"Mark Bradshaw?" I asked as he looked me up and down. He appeared to know exactly who I was and didn't seem the least bit surprised to see me here.
"Yes?"
"Jake Cryson," I sad, extending my hand.
He glanced down at it only a moment before returning my gaze with disdain. "And what do you want, Jake Cryson?"
I lowered my hand and forced anger deep down into myself. As much as I couldn't stand being disrespected, I needed this man's help. "A few minutes of your time," I said with a forced smile. "May I come in?"
As he went to close the door, I stopped it with my hand and forced my way through. "Great, thanks," I gritted.
"I have nothing to say to you, so you're wasting your time," Mark gritted back. So much disgust showed in his eyes it made me question if I'd found the right man. He'd sold his daughter into slavery, yet I was the monster here?
My gaze roamed around the room. It looked fairly clean for a trailer house. The liquor bottles I assumed would litter the place were nowhere to be seen.
"Well, I guess I'll just get to the point then." I pulled the stacks of cash from my pocket and tossed them onto the table. His eyes widened as he took in the money, and temptation already began to show in his features. "I need to talk to my brother. A few months back someone wired you twenty grand from an offshore account. So, there's no need to bullshit me about whether or not you know how to get ahold of him."
The man reared back and laughed, not a trace of humor in it. "I'm not telling you a Goddamn thing. You people are cockroaches, coming around my house one after the other. Why won't you just fucking die and leave me alone?"
I took a step toward the man and grabbed his collar, the anger in me no longer containable. "He's my fucking brother."
"And she's my daughter," he sneered. "You think I don't know who you are or what you do? You people already took her from me once, so just go ahead and kill me. I'm not giving her to you again."
I released the man and took a step back, running anxious fingers through my hair. So much stress twisted in my stomach I had the sudden urge to vomit. I turned away from him and leaned my head against the fridge for a minute until it passed. These moments of instability had become more frequent lately, but this was the first time it'd happened in front of anyone.
I took deep breaths until, finally, the nausea subsided. I could only imagine the confused expression that showed on the man's face. Before I got a chance to look, however, something on the fridge caught my eye.
My head tilted and fingers lifted to touch the cardstock. It was a Christmas photo of a newborn in a Santa suit. A white bow wrapped around the infant's forehead. At the top of the photo were the words Baby's first Christmas. It was typical of most newborn pictures, but what caught my attention was the pair of crystal blue eyes identical to my brother's.
I snatched the photo from the fridge and studied it. She was beautiful. The most beautiful baby girl I'd ever seen, and my heart gripped on to her even though we'd never met.
"What's her name?" I asked, my voice catching.
Mark came closer and plucked the photo from my grasp. He eyed me suspiciously, but after a few minutes he relaxed. "Emma," he said, smiling as he peered down at the photo.
"Emma," I repeated, trying the name out on my tongue.
Emma. My niece. My heart both warmed and cooled at the knowledge of the little girl's existence. Kevin hadn't told me. He hadn't contacted me since he'd left. Yet, this man who'd sold his own daughter had gotten the picture. Self-hatred began to pour into me, along with resentment toward my brother. Was I that evil? Sure, I hadn't been thrilled about the girl, Katie, taking him away, but still. Never would I have imagined I'd be considered less than the man standing before me.
"How—" My voice caught before I could get the question out, and I cleared my throat. "Why would she talk to you… after everything?"
Red covered Mark's cheeks as he looked away. "Katie is a forgiving person. She has a good heart, but it's all contingent on my sobriety."
I nodded. That explained the shaven face and lack of liquor bottles. The lengths to which my sister-in-law would go to give others another chance astounded me. Her own husband had been the one to sell her to himself, and she'd found a way to forgive him. Jealousy stole my heart each time I glanced at the photo of my niece, and suddenly I wanted some of that forgiveness. Anything to be the recipient of their family Christmas card.
