Page 90 of Rescuing Rebel

The thought of finding my sister’s killer fortifies me as I draw myself up, steadying my shaking limbs. Squaring my shoulders, I take five deep breaths and squash my fear.

No matter Kaufman’s violence, I will survive.

THIRTY-THREE

Ethan

Kaufman stalks aheadof me down the hallway, radiating irritation. His broad shoulders are tense, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. Our conversation about security protocols is an unwelcome distraction to whatever is on his mind.

At least his hands aren’t wrapped around Rebel’s throat any longer.

I keep pace beside him, my tone polite but persisting with questions, subtly needling him for reactions. After seeing his hands around Rebel’s throat, it’s all I can do to maintain this civil facade. The urge to slam Kaufman’s head into the unforgiving wall simmers below my calm exterior.

“So, the lower levels? Are they restricted for all staff?” I continue conversationally. “Is your trainer barred from certain sectors?”

“That’s what restricted means.” Kaufman cuts me a sharp look. “The product housed below requires careful handling and privacy.”

Product.

The word curdles my gut, but I keep my voice level.

“Of course, I’m just clarifying because it appears there are still areas restricted for my staff. I thought we were in agreement my team needs full access?” I scratch my jaw, feigning contemplation. “Without knowing the full layout of your facility, ensuring a comprehensive security sweep down there is impossible.”

Kaufman stops abruptly, fists clenching as he turns on me. “I’ve given you enough access. Only my most trusted men have access to those areas. I trust them implicitly.”

“Yeah, I get that. Sadly, that’s exactly what your mole would do.”

“What does that mean?”

“To bring down Haven, your most trusted associate would need unlimited access to the entirety of your operation. The labyrinth you have is complex enough, but if you’re certain none of those men could be a traitor, then there’s no reason to send my team in.” I try to push his buttons by backing off and pray my gamble works.

His eyes bore into mine, searching for any hidden agenda. I widen my eyes innocently.

“Fair enough.” I raise my hands in acquiescence. “Your operation, your rules. My only aim is to provide quality service.”

Kaufman studies me a moment longer before resuming his brisk pace. “See that you continue to do so,” he warns.

Up ahead, the hallway intersects with a larger corridor. Kaufman slows, and I detect a shift in his demeanor. The subtle tells are all there—tightened jaw, accelerated blink rate, fingers twitching at his sides. He’s made a decision I instinctively know I won’t like.

“Your team needs to step up the pace.”

“We’re working as fast as we can. Your operation is complex and highly decentralized. Which is why we need full access to your facility.” I keep my tone neutral.

Kaufman clasps his hands behind his back. “The needs of my clients come first. As such, I am moving the auction up to this Friday.”

Careful to betray no reaction, I nod slowly as if this is reasonable. Inside, my mind spins scenarios on how to salvage the operation. We’re not prepared to move on the women.

Kaufman plants his feet firmly on the cold floor, every vertebra in his back aligning in a defiant rod of steel. The corner of his mouth quivers upward in a smirk, the epitome of condescension.

“Therefore, your team must accelerate its efforts to ensure the proceedings go smoothly.” His mouth curves into a parody of a smile, cold and reptilian. “And I would like you to attend the auction as my guest.”

Bile rises in my throat at the thought of standing idle during this horrific slave trade. I swallow my disgust and nod. “I appreciate the invitation.”

The harsh glint in his eyes sharpens, his smirk deepening. Every inch of him radiates conceit, an unmistakable aura of a man who believes he’s invincible. “Excellent.”

With that, he turns abruptly and stalks off down the corridor, disappearing into the bowels of Haven. I stand a moment, hands clenched, wrestling murderous fury back under control.

Attending the auction complicates matters tremendously, but also presents an opportunity. I can gather last-minute intel and help coordinate the timing of the operation. And when the chaos unfolds, I’ll be positioned to reach Rebel quickly.

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