I nod solemnly. "Absolutely. And although I can’t prove it - yet - I believe Reggie killed Linnea’s father to force her into it."
From the couch behind us, Linnea and her mother gasp audibly. I hear a choked sob from Linnea's mother.
Lex's eyes narrow dangerously. "Is that true? Did you kill her old man?"
Reggie's face goes even paler, if that's possible. “He wasn’t coming up with the goods, boss,” he stammers. “I gave him all the chances.”
“He had a decent job,” Lex growls. “Earned good money.”
“A pittance in dribs and drabs each month,” Reggie spits. “It wasn't worth my time collecting it.”
I watch Lex's face harden, his teeth grinding as he processes this betrayal. In all our years running the streets together, there were very few lines Lex wouldn't cross. But he did have his own set of principles, such as they were. He stuck to his own turf unless others crossed him, and selling women was a big no. I can’t believe word didn’t get back to him sooner. I guess anyone who knew must’ve believed he’d changed.
Lex's jaw clenches. Without warning, he strides over to Reggie and punches him - hard. The crack echoes through the room, and the chair topples.
"You piece of shit," Lex growls. "You know how I feel about prostitution. And to pimp women out in my name?"
Reggie cowers, blood trickling from his split lip. "I'm sorry, boss! I thought…”
"You didn't think," Lex bellows, cutting him off. "You betrayed me. I bet you’ve been lining your own pockets too, haven’t you?”
His silence and the expression on Reggie’s face is damning. “You've crossed a line and you’ll suffer the consequences."
He stares at Linnea and Eve like he doesn’t know quite what to do about them. Regardless of the circumstances, he still lentEdwin Reed a substantial amount of money. But his minion caused untold damage and left these two women in an untenable position.
“If I could make a suggestion,” I advocate. “I suggest the police get an anonymous tip-off about Edwin Reed’s death. If they re-open the case, and the cause of death is changed from suicide to murder, the insurance will have to pay out. Then, I think you should allow the Reeds to reimburse you for the loan sans interest. You get your capital back. Linnea and her mother are relieved of your extortionate interest rates as compensation, and Reggie gets his just deserts.”
Lex considers my proposal, his eyes like slits as he weighs the options. I can see the gears turning in his mind, calculating the possibilities and the benefits. After careful consideration, he gives a curt nod.
"Alright, Thorne. We'll do it your way," he says gruffly.
“What!? You can’t do that,” Reggie squeaks.
A cold smile spreads across Lex's face. “I think you’ll find I can.”
I almost feel sorry for Reggie. Almost. Nah, fuck that, the little shit’s getting exactly what he deserves. The thing is, Lex isn’t a bad man, per se. He just makes a lot of money charging interest rates that keep his clients tethered to debt. It might not be all that ethical, but neither is it illegal. Reggie just took matters into his own hands a little too freely so he could make bank on the side. As Lex hauls the still-bound Reggie to his feet, I turn to Linnea and her mother, who are still huddled together in fear and confusion. My heart aches seeing them like this. I want nothing more than to gather Linnea into my arms, but I know this isn't the time or place.
"It's over," I say gently, keeping my distance. "You're safe now."
Linnea's mother speaks first, her voice shaking. "Who are you? How do you know my daughter?"
I hesitate, unsure how to explain our complicated relationship. Linnea saves me from having to answer.
"He's... he's the man I've been working for, Mom," she says softly, her eyes holding mine as if she’s trying to make sense of everything that’s happened this day.
So am I.
Jeez, has it only been a day?
“I won’t insist you come back,” I tell Linnea, even though I want to demand that very thing. “I know you’ve been through a lot, and it’s been very traumatic…”
I suck in a breath and drag my fingers through my hair. “There are three days left of our contract, but I’ve already instructed the agency to make full reparation.”
She bites her lip, all kinds of emotions swirling in the depths of those fathomless brown eyes and looks at me like she’s waiting for me to say more.
But I’ve said everything I’m going to say. The ball’s in her court now, and all that’s left is for me to turn and walk out the door. Which is exactly what I do.
She knows where to find me. I just don’t know if she will.
