Jolie
Jacksonville, FL
Saturday night
Two days of searching, and Ryder turned up nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero.
Matias Vicario didn’t even exist before five years ago, and suddenly, he appeared. Venezuelan-born, unmarried, fifty-five years of age. Nothing was listed for his employment—no work history, no education. Nothing. It was like he was a ghost.
It was almost time for me to report to the fight for the evening. My gunshot wound was healing nicely, although I still had the stitches. But I was able to make a stop by a store to find a decorative cuff I could wear over a bright-pink cloth that was wrapped around my arm. The jewelry was gold with a band around the top, a scorpion hanging in the middle with a chain that looped from one side to the other. Overall it at least looked purposeful and not like I was Frankenstein’s bride.
We arrived at the newest venue for the fight, an old Chinese restaurant just outside the city limits of Jacksonville that looked like a renovated Pizza Hut with its 1980s hut-style roof. Although “renovated” was a strong word to describe the place. Chipping paint, patches on the roof, and the inside smelled like moldy pizza and day-old Chinese food. Appropriate, I guess.
There was at least a legit boxing ring in the middle of the room. Old booths were turned around to provide seating as well as Chinese-style chairs, with bright-red lacquer painted with traditional Chinese scenery. It was a hodgepodge of elements thrown together to form the most distracting and unusual sensory scene ever created.
I reported to the women’s restroom, the makeshift locker room for the evening, and took off my jeans and T-shirt to reveal the ensemble I’d been instructed to wear tonight.
“Skimpy,” Roger the manager had said. “The skimpiest, sexiest thing you can find, because you owe me for cutting out last fight.”
Not exactly the way I saw things, but I’d done as I was told, wearing black bikini bottoms that showed more cheek than I’d prefer, with a leather half bustier that dipped low in the front. I’d topped off the ensemble with thigh-high stockings with a black stitch up the back and black stiletto heels. I looked like a cross between a lingerie model and a dominatrix. Or possibly a street walker. There was that.
I’d put the jeans and T-shirt on to keep Ryder from getting a glimpse of my attire. I knew he’d have a stroke once he saw me. Hopefully not while he was in the ring.
Since we still needed intel on Matias Vicario, I had to play my role regardless of what Ryder thought about it. Not to mention, I was anxious to talk to Chrissy about what else she knew about the mysterious man.
Misty, one of the other ring girls, was putting on bright-pink lipstick and fluffing her already overly teased hair when I entered the room. I’d done my makeup at the hotel, hoping to buy myself some time to do some digging. Misty popped her lips after applying the lipstick, and I turned my back to the mirror, propping my hip on the ledge of the sink.
“Have you seen Chrissy yet?”
Misty shook her head. “Nah. She hasn’t shown.”
Chewing her gum like a camel, Misty turned her head to one side and then the other to make sure she was satisfied with the look. “Oh, does she do that often?”
Smack, smack, smack. “Never. She’s always the first one here. One time she even showed up when she had the flu.”
“Has anyone heard from her?”
“We’re not really friends, so I’m not sure.” Misty shrugged and left the bathroom.
Before the fights started, I was able to talk to several other ring girls, and none of them had heard from Chrissy. I had a bad feeling about the turn of events. Somehow it all felt connected.
I’d walked my rounds during the first fight. It was fairly uneventful. Both guys fought hard, and no one died, thank goodness—although, after seeing Ryder’s response to my outfit when I’d taken my turn, I might be in danger of being carried out in a body bag. He looked like he wanted to strangle me. I shrugged it off, scanning the crowd carefully for any of the key players.
Ryder was on during the second fight that evening since he’d lost to Vlad last time. Rumor had it, Vlad and Igor would go up against each other that night. The thought of being close to either of them in the ring made me a little sick to my stomach, but I pushed down the nauseating thoughts and said a silent prayer that maybe Ryder had a chance to win without the threat of death.
The announcer called Ryder’s name, or Sasha’s actually, and introduced the other fighter. I’d not seen him at the other fights. Jorge Gonzalez was far shorter than Ryder, but what he lacked in height he made up for in muscle. He was built like a fireplug—all brute strength—which made me wonder if he had any finesse.
