Cole dipped his head and spun on his heel, leaving the two men. Before he was out of range, he heard Adam say, “My bodyguard, I go nowhere withouthim.”
Looking for all the world as if he were following his boss’s instructions, Cole left the gathering area to seek out the server. He soon found him, already on his way back to the two men with the drinks in hand. Instead of returning to the others just yet, Cole stepped into a dirty black restroom, locked the door and pulled a small thumb-sized tracking device from his pocket and turned it on. A red light flickered on the screen indicated a successful operation. Adam had already planted the corresponding tracker somewhere on the Russian’s body. Even if they weren’t able to use him to secure an invitation to the private auction tonight, they’d be able to find where it washosted.
Cole pulled out his wallet, slipped the device inside a hidden pouch, and then tucked it back into his pocket. He returned to the gathering room, rejoining Adam, who was right in the middle of some ridiculous story about his favorite implements for punishing disobedient slaves. From Chaplinsky’s eager expression and approving nods, he was eating itup.
Cole turned away from them and scanned the crowd, looking for anyone else who stood out from the herd. He didn’t have long to wait. Two meatheads shoved into tuxedos that could never possibly accommodate their burly chests appeared in the open doorway leading into the back. They flanked a tall, slender man with light skin and slicked-back blonde hair. The man’s suit was the same expensive cut and make of his guests’, but he emanated an air of complete authority. His slender nose and the upward tilt of his chin screamed old worldmoney.
The man clapped his hands and the room fell silent at once. Like the king bestowing a gift upon his subjects, he offered a benignsmile.
“Esteemed guests. On behalf of our benefactor, I’d like to extend his warmest welcome. For those of you I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I am Stephan and I am your host for tonight’s event.” Low hanging shop lights highlighted his high cheekbones and reflected off his polished custom-made Italian boots. “You have each been hand-selected to attend tonight’s special event. I’ve never hosted a gathering of this magnitude before. I hope you will forgive any delays caused by our last-minute preparations; however, I’m pleased to announce the party is ready to begin. And if you would allow me a moment of your time, I would like to set the stage for tonight’sevent.”
Stephan gave a dramatic pause, and Cole met Adam’s gaze from across the room. He silently wound his way back to the two men, coming to stand behind Adam, his hands clasped behind his back like the bodyguard he was pretending tobe.
Stephan continued, “Tonight we travel back into the days of old when Arabian princes ruled their kingdoms with ultimate power over life in death. The gold was plentiful, and their harems were full. Their slaves were purchased at auction, handpicked for the sultan’s individual taste. Tonight, you shall be the sultan of your own kingdom as you pick from my hand-selected finely crafted stable of slaves. We have women, and a few men, to suit every taste anddesire.”
A low hum, like a colony of buzzing bees began to build in the room along with an air of palpableexcitement.
“Each slave presented is up for purchase. There are no refunds or returns, so make sure you choose wisely. Each woman’s complete financial, social, and educational history shall be provided. We ask that you do not speak to the slaves before purchase. They have been instructed not to look at you or talk to you. It goes without saying that each person presented for sale tonight is here of their own free choosing. Some of them are new to the lifestyle and some of them are simply looking to take their submission to the next level, but all of them eager to please their newmasters.”
So as not to draw attention to himself, Cole leaned in to whisper in Adam’s ear, “Stick withChaplinsky.”
Adam gave a nod ofunderstanding.
Stephan continued, “I want each of you to rest assured that every person here has signed an ironclad nondisclosure agreement drawn up by El Oscuro’s personal lawyer. So, relax, enjoy tonight’s festivities, and I hope you make a very satisfying purchase. Let the auction begin!” He clapped his hands once, spun on his heel, and led the way from theroom.
The crowd followed, eagerly nipping at his heels in excitement. Chaplinsky drew Adam in closer as they left the room, Cole trailingthem.
“Are you looking to purchase tonight?” Chaplinsky asked with a curious tone to his heavily accentedvoice.
