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I'm Your Shield	By : HobNobsAndTea Category: S through Z > Wallander (UK) > Wallander (UK) Views: 1069 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Neither I, nor any of the writers own any of the characters or story lines of this story. All rights belong to the writers and producers of "Wallander" . We recieve no money for writting this story, only the enjoyment of writing it

Chapter List
- 6
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- 8
            Becky looks to the side as Magnus and Curt walk in. Her breath is a struggle. They had told Curt that at one point her lung collapsed. "Becky, we're going to try to make this short so you can rest."
            "Where's Niki?"
            Magnus rubs the back of his neck. "Missing."
            "Oh god. He has her. Why aren't I dead then?"
            "No, Becky, Greger doesn't have her. He's dead." Magnus touches the back of her hand. "The man who hurt you is dead."
            Her body shudders and silent tears roll down her face. "Then who has Niki?"
            "A third suspect. We've got an accomplice in custody."
            "Max..."
            "Yes. You know him?"
            "A clerk at the station. He helped him hurt me. But he kept me alive."
             Curt nods. "Is there anything you can tell us about the third person?"
            "I-I don't remember much. He would watch. Short, bookish looking, balding. He wore nice suits. Didn't touch anything. Or me."
            "Becky, if I show you a picture, could you identify him?"
            "Definitely." Curt pulls up a picture of Travis, hastily taken in the station. "That's him. Can you find her?"
            "We're going to try."
            "Thank you, Becky."
            She snatches Magnus's hand. "I was wrong about you. They" painful breath. "they talked about you. You were next. After me. They were going to take you. Because you love her more than anyone else but them."
            Magnus pulls her hand away. "We'll find him. And her." Magnus clenches his fists as he leaves the room.
            Dr. Rayner sat in the chief's office. His small hands rested on his abdomen. "My apologies, doctor. The latest victim is awake and talking so they had to step out."
            "No worries. I'd rather not be at the hotel with my wife. She's ready to raze Ystad to the ground to find Nikola."
            Curt and Magnus bust into the chief's office. "So sorry. Chief, Becky identified the third person."
            "Excellent. Let's issue an APB, flood the media."
            "It's not that simple." Curt settles himself on the desk. "Dr. Rayner, what can you tell us about Travis Rhett?"
            Niki's dad scoffs. "That little weasel? He was lover of Aneta's from university. When she decided to get serious about me, he didn't and wouldn't go away. He insinuated himself into our lives. Until Aneta got pregnant with Alexi. And then he disappeared until Niki was about 5 and Aneta threw herself back into politics." Dr. Rayner sat forward. "You don't think he had anything to do with this do you?"
            "We're just vetting all those close to the family."
            Dr. Rayner turns to Magnus. "So you're the man that's managed to tame my little girl."
            Magnus rubs the back of his neck. "She tamed me as well."
            "So I've heard."
            "One more question, where does Mr. Rhett stay when he's in the area?"
            "In a villa along the coast." Dr. Rayner begins to comprehend. "You think he has her."
            "Now, doctor-"
            "No, no. I can see it. He transferred his feelings for Aneta onto Nikola. He dotted on her. Spoiled her almost as much as I did. I wasn't around alot, with my work. But I did notice little things. He liked to buy her outfits and insist she wear them when he was around. He paid for her vacation to the United States after she graduated university before she started at the academy." Dr. Rayner's hands begin to shake. "If I hadn't been so blinded by Jack the Ripper, maybe I would have seen it."
            "Dr. Rayner, you've been a great help."
            "Call me Karl. Here is by personal cell number. Call me. Not Aneta. If you find anything. And this is the address of the villa." Dr. Rayner stands and claps Magnus on the arm. "Find her. Protect her where I've failed to."
            "I'll do my best, sir."
            "I'll be at the hotel. Feigning jet lag."
            Curt, Magnus and the chief sit in his office after Dr. Rayner leaves, with the door shut and locked. The chief had given his secretary express instructions they not be distributed. The chief sets out 3 tumblers on his desk and sloppily pours scotch into all three.
            "What are we going to do with this information, gentlemen?"
            Curt takes the glass offered to him and sips it. "We don't have enough for a warrant. The property isn't listed under Rhett's name. And despite Becky being a survivor, her identification is compromised by medication and her condition."
            "We can't just do nothing. Travis isn't going to keep her unharmed forever."
            "He won't touch her. The shrine shows reverence to her."
            "There are other ways to harm than physical violence. I was thinking more along the lines of forcing himself on her. He's likely keeping her drugged to the gills for us to have heard nothing and for him to waltz in here without so much as a scratch."
            "So once again, gentlemen, what are we going to do with this information?"
            Magnus skis back the scotch, not bothering to sip. "We can't involve the SSS. They'll inform Minister Rayne and if Travis is in the room, he'll know we're onto him."
            Wallander studies the amber liquid carefully in his glass. "At the risk of my career, I'm going to suggest we go in like we did with Elkor to find Becky."
            "Dammit, man. I can't have my detectives going of half-cocked and rouge on me all the time."
            Curt sadly smiles. "Blame Nikola for that."
            Magnus laughs sardonically then begins to cry. The older men sit quietly, waiting for the burst of emotion to pass. Magnus stands and slams down his glass. "I have a friend from spec ops. I'll make a couple calls." He rakes both his hands through his hair and looks at Curt. "Are you in?"
            "I'm not in much shape to follow you young bucks but I'm in."
            The chief sighs. "I know nothing about this. If you're caught,I'll deny any knowledge."
            "If Travis finds us, he'll kill us and we'll never get Niki back."
            The chief sighs again the slugs back the last of his scotch. "Alright. If you run into trouble, call for backup. We'll fugue out legalities later. No doubt, Minister Rayne will make them go away once we recover her daughter."

