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Chapter 16
Isabelle was in total disbelief at the thought of everything that had happened to her this night. What had started out as a wonderful date with the man she loved had turned into a nightmare straight out of a Tom Clancy novel. When Miss Audrey's limousine had pulled away from the curb, she had walked up to the door of the flower shop, oblivious to her surroundings. She had been too deep in thought to hear the two men and they had surprised her from behind, clamping a hand over her mouth and dragging her over to a large black car waiting on the side street. They had shoved her in the back seat, each of them climbing in on either side of her and had sped off into the night. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at an old warehouse in a deserted and run-down part of the city. She was taken inside and forced into a chair, her hands were roughly tied behind the back of the chair and her ankles had also been tied together. Her heart had pounded as she heard the exchange between Cavendish and Antoine. She had tried to save him, in her own way, and Cavendish had slapped her so hard that blood had trickled from the corner of her mouth. After he hung up on Antoine, Cavendish had told her everything, and then left the building, leaving her alone with two thugs. One stood at the window with a sniper rifle and the other sat by the door with a semi-automatic. She shook her head. It was too surrealistic for her. She attempted to move her hands a bit, trying to restore the circulation in them, but the knots held fast and allowed for little movement. She sighed at her folly, mentally kicking herself for leaving Antoine's apartment. If she had just spent time talking to him about his recent past, she might not have ended trussed up as she was. She could have been in his strong, protective embrace if she hadn't been so stubborn. She hung her head down, suddenly tired from the wide range of emotions she had experienced within the past couple of hours. The creaking of the old metal door in the eerie silence made Isabelle snap her head up in alarm. Cavendish entered, with several other men in tow. They all walked over to her, making a semi-circle around her. She tried not to show how nervous she was as she willed her body to stop trembling. The group of men eyed her like vultures circling a piece of carrion, making Isabelle feel extremely vulnerable. A tall man with beady eyes was the first to speak. "This" he said as he pointed to Isabelle, "is what will make him cooperate with us?" Isabelle shrank from the ruthless tone of his voice. "Believe it or not, yes" answered Cavendish. "He's in love with her." A second member of the group spoke up. "He's a gigolo. He's not supposed to feel love for his clients." Cavendish circled around behind Isabelle and put his hands on her shoulders, making her jump. "She isn't his client. It's supposedly real love. But real or not, he'll do what we want because of her." "You'd better be sure about this, Cavendish" said the first man who was obviously the leader of the group. "I'm taking a big chance on this." "Oh, I'm sure about it, all right.." The tall man lead the group a short distance away to confer with them privately while Cavendish stepped around in front of Isabelle. He noticed the trail of dried blood on her chin. He frowned as he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and started to wipe it off. "I didn't mean to hurt you, but you should have cooperated." Isabelle jerked her head away from him. "I will never cooperate with you. If I can help Antoine in any small way, then I will." "So says the faithful girlfriend", sneered Cavendish as he put his hanky away. He squatted down in front of her, placing both of his hands on her thighs. His voice was low when he spoke. "Maybe I should take you now. Do you think that would get your cooperation?" He slid his hands under the edge of her skirt as he moved them up her thighs, finally reaching the top of her legs. The look of surprise on his face turned to evil delight as his thumbs encountered soft hair where her underwear should have been. "Well, maybe now I know why he's so interested in you after all. I think I should investigate this further...." Isabelle trembled violently at this invasion of his hands on her body. "No!" she whispered in terrified shock, as his thumbs began penetrating her. "Cavendish! Leave the girl alone and come here!" The commanding voice from the other side of the room stopped him from going further. Cavendish slowly removed his hands and stood up. "We'll finish this later" he promised and walked over to the waiting men. A tear trickled down Isabelle's face at the humiliation she felt for what had just happened. She was helpless and completely at the mercy of these men. "Oh, Antoine" she breathed, "please find me soon!" The group of men finished their conversation and left the building. Cavendish was the last one out, but he stopped to look back at Isabelle, catching her eye. Isabelle shrank from what she saw in his face and turned her head away. He smirked and walked out. Chapter 20 The house was dark, not a soul was awake, as Antoine roared up in his silver coupe. He squealed to a stop, not caring if he awakened the neighbors. He walked up to the front door, took a deep breath and knocked loudly. He stood there as he waited for some signs of life within the house, but the silence stretched out before him as the minutes ticked away. He looked up and down the street furtively, making sure he hadn't been followed. He was about to knock again when he saw a light shine suddenly through a window. He heard the tumblers fall back as the door was unlocked and opened a crack. "Antoine?" The door opened further to reveal Thomas Kint in pajamas and robe. "This is a surprise..." "I know it's late and I'm sorry but this can't wait" Antoine cut him off. "Isabelle has been kidnapped." "Oh my God, Antoine!" Thomas opened the door to allow Antoine entry into his house. Antoine walked in and waited until Thomas had closed and locked the door, then led him into the living room. "Please, have a seat Antoine." Thomas sat down in a chair as Antoine took a seat on the couch. "Tell me what happened." Antoine was about to reply when Marilyn entered the room. "Why Antoine! What are you doing here this time of the night?" "Dear, go on back to bed and I'll tell you about it later" said Thomas, trying to spare his wife any grisly details that Antoine might subject them to. "Actually, Thomas, what I have to say is for Marilyn's benefit as well." Marilyn looked from Antoine to Thomas, noticing the serious expressions on both of their faces, then quietly took her place in a chair next to her husband. Antoine took a deep breath, then began his narrative from the beginning, omitting nothing, as he told them of his first phone call from Cavendish a week ago up to his most recent visit with Miss Audrey. Thomas and Marilyn listened closely, shocked at what they were hearing and holding each other's hand tightly. When Antoine related the part about Cavendish hurting Isabelle, tears started trickling down Marilyn's face. "And so" finished up Antoine, "that is the true story of Belle and myself. I'm so sorry if I've hurt you in any way through this. But it comes down to the fact that, I was a gigolo up to a week ago, I met Belle, fell in love, and now I have to save