I didn’t dare glance at Hunter, but I felt his pain ripping through me like a jagged knife.
“Izzy,” Hunter whispered with such torment that I didn’t think I could stand it.
A uniformed officer slowly passed Sergeant Riley’s open door, strengthening my resolve. I had no idea who to trust, but I was almost certain that someone in this place was feeding Darryl information.
I looked into Hunter’s plaintive eyes and didn’t have to fake the tears that pooled in mine. “How could you do that to me?” My voice broke. “I trusted you, and you raped me.”
Something hot and wild glittered in Hunter’s eyes, his body tensed but he remained calm and in control. His gaze never wavered from mine. I don’t know how long we stood staring at one another.
Sergeant Riley cleared his throat, and I tore my gaze from Hunter’s.
“That’ll be all for now, Miss Bentley.”
I turned and fled, but on my way out I turned and met the cold eyes of the officer lingering outside Sergeant Riley’s door.
Darryl was waiting for me in the parking lot, a self-satisfied smile on his drawn face.
“I did what you told me. You’ll leave Ellie alone, right?”
“Sure. But I’ll be watching for proof that you didn’t rat me out. If you followed instructions, McAllister’s daughter will be safe. ”
“I did.”
Darryl grabbed me. “Make sure you keep your fucking mouth shut, and stay away from McAllister. I’ll be watching. If you try to tell him, I’ll make his daughter pay. Got that?”
“I’ve got it.”
A phone rang and Darryl reached into his pocket. “Yo,” he answered.
I watched as he listened to the caller, glancing occasionally at me until a satisfied smile split his pasty, drawn face.
“Looks like you did a good job. McAllister is being questioned now.”
“Who was on the phone?”
“Someone that wants revenge on McAllister as much as I do.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve actually made friends with a police officer,” I said casually.
“Not all of them are self-righteous do-gooders like McAllister.”
“Why would they want to be friends with you? What’s in it for them?”
Darryl’s eyes narrowed, and I thought he wasn’t going to answer.
“I told you before I don’t exist. I’m dead. When you’re a ghost you can do whatever you want and no one can trace anything back to you. That kind of power is tempting. ”
“You know I’m short of cash,” I heard myself say.
His head turned sharply, and I thought he was like a shark that smelled blood. Darryl’s eyes slithered down me, making me feel dirty and disgusted.
He laughed, the sound a chilling cackle. “You know I’m not really your daddy or Reed’s.”
What shocked me the most was that I wasn’t surprised by this piece of news, interesting as it was. Relief flooded me. Reed and I shared no blood with this monster.
“Your mama was pregnant with Reed and you were still a baby when I met her. Your daddy was in the army and had just been killed, and she was desperate for help. Too bad for her, she found me instead.” He closed his eyes. “She was a hot piece, even pregnant.”
Leaning into me, his gaze dropped to my mouth. “All those times you thought you were imagining the way I undressed you with my eyes,” he laughed. “It’s lucky for you I was too drunk most of the time to enjoy you.”
“I’m not interesting in fucking you,” I told him with a cool bravado I didn’t really feel. My eyes locked with his. “But I might want to work with you.” Pausing, I let my offer sink in before I added, “If the price is right.”
Interest glinted in his eyes. “Well, well, well, maybe I’ve misjudged you all these years.”
A chill slipped through me as he studied me. I let him, not speaking, not daring to look away and unwilling to reveal any weakness.
“My partner and I have a few businesses. We could always use another beautiful girl.” Again his gaze licked over me, making my stomach roll. “You could do well with us.”
“You’re a pimp?” I hadn’t even finished the last word before his hand struck out with lightening speed, cracking with force against my cheek and snapping my head to the side.
“I have many talents, Isabelle. The one that has kept me alive all these years is the ability to keep my fucking mouth shut. If you want to make some money, you’ll have to do the same. You understand?”
I nodded.
