Debt Collector's Due

“Kitty never lets us down,” he agreed.

Despite my nap, my eyes to droop as exhaustion threatens to overcome me. My head nods, and my stomach clenches. This isn’t natural. I know instantly I’ve been drugged.

“Daddy, why?”

“It’s necessary. Remember that I love you.”

“W-what did you give me?”

“Just chloral hydrate.”

The odorless, tasteless drug won’t stay in my system long or harm me or Kier.

“I’m writing a wrong and keeping the two of you safe. There are things about to happen you can’t be here for.”

“Wasn’t your choice,” I force my thick tongue to work, slurring my words.

“When it comes to life and death, I will choose as I see fit. You alive and hating me is better than the alternative.”

His words alarm me, but I can’t get my body to react accordingly.

“By the time you wake, you’ll be far away from here, and on your way to the fresh start, I know you’ve always wanted. There will be further instructions once you reach your final destination.”

“Dad, you can’t do this.”

“I already have.” He walks over and kisses my forehead. “My time in Boston is over. We’re going to be raided, and I doubt I’ll live to see prison. It’s a coop. I’m going down the way I lived on my feet. But I’ll be damned if I see you and Kier destroyed in the process.”

The news slams into me. My chest tightens and tears spill out of my eyes. “Da- No.”

“Shh. You’re going to be just fine baby girl.” he hugs me to him. “Sleep now, and wake up away from this nightmare.”

I struggle to stay cognate, but the drugs overpower me, and I know nothing.

**

I climb my way from the darkness and lift my heavy lids. I’m still feeling sluggish after the effects of chloral hydrate. I peel open my eyelids and turn my head. The cabin is dimly lit, but I can see Kier sleeping across the aisle. We’re on a plane. I moisten my lips and blink to try to rid my eyes of the painful dryness. My hands shake as I fumble with my belt. How long have I been out? Where are we headed? I pat my pockets No phone. I curse myself for not wearing a watch. I glance around the cabin. I can see the tops of heads, but I can’t make out who they as I rise.

“She’s up.”

A body stands, and beneath the light, I recognize him.

“Marcus?”

“Yes, Tony, Kurt and I are here to make sure you arrive safely.”

“Arrive where? When? How long have we been in the air?”

“Please calm down, Athena.”

“Calm down. I was drugged and carried off. Kidnapping is illegal, you know? Not that you care much about the law.”

“I understand that you’re upset, but I’m just doing my job. We’ve been on the plane for about four hours now, and we have many more to go. There’s food and drink on the plane and bags with a few outfits once you arrive.”

“Where am I going?”

Marcus shook his head. “I can’t tell you that.”

“I want to talk to my father.”