Free Old Lady by Evelyn Glass Page B

was going on against him. Since it was initiated by Gabby, he was all the more mistrustful of anything to do with her.
     
    “I’ve paid for an hour,” Lyle protested.
     
    Digging into his picket, Joseph drew out Lyle’s money and threw it on the floor. “Take it back. I don’t need it. You bastard! I shouldn’t have brought her to you.”
     
    Keep his grip on her arm intact, he dragged her towards the door. Lyle refused to budge. “If you leave, I will call the police.”
     
    Gabby was frightened for Lyle. He didn’t realize it but in this kind of a mood, Joseph was ready to kill. “No!” she breathed out the word so softly that no one heard it. If she spoke any louder, she would earn another few kicks and slaps.
     
    Joseph bared his teeth. “You do that, pretty boy, and they would like to know as to why you felt the need to pay for a prostitute. Your wife would know, and so would your family. You want to do that for her? You want to risk everything you hold dear for this woman who means nothing to you? She is a whore who moves from man to man to earn her keep.”
     
    Lyle opened and closed his mouth. “I…”
     
    Gabby could well understand the thoughts that crossed Lyle’s mind. He wanted to do the right thing for her, but he also couldn’t risk harming himself in the process. His self-interest conflicted with his concern for her welfare. She couldn’t really blame him. What he’d done was more than what anyone else offered. She was already grateful for him for offering a chance to contact Nick. Also, at least, he tried to keep her safe. Apart from Nick and the friends she met in Hell Brigade’s clubhouse, no one did even this much. 
     
    “Thank you,” she muttered as he stepped aside and allowed Joseph to drag her away.
     
    Joseph tugged her towards the van. Resistance would earn slaps and beating. She didn’t want that. Her body wouldn’t be able to tolerate any more abuse. Lately, she was feeling as if all her bones would shatter at the slightest impact. She was too weak to fight, too broken down to protest. As he shoved her in the car, Joseph took a moment to survey her.
     
    “I know what you’ve done. He must have helped you call a friend or someone. Don’t think that this has changed anything. I’m not going to let you escape no matter what happens. I’ve got two more appointments booked for you tonight, and once we’re done with those, you’re going to die,” he told her in a flat, cold voice.
     
    She gulped as she stared at him. He bent to pick up the ropes and slide them around her. For a moment, Gabby considered the thought of making a lunge for freedom, but it would earn her nothing but another beating. She wouldn’t survive it. If she was going to die, she preferred to meet her end with dignity. Would he grant her that?
     
    She licked her bottom lip. “I didn’t do anything.”
     
    He tightened the ropes and stepped away. Picking up a handkerchief, he tied it around her mouth. “Two hours. That’s all you got. Don’t worry. I will make it quick. One blow to the head and down you will go in the river, weighed down by rocks. You will not open your eyes again.” He closed the door of the van and she heard him move towards the driver’s side. He sat inside and started the van.
     
    The countdown was on. Gabby held no hope for rescue. Even if Nick read her message, he wouldn’t be able to come in time to save her. She wouldn’t survive through the night. Joseph would kill her as he promised. All she could pray for was a quick end – and only time would tell if she would get that.
     
     

CHAPTER NINE
     
    Time was of paramount importance.
     
    Nick rushed out the door, followed closely by Ronald and Matt. “I’m leaving right now,” he yelled to them as he shoved the phone inside his pocked.
     
    “We’re coming with you,” said Miles as he rushed after him.
     
    He reached his bike and straddled it. “It might be dangerous.”
     
    “We knew that when