Black Fuel and Bikes

Chapter Ten

Warnings: Violence.

Adrian ordered his men to leave the room, smirking and throwing the ice cold water at Shannon to wake him. "Wake up, you lowlife thief."

Shannon opened his eyes at the feel of cold water. His first instinct was to try to move before he realized his wrists and legs were bound. Now he remembered. The pain in his head before it all went black.

Of course, Adrian had to be involved. But him being here also meant Adrian was desperate and that Talia was safe. He prayed she would stay away. He didn't care if it cost him his life if it meant she was safe.

"It won't work. She's gone."

"I wouldn't be sure of that, my friend." Adrian said, throwing his head back and laughing maniacally. "Not after the picture I sent her... I'm sure she'll want to save you."

Shannon shook his head. "No. She knows better."

"Ain't that sweet?" Adrian said, taking a pocket knife out of his pocket and walking to Shannon. "Maybe we need some sort of encouragement." Adrian pulled out his phone, dialing Talia's number on facetime.

Shannon prayed she had ditched her phone, his heart sinking in his chest when she appeared on the screen. "Don't you dare hurt him." She screamed at Adrian.

"Hello, my love." Adrian said. "Shannon here thinks you won't be stupid enough to come to me."

Her heart was racing in her chest, tears staining her vision, the same defeated look she had on her face so many times before. "Please, I'm on my way. I'll stay with you, Adrian..."

"Shannon here doesn't believe you... Maybe you need some encouragement..." Adrian said, lifting the knife to his arm.

"NO!" Talia screamed. "Please, don't do this."

Adrian smirked, pulling the knife back and stepping back. "Okay." He pointed the phone at Shannon, drawing back his arm and punching him, the chair falling sideways, Shannon landing on his side. Adrian cackled once again, before turning the camera back on himself. "You have 24 hours before I kill pretty boy over here. No games, no tricks! Come to me and I'll send him back home intact."

"Okay." Talia whispered, despite Shannon's cries in the background telling her to run away.

Adrian pointed the phone back at Shannon, walking over and kicking him, knocking him out cold before disconnecting the call.

* * * * * *

Talia had made plans earlier that day, booking a flight to Paris. It would get there during the night, which was perfect for her. She would sacrifice her freedom if it meant Shannon was safe. She didn't care anymore.

She wasn't stupid though. She had to try and save Shannon. He was her priority in this mess. 24 hours wasn't long, but it would have to do.

Talia went through the day making the calls she had to make to try and get Shannon out of this. Maybe there was a chance for her too if she played her cards correctly. After all, she did know something Adrian didn't.

She knew where he was and she knew the exact layout of the basement he was hiding Shannon in. She was glad she had taken the facetime call because it gave her an advantage.

Soon, it was almost time to board her flight. She stood in the bathroom at the airport, looking in the mirror. Her hair was back to its original color, a dark brown, almost black. No more running. This was what she had brought on herself. She wouldn't let anyone else suffer for her sins.

Her tears had dried long ago. She was on a mission now.

She dialed one last number, her stomach twisting as it rang.