her, even if I do end up going to jail." He looked at both of them, seeing the stunned looks on their faces as they digested all of this information and felt sorry for them, sorry that he had to mix two good people up in his sordid world. Three people, he amended to himself privately, for Isabelle was in this as well. "Please," he said quietly, "I need your help." "I don't know what to say, Antoine. It's an amazing story you tell, yet I'm not surprised. My political platform has made quite a few enemies for me, but I would never have dreamed they'd stoop to this level. And then to find out that you are a gigolo...." "Was", corrected Antoine. "...sorry, you were a gigolo, and now they have Isabelle..." Thomas stared off into space as he thought about it. Marilyn looked at Thomas, fear and concern written all over her face. "Thomas, we have to help...." He patted her hand and gave her a smile of encouragement. "I know, my dear, I know." He looked back to Antoine. "Antoine, I'm glad you told us the truth. My wife and I really like you and Isabelle and whatever we can do to help, we offer with no strings attached." He held out his hand to Antoine. Antoine sighed in relief and shook Thomas' hand in a new bond of friendship. "Now", said Thomas in a businesslike tone, "how can we help?" "My friend, Miss Audrey, thinks we should get all the dirt on these men and send them to jail. She is going to call Mrs. Cavendish and enlist her aide. Shey thinks she can supply a list of all the businessmen in this elite group, even possibly getting their wives to turn them in, or at least give us some bargaining leverage." "Sounds good so far. But what about rescuing Isabelle?" Antoine frowned. "That, I don't know. I have no idea where she's being held. Cavendish could have her anywhere in this city." "I have a few friends on the police force that might be able to help", said Thomas thoughtfully. "Police?" Antoine asked warily. "Don't worry, Antoine. I won't tell them about your past." "Really", piped up Marilyn. "I won't have Isabelle rescued only to find her lover in jail." Thomas looked at his wife in adoration, then turned his attention back to Antoine. "Let me make a few calls and see what I can turn up. In the meantime, why don't you rest for a while? We have a guest room upstairs that you're more than welcome to use." "Yes Antoine", said Marilyn, "you look like you could do with some sleep." "Thank you for your kindness to me, but Cavendish has been having me tailed ever since we first met. I don't want any harm to come to the two of you, so just in case, I'll go home for a while and wait for your call." As Antoine stood up, so did the Kints. "Very well, Antoine. Drive safe and I'll call you as soon as I know something. You do the same." "I will." Antoine held out his hand again to Thomas, who gave him a firm handshake and Antoine walked out of the house. Thomas closed the door as Antoine roared off in his car, and then walked over to the phone. He picked up the receiver, dialed and waited until he heard a familiar voice on the other end. "Marty? This is Thomas.......I'm fine, and you?....Great. Look, I know you're busy down there at the station, but I've got a little story to tell you..." Cavendish fixed himself a drink as he thought about the events of the evening. Things couldn't have worked out better if he'd planned them, he thought to himself. That slut of Antoine's had walked right into the palm of his hand, giving him the best bargaining tool he could hope for. He walked around to his easy chair and sat down, relaxing as he thought of Isabelle. What could be Antoine's attraction to her? She was not a beauty by any standards, but there was something unique about her. She hadn't cowered from him when he had slapped her. She had been brave though all of it until he had put his hands on her. Yes, that had definitely had an affect on her. He took a drink as he considered the implications. He had enjoyed making her squirm as his hands had slid between her legs. Her terrified whisper had excited him almost as much as his feeling her sex. And when his thumbs had slipped inside her....he closed his eyes as he remembered the feel of her, the tightness of her. He frowned as he thought of how she had trembled in his hands, not from desire, but from repulsion. Well, he thought, she may not want him, but he wanted her. If for no other reason, than to take something of Laconte's, just as Laconte had taken his wife. Of course, his wife had gone to Laconte willingly, but that didn't matter. He would take Isabelle to humble that arrogant Italian. And he would take her soon, he promised himself. He leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his wrinkled features, as he imagined the pleasure he would feel when he told Laconte, in detail, of how much he enjoyed having sex with Isabelle. Chapter 21 The morning sun shone brightly as Antoine made his way through the city to the flower shop. Too brightly for his tastes, grumbled Antoine to himself. He hadn't slept well at all for worry of Isabelle and now he had to break the news to her family. He kept checking in his rearview mirror to see if he was being followed, but found no one keeping tabs on him. Probably didn't need to, he mused, since they had the one thing that would make him cooperate. He grimaced again as he blamed himself for Isabelle's capture. If only Sylvia hadn't called...if only he had told Isabelle the truth about himself...if only...he sighed to himself. There were too many if onlys to count. Well, he wouldn't stop until he had Isabelle safe within his arms once more. He pulled up to the flower shop and walked inside. He noticed Rebecca with a customer and he waited unobtrusively by a display until the customer had finished and was out of the shop. He walked over to the door, locked it and put the closed sign in the window. "Why good morning Antoine...", started Grandma, but she dropped off as she watched his strange movements. "What are you doing?" she asked. Then she noticed that Isabelle wasn't with him. "Antoine," asked Rebecca worriedly, "where is Belle?" Antoine walked over to Rebecca and took her hands in his. "Please, Rebecca, sit down. I have something to tell you." A thousand scenarios went through Grandma's mind. "What has happened? Where is she? Is she all right?" Grandma's thoughts were in a whirl as Antoine guided her to a stool. Antoine sat next to her, keeping her hands in his. "There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to say it. Belle has been kidnapped, and it's my fault." Grandma's eyes opened wide. "Kidnapped? Why? And what do you have to do with it?" "This isn't going to be easy for you to hear, but listen to my story completely before you judge me." Antoine related to Grandma everything that had happened, just as he had with the Kints. Grandma was floored when Antoine finished his narrative, the shock very evident on her face. "Antoine, I don't know what to say." She thought about Isabelle for a moment. "Does Belle know any of this?" "Yes, she knows everything now." Antoine shoulders drooped a little bit. "I'm so sorry to put all of you through this. But I want you to know that I will get her back. I promise." Grandma looked into Antoine's eyes and saw the pain and torment he was going through. She gripped his hands tightly as she spoke. "I know you will. I have faith in you. Please, don't say anything to Kathy about