Page 12 of Meaner Than Evil

this from the

garage’s security camera.

Morales was positively identified.

He intends to sell her.

I open the video and watch as Logan is dragged from a dark sedan, pinned against it, then places a perfect groin strike. A smirk breaks my scowl for just a split second. She didn't forget what I taught her when she started working at the bar with me.

It's hard to watch as her clothes are cut away, but seeing her beautiful body stirs the depth of my soul, fanning the eternal flame that burns for her.

When Morales emerges from the shadow, his lips confirm my theory. He intends to auction her off to the highest bidder. But when he pulls his fucking cock out, I freeze, hoping I don't have to watch him rape her. My soul would shatter.

Instead, I watch her meek demeanor as she slips into grey sweats. Then go limp from the drug she was forced to take. Her two handlers catch her as Morales walks over to the motorcycle and throws his leg over. Her handlers drag her to him, and just like Dark Thirty said, they attached her.

Morales fires the motorcycle off and flees the parking garage like the hounds of hell are after him.

And they are.

I exit the video and ask Special Agent Wilkerson, "ETA to the Tisdale's?"

"Five minutes, if there's no traffic. Fifteen if there is."

I text Nina.

And I will buy her.

Brilliant.

Switching gears.

When we arrive at Logan's parent's house, I'm taken aback by the size and splendor. I knew they were wealthy but seeing it is a reality check. Logan had drive and ambition, but she could have easily been a spoiled brat. Knowing she gave this up to marry me and how happy she was when she told me she was pregnant reassures me she is tough, strong-willed, and will survive this ordeal.

A tall, distinguished grey-haired man and a woman who is Logan's mother walk out to the entrance to wait for us. I trot up the stairs with my hand out. Banks takes it and says, "I regret we are meeting for the first time under these circumstances."

"Yes, sir. I do too." I turn to Bette and tell her. "I'll bring her back. You have my word."

Her eyes tear up, and she turns toward the house. "Let's go inside."

Special Agent Wilkerson says, "I'll check in with my team."

I look back at him, and he points, indicating they are set up behind the house.

I follow Bette in, and she says, "You can set your bag down there. Douglas will take it to your room."

I stop in the hall. "Ma'am, I'm not staying here."

She whirls around as if I've offended her, so I quickly add. "I'm not going to stay anywhere until I bring Logan home."

She blinks rapidly, then nods, "Of course. Please, come sit down. Let's share a drink, and you can tell us why Logan wanted us to find you."

We walk into a formal sitting room, and Banks goes to a table of crystal decanters and glasses and asks me, "Jack, whiskey or bourbon?"

"Whiskey."

"Bette?"

"I believe I need a shot of whiskey as well."

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