Chapter 27

Relief cursed through him. It was almost over. The case from hell. Derek tapped on the passenger window of Marc's car. He heard the click of the doors unlock. He climbed in and calmed his racing heart before speaking.

“Have you heard from Jarvis?”

“Yes, I have the address. You ready?”

“Yeah, let’s roll...”

* * *

Camille opened her eyes and scanned the room. Why was she in Ashanta's room? She attempted to sit up, but a piercing pain shot through her head. She groaned, falling back against the bed.

Talib entered the room. She turned to him as he handed her a glass of water and two pills. “What is this?”

“Aspirin to help with your head. I think you had too much wine.”

He smiled, but it felt phony. She took the aspirin and reached for the lamp on the nightstand. He stopped her and turned on the light as she pushed up in the bed. Camille noticed her purse and cell phone. The green light flashing signaled she had voice mail. Marc…

Her mind was racing, but she needed to quiet the throbbing in her head. She took the aspirin after examining the gel-coated capsules. She drank the water as she looked around the room. He took a seat on the bed at her feet.

“What are we doing in Ashanta's house?” She asked aloud this time.

He shrugged, but did not respond. They held a stare that spoke volumes. She fought the sense of betrayal and prepared to fight for her life. Camille shifted in the bed, allowing her thighs to rub together slightly. She felt relief as the cold from the metal confirmed he had not removed her gun, but first she needed answers.

“Camille, I need you to listen to me, and listen good.” He slid closer to her and she watched him transform before her eyes. Gone was the humorous smile and laid back charm; in its place was a hardened edge that caused her to jerk away from him.

Talib placed his hand on the opposite side of her body, preventing her from sliding across the bed.

“What did you do with Ashanta?” she asked, ignoring his threat.

He laughed and she flinched as he tossed back his head. Talib stood and faced her with his shoulders squared and arms crossed. “Precious, you are not in a position to demand answers, but if you behave you will be allowed to walk away from tonight unharmed.”

“Are you planning to do to me what you did to her?” She continued. Ashanta's warnings rang in her head.

 “What do you know about my money?” He asked with a scowl on his usually handsome face.

“What money?”

“Don't play stupid. I know you know something and I'm not into playing games. Tell me and you can go on with your night.”

Camille returned his spine-chilling glare and inwardly prayed that Marc or Derek were aware of her disappearance. She needed to disarm him and get to her gun. She decided to play sweet.

“So tonight was a lie?” She softened her voice and watched him adjust his stance.

“Camille, answer the question. What did Ashanta tell you?”

“Nothing...I saw a picture of you at her graduation. You must be friends.” She watched the veil behind his eyes fall, but instantly return.

“We're acquaintances.”

“Did you kill her?”

* * *

Camille eyes began to fill with tears and Talib fought to hold his composure. He felt his heart breaking as her eyes bore into him.

“Since you don't want to talk, I'll help you.”

He called for Saul. “Tie her up.”

Talib did not trust himself to move closer to her. He would have Saul tie her up and administer the serum. He didn't want to harm her, but he had a flight to catch.

Saul stood in the doorway and stared at him as if he had two heads. He walked towards the bed and picked up the rope Talib tossed his way. Camille used the heels of her feet to scurry across the bed, but Talib moved to block her escape.

“Don't do this,” she said, not taking her eyes off either of them.

“Talk,” Talib ordered.

“I swear I don't know anything about your money. I saw some picture and that's it. I promise.”

He didn't believe her. He felt his anger boiling to the surface. He drew back and slapped Camille across the face. The shock on her face ended his hopes of everything working between them. He had a job to do.

She held her cheek as tears welled in her eyes, “You'll regret that, you bastard.”

His response was cut off by the sound of the front door being kicked in. “Camille, are you in here?”

They all looked toward the doorway. Talib yanked Camille before she could move off the bed toward the voice in the living room. She kicked and fought as he wrapped his arm around her neck and pointed the gun into her back.

“Don't make me do it, because I will.” He clamped his hand over her mouth, stifling her response. He could smell the sweetness of her perfume and feel her body shaking beneath him. He had three hours before he was scheduled to board a plane for home and he refused to leave without his money.

* * *

Marc scanned the living room. It was quiet and still. He called to her again as he motioned with his head for Derek to check the kitchen. Derek nodded and moved toward the kitchen with quick, soundless movements. Marc kept Derek in his sight as they checked the front area. Neither found Camille.

They stood facing down a long hall leading to the back of the apartment. Derek mouthed that he'd cover him. Marc knew he was taking a chance, but he didn't want to risk Derek getting to Camille first. Nodding, they dashed across the living room, backs against the wall and Marc called down the hall to Camille again.

“Camille, baby, are you back there?” He glanced toward the back bedroom and motioned for Derek to take the other side of the entrance.

Derek took his place as Marc let his gun precede him down the hallway. He could see the backroom light on. He prayed she was unharmed. He reached the doorway and saw Talib standing with his gun pointed at Camille's head. He kept his eyes fixed on him, but couldn't help but notice the tears in her eyes.

“FREEZE. Drop your gun and let her go.” Marc entered the room.

Talib's laughter filled the room as Marc heard the release of a gunshot. Pain coursed through his body as he clutched his shoulder.

Marc fell to his knees and looked over his shoulder as the smell of gunpowder filled the air. Derek had shot him in the back! He turned to Camille as she fought with Talib, trying to reach him. Her arms and legs were flailing when his eyes fell shut.