Lochlan scratches the side of his face, his head hanging in defeat. “Three years ago, I was recruited here by Josh. I was living on the streets in Aberdeen. I had lost my job, my wife, everything. I was in a shitload of gambling debt, and I was hiding from some nasty people. One day, Josh appeared in the alleyway where I was living. I knew instantly he didn’t belong. His shoes alone cost more than the entirety of my meager possessions did,” he chuckles dryly.
“I was so angry that someone of his stature was just showing off. I nearly spit on him. But then he pulled out a wad of bills and offered not only to pay off my debts but also to provide room and board at his family’s estate. I didn’t care what the cost was; I needed the money more. Little did I know his family was partaking in their own little human trafficking ring.”
My mind runs in circles as I listen.
“When I got here, I was wine and dined just like you all were. Then I was gassed, and woke up in a horror story,” Lochlan continues. “It was kill or be killed.”
“And clearly, you won. So why do you still choose to be here?” Lee asks, his voice full of contemplation instead of anger, as I expected. He’s always been a calm man in a storm of emotions.
Lochlan sighs and points to the camera screens again. “Because it’s not as simple as winning. This family wants total control. We’re all stuck here because they have proof of us committing deplorable and reprehensible sins. If we try to leave, our darkest secrets and regrets get exposed to the world. It’s either stay here and work for him, or go to prison for the rest of our lives. It didn’t seem like much of a choice to me. All the workers you’ve seen are here because Josh tricked them and recruited them to his family estate, just like he recruited you.”
He gives Lee a pointed look, and Lee turns ashen before turning toward me. “It was Josh. He’s the one who told me about Pierce’s once-in-a-lifetime meet and greet.” Lee gasps and pulls me into his arms. “I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t know.”
“None of us knew. This family has gotten away with this for decades. It’s easy to escape the law when you have the type of money these people have. He changes his story every few years. Sometimes it’s an exclusive trip to the hidden castle here in Scotland. When I came, it was a promise of room and board in exchange for helping around the gardens. This year’s ploy was the closest to the truth, since Pierce has always been a reclusive writer,” Lochlan confesses.
“This year, I was to pose as a guest and get Capri to Skye by any means possible. I didn’t know you, so what did that matter to me? But when he threatened Skye’s life, I knew I couldn’t sit idle anymore. I’ve always had a soft spot for that girl. It’s a miracle she didn’t spill my cover. She’s seen me around the garden now and then. But I guess kids really don’t pay attention to the boring adults around them,” he jokes, his lips curving into a thin smile before his expression hardens again. “I’d rather be in prison than watch that little girl suffer at his hands. And when I met youand realized who you were and that you and—” Lochlan’s voice trails off as his eyes widen at me.
I gulp. My mind is stuck on one tidbit of his long, sordid tale. “Josh’sfamily’s estate?” My voice sounds weak and pathetic. I hate myself for already wanting to cover my ears and pretend Lochlan didn’t risk his life to share this with us, because I know in my gut what’s coming next.
Lochlan nods; his expression softens. “Mr. Pierce is his brother.”
My world goes black as I take in what that means. I stumble back and trip, falling to the floor painfully. Lee is there in an instant, but my eyes are glued to Lochlan’s. Nausea rolls in my gut.
“You knew?” I mutter out. “This whole time, you knew it was him.”
Lochlan’s wince is answer enough. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I made a promise to Rebecca, and I couldn’t risk you breaking before getting you and Skye both to safety. You are her only chance out of here now.”
Lee looks back and forth at us, clearly confused, but as always, he chooses to give me space to figure out my own demons before jumping in to save me.
I love him for that, and I hope that he forgives me after the bomb I’m about to drop on him. “Baby, I have something I need to tell you. I lied about losing the bab—”
I’m cut off when an alarm roars. We throw our hands over our ears. Lochlan’s looking wildly from screen to screen. Lee and I jump up to help.
“WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?” Lee shouts over the blaring sound.
Lochlan’s eyes widen as he points to one of the screens on the wall. “WE’VE GOT TROUBLE! WE’VE GOT TO GO!” He takes off out of the room, and Lee follows him as I stare at the screen.
We’ve got to get to the dining room before Teagan murders her cheating ex-boyfriend.
But selfishly, I want to be there to watch Josh’s life leave his cold, blue eyes.
The eyes I should have recognized every time he smirked at me from across the room while cuddling up next to Teagan. The eyes that haunted my dreams for a decade. The eyes that stared down at me and enjoyed milking every whimper of pain from me when he forced himself onto me.
The same eyes I saw when I looked at my daughter, triggering a memory that I couldn’t quite grasp at the time.
I should have known when he wormed himself into my life through my best friends. But I refuse to punish myself for being deceived by him. He hid his monster too well. I’ve done everything to protect Skye from him, including ripping myself out of her life, and it still wasn’t enough to keep her out of his grasp. All I can do now is make sure those monstrous eyes never see the light of day again, and that they never lay eyes on my child.
I check the screens one last time, searching desperately for Skye.
“CAPRI! WE HAVE TO GO!” Lee shouts from the doorway, waving to me to hurry up.
A weight hits my chest when I can’t find Skye, but I know I can’t waste any more time. Teagan and Lexi need me right now. I just have to pray that Skye is somewhere far away and safe.
I grab the rifle before I chase after the boys.
Capri:
Welcome back to Live, Laugh, Murder, friends!! Capri Kim here! I’m here with co-hosts, Teagan Shepherd and Lexi Casburn. We’re coming at you with a crucial question.
