Page 65 of Deliverance

"What do you mean she left?" Madam inquired.

"I'm having a fucking heart attack, and she got in the elevator and left."

My heart was racing as I listened. Zell saw an opportunity, and before anyone could stop her, she left. Did Frankie come and get her? I didn't know how she would contact him if that were the case. Was she wandering the streets alone and cold? It was January and probably snowing outside. Last I saw she was wearing the black dress I’d given her because that was her uniform, so to speak, and she had to clean the room Clarissa had used with a client. Maybe she and Frankie had come up with a plan, and he’d picked her up. I knew he told her he would get her out, but I thought that was for a day trip or something.

"No one"—Madam pointed at us—"and I mean no one is to tell the paramedics anything. In fact, all of you get in your rooms," she ordered.

With one final look at Ric, I turned and walked to my room as the other women did the same. I wanted to throw up. If something were to happen to Zell, I would be devastated. She was like my kid sister. When Ric had talked about going to the feds, I'd wanted to ask what would happen to Zell once all the Russos were in jail. She was an adult but had never been in the city besides the park across the street. If Ric and I were in witness protection, who would take care of Zell? She still needed someone. Frankie was a kid himself, and there was no way he would turn against his father. Plus, I didn't know what illegal dealings he was involved with for his father. Maybe Ric did.

I paced in my room as I waited for Ric to come and tell me what was going on. Finally, after what seemed like forever, there was a knock on my door.

"Zell was picked up by two of Frank's men," Ric informed me. "I don't know the details, but Frankie is bringing her back."

But Zell didn't come back.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ric

It wasn't good.

Not only had Zell escaped, but Frankie never brought her back, and now he was gone—just like Frank's wife. Quinn hadn’t returned home, and it had been over a month. I had called a few times since I knew the room number, but she never answered the phone, and because I didn't know what name she was using, I couldn't check to see if she was still registered as a guest.

Marcus had been taken to the hospital, and therefore, I was down a guard. I didn't care. If another girl got out, that was someone I wouldn't have to worry about when I went to the feds, and the plan was still to go to the feds. Zell having gone missing wasn’t going to hinder my plans. It had been ten years too long, and I was getting us out.

Saffron wouldn't let me go home, and the girls were instructed to stay in their rooms unless a client came. I called Tyler in so he could man the elevator. All of us were waiting to see if Zell would come back. It had been ten hours since she’d left, and we knew she was with Frankie, but no one knew where they were. Maybe they had skipped town, or maybe they were being teenagers and roaming the city. Zell probably wanted to see anything and everything, and Frankie had the money to do it. A part of me hoped she never returned, but I knew Erin would be devastated, never knowing if she was okay and free.

While I waited, I started to put my plan into action. I didn't know how to go to the feds, but I was hopeful Cole, who I had served with and now ran a security firm, would know. The only way I knew how to get in touch with him was on social media, so I sent him a message.

Ricardo Montoya

11:12 AM

Hey, man! How's civilian life treating you?

It didn't take long for him to respond.

Jackson Cole

11:15 AM

Hey, dude! Civilian life is good. How's it going for you? How's your back?

Ricardo Montoya

11:15 AM

Back is good, but I was wondering if you could help me with that favor you owe me.

Jackson Cole

11:16 AM

Sure. What's up?

Ricardo Montoya

11:16 AM