Page 32 of Concealed Deception

By the time I’m showered and ready to leave, the cleanup crew are taking over my office space.The body will be taken someplace no one will ever find it.

It takes fifteen minutes to get from Envy to home.When we arrive, I have another guest waiting for me.Doug.The loud crack is hardly rewarding as my fist connects with his face.I go back for another round, then another, until he’s all but a limp body in a chair.

Tony has a glass of whiskey already poured and held out to me when I reach my desk.The golden liquid does nothing to settle the worry, but the smooth burn replenishes my temper.With the bottle nearly consumed, we’re now discussing what plan of action would be best to approach.

It takes the better part of an hour before Doug starts rousing.It’s by pure luck he isn’t dead.Once he’s awake enough, we put him to work with Tony to pull up all of William’s transactions and phone records.A few bank transfers that don’t add up gain our attention.

“What the hell has my father been doing?”I ask Doug.

He looks at me with an unreadable expression.

“For fuck’s sake, spit it out.”

My frustrations bounce off the walls as I release all of my pent-up rage.If I can’t get her back, lord only knows what will happen to her.

I need to make a plan, and fast.

I need her back.

I need a bloody miracle.

Doug finally voices my fear.

“He’s running a trafficking syndicate.”

“Mother fucker!”I holler.

My foot connects with Doug’s chest, toppling his body to the floor.

I look at Tony, Knox, and Vince.My eyes are burning daggers, and with the most menacing voice they have ever heard, I let my vengeance be known.

“William’s last breath is mine.Find her!”

Nineteen

Ava

I don’t know where I am or how long I’ve been here.I’m surrounded by steel bars and the chains attached to my wrists and ankles are restricting my movements.

The air is thick with a putrid stench.Coldness surrounds me, sending brutal shivers through my body.I bring my knees to my chest, enveloping myself in my arms.It helps to radiate warmth through my naked body, keeping me from freezing to death.At least for the time being.

When I woke, my mind was groggy.I have no recollection of the hours—if not days—prior to coming here, let alone who has me.I’ve been trying my hardest to remember what happened, but every time I try a blinding headache takes place.

I’m thirsty beyond belief and haven’t had anything to eat for as long as I can remember.My stomach growls and cramps at the thought, which makes me hug myself tighter.

I want to get out of here but there’s no use.I’ve pulled and pulled on the chains, but nothing happens.Nothing more than raw skin and bruising.

I can’t recall anyone coming into the dark dungeon-like room, and I’ve looked and looked again for other living beings.It makes me think that maybe the rotten smell is more than human excrement.

I torture myself with thoughts of my family.Not being able to say goodbye to my aunt or having the opportunity to thank her for raising me.Then a fierce set of russet eyes taunt me; the same ones that look through my very soul.

I was awfully quick to surrender myself to Xander.Something about him woke something in me.He brought out a part of me I kept buried, embarrassed to experiment with when it came to other men.

Guilt and shame riddle me.I’ve spent all my time focusing on Xander, that I’ve been a horrible friend.I had the perfect opportunity to tell Lacey everything and I didn’t.

I should never have pushed her away.

I should have told her everything.She never would have left if she knew I was in danger.

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