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Story: The Inquisitor

She continued to tell me how she’d threatened Juan, forcing him to burn down Kiera’s cabin, blaming her for stealing drugs and stealing me from her. Yolanda had hurt so many people, and there was not an ounce of remorse in her voice.

“When did you join the crime organization?”

“When I started my job at Mitch’s law firm. So right out of college. We were good at using each other. I’m hot, and I make him look good when we’re out. But I don’t fantasize about him like I do you.” She stared at me, and I saw a lost soul. “When his face is between my thighs, I imagine it’s you.”

I couldn’t help Yolanda turn back. She was beyond saving.

I took a moment to compose myself. Then I leaned in, smiling seductively at her, playing my part. She could assist me in apprehending Red Venom and Senator Kramer.

“If you want me to join the organization, there are questions I need answered.”

“Ask away, baby. I’ll do anything for you.”

“Do you really think it could benefit my business? I don’t want something that’ll take time from my clinic or Grandma.”

“You’ll make a lot of money. That’s a fact. They have businesses all over the world. You can attend as many meetings as you want. I’ll make sure you have more time to spend with me and Grandma.”

“You have that much power?” I asked.

“I’ve been with them for a long time.” She smiled, reaching over and caressing my hand.

“How did you join the organization anyway?” I let her hold my hand. “Since you’ve been with them for so long, you must know the other elite members? Can I meet them?”

What would she do if she knew that Red Venom had also been responsible for her parents’ death? He and his crew had killed almost everyone in her village. Would she even believe me or dismiss it as me trying to smear her colleague?

“I accompanied Mitch to several meetings and started working for them. They pay me fabulously. I don’t need to work anymore, but I want to. Mitch makes me feel wanted.”

“He got you pregnant, didn’t he?”

She slid me a bitter look. “That could’ve been you. We would’ve made beautiful babies. But you can take care of me now.”

Unable to reply, I offered her a smile.

Yolanda was carrying Kiera’s half-sibling. I wasn’t going to share that information, because it could drive Yolanda even crazier. Yolanda’s flat stomach told me she was in the early stages of pregnancy.

“He’s gotten other girls pregnant too,but my baby is the only one he’s keeping.”

Mitch Kramer was the same coward and loser who didn’t take responsibility for his sperm.

I didn’t want to waste any more time. I hated deceiving a family member, but she’d gone too far. If I gave Yolanda another chance, she wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Kiera. What if her delusion and jealousy pushed her to hurt Grandma too? I couldn’t let that happen.

“I could go on vacation with you. I’ll have to shift my schedule around though. Do you think you could set up a meeting with me and Red Venom and your boyfriend? I have a proposal for them. I want to get it over with before my schedule packs up again. Work has been stressful.”

“Really? You mean it?” She squeezed my hand. “I don’t want you stressed, baby.”

I squeezed her hand back. “We could make a lot of money together.” I glanced at my watch. “I have a commitment tonight, but I’d cancel it to meet them instead. Do you think that can happen?”

Her eyes brightened, and I knew she was hooked.

“They’re reviewing a drug shipment tonight at the dock. I can take you there.”

“What dock? What time?”

She gave me the time and name of the warehouse. It matched the location the PI had uncovered.

“I’ll text Mitch right now.” She got out her phone.

“Tell him that Black Mamba is excited to meet Red Venom. That I’m a wealthy man going by a nickname, and that I have a cunning vision that could make them a lot of money. Do your sales pitch. You know how wonderful I am. You’ll get a nice percentage from this transaction.”