Nostrum Fortis Leo

Chapter 22


As an instinctual reaction, Dr. Pelletier stood and stumbled backwards towards his desk in an attempt to get away from the deadly weapon. His left hand fell heavily into the papers, pens and intercom that littered his desk.

“How did you know?!” James growled with burning fury.

Dr. Pelletier swallowed hard and decided to tell the armed man the truth. “Dr. Cullen is well known in my profession. When I heard his name briefly mentioned on the local news I listened to the related story. On the TV they had a picture of Edward and told of how the youngest in the Cullen family had been kidnapped.”

“Shit. I didn’t think it would reach the media this quickly,” James muttered to himself.

“Someone should call the police on you. You’re hurting this poor boy.”

James drew his gaze to Edward still on the bed.

“Hey, baby. How ya doing?” James said softly, resting a hand on Edward’s clammy face. The boy flinched at the touch and the name as fresh tears spilt out his green eyes.

Dr. Pelletier gasped as he watched the intimate, one-sided exchange. “What have you done to him?”

James snapped his attention back. “Mind your own business, old man. Sit the fuck down while I work out what to do.”

The doctor obeyed, lifting his hand from the intercom.

“Don't move,” James added. As he processed the best route to escape with his hostage, James went and sat next to Edward on the hard bed. He started stroking through the sweaty copper locks, ignoring the resulting shudder.

“It’s okay, little Cullen,” James whispered. “You’re okay now. Everything will be alright.

“Pl...” Edward drew in a breath. “Please... let me go...” he mumbled brokenly.

James glowered and his voice became tight as he spoke. “You need to get over that, Edward. You are mine!”

The words made Edward cry again. “No...” he moaned.

James gave up on his victim for the moment while he contemplated his course of action in dealing with the doctor. He’d never killed anybody before but it seemed like the only way he’d be able to escape with Edward. If he left the man alive others would find out and the authorities would be on his tail. He’d probably have to off the girl out the front too.

“Agh!” he growled out impulsively, scaring Edward. How did his perfect plan become so complicated?

He considered what would happen with the dead bodies. They’d be found and suspicions would arise. If he took the time to hide them, Edward could use that chance to escape.

Then he deliberated with the idea of taking the doctor and the girl with him. But their disappearance would be reported by someone and he knew it would end in disaster if he, alone, had to handle three captives.

No. There was only one option – he had to commit two murders. It would be a shame that Edward had to witness the violent act. But then again, the young Cullen could probably use a good dose of fear. It would reinforce how powerful he was, how in control and dominate he would always be over the boy, his toy, his possession.

James stood up from the bed and raised his arm up to point the gun back at Dr. Pelletier. Ignoring the scuffing sounds from outside the door, James switched off the safety.

Looking behind him, James spoke to Edward. “Keep your eyes open, baby. I want you to watch this.”

Edward choked back a sob and, once again, obeyed.

James looked back at the doctor and tilted his head.

BANG!

Edward flinched violently at the loud noise.

A body fell heavily to the ground.