“I need to speak with Mr. E. Now!” I bark into the phone.
“One moment, please.”
I hear the call click over, and he comes on the line a moment later. “Can I help you, Mr. Biggs?”
“Why do I still have a tail?” I ask through clenched teeth. I’m fuming but try to rein it in so as not to draw attention. I stretch my fingers out and fist them again, pushing the energy through my veins.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Of course, you don’t.“I’m talking about Mr. Garcia. He was on my plane today, and he assaulted my secretary. She’s very upset.”
“I was unaware you’d brought her to Chicago with you.” His voice is so calm, and it does nothing but add fuel to my rage.
“I didn’t. She flew out to help me complete my business yesterday, and we headed back today. I don’t appreciate him manhandling her. She’s not one of your pets for sale.”
“My apologies. I’ll make sure to contact him in regards to this.”
“Perfect.” I hang up and look at her. She is watching me, and I know she could hear him on the other line.
“Can I share something messed up with you?” she asks, eyes downcast.
I interlace my fingers with hers and brush my lips along them. “Anything.”
She takes an unsteady breath. “It was comforting to hear his voice.”
Shit. That is so fucked up, but I’m not about to tell her that. I take a deep breath and pull her to my chest, rubbing the back of her head. “It’s okay, we’re going to fix that. I don’t want any part of him to be comforting to you. I’m going to make sure he’s thrown behind bars where he can’t hurt anyone else again.” I kiss the top of her head. “Come on, we need to go.”
We get off the plane and step into the bustling airport. People are coming and going from all directions. I look around, but Juan is nowhere to be seen. I take her hand and walk through the airport, seeking the exit as soon as possible.
I order an Uber, and the car arrives within a few minutes to take us to Winston’s crash pad. It’s in the middle of Manhattan.How the hell does he afford this?The driver pulls up to an old brick building, and we get out. She looks up to one of the windows, shielding her eyes from the sun. People pass in front of and behind her as cars honk around us.
“What floor?” she asks.
“The fifth.”
She nods, and we go inside, trekking up the fifty-five steps to the correct floor. I unlock the door and usher her inside and away from prying neighbors. I lock the door behind me and gawk when I see the apartment. This thing is like the Ritz, but it’s decked out with all sorts of high end electronics.
What the fuck?
“Ah, make yourself comfortable. Are you hungry? We could order something or go out.”
She shrugs but keeps looking around, eyes wide in wonder. “Yeah, I could use something to eat. I’d like to go out if you’re okay with that.”
“Great. Let me call Winston, and then we can go.”
I leave her wandering the apartment and step out onto the small balcony. The noise of traffic and people on the street below remind me I’m in a cement jungle.
“Made it safe?” he asks, picking up on the second ring.
“Wasn’t expecting the pentagon here. What is this place?”
“A hideaway. Don’t go crazy touching my shit. I’m working on getting more information about Juan Garcia, but so far—nothing. This guy’s a ghost.”
Not surprising. “Shit. I figured it wasn’t his real name, but it’s all I have to go on. I should have snapped a picture of him when I had the chance.” I lean over the side of the rail, resting my arms on it, and drop my head to my chest.
“Keep her safe. We’re working on a plan to extract the other girls.”
I turn my back, looking back into the apartment, and watch her wander around. She’s perfect. Her petite frame fits perfectly under my large one, and I harden at the thought of being able to have her again. “You and Shaw?”