it. I'll tell her myself." "I won't. But you must leave the shop closed up until these men are captured. I don't want them to get either of you to up the stakes. I will make sure Thomas sends some of his police friends to patrol this area, but keep Kathy inside today." "All right." Antoine got up to leave and Grandma followed him to the door. "Be careful, Antoine. We care about you and would hate to have anything happen to you." "I will Rebecca. Make sure you lock the door behind me." He unlocked the door and walked outside, closing it behind him. He waited out in the sunshine, listening to the tumblers fall into place as Grandma locked the door. He got into his car and took off down the road. He clicked on his cell phone and called Thomas. "Thomas, I've just told Belle's family about the situation, but I'm still afraid they might be in danger." "Don't worry Antoine" came the voice on the other end of the line, "I'll have Marty send a car over there right away to keep an eye on them." Antoine sighed in relief. "Thank you Thomas." "Marty wants to meet with you and get some more information. When is a good time for you?" "Anytime this afternoon would be fine." "How about 1 o'clock at your place?" asked Thomas. "That's fine. See you then." Antoine ended the call and put the phone down, concentrating on the road in front of him. With Rebecca and Kathy safe, he could focus solely on Isabelle. He was frustrated that things weren't moving faster and tried to take consolation that at least the wheels were in motion. He pulled up to his apartment complex and saw a red Ferrari in the guest parking lot, with a thin, beautiful blonde leaning against it. Antoine groaned as he recognized Sandi Garrison. This was all he needed, he thought to himself. He got out of his car and walked over to her, stopping a few feet away from her. "Hello Ms. Garrison", said Antoine flatly. She frowned as she noticed the distance he kept between them. "Antoine, why so formal? Are you still mad at me for last week?" Smiling, she walked up to him, swaying her hips seductively. "You should know I never mean what I say." She put her hands on his chest, trying to snuggle up to him. Antoine grabbed her hands, stopping their motion, and stepped back from her. Sandi pouted. "Antoine, what's the matter?" Antoine's voice was cold as he spoke. "You should have heeded your own ultimatum and stayed away." "What do you mean?" she asked. "I've decided to give up the gigolo lifestyle and settle down with one woman. But you are not the one." She snatched her hands out of his. "Why didn't you tell me last week? Couldn't you at least of had the decency to stop me before I had totally embarrassed myself?" Her angry words bounced off the hard shell he had put up. "I didn't know last week." Sandi Garrison stopped short, a look of disbelief on her face. "Are you telling me, you met someone and fell in love, all in the space of seven days?" she asked incredulously. "Yes", said Antoine. "I met a wonderful girl, warm, caring, passionate?.nothing at all like you." Antoine made no attempt to disguise the disgust in his voice for her. "She is the only one for me." Fire flashed from her eyes at his words. "She may be the only one for you", she said heatedly, "but only if you can find her in time." She turned away and started to open her car door when her arm was grabbed in a vise-like grip and she suddenly found herself flung back around to face Antoine. The anger in his face made her aware of how vulnerable she was, and she winced as he held her tightly within his grasp, cursing herself for allowing that information slip. "What do you know about Belle?" his voice was quiet fury, frightening her to the core. She said nothing, trying to squirm out of his grip. He shook her suddenly, making her aware of his superior strength. "Tell me what you know. I don't think you would enjoy sharing a cold cell with another jail-mate." Her eyes opened wide at his threat, and she knew he wouldn't think twice about turning her in. His eyes burned into hers, silently demanding her to tell him what he wanted to know. She bowed her head, realizing that she had lost this battle and the only way to save herself was to tell Antoine what he wanted to know. "Cavendish has your girlfriend." "I know that!" he shouted. "Where does he have her?" he said with another shake. "In a warehouse somewhere. I don't know exactly where, though, but it's on the east side." Antoine's eyes narrowed. "How do you know this?" She sighed. "Cavendish came over to the house this morning to talk to my husband. I overheard the entire conversation and figured out they were talking about you. I thought that maybe I had another chance with you." Antoine absorbed this information as he looked around, noticing that the commotion they were making began turning a few heads. He dragged her into the complex and up to his apartment. He unlocked his door, opened it, and shoved her inside. She stumbled and fell against the back of a chair from the force. "What are you going to do with me?" she asked, truly afraid of him now. "I'm not going to do anything with you. You will wait here with me until the police come." "You said you wouldn't turn me in if I told you what I knew!" she wailed. "I'm not turning you in. But a police friend of mine will be very interested in what you have to say and you will stay here until he has heard every word come from your own, plastic lips. Then we will let you go?as long as you've told the truth. All of it." Antoine went to the phone and dialed. He kept an eye on Sandi as he waited for someone on the other end to pick up. "Thomas? Hello. I think you should bring your police friend here to my place right away. I have someone here who has some very useful information for him." He gave Sandi a pointed look and she sat down in the chair, resigning herself to her fate. Isabelle lifted her weary head, trying to focus on her surroundings. She was so tired, having slept hardly at all in her uncomfortable position. She was still tied to the chair, having only been released once to use the disgustingly dirty restroom. It had been a very long night for her. Her muscles were sore from tensing up at every sound she heard, fearing that Cavendish had come back to take up where he left off. The two men guarding her hadn't bothered with her, which she was thankful for. She was thirsty and hungry, having eaten nothing since Antoine had made them dinner. And oh! What she wouldn't give to take a nice, warm bath. She could feel the dirt clinging to her, especially as it ground into her skin underneath the ropes. She was still mentally kicking herself for not having treated her argument with Antoine in a more controlled way. She had long since forgiven him of his past and wanted nothing more than to be in his arms and decide their future. If she got out of this mess, she would tell him everything he meant to her. When, she corrected herself, for she knew Antoine wouldn't stop searching for her until he found her. Of that much, she was sure. She closed her eyes, sighing heavily, as she tried to get some rest. Chapter 22 Marty interrogated Sandi for over an hour at Antoine's apartment, while both Thomas and Antoine listened and observed her reactions. She told them everything she knew, which included some things that weren't known to them. It was true that she didn't know the exact location of the warehouse, but with her knowledge of the conversation between Cavendish and her husband, and the information the police already had on Cavendish, they were able to narrow it down to a few locations. Marty was excited to finally be able to nab Cavendish. "He's been on my black list for a long time, always staying one step ahead of me." "Well," said Thomas, "you'll finally be able to bring him to justice." Antoine was pacing back and forth in front of the fire place. "What are we waiting for? Let's check out the warehouses and find Belle!" Thomas gave Marty a knowing look, and then Marty turned to Antoine. "Antoine, we can't approach the buildings yet. We need to get the entire group of men, not only Cavendish." "I don't want Belle to have to suffer one minute longer than is necessary!" he said, his voice raising. "Antoine, we are all concerned for Isabelle" replied Thomas quietly. "But we need to get all of them, or the conviction won't stick, and Cavendish will walk free again." Antoine knew they were right, but his worry for Isabelle made him anxious to rescue her. