That Which Survives Read online

  “Hey!” A voice came from across the parking lot. “Hey! What’s going on?”

  The men holding her froze momentarily and she screamed as loud as she could. “Help! Ple—”

  In the split second before her abductors shoved her into the van she caught a glimpse of the man who had called out. It looked like the same man she had walked with into the hotel. She thrashed around as her captor shoved her closer to another man wearing a ski mask who was just getting out of the van. She punched the man coming from the van, catching him in the face.

  He cursed and grabbed her. Between him pulling and the man behind pushing, they shoved her into the van. Her head hit the side of the van hard enough to make lights dance in front of her eyes.

  One man jumped into the back with her while the other ran around and got into the driver’s seat. Senna kicked the man who got into the back with her, catching him in the chest and sending him ramming into the side wall. He cursed and dived at her. She fell back, hitting her head again with the metal of the bare floor. Dark spots mingled with lights, distorting her vision. A wave of dizziness swept over her and the last thing she remembered was one of the men laughing and saying they should find a quite place to park and watch the planes come in.

  When Senna woke she was lying on her back on the floor of the van. One man was sitting beside her and the other was watching from the driver’s seat.

  “She’s awake, so let’s get this over with,” the driver said. “Jesus, you should’ve just fucked her while she was unconscious.”

  “Fuck no,” the man in the back argued. “I want this bitch to feel every goddamn minute of it.” He reached for Senna but she scooted back and kicked at him.

  “Fucking bitch!” he shouted and dived on top of her.

  “No!” She punched and kicked with everything she had. He struggled, trying to hold her still and rip off her clothes. She got one leg crooked between them with her foot planted against his stomach. As he tried to ward off her fists, she pushed with her foot.

  The man was propelled backward and landed between the two front seats. Turning over, Senna scrambled to her hands and knees and went for the back door. The man grabbed one foot and tried to yank her back.

  She kicked and screamed, making it impossible for him. “Be still, you fucking bitch!” he shouted. “You fucking prick teaser. I’m gonna teach you, you cunt!”

  Beneath the fear, she recognized the voice. It did her little good. She could not stop fighting to try and reason with him. He meant to harm her and she didn’t think he would listen, no matter what she said.

  “Fuck!” the driver suddenly shouted. “Fucking cop’s headed this way. We gotta get the fuck outta Dodge!”

  The van bumped and jostled around for a few seconds before it smoothed out, making Senna think they had parked alongside a road.

  “Fucking cop’s still back there!” the driver yelled.

  The man struggling with Senna stiffened. “Well, lose him!”

  The van accelerated and the man fighting with Senna returned to trying to tear her clothes off. The van swerved sharply as the driver made a sudden right turn. Senna clawed frantically for something to hold on to, something to keep her from being slung around. There was nothing but slick metal. She was thrown into the side wall of the van with her attacker still hanging on.

  “We’ve gotta dump the bitch!” the driver shouter. “Throw her ass out!”

  “Not ‘til I’m done,” her attacker yelled back.

  “Kick her ass out, man!” The driver sounded desperate. “Now, man! The cops are on our ass!”

  There was moment’s hesitation before the attacker grabbed the side door and slid it open. Senna didn’t know which she was more afraid of—being in the van and being raped or getting thrown from the van.

  The decision was not hers to make. There was a moment in which she felt the air rushing around her and the next moment all she was aware of was jarring pain. Immediately following was blackness, total and complete.

  * * * * *

  Southeast Charlotte

  Konnor looked outside as the students filed out of the school after the second class. He rebuked himself for being overeager. It was only half past eight and Senna was not supposed to be there until ten or so.

  Ryan and Paige emerged at nearly the same time from the locker rooms, dressed and ready for class. “Ready to do it?” Paige asked in her usual flirtatious manner. “I want to see some more of those awesome moves, Konnor.”

  He didn’t comment, but waited for them to go into the class.

  “Thanks for the extra help last time,” Ryan said as he passed by. “I appreciate it.”

  “No problem,” Konnor said. “You’re doing very well.”

  “Thanks.” Ryan grinned then looked at Paige. “How’d you get here?”

  “Aaron dropped me off.”

  “You need a ride home or is he picking you up?”

  “Actually I do need a ride,” she smiled up at him. “If you don’t mind.”

  “No problem,” he grinned. His pager went off and he stopped long enough to look at it. “Can I use your phone?” he asked Konnor.

  Konnor nodded and took another look outside. He was going to try and hurry the class along. Maybe they could finish early tonight. He didn’t relish the idea of Senna arriving with Ryan and Paige there. That was an uncomfortable moment he would just as soon miss.

  “Ryan Dalton,” he heard Ryan speak into the phone. “Justin? Hi, what’s up?… What?… I’m on my way.”

  He slammed down the phone and turned to Paige. “It’s Senna. She was just taken to Carolina’s Medical Center.”

  “What happened?” Konnor demanded.

  “All I know is that she was tossed out of a van over on Wilkinson, not far from the airport,” Ryan said as he hurried toward the locker room.

