by Lara Earlman
As they shared conspiratorially amused glances, the years flashed back to when they were children. They had been forced to attend innumerable mini-sized functions similar to this one when their parents had hosted parties for their wealthy colleagues. The children had been raised with impeccable manners and taught to stand quietly away from the adult interaction – in uncomfortable formal attire, as if they were accustomed to wearing it every day. And, it bears reiteration – quietly. So, of course they’d learned to communicate without verbalization.
Lexi felt – happy, content in the fact that she was with family. She belonged with these people. Her eyes conveyed her gratitude to them, and they reciprocated with their own feelings of rightness. Apparently they all basked in the reunification of their childhood bond. As one, they returned their attention to the sixth member of their exclusive club who was currently discussing the move of Brighton Industries’ headquarters to the US. His European associates questioned him about the status of his overseas offices, which Dane assured them would remain business as usual.
“The only real changes are in my personal preferences to live closer to my family and colleagues,” Dane revealed, as he turned his gaze to their group. And with that opening, he announced their decision to incorporate the businesses. The room erupted in applause while Lexi and the Carstens joined him at the podium, presenting a united front.
“Ms Alberton,” a gentleman called up from the crowd, “with Al-Tech in such a precarious position, what do you hope to bring to the table?” Several others objected to the man’s discourteous question, and a murmur of uneasy conversation began drifting through the room. Lexi stepped up to the microphone.
“Ah, Sergii,” a mischievous glint in her eye matched the tone in her voice, “I can always count on you to keep me on my toes, sir.” The room quieted as all ears tuned to her response. “It is commonly known that Al-Tech holds the patent on many fine innovations that are still in great demand today. We are putting my father’s time honored business ethics back into practice and are seeing progress. There is a project in the works… Well, I will go so far as to say that very soon Al-Tech will astonish even a skeptic like you, when we unveil my mother’s last masterpiece. Patience will reward you an answer.”
As Lexi pulled away from the podium, the atmosphere in the hall effervesced with anticipation. She turned anxious eyes to her friends. Had she overstepped? Maybe it was too soon to hint about the robotic eyes. Greig had taken over the project, recruiting Dill, and a lab technician he knew from Carsten Enterprises, to aid him. As if Mother knew it would be necessary, her instructions were simple, detailed, and precise. Or perhaps she needed to insure that, with her untrustworthy mind, she had covered each aspect completely. The work was being accomplished in the house laboratory, having all agreed that it would be more secure. To her relief, she received nods of assurance from her chums.
»ɞ»ɞ«ɞ«
Dane put his arm around Lexi’s waist and guided her toward the beverage table. Ordering two glasses of sparkling water with a squeeze of lime, he handed one to her and downed half of the other, before leaning in to encourage her.
“You were stunning up there,” he praised, and he was being honest. She always did have her father’s knack for decorum when it came to these functions. The little firecracker he knew as a child would have blasted the guy between the eyes before he had time to bat one of them. But, she grew up to learn the time and the place to release her temper for such confrontation. Dane’s heart surged with pride. “Talk about grace under fire.”
“Thank you, I’ve never cared for being in the spotlight,” she shared, bringing the glass to her lips with a shaky hand. Fani and Greig Carsten drew up beside her. Fani squeezed her in a hug.
“You were great,” she enthused.
“You don’t think I said too much?” Lexi asked Greig.
Greig shook his head. “You were almost forced to say something encouraging. I would have been tempted to do the same thing, although I’m not sure about the ‘very soon’ part.”
“Oh, I know – I’m sorry.” She gave him a hug.
Dane’s attention was drawn away by a tap on his shoulder.
“You were very magnetic up there,” cooed a tall buxom blonde. He’d noticed her open interest in him earlier, and hoped that their eye contact hadn’t encouraged her. Guess his hopes had failed. “I was wondering if you would be interested in finding out if our electrons align,” she suggested, moving in to give him a closer view of her showcased bosom. The old Dane might have taken her up on the offer, corny as it was, but just the thought of it, now made him feel dirty.
“Thank you. I… I’m…” he stammered as a set of pale blue eyes, darkening in disgust, lit on him. “I’m with someone,” he finally poured out.
“Oh,” she said, “I thought these were your friends. Well, perhaps we will meet again – when you’re free,” she added with a wink. She turned to walk away, her hips swaying seductively. “Leena,” she threw over her shoulder, “My name is Leena.”
Dane jerked his head back to his companions, smirking when he saw the Droid with his mouth hanging open as he watched the woman walk away. But, then the smirk quickly disappeared when Lexi’s eyes lasered into him. What? His eyebrows rose in innocence. Hers came down in warning. He hastily looked to his friends for backup – right, they’d vanished fast enough.
“I see you are still trying to tame your recent acquisition,” a highly accented, yet familiar voice, crowed. Dane’s neck cricked, as he yanked his eyes from Lexi to Prince Ahmad, twisting his head back to Lexi – and finally returning it to Ahmad, who was chortling wickedly. “It was the best transaction I’ve ever made, although my father may not agree. He still fumes. Take my word; you will never beat her into obedience. Write it off as a loss – she is better off dead, that one.”