            With your apartment a crime scene as the department tech guys searched for all the cameras, Magnus sits on the balcony at his apartment. He'd tried to sleep while he waited for his contact to call back but he could smell you in the sheets and it just made his heart hurt. He couldn't concentrate on the video games either. He swirls the whiskey and coke in his glass, making it fizz. His ring tone shatters the stillness just before sunrise.
            "Fuck." He drops his feet from the railing and lifts his phone. The image of you and he the day he took you boating smiles out at him. He answers the call. "Yea?" He frowns. "Right. I'd prefer we use yours so they're untraceable." He listens. "I'll fill you in on all the details when you get in. Thanks, man. Oh and we'll have a third." He listens again. "Right. See you soon." Magnus downs the rest of his drink and heads inside. He needed a shower and fresh clothes before his friend arrives in a few hours. He knew without a doubt it would take everything he had not to kill the bastard.
            Travis Rhett set out a spectacular feast with crystal, gold, and bone china. He was dressed very well in his very best formal attire. He sat in his seat with a smile as he raised his wine goblet. “A toast to you, a Goddess who fell from the heaven’s, whom the Earth is unworthy to touch your immaculate feet.” He says bowing his head to you before taking a sip.

            You were sitting in the seat next to him in a high backed chair with arms. Leather straps over your thighs, across your middle, over your chest just under your arms, and then another across your neck. Keeping you in place and sitting up perfectly strait. There were more black leather straps fastening you to your chair. Your ankles were strapped tight together, another around your knees, a third around your thighs. More leather wrist straps fastening your wrists tight to the chair as well as your forearms. As powerful as the sedatives and muscle relaxants were, you wouldn’t be able to sit up otherwise. You’d simply ooze to the floor. At the same time, the restraints were needlessly tight when you were so completely disabled. Once again your hair was done beautifully with gold decorations, your make-up done perfectly, you were dressed in a beautiful satin midnight blue dress that accented and complimented your shape. It tended to showcase your breasts which were always large as it was, but this was designed to draw attention to them rather than downplay their size. A diamond choker that fit against your throat, and matching dangling earrings that looked perfect with your long neck.

            “Now,” He said putting down his goblet and picking up a knife and a fork, “This is a special meal I prepared specially for you. Only the best will do for my precious Goddess after all. Very few are privileged enough to enjoy such delicacies. I promise you it’s the most delectable, tasty and delicious thing you’ve ever had in your mouth.” He promises cutting off a small piece. He held up the piece to your lips with a smile, “Open.” He instructed. Your eyes just remained on him defiantly. He smiles a little, “Darling . . . you must eat. It’s been a few days, and you need your strength.” You clinched your jaw letting him know you had no intention of cooperating with him. “Sweetheart, please. Don’t ruin this night. I’ve been planning and preparing for it for years. I want everything to be perfect.” You still didn’t respond and he took out a metal syringe placing it on the table where you could see it. There wasn’t much that could rattle you but that certainly did. You didn’t know what was in it, but it could be best described as the most excruciating pain you’ve ever experienced in your life. And that was up against some pretty stiff competition.

            He held the bite up to your lips again and you hesitated a moment before opening your mouth. He placed the bite on your tongue withdrawing the fork and you slowly began to chew it. He watched anxiously, becoming rather aroused by watching you chew. It wasn’t a bad taste, it was moist, and savory, but you had no idea what it was.

            A smile swept his face seeing that you were enjoying it. He cut another small bite and held it up to your lips again. Your eyes slid towards him still unable to move your head before reluctantly opening your mouth as he fed you again.

            He picked up your goblet, “Some wine my darling?” He holds it to your lips and lets you drink before setting it back down. He smiles looking at you again, “You are so beautiful. You always have been. Do you remember when we went sailing on my boat of the cape, and you wore that little purple striped bikini?” He rested his hand on your arm, his fingertips slowly stroking your skin. “You always were a strong little thing. Always running, jumping, so full of energy. So full of life.”

            If you could you punch him in the face over and over until there was nothing left but mush. Whatever this drug was he was shooting you full of, it didn’t dull your senses completely. You could feel every single touch, every smell, every taste, every sound, you were fully aware of everything around you. Yet you couldn’t move, couldn’t react, couldn’t protect yourself, or stop this demented freak from treating you like some life sized Barbie.

            “I have such plans for us, Niki. There are so many things I want to show you, so many places I want to take you.” Reaching up he gently caressed your face just starring at you with stars in his eyes. “And we’ll have a family together. At least two children that I can only imagine will beyond beautiful with you as their mother.” Your eyes shifted to him when he said that. You didn’t want children, you never wanted children. Having been the child of a wealthy family, and going through your childhood mostly alone, you didn’t want your kids to experience the feeling of ongoing abandonment. On top of that, as a police officer, you saw some of the most horrid, disgusting, depraved, inhuman behavior of people. You saw what people, ‘parents’ did to their own children. There was no way you were going to bring another child into this god forsaken world knowing what was out there. You were so thankful when you found out that Magnus felt the same way and it was clear it would n ever be a problem between you. He smiles wrapping his hand around yours, “It pleases me to no end that you haven’t gotten your birth control shot in almost 6 months. It means we can start on our family right away. We won’t have to wait. I’ve waited for ages; I don’t want to wait another moment.”

            That made your heart sink as your eyes went wide. Dear God, he was right. You hadn’t gotten your dep-o shot in quite a while. Not since you were in the hospital after you’d been attacked and shot in the warehouse. You were so busy being treated for your wounds and injuries, then Alice’s death, and Becky’s abduction, it had become very low on the priority list. Frankly, it was a fucking wonder that you weren’t already pregnant considering you and Magnus had just given up on condoms. Actually using them was hit and miss anyway, and you were only seeing each other. You’d become so comfortable with being with Magnus, and only Magnus, somehow it just got away from you. But you had regular blood tests, they wanted to make certain that there were no infections after everything that had happened and it was standard procedure to do a pregnancy test on women patients. You’d had one the week before you were taken and it was, indeed, negative.

            Standing from where he was seated, he stood up from his chair and cupped your face in his hands and kissed your lips softly at first, then he smashed his lips against yours thrusting his tongue into your mouth. You couldn’t even jerk your head back as it was held tightly against the back of the chair with the leather strap around your neck. He felt your jaw start to clinch and quickly withdrew his tongue before you could bite it chuckling touching your chin. “That’s my Niki.” He said with a chuckle. “Always fighting, no matter what.” His hand moves to rest on your bare shoulder, before his fingertips graze lightly against the top of your breasts. His lips parted as his breath became a little deeper, his pupils dilating somewhat watching the way your breasts would swell with your every breath. He smiles and sits back down cutting another bite for you and holding it to your lips. You sigh slightly and open your mouth letting him place it on your tongue. “So what do you think?” He asks with a smile placing another bite on your tongue.

