Chapter 111
1100 Words
Dean pulled up a minute later, pale and worried. He saw Dallas strapping a SWAT vest across his broad chest, and he shut his eyes for a few seconds.
Fuck. He’s really going to do this.
He reached into the back seat and grabbed the long black bag. He stepped into the fray of cops and SWAT and Dallas’ own people, and he felt a hand on his arm. He turned, saw that Chris and Jim were right behind him, and the three men approached Dallas slowly.
His blue eyes were carefully blank, and they recognized that look: they hadn’t seen it since Afghanistan, and they exchanged concerned glances.
Dallas reached for his rifle, unzipped the bag, pulled out his M24. Finn hovered nearby.
“Dallas, you sure about this? Why not use mine? If you haven’t used yours in three years, it’s not going to be in good enough condition…”
Dallas shook his head. “I may not kill people with it anymore, but I still fire it at the range and I break it down and clean it nightly.”
He stared at their shocked faces. “Old habits die hard, I guess. Or maybe I always knew that I’d have to do this again one day. Kept it ready, just in case.”
“Dallas,” Chris said softly. “You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“I know you never wanted to do this, ever again. I’m sorry, man.”
Dallas shrugged. “I don’t have much of a choice in this case, Chris. I’m Olivia’s only chance.” He glanced back at the video feed, and turned to Mark and Griff. “Set that monitor up on that roof over there. Three minutes.”
Everyone nodded, and got moving. Dallas stared at Olivia. She was flat on her back on the floor, Greg holding her down. He saw red on the front of her body, saw the shine of tears on her cheeks, and he fought to not feel anything at the sight.
You remember how to do this, don’t you? No emotions, no feelings about any of it. She’s not even there and he’s just a target, as human as a paper target on the range. Just pick your spot and hit it. It’s that simple, remember?
He looked at his friends now, saw their worry for him. They’d seen him in those last days before he’d quit once and for all, when Dallas was finding it harder and harder to come back to himself after a job. He’d had some dark hours when he really thought that the best, most human part of himself was gone, gone forever, lost in his own questionable ability to stop feeling anything at all, almost at will.
That’s not going to happen this time. After this is over, I’ll still be able to feel. I’ll feel for Olivia, no matter if she’s alive or dead. I’ll either hurt like hell until the day I die for losing her, or I’ll take her home with me and love her until the day I draw my last breath.
He smiled at them. “It’s going to be OK, guys. I’ll come back. I promise.”
They looked relieved and nodded.
“Where do you want us, Dallas?” Jim said.
“Right behind me,” he told them. “I want you there for whatever happens after I pull the trigger. No matter what it is.”
“You got it,” Dean said. “We’re there.”
****
Olivia opened her eyes, stared up at Greg. He smiled down at her gently.
“You’re awake,” he said. “I’m so glad.”
“Greg.” Her voice was hoarse.
A look of concern flashed across his face. “You thirsty?”
She tried to get her head around the fact that he was worried about her needing something to drink, even as her blood ran down her sides and pooled on the floor under her. But if he was showing that kind of concern, maybe she could use it.
“Yes,” she said, keeping her voice weak on purpose.
“OK, baby,” he said. “How about we get you up so you can have some bottled water?”
She nodded. “Please.”
He moved off her body, lifted her by her shoulders, set her on shaky feet. She had no choice but to grip his forearms for balance and support, and a look of joy appeared on his face. It killed her to touch him, to be close to him, but she saw the effect her need had on him.
This is what he’s wanted all along… for you to need him. Goddammit, Liv. Give him what he wants. It may get you out of here.
Olivia ‘stumbled’ and fell forward onto his chest with a sigh. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. She shuddered as he stroked her hair, but she forced herself to stand still in his embrace.
“I’m dizzy,” she said. “Hold me, Greg. I need your help…”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Liv,” he murmured, his mouth wet and hot against her ear. “Just to help you, to be there for you.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I was so blind.”
He nodded in an understanding way. “Well. You are just a stupid slut who gets your picture taken in your underwear.” He stroked her back. “I guess I shouldn’t expect too much from you, really.”
She shut her eyes. “Yes.”
He ran the knife over her neck now, light and delicate as a lover’s touch. “Look at me, Liv.”
She forced her eyes open; forced herself to meet his own.
“You had the whole world falling at your feet, telling you how perfect and gorgeous you were. I lost my mind over you… all because you were so f*****g stunning.” His blue eyes ran over her face, drinking her in. “You just – you enchanted me.”
“I’m sorry, Greg,” she said and she found that she actually meant it. “I’m so sorry.”
“Me too.” The blade was on her cheek now. “Because of this face, I’ve lost everything I ever worked for.” He pressed down and she gasped. “This. f*****g. Face.”
She screamed as he held her chin in his huge hand and pressed harder.
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