Page 72 of More than a Memory
Another voice chimed in, “Why couldn’t you just let it go, Liam?”
Wait, Darcy thought, is that who I think it is? What is Mitch doing here? For a moment, she thought maybe he was there to rescue Liam, then quickly dismissed that thought as the conversation continued.
“What kind of scumbag are you, Mitch, pretending to be Gina’s friend and the whole-time double crossing her for your depraved boss? You must sleep really well at night,” Liam said scornfully.
“That’s almost laughable, you trying to preach to me about loyalty, while fucking your bosses’ wife and blackmailing him with stolen information. That is rich!” Mitch said, laughing cynically.
Darcy crept along until she was within range and had a good clear shot. The problem was that there were two of them with guns and one of her, until the cops arrived. She had the element of surprise on her side, and the fact that Liam was a highly trained army soldier, but then again, so was Mitch. She made her move and sprang out, kicking the driver’s gun out of his hand and elbowing him in the throat, all the while keeping her pistol trained on Mitch.
“Drop your fucking gun, Dirt Bag,” Darcy commanded.
Mitch moved quickly and wrapped his arm around Liam’s neck, holding his gun to Liam’s head.
“Well hello, Darcy. Fancy meeting you here. I thought I told you that your work for me was done.”
“Hello, Mitch. Just when I think I can no longer be surprised by the vileness of humans, I’m proved wrong yet again,” she said with disgust and disappointment, vying for superiority.
“You know, I really liked you, Darcy. If you had kept your nose out of this, you wouldn’t be sitting in the crosshairs right now,” Mitch said sounding regretful.
“Fuck you, asshole, spare me your soliloquy,” Darcy said. “I’m embarrassed to admit that I was completely duped from the beginning. I take it there was never an attempt on your life?”
“Nope,” he said, smiling.
“Liam’s text messages…another red herring?”
“Yep. See how smart you are? You catch on fast,” Mitch said sarcastically.
“Well, now I know how they found Liam in North Carolina. You told them where I was going. Brilliant, I had no idea,” Darcy said bitterly. “Mitch, put the gun down. The cops have been called and they are on their way here now.”
“Yeah, sure they are, not going to happen, Darcy,” Mitch said sarcastically.
“Suit yourself, it’s the truth,” she replied.
Darcy imperceptibly exchanged a glance with Liam, trying to convey that she was ready for any move he was willing to make. Suddenly, he used his feet to kick back his chair and reared back, throwing Mitch just enough off balance that Darcy was able to lunge at him and take him down. They wrestled for control of his gun, Darcy taking several blows to the gut, which winded her.
She wasn’t about to give up. She clung to him with a tenacity that would rival any honey badger. Just when it seemed he was overtaking her, she would land a kick or an elbow, and all bets were off. She had just managed to kick the gun out of reach when Liam suddenly screamed, “Darcy look out!” as the driver had finally managed to get up and join in on the fray.
“Yell as loud as you can!” Darcy commanded, as she fought them both off.
“The police should be here already!” she said.
“HELP! HELP US!” Liam screamed at the top of his lungs.
The police rounded the corner and drew their weapons, pointing them at the entangled bodies thrashing on the concrete floor.
“Drop your weapons!” the female officer demanded.
“Carol?” Darcy said.
“Darcy?”
“The female is the good guy,” Carol threw over her shoulder at the other cop who was also pointing his gun at the three of them.
“Put your hands up where I can see them!” the second cop ordered.
Realizing that they had no choice, the two men gave themselves up and were quickly restrained, then handcuffed.
“You’re going away for a long time if I have anything to say about it,” Darcy growled at Mitch, looking bedraggled and worse for the wear.