            “What is it.” You say not really wanting to talk to him at all but you knew if he got impatient with your not answering his questions, things would get even more interesting than they were now.
            He chuckles, “Oh my dear girl, if I told you that, I’m afraid you wouldn’t even try it.” He says feeding you another bite before picking up your goblet giving you a few swallows of wine. “It is a delicious though, isn’t it? Tender? Moist? I promise you, you will never have anything better.” You sighed slightly closing your eyes a moment before he gave you another bite. He always was a bit eccentric and a little weird, but people with money often were. That was the one thing you’d learned better than anything having to mingle with others of your families ‘class’ as it were.

            Dinner continued on like this until he was satisfied that you were full. Your eyes closed as you took a breath as he produced more medication and drew a dose into a syringe before swabbing your arm and injecting you. It was the muscle relaxant again. The last one hadn’t even worn off yet, and it always hurt. Especially has he had given them to you numerous times now and your shoulders were bruised at the injection sites.

            He put the equipment away in its case, before kissing your arm. He stood behind you resting his hands on your shoulders. “Don’t worry darling. It won’t always be like this. I promise. Most brides are nervous before their weddings, I understand that you are too.” He leans down and kisses your cheek seeing the way your eyes were fluttering. “Come on now, let’s get you ready for bed. You’ve had a long day, you must be exhausted.” He began to pull the buckles of the straps that held you in place one at a time leaving the one across your chest under your arms until last so you wouldn’t fall. Then he stood and swept you up into his arms carrying you from the table and up the long flight of stairs.

            Travis undressed you gingerly, carefully, removing the jewelry first, then your dress. He removed your makeup and moisturized your skin. Then he removed the rest of your undergarments and picked you up in his arms again. “I have a nice warm bath all drawn for you my dear.” He says with a smile looking into your eyes before kissing you softly. Removing his own clothes but leaving his underwear, he picks you up and carries you into the bathroom. It was a large bathroom that had a whirlpool Jacuzzi tub in the floor. Carefully he steps down into it holding you on his lap, an arm behind your back as he takes a loofa and begins to wash your body.

            God you hated this, he’d done it several times now and you weren’t always awake for it. This is the third time you were awake and conscious while he bathed and ‘tended’ you and it was the most humiliating thing you’d never imagined. He cradled your head carefully or rest it back against the headrest on the tub because if he let it go for even a moment, your head would fall back and it could hurt your neck. You couldn’t hold it up yourself.

            He washed every inch of you, shaved your legs, your armpits, and . . . other areas that had hair, then he would put lotion and moisturizer all over your body. His hand moving over every inch of you, touching, caressing . . . occasionally groping. More than once you could feel his erection pressing against you and it made your stomach turn.

            When his ‘grooming’ was over, he would but you in a long, form fitting, satin and lace hunter green nightgown and then lay you out on the bed as always. “You are so beautiful Niki.” He says with a smile caressing your face once more before taking your hands and folding them over your middle. Once again, out came the case and he drew a large dose of sedative. He swabbed your shoulder and injected it. You gasped as it was getting more painful every time he even touched your shoulders let alone jabbed it with a needle from the bruises. Your eyes fluttered back and closed falling into a deep sleep.

            Putting the case away he smiles and leans down over you with a soft smile loving how peaceful you looked when you slept. He’d watched you grow up, he’d dreamed about you so often, he’d followed you nonstop from the time you were a child. Finally, here you were, in his grasp. You were his, and he could have you instead of watching you from afar.

            He couldn’t help it or stop himself leaning down and kissing you softly, then again, then once more as the kiss became more passionate. His hand rested on your warm ample breasts massaging and rubbing it slightly, grasping it as he gasped at the sensation. His hand continued down over your stomach, your hands, your abdomen, and then lower. He traced the line of your hip down to your thigh as his fingertips pulled up the soft satin to your waist. He looked down at your face as he slid his hand between your thighs. He moaned slightly as his fingers traced your lips, then pressed inside feeling your warm folds between his fingertips. He bit his lip slightly as his fingers found your clit and explored it. Pinching it slightly before rubbing it between his thumb and forefinger. Leaning down he kissed you again, before his hand moved once more sliding a finger deep inside of you. He moaned against your mouth breathing heavier feeling how tight you were. “Oh good.” He whispered resting his cheek to yours. “I was so afraid that bastard would have destroyed you. But you’re so incredibly tight.” He grinned against your ear, “So very tight for me.” He breathed.

