Breaking The Silence (Fatally Flawed Book 3)

by Dusty Lassetter

  “Then they have no reason to go after her. Lorenzo only wants his money back.”

  “I thought you had his money?” Santiago says in a questioning voice. He and I made a deal the same night he told me about my mother. I told him I would allow him to take over the organization, without interference from me, if he were to help me bring down Lorenzo and Anthony. He agreed immediately, saying he had been picturing Lorenzo’s death since he took Hope from him.

  “Don’t come back until Sticks calls you with news.” I state, ending our conversation.

  “I thought I would warn you that they are planning to go old school on you tonight.”

  I inwardly smile, knowing exactly what he is referring to, waterboarding. “How long have I been down here?”

  “Two days, three nights.” He replies before walking out of the cell, leaving me to mentally prepare myself for another long night. I knew they would eventually step up their game, tired of torturing me physically, they have chosen to try their hand at fear. Most people have a fear of drowning and waterboarding gives you that feeling. This is the only technique that was never used on me, when I was here as a child, but it was used on some of the other boys while I watched. Letting my head hang down, my chin touching my chest, I take deep breaths. Inwardly smiling when a pair of golden brown eyes are staring back at me.

  My head is still down when Anthony and Lorenzo walk into the cell, scrapping their feet across the concrete, letting me know they have arrived. I hear more footsteps enter through the door, before Anthony finally decides to speak.

  “This room isn’t quit big enough for what we have planned.” He states in his, now familiar, smug voice. “Grab him.”

  The same four guards walk to me, releasing my wrist, lifting my sore body off the concrete. I plant my feet on the floor, now holding up my own weight, letting them lead me out of the small cell and down the hall. Lorenzo face shows no surprise that I am able to walk after everything they have done, but Anthony isn’t quick enough to hide the look of shock from his.

  “I told you, Anthony. Your son is a freak of nature. Anyone else would have already broken, he is only getting stronger. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park like you thought.” Lorenzo says with a small smile on his face.

  “I’m not the one trying to get information from him. Laugh all you want but the longer he lasts the longer you’re nothing but another broke immigrant.” Anthony spits out before entering into a door to our right. I walk forward, entering the room, enjoying the look of pure anger on Lorenzo’s face. These two may just make my life easier, and kill each other off.

  “Get him on the table and make sure you strap him down tight. We don’t want him to accidently hurt himself. Anthony barks out, moving to a table that is on the left side of the room. I’m placed face up on an old wooden table, with my arms and legs strapped down at my sides. Closing my eyes, I pay no attention to anything that is going on in the room, I think of my Izzy and the look on her face whenever I make her angry.

  “Let’s see how tough you really are.” Anthony spits out before placing a wet rag over my face. I clinch my fist, bracing myself for what is to come, now picturing everything I will do to the both of them when I get out of here.

  Chapter 40

  Izzy

  Approaching the back wall of Gunner’s office, I come face to face with multiple photos of K.J. There are some of him leaving his apartment, he’s in alley ways talking to different men, there are even ones that date back to our time in high school.

  “What is this?” I whisper out letting my eyes trail over all the photographs. I’m not able to hear Gunner’s reply, because on the far right corner of the wall is a section filled with pictures of a little boy. With his white hair and dark eyes catching my attention. He looks to be four years old, wearing a pair of dingy shorts, with no shirt or shoes. His hair is longer, but I would recognize those eyes anywhere, this is K.J. I reach toward the photo that shows him huddled in the corner of a cement wall, his chin resting on his knees. Looking at the camera with fear in his big eyes.

  “WHAT IS THIS?” I yell out, ripping the photo from the wall, turning toward Gunner. He is leaning on the doorframe, his hands placed in his pocket, “It’s the life of Kade Johnathan, Izzy. You are getting a glimpse at the life he has lived under the thumb of Lorenzo Alvarez.”

