Page 28 of Wild Idol (Tyson Wild Thriller #82)

T hat inextinguishable flame of desire got extinguished.

I lost enthusiasm faster than doing a cold plunge in the dead of winter.

Sunshine stood in the corner of the room looking conflicted, covering her naughty bits with her hands.

“You’re not married, are you, Sunshine?“ I said in a sardonic voice.

Solomon followed the men into the room with an angry look on his face.

“This is not exactly relaxing,“ I said.

“Why are you asking so many questions about Star?”

Sunshine must have talked to Solomon when she went to get the coconut oil. Or perhaps Solomon had spies lingering just outside the bungalow. Maybe there were solar-powered cameras placed in the room. Who knows? Regardless, he was here and pissed off.

Solomon was the kind of guy that contained his anger for the most part. It bubbled under the surface, and he spoke in a low, ominous voice. There was no doubt that when he did erupt, it would be furious and dramatic. Histrionic.

“Like I said, I’m an old friend of Ivy’s.”

“That name no longer exists. Who sent you?”

“Nobody sent me,” I said in the most innocent voice I could muster.

Solomon nodded to one of the thugs who jammed the barrel of the AK closer to my face. The smell of gun oil wafted.

“If there’s anything I despise, it’s lies,“ Solomon said. “Tell me who sent you and why you’re here.”

“I’m just here for a little relaxation. Which I was about to enjoy until you so rudely interrupted.”

Solomon didn’t react. In a sharp voice, he said, “Sunshine, get dressed and leave us.”

She scurried across the room, snatched her bikini from the floor, and darted out of the bungalow.

“I don’t like the girls to witness violence,” Solomon said.

“It unsettles them. They’re delicate creatures.

They don’t need to be a party to that kind of thing.

They don’t need to burden their minds or their souls.

I’ve worked tirelessly to help them remove past trauma and live freely, pursuing joy and love.

” Solomon paused. “Now tell me who sent you and why you’re here? Did Ivy’s father send you? ”

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.