            Withdrawing his hand, he pulled the nightgown back down over you before resting his fingertips to your face. He just studied you for a moment, your breast rising and falling with each breath. “I forgive you, darling.” He whispers. “You didn’t know you were doing wrong when you let that incompetent Neanderthal touch you. I know if you did, you would have been a good girl and remained faithful to me.” He strokes your hair that cascades down on the satin pillow although it was still short. It was only about 2 inches above your shoulders.. He smiles before leaning down and kissing you deeply enjoying the taste of your lips. “Dream of me my love.” He says before standing from the bed. He takes a few pictures of you before lighting a few candles on either side of the bed.
            Magnus watches the snow fall through the car window. Hal had arrived shortly before sunset, when the snow started. They had watched the house until Travis Rhett had left.
            "Why do you think it's him, Curt?"
            Curt checks his magazine, slide lock and safety. "I saw the way he looked at you. He enjoyed your pain. And Minister Rayne's. When he addressed me, a mask slipped into place."
            "And that made you think he was a psychotic stalker and kidnapper?"
            "No, that made me suspicious."
            Hal turns in the driver seat. "Is there a reason we're sitting here talking?"
            Magnus sighs. "I'm afraid of what we're going to find."
            They quietly exit the car. They'd worn grey. Black or white would have been too obvious in the falling snow. Three shadows ran across the road and the lawn. Hal forces the lock on a lower level window.
            "Stay within shouting distance. We don't know what kind of security this guy has."
            "None. He's not afraid. The window wasn't alarmed. I'm guessing no security system. This guy is rich, Hal."
            "Ok, let's find your girl. This is just like Columbia." Magnus smiles, remembering his last mission in. Before Hal joined spec ops and Magnus got out and into law enforcement.
            They swept the ground floor first then the second floor. "Magnus. Wallander. You need to see this." They join Hal in a dressing room.
            "What the actual fuck." Hal and Magnus turn to Curt, shocked by his reaction. "What?" The trio turns back to the bridal gown hanging in a clear garment bag in a closet full of brand new women's clothes.
            "We have to find her."
            Hal lays a hand on Magnus's shoulder. "She's here somewhere." They finish clearing the second floor.
            Curt finds the bolted door to the basement. "He's hiding something down there."
            "Niki." Magnus puts his shoulder to the door. Twice. The wood splinters.
            "Let me have a go." Hal shoulders the door. The lock finally gives way after the fifth hit to the door, splintering the wood. A little blinks on at the top. "Alarm. We've gotta hurry."
            Travis pulls into the hotel parking garage and parks near the elevator. His phone begins to vibrate. With a sigh he unlocks it. A flashing red screen with the word 'ALARM' in glaring white letters stares out at him.
            "Fuck! No! How?! I'm coming, Nikola!" He squalls out of the parking garage fishtailing in the slick snow.
            They find the dining room where he'd fed you the night before. Including the chair you had been strapped to. They find a room set up as a wedding altar. They find a room set up for medical purposes, another as a nursery. The last door is locked.
            "She has to be in there."
            Curt lays a hand on his shoulder. "Stay here. We'll go in."
            Instead of wasting his shoulder again, Hal mule kicks the door. The candles flicker in the gust of air. You are laid upon the bed in yet another form fitting dress, heels on your feet.
            "She's here!"
            Magnus rushes in and shoves them out of the way. "Niki." No response. He sits on the bed and pulls you up. Your pulse is thready from all the drugs. Your hair and make up is done up like a doll again. "Niki!"
            "Magnus. We need to go. The alarm."
            "Niki." He holds your face. "Baby, wake up." Magnus slaps your face, hard. You moan and your eyes flutter.
            Tires squeal outside. "He's back. We need to leave. Now."
            "He knows we're here. Hide yourselves. I'll take his attention while you two get out."
            "MAGNUS! GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!"
            Curt and Hal hide on either side of the door so they can dart out when Travis runs in. Magnus lays you back down. "Come on, baby. You need to wake up." Magnus kisses your forehead. Your eyes flutter again.
            "Get your filthy lips off her. Now, Martinsson." Magnus turns around slowly. "How'd to figure it out? You're not that smart."
            "He didn't." Curt blindsides Travis with a punch. "I did." Hal puts him in a headlock.

Magnus looks from Niki to him. A cold hardness settles onto his features. "Did you rape her?" Travis doesn't answer. "Answer me. Did you - Fuck - her?" Magnus's voice drips with vehemence as he stalks closer.
            Hal tightens the lock. "Answer him. Or it's lights out."
            "No."
            Magnus punches him in the side. "I didn't hear you."
            "No!"
            Magnus punches him again. "I still didn't hear you."
            "NO!"
            "Let him go, Hal. Help Curt get Niki out of here."
            "Can't do that, man. I'm not leaving you alone."
            "Then let him go and watch." Hal releases the headlock and steps back, eyeing both Magnus and Travis, who gulps in air. Magnus doesn't give him time to recover. Left jab, right jab, right hook. Sparring with Niki had improved Magnus's boxing. Travis tries to back away but Hal shoves him forward. Left jab, right jab. Travis's eye socket cracks and his eye begins to swell. Magnus moves in for a body shot but changes his mind and grabs him around the neck and bends him down, repeatedly punching him in the face until Travis goes limp.
            Hal touches his shoulder. Magnus looks up to find your eyes open and watching him.
            "Nik." Magnus throws him to the floor.
            "Magnus." You croak. "I knew you'd come."
            "I'm here, baby."
            "I can't move."
            "Don't worry. I'll carry you out." Magnus folds your hands on your chest. You both see the large diamond ring on your finger.
            "What is that?!"
            "It's a ring."
            "Get it off. Get it the fuck off!"
            "Shhh, ok ok." Magnus slips the ring off your finger.
            "Magnus." He leans down to your whisper. "Kill him. He'll never stop. Kill him."
            "Shhh, Nik, let's just get you out of here." Hal raises an eyebrow.
            "Curt, go start my car. I'll help Magnus with Nikola." He hands the keys to the older detective. Wallander wasn't stupid though. He knew what was going to happen. He takes the keys and doesn't look back.
            Hal hands Magnus the clean gun. "Your DNA is all over him, you know." Magnus looks at you then Travis. Without a word, Magnus pulls the trigger. "Burn it."
            Magnus lifts you up and carries you from the basement. Hal silently places white phosphorous charges, setting them off as he goes. The phosphorous would burn until there was nothing left.
            "We'll drop you at the ER anonymously. I'll be there in a few hours." You cuddle against Magnus's chest. He holds you as the four of you watch the house burn. The silent tears streak your face.
            Magnus and Wallander arrive at the hospital just minutes after she was reported having been dropped off there. However when they went to the nurse’s station to find out what room she was in, the nurse informed them she was no longer there.

            “What? What do you mean she’s not here?” Magnus said his eyes wide.

            “She was signed out of the hospital and transferred to private care immediately. Her family insisted on it.” She explained.

            “They can’t do that. Officer Rayne has been missing for weeks. She was abducted and held captive. She’s part of a murder investigation. They can’t just . . . take her out of the hospital.” Wallander replied.

            “I’m sorry sir, all I can tell you is why she isn’t here anymore.” The nurse replied.

            Magnus sighed running his hand through his hair becoming frustrated.

            “You said she was transferred into private care? What private care? Where was she taken?” Curt asked.

            “I don’t know, they didn’t say. A family physician was going to see to her care personally.” A doctor called for her asstance, “I’m really sorry.” She said quickly hurrying away down the hall.

            “Oh for fucks sake!” Magnus exclaimed, Wallander was already on his phone calling the chief. “I knew I shouldn’t have left her, I should have stayed with her until they at least had a chance to tell us what the fuck he did to her!”

            Wallander held up his hand putting his finger to his lips to quiet Magnus. “Hello? Chief? This is Wallander . . . Martinsson and I have just arrived at the hospital and they’re saying . . . . oh? . . . alright. We’ll be there shortly.” Curt hung up the phone. “Chief wants us back at the station, now.”

            “Why? Where’s Niki? Do they know where Niki is?” He said quickly following after him. Wallander had no idea but the Chief wanted them back at the station immediately.

