Page 28 of Sutton's Shadow

So she remained quiet and listened. And tonight, that skill might have paid off. A man’s voice she didn’t recognize had joined Hugo and Daniella. He sounded angry, his tone making Bethany shiver.

“She needs to go,” he announced.

“What are you talking about?” Daniella asked.

“There are too many questions.”

“So what? There are always questions. No?” Hugo replied in his thick accent. She thought it might be some sort of Latino accent, but it sounded different from the ones she’d heard before.

“This is different,” the new man hissed.

“Relax,” Daniella soothed. “They have no idea where she is.”

“Doesn’t matter. The brother is causing problems.” Bethany could only hope they meant her brother, Wyatt. Her heart soared at the possibility that her brother was still fighting for her.

“That can be taken care of,” Hugo remarked. Bethany froze. They couldn’t mean what she thought they meant. Was it possible her brother was in danger from her foster parents? The thought was too insane to be real.

“Not possible. He’s too insulated. Too well known.”

“What about the client? He will not be happy.”

“Offer him another item.”

Daniella made a scoffing sound. “He does not want another.”

“Make a deal with him. Offer him a discount. Doesn’t matter. She is off the market,” the scary voice growled. The entire conversation made Bethany more and more uncomfortable. She wondered what these people could have to sell. The place they were living in was falling apart around them. They did not appear to be swimming in cash if they had a side business.

“And if he’s still not happy?”

“Then we’ll find another that fits his requirements.”

“That will be difficult and will take time,” Hugo said.

“Can’t be helped.”

There was a huff of breath then. “Fine. What is the plan?”

“He wants her returned,” the scary-voiced man barked.

Hugo said a few words in a language she didn’t recognize, but she could imagine what those words were. He didn’t sound happy. Not that he ever sounded happy, but this was different. This tone made her belly flip.

“That’s impossible,” Daniella hissed.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s what he’s ordered. How much does she know?”

“Nada. She knows nothing.”

“Good. I’ll let you know when to get her ready.”

There were a few more short phrases spewed by Hugo before she heard a soothing tone from Daniella. A tone she’d never heard her use for any of the children under their care. And for some reason, it didn’t soothe Bethany at all. It made her skin crawl.

“This needs to be handled carefully. Do I need to remind you what will happen if you fuck this up?”

“No. That is not needed.”

“Say nothing to her. When I call, make sure she’s ready.”

“Sí,sí. No worry. She will be ready.”

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