it in search of treasures.
No cameras appeared to videotape, and yet she had no doubt that someone might be watching. Many of the businesses along this stretch might be closed for the night, their metal doors leading to the alley locked tight, but she’d wager there were some who lived on the second floors. Some had their windows lit, creating a glow on the other side of closed blinds. Through one lacking a covering, she could see the flashing lights of images playing on a screen. Too much noise might draw one of the inhabitants to a window for a peek.
She’d have to act quietly. A pity she didn’t have enough syringes in her purse to knock everyone out. As it stood, she had one sleep and one memory wipe. She already had plans for their use.
At the small of her back, concealed under her jacket, she carried a small revolver. Lacking any kind of stamp identifying the maker, it also lacked a serial number. The grip of it didn’t hold DNA or prints very well. A good disposable weapon. Only the best for Aunt Joanna. She was kind of glad she’d agree to take it with her now.
It was an insult and a boon that Chen never thought to frisk her. In his mind, Macey didn’t carry weapons. Macey would just blithely go along.
I’m not Macey.
She’d never been happier about the choice to become someone else.
She didn’t draw the gun, not yet. The element of surprise would be key because firing it would draw attention, maybe even the police. It would remain tucked away until the last second. Maybe she’d get lucky and get away with using only her wits and fists to subdue them.
“Want me to use the rope or the cuffs?” Eddie asked, popping the trunk. The casual nature of the query let her know this happened often enough that he thought nothing of it. Chen hadn’t changed one bit.
“Not much point in either. She’s not going to do anything. She never does.” Chen smirked.
“Are you sure about that?” She couldn’t help but taunt him. “After all, didn’t you accuse me of conspiring to kill and escape you?” She smiled.
“You fucking cunt. You will pay for that.” Chen’s fingers bruised as he dragged her to a stop by the gaping trunk.
Better-sized than expected. A good thing it wasn’t the big fellow out here with them. He’d be a little harder to stuff in there.
But two skinny guys? The trunk would do just fine.
Chen shoved her towards Eddie, spitting. “You know what, get the rope. And the gag. Someone needs a lesson in obeying her betters.”
I’ll show him who’s better.
She caught the edge of the trunk as Eddie chuckled. “I’ll truss her ass tighter than a turkey at Thanksgiving.”
Ignoring Portia, Eddie leaned into the trunk. Gave her his back!
It was insulting how little regard they both had for her. At the same time, she’d never get a better chance.
Portia dove forward and slammed the trunk down, catching Eddie hard enough that he yelled. When the lid bounced up, she ducked, heaved Eddie’s legs, and dumped him into the opening.
The trunk slammed down in time for her to whirl and catch Chen’s surprised expression.
“What the fuck?”
She leaned against the bouncing car as Eddie thrashed in the enclosed space. “Did you really think I was going to just let you waltz me back to Ronin?”
“I don’t care how you go. I’ll drag you with all your limbs broken if need be.” He cracked his knuckles.
If he meant to frighten, he failed miserably. She straightened. “Only one of us is walking away today. And it is my pleasure to inform you that it won’t be you.”
“I am going to break you, fucking cunt!” Chen finally snapped. He dove at her, and she ducked, using her head and shoulder to block him, ramming hard into his stomach. The air oomphed from his lungs. He wheezed, trying to suck in a breath, which was when she projected straight up, the top of her head slamming into his chin. His jaw snapped shut, but he screamed nonetheless. Possibly bit his tongue.
Ouch. She didn’t actually feel any sympathy for him, not when her girls’ lives were on the line. Cold. Methodical. This was a problem that had to be solved.
Eddie thumped against the inside of the trunk. She grabbed Chen’s head before she popped it open. Chen’s face came down, and the pair rammed together. The blow sent Chen wailing to his knees. She ignored