            Magnus, Wallander, and the Chief all stood in his office on a conference call with Niki’s brother, Alexi. “I understand how upset you are, Mr. Rayne but your sister has been through a traumatic experience and is part of this investigation. We need to know her whereabouts.”

            “No. I don’t think you do, inspector. She’s a victim. Not a criminal not even a suspect. Ystad is no place for her to be right now. I spoke to my parents before hand and they agree with me that this is what’s best for Nikola now.” He said in a forceful tone which alerted everyone to how angry he was with the entire situation.

            “You can’t just take her away from the hospital like this!” Magnus shouted at the phone standing from his seat, “She needs medical attention! She needs to be where they can take care of her!” Wallander put his hand on Magnus’s shoulder pulling him back away from the phone.

            “I can assure you that my sister is getting the best care available. Better than any she would have received in that backstreet butcher shop you call a ‘health care facility’.” The chief rolled his eyes slightly shaking his head. The blue blood streak in the Rayne family defiantly had a tendency to show at times. The Ysted General Hospital was one of the best health care facilities in Sweden, considering Sweden was perhaps one of the highest ranking in medical care in the world, that was definitely saying something.

            “Be that as it may,” The chief began, “We need to know where she is, Mr. Rayne. At the very least she should have an escort of some kind to insure her protection, even though we are confident that she’s no longer of any danger.”

            “We have armed guards with us, Inspector.” Alexi said, “And security personnel that are well trained to handle any protection needed that are proven in their professions. Far better then you incompetent morons can lay claim to.” Magnus grit his teeth as the anger was plan on his face, but Wallander grabbed his arm again to keep him from making another foolish outburst. They couldn’t implicate themselves in Travis Rhett’s demise and the subsequent arson of the crime scene. “Now between our mother’s position in the government, the extensive media coverage on the matter, and the depth of which her personal privacy has been invaded we, her family, have all agreed that some time away is best. When she wakes I think she’ll agree as well.”

            Magnus shook his head not being able to stay quiet, “You can’t do that. You can’t just unilaterally make decisions without asking her! She’s a grown woman with her own will! . . . and she just spent 3 weeks with someone who maintained complete control over every aspect of her life!” He roared. “She didn’t agree to this. If you had asked her she would never have agreed to this!”

            “Niki was barely conscious and completely pumped full of a wide array of powerful muscle relaxants, and sedatives. There wasn’t time to hold a committee meeting or take a vote; she had to be removed from public access before the media was alerted to her recovery.” Alexi said growing impatient. “A press release has been prepared, and a statement to be issued by the Rayne family about Nikola’s being found. Despite my opinion on the matter, we are prepared to give your department praise and credit for her being found and returned to us. Personally I think you have all handled this abominably. Carelessly like a bunch of amateur law students and its pure luck that your sloppy way of handling things didn’t bring my sister home in a pine box.” He said through his teeth.

            “Oh, because your family has been so fucking good at vetting people who are allowed access into your personal lives.” Magnus snapped. The Chief snapped at Magnus in a warning that if he didn’t knock it off he was going to be dealt with for making a difficult situation worse.

            There was a pause before Alexi spoke again, “I can only assume that would be Detective Magnus Martinsson. Both of our parents were quite impressed with you and told me of it, but I have to say I’m not quite as enamored. However, if you really do care for my sister as much as you claim to then surely you must see why this is the best action to be taken at this time. There is a huge mess to be cleaned up, the few pieces left of Niki’s life need to be seen to. Everything has to be repaired, redone, made livable again. She doesn’t even have a cell phone number as all of that will have to be changed, new accounts opened and such as well. Obviously going back to her old apartment was never going to be an option.”

            “She wasn’t GOING back do that damn . . . .” Wallander rubbed his eyes slightly wishing that Magnus would stop picking a fight with your brother.

            “Detective Martinsson . . . . I apologize that you feel you have been somehow ‘wronged’ in this matter. But I must remind you. We are her family. You are not her husband, her fiancé, and from what I have been told the words boyfriend and girlfriend aren’t even tossed around referring to your . . . . ‘relationship’. I’ll pass on your concern for her well being once we land. However I’m afraid that is all the say you have in this matter. Good day.” Before anyone could get another word in, Alexi hung up the phone and there was a dial tone.
            Magnus couldn’t believe this, this was absolutely insane. “WHAT THE FUCK!?” He roared in anger. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!”

            “Magnus, you know they’re probably right about getting her out of here and keeping her away from all the paparazzi and other nonsense that follows this sort of thing. She’s been through enough.” Alexi made no attempt at hiding his distain and anger over everything that had happened in Niki’s life. Her being stalked, her abduction, and having been what he considered put in danger in the first place had made him extremely angry and bitter. It was apparent he was just as upset with his parents for not handling it any better.

            “That is bullshit Curt! that is absolute bullshit, and you know it! Her family hasn’t given a fuck about her and now suddenly they’re all ready to make decisions on her behalf that I KNOW she wouldn’t make for herself under the guise of ‘knowing what’s best for her’? Caring about her?” He ranted as he paced in anger. “Where do they get off just coming out of nowhere and interfering in her life like this?!”

            Wallander sighed and shook his head, having seen several things from her family members that made the hair on the back of his neck bristle. Alexi’s rather blatant jab directly at Magnus about not being family seemed rather unnecessary and cold. “He said ‘once we land’.” He pointed out. “That means that they’re on a plane headed somewhere.”

            “He’s taking her out of the country??” Magnus said his eyes wide in disbelief.

            “What about her parents? They haven’t left town yet, they couldn’t have. The media would have been all over them first thing, and Minister Rayne still has to issue her statement.” He pointed out.

            “No, they’re still here.” The chief confirmed.