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, pushing his dark locks away from his face. He looked at Sandi and then to Marty. "What about her?" Marty contemplated Sandi, making her uncomfortable in her seat. "We have no further use for her. But to keep you safe, Ms. Garrison, we'll set you up in a hotel with police protection until your husband is arrested." "A hotel?" she asked warily. "Yes. I'm sure it wouldn't look good for you if he found out you'd told us what you know." Marty gestured to one of the plain clothesmen standing by the door and he began to escort Sandi out of the door. She stopped at the door and turned around to Antoine, a last attempt at reconciliation evident in her pleading eyes. "Ciao", was all he said to her and she turned around and walked out of the apartment. The phone rang and three sets of eyes stared at it. Antoine walked over to pick it up, but Marty stopped him. "Remember Antoine, if it's Cavendish, tell him you've got the pictures he wants but more importantly, you've got something that all of the businessmen would be interested in. Get him to make a deal and meet you at the warehouse." "All right," said Antoine. Marty pushed the button of the recorder they had tapped into his phone with as Antoine lifted up the receiver. "Hello?" he said, his heart beating wildly. The voice on the other end was familiar to him in its classic southern drawl. "Antoine, pet, how are y'doin'?" Antoine let out his breath. "I'm fine Miss Audrey." "Look, pet, I'm sorry I've taken so long to get back to you, but I've been a busy lady and have I got some information for you." Her smile was evident by the tone in her voice. "You do?" Antoine was surprised and delighted that she had pulled through. "What did you find out?" "Well, these men are nasty creatures to deal with, but so far have remained above the law. Their wives aren't too thrilled with them right now and are very willin' to cooperate with the police. They all have plenty of evidence against their husbands and are gatherin' it together as we speak. Of course, it didn't hurt for me to mention the fact that they'd be in control of their husbands wealth while their men were in jail" she drawled. Antoine laughed at her deviousness. "Miss Audrey, you are a pearl among women. I don't know how to thank you." "Well, if I didn't like Isabelle so much, I know exactly how I'd want you to thank me. But since I do...." Antoine's eyes sparkled as a thought occurred to him. Marty was around Miss Audrey's age and single, a decent man with a good job. Possibly just the thing Miss Audrey needed to calm her wild ways, he thought to himself. "Miss Audrey, I am going to put Detective Corillo on the phone for you to give him the particulars, all right?" "All right darlin'. You take care now and get Isabelle back safely, y'hear?" "I will, Miss Audrey. Goodbye, and thank you." Antoine handed the receiver to Marty and let him take up the conversation. As they spoke together, Antoine walked into his bedroom. He went to his dresser and picked up his gun from where he had set it before the police had arrived and placed it in his waistband at his back once more. He was going with the police to rescue Isabelle and didn't want to be unprotected in case he encountered any firepower. He walked back out into the living room and over to Thomas. "It won't be long now, Antoine" remarked Thomas. Marty put the receiver down, turned off the recorder, and quickly jotted some notes in his little book. When he finished, he put his pen and book in his pocket and turned to Antoine. "Your friend, Miss Audrey, was quite helpful. Because of her, we know the entire group of men we're dealing with. Now we just need to get them all in one place at the same time." As if on cue, the phone rang. Antoine went to pick it up, but Marty stopped him for a moment, placing a finger to his lips, communicating for everyone to remain silent. He then signaled for Antoine to answer the phone and pressed the recorder button. Antoine picked up the receiver, almost holding his breath in anticipation. "Hello?" "Laconte, so good to hear your voice. How are you progressing with Mrs. Kint?" "I've got what you want, Cavendish" replied Antoine in a neutral voice. Cavendish was ecstatic. "So soon? And you said it couldn't be done in two weeks. I guess all you needed was a little motivation. Well, it's too bad, I've been enjoying your little treasure immensely." Antoine ground his teeth in anger. "You'd better not have touched her or I'll..." Marty put a restraining hand on Antoine's arm, silently advising him to keep his cool. Antoine swallowed his fury and spoke into the phone. "Look, I've got what you want, you've got what I want, so let's meet somewhere and make the exchange." "You're in such a rush, Laconte! Is she that good in bed?" taunted Cavendish. "Just tell me where to meet, Cavendish." Cavendish sighed in exaggeration. "Oh, all right. I have a little building on the east side where we can conclude our business transaction in peace, away from prying eyes." "And that would be....where?" asked Antoine. "Do you know where the old Union Pacific station is?" "Yes." "There's a warehouse about a mile south of the station, sitting in a field by itself. I'll meet you there. And you'd better make sure you come alone. I have no problem hurting that little slut of yours" he said menacingly. "All right", said Antoine coolly, "but why don't we up the stakes?" Cavendish was taken aback. "What do you mean, Laconte?" "I have something for your elite little group of businessmen that I think they would find very interesting." "Laconte, what are you trying to pull? Don't try and double-cross me, because you'll never survive it." "I'm not pulling anything. But I did more than just get pictures with Marilyn Kint. I have some information that they would find extremely useful to completely destroy Thomas Kint's political career." Cavendish stalled. "Tell me what it is and I'll tell you if it's useful." "No", said Antoine flatly. "You and your boys will meet me at the warehouse and we'll exchange everything there. Advise them to bring quite a bit of money with them. I'm sitting on a goldmine." Antoine heard nothing for a moment as Cavendish considered his offer. "Okay, Laconte, you're on. But tell me, how did you get Mrs. Kint to cooperate?" Antoine gave Thomas an apologetic look as he