by Carter Blake
I’m sorting through my things, packing a bag with everything I need to rescue the girls. I just need these last few supplies from him, and hopefully, some more bodies on the ground.
“I appreciate your concern, Mahdi, but that isn’t really an option. These girls are in real lethal danger. They need help.”
“And you will be in real lethal danger too if you put yourself in their situation. I have men on the ground monitoring the ring. This is ugly business for everyone. We all want to stop it. We’ll intervene where we can. You should go home. I can keep you posted on your story.”
Clearly, this guy doesn’t know the first thing about me. I’m going to rescue those girls, lethal danger or not.
“Mahdi. I hear you. You’re sweet, but I’m not some delicate flower. Look up my resume. I think I can handle some traffickers.”
“This isn’t about your prowess, my dear. Tartarus is no joke. I say this with all the love and respect in the world. I’m the best there is at what I do, and I will not go near them without careful planning and many, many men.”
“Well, we’re very different people, aren’t we? Mahdi, I’ve heard your concern, and I’ve noted it. I won’t go rushing in blind, but I will go walking in armed and ready tomorrow, as soon as you can sell me some supplies. Now, do you want to hear the list of things I need?” I say, placing my taser and handgun next to each other with one hand as the other picks through some of the fake IDs Janus forgot to take in his angry rush.
Mahdi sighs and makes out a low, worried noise.
“Okay, que sera, sera. You’re just as mad as you are beautiful and intelligent. Tell me what you need.”
I run through my mental checklist and begin to list items: small recording devices, top-up canisters for my mace, and remote listening technology.
We agree on a meeting point. After some pushing, I convince Mahdi to accede to first thing in the morning.
I can feel a familiar surge of adrenaline running through my body now.
God, I love this feeling. Taking the situation into my own hands, setting a limit and pushing past it…I wouldn’t give this up for anything.
Even Janus.
The regret twinges, but it is tempered with determination now.
Outside, the storm is wild and apocalyptic. If I was a superstitious woman, I’d see this as a bad omen.
But I control my own fate.
Chapter 34
Janus
After the steamy session Dani and I had last time I was here, it’s very strange to be on the plane without her right now.
Images of her are flashing through my mind.
The cheeky little smile. Those perfect breasts. Those little round nipples.
Stop, Janus.
Luckily, my escapades last night have given me a full-blown hangover. It’s hard to take a trip down memory lane with a throbbing skull. I eye the part of the cabin where we had our sex romp with suspicion.
I sit as far away as possible.
It’s immature, but so is running out of the building heartbroken, mid-argument, and then getting drunk. I have hazy memories of a second bar, and a third. And texting with Leviathan about evils of women.
Jesus, how drunk was I?
Dani’s effect on me clearly got way out of hand. Good thing I’m leaving the scene.
Private jet aside, Eagle still has to wait for our turn to take off.
Meanwhile, I’m stuck sitting on the tarmac with a blasted heart and brain. And a hankering to get out of here.
I call Griff to double check all the details.
“How’s the head this morning?”
“It’s fine, Griff. You know me. I’m impermeable.”
“Really? Do you not remember Oslo, Mexico City, or Sydney?”
My head throbs angrily at me as I remember the events in question that Griff is mentioning. They were profitable jobs, but my head hated me after each one.
“And then there were the texts I got at two in the morning as well. Where are—”
“Griff, I’m embarrassed enough as is. Let’s not rub salt in the wound, mate.”
Griff laughs heartily—he’s definitely not going to drop this anytime soon.
“I love this. You’re always so professional and removed, but it’s nice to see you’re human like the rest of us. Hell, if we need Dani to come around every few years to remind us that you’re a person, maybe that’s a good thing.”
“My dignity seems like a high price to pay.”
“Well, sometimes that comes with the territory.”
My embarrassment is waning a little. I even find myself laughing.
“Wait, did you just say this was a good thing? I leave a job halfway through, embarrass myself to everyone in the Brotherhood, and leave some woman in the Middle East alone to get herself killed, and it’s somehow a good thing.”
“Well I’m getting your help on this job in Tokyo, after all. That’s a win for me, so yes. It’s good. Besides, Dani is a big girl and she can take care of herself. She did it in South Sudan, and Istanbul is much more civilized. ”
“That’s actually what I’m calling you about. I’m waiting to take off. I want to check my documents with you. I’m coming into the country under a new identity this time. The last one we used is too traceable now.”
We talk details, and Griff gives me a list of the new documents he’ll need for himself, Kali, and I.
The people we’re stealing from are some of the richest people in all of Asia. And they’re also the people who had some rather shady dealings with Kali’s father prior to his arrest. Relieving our targets of their possessions—which will likely net me a cool five million—will be a true joy.
Anyone who dealt with Kalista’s father in under the table deals are dirty and don’t deserve half of what they own. I like to think I’m doing my own part for the greater good here.
I like to think I’m doing my own part for the greater good here. “Alright Griff. This is gonna be fun. I can feel it.”
