Page 29 of Ready to Cash Out

Trev grimaced.

What a fucking tool.

Sal came around to open the back door so Jupiter could exit first. Jupiter offered his hand to assist Trev. He got a firm grip on his arm as soon as Trev’s feet hit the pavement as if he expected Trev to make a break for it.

Rightfully so because Trev had already been looking at the surrounding trees, wondering how far he could make it running around in the dark.

Emil led the way to the side entrance of the building. As old as the place was, the keypad was definitely new. Trev tried to see what the code was, but Sal blocked his view.

Not that he could make out much of anything right now because it was pitch fucking black.

The door opened into—surprise—a dark room. Emil flicked on a light switch, revealing it was an old office full of moldy smelling file boxes and assorted plush animals. There was a hallway lined with several wooden doors and a metal pair marked FACTORY FLOOR down at the very end.

Jupiter led Trev to one of the doors closest to the factory doors and then opened it. “Here it is.” He smirked. “Your home sweet home.”

“Fucking lovely,” Trev drawled.

The room was small, reeked of mildew, and the ceiling tiles looked like they could collapse at any second. The floor was clean at least and the bed looked new. There was a mini fridge, a table with two chairs, and…

A length of chain attached directly to the brick, at the end of which was a silver collar with a small padlock.

Trev’s stomach twisted.

As Jupiter had said, there were no windows. The only door was the one they’d used to enter, and Trev didn’t think he could reach the ceiling tiles even if he stood on the table. Of course, he probably wouldn’t be able to reach shit with that collar on.

Great.

Wonderful.

He was going to be chained up in a brick box with no way out.

“You two enjoy your evening,” Sal said. “I’ll call you tomorrow, all right? Make sure we get you some food and shit to eat.”

“Yes, sir.” Jupiter tipped his head politely.

“Me and Emil gotta go take a phone call. You get your pet all fixed up.” Sal smirked. “We’ll be back to check on you before we go.”

Trev flinched as the door shut, and he hugged the lockbox to his chest.

Now it was just him and Jupiter.

Maybe he could crack Jupiter in the head with the lockbox.

“Come along, baby doll.” Jupiter picked up the collar. “Let’s get this over with, huh? And don’t even think about hitting me with that damn box and running. Sal and Emil are still right outside.”

Well, damn.

“Loving this, aren’t you?” Trev hissed, tensing as he allowed Jupiter to snap the collar around his neck. It was heavy, cold, and he hated its weight.

“There.” Jupiter checked the fit before closing the padlock. He seemed satisfied and put the key to the padlock in his jacket pocket. “Now you shouldn’t be any more trouble.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Trev batted his eyes and gave the chain an experimental tug. “Ever see Return of the Jedi before?”

“Many times. Maybe I should get you a little gold bikini to complete the look.”

“Have I told you how much I love that glitter on you?” Trev dragged the chain with him to sit on the bed. He set the lockbox down beside him. “Really softens up your features.”

“You already know there’s nothing soft about me.” Jupiter took a seat in one of the rickety chairs. “Now. I suggest you get some sleep. Big day ahead of you.”

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