Page 88 of Any Means Necessary

Sick fucks.

“The girls are worth more untouched. It’s all about the money.” It’s not much of a consolation, but it’s something. The disgust and contempt that crosses Lexie’s face expresses exactly how I feel right now. But she nods in understanding, looking back down at the girl.

“I was going to examine her, but I don’t want to traumatize her any more than she already is. When we land, it’s important for her parents to have her properly checked. And by a woman. The last thing she needs is to get home and have a man poke at her while she’s undressed.”

Peering at Lexie, the conviction is rolling off her in waves. “You can tell Harris exactly what she needs when we land,” I inform her. Her focus moves to me briefly before returning to the IV drip.

“Ok, I will,” she states confidently. My lips twitch with a smile, and I’m suddenly looking forward to seeing Richard Harris again. Just so I can watch Lexie give him orders.

The landing goes smoothly. True to his word, Richard Harris and his wife, Alyssa, are anxiously waiting on the tarmac. The moment the stairs are lowered, Lexie exits the plane with little Lottie’s hand in hers. I follow them down the stairs, my eyes meeting Harris’ before he and his wife are rushing towards their daughter.

“Mom! Dad!” The instant she spots her parents, Lottie is running. Alyssa crouches down to scoop her daughter into her waiting arms, sobbing as she hugs her tightly. The Senator wraps his arms around both his wife and daughter in a family embrace, kissing his daughter’s head.

Making eye contact with me over his wife’s head, the Senator murmurs something into Alyssa’s ear before nodding for me to follow him. We take a few steps away from the little family reunion to speak privately.

“Any problems?” he asks, making me shake my head.

“Everything went according to plan.”

“The wire’s complete,” Harris says. Pressing the button on my screen, the long number after the dollar sign doesn’t match our agreement.

“This is too much. You know the agreement.” I set my prices with a purpose. Sticking to the number we agreed on keeps things clean and simple. I’m not going to owe someone or leave a loose end untied just for another comma in a bank statement. That’s unnecessarily messy.

My eyes cut to him, his focus latched on his daughter and wife’s embrace. Lexie is speaking with Alyssa softly as she cradles the sad child, informing her of the medical care she received before arrival.

“I know,” Harris says, his eyes not leaving his family. “I have something else I want you to do.”

“Harris, you know how this works. If you want another job, that means another contract.”

“It’s for this job,” Harris clarifies. “I want you to take out the men who did this. And I want them to suffer.”

“Consider it done.” After seeing those little girls walk out of the container, I was ready to exact my own wrath on the sick fucks who were responsible. The additional payment is just a bonus. He nods shortly, his expression grave. With our business done, we rejoin the women.

“How is she?” Harris asks, stroking Lottie’s hair while his daughter’s head is tucked into her mom’s shoulder.

“She’ll need to have a full medical exam as soon as possible.” Lexie informs the Senator. Harris nods, his hand stroking his daughter’s hair.

“Of course,” he acknowledges. “Our private physician, Tanya Redding, is on standby.”

“Great.” Lexie’s tone remains calm. “I’ve seen trafficking victims before in my line of work. It’s going to take some time for her to feel comfortable around men again. Including you, Senator. It’s important to keep an eye on her, but with female staff instead of your armed men in suits. And routine will help her feel safe again.”

“I understand,” Harris confirms.

“I know you’re trying to keep this as quiet as possible, but she should see someone to work through this trauma. The sooner the better.”

“My wife has a therapist we can trust.” The Senator assures her. Lexie nods, I can see the relief cross her face.

“Good.”

“I knew you were the man I needed,” Harris states, holding out his hand to shake mine. He then moves to Lexie, shaking her hand in thanks as well.

“Thank you so much.” Alyssa’s voice is thick with emotion, her eyes moving between the two of us as she caresses her daughter. “You have no idea. Just, thank you.”

“Of course,” Lexie says with a nod, gazing at the little girl earnestly. “Take care of her.” When she looks up at me, her expressive eyes are misting with unshed tears. Placing my hand on the small of her back, we turn to walk to our waiting car.

“Bye Nurse Lexie.” Lottie’s soft voice has Lexie pausing. She offers the little girl a soft smile and a wave before allowing me to lead her away. Tucking her into my side on the drive home, tears stream down Lexie’s face. I’m not sure if they’re happy or sad tears—I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know either.

Chapter Thirty-Three: Callum

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