            “Let’s go and see them then, they can tell us where he’s taking her.” Magnus said anxiously grabbing his jacket leaving the room. The chief glanced at Wallander who gave a nod knowing already he had to keep an eye on Magnus, whose emotions were already running quite high. Then Curt turned and hurried out of the office following after Martinsson.
            Curt hold onto the 'oh shit bar' as Magnus squeals tires into the hotel parking garage. He grits his teeth as the tires squeal on a bit of snow. Magnus has ridden lights and sirens all the way, breaking nearly every traffic law Ystad had. He slams the car into park and practically sprints to the elevator with Curt hurrying along behind him.
            Curt pulls out his phone. "Dr. Rayner?"
            "Detective Wallander. How can I be of assistance?"
            "You have a distraught boyfriend looking for his girlfriend, you daughter, moving through the hotel like a hurricane."
            "I'll have security-"
            "THAT would not be a good idea. After his conversation with Alexi-"
            "What conversation with Alexi?"
            "Alexi called our department from the plane. Magnus was not impressed with his tone nor distain. Especially after what he's been through."
            Dr. Rayner curses. "I'll handle it." The elevator dings and Magnus starts to charge out.
            "Magnus. You need to keep calm. We can get Dr. Rayner to help us if you're not going in there half cocked."
            "Curt, I had her in my arms."
            Curt lays a hand on Magnus's shoulder. "I know. We'll take care of this. Just take a deep breath." They stand just outside the elevator as Magnus makes every attempt to calm down. When he nods to Curt, they hurry along the hall.
            Minister Rayne's security comes to attention and blocks the door. "Detective Curt Wallander and Detective Magnus Martinsson for Minister and Dr. Rayne and Rayner." The guard speaks softly into a headset before opening the door.
            "Detectives." Minister Rayne adjusts her suit jacket. "You caught me just in time."
            "I understand the need for privacy in your transferring Nikola to another facility."
            "I'm glad you see it that way."
            "However. Niki is our only witness in two open cases and ongoing investigations."
            "I'm sorry, detectives but I'm not bringing my daughter back into the country until she is healthy."
            "Then myself or Detective Martinsson will need to accompany you and Dr. Rayner to her location."
            "That is simply out-"
            "Aneta." Dr. Rayner pushes off the mantel. "We will not impede their investigations. And due to the nature of Magnus and Nikola's relationship, I feel he has a right to see her."
            Aneta and Karl stare daggers at each other. No doubt they'd had several shouting matches over this whole incident. Minister Rayne clenches her jaw and her fists. "Very well. We'll take both of you. Be at the airstrip on one hour. If you are not there, we will take off without you."
            "Thank you."
            Dr. Rayner buttons the blazer of his own suit. "I have one condition." Dr. Rayner looks from Magnus and Curt to his wife. His eyes darken. "I'm sure you gentlemen, and my lovely wife will agree with me when I say this is not adding up completely. Once we are on the plane and out of prying eyes and ears, I want full disclosure."
            Curt opens his mouth to speak but Magnus cuts him off. "Done. But neither of you are going to be happy about everything that comes to light."
            Dr. Rayner nods. "I expect that."
            Minister Rayne crosses her arms over her chest. "You know something you're not telling me, Karl."
            Dr. Rayner sips the amber liquid in his tumbler. "I know write quite a few things but we'll all discuss this in the plane. You must hurry, detectives. And Curt, I will address my son personally when we land in Milan."
            Magnus throws up his hands, his anger and frustration finally exploding and his patience and calm evaporating. "Italy?! You took her to Italy?!"
            "Magnus, calm down."
            Magnus clenches his jaw and rolls his neck. His voice is strained through gritted teeth. "I'll be waiting in the hall."
            "No, you'll be leaving. Now. Both of you. If you want to make the plane."

            You had regained some semblance of consciousness a handful of times between the hospital and the airstrip but you'd never fully awakened. You remained unconscious the entire flight and the ambulance ride from the airstrip to the villa. Sunlight fell across your eyes, causing you to frown, wrinkling your brow.
            You manage to lift your arm. The muscle relaxers hadn't entirely worn off. Your eyes snap. This wasn't the hospital. Panic wells in your chest. You'd watched Magnus shoot Travis in the head but for the moment you thought sure he'd survived a bullet to the brain pan. A burst of adrenaline brings you up and out of the bed, knocking over a trolley.
            Two female nurses and a doctor run into the room. You slam one nurse into the wall and flip the second one over your back. The doctor tries to grab your wrists but you head butt him hard, shattering his nose in burst of blood and snot. His immediate reaction is to drop your hands. You sock him in the broken nose, making him scream.
            Two male nurses and another doctor rush into the room. The female nurses crawl out.
            "Nikola, calm down. We're here to help you."
            The male nurses flank you on either side, dividing your attention. "Where am I? Where's Magnus? I want to see Magnus!"
            "Nikola, you need to calm down." The doctor uncaps a syringe. Your eyes widen, rabbit white with terror. Panic wells again.
            "No!" You back away from them. One of the nurses attempts to grab you but you kick the overturned trolley at him. He dodges it but gives you an opening. You seize the lamp and smash on his head. The second nurse takes advantage of your distraction to grab you around the waist from behind. You elbow him in the face then the throat but he only grunts and holds on tighter. The doctor edges closer, one hand out the other holding the syringe at the ready. "NO! Don't put me under again!"
            The doctor frowns. "I'm sorry, Ms. Rayne. I have no choice. You're being combative."
            "NO! Don't put me under! No more! I can't!" Your shrieks become hysterical as you kick and buck and flail your arms, all training dissolving in a tidal wave of panic and terror. The doctor lunges forward, fending off your blows with his outstretched hand. He clamps down on your wrist. "NO NO NO!"
            "Hold her still, Miguel." The doctor hastily injects the sedative into your arm then backs out of the room. Miguel releases you with a slight shove so he can move around you and exit the room. You sink to the floor, glimpsing your brother Alexi. The commotion must have drew him. They shut the door but you don't hear the lock click as you slump to the floor.
            Curt, Magnus, Dr. Rayner, and Minister Rayne all sat in silence on the plane after Wallander and Martinson gave a full report of who, what, when, where, and why of everything that happened when they rescued Niki. It was a stunning, shocking, horrifying tale that if one had seen it in a movie, it would be completely unbelievable and most would pass it off as pure fiction.

            Minister Rayne started to deny it, and accused Curt and Magnus of making it up. However Magnus produced the digital camera that Hal had picked up while he was setting charges. It was the Camera he had been using to take pictures of Niki starting from the week before she was abducted and stolen away. There were over 6000 pictures of Niki, at least 5000 of them being of when he was holding her prisoner. In the different clothing that had been bought for her, a wide array of matching lingerie, the dresses, the full outfits. Niki’s parents felt sick seeing their little girl full of drugs, completely helpless being played with and used like some kind of doll. There were even pictures of when he would strap her to the chair to ‘dine’ with him because she was completely unable to move her own body. Aneta couldn’t continue to look and pushed the camera away unbuckling from her seat and standing walking to the window as she tried to hide her tears.

