Never let go CHENFORD FF English version

Chapter 9 leverage

Tim watched as best he could what Lucy was doing on the other side of the glass. She definitely knew what she was mixing and using. She had prepared well; you had to give her that. At this moment, she was a true professional, while he was stuck here, waiting to be mistreated to put pressure on Lucy.

She had to do everything right and quickly. Tim couldn't afford to get hurt; she couldn't forgive herself if something happened to him. He had already put himself in danger for her. But she couldn't think about that now, not now. She had to focus 100% on the task at hand and do it right and fast.

"Your girl is doing well," one of the thugs standing next to Tim remarked. "Pretty fast, but I think she could do better," he laughed, then kicked Tim in the back of the knee and punched him in the face.

Lucy heard a thud and instinctively looked at the glass. She saw Tim kneeling on the floor, spitting blood. Damn, she had to hurry. Whatever they didn't like, she wanted to prevent as many beatings as she could.

"She seems to get the hint," the man grinned, looking down at Tim. "I'd stay down; there's more to come. I woke up early today, knowing it's a good day to beat someone to a pulp."

Tim felt sick. Lucy needed to work fast; the guy was crazy, and he was sure he'd be beaten to a pulp or worse.

"Hey, man, my girl works better knowing I'll survive the day in one piece," Tim tried to reason with the man, though he didn't have much hope it would help. He looked around, three men directly with him, two with Lucy, and he could hear more voices outside. They had to survive until the drugs were moved, then they'd have a chance to draw attention and blow the whole thing up.

"I don't care. I'd even wish she'd be slower. Maybe she'll be impressed by strength and leave you behind. Seems like a sweet one," the thug mused, and Tim wanted to punch his teeth out at that moment. No slimy thug would ever lay a hand on Lucy as long as he could prevent it. He looked up darkly but said nothing.

He heard a phone conversation outside before the gang leader entered and looked at Tim with satisfaction. "Your girl is doing well. Soon you can go home, but don't worry, you'll take some souvenirs. And if I need someone again, you'll be available. The speed she's showing thanks to you is impressive."

As if the thug had only been waiting for a hint about the souvenirs, he punched Tim hard in the face again and kicked him in the ribs. Tim collapsed completely and tried to protect himself with his hands. But his arms were pulled aside by the other two. The thug grinned widely and knelt over Tim. He pulled out a knife and lifted Tim's shirt. Tim squirmed, trying to escape, but couldn't.

"Stay still, or I might slip. I want to give you something nice," the thug grinned, then started carving a C for his boss's name into Tim's chest.

A frantic knock on the glass made the thug stop.

"I'm done, damn it! Leave him alone," Lucy shouted through the glass, looking worriedly at Tim, who was lying on the floor covered in blood.

The thug laughed at Tim once more before standing up. He roughly pulled him up and shoved him forward.

"Time to go, and don't say a word. We know who you are, and we'll find you," he threatened again, and Tim had to concentrate not to faint as everything spun before his eyes.

Behind him, Lucy was being shoved out the door and brought to a car as well. At least they were both in the same car.

Lucy immediately put her arms around Tim, whispering reassurances that everything would be alright and other comforting phrases.

They drove for what felt like an eternity until the driver slowed down and stopped.

"Out now," he barked coldly, and they obeyed immediately.

Lucy looked around as the car disappeared. They wouldn't have left them here if the factory was still in use; the evidence would be gone within hours. She needed a phone booth quickly. Even though they were rare nowadays, there had to be one. At the end of the street, she saw a box that looked like one.

"Go, Lucy," Tim whispered. "I'm not going anywhere," he tried to joke.

She shook her head. Even though she didn't want to leave him alone, she had to report the building quickly to have any chance of preserving evidence.

At the phone booth, she dialed emergency services, quickly giving her badge number and station, and was immediately connected to Harper. She urgently explained everything and requested an ambulance for Tim.

When she hung up, she looked back at Tim. Damn, he was no longer standing but lying on the sidewalk. She ran as fast as her injuries allowed to him, checking his pulse and breathing when she reached him. Both were very weak. She placed his head on her lap and gently stroked his hair. Tears ran down her cheeks. This was all because of her. She had put him in such danger. He had to fight and survive.

In the distance, she could hear the ambulance siren approaching. Hopefully, he would make it.