He grabbed my arm and twisted. “Answer me when I speak to you.”
“I understand.”
His grip tightened until I was sure my arm would snap. I winced in pain and was punished with his slick smile. “What do you understand?”
“I need to keep my mouth shut.”
Darryl let go of me abruptly and gave me shove. Pulling something out of his pocket, a card, he started to hand it to me but jerked it back suddenly and frowned. “I know you hate me. Why the sudden interest in working with me?”
“Money. Without Hunter I won’t be able to live like I’ve grown used to.”
He hesitated only a moment, but my answer must have satisfied him because he handed me the card. “Be there tonight at ten if you’re interested in making fast cash.”
“Thank you.”
“Just remember to keep your mouth shut and stay away from McAllister. If you even think of telling anyone about me, I’ll make sure sweet Ellie pays the price.”
“I understand.”
“Yeah, I think you do. This could be a win-win for both us.”
Feeling numb, I got into my car and drove toward Reed’s house. My mind was spinning with my every possible next move. I couldn’t screw this up. I had too much to lose.
Chapter Twenty-Five
12:06 p.m.
I was running out of time.
I kept seeing the look on Hunter’s face when I’d told Sergeant Riley that Hunter had raped me. It would have been so much easier to deal with if he’d been angry with me, or even if I’d only seen betrayal in his eyes, but what killed me was the trust I saw reflected in his blue gaze. Hunter trusted me and despite what I was saying, he hoped that there was an explanation for what I was doing.
He kept waiting for it. I knew that he did, but it never came. My heart broke thinking about what Hunter was going through now, but I couldn’t dwell on that now, not if I was going to set things straight.
I had a plan.
It wasn’t full proof and I considered every detail that could possibly go wrong, trying to devise a plan B and C, needing to make sure this ended tonight, at ten o’clock. It was the only time that I knew exactly where Darryl would be.
Now I just had to deal with Reed.
“Why the hell haven’t you been answering your phone?”
I could tell that he was worried and I felt bad. “Sorry, Reed. I’ve been busy.”
His eyes glittered with emotion. “Yeah, I’ve heard about that. What the hell is going on Isabelle?”
“What do you mean?” I asked cautiously, looking up from the laptop.
“Last night you were desperate to convince me how much you loved McAllister. You said he’d never hurt you, but today you accused him of raping you and I want to know why.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Do you realize what you’ve done to him?”
“I know!” I shouted, tears filling my eyes. “God help me, I know. The last thing I need is to fight with you. Please, just trust me.”
“I called McAllister when you didn’t answer the phone. He told me what you’d done. Do you want to know what he said?”
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
“McAllister told me that he’s worried about you and that he loves you. He asked me to make sure you were okay. That’s what he told me while he waited to find out if he’d be arrested.”
My head snapped up. “He’s going to be arrested?”
“What did you think was
going to happen when you said all of that? They sure weren’t going to give him a raise.”
“He can’t be in jail tonight.”
Reed was watching me closely, and I knew he saw more than I wanted him to see. “I hope he has a friend to bail him out because he doesn’t want Ellie to know about any of this.”
For a moment I considered telling Reed everything, but I knew he’d try to stop what I’d planned because it was dangerous. My little brother had always been protective of me. There was also the risk of Darryl suspecting something, and I quickly decided I’d have to do this alone.
“Cora never texted me this morning. Jase’s dad is fine.”
Glancing over at my brother, I nodded. “I’m glad.”
“You’re not surprised. That’s because you know who sent me that text. Tell me.”
“Reed, you need to go see Ellie. Don’t leave her alone.”
His gaze darkened. “You’re scaring me Isabelle.”
“I don’t mean to. I just think it’s time you worked things out with Ellie.”
“You didn’t say I needed to work things out with her. You said I shouldn’t leave her alone. If Ellie is in some kind of trouble, you need to tell me.”
I stood up, desperate to make him understand but limited on what I could tell him. “Just trust me. You need to go to her.”