  “I’m coming with you,” Paige announced.

  Konnor didn’t say a word, but ran down the hall, gave one of the senior students directions to take over, then ran outside to his car. He was out of the parking lot and half a block down the road by the time Ryan and Paige walked out of the school.

  * * * * *

  Carolina’s Medical Center

  “Dr. Senna Laserian?” Konnor asked the nurse at the desk in emergency.

  “Mr. Laserian?” The woman looked up at him for a split second.

  “Where is she?” Konnor didn’t respond to the question. “Is she all right?”

  “One moment, sir.” The nurse turned to speak with another nurse who walked up to the desk. “Could you show Mr. Laserian to his wife?”

  “Sure, this way,” the second nurse replied.

  Konnor followed her down the hall and into one of the examination rooms. Senna was sitting on the bed, wearing a hospital gown. Her arms were abraded and bruised and there was a large bruise on her jaw near her left ear. She looked pale and scared. A policewoman was in the room with her, along with a doctor who was cleaning a cut above her knee.

  “Konnor!” She jumped off the bed the moment she saw him and rushed into his arms.

  He could feel the rapid beat of her heart. “Are you all right?”

  She nodded and clung to him. After a few moments he held her back at arm’s length. “What happened?”

  “Mr. Laserian?” The doctor stepped forward. “I’m Dr. Marshall.”

  Senna frowned in confusion as Konnor took the doctor’s hand. “Konnor Chase, sir.”

  “But I thought…” The doctor looked at the policewoman then at Konnor. “I’m sorry, sir, but only family is allowed—”

  “I want him here!” Senna insisted. “Please,” she added when the doctor frowned at her.

  He hesitated for a moment then gave in. “Very well, but I need to finish dressing your wounds.”

  She sat back down but held fast to Konnor’s hand as he stood beside her. The doctor finished and made a note on her chart. “Okay, Dr. Laserian, all done. Considering what you’ve been through, you’re a lucky woman.”


  She nodded mutely then extended her hand to him. “Thank you. Can I leave?”

  “I don’t see any reason to keep you.” Dr. Marshall shook her hand then left the room. The policewoman walked over to the bed. “Do you have anything to add to your statement, Dr. Laserian?”

  “No,” Senna answered. “I’ve told you everything I know. Can I leave now?”

  “I’ll need to get this typed up and have you sign it,” the officer replied.

  “Can’t that wait?” Konnor asked.

  The woman hesitated then nodded. “I suppose you could come in to the department in the morning and sign it.”

  “Good.” Konnor looked around the room. “Where are your clothes?”

  “They took them,” Senna said.

  Konnor took off his jacket and helped her put it on. Just as they started out of the room, Ryan and Paige rushed in.

  “What’re you doing here?” Ryan asked Konnor.

  Senna and Konnor looked at one another then Senna responded. “He’s taking me home.”

  “Well, well,” Paige said in a snide tone. “What have we here?”

  “Shut up!” Senna turned on her with a snarl.

  Paige raised her eyebrows but before she could say anything Ryan interjected. “Why did you come?” he asked Konnor.

  “To help.”

  “Help?” Ryan asked. “Help who?”

  “Me,” Senna answered. “And right now I want to go home.”

  “I’ll take you.” Ryan reached for her arm.

  “No.” She moved out of his reach.

  “Come on.” He reached for her again. “Paige and I will take you home and make sure—”

  “No!” she spoke sharply, and then lowered her voice. “Konnor will take me home.”

  Ryan started to argue but Paige nudged him. “Let them go.”

  He looked from her to Senna and after a moment stepped aside. “I want to talk to you,” he said as Senna passed by him.

  She stopped to look at him and he leaned closer. “Tomorrow,” he whispered and cut a look at Konnor, “privately.”

  She didn’t comment and Konnor led her outside.

  “What the fuck was that?” Ryan asked as soon as Senna and Konnor left.

  Paige raised her eyebrows and made a face. “Honey, you cannot be that dumb.”

  Ryan looked at her in disbelief. She opened her mouth and in that moment his pager went off. Without a word he pulled out his cell phone to call in.

  Paige waited as he made the call. He did little more than give his name and listen for a few seconds. “We’re on our way,” he said and hung up.

  “What?” she asked as he headed out of the room and for the exit.

  “There’s been another murder.”

  Paige didn’t question him further. Together they ran to the car. Moments later they were on their way.

  * * * * *

  Myers Park, Charlotte NC

  Senna gave Konnor directions to her home. He didn’t question her about what had happened, he only asked if she was sure she felt all right. She assured him that she was fine.

  He turned into the drive leading to Minora’s house. Tall, stately oaks lined the long drive through which the grounds could be seen. Massive magnolias and flowering pear trees dotted the lawn. The drive curved and the house became visible. Reminiscent of days gone by, it stood as a testimony to the past, its rounded three-story columns supporting wide porches that wrapped around the enormous structure. The white siding shone brightly in the moonlight, the dark gray shutters like patches of shadow against the brightness.

  “This is your house?” He looked at her in surprise.

