by Vella Day
Even if Statler denied her request, the women would enjoy a shower. Needing someone to stand guard, she went in search of Skip, but he wasn’t in the warehouse any longer. Near the front entrance, she ran into Connolly who was stomping around like a bee who’d been swatted at a few times.
“I need some help,” she said in a calm tone so as not to piss him off any more.
As if she’d offered the bee some honey, the crease between his brows softened. “What can I do for you?”
She explained about how she wanted to bathe the women before the buyer’s assistant arrived. “None of them seem strong enough to fight me, but I don’t want one to get away after I release her from her bonds.”
“I’ll be happy to stand watch. If I’m called away, I’ll tell Riley to help you. I just sent Skip outside to check on something or I’d ask him.”
“Is Russ gone?”
“Yes, he’s left for the day.” His lips firmed. “I’m sorry about what happened. Just so you know, I fired his ass for the stunt he pulled, but he managed to convince Statler to have his job reinstated. My hands are tied.”
“I appreciate that you tried. I’ll be more careful next time.” She never expected Connolly to even care. She’d never met a Statler hire that did.
Connolly nodded.
“I need to get some supplies in the closet, but then I’ll be right back.”
After she located the antibiotics, along with shampoo and some spare bars of soap she’d insisted on taking when they left the clinic, she headed back toward the women. To her delight, Connolly had located a chair and had stationed himself in the hall between the two rooms.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
He nodded then returned to staring straight ahead. While she believed the women would appreciate the shower, for many of them, it would be a struggle. For Nancy, it was not even possible.
It was close to eleven a.m. by the time all but one of the women were clean. Their hospital gowns were soiled and needed to be tossed, but she didn’t have any spares for them to change into.
After jotting down their clothing sizes, she headed into the hallway to find Riley to see if he’d received permission for her purchases.
“Have you seen Riley?” she asked Connolly.
“He’s checking the perimeter with Skip. Are the girls okay?”
“Okay would be a stretch. I asked Riley to find out if I can buy the women some clothes and makeup for their inspection meeting.”
“I imagine Statler would give you the okay. Selling these women is his goal.”
Sick bastard. “I know.”
From the small break room, she grabbed her purse and headed out. Even if Statler wouldn’t pay for it, a tube of lipstick and some blush could go a long way to make a woman feel good again. Glancing around outside, she spotted Riley and Skip chatting. While he didn’t turn around, the straightening of his shoulders, coupled with his excellent sense of smell, convinced her he was aware she was there. When he finished chatting, she’d speak with him. Not wanting to intrude, she waited by her car.
A minute later, Skip nodded and moved away. Riley had to acknowledge her or look like a total jerk. He turned and came toward her.
“Statler gave the okay, though it took some convincing,” he said not sounding happy.
“I don’t understand why Statler balked. The better they look, the higher the price he can command.”
Riley winced. “Are you sure fixing them up is the best move?”
“Statler will have my head if I don’t deliver the girls in the best condition possible. I need him to believe I will always follow his instructions.”
Riley looked away then back at her. “You’re right. We probably stand a better chance of saving them if they’re in the buyer’s hands anyway.”
Glad not to have to defend her position, she slid into the driver’s side.
Riley rushed to the passenger side door and hopped in. “I’m coming with you.”
A laugh bubbled up. “Really? I don’t see you as someone interested in women’s fashion.”
“I’m not, but I overheard Russ and Amy arguing right before they left.”
Acid dripped in her stomach. “What did they say?”
Chapter Thirteen
Riley was a confused mess. He wanted Sarah so badly he could taste it. The scent of her skin had permeated his brain, and he had to fight the beast within every minute of the day not to mate with her. Being near her and not touching her was pure torture, but he was well aware that the devastation to his heart when she left would either destroy him or throw him off his game so much, he’d die in battle.
He had to stay focused to see this job through to the end, and that meant keeping his distance. While the women he’d dated hadn’t been his mates, they’d all walked away, claiming they didn’t like how he put his job first. Well, hell. It wasn’t something he could change.
Sarah started the car. “So what were Amy and Russ fighting about, as if I can’t guess?”
Keeping the discussion from her wouldn’t be fair. “Russ said you came onto him.”
Her brows pinched. “He’s such a dick. Just so you know, Amy threatened me before she left, telling me to keep my hands off him.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. She left before I could think of a good comeback. Alienating her any more wouldn’t be smart.”
“I agree.”
They drove in silence for the next few minutes as she headed into town, his mind racing. On the outskirts of Lippett Falls a rather old and small department store appeared. “You think they’ll have what you want?”
“I hope so. The clothes don’t need to be fancy. If they were, it might tip off the buyer that we’re trying to cover up defective merchandise.”
“Smart.” Riley inhaled, unable to hold back his concern any more. “I don’t want you staying at your duplex anymore.”
She tightened her fists on the wheel. “You in charge of me now? Last I heard, you’d given up that right to Jay when you walked out of my bedroom after making me a very happy woman.”
