GAME ON

Chapter Thirty-One

Tony didn't expect Ray to do that, he turned to the latter, wide-eyed and wondered what was really going on with his friend.
"Ray, take it easy. We don't want to have a bloodbath here. We won't get to see Shiller if you continue like this". His words made sense to Ray but he was still fuming and so, with great effort, put his gun down.
The sound of the gun shot had alerted Eric's men, about five or more who immediately entered, also pointing their guns at Ray's group. Eric signalled for them to put their guns down and they obeyed.

"Didn't take you to be the violent type Raymond". Eric said in a cold voice. He really couldn't believe the kid's audacity, although he was quite impressed. He also found his desperate search for his lover intriguing.
"Well, now you know"
"Why don't we seat down and negotiate because you definitely don't think I would give her back to you for free?". He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What do you want?". He was getting too irritated at this point.
"What do you think you can give me?". Eric smirked.
"Money? Property? I don't know. Just name what-"
"Elizabeth"
He probably didn't hear right. He and Tony exchanged looks before turning back to him.
"Elizabeth? I don't think I heard you -"
"You did. I want Elizabeth, Shiller's mother". Ray was silent for a few minutes before he finally spoke.
"Why? Haven't you caused them enough pain? What? You need her as some kind trophy? What are you really playing at?"
"No. You got it all wrong. I was just looking after them in my own way. I would never hurt them, intentionally". Ray scoffed.
"I love Elizabeth and I would do anything to have her back". There was an unidentifiable emotion in his eyes. His words made Ray and Tony's skins crawl.
"You psycho! That will never happen. Not on my watch"
"Fine, have it your way then". Eric said with an evil glint in his eyes. "You've got just five minutes boys"
"For what? You're gonna blow this place up or what?". Ray chuckled darkly. He noticed that the glint in Eric's eyes became even more evident as soon as he said that. Both men's eyes widened at the realization. He was really going to do that?
"That's impossible, what about the people downstairs?!"
"Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not going to kill that many people". He cackled maniacally. "They should all be out and far away from the building as we speak". He checked his wristwatch. Ray didn't believe him and asked Tony to contact one of the men outside. The look on Tony's face confirmed it for him. The bastard wasn't lying.

"You're really going to kill your own daughter? Why did you even stalk her in the first place?". He threw his hands up, totally confused and tired of his craziness.
Eric shrugged like it was no biggie, "I just love to play games". Ray was dumbstruck.
"Time is ticking officers". Their eyes widened at that. "What? Did you think you were that inconspicuous?"
"I just can't with this psycho. Shit!". Ray walked back slowly, pointing his gun at Eric once again before finally exiting his office in search of Shiller.

Eric signalled to his men. "Stop them".

***
Shiller and Eduardo were still in the garden, going over their plan once again and oblivious to what was happening downstairs.

"Okay, I'm going to carry you now and once we're close to the door, you'll close your eyes and make it believable"
"Alright"
He put his right hand under her arms and his left hand under her knees and gently lifted her with her hands tucked in between their bodies.
With her in his arms, he gingerly walked to the door that would lead them to where the two men were seated. He took a deep breath before finally walking through the door.

"Father, I need-". He stopped talking. With his eyebrows drawing together, he looked around and his frown deepened. The place was empty and so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Where are they?
Shiller who was quiet suddenly popped one eye open.
"What's going on?". He gently placed her on the floor before speaking.
"I don't know but something smells fishy"
"Or do you think they know what we were planning?". Worry was written all over her face.
"No. I don't think so. If they did, we wouldn't even need to ask".