            Karl looked at a few more before he had to stop and give it back to the two detectives. There was a deathly errie silence in the room. “The doctor . . .” Dr. Rayner began but had to stop a moment to regain his composure and cleared his throat. “She was examined before we had her taken from the hospital. They said that there were no signs of . . . .” He didn’t want to say it and the words felt like acid on his tongue, but it had to be address. “. . . of sexual . . . abuse . . .”

            “There wasn’t.” Curt answered.

            “How do you know?” Aneta said still not turning back and looking at them yet as more tears escaped and she quickly wiped them away with her handkerchief. “He had her for nearly a month.”

            “Because I asked him.” Magnus said in a dark tone wishing to God he had made it last longer when he’d seen the photos on the camera.

            “He could have lied.” Dr. Rayner said.

            “No.” Curt said, “He wasn’t lying.” That was all that was said about it, and even though they didn’t expand, it seemed clear that Magnus and Wallander knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth. There was another long eerie silence.

            “Is he gone.” Aneta asked in a low tone. It seemed as though there were quite an array of ideas for what would happen to Travis Rhett if he was still breathing. It was apparent that if he wasn’t dead already, he soon would be.

            “Before we left the station to go to the hospital when it was reported that Niki was found, the news on the line was that the house itself was burned to cinders, and an as yet unidentified body recovered and taken to the morgue. They were taking dental impressions that will confirm that it is Travis Rhett’s body.” Curt explained.

            Karl looked at them for several moments, “There seems like a lot of loop holes in what have happened in the past 24 hours. How do we go about closing the gaps without implicating the two of you, or causing our daughter more misery?” He questioned.

            “I’ll take care of it.” Aneta said instantly. There was another long stretch of silence before she finally turned walking back and snatching the digital camera up, “And I want every single thing that monstrous pervert recorded of my daughter destroyed. This? And everything that was recovered from the crime scene where the last victim was taken from. ALL of it.”

            “Minister Rayne, all of that is evidence that has been collected and tagged. Greger and Travis are both dead, but we still have to have everything to see Max is convicted and put away for his participation in the capture, torture, and murder of those 7 girls.” Wallander explained.

            “I’ll not have sex tapes of my daughter floating around.” She said in a stern tone.

            Magnus rubbed his eyes slightly feeling like he wished the floor would open up and swallow him. “They aren’t ‘sex tapes’ we didn’t know we were being filmed!” He said defensively.

            “I don’t care! It’s GONE! All of it!” She said throwing the camera down. Then she stormed out slamming the cabin door behind her.

            Usually Karl and Aneta were at odds with each other, but this was one time they were in total agreement. Niki’s life had been blown apart and now all they could do was try to repair what was left and to try and scrub clean everything that had happened. “I want to thank you both.” He began looking between the two detectives. “For everything you have done. For risking your lives to save Niki’s. You went above and beyond in every way to bring her home safely. We’re in your debt. My wife and I will do what it takes to clean up this mess.”

            “Thank you Sir.” Curt replied.

            Not long after the briefing and reporting of what took place, both Curt and Magnus fell asleep not having had time to rest for nearly 2-3 days straight. When they landed, there was a limo waiting to take them to the Rayne family villa. Even though Niki had told Magnus of her families position, and wealth the size of it was far beyond his wildest imaginations. She lived and acted like a normal human being, at this point, in the eyes of anyone else she was practically royalty. He was quiet just watching at everything around him not able to quite process it all.

            When they arrived, they were taken inside and someone spoke with Minister Rayne. “What? Why did they do that?” She demanded catching the attention of the others. She sighed, “Karl, come with me please.”

            “What’s going on? Where’s Niki?” Magnus demanded.

            Aneta debated in her mind about weither or not to let him in on the situation, but there was something about Magnus that not only reminded her of Niki, but seemed as though he exterted more influence over her then her own family members. “Nikola woke up, and in a panic managed to fight and injure the medical staff that had been caring for her.”

            “She doesn’t react to sedatives well.” Magnus said quickly, “When she has to go in they restrain her for the safety of those around her until she fully regains consciousness and gets her barrings.”

            “Well, in this instance they put her back under.” Aneta said. “They can bring her out of it any time, but have been reluctant to do so for obvious reasons.”

            “Take me to her.” Magnus demanded attempting to hide the anger again at the fact she'd been taken from the hospital. At least at the hospital they knew of her particular needs and how to handle her by people who had no idea what the fuck they were doing. Aneta and Karl looked at each other before Dr. Rayner gave a nod.

            “She’s upstairs in her room.”
            Curt keeps glancing at Magnus, who's entire body practically sang with tension and controlled violence. Someone or something was going to be hurt. They keep the two detectives waiting in the hall as Karl and Aneta speak with the doctors, the one with broken nose and the who'd drugged her. Magnus fell eerily still when he overheard she'd begged for him and had begged not to be put under.
            Magnus's steps were heavy and sure as he crossed to the group. "Detective?"
            "Magnus, don't!" Curt darts for his partner but he's not quick enough.
            Magnus jabs the second doctor in the face.
            "Detective!" Curt grabs his shoulders. "So help me god, you touch her again, I'll kill you!" Curt pulls him back.
            "I want to see her. Now! You people have loused this up beyond imagination."
            Alexi clears his throat. "I really don't - "
            "I really don't care what you think, you pompous prick. I've had the woman I love stalked, kidnapped, drugged, molested and very nearly raped. Then kidnapped again by her own family." He shoves his hands through his hair. "All I want right now is to hold her in my arms."

The nurse Niki shoved into the wall moves around them. "This way, detective." She opens the door and holds it for him. "For what is worth, I'm sorry."
            Magnus's heart squeezes in his chest. Seeing you lying there brings back that night full force. "Leave us. Please." The nurse shuts the door behind her. He hears an argument on other side but the door doesn't open.
            Magnus sheds his coat and shoes. He leaves your arms strapped down. Your brow furrows as you feel the bed move under his weight. Magnus curls his body around you. He'd left you once before, no way was he leaving again until you woke up. "I'm here, Nik. I'm here."
            Magnus lay beside you watching you sleep for a long time. When he would close his eyes his hand would rest on your abdomen. He wanted to feel you that you were there, that you were breathing. He felt like he was losing his mind when you were stolen away. The entire case that they had been focused on, was a separate offshoot of a completely different one. They knew there were killers abducting, torturing, raping, and murdering young woman. Greger and Max were behind that. They had no idea that there was someone worse, and a far more sinister plan that had been in the works for a good 20 years. Had Curt not had his suspicions about Travis Rhett when he first came to the station with Niki’s mother . . . they would still be looking for you with no idea where to start.

