And something inside me clicks.
"What’s your name?" I blurt out, my throat tightening painfully.
I can barely believe what I am seeing, but with every second, my certainty grows.
The omega does not answer. He shrinks further into the corner, pressing himself against the cage, completely frozen in fear.
I look around, but I do not see anything that would easily open the padlock.
"Step back," I mutter to Ennio.
With one powerful downward kick, I smash the lock apart.
The omega curls in even tighter, almost trying to disappear into the corner of the cage.
"You’re safe now," I whisper. "Can you come out to us?"
It is useless. He is completely shut down.
"My name is Eliano. Is your name by chance Senu?"
I drop to my knees, my hands shaking, then I turn my head to look at Ennio, who is watching me with open surprise.
"You know him?"
"You won’t believe this," I say. "I think this is Salt’s brother! The one this whole thing started with. The one who was supposedly murdered by the Tanners."
Ennio shifts his gaze back to the omega. "Well, damn. So he’s been down here all this time? How long has it been now? Four months?"
"Probably even longer, close to five. Fuck… poor guy."
On impulse, I pull out my phone and take a photo. His filthy face and those eyes are captured in the image.
"Listen," I say softly. "We’re here to help you. Your nightmare is over. You’re going to be free."
The omega does not move. I do not think I can get him out of here on my own.
Ennio places a hand on my shoulder.
"Eliano, I think my part in this ends here. You need to go upstairs and call the police. With this much evidence, Tanner is going to prison for life, and if they find certain things on those recordings, the death penalty is very much on the table. I’d bet some captives he made sure they disappeared forever."
I nod and sigh. "You’re right."
I glance back at the omegas. All of them are watching us, but there is only silence. They are unbelievably traumatized, utterly broken by that sick bastard.
"Don’t be afraid," I say loudly. "We’re coming back for you. We’re going to get the police."
Silence answers me. Tanner clearly shattered their will. They sit motionless in their cages.
We head back up the stairs. I go straight to the studio to make sure Tanner is still there. He is, lying unconscious on the floor.
I feel the urge to kick his head in and beat him to death right where he lies, but I know that would be stupid.
"I need to make a few calls," I say after a moment. "Before I call the police."
"Go ahead. I’ll look around the house and try to shut off the cameras. That way I can leave without worrying about being recorded. I’m not climbing down the downspout again."
"Okay."