spoke to Cavendish. "She was alone in her house last night. I forced her at gunpoint. After I finished with her, I snooped around his study and that's where I found these important documents that I think your men will enjoy having." Thomas gave Antoine an encouraging smile at the lie. "This sounds most promising. But don't try anything foolish. Remember, I still have the thing you prize the most." The line went dead as Cavendish hung up. Marty stopped the recorder, grinning from ear to ear as he did so. "Antoine, that was perfect. Not only did you get the exact location of his hiding place, but you got him to confess to premeditated murder." "So, can we leave now and rescue Belle?" asked Antoine impatiently. "Whoa, big guy. You're not going anywhere. You're staying right here." "The hell I am!" said Antoine hotly, his Italian temper flaring. Thomas tried to intervene. "Antoine, let the police handle it now. They'll get Isabelle back safely, I promise." "I have to be there for her!" stormed Antoine. "Antoine, Isabelle wouldn't want you to get hurt and there's a great possibility that someone will start shooting at someone. You stay here and wait for us to bring her back to you. Thomas, you stay here and keep him company." "You got it", replied Thomas. Marty walked out the door with the other plain clothes-man in tow. The door shut behind them and Antoine looked at Thomas. Thomas tried to return his gaze but finally turned away under the intense stare, sighing as he gave in. He knew what Antoine was going to do. "All right, Antoine, you win." Thomas reached behind his back and brought out his gun, checking it over. Antoine was surprised to see Thomas with a gun. "What are you doing with a gun?" Thomas gave Antoine a wry smile. "I can't very well let you go off to the warehouse without backup, now, can I?" He popped the magazine back into place, giving it a spin. Antoine was still shocked to see Thomas with a gun. "You know how to shoot?" he asked. "I was on the police force for five years before deciding to make a political career for myself. You have a gun on you, I presume?" "Yes. I carry it in the same place as you do", smiled Antoine. "Well, then, let's go get Isabelle." They walked out of Antoine's apartment, their adrenaline pumping, as the excitement and danger of what they were about to do went through their blood. Chapter 23 Cavendish was on his way to the warehouse, barely aware of his surroundings as he drove. His thoughts were torn between his duty to his friends and his desire to make Laconte suffer. He was amazed that Laconte had got the pictures this soon. He really must care for his latest little tramp, he thought contemptuously. After he hung up from his conversation with Laconte, he had contacted his ring of friends who were very willing to meet Laconte and see what other information he could possibly have. If it came to nothing, they would just kill him and be done with it. No one would care if the city had one less gigolo in it. And Isabelle...well, he would take her back to his house until he was tired of her and then do away with her. Couldn't take any chances, he mused to himself. They would both have to die. But maybe he would make Laconte watch as he raped Isabelle, and then kill him. He felt such an antagonism against the gigolo, not sure if he was jealous of his reputation among the women, or perturbed at his own inability to please his wife. Those pictures of Laconte and his wife made him burn with fury. She had sought out this handsome Italian and he had learned about the affair through a mutual friend. So he arranged the blackmail situation, making his wife an accomplice to the set-up. But it hadn't been easy, watching his wife having sex with Laconte. Yes, he thought to himself, it was time to make him suffer. He pulled up to the warehouse, signaling to his guards he was alone, and he walked in. Isabelle was still tied to a chair, her head lowered to her chest as she dozed. He walked quietly over to her and touched her lightly on her head, gently running his fingers through her hair. With his other hand, he cupped her chin, running his thumb along her lips. She slowly awakened and flinched away from him as she became aware of her surroundings. "Leave me alone!" she hissed at him. "Now is that any way to talk to someone who has good news for you?" he said mockingly. "What good news?" asked Isabelle warily. "Laconte is on his way to rescue you", sneered Cavendish. "He got the pictures that I wanted, like a good boy, and he's coming to make the exchange. The pictures, for you." "I don't believe you. Antoine would never hurt the Kints" she whispered. "Well, I guess you don't know your boyfriend as well as you think you do. According to him, he forced her at gun-point." Cavendish turned at the sound of the door opening and several of Cavendish's friends walked in. He smiled and turned back to Isabelle. "Maybe you need to rethink your loyalties. I'm not such a bad guy, once you get used to me." Cavendish kissed her hard on the lips before she had time to think. She jerked her head away in disgust but he brought her face back to him. "Get used to the idea of me touching you, for I will have you before I give you back to Laconte." He walked over to the group of men who were waiting impatiently for him. Isabelle refused to believe Cavendish. He was either lying about Antoine showing up or else Antoine had a plan and was baiting Cavendish. She hoped it was the latter. And she hoped he'd rescue her before Cavendish could touch her anymore. "Cavendish is expecting me to deliver the stuff to him, not you" Antoine whispered back. Marty looked over at Thomas, who had also got out of the car. "I thought I told you to keep him in his apartment." Thomas shrugged his shoulders in a helpless gesture. Marty sighed and ran a hand through his thin hair. "Well, as long as you're here, we might as well make use of you. But you follow my instructions to the letter. No heroics, understand?" "I understand" replied Antoine. Marty gestured to his partner to bring over the envelope of fake documents and hand it to Antoine. "Now, Antoine, you will go in and stall them as long as you can from looking into this envelope. Once they see they've been set up, it's gonna get ugly. Don't try to rescue Belle. They won't hurt her as long as they think they still have her hostage. Your aim is to keep them from noticing us surrounding the building. Got it?" "Yes." Antoine took the envelope from the detective and started to get back into his car. "Hey," said Thomas, "shouldn't I go with him?" "Absolutely not! You're a politician now, Thomas, not a cop. Besides, Cavendish would recognize you and know something was up." "Okay, Antoine, looks like you go solo." Thomas gave him a thumbs up gesture. "Well, it's time to make my move." Antoine closed the door and headed up to the warehouse. Marty quickly radioed all his men to alert standby and then they sat back to wait. "Are you alone?" "You have lookouts at the window, you tell me", replied Antoine testily. The door opened further to admit entry and Antoine stepped over the threshold. He stood for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the darkened interior, as the door slammed shut behind him. Cavendish was still in front of him with a gun and a group of men stood further into the building. He let his eyes wander around the building and finally saw Isabelle in a