"I really do need to speak to Kevin," I said eventually, remembering why I was there. "I would never do anything to harm my brother or his family."
Mark cocked his head to the side and stared at me. I assumed he tried to debate whether or not he could trust me. He could. I'd meant every word. He glanced at the stacks of cash I'd thrown on the table. "Why the bribe, then?"
Now it was my turn to be embarrassed. Luckily, my cheeks hadn't reddened like his. "I underestimated your loyalty to your daughter."
Pain flashed across his face. It occurred to me then that maybe I was the worse of two evils. I'd yet to experience the guilt that showed so clearly in this man's expression, even with the atrocities I'd committed. Never to my own family like him. But then again, had we given Mark much of a choice?
I honestly couldn't remember. I'd distanced myself from the trafficking ring long ago and blocked out most of what occurred in that particularly ugly part of company business.
"I don't have either of their numbers. Apparently, it's too dangerous for that. But Katie calls me every Sunday afternoon from a different disposable cell phone. I can give them a message to call you."
My gut twisted at the possibility that Kevin wouldn't call. Not even because I needed him to tell me about James Williams. He'd moved on to a new life he didn't wish to include me in. I didn't feel much affection for people and 'love' seemed to be a distant concept the majority of the time, but I did love my brother. Now and always, no matter what I’d gone through for him. The idea that he wanted nothing to do with me sent pain shooting through my chest like a stab wound. It was Friday, so I had two days to stress about it.
"Okay," I said finally. "Thank you.”
I took a step toward the door, and Mark stopped me. “Don’t forget your money.”
My eyes shifted to the sixty grand and I shook my head. “Keep it.”
He nodded and stepped to the side as I left the trailer.
Laila
My head gently knocked into the headboard as I tossed the book I'd been given beside me. I'd just finished it for the second time, and it hadn't gotten any better. Something about a couple who couldn't be together because of different social classes. I wasn't much of a reader but if I did pick up a book, it certainly wouldn't be a cheesy version of Romeo and Juliet. Still, forcing myself to concentrate on the words ate up some of the mundane time.
A sigh fell over my lips and my eyes closed as I realized I actually wanted Jake's company. Sitting on this bed by myself did nothing to get me out of there. But with Jake I could at least be proactive with my plans. I was well on my way to seducing the man if last night was any indication.
My cheeks heated as the memory of the kiss replayed in my mind. I wouldn’t lie and say it didn't affect me. I was human with carnal needs like everyone else. But no matter how my body responded to my own manipulations, it was all business.
Jake Cryson falling for me was my best shot. I'd weighed all the other options. The security on the premises was far too beefed up for me to make it out by running, and I'd yet to get my hands on a phone or computer. I'd take the opportunity if I got it, but there was a ninety-nine percent chance everything was password protected.
None of it looked good. The key to getting me the leader of the trafficking ring was also the key to me leaving here alive. And that key had green eyes and a devilish smile.
I flinched as the door opened, pulling me from my thoughts. The boredom I'd been consumed with only moments ago vanished, and in its place was anxiety. I'd go through with whatever needed to keep me alive but I couldn
't keep it from making me nervous… and maybe just a tad bit excited.
It wasn't Jake who walked through the door, though. It was Dravin. I dragged the comforter up to my chin and sank back against the bed.
"Good evening, detective."
I swallowed and gripped the comforter tighter in an attempt to keep from shaking. My mind associated Dravin with torture. It didn't matter what promises Jake had made me, fear would always swallow me whole anytime I was in the man's presence.
Dravin sat in front of me on the bed. His arm casually made contact with my legs through the comforter, and I jerked back as if it'd burned. Dravin laughed.
"Come on, detective. We're all friends now. No need to fear me."
The bastard's voice dripped with amusement, and I chided myself for giving him my fear. Sitting up straighter, I relaxed my hold on the comforter and forced myself to stare Dravin in the eyes. "What do you want?"
