Page 173 of Stolen Voices

“That’s what you think.”

Silla throws her head back and howls like the evil witch she is, making my balls shrivel. “It’s what I know. I own her, Eli. And I always will.”

I finally snap. “No, you don’t. Callie is mine now, and she won’t be needing your services anymore. Expect to hear from my lawyer, and please consider your contract void. Now, kindly, get the fuck out of my office.”

“I’ll leave, but this isn’t over. You’ll figure it out eventually, but that girl is a cock tease, just like her whore of a mother. Only good for spreading her legs. It’s too bad my father didn’t learn his lesson before hisuntimelydemise.”

What the fuck? Something about the way she said that needles my brain.

“See you around, Eli.” Silla turns on her heel, trying to look sexy and powerful like she just won whatever showdown she thinks this was. She sways her hips from side to side and flips her hair over her shoulder.

Fucking psycho.

Dez pops his head in, eyebrows raised. “That was, uh, interesting.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Do you need anything?” He pulls out his phone, ready to take notes.

“I’m good. I’m going to make a call and then head out.”

“Do whatever you need to do. I’m here if you need me. See you later, Eli.”

“Thanks, Dez.”

I pick up my cell phone and dial my big brother. Jace answers on the second ring.

I don’t bother making chit-chat. “Please tell me you know where David Jenkins is?”

thirty-seven

Callie

Thefieryballofbile in my stomach bubbles up my throat as Eli pulls into a parking lot in downtown Burbank and parks in one of the visitor parking spots. He cuts the engine and turns to me as I stare out the window at the white commercial building.

Seeking strength from the memory of my dad, I nervously twist the ring on my thumb. Ever since Eli told me Silla paid him a visit yesterday at work, I’ve been a mess. My sweet man has done his best to distract me with passionate kisses and multiple orgasms, but as soon as the high wears off, the horrible truth lingers: Silla hates me and wants me dead.

I still can’t wrap my head around the reality of it all. Not even the events that led me here seem real, but I can’t shake this ominous cloud hanging over me. She’s up to something, and if I want to make it out of this alive, I need to beat her at her own game.

“We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to.” Eli wraps his hand around mine and gives it a warm, supporting squeeze.

I love Eli more for proposing the option, but this is something I can’t hide from anymore. Meeting with David Jenkins will put some of the puzzle pieces together and help me break free from Silla’s shackles so I can move forward with my life. I need answers. I just hope Jenkins has some of them.

“No, I want to. It’s time. You’re right; I can’t keep living under Silla’s thumb. This has to end.”

“That’s my brave girl.” He leans across the center console and kisses me, then pulls out the Evaders’ hat in his glove compartment and places it on my head.

“A little overkill, don’t you think?” I adjust the brunette wig on my head.

“Not in the slightest. Sunglasses on, princess.”

Following his order, I slide on a pair of aviators. This is one of those times where I let Eli lead. Not for my sake but for his. He’s been good at hiding his worries, but he’s no award-winning actor.

Eli has a point, though. Going incognito will help keep Silla in the dark. If someone snapped a picture of me and posted it online, it could give away our plan. The last thing I want is to tip off my evil half-sister before I get the chance to bring her down. We even made an appointment to meet with Jenkins using a fake name. He thinks we are a newly married couple looking to get our affairs in order.

The receptionist greets us as we enter the quiet office, informing us that Mr. Jenkins will be right out.

Eli removes his phone from his pocket and hits the record button on the voice app before shoving it back into his breast pocket. He winks at me. “Just in case.”