corner, tied to a chair. Cavendish saw where Antoine's gaze had fallen and angrily turned him around to face the door. "All right, Antoine, spread'em, like a good boy." Antoine put his hands against the door while Cavendish searched his body for weapons. "Well, what do we have here?" he asked, as he pulled out Antoine's gun. "Should I take this as a sign of your mistrust?" "One can never be too careful in dealing with blackmailers" replied Antoine sardonically. "Cute, Laconte. Now, get over there and show my friends what you have for them." Antoine watched as Cavendish tucked his gun in his waistband and motioned him over to the men with the other. Antoine walked over to the men, full of confidence and bravado, never letting them see how nervous he actually was. He didn't have his gun and if these men started firing, he would be unable to help Isabelle or himself. He stood before the group of men, eyeing them with non-chalance. "Which one of you is the leader of this sordid group?" he asked insolently. The tall man with beady eyes stepped forward. "I'm the one you want to deal with. Now, what do you have, besides the pictures, that would cost us more than giving you back your girlfriend?" he asked directly. "Something very important that I will show you presently. But first I want to make sure that Isabelle is all right." The tall man frowned. "You can see her from where you stand that she's still alive and breathing." Antoine would not give in. If he could get her freed from her bonds, it would make rescuing her much easier. "I want to see her closer and make sure I'm not getting damaged goods returned to me." The man considered his request and looked at Cavendish. "Untie her and bring her here." Cavendish scowled but did as the tall man said. He untied Isabelle from the chair but kept her hands tied behind her back and brought her forward. Isabelle tried to walk up to Antoine, but Cavendish held her a few yards away from him. "Oh, no you don't, sweety", said Cavendish. "You stay right here with me until all items of interest have been handed over." "As you can see, she doesn't have any bruises and she can move just fine. Now it's your turn. What else do you have of interest?" demanded the tall man. Antoine never had a chance to reply. The sound of glass shattering and the sniper guard falling to the ground sent all the men into a crouch, including Antoine. The circle of men pulled guns out and crept over to the window and door, leaving Antoine, Cavendish and Isabelle forgotten for the moment. Cavendish glanced around the building, startled at what was going on, then turned a wrathful gaze on Antoine. "Laconte! This is your doing! You double-crossed us!" Cavendish pulled his gun out of his waist band and aimed at Antoine. Isabelle gave a cry of warning and kicked Cavendish's shin as hard as she could. He yelped in pain, forgetting about shooting Antoine, and backhanded Isabelle hard enough to make her fall on the ground. The momentary diversion caused by Isabelle was all Antoine needed to tackle Cavendish to the ground, wrestling him for control of the gun. The two men rolled around on the floor, each trying to gain the upper hand, as the police fired on the building. The businessmen were no match for the police and soon gave up, surrendering as they exited the building. It was over with in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, Cavendish and Antoine were still engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Cavendish had the upper hand at the moment, ending up on top of Antoine, pressing the muzzle of the gun closer to Antoine's head, until Antoine heaved him up and over, using all his strength to push Cavendish away from him, ripping the gun out of his hands as he punched him in the jaw. Cavendish staggered under the blow and fell to the ground in an unconscious heap. Antoine breathed heavily as he made sure Cavendish didn't move, checking him over to retake his own gun, and then he crossed quickly over to Isabelle. "Belle!" His voice was full of worry as he helped her stand up, untying her hands as quickly as he could. As soon as her hands were free, she flung her arms around his neck, holding on to him as tight as she could. "Oh, Antoine!" she whispered, and cried quietly into his shoulder as he held her in his strong embrace. "I'm so sorry he hurt you," he whispered back in her ear, "but you saved my life just now." He held her and stroked her hair as he waited for her to calm down. He didn't want to bring up anything that might be unpleasant for her, but there was something he had to know. "Belle, did he do anything else to you?" He felt her go still in his arms and knew that Cavendish had done something to her. "Belle, look at me," he commanded quietly. She slowly lifted her head up and looked at him. "What else did he do to you? Did he....touch you...in any way?" Isabelle hung her head as the memories of what Cavendish had done to her came back. "He...he ...kissed me...on the lips." Her voice was steady as she spoke, but her body was still tense and Antoine knew there was more. "And what else?" he asked gently. The tears started flowing again as the memory of her humiliation crept up on her. "He....he.....oh, Antoine, I can't!" she cried, and buried her head in his shoulder once more. Inside, Antoine was a volcano about to erupt as a myriad of possibilities went through his mind of what Cavendish had done to her. But his voice was calm as he spoke. "Belle, tell me what else he did. It's not your fault, but I have to know." He lifted her chin up and locked eyes with hers. Isabelle took a deep breath. "He touched my legs and...and... my thighs, and, well, I didn't have any underwear on because I left it at your place, and so, he...put his fingers...on me....in me..." and Isabelle broke down again. Antoine cursed Cavendish in a rapid string of Italian and held Isabelle tight. A raucous sound made both of them turn around. They saw Cavendish sitting up, rubbing his jaw and laughing. "Why don't you tell him the rest, Isabelle? Why don't you tell him how I made you writhe in ecstasy and how much you enjoyed it?" he grinned maliciously. "Antoine, it's not true!" replied Isabelle, shock mixed with repulsion on her face. "Shall Antoine and I discuss how tight you are? We could compare notes on certain parts of your anatomy." "Shut up, Cavendish!" Antoine's temper began to get the best of him and, holding Isabelle tightly in the crook of one arm, he raised his other arm and pointed the gun straight at Cavendish. Cavendish continued his taunting. "What's the matter, Antoine? Does it upset you to know that someone else has touched your prized possession? Does it bother you that I've laid my dirty hands on her, touching her as intimately as you have done? Or does it bother you that she may have liked it?" The volcano erupted and Antoine cocked the gun. "Say your last prayer, Cavendish, for you are going to meet your maker." He put his finger on the trigger and started to squeeze. Just then, Thomas came through the door to check on Antoine and Isabelle and took in the situation at a glance. "Antoine, don't do it", he said quietly. "It's not worth it." Antoine never took his eyes off of Cavendish as he spoke. "There would be one less monster in the world if I did," he replied, his voice as cold as steel. "Would you leave Isabelle waiting for you for the next 25 years to life?" Thomas walked over to Antoine until he was a few steps away from him. "I can't let you kill Cavendish and get away with it. Think, Antoine, what's really important right now?" Antoine looked at Isabelle, then back to Cavendish, and his anger started to subside. He released the hammer carefully, and lowered his gun arm. Thomas stepped up to him and gently took the gun out of his hand. "Don't worry, Antoine. Cavendish will pay for all he's done. And it will probably take him the rest of his life to do so." Antoine didn't say anything as Marty and a few other policemen entered the building. They quickly crossed to Cavendish, roughly pulling him to his feet and handcuffing his hands behind his back. "Everything secured in here?" asked Marty of a policeman. "Yes sir," replied the lieutenant. "Read this scum bag his rights." The lieutenant started droning the all too familiar words. