Waiting was what I used to do for a living. Waiting for the next mission, the next shot, but now I can’t stand it. I can’t stop pacing my apartment, can’t focus on anything helpful. I’ve taken apart my rifle, cleaned it, and put it back together more times than I can remember at this point. I know the fight that’s coming is one my life will depend on, she is my life. In such a short period of time, she’s shifted my entire world to encompass only her.

I need to get my shit under control, a sniper is useless if his heart is pounding and his hands are shaking. Making myself stand still, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. Taking a deep breath and then forcing it out, repeating the process over and over until I find some semblance of control. Once I open my eyes, I see Justin directly in front of me; he looks like the killing machine we’ve all been trained to become.

“When’s the last time you shot that rifle? Checked your scopes?”

I don’t answer, the truth is, I don’t know.

“Why don’t you head up to the roof and make sure you’re dialed in and ready to go. You know as well as I do, you only get one shot.”

Nodding my head at him, I grab my kit and head to the roof. He doesn’t know it, but I have a nest already. I was a paranoid bastard when I got out. It’s been years since I was up there, it’s probably in shambles now, but I never took it down.

With my kit heavy in my hand, I find the rooftop entrance and find my nest mostly intact, I set up and get into position. Just like riding a bike, muscle memory steadies my movements as I take aim, suck in a deep breath, push it out and fire.

The smell of the gunpowder and the feel of the kickback reminds me of what I have to do. I need to get my shit together to save my girl. Setting up to take another shot, I hear Charlie from behind me.

“That tree is about 200 yards, and wind speed is approximately 12 mph. Adjust windage four clicks.” I didn’t hear him come out here, I was too focused, blocking out everything else. It’s how we’re trained and why we almost always have back up, we can only focus on so much at once.

“It’s my first shot, shut up.”

“Like I don’t know how many shots have been fired. I’ve got your six, fire when ready.”

Making the adjustments to my scope, I once again take aim and pull the trigger.

“Perfect.”

“Justin send you up here to check on me? Make sure I hadn’t lost my touch.”

“Nah, I saw the rifle case was gone and figured you were up here. But we’ve got a plan coming together, come downstairs, and we’ll fill you in.”

Who knows what they have planned for me. Frankly, I’m not in a big hurry to find out. I’ve got to stay strong and wait, Jimmy is coming. Hell, they all are, those two will move heaven and hell to find me. I just hope I’m still in relatively one piece when they do.

The click of the lock echoes around the room, apparently Javier is ready to make me suffer, to break me. He doesn’t realize that it’ll be a hell of a lot harder this time since I know I’m getting out of here.

The door hinges protest as someone storms into the room, coming straight for me.

“Puta, you’re about to learn what happens to spoiled little white girls.”

He grabs my arm, jerking me to my feet, heading out of the room and down a hall I didn’t notice earlier. He leads me into what seems to be an office, overlooking the warehouse floor. The only furniture in the room is an old metal desk and a spinning chair that has seen better days, about 30 years ago.

I still can’t believe Clay sold me out because I wouldn’t sleep with him. If he were still alive, I’d kill him myself. I’m interrupted from my thoughts as I’m forced into the chair, my hands tied to each arm. I struggle to get free, tied to this chair there will be no hope of fighting Javier or anyone else. I don’t like how the odds are starting to stack against me.

Without a word, my escort leaves the room, slamming the door behind him. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to think, I need to figure out where I am and if there is any hope of escape. Suddenly the door swings open, Javier strides in carrying his favorite blades. Fuck.

Without a word, he runs the knife along my jeans, slicing the fabric. I can’t stop the trembles that ripple through my body.

“You really are a puta! You stink of another man!” Javier's furious voice shouts as he grabs my hair, yanking my head back. I clamp my mouth shut to stifle my scream, he gets off on the pain. I will not let him win, I just need to hold on.

“How dare you let a man touch you. You are mine!” He sinks his teeth into my neck making me bleed. Jerking in his grip only makes it worse as he holds on, wrapping his free hand around my throat. My air is cut off immediately, my body jerking against him, fighting for the right to breath.

My gaze is starting to get fuzzy, my lungs screaming for air as my ears fill with static. As suddenly as my air was cut off, it returns, as he pushes me forward, my forehead and chest crashing into the desk. I’m dizzy and nauseous as I gasp for air.

Jimmy, I need you. Please hurry.