Dane could feel her stiffening beside him. Shit! It wasn’t going to be easy to smooth this one over with her. He wanted to punch that superior sneer off of the arrogant little jerks face, but upon remembering where he was, he instead decided to set the dimwitted twit straight.
“First let me make one thing clear,” he spoke low and stern, “Ms Alberton paid for her own freedom. I was merely the front man. Secondly, she is not a piece of merchandise. Although very beautiful to look at, she is an intelligent, highly productive member of the human race. I will go on to say that I can understand the sheikh’s frustration, having such a bullheaded son, so allow me to aid in your education, Prince. The most precious jewel is the one that starts out perfect. A wise man knows that to try and change it would mean its ultimate destruction.” Dane paused to allow his words to sink in, before turning away in dismissal. “Oh, and no charge to your daddy.”
Turning back to Lexi, he found she’d disappeared from his side.
»ɞ»ɞ«ɞ«
The crisp night air beckoned. Lexi’s face was flushed with anger, humiliation, and disbelief. He had purchased her like a piece of livestock! Again! Well, maybe she was an ass for believing him when he gave assurance that he held no more secrets from her. Still, she did not have to stand there and listen to them haggling about her assets and faults. She slithered away before Dane could open his mouth.
Leaning against the railing of the outside portico, Lexi strained to fight back tears of self-pity. Instead, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. She was strong, invincible – woman! At least that was how the song went. She didn’t need a protector, didn’t need a caretaker or an owner! She didn’t need Dane, or so she tried to convince her heart. Again she performed the breathing technique, this time trying to blow out her love, affection, and longing for the man.
“I recognize that maneuver,” a voice, floating from a dark corner on her left, shared. Gretchen stepped into the dim light. “Been there, my friend.”
“Sorry, I don’t wish to imply that you’re lying,” Lexi said, as her friend joined her at the balustrade, “but, I find it hard to believe that you would ever allow a man to play you for
a fool.”
Gretchen gave out a laugh. It echoed bitterness. “How else do you think I acquired this thick crust?” She tapped on her chest. “Hell, I’m even famous throughout the industry for it! Only, their word for it is bitch.” Neither girl laughed at that.
“Is that why you’re hiding out here?” Lexi asked.
“Deep breathing is more effective outdoors,” she answered, blithely. “But, being called a bitch? No, that doesn’t bother me. Hiding? Maybe. There are some men who still consider me to be a challenge. A sought after trophy to be hung on their wall. Their persistence tires me out, makes me want to…”
“Hide?”
“Well, I was going to say drink,” Gretchen laughed, “but, yeah that too.” She gave Lexi a friendly nudge. “Wanna get out of here?” she asked.
“I would love to!”
»ɞ»ɞ«ɞ«
Droid swung up beside Dane. “I just got a text from Gretch,” he shared. “She and Lexi split, and since she was my ride, do you mind if I bum a lift off you?”
“Smooth,” Dane mimicked American slang. He had been looking for Lexi, knowing that she was annoyed with him, just not sure how much. Greig answered that mystery, plus offered friendly support with his request for transportation. Surely Stefan or Fani could have obliged him with a ride – or hell, even a cab. “Of course,” he answered. “You coming back to the house, or do you need to go home?” Translation: I wouldn’t mind if you stuck around awhile.
“Your place would be good,” Greig agreed, “that way I could get an early start on Al-Tech’s promised unveiling.” He rolled his eyes witheringly. Dane gave his arm a friendly pat.
“Ready when you are,” he said.
Dane pulled his Mercedes into the garage next to the empty slot where Lexi’s powder-blue corvette normally housed. Shit, she’s already been home and left again! He shared a look with Droid – this did not bode well.
“Go on ahead, I can manage on my own,” Greig said.
Dane took the small flight of stairs two at a time. His chest contracted with panic. Just when things were perfect between he and Pips… Edith met him in the foyer, with an envelope in her outstretched hand, sympathy and worry showed on her face.
“She packed a bag and said she’d send for the rest,” she told him as he grabbed for the envelope. He knew the motherly housekeeper, desperate for answers, was waiting for him to speak. He saw the anxious tears in her eyes. Still, he had no comfort to give her, no explanation – even if he could actually form the words.
Denial had him running up the stairs to their second floor bedroom, before dealing with the envelope. I don’t understand. I did what I had to. Did she expect me to leave her in the desert to die? I don’t understand. The closet door was open, the bedding wrinkled. He collapsed into the cushioned chair near the door, staring down at the unopened envelope in his hands, tears blurred the writing. I did what I could, I love her, doesn’t she understand? Pain attacked him from the inside out. A gentle hand grasped his shoulder.
“Give her some time, jungen,” Oma said. “Alexiah will retreat within herself, when she is hurt. She knows no other way.”
Dane felt his pain turn to anger. Why am I always cast as the bad guy? Everything I’ve done has been for her. I even moved my headquarters and Oma here – for her! She is a spoiled, unappreciative brat! He stood up and grabbed his suitcase from the closet.