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say, can and will, be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney...." Cavendish glared at Antoine as he was lead away. "Thank you Thomas, for everything," said Antoine. "You're welcome, my friend." Antoine smiled, and with his arm still firmly around Isabelle's waist, walked her outside into the sunshine and to his car. He opened the door for her and was about to help her in, when he suddenly remembered something. "Before you get in, Belle, I have something that belongs to you, I think," said Antoine hesitantly. Isabelle looked at him questioningly. "What?" Antoine reached into his pocket and brought out the gold rose necklace and held it up before her. "I gave this to the woman I love and she misplaced it, in anger against a lie I hid from her. I'm wondering if she can forgive me, and once again be bella mia." Isabelle heard the hesitancy in his voice and saw the hopeful look on his face, and, in that moment, she knew where she belonged. She smiled big, turned around so that her back was to him, and lifted the hair off of her neck. She waited patiently as Antoine slowly lowered the golden chain around her neck, fastened it and let her hair back down. She turned back around to face him, the love shining in her eyes. "I forgave you the moment before I was kidnapped. If I just hadn't been so stubborn and left you, then maybe none of this would have happened." "Nothing would have changed. Cavendish would have grabbed Kathy instead of you, that's the only difference." "I don't want to talk about him anymore," said Isabelle, closing her eyes and shuddering suddenly. She opened her eyes and looked up at Antoine. "Kiss me?" she asked timidly. "As you wish, my Belle," murmured Antoine, as he lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her deeply, holding her within his strong embrace, the heavenly moment wiping away the horrors of the past twenty-four hours for Isabelle. She sighed into his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and lacing her fingers within his hair. A friendly voice interrupted their warm reunion. "Why don't you two get a room? It would be a lot more comfortable." They lifted their heads away from each other and saw Marty and Thomas watching them and grinning. "We don't need a room. I'm taking her back to my place right now," said Antoine with a grin.. "No," corrected Isabelle. "There's something else we have to do first." Antoine understood the look in her eyes and kissed her hand in acknowledgment. He helped her into his car, closed her door and got in on his side. They both waved to Marty and Thomas as they sped away. Chapter 24 The incessant pounding on the door frightened Grandma a bit, as she remembered Antoine's warning to not let anyone in. She quietly crossed to the window to peek out between the curtains and gasped in surprise. "Kathy!" she yelled as she quickly unlocked the door. "Come down here, quick!" She flung the door open and there stood Isabelle with Antoine. "Belle!" exclaimed Grandma, as she grabbed her in a big hug. "You're safe!" Isabelle held her tightly. "Yes grandma, thanks to Antoine." A pair of running feet was heard by all as Kathy threw herself at Isabelle. "Belle! I missed you so much! I'm glad you're safe!" Isabelle hugged Kathy to her, happy to see her little sister once more. "So, what happened?" asked grandma. Isabelle sighed. "It's a long story grandma, but to sum it all up, Cavendish and his circle of friends are all going to jail for a very long time." Grandma was grinning from ear to ear at she noticed the golden rose around Isabelle's neck. "So," she said as she touched the delicate rose, "does this mean you two have made up?" Isabelle gave Antoine an adoring look and then faced her grandmother. "Yes, grandma, we're together again." Grandma could hardly contain herself. "Come upstairs and relax while I fix an early supper and you can tell us all about this little adventure." Isabelle looked up at Antoine hesitantly, and he guessed what was in her mind. "Rebecca, Belle needs to bathe and rest for awhile. Let me take her back to my place and then you and Kathy join us for dinner in a few hours, say, around 8 o'clock?" "Cool!" exclaimed Kathy, excited to see Antoine's place. Grandma looked at the three of them and smiled. "That sounds fine with us, Antoine. We'll see you there in a while." Antoine gave Grandma directions to his place, then escorted Isabelle back to his car. They drove to his apartment in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Every once in a while they would look at each other and smile. Antoine's hand rested on Isabelle's thigh, and to Isabelle, things were as they should be. They walked into his apartment, just as they had twenty-four hours ago, when he had brought her there for dinner. He took her over to the couch and made her sit down while he fixed her a drink. He brought it back to the couch and handed it to her. "I want you to sip this while I draw you a bath. It will relax you." Isabelle took the drink from him, leaned back against the couch and sipped the amber liquid as first he slipped her shoes off, then walked into the bathroom. She closed her eyes, resting them, as she heard him turn on the water in the bathroom, and move about the apartment. As her mind wandered, it occurred to her that she had been in the same clothes for the past twenty-four hours. She opened her eyes, looked down at her dress, and frowned as she realized she didn't have any other clothes with her. "Antoine?" she called out. He poked his head out of the bedroom. "Yes, my love?" "I should have stayed home," she fretted. "I don't have any other clothes to wear." He walked into the living room and crossed to the phone. He had changed out of his suit jacket and shirt, and had put on a black, short-sleeved knit shirt. "This, we can fix. What's your phone number?" he asked. Isabelle told him what it was and he began dialing. He gave her a warm smile and winked at her, making her blush, which in turn made him sigh a low growl of desire. He cleared his throat quickly as the other end of the phone was picked up. "Hello, Rebecca? Yes....we're here....could you do us a small favour? Could you bring some of Belle's clothes over to my place tonight? Yes...that would be fine....yes, makeup also....thank you very much. See you in a while." He placed the receiver back on the phone and went to stand in front of Isabelle, holding out his hand to her. "Come. It's time for your bath, my lady," he said gallantly. He helped