He touched my arm where Darryl had grabbed me and I flinched. Glancing down, his eyes caught the faint marks on my arm. “If you’re in trouble, Isabelle, I can help you.”
“If you want to help me, go stay with Ellie. Don’t let her out of your sight and don’t tell anyone we talked.”
“Since I don’t even know what the hell we’re talking about that won’t be too hard.” He gave me a long, measured look before nodding. “Fine. I’ll go check on Ellie, but this isn’t over. I want answers Isabelle.”
I prayed that by the time I saw Reed again that this nightmare would have finally come to an end.
1:33 p.m.
I searched the name of the club where I was meeting Darryl and his partner tonight. The Wicked Heel was an upscale men’s club that seemed to cater to gentlemen with an appetite for beautiful, naked women that liked to pole dance and shake their boobs. I guess that pretty much covered the entire male species.
I clicked the virtual tour and took in the circular stage with dance floor and pole, a large gleaming bar, comfortable-looking red cushioned chairs and soft glowing fluorescent lights. It seemed to be a reputable place, as much as any strip club could be, but if Darryl was involved I was wary.
Possibilities skated through my mind—drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling. I was going to find out. If I wanted to stop Darryl, I needed information and I needed Hunter’s help. I prayed I was doing the right thing, and that Darryl’s partner wouldn’t go after Ellie if things went wrong tonight.
We couldn’t go on like this, not knowing what Darryl would do. I’d only stalled him today when I’d turned on Hunter, but not for a moment did I believe he would keep his end of the bargain if it served his interests to get rid of Ellie. He had to be stopped. Tonight.
Writing down the directions to the club, I shut down the computer and went to Reed’s room. I punched the combination to his gun safe and pulled out his little derringer. It was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand and looked like a toy but Reed said it carried five shots and could be deadly.
I’d never shot a gun before in my life, and I hoped I wouldn’t have to tonight. My hand clutched the gun and I couldn’t imagine shooting someone. Still, I would do what I had to do to protect the people I loved.
Next, I called a courier service and prayed they were as dependable as their five-star rating indicated. I also prayed that Hunter would be home tonight at nine to receive my package.
3:37 p.m.
My fingers slid across the smooth planes of the sailboat I’d carved for Hunter and intended to give him as a Christmas present. It was exquisite. I’d never created a finer piece. When I’d picked up the chunk of oak, I’d been at the beach and I knew immediately what I would carve.
I think I’d known from the start that I was making it for Hunter. He loved sailing and boats. His study was decorated with a variety of replicas of boats. In comparison to the expensive collection, my little creation was clearly outclassed, but it was made with love and I wanted him to have it.
Placing the sailboat into a box, I carefully wrapped it in plain red paper and tied it with a white bow. Then I sat down to write him a letter that I hoped he never had to read.
7:01 p.m.
I took a hot shower to soothe the tension knotting my muscles, spent extra time savoring the beat of the massaging showerhead, shaving everything, and washing and conditioning my hair. After the shower, I felt a little better. I was still scared to death and too nervous to eat, but I was determined to go through with my plan.
What did a woman wear to a gentleman’s club? Even if I’d known the answer, it would not have made much difference because the clothes I had at Reed’s house were limited. I dressed in a pair of black yoga pants with a white t-shirt with a slim fitting black leather jacket and red ballet flats.
Picking up the derringer, I slipped it inside of my jacket and hoped I wouldn’t have to pull it out. My fingers picked up the metal charm that Tom had made and I rubbed it, feeling calmer.
9:58 p.m.
I sat in my car gathering the courage to go inside. Hunter should have gotten my delivery by now. He would know what to do. I had faith in him and knew he’d figure out a way out of this mess.
Knowing I couldn’t be late, I got out of the car and walked toward the entrance. The big, bruiser of a guy at the door frowned at me. “You lost sweetheart?”
“No. This is the place. I’m meeting someone about a job.”
