Page 69 of Redemption

“Seven! You didn’t have to do that.” Her mom probably needed her to keep the place open every chance they got. “No one else is working today?”

“That doesn’t matter. You’ve been missing for weeks,” Seven hissed at her. “I’ll see you soon.”

Something struck her as odd about the conversation, and Victoria couldn’t put her finger on it—then it hit her. “Seven?”

“Yeah, sweetie?”

“You’re coming alone?”

“Sure, unless you need someone?”

Victoria glanced about her living room and wondered who had been in her house for the missing person investigation other than the expected detectives. The sheriff? She wanted a word with him, maybe even the mayor. He butted his nose into everything. “Why aren’t you calling the police? Or demanding that I do?”

Seven paused. “You haven’t?”

“No.”

“You should.” She faltered.

“I will when I’m ready.” But for as bright and colorful as her friend was, she was also reliably predictable. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. I’m on my way.”

“Seven.”

“You didn’t want to come home,” her best friend whispered quietly.

Victoria’s heartbeat lurched. “I what…?”

“And they were worried you weren’t thinking clearly.”

“They, who?”

“Two men flew out here and talked to the sheriff, and he roped in the mayor. You know how Mister Chatty Pants is. He talked to me quietly, so I’d stop worrying so much but also so he could have someone to talk to about you. I’m sensing major guiltage from City Hall.”

Victoria didn’t know whether or not to scream or rejoice. She was as furious as she was elated.

“Are you mad? Don’t be. I promise it was coming from a good place.” Seven paused. “They said you needed time to yourself, that you were exhausted. They didn’t want any resources being used that could be used elsewhere, and they wanted to let your loved ones know you were safe.”

Victoria couldn’t comprehend the thoughtfulness behind protecting her reputation from what had happened to her.

“I would’ve called bullshit on the whole thing, but apparently, this Titan Group is the real deal. You should have seen the sheriff. He looked like a teenage boy about to shoot his load when they talked about it. The guy even reenacted the handshakes, talking about how they’re head honchos in the world of getting shit done.”

Victoria choked on a laugh. “Yeah, apparently.”

“Are you mad?” Seven asked.

“No.” She was floored.

“My last customer just walked out. I’ll worry about dishes and shutting this place down later. I’m headed your way.”

###

By the time Seven arrived, Victoria had tried to check her email but lost herself on Google. The search history was a simple list.

Ivan Mikhailov

Ivan Mikhailov corruption

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