“Me, too. It’ll be good to have you. And remember, I’m your guy.”
“Shut up, Griff,” I groan as he brings up the texts I so desperately want to forget.
“Never. I’m never going to let you forget this.”
I hang up thoughtfully. I honestly can’t stop myself from thinking about Dani and worrying about her safety.
Yes, Istanbul is more civilized than South Sudan. But that doesn’t make it safer. I’m sure Mahdi will keep an eye on her, and hopefully keep her out of trouble—he’s good like that.
Yet I still can’t help but worry.
It’s always been a good tactic of mine—stay close, don’t get distracted, and do the job.
I find my eyes shifting unconsciously to the section of the plane that I’ve been avoiding since I got on. I have to admit, it felt good to sleep with someone who I felt such a strong connection with, fake or not.
It felt very good. But evidently, it was one sided.
Jesus, why is it taking so long for this plane to take off?
I tap on the seat in my irritation.
Then, I start idly scanning the newspaper for something to distract myself. The front page reads, Human Trafficking Ring in Greece Exposed.
God, is there anything in this plane that isn’t trying to remind me of Dani?
I shouldn’t—I know I shouldn’t—but I read on anyway.
“New York Times investigative journalist Danielle Robinson has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Greece. Thanks to information provided by Robinson, dozens of high ranking Greek officials have been exposed as members of the trafficking ring and facilitating its operations in Athens. Authorities used the information to find and free hundreds of men, women, and children. Experts believe that the operation may be much greater, perhaps including thousands of women. We were unable to reach Danielle Robinson, the one who broke the story, for a comment.”
Why was she unable to be reached for comment?
I know she’s keeping a low profile o
n the ground here, but she is ridiculously connected to the media. Always answering emails immediately, always contacting this colleague for this and that colleague for that.
Has she gotten herself killed?
Already?
My heart plummets in a way I didn’t realize it could.
Even if she is a heartless bitch, there is no denying in this moment that I am hopelessly in love with Danielle Robinson.
God, I don’t care if she’s using me. I can’t let her die.
Fuck it.
I get up from my seat and move up to the cockpit.
“What’s up, Jackal?” He asks cheerfully as he looks up at me.
“Change of plans, Eagle. We’re not going anywhere.”
Chapter 35
Danielle
I meet Mahdi first thing in the morning. We agree that a crowded bazaar in the heart of town is the best place.
I come completely prepared for my mission—outfit and all.
I’m wearing pearl earrings and a necklace, which would make me look like a buyer of humans.
Tailored pantsuit—smart and formal, but I can run in it. I already tested this out last night.
A silk blouse for effect—I need to look heartless, but not tasteless.
It takes me a while to find Mahdi. He’s sitting among the old men, playing chess. His warm face is pinched and worried.
He holds me by my shoulders and looks at me in the eye for few seconds before going in for the more traditional cheek kiss.
“Darling, I’m here to tell you not to do this.”
I just smile at him.
“Dani, I have your supplies. But I think you need to reconsider this and leave the country before it’s too late.”
I am immovable. I have a plan firmly in place. We both know this.
“I’m sorry Mahdi, I can’t do that.”
“Do you even understand how dangerous this is?”
For the millionth time in the last two days, my mind goes back to those girls crammed into that warehouse. My stomach churns, and my rage spikes.
I like my rage. It gets me to places that common sense can’t.
“Believe me, Mahdi. I’ve seen how dangerous this is.”
“Then why risk it? Ma cherie, go to loft. Call Janus. You need him by your side to do something this foolhardy. And it’s obvious that you need each other in more ways than one.”
You’re wrong, Mahdi. I don’t need him at all.
“Janus made his choice. I’ve made mine. Thank you for everything, Mahdi. But I am doing this,” my tone is kind, but very firm.
“Danielle, this is insane.”
“I understand.”
“It will most likely result in you getting yourself killed.”
“I understand. Thank you. The supplies.”
“Is there anything I can say to convince you otherwise?”
“No.”
“Janus is like a son to me, but he can be a little hot-headed when he feels vulnerable. Give him another—”
“This has nothing to do with Janus. The supplies, please.”
Mahdi’s face is bereft. I relent a little.
“Please, Mahdi.”
Mahdi gingerly passes over his briefcase.
I look inside. It’s small, but it contains everything I’ve asked for.
“It’s free. I’m sending you to your death; I’m not going to charge you as well.”
I’m moved—almost to the point that my eyes are beginning to water. But my resolve is not.
I hug him.
“Is it your love of opera that makes you so dramatic?”
He doesn’t laugh; he just sighs.
“I just hope I’m wrong,” he says, shaking his head, as I flash him one last smile before heading out into the streets.
Luckily for me, Janus did leave the car, and I spent a fair portion of last night poring over a map, memorizing the area around the warehouse where the women are kept.
It only takes me about half an hour to drive there, and I park right outside this time. I’ve called ahead. They know I’m coming.
They just think I’m here to buy from them—to feed their business. They don’t know I’m here to end their business.
