She nodded, her gaze still on her phone. Her shoulders were hunched. She looked like she was folding in on herself.
This wasn’t proof Wilhemina had been kidnapped, but it definitely linked her to the man.
I gave Dani a slow, solemn nod. “This is good. You’ve got a deal.”
Given the identity of the man in the video, she wouldn’t just get her charges dropped. Between this video and what we might find in the files, we had enough ammunition to blow up the Little Rock Police Department.
“Who is he?” she whispered. “I can tell he’s somebody.”
“He is,” I said, leaning closer and lowering my voice. “I’m gonna be straight. I have to be careful about who I show this to. I don’t want anyone tracing it back to you.”
Her brow pinched. “Why are you telling me that?” Her voice shook. “You’re scaring the shit out of me. Now I’m not sure I should give it to you at all.”
“I can protect you,” James said quietly. “I’ll get your charges dropped and make sure you’re protected.” His gaze didn’t waver. “Do you trust me?”
She stared at him, tears swimming in her eyes. “How can I? Razor says you’re vicious. Maybe I should just forget about all of this.”
“You could,” I said quietly, “and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you. This is scary.” I held her gaze. “But this man kidnapped Wilhemina. Now she’s being held prisoner to work at a private sex club.” My voice dropped. “Who knows what they’re doing to her there—or what they’ll do when they’re finished with her.”
Dani sucked in a breath.
“And what if they decide they want you next?” I said. “You’re beautiful, and you’re talented. I’m honestly surprised they haven’t tried to grab you already.”
Her eyes flew wide.
“How about you take a vacation?” James said, like he was offering her a latte. “My attorney will make the arrangements for your trip and handle the charges. Once that’s done, we’ll give you some seed money to start over. How does that sound?”
“You’re kiddin’ right?” she whispered, like she wanted it to be true but didn’t dare believe it. “Why would you do that?”
“This is serious,” he said flatly. “You stuck your neck out. I reward loyalty.”
“When should I go?” Her voice trembled. “I mean … if I do this.”
“Tonight.”
He picked up her phone and opened her contacts, tapping quickly. “This is my attorney, Carter Hale.” He slid the phone closer to her. “After we transfer the videos, call Carter as you’re leavin’. Then go home, pack what you can. By the time you finish, Carter will already have your flight booked.” His eyes lifted to her. “Give him your legal name and birthdate and tell him where you want to go so he can book the ticket.”
“Anywhere?” she asked, still skeptical.
“Anywhere in the U.S.” He paused. “He’ll book the hotel too.”
“Why are you doin’ this?” she asked.
James’s expression didn’t change. “Because this is important. And everyone deserves a fresh start. Do we have a deal?”
She hesitated, then nodded vigorously. “Yes.”
“I’m gonna send these to my email.” He waited for her to object.
“Yeah. Okay.”
Once they were sent, he handed her the phone, “Not many people get a do-over. Don’t waste yours.”
He didn’t wait for a response. He stood and headed for the exit.
I got up too, but Dani grabbed my wrist.
“Harper,” she whispered. “Is he for real?”
