by A. Hargrove
“Let’s do it,” I said. Isla and I followed the others into the conference room where they brought us up to speed.
Huff began by telling us what he’d discovered about the boy in the picture Cruze had found.
“I was able to locate the name of the store and found it’s a small chain in the southwest. We believe this was taken in San Antonio, Texas.” He pulled up an up to date picture of the store and the setting looked the same. “We have a location and know the auction took place already. If we can follow this exotic animal thing again, maybe we can find out the location of the next one.”
Isla thrummed her fingers on the table. “What?” I asked.
“The feds monitor this stuff all the time. I was looking into transferring to the human trafficking division before all this happened with Acer, and I did some research. They have their fingers into the dark web looking for things. Do you think we should tip them off?”
Huff and Drex both spoke at the same time. Huff stopped and let Drex continue. “All I know is if they are in there looking, why haven’t they done anything yet? You don’t have to answer, it’s just something to think about. We could set up a profile and make contact with this person, so when the next auction is held, we can attend.”
Isla nodded. “I like that idea. If we find out that more of those guys are dirty, then we’ll bring them down too.”
I frowned. “Is that what you think?”
“Honestly, I don’t know what to think about the bureau anymore.”
Huff laughed bitterly. “That’s why I left. Too much dishonesty where I was.”
Isla sighed. “I hate that too. Art was fantastic to work for. He was my mentor and as clean as you could get. If it hadn’t been for Thomas, we wouldn’t have broken this open. By the way, any word on Aiden O’Brien?”
“Not that we’re aware. We’ve been tracking flights to Ireland, thinking maybe he’d head to the homeland, but as far as we can tell, no one with his description has left the country.”
Isla’s eyes widened. “Who in the hell do you guys not know? That was like pulling teeth for me sometimes.”
“Yeah, when people owe you favors, it’s not that difficult,” Drex answered. “After you work here a while, you’ll understand more.”
“But the positive news is the feds have disbanded the O’Briens from what we hear. Our informants tell us all their boys have dispersed and are in hiding.” Gemini wore a satisfied look as she spoke.
“That’s great,” I said. “They were pure evil.” I forced back a shudder when I thought of my single encounter with O’Brien. “Did anyone ever find Paulie?”
“Sadly, no. But at this point, we’re sure he didn’t make it,” Huff said.
“That’s what I thought.” My gut clenched when I thought about what they must’ve done to him. No doubt he experienced a brutal death.
“All right, everyone. I need your thoughts on this,” Drex said. “Let’s get something going with our exotic animal purveyor and see what comes out of it.”
“I’m all for it,” I said. “Anything to get these boys back home.”
Everyone else agreed.
Then we moved onto the software and discussed the progress. Huff and Raiden explained how it would work using the information I’d provided. They loaded the metadata in and keywords then created the program. From that they would adopt the software and even further, develop an app that would be user friendly. Once the parent or loved one entered all the personal information, it would match that individual up with key areas of trafficking near them. It would also run a search of similar victims and when or if they were found. Given that information, a profile would pop up for law enforcement on potential locations.
“Hey, this is great. It basically gives them instant leads,” Isla said. “The only thing that worries me is the parents might go searching and end up in serious trouble. It could present a dangerous situation for them.”
“The lead information would only be given to law enforcement. The parents would be supplied updates on how the investigation was going,” Huff explained. “It would also allow them to post any other information that might be helpful on the child. As you know, initially when parents are interviewed, they can’t remember everything. Important information can hit them and this way they could open the app and update it.”
“Ooh, that’s awesome.” Isla was excited about this. “It kinda sounds like a soft Amber Alert.”
“In a way, it is, for law enforcement,” Cruze said. “We have some refinements to make but we’re on the right track, wouldn’t you say?”
I nodded. “Most definitely. But back to our exotic animal seller. Huff, is there any way you could hack into his system?”
“Sure, but I’d have to establish direct contact with him at least once, and move from there. And if I can’t do it, I’m sure some of our guys can.”
“What about the layers of security? Can you break through those?” I was positive that site would be well protected.
Huff only nodded. “Shouldn’t be much of a problem. Like I said, I’ll need to have one point of contact to get a track of his VPN and I can run from there. That will let me track all his IP addresses and after that, boom.”
Raiden said, “Acer, I told you these guys were amazing.”
“How do you do it?”
“I keep that part of the business to myself.”
I was good with that. The less I knew the better off I was. Truth was, I doubted I’d understand it anyway. No wonder my brothers wanted to work with them. This program was going to be the best there was.
Less than a week later, it completely unfolded. Huff and another one of the tech guys, Zane, came up with everything we needed. They had the exotic animal dude’s location, time of the auction, number of boys that would be up for sale, and the price points. They dropped the feds a little note—anonymously, of course—outlining all this information. Then we waited for them to bring him down.
The headlines hit the news with speed. The man, who had young children himself, was held without bail. The feds attended the auction and arrested everyone in attendance. There were fifteen boys, aged eleven to thirteen, who were rescued. Some of them had been missing for two years.
