Page 81 of Sam's Salvation

Sam heard Audra gasp as they saw one of the guests snake a hand under one of the server’s skirts and palm her butt. The woman let out a tinkling giggle, but the pinched expression on her face told him what she really thought of the move. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of these women were stolen ones whom Simon and Geoffrey “rescued” for their own gain.

“Split up and mingle,” Moran said. “Get as many faces on camera as you can.” He lifted a glass from one of the server’s trays and walked away.

Max and Dean did the same.

“Good evening, Mr. von Ribbentrop.”

Sam leaned forward as a man approached Max.

“Hello.”

The man extended a hand. “I’m Geoffrey Powell.”

Max shook his hand. “Hi. Heinrich. You can call me Rich.”

Sam snorted. Leave it to Max to find a way around a false name he didn’t like.

“Thanks for the last-minute invitation. Our latest business trip was grueling. The next one doesn’t look like it’ll be much better. It’ll be nice to have a way to unwind right on hand.”

“Yes, my guards told me you brought a couple of friends along. For future reference, we don’t normally allow that sort of thing without advance notice. Security protocol. You understand?”

“Of course. My apologies. I appreciate that you let them in this time.”

“Yes, well, I did my due diligence on you. You have deep pockets, so I’m expecting you to bid often and well.”

“I pay for quality merchandise, Mr. Powell.”

“We have that, I assure you.”

“I don’t suppose you’d let me take a peek, would you? Since I missed the preview night?”

Geoffrey tipped his head. “I suppose we could do that. Gather your friends and meet me by the bar.” He walked away.

“Yuck,” Max muttered.

“Yuck, indeed,” Jessica said.

“I do not want to watch this.” Audra pressed her fingers to her eyes, then blinked several times. “Human trafficking was not what I signed up for with this op. Liam’s never been in the flesh trade, from what our intel said.”

“I guess he’s branching out,” Jessica replied.

“I still haven’t seen anyone I recognize.”

“The night’s still young.” Sam shifted in his seat. “It doesn’t look like everyone is there yet.”

“No. It’s cocktail hour.” Audra wrinkled her nose, disgust dripping off her words.

Max walked up to Dean and poked him in the shoulder. “Come on.” He led him away, and together, they found Dominick.

“What are we doing?” Moran asked.

“Geoffrey offered us a tour of the merchandise.”

“Great,” Dean grumbled.

“Quit your bitching, Bernard. It gives us a lay of the land for the raid,” Max said.

“I’m going to kill Asher when we get back.”

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