  I quickly turn back to the wall, studying the secret life of the man I love, my sadness now turning into anger. How dare someone do this to a child. Without thought, I begin ripping all the photos from the wall, crying for the little boy in those photos. For the little boy that lost his soul to a monster. When my arms start to burn, and there is nothing left on the wall, I turn to Gunner, “who are you?”

  “I guess it’s safe to say I’m not a salesman.” He nervously states. “I’m an agent assigned to Kade’s case. We were using him to bring down Lorenzo’s entire organization.”

  My mind is trying to process everything that has happened in the past five minutes. This man standing before me has lied to me for months. He claimed to be a salesman and never gave any indication he knew K.J.

  “You used me to get to him.” I whisper, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place. I bend down and retrieve the photo of K.J. and I standing outside the bar, the night Giovanni pissed him off. Holding it up for him to see. “You thought you could get information out of me that would help you.” I shout.

  “Yes.” He answers with apologetic eyes. “You were my mark, someone to get intel from, but that changed the minute I met you. Why do you think I never questioned you about him? The moment you fell into my arms on that street, I knew I could lose my job, but I didn’t care. I wanted you, Izzy.”

  I walk to the door, shoving by him, needing to get out of the room and away from him. I’ve made a huge mistake, and I need to go home and fix what I’ve done. K.J. may have some demons in his past, but it’s time someone stands by his side and helps him fight them.

  Gunner lets me storm by, but just as my foot touches the first step of the stairs he yells out, “Kade’s been missing for three days.”

  “Just because you can’t find him doesn’t mean he is missing.” I reply, knowing all too well about K. J’s many disappearing acts.

  “True, but your sister showed up at the Tampa Bay police station and said she was kidnapped Tuesday night. Then she went on to say that your friend traded himself for her. My boss got wind of it through some colleagues, and had her brought in for questioning. We believe Kiersten was abducted by Lorenzo Alvarez’s men, thinking she was you.”

  My heart starts beating wild in my chest and the walls feel like they are closing in on me. I can’t hear what Gunner is saying over the static playing in my ears, but I can see the look of panic on his face when I fall to the floor clutching my chest. He rushes over to me and picks me up in his arms. Walking to the living room he places me on the couch, and takes a seat on the table in front on me.

  “Deep breaths.” He instructs, while rubbing small circles on my back. As soon as I’m able to breathe easier, and the dizziness starts to ware off, I shrug off his unwanted touch. Raising my fist in the air, aiming for the bridge of the nose like K.J. taught me, I put as much power as I can into that punch.

  “Fuck you, Asshole.” I seethe at him. “Don’t you ever fucking touch me again.” I shout, realizing now is not the time for me to have a mental break down. I am not this weak minded girl that sits around and waits for someone to save her. First things first, I need to call Candice and have her come get me, but I no longer have a phone.

  Remembering that I had seen one on the wall in the kitchen, I decide to start there. Storming by Gunner still sitting on the table, now holding his face. I pay no attention to anything he is shouting. There is nothing he could possibly say that I would want to hear. Arriving in the kitchen, I walk to the phone, and dial the only number I have memorized.

  “Hello.” Candice says, her voice filled with sleep.

  “I need you to send a cab to
come get me.” I declare not wanting to waste time with small talk. I give her the address; I have seen on the mail.

  “Izzy there is something you should know.” She begins, but I quickly cut her off, “I know everything, Candice. That is why I need you to send a cab and tell them to hurry.” I command, trying not to get choked up on the tears that are threatening to fall.

  “I’ll see you soon.” She whispers, hanging up the phone.

  Putting the phone on the counter, I turn around to find Gunner standing in the doorway. “I would have brought you home.” He says.

  “You’ve done enough.” I reply before walking out of the kitchen, heading up the stairs to get my things. I’m not waiting in this house with a complete stranger. I don’t care if he works for the government or not, I’ll feel safer waiting outside for my ride.

  Chapter 41

  Izzy

  I’m not outside long before Gunner comes walking out of the door. He is no longer holding his nose, which tells me I didn’t hit him nearly as hard as I should have. I place my bag in front of me, giving him a clear barrier not to pass, hoping he will get the hint.

