Page 70 of Searching for Hope

Sighing as though this whole exchange bores me, I pull out my phone and show him the picture of my father and myself. The one which has been cropped so to not show the extent of his surroundings.

“You’ll have to excuse his appearance. It’s been a while since he’s been able to use any tanning salons or day spas.”

Mr Gorman shoots me a warning glare, his affection for tanning as obvious as my father’s used to be. He nods, accepting my proof of contact with my father. If he is surprised, he doesn’t show it. In fact, his expression still holds a smirk of amusement.

“And what is this request of his?”

“A woman.”

“A woman?”

“Yes.” I nod and shuffle forward in the chair. “The day before his property was raided, he sold one of his women, one he used to call Iris. All of the paperwork got lost in the confusion of the raid with neither the police nor my father’s contact being able to find her. He would like her back as a sort of…” I pause and let a slow smile cross my face. “A sort of comfort. Needless to say, he’s finding the current restrictions on his life a little stifling and would like some form of relief.”

“Surely you and your Mr Priest would be able to arrange something for him. I’m surprised you didn’t make a purchase at the auction the other day.”

“You know my father. His tastes are specific, and he is rather stubborn.”

He smiles and nods. “And you are wanting me to find this woman?”

“If I could tell my father you tried it would be a solace for him. Whether you do or not is up to you, but I had to do my part and ask. Fooling my father is something I’ve learned not to attempt.”

“And you’d do wise to keep it that way.”

I nod my head demurely. It’s hard playing the line of strength and deference with this man. I need to be my father’s daughter. One that doesn’t batter an eyelid at the thought of using other people as though they were nothing more than property. But I also need that balance of knowing my place as a woman in a man’s world. The thought alone makes my skin crawl, but I will do whatever it takes.

“I remember the girl your father speaks of. She was one he was willing to share. Unlike your mother.” He’s watching me intently and I do my best to school my expression into staying neutral. “He was very fond of her but, if I remember correctly, chose to sell her because of her stubborn nature. I’m a little surprised he’s wanting her back. There is plenty of other stock I have on hand which I’m sure would suit his needs better. They’ve been well trained. They’re obedient to a fault.”

“Thank you for the kind offer, but he is interested in this woman in particular because of her nature, not despite it. Let’s just say with more time on his hands he’s looking for a challenge. She is that challenge.”

He chuckles. “Sounds like him. I was rather surprised when your mother did not recognize me. We’ve met a few times before. But then again, I always did my best to disguise my face.”

I swallow. “I believe she’s blocked many memories of her time with my father. I’m a little startled you ran the risk of inviting her here, especially considering what happened to my father and the efforts we had to go to to ensure his freedom, as feeble as it is.”

“Michael wanted to make you happy and remind you of how things used to be.”

I smile tightly. “So kind of him.”

He cocks his head to the side. I hate this kind of conversation. The type where one thing is said but another meant. The type that if overheard would sound innocent but the reality is anything but.

Leaning back in his chair, he crosses his arms over his chest. “Give me a few minutes to make some calls and I’ll see what I can find out about this girl of your father’s. If I recall correctly, I remember who purchased her, but I believe he has since sold her on due to a clash in personalities. But then again, he discards girls as easily as he discards used tissues.”

Resisting the urge to clench my jaw, I get to my feet. “My father appreciates your support.”

I’m eager to give him the space he needs to make his phone calls and return to Jericho. I feel safer with him by my side. Sitting here makes me feel too much like an animal about to be devoured and yet still smiling at the predator ready to sink their teeth into my flesh.

But as my hand touches the knob of the door handle, Mr Gorman speaks. “How did you do it?”

“What?” I ask sweetly, feigning another smile.

“Get him out. Make him vanish.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Mr Priest those details. I did not bother myself with them. My talents lie elsewhere.”

Mr Gorman’s cool gaze runs over my body. “I’m sure they do. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have a daughter of my own. It must be so different from having a son, someone who will carry on the family name. I admire you for attempting to fill those shoes.”

It takes all my strength to keep my smile in place. My hand shakes a little as I turn the door handle, and I breathe a sigh of relief when I’m safely on the other side and out of view from the man who can make my blood turn cold with one look.

Jericho, Michael, and Mrs Gorman are still seated around the pool. Classical music floats through the speakers and all eyes dart to me when they hear my clipped steps.

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