Her words were like swords slicing through his gut. Fuck. He stabbed a hand through his hair. “It’s not safe there.”
She glanced over at him. He’d expected her to be angry, but she seemed more fed up than anything. “That may be, but you asking if I’m willing to stay someplace else instead of demanding it would have gone a long way to me agreeing. I’m a believer in equality in a relationship.”
“You see? I suck at saying the right thing. How about you stay at the motel with Jay and I’ll find someplace else to crash?”
She glanced at him. “Really? That’s your solution? I know you had a rough childhood and for that I’m sorry, but I had no idea your self-esteem was so low when it came to women.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my self-esteem. So what do you say to moving?”
She pulled into a parking spot, cut the engine, and faced him. “I’ll move in on one condition.”
He could adapt. “What?”
“All three of us stay in the motel room. Together.”
He’d met stubborn women before, but Sarah was the most strong-willed of them all. It made sense, though, since she was an FBI operative.
“Deal.”
The moment that word left his mouth, he realized he might be subjecting himself to sleepless nights and emotional torture.
* * *
Fearing Nancy might need care, Sarah couldn’t afford to spend too much time shopping, but knowing that Riley was fighting to keep his distance ignited the devil in her. Teasing him would be fun. Always having to be on alert had made her grow restless, and letting down her guard for a few minutes would help.
“You ever consider leaving the Bureau?” she asked as she slipped out of the car.
“Not really.” Riley waited for her to come toward him then placed a hand on her back as he led her to the store, his gaze constantly searching the area.
“Why not?”
<
br /> He glanced down at her. “What would I do? The Bureau is all I know. They’re like family to me.”
Her heart hurt for him. “You could work for the Pack.”
“The General hasn’t asked me.”
The man had a way of answering without addressing the question directly. “If you were asked, would you do it?”
He held open the door to the store. “Why do you ask? Are you thinking of joining the General’s team?”
She huffed out a laugh. “If case you forgot, I’m human,” she whispered.
“Mackenzie is only half werewolf. I bet the General would love to have a human operative. You could go places his men might not be allowed.”
She hadn’t thought of it that way. “Like the Trojan Horse?”
He smiled and her stupid body reacted. “Exactly.”
Discussing shifters and operatives was not a good idea in a store situated near Statler’s warehouse. No telling where he had ears.
“Where to?” Riley asked.
“How about grabbing us a cart?” He located one and returned, looking deliciously domestic but a bit uncomfortable. “If you want to sit in the car, I can do this myself.”
His eyes widened as if he couldn’t believe she’d read his mind. “I’m good.” It came out forced. Poor Riley.
When she ran a hand down his arm, he stiffened then groaned as if her touch altered something inside him. This little shopping spree was going to be a delicious diversion.
Sarah led him to the women’s department where she gathered several flowing skirts, with the tag that said One Size Fits All. Too many of the women were emaciated, and the fullness of the material would hide some of their thinness. She then stocked up on tops, camisoles to act as bras, and sweaters as the women often complained of being cold. “Now for lingerie.”
Riley cleared his throat and glanced off to the side. “I think I’ll check out the men’s department. I could use some things.”
Really? “Sure.” Sarah worked hard not to smile.
“I’ll pay for all of this and Statler will reimburse me,” he said.
That worked for her. “I won’t be long.”
She picked up some socks for when the women weren’t being paraded in front of the buyer and then tossed in underwear. Since she was moving in with the men, it wouldn’t hurt to add a few pairs of sexy panties for herself. She had planned on holding them up for Riley to judge, but from the way his scruff had thickened and his eyes had lightened, he was fighting not to shift. Hopefully, his change wasn’t anger-driven but rather one of a sexual nature. She felt sorry for him. He had no idea how much she would enjoy tormenting the poor man.
* * *
As soon as Sarah and Riley entered the warehouse with their purchases, Connolly met them, his face strained. “The buyer just called and said his assistant will be here in two hours.”
A band tightened around her chest. “That’s not enough time to get the women ready.”
“You’ll have to do your best. I’d help, but I don’t think—”
She didn’t need him touching them. “That’s okay. All I ask is that you stand guard to make sure they don’t get the drop on me.”
“Can do.”
She nodded to Riley who was standing there holding most of the items. “If you’ll set the packages inside the door, I’ll get started.
He followed her in. “Call if you need me.”
As if his comment had been difficult for him to say, he turned around and left. She didn’t have time to figure out what that was about. The man could go from charming to demanding to distant in a heartbeat. Didn’t he understand that a little bit of honesty could go a long way in helping him heal? If he’d be willing to discuss his issues, she might have been able to convince him of that…she stopped her train of thought.
Convince him of what? That she wouldn’t leave him? Sarah wasn’t ready to commit to anything right now. Given what they did for a living, perhaps it was for the best not to become too emotionally involved.
Focus.
While she wasn’t going to tell the women the reason for the clothes and makeup, most likely they’d guess.
“Ladies, I have some presents for you to help cheer you up.” Sarah wanted to puke at the lie. Most pushed up on their elbows, and for the next five minutes, she distributed the clothes. “Put on what you can, and I’ll be around to unchain you one at a time. You should be aware there are guards right outside the door.”
