Page 45 of Redemption

Chapter 35

Connor calledme into his office two days later. Detective Webber was already there waiting. He stood when I entered the room.

“Ms. Bishop.” He inclined his head in greeting.

“Hello, Detective Webber.”

Connor directed me to the seat I’d previously occupied the last time we were all in the same room together. I sat on the edge of the chair and placed my laced fingers over my knees while I waited to see what was going to be said.

Webber spoke first. “I’ve reached out to Connor’s contacts with the FBI. They were extremely interested in what I had to say, and two agents took the first flight out here. I expect them to arrive within the hour. They’re going to have me take the lead on this, but they plan on being there for back up. They know there’s going to be an exchange of information, but I didn’t share any details. Be prepared for that to come out during the phone call though. There’s no avoiding that. If and when the time comes, I’ll do what I can to protect you.

“You’ll be wired so if things start going south we’ll know. Don’t let him know that you’ve already spoken with us, but rather that’s what your plan is. See if you can get him to tell you anything about the drugs or guns. Agents Crocker and Morgan really want details about the sex trafficking. They’re currently in the midst of a deep cover sting operation involving a member of the Russian Bratva. He’s a known trafficker, and it’s possible your father might have some connections to him.”

I considered his words. Really, though, there weren’t a whole lot of other options. My thoughts drifted to Miles and what he would say. In my mind’s eye, I could picture the vein throbbing at his temple and his jaw clenching as he ground his teeth together. There was also no doubt in my mind that he would force Webber to take him with him, if for no other reason than he felt he had to protect me. Granted, I felt a little better knowing that he would be there. I knew that he would do everything in his power to make sure I stayed safe.

“When’s this going down?”

“Crocker and Morgan thought it best if we moved as quickly as possible, so I suggest you initiate contact with your father once they arrive. We’ll let him set the time, but I want the meeting at his home. Nowhere else. It offers us the safest option.”

Just as I began to speak, Miles barged in. Honestly, I’d expected him much sooner.

“I hope I’m not intruding.”

Connor’s response was dry. “Make yourself at home, Miles. We were just waiting on a few others to arrive.”

“Then I’m glad I didn’t miss anything.”

He came over to sit next to me. He didn’t speak, just sat back and assumed a relaxed pose that didn’t fool me. I knew he was tense, but holding it in. Connor only sighed. Thankfully, the phone beeping broke the awkward silence as Margaret’s voice sounded over the intercom.

“Mr. Black, Agent Joseph Crocker and Agent Nathaniel Morgan are here to see you.”

“Thank you, Margaret. Send them in, please. And please make sure we’re not interrupted.”

“Yes, sir.”

The call was disconnected, and in seconds, the door opened as Margaret gestured Agents Crocker and Morgan inside. She closed the door behind her as she returned to her desk.

“Welcome, gentlemen.” Connor rose to greet them. Greetings were returned as hands were shaken. “Please, have a seat over here, and we’ll get down to business.”

Once everyone was settled, introductions were made. Agent Crocker was the younger of the two. He appeared to be in his late twenties, whereas Agent Morgan looked to be in his mid-thirties. Both men were handsome with brown hair. Agent Morgan had an intensity about him that reminded me of Connor. He had Dom written all over him. Crocker on the other hand, seemed much softer and had the most piercing blue-gray eyes. I loved Miles, but I still admired their beauty.

“I’ve just finished briefing Josie on the plan, and she’s in agreement with it. We understand the urgency with which you gentlemen would like to proceed.”

Agent Crocker spoke first. “We appreciate you working with us on this. We’ve been trying to find the source of Vladimir Dragomirov’s girls for six months now without success. When we heard that your father’s become involved in trading girls, we hoped we’d caught a break. Can you tell us if you’ve seen Drago’s name mentioned in your father’s correspondence?”

My mind searched for any recollection of the name, but I was coming up with a blank.

“I don’t recall seeing that name anywhere, but the encrypted email where they discussed the women being sold and an upcoming auction came from someone who called himself Korol'.”

Both men seemed disappointed, and I hated I couldn’t tell them what they wanted to hear. I was ready for this to be over so I hoped they wanted things to happen soon.

“So, should I go ahead and contact my father?”

Miles’ jaw tightened and fists clenched.

Agent Crocker continued to lead the conversation. “Yes, we want to keep our investigation going forward. Remember, only agree to meet him at his home.”

I nodded while at the same time I dug my phone out of my pocket. The ringing soon reverberated through the room as I placed the call on speakerphone. Within two rings, his dreaded voice filled the room.

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