Isabelle stand up and walked her into the bathroom. She hadn't really noticed this room before because she had been too upset. But now she took a look around and saw that it was a large bathroom with a separate shower and bath. And the bathtub was huge! Big enough for two people, and it had a jacuzzi in it. Antoine had put bath salts in the water and the room was filled with a light floral fragrance. Isabelle froze as Antoine stood behind her and slid the zipper down her dress, sliding it off her body. She trembled as the memory of what Cavendish had done to her came flooding back. Antoine realized what was going through her mind and wished for the hundredth time he could wipe away that memory. "It's all right" he said quietly. He gently forced her body to lean against his, and felt her start to relax as his fingers ran lightly up and down her arms. Isabelle wondered that his hands never moved to any other part of her body, but she had to vocalize her feelings on it. "Antoine, I don't think that tonight I can...." She faltered as her guilt rose up for denying him. He kissed the side of her neck and then moved to her ear. "Don't speak, my Belle. I understand and no blame is attached to you. Besides, you are too tired for any pleasure tonight. Right now, I am here to wash the dirt and pain from your body. But be assured that, when you are ready, in the future we will definitely conserve water together." He nipped her ear playfully and helped her into the tub. Antoine gently washed Isabelle from head to foot, stroking her body with soothing motions as the grime and dirt rinsed away. Isabelle's fear turned to trust as she felt his hands on her, massaging away the stiffness from her aching muscles and realized he was right. She was definitely tired. When he finished with her body, he washed her hair, his long fingers caressing her face and scalp lovingly. When he was through, he wrapped her hair in a towel and dried her off. She was relaxed and getting so sleepy that she could hardly stand, so he wrapped her up in a large bath sheet and carried her to his bed. She fell asleep in his arms and he looked at her as he held her. An overwhelming feeling of love and protectiveness washed over him for the seemingly fragile girl. She had suffered so much because of him. He promised himself he would set things right between them. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to. As that last thought drifted through his mind, his future suddenly became clear to him. He held her to him for a moment longer, then gently laid her down and covered her with a comforter. He didn't want to disturb her, but couldn't help himself as he bent over and brushed her lips with his. A small sigh escaped her lips as a slight smile crossed her face, yet she stayed asleep. He looked down at her, lightly touching her face as she slept, and smiled before walking out of the bedroom. Two months later found Isabelle once again in his arms as he carried her over the threshold and into their hotel suite in Florence, Italy. Laughing, Antoine kicked the door closed and crossed into the bedroom, carefully laying her on the bed, so as not to rip her wedding dress. He slowly crawled on top of her, letting her take his weight as he gazed into her eyes. Isabelle brought her hands up to his face, running her fingers along his strong jaw and high cheekbones, hardly daring to believe they were married. The sun sparkling off of her wedding and engagement ring caught her eye, and she looked at it, enjoying the two rings bonded together and carved in the shape of a rose, with a large diamond as the actual flower bud. It had been a lovely wedding; small, intimate, just his family and hers, in a small church that Antoine had grown up in as a child. Kathy had been thrilled to be the maid of honor, sometimes giggling as Isabelle and Antoine had exchanged vows, and was now dreaming of Ricky, since she had caught the bouquet at the reception. Grandma couldn't decide if she wanted to laugh or cry, so did both all through the ceremony. Grandma and Kathy had been honoured guests, staying at the Laconte residence, and grandma and Antoine's mother had become fast friends. His family would take grandma and Kathy sightseeing over the next two weeks while Antoine and Isabelle honeymooned through several countries. Then they would all fly home together. Isabelle sighed in contentment as she ran her fingers through his hair. Antoine's eyebrows went up at the sound. "What is it, my love?" he inquired. "Nothing, except that, I love you, Mr. Italy." He grinned at the pet name. "And I love you, Mrs. Italy." Isabelle smiled big as Antoine brought his head down to hers and kissed her deeply, his passion igniting a fire between them, as their hands began exploring each other as if for the first time. It only took a few minutes for their clothing to end up in a heap on the floor, and they lost themselves in the joy and feel of their nakedness, their hands racing up and down each other's bodies as their passion increased. Isabelle smiled to herself, thoroughly enjoying being ravaged by Antoine, his hunger for her another assurance of their future together. As his knee parted her legs, silently signaling he was ready to enter her, he stopped suddenly, looking into her face as a thought occurred to him. Belle looked up into his face. "What's wrong, Antoine?" "For the past two months I have been making love to Isabelle Martin, my girlfriend, and now I shall be making love to Isabelle Laconte, my wife." "And?" He gave a wry look as he continued. "If anyone had told me six months ago that within half a year, I would settle down and marry, I would have said they were crazy. But here I have in my arms, my future. And I am at peace." Isabelle smiled at him. "Are you sure you're going to like managing a flower shop?" she asked him. "Of course! As long as you're there to help me and show me the ropes" he said, as he playfully nipped her neck. Isabelle thought about their new partnership. Antoine had found a beautiful, empty, upper-class shop, and they had spent the past two months moving and up-scaling their business. Once they had settled in, the customers had streamed through their door, not only their loyal following from the old shop, but new and wealthy customers. They could afford to hire more people, more product, and their business had literally blossomed. They had left Miss Audrey and Andrew in charge of the shop and its staff while they were on their honeymoon, with Marty checking in on them every once in a while, "just to make sure they were okay", he stated. Isabelle thought there was more to it than that, but was content to let the future take its time. As far as living arrangements, they all moved into a large, five-room penthouse apartment at the top of the building where the shop was located. Isabelle finally turned her focus back to Antoine, eyeing his lower lip. "I'll never leave your side," she promised, as she brought his head down for her to kiss his lips. Isabelle was skilled in her knowledge of his body and she brought his desire up again swiftly. Antoine gave in to the pleasure he was receiving from his wife, and slowly slid his manhood into her, intending to increase the number of family members as soon as possible. As the night closed in, Antoine and Isabelle savored each other as only two people in love could.
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