The bell had just sounded when I felt a presence behind me. Sure, I was pressed in tight among the crowds of people even in my designated spot as a ring girl, but the air had shifted, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention.
“Good evening, Ms. Miller.”
His voice was laced with a Spanish lilt, and he was close. Very close.
I turned slightly to face Angel Rubio, who wore a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. I was sure mine didn’t either. We were both playing at niceties.
“Good evening.”
I was careful not to use his name so as not to give away that I knew who he was.
He smirked as if he knew the game I was playing.
“My boss would very much like the presence of your company for this fight.” Rubio held out his hand in invitation. I glanced at it and back up to his face.
“Please thank your boss for the invitation; however, I’m working tonight. I’m very sorry.”
“Actually, you’re not. At least not for this fight. Mr. Vicario has arranged for you to take a break.”
I jerked around to give Rubio a piece of my mind when the look on his face registered. This was not a man I wanted to mess around with. It seemed I had no choice. I nodded but ignored the hand he held out for me and brushed past him. He chuckled softly and caught up, leading the way to The Vicar.
My nerves were on edge. I had no idea why Matias Vicario wanted me to sit with him, but I had a feeling it wasn’t good.
The first round ended, and Ryder glanced around, looking for me. It was my turn to carry the round card, but Misty walked in my place. I could see the fear on Ryder’s face, and I kept my eyes on the ring as I followed behind Rubio. Finally, he found me. I shook my head slightly to let him know he could not blow our cover. His face tightened, but he nodded slightly.
Matias Vicario was sitting in a roped-off section on the opposite side of the restaurant. There was a vacant seat next to him, and he stood when I approached, taking my hands in his.
“Ms. Miller. I’m so glad you could join me.” Vicario lifted one hand to his lips, dipped his head, and placed a kiss to the back of my knuckles. “Please, have a seat.” He indicated the seat he expected me to sit in and waited until I’d done as I was told.
“What can I do for you?” I asked as he sat next to me.
“I only require the pleasure of your company.”
I held back the snort of disbelief and turned my focus back to the fight. Ryder seemed to be gaining the upper hand. Jorge was strong, but he wasn’t quick, and Ryder’s long reach gave him the advantage.
“This is quite an interesting job for someone as intelligent as you are.”
I snapped my attention back to The Vicar.
“How do you know I’m intelligent?”
“Because you are very observant. You noticed me. And you noticed Rubio.” A chill ran down my spine. “You even asked about me.”
Fear was a living, breathing thing, and when face-to-face with a man whom I had a feeling was capable of all sorts of horrendous acts, it came alive like a fire-breathing dragon.
“Ah, yes. I know about that. One of your friends was very forthcoming. Although, I’m sure she’s quite upset that she got involved.”
The fear was still there, but anger was her ugly sister, and she was alive and well.
“What did you do with my friend?”
My fists were balled tight in my lap, and I used every ounce of control I had to keep them there. I wanted to beat the man’s face in like Ryder was doing to the fighter on the stage.
“I haven’t done anything with her. She’s alive. For now.”
He wanted something, and I understood that I had no choice but to give it to him.
“What do you want?”
“For you to watch the fight with me. What else?”
That time I didn’t hold back the snort of derision, but I complied, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back in my chair. I was the picture of ease—if you didn’t notice my clenched fists and jaw or the rhythmic tapping of my foot. I’m sure The Vicar noticed it all.
We sat in silence for two rounds while Ryder wore the other fighter down. Finally, Jorge couldn’t stand back up, and the referee lifted Ryder’s hand in victory. Immediately, Ryder scanned the crowd looking for me. Our eyes met and held. I could see the anger brimming behind the unaffected façade he’d put on.
I stood to leave, but The Vicar tugged on my arm, pulling me back down to my chair.
“Not quite yet, darling. I’d like you to watch something.”
Ryder left the ring, and I had a feeling he was headed straight for me. Only, his path was blocked by none other than Igor, Vlad, and a couple of Hispanic guys. The four of them encircled him. Ryder was outnumbered and outmatched. Against one of them, maybe even two, he’d have a shot of walking away alive.
