Page 27 of Devil in Disguise

“Not that I can recall,” the man said, then added, “Now, as much as I loathe our conversations, I’m hanging up on you.”

“Ba—” Montana barely got out before the line went dead. “I take it back. I’m gonna rip his brand off his back with my bare hands before I strangle the fucker to death. I’m done with his shit.”

“And on that note, my job is done.”

And just like Bane, Matrix logged off and the screen went black.

“Is it just me or are these fuckers forgetting who’s in charge?” I asked, glancing at Montana, who was trying unsuccessfully to breathe through his rage. “Up for another road trip?”

“Where to?”

“Oklahoma City to check out that apartment.”

“You heard Bane. Sypher wasn’t in Nebraska.”

“That he can recall,” I groaned. “Don’t know about you, fucknuts, but something ain’t right in the Midwest, and I want to know what we’re missing. Look, we can fly out today, snoop around for an hour or two and be back in the city before anyone realizes we’re gone.”

“Fine,” Montana relented, getting to his feet. “But if you piss me off, I’m throwing you out the airlock without a parachute.”

Chapter Twelve

Danny

“I’ve got everything she will need here,” I said, handing Val a thick manila envelope. “It’s going to take me some time to clean this mess up. Her husband is a decorated cop and all of his friends on the force have been covering for him. Say what you want, but the Boston police force is no joke. The corruption runs deep in that city.”

Val stared at the documents in her hands, a mix of awe and unease in her eyes. “This is incredible, but how did you do it? And so fast?” she asked, her voice laced with a mixture of admiration and concern.

“I have my ways,” I replied with a slight smile, knowing full well the intricate web of connections and favors I had pulled to make this happen. “But more importantly, is she ready for this? A new identity and a fresh start is one thing, but she needs to understand her life is going to be nothing like the one she’s fleeing. If they ever find her.”

Val’s expression softened as she looked at the young woman we were helping, a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of a powerful and corrupt husband. “She’s scared, but she’s brave. And after what he did, she knows this is her only option. She’ll adapt and with this new identity, she can finally be free.”

Val’s words echoed in my mind as I watched the scared woman, her hand instinctively going to her busted lip. The bruises on her face were a stark reminder of the abuse she had endured.

I had spent countless nights forging documents, covering tracks and pulling strings to ensure her escape. Though my methods were unorthodox and often walked a fine line between legality and deception, I was driven by a sense of justice. Unspeakable cruelty marred this woman’s life and she deserved a chance to reclaim her freedom.

The young woman looked up at me, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and tentative hope. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I replied softly, my gaze steady. “Just promise me you’ll seize this chance with everything you’ve got.”

She nodded, her resolve hardening. “I will.”

As we stood in a dimly lit room on the outskirts of Boston, a silent understanding passed between us. I knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but I could see she was determined to see this through.

Val placed a reassuring hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Kytten will be with you every step of the way,” she said; her voice filled with unwavering support.

Never had I witnessed such a brutal beating. It was a wonder she had the courage to escape at all. Her fear was palpable, but so was her determination.

I could see it in her eyes—a flicker of hope amidst the terror.

“I’ve taken care of everything,” I assured her gently, my voice steady and calm. “You have a new identity now, a fresh start. Your old life is behind you and your husband’s influence will no longer haunt you.” I explained to her how I had erased all traces of her existence from the web and provided her with a new birth certificate, social security card, and driver’s license. I even set up a new bank account with a substantial sum to help her start over.

As I spoke, her eyes widened and I could see the mix of emotions playing out across her face. She was grateful, but also apprehensive about the unknown that lay ahead.

“It’s okay to be scared,” Val kneeled beside her and whispered softly. “But remember, you are brave. You survived and now you have the power to shape your new life. Embrace this opportunity and know that you are stronger than you think.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Kytten, one of Val’s girls, said, her voice gentle and reassuring. “But you’re safe now and that’s what matters.”

The battered woman looked up, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting her husband to burst through the door at any moment.

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