Absolution(114)

Kissing her tonight had been completely unplanned. He knew she would see his tattoo tonight, but he was completely unprepared for her reaction. Her heartfelt, honest observation had awoken in him the basic need to soothe her, protect her, keep her safe. He knew he could do it, too, if only he could convince her to let him.

He had watched over his towel with mounting admiration as she pulled herself out of the pool. He didn’t really know what to expect, or how she would manage. He had briefly wondered if she was lying about not needing help, but it was clear she was more than capable. He was impressed with her strength and technique, managing the seemingly impossible with grace and dignity. He had wanted to tell her so, but she had taken off before he had the chance.

He checked his watch again and stood up, stretching as he went to the noticeboard, gazing idly over the newsletters pinned there.

Before the accident, Ally was a dynamo – always talking, forever in motion. Now however, she was reined in somehow. Tethered, controlled. Something fundamental had changed, not physically, but mentally. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets. How did she see him now? He wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

The door behind him opened and he turned to see Ally making her way through the door towards him, now wearing dark jeans and a sweatshirt, her gym bag on her lap. He smiled and walked over to retrieve his own bag off the floor.

“Shall we go?” he pulled open the outer door for her.

She gave him a weak smile, pushing herself through the door and out into the parking lot. The air was cool compared to the warmth of the pool building, and he shivered involuntarily.

“So, where do you want to go?” she asked as they made their way across the parking lot towards her car. “My place? Or do you want to go out somewhere? Barneys is probably still open.”

He shrugged as they neared her car. “Your place is fine. I’d say my place, but I need to go to the supermarket and stock up on food first.”

“I’m so glad the gas problem’s been fixed. You must be looking forward to going home.”

“Yeah, I am.”

He tried to tell himself it wasn’t a lie. He was looking forward to going home.

As they approached her car, two men materialised out of nowhere. One grabbed him and pushed him back against her car. A knee rammed tight against his and a forearm thrust hard up against his throat so he could barely breathe. Gasping, he stared desperately past the face inches from his own. The other guy stood next to Ally, arms folded across his chest. His heart sank.

“Well, hello there,” growled Jimmy, his gravelly voice the result of years of smoking. “Small world isn’t it?”

Jack struggled in vain. The knee rammed tighter into his, the arm across his throat pressing harder. It was difficult to breathe, much less speak.

“You’re a hard man to find, Jack. But you didn’t really think you’d be able to hide in this little shit-hole of a town forever, did you?”

Jack’s eyes were on Ally, silently begging for understanding. She stared back at him, wide-eyed, her hands gripping the rims of her chair. Jimmy stood just beside her, within striking distance, but he didn’t appear to be paying her any attention.

“How’d you find me?” Jack croaked, his throat burning.

“Not really your concern. I’m here now, that’s the important thing.” Jimmy moved to stand behind Ally, his huge hands resting on her shoulders. “We got a little business to discuss, you and me. Ben says you owe him; I’m here to collect. It’s simple really, when you think about it. Very straightforward. Ben doesn’t like complications – and you, my man, are a complication.”

Jack winced as the arm against his throat pushed harder. “How much?” he croaked.

“Ten grand.”

Jack’s heart tried to jump out of his throat but was blocked by the arm threatening to crush his windpipe. “I don’t have that kind of money.”

“Well you’ve got forty-eight hours to get it. Ben’s not a guy you want to disappoint, Jack, as you well know.”

The guy holding Jack released him just long enough to drive a hammer blow into his solar plexus, winding him instantly. Ally cried out as he doubled over in pain. The guy dragged him upright again and shoved him back against the car, making the pain worse.

Suddenly, Ally cried out, her upper body arching upwards as her eyes widened in pain. Jimmy’s mouth curved into a cold smile.

“Get your hands off her!” Jack croaked, renewing his struggles.