Page 28 of Ensnared By Silence
I clenched my fists and let my head hang down to my chest. Exhaling deeply, I motioned to the living room and we all sat back down.
Devlin was leaning forward, his fists clenched tight, and James’s eyes were dead as he waited for me to speak. There was nothing but pure murderous rage shown in my friend’s gaze and I shook my head, dislodging the visions of Aubrey’s attack before I spoke.
“The night she showed up here three or so years ago, she was running from the guys who drugged and gang raped her. It was someone she trusted, and they took advantage of her in the worst way.” My voice broke as I continued, “She was aware of everything that was happening but couldn’t open her eyes or move a muscle to stop them. She’s terrified of not being believed after seeing how survivors are treated, and she believes since they’re wealthy and she’s from the Flats, no one will believe anything she says. She won’t tell me who, but I need to find out. I need them dead for what they did to her. She’s mine and I’m going to end their miserable fucking lives for what they did to her. I thought you two might understand, but I was obviously misinformed.”
Devlin’s gaze snapped to James, whose expression was murderous. His breathing was rapid as James asked, “Why didn’t Skid tell us all the details?”
“I don’t know, but it’s time for our wives to return home,” Devlin replied as he stood from his chair and walked to the balcony with his phone to his ear.
“James?”
“We didn’t know, or we would have been tearing her past apart to find them. Since you obviously know more than you’re supposed to, I’ll tell you that my brother and I do not tolerate violence against women. Knowing someone hurt that sweet girl . . .” He clenched and released his hands a few times and stood, pacing the apartment as Devlin walked back in.
“They’re turning the path now. The ladies are going up to five and Skid will be here as soon as they’re all secured,” Devlin explained, and I could see the tension etched across his face. His hard gaze turned to mine as he approached. “I need you to tell me how you know about Elise and Amaya’s situations.”
I chuckled as I explained, “You two aren’t the only ones who have a fondness for security cameras and recording devices.” They both looked stunned, and I laughed harder. “Plus, your wives don’t whisper as quietly as they think they do. I know all about the cameras and what-nots in their houses.” Both of their mouths were opened, and I couldn’t contain my laughter as I finished, “How do you think I have the passcodes to the cameras at Aubrey’s rental house?”
James and Devlin exchanged a look before I told them, “I erased both recordings as soon as I realized where they were headed. No, I didn’t watch them, and no, I’m not going to tell anyone what I’ve overheard. Nothing said is my business, and I’ll never allow law enforcement to have possession of any recordings I may or may not have now or in the future. That would hurt people I care about, and I would never cross that line. You have my word.”
They both nodded as the door opened and Skid walked in. He didn’t appear worried, but from the anger on Devlin’s face, I was worried for him, sort of. A small part of me would love to see someone kick Devlin’s ass around his neck, but I don’t want to be the cause of them fighting. Plus, Skid is a Death Hound and I knew he had blood on his hands too.
Without remorse, Devlin asked, “Why the fuck didn’t you tell us about Aubrey’s situation when you came back on board for additional security? We would have been weeks ahead in finding out who the assholes are who hurt her. Why keep us in the dark?”
He scrubbed his hands down his face, tugging on his growing beard as she sighed and joined us in the living room. He sat down and looked at me with a sad smile before he spoke. “You all know my sister, Sadie, Gunner’s wife.” We all acknowledged, and his jaw ticked before he continued. “When she was a teenager, she was dragged off the streets and gang raped. The MC figured out who did it within a few hours of finding out what happened, but by then, two of the three disappeared. I was seven and Jacob was a baby. She was our only parent and she bottled it up inside for years. I watched it eat away at her, dimming the light in her eyes. Meeting Gunner cracked open the shell she had hidden under for years and the fall-out of her justice was horrible to watch.”
His eyes glistened, and my throat grew thick as he shook his head and discreetly wiped his eyes. “I found out the same night you saved Jacob.” He turned to Devlin, whose eyes grew to understanding. “I needed to be able to find the assholes who hurt my sister, and it took me three years of working for you, but I finally did.”
“I know. Smokey called me after you came to him with the information.”
I wasn’t sure what was happening, but the silent conversation between the three men was obviously important personal business that wasn’t my concern. Finding out who hurt Aubrey was my only worry.
“Anyway, I didn’t want to burden you with this when I was sure I could figure out who it was, but damn it if I can get a lead anywhere. I know where she was sent for foster care and I’ve seen her high school transcripts, but there isn’t a picture, post, comment, snap, or anything to tell me who she was around during those years.”
“What do we know about her before foster care?” James asked, and I hated that her life was being discussed so openly.
Feeling uncomfortable, I shifted in my chair and cracked my neck.
“Problem?” Devlin asked, and I glared at him before breathing out some tension from my shoulders.
“I don’t like everyone knowing her personal business. She kept all this a secret for so long, and I feel like I’m betraying her by being here. Maybe this was a mistake and I’ll keep working on her until she feels comfortable enough to tell me.” I went to stand, but Skid gripped my arm.
“We have to do this so we can dissect her movements. This is the only way to find out who it is so you can get the justice for her you crave,” James explained as he leaned forward and grabbed his phone. “I would like to ask her some questions that I promise will not give away anything. Can I call her to come downstairs?”
I raised my eyebrows at him and nodded quickly.
He dialed a number and spoke. “Hey, darlin’. How’s Elizabeth? Did she enjoy her walk? I’m glad. Listen, can you ask Elise to watch her and could you bring Aubrey downstairs to three? I need to talk to her, and I think you may be a comfort to her. Sure. Love you.”
I nervously sat in the room until I heard the door open. Jumping to my feet, I ran to Aubrey and pulled her into a hug as she looked at the room full of people with confusion.
“Hayden, what’s going on?” Her angelic voice calmed me, and I took her by the hand, leading her into the room and praying she wasn’t going to run away from all of us before it was over.