I do a routine check. A quick look in the mirror confirms that my hair and makeup are perfect. I’m unrecognizable.
My fake passport is in my jacket pocket. The cameras and recording devices hidden in my clothes are charged and on.
I have mace, a gun, and a taser, all strapped to various parts of my body. I have a briefcase full of counterfeit notes.
For a moment, I wish that Janus was here at my side, but it’s a moment that quickly passes.
I step out of the car, lock it, and take one long look at the street outside.
I’ve chartered two buses from another one of Mahdi’s guys that should be arriving any minute. They’re enough to fit all of the women and girls.
This should work.
I take a deep breath, and step inside.
This time, I am greeted by some slimy little creep who believes I’m a rich slave owner.
“Welcome, ma’am. Name?”
“Wallace. Mrs. Abigail Wallace,” I don’t skip a beat.
He smiles a toothy smile like the little piranha he is. “Mrs. Wallace, of course. We’re just preparing the product for you. Can I offer you some tea while you wait? “He smiles a toothy smile like the little piranha he is.
The product? He just referred to actual human people ‘as the product’?
I am done waiting. I put on my most impatient, rich, and heartless voice.
“I’m sorry, but I simply don’t have the time to wait.”
I sweep right past him, through the entrance, and to the factory floor. If anything, the scene that greets me is worse than yesterday’s.
Someone is going to pay for this.
The scents of blood and urine from before are replaced by the artificial scents of flowers and the ocean.
I snap at the groveling little man, who’s rushing in after me. I’m so angry, I need to take it out on someone.
“I called hours ago to say I wanted to buy these women and girls. You’ve had hours. Why are they in such poor condition?”
“Ma’am, we’ve—”
“What is your name?” I snap.
“Hamza, ma’am, and if you accept my apologies, we’ve—”
“Oh, your apologies are not accepted. Your bosses will be hearing about this, mark my words.”
I walk around a little, for the look of the thing. I’ve put green contacts in, and am wearing a prosthetic nose, so that none of the captives will recognize me.
But truth be told, I’m still a tiny bit shaken every time one of them looks my way. Luckily, most of them are too broken to look me in the eye.
My rage deepens and boils with every scar I see—every bloodshot eye, every frightened face.
My fingers twitch for my gun.
Cool it, Dani.
I can hear my buses pulling up. Good.
“Alright,” I turn to sniveling Hamza. “They’re in bad condition, but I’ll take them. Tell them to get on the buses outside.”
“Thank you ma’am, but we require the money first.”
I show him an exaggerated sigh, and then open the briefcase to reveal millions of American dollar bills that he is hopefully too dumb to tell are completely fake.
He takes a note.
Don’t hold your breath, Dani. You are a heartless billionaire businesswoman, remember that.
He holds it up to the light, crinkles it in his fingers. He even sniffs it. Then he nods slowly.
He yells something in Turkish. My grasp of the language is limited, but I understand that his words are threatening. To whom, though?
The sound of people moving behind me tells me that it was the captives he was talking to, and they move toward the bus.
My body is coursing with adrenaline now. I have reached a whole new stage of anger.
Once I’ve gotten
these women and children safely out of Turkey, I am going to come for you, Hamza.
I’m apocalyptically angry. But I’m also exhilarated that the plan seems to be working.
The women and girls walk dejectedly past me, filing out in single file, with armed men all around them. I notice some are silently crying.
I wait in the warehouse for them all to leave. I want to make sure that no one gets left behind. It seems to take an eternity for the warehouse to be empty.
By the time the last little girl finally limps out, I am completely jumped up on adrenaline.
I follow them outside.
The buses are almost full. It’s a pity I can’t ride in both at once. I don’t want to let any of these women out of my sight until we are at the UN. Headquarters.
If only Janus hadn’t rushed off, I could have him on one bus and be on another.
“Why is this taking so long? Get them onto the buses faster. I haven’t got all day,” I channel my anger at Hamza.
Finally, the two buses are full of terrified people—terrified, and eerily silent.
I climb into the first bus, my kitten heels clicking against the steps.
I’m turning to the driver to confirm our destination, when I feel the cold metal feeling of a gun being pressed against my temple.
“Don’t make any sudden move, Miss Robinson,” Hamza’s voice says. “We’ve been tracking you for a while.”
Chapter 36
Janus
I don’t need to say much more to Eagle, he understands things instantly.
The jet hasn’t even come to a complete stop when I’m running down the steps and onto the pavement.
He knows he has to stay put for the time being, and be ready to go, just in case the worst has happened.
I run through the airport as fast as I can, jumping in between people and jumping over luggage trolleys that are in the way.
I hail the nearest taxi available, tell him where I want to go, and hand him about a thousand dollars in cash for him to step on the gas pedal.
The sooner I can get to the loft, the better.
Hopefully, I’m in time to stop Dani from doing something foolish on her own, and—more importantly—tell her that I love her.
I have a lot to apologize for.
I’ve been an idiot, and it wasn’t fair to her.