His smile only deepened. "You know, I'm trying to decide that for myself."
A fresh wave of anxiety flowed through me at whatever the hell his words meant. Even so, I forced the neutral expression to stay on my face and only allowed myself a small swallow.
"Your boy’s been out all day looking for the name you gave him." Dravin's hand snaked out and yanked the comforter. I tensed under his scrutiny but didn't lash out. He wanted a fight. He'd get off on it.
"Do you know what I've done all day, detective?" he asked as rough fingers traveled the length of my shin. I was never more grateful for the sweats Jake had given me. At least there was some barrier between me and Dravin's revolting touch.
"Jerked off to your reflection?" I asked, ensuring the venom was nicely laced into my words.
His gentle caress turned into a painful grip that pinched my calf as I gave him what he'd wanted—any reason to hurt me. I sucked in a deep breath and wrapped my hand around his wrist to try and pry him off. His hold only tightened.
"I've been thinking about what to do with you. Or at least what I'll do first. Fuck you or kill you. What do you think?"
I released my hold on Dravin's wrist and ground my teeth as I waited for the pain to vanish. I wasn't too surprised by his words. He wanted me scared and in pain. He'd succeeded numerous times already. The only thing keeping the terror at bay now was Jake's promise not to allow Dravin to hurt me. A promise currently being broken. Did he know Dravin was here?
"Excuse me, My Lord."
Dravin's hands left me abruptly and both our eyes glued to Isabella standing in the doorway. She appeared different than the other times I'd seen her. Her head was bent and tendrils of blonde hair framed her face, almost covering her eyes that remained downcast. She looked… submissive. It contrasted greatly with the strong demeanor I'd seen her sport before.
"A man has called for you. He's been put on hold on the phone in Master's study."
The knowledge of the phone immediately filed away in my mind. If it was a landline, I had a shot at not needing a password. All I had to do was find Jake's study, get this damn cuff off, and sneak down there without being caught. Risky, but it was a plan to formulate another time.
"Who is it?" Dravin snapped. His tone with Isabella was demeaning. Possibly even more demeaning than the way he talked to me. A wave of protectiveness washed over me, and I was tempted to lean forward and ring the man's neck.
"I apologize, My Lord. I neglected to ask."
Isabella spoke with deep regret. As if she'd made some huge error and was ashamed of it. This wasn't real, was it? She'd called Jake a dick for not allowing her to use his phone in the middle of the night. She couldn't possibly beat herself up for such minor infractions.
Dravin huffed as he stomped out of the room. Isabella stepped to the side as he passed. I noted the way she carried herself with so much grace she appeared to be floating. The moment Dravin's footsteps no longer echoed down the hall, her shoulders relaxed and chin lifted. The confident woman was back without a worry.
"What an asshole," Isabella murmured as she approached the bed. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No," I said, shaking my head.
The woman's chameleon-like nature raised red flags. Was there even a phone call at all, or was Isabella just helping me? If she was helping me I wanted to be grateful, but gratitude wasn't the emotion I'd felt. There always seemed to be an ulterior motive for Isabella. When she 'helped' me in the basement, she'd really only wanted me to keep my mouth shut about her lover. At least that was the way it seemed now with everything I knew.
"Good." Isabella said with a curt nod. She was an excellent actress, but she had a hard time faking compassion, at least with me. "So, I heard you gave Jake a name. I assume it was a fake?"
Jake. Not Master. She'd told me she'd be punished if she said his name, but now it rolled off her tongue with ease. I couldn't help but be suspicious, even with all the compassion I felt for the woman. She was a victim, and I had to keep reminding myself of that.
"And I assume it would benefit you if the name was a fake?"
Isabella's face contorted. She opened the dresser drawer and pulled out the key to the cuffs before turning back to me. "To be clear, I don't give a shit what you think of me, detective."
"Isabella, I don't think anything negative of you. I want to help you."