His dark gaze gave me a slow perusal, and he nodded. “You need to see Mr. West. Go on in, Antonio will show you the way back.”
“Thanks.” I wondered where Darryl was. My whole plan revolved around him being here.
The inside of The Wicked Heel looked just like the pictures on the internet, except that there were more people than I’d imagined, almost all of them were men. I walked confidently, trying to look as if I knew where I was going and not wanting to draw attention to myself.
“Isabelle Bentley?”
Startled to hear my name, I turned and my gaze landed on a tall man dressed in a suit. “Mr. West?”
“No. I’m Antonio, but Mr. West is expecting you. Come on,” he commanded, placing his hand on my back in a way that felt overly familiar and leading me away from the main bar area.
Several customers watched us go, and I tried to rationalize that they’d be witnesses if I turned up missing. Surely, that had to be a good thing I told myself as we circled the stage and stopped at a secluded table in the back.
A lone man sat at the table wearing an expensive-looking steel-gray suit, his hair slicked back from his face and his amber eyes watching me like a bug he was deciding whether or not to step on.
“Sit down, Miss Bentley.”
I sat.
“I assume you’re Mr. West.”
He didn’t reply. “Would you like something to drink?” he asked, and with a single lift of his brow a scantily clad waitress appeared at the table.
Sensing he was not the sort of man that you refused, I ordered a rum and coke. The waitress didn’t bother to write it down, just gazed adoringly at West. “Your usual, Mr. West?”
“Yes. Thank you, Delilah.”
Delilah sauntered away, and West leaned back in his chair in a deceptively relaxed stance.
“Tell me what you think of my club.”
“It’s fabulous. I’m sure you’re very proud.”
This seemed to amuse him. “Yes, Miss Bentley, I am indeed proud. I like all the prospective employees to see where they can one day be if they prove themselves worthy.”
“You mean I wouldn’t work here?”
He laughed. “Only my most deservi
ng people are able to end up here. First, you’ve got to prove yourself to me. Are you willing to do that?”
“Of course.”
“I like your enthusiasm, and you’re obviously beautiful. Too beautiful,” he said to himself. “You’d draw too much attention to yourself for most of my business deals.”
Delilah dropped off my rum and coke and West’s drink, which looked like Scotch on the rocks.
“What would I have to do?” I knew as soon as I’d spoken, I’d asked the wrong question.
“Does it matter?”
“No.”
“We’ll see how this goes.” He lifted his brow again, and this time Darryl appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “Take her to Fairmount and we’ll see how she does.”
Panic sliced through me, but I kept my expression stoic. My entire plan would incinerate if I left the club.
“Congratulations,” Darryl breathed against my ear. “He liked you. Half the girls we bring him never make it inside the club, and most that do are quickly shown the door.”
We stepped out into the cold December night, and my mind began to go through the details of plan B, which required me to be alone long enough to make a call with my new disposable phone.
“My car is parked out front. If you give me directions, I’ll—“
“You’ll ride with me.” He flashed an oily grin. “If you survive the night, I’ll make sure you get back to your car.”
He pressed a keyless remote, and my attention caught on a sleek black car with dark tinted windows. A tingle of awareness skated over me, and I sensed that Hunter was here. My gaze sharpened, scanning the surroundings.
Turning toward the car, I nearly sagged with relief when I caught the shadowy figure by Darryl’s car. I didn’t have to see him to know that it was Hunter. I relaxed. That mistake proved costly.
Darryl’s head jerked toward Hunter, he grabbed me and pressed the cold barrel of a gun to my temple. “Show yourself! And keep your hands where I can see them.”
His grip around my neck tightened, and I winced.
Hunter stepped out of the shadows, walking slowly with his hands in front of him, palms up. I couldn’t help admire the confident way he moved, with ease, as if the situation was only a minor inconvenience, and he was sure that he’d fix it.
Heaven With You Page 23