Page 20 of Cruel Bargain

“Do to him?”

“He fucking sold your girl to a brothel. You can’t just let him go.”

“But he’s her dad.”

“And you’re her Keeper.”

He has a point.

Hunter continues with, “If I were you, I’d flay the flesh from his bones, roast it, and make him eat it.”

“Has anyone ever told you, you’re one sick fuck?”

“Actually, I’ve been called worse.”

“Let’s just get the kid.”

We enter the house with ease and I make my way to the basement as Britney instructed. Gun in hand, I sneak down the stairs, but the creaking steps announce my presence.

“Daddy! Someone’s coming!”

“Ain’t nnnoooo one comin’,”a voice slurs.

“But Daddy, I see them! They’re wearing black!”

I enter the room and spot her immediately. A smaller version of Britney, lacking the perpetual scowl. Across the room, laid out on the couch, is Britney’s father, bottle in hand.

I can’t recall a time I’ve ever felt so much relief and anger at the same moment. Relief that the girl is safe, and anger toward the father.

Scratch that. It’s not anger I’m feeling.

It’s pure rage.

I squat, putting myself at a level with the girl. “Hey, Maisy. Britney sent me to get you.”

Maisy scowls. “But Britney wasn’t careful, and she got bit.”

I glare over at her father, who’s now sitting up, white as a ghost. Hunter has his gun trained on him, and I’m half tempted to tell him to take out the trash.

“I promise you, Britney’s doing fine. In fact, she wants you to come visit. Would you like that?”

She looks over at her father. “Is it true? Is Britney alive? Can I visit her?”

He nods. “Go with them, Maisy. Do what they say.”

I look up at Hunter. “Take the kid. I’m going to finish up down here.”

He winks and extends his hand out toward Maisy. “I got some candy in my bag if you want some.”

She accepts his hand and they go upstairs, leaving me alone with Britney’s bastard father.

“Take her. I won’t put up a fuss,” the man says, his hands trembling.

I pull up a chair and sit facing him. “There’s the matter of payment.”

His Adam’s apple bobs. “W-w-well, leave what you feel is fair.”

“I’m sorry if you misunderstood me. It’s not me who owes the debt.”

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