Isabella lifted her hand to cut off the ramble that was surely to come out of my mouth. "Save it."
She tossed the key to me, and I caught it in my free hand. I stared at it open-mouthed as if I'd just been handed the proverbial ticket to my freedom.
"I'm sure you also know that once they find out you lied, they'll return to torturing you. And they'll up it a few notches of course."
My gaze returned to Isabella in disbelief. Was she seriously helping me escape?
"It doesn't matter how much you shake your ass for Jake, by the way. He'll still dispose of you in the end. Even if you did give up the name. So it's best that you go now, before they figure out you sent them on a wild goose chase. Dravin's preoccupied and Jake isn't here. Sneak out the back and don't stop running. Eventually, you'll hit a fence at the edge of the property."
"Isabella, I... I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. That's the point."
She turned to walk away, but my broken voice stopped her. "Wait!"
Blue eyes peered back at me. "Maybe it would be better if I just got to a phone. Then I could call my reinforcements."
She shook her head. "They're all password protected. I've learned Jake's cell phone code by looking over his shoulder, but that's it."
I nodded as Isabella left the room. I'd considered asking her to come with me, but knew she wouldn't. She'd leave with Maddix, probably as soon as he got back. Even if she didn't, I'd come back for her. This time with a fucking army.
I smiled as my imagination exploded, and all the terrible things they'd done to me were repaid. Jake and Dravin would both spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
For some reason, the thought of Jake going to prison gave me mixed emotions. I wanted him arrested of course, and he deserved everything that would happen to him. I don't know where the hesitation came from.
I pushed all thought out of my mind and focused on getting the cuffs off. One step at a time. There would be plenty of opportunities to sort through my emotions and fantasies once I was on the other side of that fence.
I bounced off the bed and threw on the shoes I'd worn the previous night. I couldn't believe how lucky I'd gotten to have been given both shoes and pants at the opportune time. Next, I searched for a weapon. Every drawer in the room hung open by the time I'd finally given up. The best I'd found was a letter opener. It was secured in the waistband of my sweatpants as I stood at the door.
My hand gripped the knob several times only for me to pull it back. Hadn't I considered this option to be suicide only a while ago? Security swarmed the property. Maddix and Jake both had given me the layout. It was nighttime, so I did have the darkness on my side. But even if I managed to s
neak out the back and haul ass, what about the sensors? They were only on the roads as far as I was aware, but I'd have to make it twenty miles on foot if I didn't plan on using a vehicle.
But I still had to try, right?
13
Jake
"I'm telling you, Rita. She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
Rita smiled. She was my housekeeper, but she was also the woman who’d raised me. My father had hired her as a caretaker for me and my siblings, and as my youngest sister grew old enough, Rita was kicked to the curb. Luckily, it wasn't long after that I took over the Utah branch and brought Rita along with me. She was family, as much as any of my siblings.
"Yes, well it's not surprising. Your brother was a beautiful baby once himself. You on the other hand…"
Rita chuckled before pushing the bowl of dough toward me. "Here, knead this. My fingers are killing me tonight." She walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of her favorite beer while I removed my jacket and rolled up my sleeves.
"I don't understand why you don't take medicine. It's arthritis. It's not going anywhere," I said while sinking my fingers into moist dough.
"My family doesn't believe in manufactured medicine, Jacob. I've told you that many times."
"Well that’s a bit outdated, don't you think?"
Rita snickered before taking a swig of the Spanish beer. Personally, I thought the stuff was disgusting, but she'd had one every night since I could remember. My mind drifted to a memory of sneaking into the kitchen late at night as a child to steal one of the beers. I might not have been caught if I hadn't thrown up on the floor. Rita hadn't bothered to scold me. Instead she had me sit on the counter while she cleaned up the vomit. It was a 'man drink' she told me and one day I'd grow out of my 'boy taste-buds'. The shit hadn't gotten any better.
Dethroned (Darker Places Book 3) Page 11