  “No.” She pointed to a smaller building behind the main house and off to one side. “Right there. The gatehouse. My aunt Minora lives in the main house.”

  He didn’t comment but pulled over to the smaller house. Senna opened the door as he turned off the car. “Damn!” She looked over at him. “My keys.”

  He walked around to her. “Doesn’t your aunt have a set?”

  “Yes,” she replied hesitantly then looked up at him. “But if I go up there like this she’ll know something happened and I don’t want to upset her. She’s had enough lately without me adding to it.”

  After a moment he nodded and took her hand. “Come on. I may be able to help.”

  They went to the door and Konnor reached over to take a small leather case from the inner pocket of his jacket that Senna still wore. He withdrew a thin metal object and knelt down in front of the door. A moment later he turned the knob and the door opened.

  She started to question how he came by that talent but decided against it. “I need to make a couple of calls,” she said as she crossed the room and picked up the phone. She called Ian Drake first. There were two rings before he answered.

  “Ian? Hi, it’s Senna. I ran into a little trouble and I’m going to make it… Nothing serious… I’m just tired… Yes, I’m sure… No, that’s not necessary… Really… Okay, how about six?… Sure, see you then. And thanks, Ian.”

  She cut a look over her shoulder at Konnor. “I just have one more call.”

  She remembered the number she had gotten from directory assistance earlier to Nolan’s hotel. “Could you connect me with Dr. Weston’s room, please?” she asked as soon as the call was answered.

  She was transferred to the room. A man answered. “Baldwin.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I must have the wrong room,” Senna said immediately.

  There was a momentary pause on the line. “Senna?” the man asked.

  “Yes.” She suddenly felt a case of the creeps.

  “It’s Justin. What are you doing calling here?”

  She turned and looked at Konnor with a look of panic on her face. If Justin was in Nolan’s room then something was wrong. She heard Justin calling her name.

  “It’s Justin,” she whispered to Konnor. “What’s he doing in Nolan’s room?”

  Konnor crossed the room, took the phone from her and hung it up. Senna looked from him to the phone then back to him. “Why’d you do that?”

  “Obviously there’s something going on,” he said as he led her over to the couch, “if the police are there. I think that before you get involved in a police matter you would find out what’s happened.”

  “How?” She didn’t know what to do except call Justin back and ask why he was in Nolan’s room.

  “To begin with, exactly who is this friend of yours?”

  Senna didn’t know what good it would do to tell him about Nolan, but answered anyway, telling him how they had met when they were both working for Fermilab and how Nolan had known her mother before she died.

  “And why was Dr. Weston here?” he asked.

  “He said he was on his way to a meeting in Atlanta and scheduled a night here so we could get together.”

  “Just a social call?”

  “I guess,” she said then changed her reply. “No, that’s not true. He said he needed my help on something and that it was urgent. I tried to find out what it was but he wouldn’t tell me. He said he’d explain when he saw me.”

  “And you don’t have any idea what it might have been?”

  “No, none. I mean, it couldn’t have been the particle accelerator. There are a lot of brilliant physicists working on the project with a lot more experience than me.”

  “Could it have been something else?”

  “I guess. He indicated it was some secret project but I don’t have a clue what it could be.”

  “What’s Dr. Nolan’s specialty?”

  Her eyes narrowed in concentration. “Well, originally he was at Cambridge. He came here about fifteen years ago and I think he worked for NASA for five or six years. Then he did some work with a group inside the government—I don’t know what. Finally he came to Fermilab a year or so before I did. As far as specialty, he was one of those people who is brilliant in very aspect.”

  Konnor leaned back and stared blankly across the room for a mom
ent then stood. “Can I use your phone?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll have to ask you to leave the room.”

  “Okay.” She was shocked but got up and went into the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She stripped off his jacket and the hospital gown, went into the bathroom, and got into the shower.

  Ten minutes later she returned to the living area, dressed in worn, faded jeans and a pullover top. Konnor was in the kitchen pouring two cups of tea from the service Min had given Senna for Christmas.

  She sat down at the table and he placed a cup in front of her. “I need to ask you something,” he said as he took a seat beside her.

  “What?” She blew on the hot tea then took a sip.

  “It’s about your father.”

  “My father?”

  “And what happened to you in Iraq when you were sixteen,” he said.

  Senna stared at him in surprise. “First, I have a question. Who did you call?”

  “An acquaintance.”

  Senna looked away from him and considered what to do. To begin with, she had never told Konnor the whole story about what had happened to her. She had never mentioned that she was in Iraq when her parents died and she had not told him that she was sixteen at the time. So, the question was, how did he know?”

  “How did you learn to pick locks?” she asked without looking up.

  “You learn a lot as you go along.”

  “Just who are you, Konnor?” She looked directly at him. “I mean really, who are you?”

  He stared without blinking at her and she was the first to look away. “Who told you about me being in Iraq?”

  He didn’t answer and after several long minutes she got up and went into the living area. She started the gas logs in the fireplace and hugged her arms tightly around herself as she stared into the flames.

  “I want to help,” Konnor’s voice came from behind her.