Page 72 of Rayna's Daddy

“Not at first.” She shrugged. “I’d . . .went on dates for him, but after a while he said if I was loyal to him and got girls for him, then I wouldn’t have to go on dates.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Where is Rayna? Is she okay?”

My face remained blank. “Why do you care?”

“Please tell me she’s okay. I didn’t want to bring her in, I swear.” She adjusted a loose strain of hair. “I really did consider her a friend. I don’t typically groom girls. I pick out a girl and get to know her and then they would be working for Mr. Santorini within a couple of weeks, not months.

“I kept putting off bringing her in until he saw her.” Natalie touched her face. “She is so beautiful and innocent looking. He said we could get a lot for her. If I brought her in, I would be free.” She waved her hand.

“Your life for Rayna’s?” I growled.

“Yes. I was desperate.” Natalie slammed her hand on the table. “You have to believe me.”

“Where is Santorini now?”

“What?” Natalie wiped her nose and sat back. “I don’t know. As soon as the FBI arrived, I took off and drove to LA. I checked into a hotel, but my credit cards are all Santorini’s. My cell phone too. I have some cash stashed away and have been lying low for the last month, but I ran out of money, and they are getting close. I got scared and since you hate him as much as I do, I came here.” She hugged herself. “I have an idea.”

“What kind of idea?” Patrick asked.

“I can call his men and draw him out.” She sat up. “Then the FBI can take care of him.”

I looked at Patrick.

“I will cooperate in any way I can.” She grabbed my hand.

I pulled it away. “Call Agent Stanley.”

Natalie stood up. “Thank you.”

I stood, and the doors to the conference room burst open.

Rayna ran into my arms and hugged me. “Thank you for taking care of her.” She squeezed me tight. I bent over and brushed a kiss across her forehead.

She let go of me and walked over to Natalie and hugged her.

“It’s going to be okay.” Rayna rubbed her back. “Are you hungry? They have the best food here.”

“I see.” She pinched Ranya’s cheeks. “You don’t look nearly as emaciated as before.”

Emaciated.My little girl's brow furrowed.

“Oh sweetie, I just mean you look good with curves.” She smiled.

“Agent Stanley is stuck in LA. He can’t get here until tomorrow.” Patrick read from his phone.

“Who is Agent Stanley?” Natalie asked.

“He’s the one working on the case against Santorini.” Rayna answered. “You can stay with us until he gets here.”

“Rayna.” I grabbed her arm. “Can I speak with you in the next room, please?”

“Everything is going to be fine.” She patted Natalie's shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

I held the door open and pointed to an open door opposite. I slammed the door behind us and grabbed my little girl around the waist, turned us around and pressed her against the door.

“Little girl, you are speaking out of turn.” I stared down at her and pressed my body against hers. “We do not know anything about this woman. We don’t even know if she is telling the truth. She could still be working with Santorini.”

“I don’t think so.” Rayna nibbled on her lip.

“Why?” I stepped back and rubbed my beard. “What makes you so sure?”

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