            Travis had 20 years to cover his tracks, and he did so well, it was literally a matter of pure luck that pointed them in the right direction. Every since Magnus found you in that freak show of a doll house, Magnus’s every breath, every beat of his heart, was thankful to whatever higher power allowed him to find you in time. When Alexi stole you away without so much as a word, he thought his heart was going to burst in his chest with anger and frustration. To find you, only to have you taken away again.

            He couldn’t stop thinking about what Alexi said. That he wasn’t ‘family’, and it seemed like no one really thought of the two of you as a legitimate couple. It was infuriating. Not being able to have any legal say over what could and couldn’t be done when you were completely helpless and incapacitated and couldn’t speak for yourself. Magnus’s eyes opened as he gently reached over resting his hand over your left hand gently stroking your fingers. He’d never really thought of himself as the marrying type. He had a rather jaded view on marriage to be honest. However, in your case . . . . the two of you wanted all the same things. You wanted to be the best at what you did, on a basic level you wanted to simply help people, to be one of the good guys that stood up and fought against the bad guys. Neither of you wanted children, not even remotely. When you did return to Ystad, he’d already pretty much decided that you and he would be living together. Whether it be in his apartment, or whatever place it was your family was setting up for you in your absence. Living together, sleeping together, working together, what would really be the harm of slipping a ring on your left hand and you taking his name? It would clear up a lot of this ‘family’ shit, and no one could say that he hadn’t the right to take care of you and make decisions when you couldn’t speak for yourself.

            Although, after seeing just how incredibly wealthy and well connected your family was . . . . he couldn’t imagine why you would ever say yes to his marriage proposal. You were practically royalty, and he was a simple peasant. What on earth could he ever offer you to make you want him for a husband? This was ‘one’ of your family’s summer homes. A villa in Italy that could rival the fucking Vatican for size and splendor. Your family came from old money on both sides, but knowing about it and actually seeing it were two entirely separate things.

            He closed his eyes wrapping his arm around you again resting his head next to yours on the pillow. However he felt your body twitch. Just once, but then you stirred a bit more. He recognized this. Not just from seeing it several times from the time they retrieved you until now, but when the two of you were at home in the middle of the night. You were having a nightmare. It wasn’t hard to understand why or what the dream was no doubt about. To have worked so hard to be strong, quick, clever, and fully able to defend yourself and others if needed, only to have all that stripped away leaving you completely helpless and vulnerable to the whim of someone else. It must have been like being sent to the seventh circle of hell.

            When you jerked again your arms and legs strained against the straps. Once you felt you were restrained your entire body seemed to buck and fight against the restraints. At last you were waking up. “Niki.” Magnus said quickly gently touching your face stroking the hair back from your eyes. “It’s just a dream, baby. Come on, open your eyes darling.” Slowly your eyes opened still struggling against the restraints. You weren’t quite awake yet but you were getting there. You knew someone was there but didn’t recognize who. Your body started to twist and pull against the straps but Magnus caught your shoulders. “Niki. It’s alright. You’re safe.” He says a bit louder.

            Breathing hard your struggles slowly stop as you look at him, “Magnus?” You say finally coming back to your senses. A smile swept his face seeing you coming around. The fact that you could move under your own power only making him more excited. With a huge sigh of relief you lay back down. “Magnus.” You whisper. A smile sweeps his face as he cups your face in his hands and kisses you deeply, before looking down into your eyes.

            “I’m here darling. You’re safe.” He whispers kissing your ear.

            You close your eyes tight never having been more grateful and excited to see someone in your entire life. After a few moments memories came flooding back into your mind. “Magnus, I . . . I’m sorry. When I woke up, Alexi had taken me from Sweden. I wouldn’t have left without telling you.”

            Magnus sighed having known that already but having no way to correct the issue. “But its better that you’re away for now. Your mum and dad are cleaning up the aftermath and sorting out a few things. A new apartment, new bank accounts, new phone . . . basically a new everything from what I understand.” His hand holds yours a little tighter remembering how they had found you. The bazaar dollhouse like set up. The wedding gown, the nursery . . . it was sickening.

            You move to reach for his hand but you find you can’t. Your eyes go wide and you gasp looking down. You start to panic finding you couldn’t move your limbs and the terror you felt at being made helpless for so long started to come back. “Magnus?” You whimper in a shaky terrified voice.

            “It’s okay, it’s alright baby.” Reaching over he quickly undid the buckles of the cuffs before quickly moving down and unbuckling the ones on your ankles. You start to sit up but he gently catches your shoulders laying you back down. “Careful, don’t pull out the IV. You were very dehydrated.” He explains still holding you in place. “Your body was swimming with drugs, sedatives and muscle relaxants to keep you incapacitated. It’s going to be a little while before they get them all out of your system but this will help it go faster.” He gently strokes your cheek with his fingertips. So many times he had been terror stricken at the thought of never seeing your beautiful face again. Never look into your sparkling eyes. Never touch you. “You got to cooperate now Niki. I don’t agree with . . . . . 95% of the way your family has gone about fixing this so far, but I think some time away while they clean up the mess is a good idea. For now.”

            “Will you stay?” You say softly, “Will you stay here with me until I can go home?” Magnus looks into your eyes studying your beautiful face for a moment.
            “Yes.” He said finally, “Curt will no doubt need to return to help with the investigation . . . but I’m not going to leave you. They couldn’t drag me away.” He whispers. You smile and reach up lacing your fingers with his holding his hand tight against you. He settles back down beside you on the bed looking into your eyes. You were still quite exhausted, and until the drugs were out of your system you were going to be tired. But now, now you felt safe enough to sleep knowing Magnus was watching over you. Your eyes slowly close as you start to drift back to sleep. Magnus leans down and places a gentle tender kiss to your lips before whispering to you softly, “I will never leave you.”
(Continued -->)
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I'm Your Shield