any other way. Normal people bore you."
"Go ahead, rub it in, asshole. I'm going to take my very rich, very exciting self home and take a bubble bath. Don't call me unless you have a job that's worth my time."
She dropped her napkin on the table and left him with the check. He smiled and picked it up. He had gotten what he wanted, and for once, the price he would pay was small.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Gauntlet
122 Reviews | 5.82/10 Average
This has been marvelous! Dramatic, exciting- I love your characters, and it's very film noir. All the twists and double-crossing, and speaking in code, it's a really classic story you've told here, and I love it. I would have left gushing reviews at every chapter, but I've been so wrapped up that I couldn't stop to say anything at all! I like the Serbian guy. Or, I like that he's Serbian. It's neat how you included drips and drabs of other languages, and giving him a war-torn background made him so much more believable. I would gladly read an entire story just about Katya, though I think a story about Nicky would make my head explode. She's too wily for me to want to get invested in emotionally.Your secondary characters seem as well fleshed-out as your antiheroes, and it really makes this a joy to read. As a reader you can tell that an incredible amount of research and knowledge went into this. I don't know the first thing about the criminal underworld, but if it were exactly like this, I wouldn't be surprised.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Wow! Thank you! I'd been wondering who was reading. I am very glad you enjoyed it. You are right about a lot of research going into this story, both on the history of Serbia and the various aspects of weaponry/gadgets/etc. I also think Katya could support her own book, and it would be a lot of fun to write her.I really appreciate you reading and giving me feedback. This was my first novel, so it holds a special place in my heart. I can still "hear" Gage muttering in my head sometimes. Maybe someday I'll revise it heavily enough to submit it for publishing. Right now, it's like a good pet rather than a show dog. LOL
Brilliant, Melenka. I really enjoyed that!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I am really glad you liked it. :)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I am really glad you liked it. :)
She left... Hope he decides to go after her.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She said she would leave, and she knows better than to lie to him. But he's not one to let people go if he has a use for them.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She said she would leave, and she knows better than to lie to him. But he's not one to let people go if he has a use for them.
I imagine a little labetalol would block the effect of the adrenaline cocktail quite nicely. Do I get a prize too.. pretty please? Love the last chapter!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Heh. No idea what that is, but you should get a prize just for knowing! Thanks for all your great reviews.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Heh. No idea what that is, but you should get a prize just for knowing! Thanks for all your great reviews.
So, if you use up the adrenaline, does the drug wear off faster?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yep, pretty much. The rest of the cocktail remains, so you don't sleep and you still feel like hell, but you don't have the resulting nausea, muscle lock or ravenous hunger that can follow even a normal adrenaline spike.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yep, pretty much. The rest of the cocktail remains, so you don't sleep and you still feel like hell, but you don't have the resulting nausea, muscle lock or ravenous hunger that can follow even a normal adrenaline spike.
Very intense, pity Cavuto got away. But you have plans for him, I am sure!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I couldn't let him run free for long.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I couldn't let him run free for long.
Dammit, someone got Sticks. Hopefully he is just down temporarily!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
He's a tough old bird, but that was close.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
He's a tough old bird, but that was close.
He is sexy, he can cook, he cleans, he is protective... ok so there are a few issues such as his ability to kill with his bare hands and barely blink an eyelid, but we can gloss over those, right?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think that's pretty much her way of thinking - except she has no idea how he feels about her so she's convinced she's the only one falling in love.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think that's pretty much her way of thinking - except she has no idea how he feels about her so she's convinced she's the only one falling in love.
She knew about the camera! Smart girl not to move it.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think if she'd found it at the beginning, she would have moved it. It's probably a good thing she didn't.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think if she'd found it at the beginning, she would have moved it. It's probably a good thing she didn't.
Nicky may be complicating matters even more.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She does that. Of course, she's never had two parties pay for the same contract before, so it could gert dicey.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She does that. Of course, she's never had two parties pay for the same contract before, so it could gert dicey.
Oh, lovely chapter!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I thought it was time she got a little back.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I thought it was time she got a little back.
What does "sranje" mean?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
It's Serbian for "shit" (or "bullshit" but I don't use it that way)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
It's Serbian for "shit" (or "bullshit" but I don't use it that way)
She certainly has them pegged there.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yeah, she does. Considering they helped make her who she is, you'd think they'd be a little more clued in.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yeah, she does. Considering they helped make her who she is, you'd think they'd be a little more clued in.
One down...Their relationship is very twisted, distorted by the situation, much like their personalities have been shaped by their experiences.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yep. They have some very serious baggage, but they keep trying to find ways to connect.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Yep. They have some very serious baggage, but they keep trying to find ways to connect.
Hmm. Hope they have another chance to have sex "properly" without the interrogation! Well done, you!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! That was probably the most difficult scene for me to write. I'm glad you liked it.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! That was probably the most difficult scene for me to write. I'm glad you liked it.
I was wondering at the beginning of the chapter whether Deira would turn out to be a crack shot.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She's decent enough, but not an expert. Sticks wouldn't have ignored that part of her training. He likes guns.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She's decent enough, but not an expert. Sticks wouldn't have ignored that part of her training. He likes guns.
Reality bites.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Somtimes, it bites pretty hard...
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Somtimes, it bites pretty hard...
Very hot, albeit unrequited!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you like that. It was requited. Just not consummated. ;)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you like that. It was requited. Just not consummated. ;)
A little intimacy, helping with each other's hair. Nice!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! I struggled to get that scene right. My husband let me shave his head (he often goes bald), though strangely, he vetoed the straight razor, too....
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! I struggled to get that scene right. My husband let me shave his head (he often goes bald), though strangely, he vetoed the straight razor, too....
Those girls wouldn't be ganging up on poor old Gage, would they?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think they're both glad to have someone to talk to who talks back. :) And knowing them, they're both fishing for information.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I think they're both glad to have someone to talk to who talks back. :) And knowing them, they're both fishing for information.
Great stuff!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! Glad you approve. :)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thanks! Glad you approve. :)
So, is his first name really Charlie? And , if not, why does his niece use it?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Charles Randall is his legal name, given to him by his adoptive parents, with his full agreement. He wanted a different life, and a new name helped. Gage is the nickname he got in the war. He never uses his real name, and very few people know what it is.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Charles Randall is his legal name, given to him by his adoptive parents, with his full agreement. He wanted a different life, and a new name helped. Gage is the nickname he got in the war. He never uses his real name, and very few people know what it is.
Katya seems well skilled at first aid. What sort of college does she attend?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She just attends a normal liberal arts college. But she went to summer school in the jungles of Central America.
Response from sunny33 (Reviewer)
I realise now we are on different wave-lengths. College here refers to high school, so I was thinking she was awfully level-headed and knowledgeable for a teenager! I did figure it out after I asked this question, eventually!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
She just attends a normal liberal arts college. But she went to summer school in the jungles of Central America.
Response from sunny33 (Reviewer)
I realise now we are on different wave-lengths. College here refers to high school, so I was thinking she was awfully level-headed and knowledgeable for a teenager! I did figure it out after I asked this question, eventually!
LOL. "Saved by the Lord." Hallelujah!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I hear he works in mysterious ways...
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I hear he works in mysterious ways...
So the plan is to make the hit, then burn up the lab? Is pump a fictional drug or another name for something real?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Pump is a fictional drug - an artificial adrenaline cocktail. And he would be very happy if it was removed from the face of the earth.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Pump is a fictional drug - an artificial adrenaline cocktail. And he would be very happy if it was removed from the face of the earth.