“This is incredible. It totally worked. But what kind of a father would do this to another kid?” I was sick at the thought.
“His wife said she never suspected a thing. He was a computer analyst too,” Isla said. Her hand squeezed my shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Great. They took him down and who knows how many more he would’ve been responsible for?”
Isla read, “Thirty-eight men and women were arrested.”
Raiden stood behind her as his eyes blazed. “Unbelievable. Where has the humanity gone?”
“I believe there are some people out there who were born with the demons of hell in their soul. After experiencing what I did, there is no other answer.”
“I think you’re right, Little Guy. And if that hadn’t happened to you, I’m not sure I would’ve believed it, but I’m fully invested now.” His grave tone struck a chord with me.
“This will go a long way on my project, Raiden. You have no idea. This is only the beginning.”
Then he hugged me fiercely. “Man, I’m glad you’re good.” His voice cracked with the words.
“So am I,” Isla said.
“Hey, me too,” I added.
Chapter Forty-Eight
ISLA
Another week passed and Acer and I found ourselves back in Atlanta. Becky was holding a memorial service for Art that we were attending. After all the appropriate people were arrested, Drex had flown Becky and the kids home, along with a couple of escorts to ensure everything was safe back at their place. Their bodyguards hung out with them for a few weeks, but Drex and Becky eventually decided it was unnecessary since all the dangerous men had been sent to jail without parole.
I had several conversations with Scott after Thomas was arrested, and he was keeping a
n eye out for Becky as well. I’d be seeing him today at the service.
We arrived at the cemetery to find Scott already there.
“Isla, Acer, you two are looking great.”
The two men shook hands and I hugged Scott.
“Man, Isla, was I ever shocked over Thomas’s involvement in this.”
I scoffed. “So was I when I uncovered it. Art was too. He and I had been working on it when he was killed, which was why we pulled Becky and the kids out.”
“I figured as much. I heard you weren’t coming back at all.”
A rueful smile curved my lips. “Nope. Too many bad memories, you might say, not to mention I’m making a lot more in my current position.”
“I’m really happy for you then. Acer, how about you?”
“I’m involved with helping trafficking victims.”
“Wow, that’s really great. They need help. And with your, uh—”
“Hey, it’s fine. You don’t have to sweep it under the rug.”
“You’ll have a lot to offer them, is what I was going to say.”
“I hope I can help. I know how hard it was for me, so if I can somehow ease that, then it’ll be worth it.”
Becky and the kids arrived, along with the minister. While we’d been talking, people had trickled in, including many of the field agents I’d worked with.
The service was perfect. It was everything Art would’ve wanted. It wasn’t long, but focused on the best that Art was. His brother eulogized him and we laughed, cried, and laughed again. I glanced over at Jack to find him sitting stoically next to Becky. My heart went out to him because he idolized his dad. There’d be tough times ahead, but I was going to keep my promise of bringing them back to Colorado to snowboard.
When it was over, everyone was invited to the family residence for food and refreshments. Jack was the first person I spoke to when we arrived.
“Hey, buddy, how’re you doing?”
“Okay. I miss Ruffles.”
“She misses you too. I want you to meet Acer. He’s my special friend.”
Jack held out his hand and Acer shook it. Art would’ve been proud. “How’s your mom and sister? You taking good care of them?”
“Yes, ma’am. Mom says we’re a team and we have to do an extra good job because that’s what Dad would’ve wanted.”
“Your dad would be so proud if he could see you now.”
“You think?”
Acer stepped in. “Hey, Jack, I knew your dad too. He was an awesome guy and I know he would be proud of you.”
A smile tugged at the corner of the boy’s mouth. Gah, he reminded me of his dad when he did that. Art’s mouth did the same thing when he was trying not to laugh.
“Look here, if you ever need anything, you can call Acer or me. Is that a deal?”
“Yes, ma’am. Will you still take us snowboarding?”
“I sure plan to, but remember, you’re the one who will be teaching me.”
I held out my hand and we bumped fists.
Becky was surrounded by a crowd. It took Acer and I awhile to make it over to her.
“Isla! Thank you for being here.” We hugged and then I introduced her to Acer.
“Ah, now I know why you’re so smitten with him.”
Acer said, “Becky, the feeling is mutual.”
“You two are adorable together.” Then she frowned. “That’s what they used to say about Art and me.”
I was quick to reply, “You were. You adored each other and two people don’t find that very often.”
“I miss him so much, Isla.”
“I know. If and when you need a change of scenery, you know where to find me. Oh, and while I’m here, I’m going to check with my brother about some tickets for you. Jack would love it and if Allie’s not interested, Jack can take a friend.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She crushed me against her. “You saved us. We could all be dead if it weren’t for you.”
“Let’s talk about happier things. By the way, you all are coming to Colorado too. Jack wants to learn how to snowboard.”
