Afterwards: An "After" Fanfiction

Chapter 30: Fireproof

The smell of blood and metal permeated the warehouse.

Red-stained ropes wrapped tightly around Hardin's wrists and ankles, binding him securely to a folding chair. His lips were swollen and split, and a purple bruise was beginning to form around his left eye. Despite the pain, only one thing was on his mind: Tessa's safety. With the last of his strength, he pleaded with his captor.

"Leave her alone...I'll do anything. Just don't make Tessa come here."

Another man stood above him, casually turning a knife in his large hands. He paid Hardin no mind, testing the sharpness of his blade with the tip of his finger.

"I swear!" Hardin continued desperately, his muscles flexing as he tried once again in vain to break his restraints. "It was Zed, Zed set me up. It's all his fault the drugs are gone. Leave Tessa out of this!"

A third male hung his head, ropes similar to the ones that tied Hardin down rubbing against his bloodied wrists and legs. "Drop it." Vance urged, now hopeless."You're just pissing him off more."

"This one's smart." Big Shot smirked, holding the knife out to inspect it under the dim lights. When the sound of tires rolling over gravel echoed through the warehouse, the drug lord smiled wickedly. "Looks like your girlfriend chose to save you after all."

Moments later, a burly man entered the room with his fist around Tessa's thin arms. He shoved her into the center of the room, leaving her to his boss' mercy.

"Thank you, Ace." Big Shot ignored Hardin's shouts of anguish as he tossed his accomplish a large stack of cash. "That should cover it. Drive down to the docks and wait for me. This shouldn't take too long."

The sight of her once-boyfriend and her boss tied up and beaten into obscurity made Tessa sick. Hardin was begging her to run, but her feet wouldn't move. The shock was too great. However, the weight of the envelope full of money in her hand reminded her of her purpose. If she played her cards right, she could save them both.

With a renewed wave of confidence, she stood tall, looking the drug dealer in the eye. "I brought what you asked for." She held out the envelope, her tiny hands shaking.

Without any pomp or circumstance, Big Shot took the money from her and counted the cash. Every eye was on him as he finally finished and nodded. A second later, he threw the money to the floor. "Did you seriously think eight thousand dollars would convince me to let them go?" He seemed highly amused.

"I don't understand..." Tessa's head was spinning.

Hardin spoke up again. "She did what you asked, now let her go."

"Fuck. You never wanted the money, did you Big Shot?" Vance muttered, suddenly realizing the drug dealer's intentions.

Big Shot chuckled as he walked slowly towards Hardin's chair. "Right again. Reminds me of why I hired you both in the first place. Too bad you decided to deceive me." He positioned the tip of his knife against Hardin's chest, causing Tessa to cry out as Hardin squeezed his eyes shut. "You really fucked me over, boy." Big Shot grimaced, stopping short before the knife could break the other's skin. "Your little stint in Europe cost me millions in product that I'll never recoup. I just wanted to get my revenge in front of you." The man eyed Tessa, licking his chapped lips. "I don't give a shit about her money. Just needed a way to get her here so I could kill her before disposing of you both."

"NO! Run, Tessa!" Hardin fought against his restraints as the knife plunged into his left side. Big Shot changed course, gripping the weapon and heading for the girl. He saw the tall man close in on Tessa, but he was powerless.