Adam answered, his own tone bored, “If I find the right one. After my last slave disappointed me so greatly, I find that I am a bithesitant.”
Chaplinsky’s bushy brows shot up with curiosity. “Disappointed?”
A dark shadow fell across Adam’s features. “Yes, I demand 100% loyalty in submission. The girl had promised to comply, but in the end, she had too much pride. After that kind of investment, I expect perfection and I do not like to bedisappointed.”
Chaplinsky’s gaze turned assessing, maybe even calculating. Adam’s ruse was working perfectly as far as Cole could tell. If Chaplinsky invited them into the real slave auction taking place tonight, they’d finally be able to make some actual headway in the stagnantcase.
“How did you come byher?”
“The only way available here in the States. Through negotiation at my club. The experience was lacking to say the least.” Adam’s lips turned down into a hardfrown.
“Your American women are the problem. So prideful and self-righteous. If our business dealings workout, I’ll have you home to Russia. I think you’ll find our selection much more willing andpliable.”
“Thank you.” Adam clapped Chaplinsky on the shoulder. “Now, enough talk about the past. Let’s just hope I can find a slave who is truly a slave. Next round of free drinks is onme.”
Chaplinsky grinned and looked as if he wanted to say something else, but they had made it to a large domed doorway. The thick wood door was propped open, leading to a darkened entrance guarded by two men dressed as eunuchs in black, billowing pants that narrowed to cuffs above open-toed gold shoes. Their chests were bare except for tiny vests and their hands were clasped around two very wicked-looking long, curved knives. Cole grabbed Adam’s arm, making as if to put himself in front of his boss. Chaplinsky let out a deep cough. “You have a very attentive bodyguard. Not to worry though, these men are here for your protection. Luis has always had a flair for thedramatic.”
Adam jerked his head back, indicating for Cole to fall in line. He dutifully took a step back, scowling as if he didn’t like thesituation.
“Come, sit with me,” Chaplinsky said as he made his way into the dark, cavernous room. “I would like to discuss more of your business situation here in the States.” For the number of people here, El Oscuro had planned well. The low, circular tables were spaced far enough apart that the various groups could carry on private conversations without anyone else overhearing. Instead of chairs, thick velvety cushions surrounded the tables. Brass stands with lit torches dotted the interior, providing just enough light. A massive gold throne sat on a raised platform at the back. Stephan took a seat and two female slaves dressed harem style lay at his feet. Cole knew it had been a pipe dream to hope El Oscuro himself would be in attendance. But no matter, if they at least got into the secret auction, they’d makeheadway.
Chaplinsky made for a table in the dead center of the room, but Adam managed to maneuver him off to the side. If they had to make a move, they needed to be close to the exit. Somehow, the big Russian managed to get his enormous girth down onto a large sapphire square cushion. Adam assumed the seat right next to him, tapping a much smaller cushion to his right for Cole to sit. Cole gave a very real scowl this time as he lowered his large frame onto the tiny pillow. His every instinct screamed at him to get up, to get out of this position vulnerable to attack. But he couldn’t make a scene, not without jeopardizing theirmission.
Half-naked women, each of them wearing see-through pantaloons and banjo tops, walked through the crowd, providing drinks to whoever requested one. Adam lifted his arm and crooked a finger at a nearby blonde, who sauntered seductively to their table and lowered to her knees in front of them. She pushed her shoulders back, putting her large abundant breasts on display. “How may I serveyou?”
Cole scanned the room through narrowed eyes, looking for any hint or detail of when and where the real auction would be going down. They needed to break this case. Chaplinsky wasn’t the only foreign guest in the room, and any slaves they bought tonight would be leaving the country with them, making the likelihood of the girls’ rescue nearly impossible. Cole and his team could deploy to countries outside the United States, but they would have nojurisdiction.
Chaplinsky’s thick voice broke into Cole’s thoughts, “My men are loyal, but your guard looks as though he’d step in front of ten bullets to protect you. How do you inspire suchloyalty?”
