“She was trafficked.”
“I don’t ca—” He snapped his gaze to his buddy. Stilled. “What do you mean?”
Taggart didn’t flinch. “You were a sheriff. You know what it means.”
“Bullspit.”
He smirked. “It’s easier to believe she was a selfish, wanton prostitute, isn’t it? That you’re the only one affected by what happened.”
“You dare stand there and say she’s innocent after what she did to me?”
“No. I can’t say that.” His friend’s bravado dulled. “I will protect her, even defend her to an extent—but I can’t lie. She knew what she was doing, but she hasn’t had a choice in six years.”
Stone studied his friend, tried to wrap his mind around the heinous situation Taggart suggested. But then he thought of the way they’d gone straight to the press … “Not buying it. You’re saying this to—”
“Why would I do that?” Cord growled, his eyes darkening. “She’s been trafficked for six years.”
Trafficked. Somehow, the word hammered past his rage. Jaw clenched, Stone glanced down as the full meaning of that horrific crime struggled into full meaning. Tried to think through that. The possibility. Wrestle his own guilt—fighting human trafficking had been one of his administration’s platforms. He felt sick. And livid.
“What she did to you was wrong. No way around that. And I wish there was time to lay out the whole story, but I won’t do that without her permission. Besides that, it’s late and I’m dead tired. The bald truth is that while I’m out of country, she needs to be safe.”
Why did that word—safe—twist up his gut? “Out of country?”
“Fly out tomorrow.” Cord flashed his palms at him again. “Pulling her out tonight wasn’t planned. Just … happened, but I want her kept safe.”
“Safe from what?” Stone fought to restrain the fury knifing his chest.
“Some serious crap.” His buddy tucked his chin and peered through a thick brow at him. “I came to you not to rub this in your face but because I know what type of man you are. It’s why you left the Army for law enforcement, then shifted into politics?—to be a difference. Make a difference for those who can’t fight or protect themselves.”
Protect her. The woman who destroyed his life? Stone turned and grabbed the nearest table. Upended it. Paced, hands on his belt, trying to breathe.
“I know …” Cord sighed and shook his head. “Please. Just … let her stay. For a few days.”
Let her stay. At the lodge. In his line of sight every freaking day. His failure gloating at him. Invading his sanctuary. He wanted to throw Cord out on his backside and slam the door behind him. But if this story about trafficking was true … “It doesn’t add up,” he muttered, his honor wrestling with the horrific truth of that crime. “They ambushed me. She got me into bed, and they had photos of us in that room! Blackmailed me out of office. I can’t buy that she didn’t have a choice. I can’t let her stay. Sorry. Just can’t.”
Cord hesitated for a moment, eying him. That’s when Stone realized he’d delivered info on the scandal that nobody knew. What did his buddy think of him? Probably disgusted—thinking he’d hired an escort.
“Tonight,” Cord said evenly, “I seized an opportunity to extract her. We had no time to plan or prepare. If they find her … she’s dead. As much as it sucks to think about, you are not the only one she’s been used to take down. No justice can come to you or anyone else???—including her???—if they get to her.”
Trafficked. Sickening! His gut cinched. “Son of a biscuit …”
“And I know Stone Metcalfe won’t let that happen.” He angled in, his expression sobering. “Look, man. I’m sorry for what happened to you. I don’t know what went down between you two, but you’ve never been a player, never slept around even when Marie did.”
Stone bared his teeth at the guy.
“So I know you had feelings for her, and I need you to dig into that and think. They will kill her. She wronged you???—yes. But it’s not a cut-and-dried scenario.”
He eyed his buddy, breathing through flared nostrils. “Tell me you’re not messing with me.”
“Scout’s honor.” Cord held up his hands again. “I don’t work for Uncle Sam anymore. This is what I do now, combat human trafficking. My organization has global reach.” He pointed toward the doors. “She needs help and shelter. I swear that’s all I’m asking.”
“I’ve worked too hard to eke out a life after the nightmare that woman caused.”
“A good life,” Cord conceded, and they both knew Stone had already lost this fight. It’s why Cord stayed put. Didn’t push. Didn’t move.
God had a sick sense of humor.
Stone should walk away. Tell them to drive off a cliff. Crap it all??—this wasn’t fair. “How long?”
