Page 124 of Betrayed in the Dark
Reality being that Eli is kidnapped in the Middle East.
And there’s not one goddamn thing that me or my family can do to save him.
“Iraq is currently one of the world’s leading oil producers, generating over four million barrels per day. Manacorda Enterprises, primarily operated by Alastor Manacorda, his brother Enzio, and their father Adolfo, is responsible for producing nearly seventy-five percent of the total oil distributed to other countries. There has been no word yet from the oil tycoons regarding their plans for future involvement…”
The words from the news anchor blur in the background.
I look up at the screen as an idea flashes in my mind.
An idea that I may regret.
But at this point, I don’t have any other option.
Pulling out my phone, I dial Reginald, who picks up immediately.
“Miss Alarie.”
“I need to go into the city. Now.”
“Of course. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
A few hours later, I find myself being escorted up to the top floor of Manacorda Enterprises headquarters.
The elevator opens, and my eyes find the man I need to speak with.
His guard, Tony, enters the room with me as I walk directly toward Alastor Manacorda.
He stands to his full six-foot-plus height, running a hand over his slicked-back blond hair before holding out a hand for me to shake.
The moment my hand is enveloped with his, it feels dirty.
This all feels wrong.
I’ve never had to seek help outside of the family before.
But I have no other choice.
“Madeleine Alarie.” He motions toward the chair across from him. “I have to say, I was surprised when my secretary told me you requested a meeting.”
I take my seat, smoothing out my dress. “Yes, well, it is quite imperative.” I watch Tony take a free seat to the side, opening a magazine as if he’s not here to listen to every word of our conversation.
Alastor steeples his fingers before him, leaning back in his chair. “How can I be of service?”
I glance at Tony and then back at Alastor. “Could we speak in private?”
Alastor flicks a wrist at Tony. “Give us the room.”
Tony sighs, dropping the magazine on the chair as he gets up and then walks back to the elevator.
As soon as the doors close behind Tony, I get straight to the point. “Your family’s responsible for exporting oil out of Iraq, correct?”
He leans forward. “Yes. We have an operation over there responsible for extracting crude oil and refining it. It’s one of the many countries we work out of.”
I nod. This is good. “I have a favor to ask of you.” He waits for me to continue. “A…family friend, Eli Lyon, is currently being held hostage over there. My family would normally take care of a situation like this ourselves, but we don’t—”
“Have any connections over there.”
“Yes. And since this is now in the hands of the government, we need someone who can pull some strings to resolve this matter urgently.”