  “You shouldn’t be taking a cab anywhere at this time of night, especially when someone like Lorenzo could still be looking for you.” He states, placing his hands in his pockets looking too relaxed for my liking.

  “You know what, Gunner. You may be one hell of a good cop, considering you kept it hidden from me for so long, but you really are an asshole. It took you days to tell me my sister had been kidnapped out of my apartment, and K.J. was missing.”

  “I’m sorry.” He shouts out, his hands running through his hair while his gaze stays locked on mine. “You came here to get away from Kade, Izzy. I thought you wanted to move on. Had your sister been hurt I would have told you right away.”

  “So why tell me now, Gunner?” I ask.

  “The way you looked while you were talking about him tonight, I realized you would never stop loving him. I knew by showing you the truth I was basically handing you back over to the devil himself but you needed to know the real Kade Johnathan. Everyone should have all the facts before they make a decision.”

  Before I can think of anything to say, a see the headlights of a tall vehicle pulling up. Gunner rushes to my side, placing me behind his back, “get inside, Izzy.” My stomach drops, knowing that is not a car approaching us. I’m frozen in fear, thinking whoever came to my apartment has now found me, and I’m as good as dead.

  “Get your fucking hands off her.” I hear a well-known voice holler out. Stepping out from behind Gunner, I see Jasper exiting his Hummer and charging toward us.

  “Jasper!” Candice yells, running after him. “Don’t break your hand again. You just got your cast off.”

  “Get back in the car, Candice.” Jasper shouts over his shoulder before turning his focus to me. “Grab your bag and go wait in the car with Candice.” Picking up my bag, I waste no time at all, I head to the passenger side of the Hummer.

  “This is for taking my brother’s girl.” He spits out before landing a punch to Gunner’s abdomen. “Don’t come near her again.” Jasper says to Gunner’s hunched over body. When he turns around to walk back toward us, he sees me watching with wide eyes.

  “Get your nosey ass in the car.” He commands.

  “Just so you know Gunner is a cop, so you’re probably going to jail.” I say. He looks from Gunner to me, shrugging his shoulders, “I could kill him right now and my lawyers would still be able to get me off. I’m not worried.”

  “I would be if I had an ass like that.” I state leaning over, pretending to check out his backside. “That is what they call fresh meat in the joint.”

  He doesn’t reply, just walks to the driver side and slams the door while waiting for me. Opening the passenger door, I’m surprised to see Candice sitting across the bench seat. That is until she gives the back of Jasper’s seat an angry look.

  I slide in after throwing my bag into the back, taking Candice into my arms, “I missed you so much, Chicka.” I say.

  “Me too.” She declares, then slaps me on the arm. “Don’t you ever leave without telling anyone where you are going again. Take it from someone that has a little bit of knowledge in this department. Staying is always better than running.”

  “I realize that now.” I declare. “Jasper.” I shout loud enough for him to hear me. He captures my gaze in the rearview mirror, letting me know he’s paying attention, “take me to my parents. I need to see Kiersten.” Nodding his head Jasper turns up the radio to give me and Candice some privacy.

  “Who told you about Kiersten and K.J.?” Candice asks.

  “Gunner.” I state, “it’s a long story. One we will have to save for another day. Right now I want to know how you guys knew about Kiersten.” I have been trying to figure this out since I called Candice earlier. Her and my sister don’t get along, so Kiersten isn’t an option.

  “K.J. called Jasper.” She states. I don’t immediately reply; positive she has not told me the entire story. After a minute of silence, I finally throw my hands in the air, “AND.” I shout out a little too loud.

  “And Jasper wouldn’t tell me anything else. He said the less I knew the better off I would be.” She states with apologetic eyes. Crossing my arms over my chest I try to think of a plan to get information out of Jasper. Then Candice leans over to whisper in my ear. “I didn’t really try to get any information out of him, but now that you’re here I’m sure we could bug him enough to tell us something.”

