Page 29 of Deceiver

Bill falls silent.

I close my eyes, praying I sound convincing enough.

“Very well, you tell them that you know where G25 shipment is coming in next week.”

Narrowing my eyes, I shake my head and glance at Colt, whose eyes flare. Okay, that triggered his interest.

“Is that all?” I ask.

“That’s all they’ll need to believe that you know what you’re talking about. Once they agree to work with you, I’ll give you just enough to keep them interested, and in the meantime, you’ll be collecting what I need.”

“And what exactly is it you need?”

“I’ll be in touch with that. Tell them the information. I’ll contact you soon. Oh, and Bonnie, don’t forget what happens if you double cross me. You might think that is just a mere threat, but I promise you, it isn’t. Tonight was just a taste.”

He hangs up the phone, and I turn slowly to face the three men, who are all looking at me with narrowed eyes.

“What did he do?” Fury asks.

I shake my head. “Nothing. It’s just a threat.”

I go to take a step away, and Western lashes out, grabbing my arm. It shocks me, and as I spin toward him automatically, pain rushes up my spine. I gasp and freeze, my entire body seizing at the sudden onset of movement. Reaching for my shirt, he jerks it up. I look down at the same time he does, and I know that what he can see is bruising already beginning to form around my ribs and on my stomach.

Releasing me, Western steps back.

Colt looks to his son, his eyes narrowing, “You want to deal with this?”

Western nods, sharply.

“No, nobody is dealing with anything,” I say quickly. “If we don’t do this the right way, it’ll end badly. Please, can we just stick with what we agreed. You’ll get your chance with Bill, but not until we have made sure he won’t ever come back from it.”

Western’s jaw ticks.

I nod.

“I’m going to leave now, to go home and have one damned night where I can sleep and not feel unsafe. You decide what it is you need from me, and I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“This don’t mean you’re clear with us,” Western mutters.

I look him in the eye. “Oh, believe me, I know. Don’t worry,Nightmare, you have nothing to worry about from me anymore. Once this is done, I’m out of here.”

With that, I turn and walk out, keeping my head held high.

I can only hope I’ve made the right choice tonight.

I guess time will tell.

~*~*~*~*~

“ONE OF THE BOYS HASbeen returned.”

Gasping, as I read the newspaper, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.

One of the foster boys who went missing a few years ago, has been returned. It doesn’t say much, other than he doesn’t remember how he got back, or who returned him, just that he has been sent back safely and is now in protective custody until further investigation can be made.

I’m stunned.

Shocked.