I started to stand up, but Matias pulled me down harder.
“You see, Jolie. I have friends in some very high places, and we don’t like it when a little girl puts her nose where it doesn’t belong.” I met his gaze, and the handsome debonair man from earlier was gone. In his place was a coldhearted killer. A man who held no remorse. A man without a conscience.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?” I nodded, unable to speak over the lump of fear in my throat.
“Good. Now, tell your friend there—Sasha, is that what he’s calling himself?” Matias laughed. “Tell Sasha that if he wants to live, or better yet, if he wants you to live, he’ll stay out of my business. Is that clear?”
I cleared the lump from my throat. “Crystal.”
“Good. I knew we could come to an agreement.”
The Vicar gave a nod to the men in the circle, and they disappeared into the crowd. Ryder raced over, but I was already moving towards him. We met in the middle, his arms coming around me, lifting me up against his sweaty body. I didn’t care. I needed his arms around me.
He put me down and looked over my shoulder.
“What did he want?”
I turned around, but The Vicar was gone.
“I’ll tell you later. Not here.”
Ryder nodded and took my hand as if pulling me from the room. I dug my heels in.
“Wait. I still have one more match.”
“No, you don’t.”
He pulled harder, and I grabbed on to his wrist with my other hand, digging in harder.
“I can’t blow my cover now.” I hissed the words so low, I hoped no one around us could hear. “I’m fine. I promise. I’ll walk my round and get out of here. Okay?”
Ryder stopped, dropping my arm and placing his hands on his hips, his head down. I knew he didn’t like it. But he also knew I was right.
He blew out a breath.
“I’ll find you after, okay? Hopefully the match won’t go long.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“But you need to—”
“I’ll be right here in case you need me. Go.”
I wanted to protest, but I knew Ryder wouldn’t budge. He’d made his decision.
Hurrying to the designated spot for ring girls to wait, I got there just as the announcer had rung the bell.
The fight between Igor and Vlad was brutal. Both men seemed to like the pain. They went the full five rounds, but ultimately Igor emerged the victor. Vlad was still standing at the end of the fight. It was a draw, but Igor had come out the winner.
Vlad gave Igor a fist bump and walked off the stage, glaring at me as he walked past. I shivered at his broken teeth and wild eyes. I agreed with Ryder. That guy was definitely on something. Finally, Igor had made his victory rounds, but he stopped just in front of me. For a moment, he just stared, a sick grin on his face. Then he winked and walked away.
I shivered, and the bad feeling that had begun earlier intensified. They knew something. We weren’t flying under the radar here. It reminded me of a cat playing with its food. Ryder and I were the food.
A hand snaked around my arm, and I yelped, throwing a fist at the person who dared grab me.
“Ow! Geez, Jolie. It’s just me.”
He rubbed his jaw where my fist had connected. Normally, that wouldn’t have made an impact, but Ryder was black and blue from the fights of the week. I’d just added one more bruise to the mix, and I felt terrible. So, of course, I lashed out in anger.
“What the hell? Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
He paused for a moment and then grinned. “Couldn’t just apologize, could you?” He shook his head, looping his arm around my waist. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
Ryder had pulled on his sweatshirt, but he’d not attended to the cuts on his face or even washed off the dried blood.
“Do you need to go to the restroom first and clean up?”
“No. It’s not safe. Let’s get back to the hotel. I can clean up there.”
We made it out to the car without anyone stopping us or provoking us, which after the night we’d had, was a win.
When we were safely in the car and on the road, Ryder spoke. “What did The Vicar want?”
“To warn you. He said to tell you that if you didn’t butt out of his business, he’d kill you and me. But that’s not the worst of it.”
Ryder coughed out a laugh. “Our untimely death isn’t the worst?”
“Okay, well, yeah. That’s pretty bad. But listen. He knows I asked Chrissy about him. Somehow, he found out, and she wasn’t there tonight. Misty, one of the other girls, said she’s never not come to work. She even came with the flu.”
“Maybe she ran off with a guy or something.”
I shook my head. “No. The Vicar indicated that he had done something. Ryder, we have to help her.”
“I don’t think we need to get involved. It’s not our business. I’ll call the police and file a missing person’s report.”
