Chapter 96

Filip

~ Flashback starts ~

“Will, you are driving way worse than my grandma. It stopped raining. Drive faster. Everyone is waiting for us.” I watched him nod as the speed escalated. 

I would have arrived at the ranch minutes ago if I had my motorcycle than being driven by Will. Everything was set, and I was anxious to arrive because every minute that I was on the road was another minute. Anything was bound to happen. I didn’t know what to expect, but I sure was not eager to arrive when things had gone to shit.

“Yes,” I answered my ringing phone, “We should be there soon.”

“You need to hurry. We can hear a gunshot.” Milo added.

“Shit. I’m almost there. I’ll have to go.” After I hung up, I looked at Will again. “Pick up the speed.” I said as I looked down with my phone in my ear.

I have no idea what was happening, but I didn’t like it. “It’s Filip.” I said as soon as the person on the other line picked up. “I need you to get your guys at the ranch. NOW.” I paused.

“Filip. I can't -”

“I don’t care. I need you by the house. Something is happening. I need you and your team. I need you on standby.”

I hung up. Even with the car speeding like we were on the racetrack. I knew. Gunshots were not a good sign and the doctor better be on his way with help. He owes me this much. I needed to be prepared for anything.

The drive was quicker than I had expected. I had taken off my jacket and threw it in as I walked to where Milo and the rest of the guys were. I wore my vest and comms. We had gone through the plan when I was on the road, so everyone was all set & waiting for me.

“You ready.” Milo asked me as he was setting up his sniper rifle.

“Yes.” I said as I looked through the spotting scope with a sigh. “Were you able to see where the shots came from?” I asked, looking at him as he shook his head.

“I heard thirteen of those rounds. I think we need to prep for -” two gunshots sounded.

“That’s from the main house.” I looked over the scope. I couldn’t see shit. “Be my eyes,” I said hurriedly, but Milo held me before I could run.

“You don’t know what’s happening in there.”

“I know, but whatever it is, it's not good. We have wasted enough time already. Time to move,” he sighed and let my hand go. “I’m sure the police will be here soon after so many gunshots.”

“I know,” he responded

“Okay guys.” I said, pressing on the communication transmitter, “Take position. We are going in. NOW.” 

I gave one look to Milo, and he gave me a nod. “Go get them. I’ll be ready. I got you.” 

The plan was to be as quiet as possible as Elisa’s men dropped. Every single one of them that caught my eye was getting a bullet from me. My precision was from a lot of intense training. I was fucking born for this. 

This place might have been surrounded, but we made it. We got in. So far, things were good, but I was still on edge. I hope Ruby was not hurt. We moved closer to the house, and that’s when things got a little worrisome.

“Milo,” I whispered.

“I’m in position.” he responded.

“Good. I need the one close to Ruby down first.” 

"Damn, I see your girl."

"Put the man down," I snarled.

"I'm calling in double favor to save your girl." I said nothing. "This has to be verbal Fifi."

"Don't call me that. Get the dog down."

"What say you?" he chuckled.

"I'll up one and give you three favors. Shoot the fucker, Milo."

"With pleasure." He chuckled.

Elisa knew I was coming. She was smart to have her like that too bad I had exhausted all possibilities and prepared. I waited for the confirmation from the rest of the men to come through. In less than a minute, we had the main house surrounded. I took a long breath as I nodded at one of my guys before we burst in as the shots fired.

All the men were down before I could fire as I ran to where Ruby was. She was frightened and shocked to see me as I went in and kissed her hard. I missed her so much, and I was happy to see her unharmed. I hoped they didn’t try anything funny with her.

"Save the show for later. We don't need to see your romance." Milo spoke through the comms and I chuckled.

"Shut up, Milo," I added, taking off my comms before kissing the love of my life.

"What took you so long?" she cried, her lips still on mine.

"I'm sorry," I murmur, wiping her tears, "I'm here and I'm not letting you go." I pull her into a tight hug.

“Someone better tell me that Ruby has a bullet in her head right now.” I heard Elisa’s scream from one transmitter.

"Pass that to me, will you?" 

I was handed the transmitter that was on the floor. I kissed the top of Ruby's head and smirked.

“Now why would I subject the woman, I love to die such a death,” I smugly responded as I winked at her. “I’m taking the silence to mean that you didn’t expect it. Now, how about we negotiate?” 

“NO DEAL.” She snarled, and I frowned when the transmitter went dead.

“Where are they?” I asked Ruby.

“Aren’t you going to untie me?” she asked, wiggling her hand and I pulled a knife and cut the ropes.

“Where is Elisa?” I looked at her.

“Cottage.”

I sighed as I got up quickly place the comm in my ear. “I need guys at the cottage now.”

“What happened?” Milo asked.

“I got Ruby,” I said, looking at her as she hugged me, “But - ” my words were cut as we heard gunshots again.

“Please don’t leave me,” Ruby pleaded.

“Stay here. You are safe.” I said before I ran out of the house. 

“NO. I’m coming with you.” She argued. I didn’t have time to argue, because whatever was happening at the cottage didn’t sound good.

~ Flashback ends ~

Whoever came with the plan to have the cottage so far away from the main house needed to be fired or killed. We arrived too late. The shit had hit the fan long before we arrived and, worse of all, Elisa was nowhere to be found.

“We are done here,” I said to the officer, who was questioning Ruby for the uptenth time.

“We need -” 

“Whatever questions you have can wait. We have somewhere to be.” I said, already dragging Ruby.

“Filip,” she scolded, and I stopped.

“Do you want to stay?” I asked her firmly clench my fist, “You can stay, but I have better things to do than entertain the police.” My nose flared.

“What’s more important than getting the police to help?” she whisper shouts, as she looked back at the officer. The whole place was swimming with red and blue lights, but I didn’t care about any of that.

I scoffed, “Stay then,” I said, walking away.

“That’s not fair,” she wiped a tear.

“What’s not fair happened in there,” I pointed at the cottage, “And out here. Look around.” I said, watching as black bags lined around with dead bodies. “If only I had been here sooner, none of this would have happened. I’m shit scared to go to the hospital because I don’t know if -“ I exhaled and shook my head looking at her, “The only thing I can do now is go after Elisa. I have to get Theo back. I have to be the one to get him back.” I was tense as I looked at her, “The police can’t do fuck'll. I have to get him back.”

I pulled away from her as I walked. I might have been harsh on her. I know, but I needed my head clear. Elisa had slipped away undetected. I ran a hand over my head.

“That was a little harsh, don’t you think?” Milo spoke through the comms. I had forgotten to disconnect. 

“Not now.” I responded, getting a few glares from people around me.

“You have a lot of making up to do when this is all over.” I heard Milo through the comms again.

“I know where they are.” I said, stopping before I remembered something.

“What? Are you sure? Where?” Milo sighed, sounding tired.

“House not castle? Of course, I know where she is headed.” I said, as it made sense.

I know where Elisa was going. She is going to regret everything she did here.