  Wrapping my arms around her again, I squeeze her until it hurts, “that is why I love you so much.” I declare, finally sitting back in my seat, happy to be back with my family. If it wasn’t obvious before, it is now, I made a mistake leaving the way I did. I just hope when we find K.J. he will be as happy to see me as Candice is.

  Chapter 42

  K.J.

  All the muscles in my body are sore, from the time spent strapped to a table, after being made to feel like I was drowning. There were a couple of times, after doubt had crept in, I had thought I wasn’t going to survive. Then they would stop long enough for me to fill my lungs with oxygen, before starting the process over again. I tried to keep myself from moving, hoping to piss them off, keeping my hands clinched at my sides.

  “I must admit, even for you, this is impressive.” Lorenzo says, crossing his arms over his chest. “Most men would have broken by now.

  Santiago stands to his right, closest to the door, while Anthony is to his left. “Everyone seems to think I am merely wasting my time, torturing you, when I could be questioning the person that helped you steal from me.” He states with a smirk on his face. “Bring him in, boys.” Anthony shouts out, while Lorenzo keeps his eyes locked on mine waiting to see my reaction.

  The same four guards, I’ve seen since arriving, squeeze inside the tiny cell carrying an unconscious man. At first I can’t see anything but their bloody clothing, but then he is dropped to the floor and I clearly see Sticks. I take a deep breath, look back at Lorenzo, making sure to let him see the fire burning in my eyes.

  “You thought I wouldn’t find out about him.” He smugly states, a cruel smile splayed across his lips. “Once I figured out who he was, I thought it would be poetic for you two to be together again. He’ll be staying in his old cell. You remember?” He asks, walking over to Sticks. “The one next to yours.” He finishes, kicking him in the ribs.

  “Now.” I shout out, waiting as Santiago and the four guards retrieve their guns. Pointing them at Lorenzo and Anthony. It takes a few seconds for clarity to show in their eyes, but there is no room for confusion when I remove my hands from the cuffs. Standing to my full height, I turn to my right. Now toe to toe with the piece of shit that has been after me for months. Looking into his eyes I see surprise turn to anger when he realizes what is happening. Nodding my head, at the taller guards, I indicate for him to take Anthony to the room Santiago has set up for me.

  “I’ll see you soon.” I s
tate to the man trying to fight off Santiago’s men. He can kick and scream all he wants, there is no one brave enough to come to his rescue.

  Focusing my attention on, Lorenzo, the man that taught me everything I know. I do something I dreamt of every night as a kid. Using the last bit of strength, I have. I send my fist flying into the side of his face, watching as his neck snaps to the side from the force of the impact. He is knocked out cold before his body hits the floor.

  I walk over to Sticks, who is still unconscious, feeling for a pulse. There is a steady beat below my fingers, so I order two of the guards to take him to my apartment. That is where the doctor, I keep on call will meet us.

  “Take him to the same room as Anthony.” I command one of Santiago’s guards pointing at Lorenzo. Then turning to the man himself I reach out my hand, “keys.”

  “You sure you can drive in your condition?” He asks, handing over the keys to my bike.

  “Keep them hydrated while I’m gone. I don’t want them passing out before the real fun starts.” I order, leaving him alone in the room. Now that the difficult part of the plan is over, I can breathe a little easier knowing I have secured Izzy’s protection. She will forever be safe from the enemies I have acquired, but she still has to answer to her disappearing act. Too bad there will be no one to protect her from me.

  The doctor arrives shortly after Santiago’s guard drops off Sticks, who is now awake. From the injuries Dr. Z has pointed out, it looks like he will live to hack another day. Although, it may be hard to type with eight broken fingers. He gives Sticks a shot for the pain, but there is nothing else he can do for him here. I look to the guard that dropped him off, “you are going to bring him to Dr. Z ‘s office.”

  “Can we discuss this first?” The doctor asks.

  “You want your money don’t you?” I state, not holding back the irritation in my voice. He knows the deal between us. When I need medical attention, he gets paid very well to provide that.