Safe Haven

27. Empty

Hazard

The plan was set. Somehow Tech had hacked into some government surveillance shit and gotten satellite imaging of the complex Vega was at. The Italians and their ample supply of bombs bought from a dealer I was sure was on a terrorist hit list somewhere would strategically hit the perimeter first, taking out their outside defenses and creating a level of chaos. In true cartel fashion, Vega traveled with close to 80 men though only about 20 would be stationed inside the house. The rest would span the property or be close by. With the 4 MC groups and the Italians and Germans working with us we equaled their numbers. But it would all be for nothing if we didn't get to Cade and Haven quick enough. We had a rough idea from the blueprints where the most likely spots they would keep them but if I'd learned anything it was to expect the unexpected.

Punchy and Melody sat on the couch when I entered my rooms along side Mom. Their faces were clear as day. They wanted to know what the latest news was. Fuck. "It's late Melody, Mom, you all should try to sleep." My Mom just gave me her leveled glare that told me She wasn't going anywhere. "You'll bring them back Hazard? You promise?" "I'm not leaving without them Mel. Promise." Melody gave me a quick hug and went to her room. "Punchy get some rest. I need your help tonight." No words there, he just exited the room to rest. "No bullshit Hazard," Mom said.

"Tonight. At midnight. Vega has a complex in Merdian." "Have you even confirmed they are there before you go running to your death?" She yelled. "They're there. They've been packing to leave though so we have to act now. We've got help and our numbers are good. We're going to get them back." "Be careful, please. And be cautious. He's had her for two weeks Hazard, there's no telling what shape she's in or if she's even still alive." "DONT SAY THAT!" "I'm speaking the truth! You have to prepare yourself!" My anger was evident. I knew she could be right but no way was I going to admit it. Instead of responding I kissed her cheek and left the room. I was bringing Haven and Cade home tonight....and Vega was a dead man either way.

Haven

The water I stood under was ice, but I felt nothing. I'd lost track of the days. Everything blurred together now. I looked down at my body barely recognizing it. Blue, yellow, green, purple. I don't think I'd ever seen bruises in this many shades. What they covered made me sicker. The marks you couldn't see. Once I completely shut down and stopped responded all together he changed his methods of torture. My protruding hip bones, once covered with a healthy layer of meat, were evidence of the limited food I was allowed. Enough to survive but that was it.

Vega had called a priest in to cleanse me. The ice water was his idea along with the "religious fasting" and who could forget the lashings. This latest torture was by far though.

They took Cade. Before he was my only relief from the torture. My sunshine. Where they held him now I didn't know.

The maid burst in the room with a towel. "Senorita, come. The Priest is waiting."

I dried off with the towel. Knowing that I wouldn't receive any clothes. They had taken those too. I didn't look at the pity in the maids eyes, although I knew it was there. Instead I walked out, head down into the room I'd be kept in, where Vega and his priest came to punish me. The priest for my sins and Vega for my betrayal.

Suddenly My body began to shake. Though I willed myself to stop My body kept trembling. "Sir. Please let me warm her. Her body will go into shock." I heard the nurse plead quietly. I could feel the smile build on his face. The "priest" sent to cleanse me was nothing more than a sick man hidden behind the cloth.

The trembling got worse as he spoke. "You are mistaken." His accented voice felt like nails down my back. Suddenly I was burning up although I still trembled. My legs were growing weak and unable to hold myself up, I collapsed to the floor. "That is the sins leaving her. She is now clean. You can tell Vega his bride is ready."