Her hands flew to her chest. “Dear God, help me.” Then she chuckled. “Thank God I don’t have to do it.”
“Say what? Oh, yes you do. He’s making me do it, so you’re in it too.”
“Ladies, I’ll be there to pick you up when you fall,” Acer said.
I cast a glance his way. “Don’t tell me you’re a boarder.”
A sheepish expression washed over him. “Uh, I actually board and ski.”
“Great,” I sighed. “Another athlete to contend with.”
His brows arched. “What does that mean?”
“I grew up with an athlete and we always competed. Now I have you to compete with.”
“Who said anything about competing?”
I blinked and gave him my most innocent look. I was the competitive one and loved to be the best at what I did. “No one.”
“Hey, I have to talk to some others here, but please eat something. There’s enough food here to feed an army,” Becky said.
“We will.” I grabbed Acer’s hand and we went off in search of food. I was super hungry.
“Damn, babe, leave some for the others,” Acer joked.
“Har har.” My plate was overflowing though and I ate every morsel.
“Where’d you put all that?”
“I didn’t eat breakfast and was starving.”
From Becky’s we went to my mom’s then on to Reynolds and Brax’s. We scored the tickets for Becky and the kids and I gave Reynolds all her information so she could communicate with them.
“You two aren’t spending the night?” Brax asked.
“Yeah, at my place,” I answered. “Then we go back in the morning.”
Acer left to attend an NA meeting and while he was gone, I caught Reynolds and Brax up on everything.
The next day we were on our way back home.
Chapter Forty-Nine
ACER
Four Months Later
It took begging, pleading, persuading, and even threatening to get Isla to agree to a wedding date. At first, it went like this.
“We don’t need to rush things.”
“Isla, my love, I want to marry you. I want to be your husband and for you to be my wife. I adore you and no other. It’s not a rush, it’s pure desire.”
Her cheeks flushed and we ended up in bed. Afterward, she resisted.
She was the type of woman who hated pressure. My headstrong former FBI agent had a mind of her own, so I let her lead us for a while. But then, I decided to become Alpha Acer once more.
We’d been lying around, watching TV. This was after we’d moved into our own place that she bought because she’d sold her house in Atlanta. It was an adorable, as she called it, three-bedroom bungalow not too far from both of our jobs. It would be temporary because I had huge dreams for us. My work had taken off and the software that my brothers had developed was selling like hotcakes. I owned part of it.
“Babe, come here.”
“I am here.”
“No, here. On top of me.” I curled my finger and gestured to her. She crawled up and spread out over me.
“Mmm. That’s better. Will you marry me?”
“Yeah, I already told y—”
“When? I want a date. See, I want our baby to be born a Kent. And I want you to be a Kent when Baby Kent is born. You’re eight weeks pregnant now. We can go away, we can go to the courthouse, to the mountains, I don’t really give a fuck. All I care about is you, me, and Baby Kent. I want a date.” I flipped us over and pulled her pants off. Then I spread her thighs and used my tongue where she loved it best. When her breathing ratcheted up, I stopped. “A date, babe.”
“Wh-what?”
“Give me a wedding date and I’ll finish you off.”
She sucked in her breath. A grin spread over her as her fingers went to do the job. Nothing doing. I grabbed that hand and said, “Uh uh. You will be deprived of pleas
ure until I get a date. Marry me, Isla.” I stared at her over her pussy. My tongue teased her a tiny bit. She arched up, trying for more, but I stopped. “A date is all I’m asking for.”
“If you finish me off, I’ll give you one.”
“Nope, doesn’t work like that. Give me a date and I’ll fuck you until you can’t walk for a week. I’ll slap your clit until you scream. I’ll bite your nipples until—”
“Oh. God. Stop.” She was squirming beneath me.
“A date, Isla.”
“Okay. Four weeks from today.”
“Perfect. Where?”
“What? You asked for a date and I gave you one. I want my clit slapped and sucked,” she whined.
I laughed. “Where and your wish is my command.”
“The courthouse.”
“Nope. I don’t want that. I want our families there.”
“Acerrrrrr.”
“A place, Isla.”
“You’re so mean. The high country then.”
I dove onto her like a man dying of hunger. After she climaxed, I fucked her, pulling out before I busted my nuts. I wanted to keep this up until she begged me to stop. That never happened. We fucked liked rabbits, and when I finally allowed myself to shoot off, it was glorious. Then she slapped me on the ass.
“Don’t even start with that. I’ll just torture you again.”
“Acer, I can’t believe how dirty you played.”
“I never said anything about not playing dirty. I want to be your official baby daddy and the only way to do that is to marry you, my hard-headed woman.”
Then I kissed her luscious mouth. That ended up in another round of sex, after I sucked her nipples—I loved her tits—and bent her over the couch, licked her pussy again, and fucked her senseless.
“Happy?” I asked.
“Mmm hmm.” She yawned and stretched, reminding me of a cat.
I reached for my phone and called Raiden.
“Little Guy. What’s up?”