“Go back to bed, Oma,” he said, throwing clothes into the bag. “I have business to attend to in London. I’ll call you.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw his grandmother shaking her head sadly before retreating. Unconcerned, he finished packing. Walking to the door, he turned for one last look. Throwing the still unopened envelope onto the bed, he pivoted on his heels and exited the room.
Dane passed Greig on his way back to the garage. “Make yourself at home, buddy. She’s gone and I’m out of here!” He didn’t wait for an answer. Bringing his mobile to his ear, he spoke, “I want the plane prepped and ready for an overseas flight – yes, that’s right, Heathrow.” After confirmation that his private jet would be waiting for him, Dane threw his suitcase in the boot and climbed into the Mercedes.
Dane’s anger began to dissipate during the drive to the airport. He remembered Lexi’s disappointed comment, “Disappear into the night as you always do,” as well as her plea, “Daney, please don’t ever leave me again.” She left me this time, he reminded himself. “She knows no other way.” Her parents kept her isolated and then left her alone when they died. And then, she is bound to have erratic behavior after what she’d been through. The doctor in Frankfurt had warned him that victims of human trafficking often develop psychological effects including personality and dissociative disorders, suicidal tendencies, and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Running into Prince Ahmad had to have triggered a reaction – hell, the asshole had pretty much left her for dead!
He parked the car and strolled toward the private terminal. It was a beautiful night and he watched the planes take off, enjoying a gentle breeze from the Potomac. Pulling out his phone, he tapped Greig’s number.
“Cooled off, yet?”
“Is that how you always answer the phone, Droid?”
“Okay… Hello English, have you cooled off, yet?”
“It seems so,” Dane admitted. “Have you heard anything about where she is? Is Pips staying with one of your sisters?”
“No, she’s not with either one and she’s not answering our calls. We’ve been talking and Gretch thinks Lex probably got a hotel room for the night. She seemed to need some time alone and has likely turned off her phone. What about you – you alright?”
“I’m at the airport, planned to check on the London office.”
“I may be out of line here, but are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean, it didn’t seem too smooth the last time you tried that.”
Dane chuckled, remembering the chewing out Brenda Gale had given him the last visit he’d surprised her with. “You’re probably right about that,” he attested. He noticed a large man hurrying toward him, maybe someone from the crew wanting an update on his flight plans. “Look, someone’s coming for me, I’ll call you later,” he said, quickly ending the call.
As the figure drew close, Dane was hit by surprise when he recognized him.
“Have you got a plane?” the fellow asked, bypassing greetings. Still stunned, Dane nodded affirmative.
“Excellent, I’m in need your help, sir,” Dice Fuller announced.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Dane was still shocked into silence as he witnessed Dice ushering a half dozen bedraggled young girls onto Brighton Industries Citation X. They looked frightened, holding onto one another with one hand and clasping a blanket around themselves with the other. Another man, dressed in black, assisted a final girl in – actually carrying her the remaining few meters. Settling her into a chair, he looked up and nodded. Dice had already secured the door, turned, signaled for Dane to follow, and then entered the cockpit.
By the time Dane sat and attached the seatbelt, the large man was piloting the jet down the runway. He kept his questions to himself. Dice had promised to explain, and he trusted the man to keep his word.
Finally able to divide his attention, Dice turned to Dane.
“The plane we flew in was sabotaged,” he explained. “Your timely presence and cooperation has saved those girls’ lives. Perhaps not from immediate death, but most definitely from a brutal life of sexual slavery. My team intercepted a human trafficking exchange in New York, but once in the air our plane experienced engine problems. I have a contact here, so we detoured to this airport where he brought us in safely. The ground crew says that the engine will need a complete overhaul. We’ve got to get these girls out of the country quickly, in order to make our connection with the team who has arranged to take them back to their homes in the Republic of Moldova.”
“Wow,” Dane was wrapping his brain around the sudden challenge to his emotional state. “My flight plans are for
Heathrow…”
“We have notified our contacts of the change,” the big guy said. “They will be ready to meet us there.”
Dane sat quietly, allowing the information to soak in. It was more words then he’d ever heard coming out of Dice and noticed for the first time that the big guy’s voice held a slight southern drawl. He had no problem with helping those poor girls, actually they were still children. It sickened him to hear what had been in store for them, and he was honored to play a small part in bringing them back home to their families. He called Greig to update him on his status.
“Well, I sure didn’t see that turn of events coming,” his friend acknowledged. “So, the big guy has recruited you for the NRF, eh?”
“The what?”
“The NRF, Noble Retrieval Force,” Greig clarified. “Dice likes to keep it under the radar, if you know what I mean, but it’s an international team dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking. I’ve been part of it since we met in Germany. He’s got some powerful people on the team, including royalty.”
“Hence, the ‘noble’ part of the title,” Dane assumed, noticing that he’d caught Dice’s attention.
“Well, no. We believe that all humans have a right to be treated nobly and that no one has the right to force another into subjugation.” Greig’s tone enforced his strong conviction.
“You’re a good man, my friend,” Dane said.
“As are you, welcome to the team!”