Page 10 of Beaches

“In the kitchen, the room in there, there is a refrigerator. It’s a big box that keeps things cold. We’ve placed groceries and food in there. There’s fresh fruit, sliced ham and turkey, many things. Do you like those things?” asked Faith.

“I don’t know. I’ve only eaten fish and fruit. That’s all we were given and only if we did what they paid for us to do.”

“Well, you don’t have to do anything except be happy,” said Kelsey. “Come with me. I’ll fix you a plate of food.” She turned to follow Kelsey, then turned back to the men.

“I want to help find the others. I want to help Calvin, Damon, and Vic. They were the first men in my whole life who were nice to me and didn’t touch me.”

“Then we’ll let you help when the time comes,” smiled Wilson.

Trak glared at his friend, not willing to put this young woman in any more danger. When she’d disappeared into the kitchen, Wilson turned to his frowning friend.

“I know what you’re going to say, but that young woman is the only person who saw that island, saw those men, and saw the face of her captor. I damn sure won’t put her in any danger, but I’m going to let her experience freedom of choice.”

“She is a victim,” said Trak.

“I know that, Trak. Let’s help her not be a victim any longer. Look at her,” he said, pointing to the kitchen. “She doesn’t know about a refrigerator, or a kitchen, or deli meat. Hell, she didn’t even understand how the bathtub or toilet worked.”

They all froze for a moment, staring at one another.

“She didn’t know how the toilet worked,” said Ghost. “We’ve been to those places. We’ve been to the Philippines, and we’ve seen brothels. Most have running water, toilets, showers, beds, everything. She was in a place without all of that.”

“We can find it,” said Trak. “I will find it.”

“Brother, you can find it, but not on your own. You’re not as young as you used to be. None of us are,” said Nine, raising his hands in defense. “Take three with you. Any three.”

“Whiskey, Jean, and Rory. I’ll take them,” said Trak. Ian smirked at their friend, shaking his head.

“You mean to hurt some people.”

“Yes.”

“We need to know where that island is first,” said Ian. “Just try to get that information. And take pictures of the locations you go to. We need April to positively identify that you have the right place.”

“Okay,” he said with a shrug.

“Trak, we need to get information from these people. Don’t kill anyone until we have it,” said Ghost. Trak stared at his friends, the deep creases of his frown and anger showing more dominantly.

“What if they come at me first? I can kill them, can’t I?”

“Yes, you can kill them if they come at you first,” said Nine. “Just try to get information from them.”

“Okay. Can I take Alvin?”

“No! You can’t fucking take an alligator with you!” said Gaspar. The others all smiled at their friend, who was perplexed by the question.

“Okay. I’ll call Rory, Jean, and Whiskey and have them meet me at the airport. We’ll be back in a few days.” Trak disappeared, and they all just stood there wondering what would really happen on the other end. Ghost just shook his head.

“What are you shaking your head about?” grinned Ian.

“That Gaspar thinks taking Rory, Jean, and Whiskey is better than taking Alvin.” Gaspar opened his mouth then just shook his head.

“Those bastards don’t stand a chance.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Has he returned?” asked the man standing outside one of their many businesses. He glanced up and down the busy street. It aligned to the wharf where dozens of sailboats and yachts were docked. Men and women came from all over to enjoy what he offered.

“No. We’ve had no communication. We think the yacht sank after taking the girl to the island. The GPS gave a last known location about six miles from the island. The storm was pretty intense. He should have waited.” He nodded his head.

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