The women grunted, but they genuinely seemed pleased with their new gifts. One by one, she helped them dress, and then led each one into the bathroom so she could apply the makeup. Sarah had to admit a little color went a long way in making them look presentable.
Of the ten women, seven looked healthier than before, but even with makeup, their skin appeared sallow and their hair lifeless. If she had the strength and ability, she’d kill Statler herself. Riley’s comment about it being easier to save the girls once they were on their way to the buyer helped boost her energy.
As she was finishing up with the next to last girl, Connolly knocked and opened the door. A tall man with graying temples, wearing an expensive suit, strode in.
“I want all of the girls lined up against the wall. Now.” His command had a military roughness to it.
Sarah stood. “Would you like me to unchain all of them?”
He advanced. “Didn’t you hear me?”
She straightened her shoulders like a good Statler employee would. “Yes, sir.”
Sarah prayed none of the girls would be stupid enough to try anything. Connolly and this man could easily take out all five girls in seconds. She unchained them, but only three managed to walk on their own to the wall.
The buyer’s agent strode over to Nancy. “Get up.” Nancy groaned and the bastard kicked her side, eliciting a whimper.
Sarah saw red. What she wouldn’t give to be a werewolf right now. With her long talons, she’d gouge out his eyes. “Leave her alone. She’s ill.”
He spun around and faced her. “I’ve come to check out ten women. If she’s too sick, I’ll need a replacement. Seems to me you’d do just as well.”
She bit her tongue to keep quiet.
Connolly stepped forward. “There are five others across the hall.”
“Let me take their pictures and show my boss how pathetic these women are. Where’s Statler?” the man asked.
“He’s not at the facility,” Connolly responded.
“Just as well. Show me the others. I hope they’re better than this pathetic lot.”
She should chain them again, but her heart was already breaking. The ass had demanded that she show him the others, so that was what she’d do. Across the hall, four of the women looked good to her, albeit too thin and pale, but the fifth one had a bad cough and had trouble standing.
He snapped each of their photos. “This is pathetic.” He faced Connolly. “My boss will be in contact with yours.”
With that he strode out. Sarah wasn’t sure if she should be happy the women failed inspection or not. On the one hand, they’d be forced to stay at this horrible warehouse for an indeterminate length of time. If they had been acceptable, she wasn’t sure there would be enough time for Jay and Riley to complete a rescue.
“Sarah?” One of the women called out.
She rushed to her. “Yes?”
“I’m not feeling well.”
Sarah escorted her back over to her mattress and helped her lie down. If something wasn’t done soon, not only would some of these women die, so might she.
Chapter Fourteen
When Statler spotted the name on his phone, he smiled, already counting the money he was about to receive from this buyer. “Hello, Charles.”
“What the fuck are you trying to pull?”
Statler gripped his cell. How dare the ass use that tone with him? “I’m not trying to pull anything,” he ground out. He motioned the redhead to leave the bedroom.
“I sent my man to check out the
merchandise, and what did he find? Ten women who were barely able to stand without help. And their living conditions were horrific. What kind of operation are you running?”
Fuck. “I had some issues at the clinic and had to change locations. If I hadn’t left, there wouldn’t be any women to sell you.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass what issues you’ve had. You haven’t provided them with the care they needed. I expect quality and these women fall short. I’m not buying them. Goodbye.”
“Wait!” Shit. He told Sarah to make those women look good and she’d failed. The woman would pay for this. His mind raced. “Give me a little more time. I’ll get them the best medical care possible.”
“Time? That’s all you’ve had.”
Charles was the only buyer Statler could find where there wouldn’t be any repercussions. From past dealings, Charles had paid on time and was able to ship out the women with no one the wiser. It would take weeks if not months to find someone else willing to pay such a high price. By then, the women might be dead. “Give me ten days. I’ll make sure they’re in good health.”
“You’ll get seventy-five percent of what I promised, but only if they are healthy.”
As much as Statler wanted to rant, Charles had him by the balls and knew it. “Ten days then.”
His buyer disconnected and Statler tossed the phone on the bed. Fuck. Killing Sarah and Amy right now wouldn’t help the women improve, so he’d leave that pleasure until after they were in Charles’s hands.
* * *
By six p.m., Sarah was exhausted from trying to calm down the women. They’d asked a million questions about who the man in the suit was and what was about to happen to them. Telling the truth would have been too painful, so she said he was some kind of inspector. It was only a partial lie; he had been there to inspect them.
“This will hopefully turn out to be a good thing,” she told one of the women. “The man who runs this facility will have to get you better care.”
“So you can poke and prod us again?”
The captive’s bitterness ate a hole in Sarah’s gut. She’d been the one to draw their blood and perform tests when they were in the clinic. The thought of what she’d been required to do sickened her every hour of every day. Many times she’d considered asking for a transfer to a different department altogether, but only after she finished this assignment. She needed justice for these women.