Page 40 of Strictly Forbidden

“You implied it.”

“You haven’t read much of her shit, have you?”

Sighing, I glanced toward the novel. “On the first book now. Just talk. It’s all going to come out in the trial anyway.”

“Well, that author has a sick imagination if you ask me. Her book was almost a dead copy to what the asshole did. The only difference was his methods of torturing and killing were his particular brand of disgusting. Still, some smart reporter got wind of it having read Ms. Young’s work, exposing certain passages, including giving a hint to where the girls might have been kept. I think that helped with the investigation but not soon enough the other women were saved. Sick fuck. I tell you what.”

“This dude was arrested.”

“Yes, not long ago. He’s under lockdown with no chance for parole but it’s going to be a shit storm when he goes to trial. At least the woman is safe. Now, why the hell did you call in a favor for this shit?”

“I have my reasons, Kyle. Just keep our conversation very private.”

“You keep your trap shut too. I like my job. What I owe you is over.”

I laughed and headed back to my drink. “Not so fast, my friend. You have one more left before you can be considered a free man.”

“Just be mindful of what I do, Kage. As I said, I will not lose my job because you saved my life.”

“Do I need to remind you that I saved your daughter’s life as well?”

The silence meant he was reliving the horrible moment when Saldono’s men were about to pull the trigger, killing the little girl. It was one of those things I couldn’t allow to happen. No matter what a man had done in his life, the horrible deeds he’d performed, no innocent woman or child deserved to die in their place.

“No, you don’t.”

“How is she doing?” This time I placed the glass on the mantel. I’d need to add at least a piece of wood before settling back down for the night.

His tone suddenly changed. “She’s in high school. Can you believe it? I am pulling my hair out.”

“I bet you are. I do appreciate the information. It stays between you and me.”

“I’ll hold you to that, buddy. I’ll email you some backup details but as I said, most of it is locked down. Do not fucking share it. Period.”

“Whatever you have is fine and for my eyes only.” As I ended the call, I took a deep breath. At least the guy was behind bars.

For now.

I tossed another log into the fire before returning to my comfy perch. I could enjoy reading the rest of the book knowing she was safe.

I’d devoured every book inside the joint, even fucking romance novels. They’d kept my mind active and calmed the beast inside. As I read this story, I realized more and more monsters did exist. I’d considered myself one over the years.

Although I’d had my reasons.

Good ones.

The whiskey was tasting good, but I had to admit, not nearly as amazing as the sweet taste of Noel. Shit. I had to get her off my mind. I’d crossed every line, so much so the risk would remain for a long time.

Not that I regretted a single moment.

Although the ice storm had been completely unexpected.

Ping.

Instantly, I snapped my head to the left. While there were a few branches outside far too close to the house, the wind causing them to scratch the wood during a windstorm, there was limited wind on this night. Instantly, I turned out the single light, retreating to my bedroom where I kept two duffel bags full of weapons and ammunition. I’d had them locked down in a bunker prior to my arrest, knowing the fucking cops would search my house for evidence.

They hadn’t found any, not that the lack of a literal smoking gun had prevented them from railroading me into a prison term. I pulled out two weapons, a handgun and a small assault rifle. The moment I loaded a magazine into the chamber of the Beretta, I heard a creaking sound.

It would appear someone was hovering just outside on the back deck.

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