“No—that will take too long. We have to find out where he’s holding her. It’s my fault she’s in this mess. If I hadn’t asked her—”
“You had no way of knowing he’d find out.”
“It doesn’t matter. He did. And now she’s in trouble. I can’t just stand by and let her be harmed because of me.”
Ryder sighed loudly, took his phone from his pocket, and dialed.
“Levi, looks like we’ve got another problem.”
I sat back in the seat while Ryder filled Levi in on the situation. I just hoped that Chrissy was still alive when we found her. And I knew we would find her. I had complete faith in the Shadow Force team.
When we reached the hotel, Ryder went straight to the bathroom. I sank down onto the edge of the bed, tired from all the bad stuff in the world. Tired of dealing with bad men who did bad things. I thought about Chrissy and her dreams of becoming a model. Being a ring girl for underground fighting was a long way from that, but she’d been following that dream. Chasing after it.
Just like I was chasing after mine.
I undid the bustier and dropped it on top of my duffel bag, standing there only in my black bikini bottoms and thigh-highs, when the door to the bathroom swung open. Ryder stood there, freshly washed, his hair still damp from his shower, and his eyes filled with hot desire.
My hands shot up to cover myself, but Ryder’s gaze didn’t leave mine. I wondered if he’d make a move, take a chance. My breathing picked up, my pulse racing with anticipation. Ryder took a step forward, conflict clear on his face. Then he shook his head, mumbled, “Sorry,” under his breath and closed the bathroom door.
I scurried to put a T-shirt on and shorts. When Ryder returned, I was rolling the thigh-highs down my leg. He watched for a moment, his gaze riveted to my thighs. With a stiffening of his spine, he picked up his pace and walked over to his bag, retrieving his laptop.
I sat down on his bed while he worked. I’d love a shower, but I wanted to be ready when Ryder found something about Chrissy.
“We don’t have her last name, a birthdate or anything? How are we going to find her?”
Ryder grinned as he worked. “I hacked into Roger’s email. He’s got all of the information there.”
“Oh. So how do we find her?”
“With her Social Security number, I was able to find her bank account. Now I’m tracking her credit card activity.”
“You can do that?”
“Sure can.”
It was scary how much could be tracked online if the right—or wrong—person got ahold of your information. Fortunately, I didn’t have a whole lot to steal, but it was disconcerting, nonetheless.
“Got it. She’s checked into the Dolphin Hotel here in Jacksonville. Let’s go.”
I loved that he didn’t even question whether or not I’d be going with him. Maybe he was coming around.
I slipped my flip-flops on and followed Ryder out to his car.
The Dolphin Hotel was a slum. It looked like the type of place that rented rooms by the hour and didn’t bother to change the sheets in between. I knew what ring girls made, and it wasn’t enough to make a living, and yet some of these girls did just that. Although Chrissy did say that she also held a job at Hooters in her hometown near Atlanta.
I rapped my knuckles against her door, waiting and hoping she’d answer. Deep down, I knew she wouldn’t, but I couldn’t help the shred of hope that I’d be wrong. When I knocked again and she still didn’t answer, I turned to Ryder.
“What now?”
He held up a slim case and sank down next to the doorknob. It was a lock-picking set, and within seconds, the lock clicked, and the door swung open.
The air was stale in the room, and there was a faint odor of something I didn’t want to identify. The beds were made, and nothing in the room seemed out of place. A hot-pink duffel bag sat on the table near the windows. I walked over as Ryder cleared the rest of the room and bathroom.
“She’s not here.” He came to stand next to me.
“Should I?” I motioned to the bag.
He nodded, so I unzipped it. There on top was her cell phone and her hot-pink wallet. I lifted both items out of the bag and showed them to Ryder.
He cursed quietly under his breath and pulled his phone out to text. I assumed he was updating Levi.
“They have her, don’t they?” I knew the answer already.
“Looks like it.”
It was all my fault. Chrissy was gone, maybe even dead. And I was responsible.
The weight of that knowledge nearly crushed me. My knees buckled, but Ryder caught me, pulling me close to his side.
“I’ve got you.”