Page 51 of Wild Idol

I didn’t think I was going to be able to bullshit my way out of this one. I figured I’d just spit it out and take my lumps. But those lumps might be deadly. In a matter-of-fact tone, I said, “I’m a cop. Her father asked me to come here and talk to her. That’s all.”

I left out the part about the idol.

Solomon surveyed me with intensity.

“Ivy’s free to leave if she chooses to do so, right?” I asked. “It’s not like she’s a prisoner.”

Solomon forced a smile. “Everyone is here at their own will. No one is a captive.”

“Except for me right now.”

Solomon nodded to the goons, and they lowered their weapons.

“You have to understand that we are all protective of this community and what we’ve built. We want to see it thrive and grow. This isn’t the first time Mr. Wellington has sent someone to retrieve his daughter. And let’s just say those previous attempts were less than scrupulous. They tried to take Star against her will. I will not let my people be kidnapped. This community is family, and I hold each and every member dear.” He paused for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he stared into mine. After a beat, he seemed satisfied. “I believe you have been honest with me, and I respect that. You are free to go at any time, but I hope you will stay for a few days.”

I lifted a surprised brow.

“I would like you to experience what we’ve built and see first-hand the sense of comradery and purpose. I will arrange for you to speak to Star. You will see with your own eyes that she is happy and content.”

“So, she’s here?”

“Yes. Go ahead and make your best pitch. She will not leave. I feel confident when I say that she will never reconcile with her father. Not after the despicable things he’s done. If you knew what I know, you wouldn’t work for the man.”

“I will acknowledge that I only have a fraction of the story, and all of it is his side. Still, I told her father I would talk to Ivy, and I will.”

A slight smile curled his face. “Fair enough. But please, call her Star from here on out. She has chosen her name and deserves respect. Sit tight, and I’ll send her to you. My apologies for the interruption, but I had to learn the truth.” Solomon nodded to the goons. They filed out of the bungalow, and he followed.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and my heartbeat began to settle. My clothes were strewn about the floor. I snapped them up and dressed.

Five minutes went by.

Then 15...

Then 20…

I was beginning to think Ivy didn’t want to talk to me.

29

“You’re wasting your time,” Ivy said with an annoyed breath when she finally stepped into my bungalow.

Ivy was a beautiful young woman with wavy chocolate hair, smooth golden skin, a fresh face, and alluring caramel eyes. Her svelte figure drew the eye—long toned legs, a flat midriff, elegant proportions.

“Your father wants you to come home,” I said.

“What my father wants is of no concern to me,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. But it still had an edge to it.

“He’s dying,” I said.

That hung there for a moment.

She paused, and her face stiffened. It bothered her for an instant, then she bottled the emotion. “We all die. It’s the natural order of things.”

“He wants the artifact back.”

She scarfed. “Of course he does. It’s all he cares about.”

“So it’s here?”