Page 14 of Deliverance

We pulled up to a warehouse in an industrial area. I was taken aback at what I saw, to say the least, when we entered.

"Let's go up to my office first," Frank said.

My steps faltered as I noticed three guards guarding chain link cages filled with four to five women each. Some of the women had their backs to me, but I was still able to count them as I followed Frank and Saffron up the wooden stairs.

Forty-two.

I didn't know how it was possible to capture forty-two women—unless it was over a long period of time or multiple people were doing the kidnapping. Abducting innocent women went beyond Frank murdering someone who tried to kill him. I was instantly pissed. I wanted to put a bullet in his head, and if I’d had a gun on me, I might have. I could use my bare hands—but I didn't know if Saffron, the no-named guy we were with, or the three guards downstairs would kill me.

"When you said you were confident I would find four, I didn't imagine you would have so many." Saffron chuckled. She fucking snickered.

"Told you. Summertime and good weather make it easier," Frank stated. "Plus, I have more guys working for me now."

"You've been busy." She smirked. "When you're not in the Catskills, that is."

Frank didn't reply. He only smiled, then he looked over at me. "The reason we came up to my office is that I wanted you to see why we’re here and for you to understand your new position."

"Kidnapping?" I questioned.

He shook his head. "I already told you that you're Saffron's head of security now."

"And the women?" I probed.

Frank and Saffron grinned at each other, and Frank said, "The penthouse is a brothel."

My brow furrowed. "All of them"—I pointed toward the main part of the warehouse—"will work at the penthouse?"

"No." Saffron shook her head. "I only need three or four."

I was trying to wrap my head around what they were and weren't telling me, and like the night before, I went with it. "Okay."

"Great." Frank started for the door. "Let's go pick some out."

We walked down the wooden stairs, and I followed behind as Saffron scrutinized each woman as she passed.

Then I saw her.

The one from Lock.

The one I thought I'd never see again.

The one I wanted to see again, but not like this.

The one who never made it home.

Chapter Six

Erin

"Emily," the lady called.

A few moments later, a woman around my age came from a hallway. "Yes, Madam?"

"Please show our newest girls to their rooms."

"Yes, Madam."

We started to follow Emily, and I looked over my shoulder at Ricardo. Was he just going to stand there? I suppose he had to because the man and woman were watching, but when would he rescue me? Would it be before or after my firstclient?