Page 58 of Inside the Wicked

Rix makes sure no one approaches as I head to his desk. We need to get to work on finding Ana.

“First, man, you need those wounds seen to. You’ll be of no use if you catch an infection,” Rix says.

Yapping erupts, and I internally groan.

“In here, young man,” Oma croaks from across the room.

“Go. We’re on it,” Rix encourages.

I don’t know if I can sit still for even a moment long enough to get patched up. I head to Oma, but I have no intention of speaking to her right now when her sessions can go on for hours. I only lean down to kiss her head.

“Long time no see, Oma,” I say.

“Come inside, my boy. You need to stop for just a moment.”

“I can’t. Soon, I promise.”

I head back to Rix. His eyes reprimand me, but he says nothing. I sit in a chair as Coraline approaches, an ex-army doctor.

“You’re going to have to take off your shirt,” she says gently.

I look at her, all beautiful glowing brown skin and kind brown eyes. She’s an absolute credit to everyone here for her selfless work in patching us up.

I’m afraid to even look in the mirror to discover the mess left of my skin, but I pull my T-shirt off, and don’t look at anyone, for their reactions might give off the same effect.

“Holy shit—omph.” Rix cuts Adam off with a jab to his chest.

I’m still seething that he’s here, of all places, as if his mere presence wasn’t enough. He’s horrified by the bruises and scars over me, and I can’t blame him. He’s likely never sustained more than a nasty paper cut.

“Silas said he’s likely going to sell her,” I say through my teeth. I hiss at the alcohol as it’s poured over my bicep.

Rix runs a hand down his face. “I’m sure he’ll have a list lined up, no auction necessary.”

“Then she’ll be at the country club?” Adam says.

I snap my gaze to him, and he balks.

“Or not. What do I know? But you said it was pick-up point, no?” he directs to Rix.

Rix doesn’t answer right away, blinking at Adam. “You’re quick, Sullevan, I’ll give you that.”

“What country club?” I ask.

“We visited twice,” Rix explains. “Foxglove. We believe most of the members are completely oblivious, but now and then new guys show up just with day passes, and you need a private invite. Adam managed to create a distraction long enough for me to follow one of thesenewguys as he left. He didn’t go through the main doors on his way out—he went out a back way that leads down to a basement, and he left with a woman. You know how it is—by the time they get to that point, most are so broken down into compliance that she seemed to leave willingly, but I’ve seen this shit before. It has to be a collection cover-up venue in broad fucking daylight.”

“We’re going tonight,” I say.

Coraline says, “I wouldhighlyadvise against that. You’re one hit away from shattered ribs and internal bleeding. If you don’t want to risk a hospital visit?—”

“Thank you, Coraline,” I cut her off.

She sighs her disappointment, knowing I’ll disregard her warning. I lay my hand on hers in thanks.

“Tonight,” I repeat to Rix.

CHAPTER 25

Anastasia

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