Page 207 of Reaper

Her face falls at my silence and she sighs.

“So it was a setup? A wild goose chase?”

Grimly, I nod, even though I’m proud of her for putting the pieces together so quickly. “Yeah, Darlin’, it was. But we’re gonna find out whatever we can from him.”

She frowns. “Who set us up?”

I hesitate. “We think Richard did, but we’ll find out after we talk to the asshole.”

She nods as she takes my hand in hers, running her fingers over my knuckles. “I take it this is going to be one of the times I can’t be down there with you?”

Sighing, I nod again. “Sorry, Darlin’. I’m not sure where this fucker fits into all of this, but I’ll tell you what I can afterward. As for the ones that kidnapped you, you will be able to be down there when Devil and the others get back. You deserve to get your answers and your pound of flesh.”

“What about Zac?”

“Smoke and Python are digging into it and scouring the cameras trying to find him.”

Her shoulders slump and she nods glumly as she traces lines on the back of my hand. A moment later she sits up, excitement shining in her eyes.

“Oh! Devil’s on his way back, though I assume you already know that. He texted me to let us know that Sara’s coming back with him. They boxed up all her stuff so that she doesn’t have to go back to that place. Well, most of it was still in boxes so that helped speed up the whole packing process. I don’t know if she’ll take the townhouse we prepped or if she’ll want to stay with Devil, but I’m glad they were able to get her out of there. If shechooses to stay in the townhouse, we picked the last one since it’s the closest to Devil’s house and I figured he’d appreciate that.”

I nod, already knowing all that. Well, except for which townhouse they reserved for Sara. And I know Devilwillappreciate it being close to his house. He called me right before they left Sara’s house, and fuck, the relief and happiness in his voice… I hadn’t heard him that happy in a long time. After everything he’s been through, I’m glad things are finally going his way.

“Thank you, Darlin’. That means a lot to me and I’m sure it means a lot to Devil, too. I gotta head downstairs to get some answers, so why don’t you get some sleep?”

She shakes her head and throws the covers off, revealing that she was fully dressed while sleeping. She stands and I do as well. “Nope, I’m betting it won’t be too long until Devil and the others get here. I’m sure Devil is going to want to get answers from those four assholes as well. I don’t want Sara to be all alone in a new place. You know what answers I want, Anthony, so I’m going to take a step back on this one, even though I desperately want to pound on those four. So long as you guys make it hurt while you get your answers, then I’m okay with that. I’d rather make sure Sara feels comfortable and safe here. If she needs help getting things settled for the night, then we’ll make sure she’s taken care of while you guys go take care of business.”

Well, fuck.

“Fuck, Darlin’. How did I get so fucking lucky to snag you as my woman?”

She smiles up at me and steps closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Easy. You stood up for me and I said yes when you asked. All three times. For being your woman, for being your Old Lady, and when you asked me to marry you.”

Going up on her toes she gives me a kiss that ends way too fucking quickly for my liking. Pulling back, she gives me a smirk as if she can tell what I’m thinking.

“Little minx,” I mumble as I adjust myself.

She giggles before stepping away and slipping on her cut. Then she grabs her winter coat.

Taking her hand, I lead her back downstairs. Nathan’s sitting at a table with three laptops surrounding him, but other than him, no one’s in the main room. Nathan looks up from the computers and tilts his head toward the door.

“The others headed downstairs. I’m watching the cameras and Smoke and Python have me monitoring the systems that are running on Elijah and the ones looking for Zac. Lark, Mama Astrid went to lay down until Devil and the others get here. She said to let her know when you’re ready, and she’ll help get Sara situated with you.”

Lark heads behind the bar and grabs a couple of sodas. “Well then, Nathan, how about you show me what I can do to help so that you don’t have to watch three screens at once. At least for a little while anyways until Devil gets here. Then I’m going to help Sara get situated so she isn’t alone in a new place.”

Nathan looks over at me in question as she settles into a chair next to him and hands him a soda which he takes. I give him a chin lift. She has a point and this will also help give her experience since she’s now a Prospect.

“Good idea, Darlin’. Nathan, show her the ropes so that she can become familiar with it.” Leaning down, I give her a quick kiss. “Let us know if you guys see anything or if the systems come back with anything.”

“We will.”

“Will do, Pres,” Nathan replies and with that, I turn on my heel, heading down the hallway. In an alcove, I move the picture that’s on a hinge instead of hanging on a nail and scanmy handprint. A moment later the wall starts to slide open, revealing the staircase down into the cellar.

It’s time to get some answers.

When I reach the thick metal door that leads to what we call the cellar, I put in my password and scan my handprint again. Opening the door, I make sure it locks behind me before turning toward our guests.

Last year, after Half-pint and I dealt with Black Plague and her uncle, she mentioned some suggestions for how wedealwith guests. The guys and I got to talking afterward and we ended up basically copying the setup in their cellar. Or I guess I should say ‘the sticks’ since that’s what Half-pint calls their area like this. We have tracks along the ceiling so that we can maneuver the hooks our guests hang from however we want. We also secured more eye bolts into the floor to connect the ankle restraints to.