“I’m in complete agreement with you there.What’s your plan?”Jack asked.
“I’m not going to sit around waiting for approval from the higher-ups to send in my team.Luciana’s not American, and a foreigner simply isn’t a priority for the U.S.government.Maybe I’ll get authorization to move in, and maybe I won’t.I sure as hell am not going to let her remain in captivity when we’ve got our first solid lead in a month.Send me the addresses you mentioned,” Harrison said.“I’m going to research where she’s likely being held and look further into her background.Luciana is being treated differently than the other kidnapping victims, and I want to find out why.”
“It seems unusual,” Jack admitted.
“Agreed, and that bothers me.Something’s different about her, and I need to figure out what so I’m on a level playing field with these assholes.”
“I’ll get the addresses to you ASAP,” Jack promised.“And I’ll update you soonest if there are additional sightings of her today.If you need anything else, just holler.You know where to find me.”
“Roger that.I appreciate your help, Mathers.”
“You know I’ll do whatever I can.Are you moving in?”Jack asked quietly.
Harrison wasn’t fazed in the least by his question.There were only a handful of men outside the military that he trusted with his own life, but Jack was one of them.“Affirmative.If I don’t get authorization to send in my team, then I’ll be on a flight to Panama tonight.”
Chapter 5
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LUCIANA LOOKED OVERin surprise as her bedroom door was thrust open that evening.The day had progressed as usual with her literally locked in the room, left with nothing but her own thoughts and an occasional paltry meal.The bland dinner she’d eaten was unfinished on the nightstand, and she shifted, preparing herself for whatever was in store.
She watched in confusion as the older woman from earlier came in carrying a shopping bag.
“It seems your trip outside the property last night was successful,” the woman said, crossing toward her.“They want you with them again.Finding more girls,” she added, shooting Luciana a pointed look.“You’ll need to be discreet, of course.Do as you’re told.Si,” she assessed, her gaze scanning over Luciana.“You’ll do nicely.”
Luciana’s jaw dropped as the woman pulled a skimpy dress and high heels from the shopping bag, setting them on the bed.
“You’ll be going to a nightclub this time,” the woman told her, pulling out some makeup as well.“Just for a little while to...assist.I’ve been given explicit instructions to tell you to behave and do exactly as you’re told.The men could just as easily sell you off if you become too much trouble for them.”
The woman’s gaze flicked over her.“You already cleaned up earlier, so let’s get you ready.You will mingle with the girls there.Encourage them to trust the men who are with you.Find a girl or two who don’t seem to be with anyone else.It’s easier that way,” the woman said.
“Why are you doing this?”Luciana asked, horror creeping through her.“You know this is wrong.You could help me—help them.I can’t lead innocent girls right into a trap.”
“Tsk-tsk.”The woman smiled, but it was resigned, as if she knew Luciana wouldn’t believe her.“You can and you will.You’ll see in time.One thing I’ve learned here is that it is best to do as you are asked.Stay out of trouble, and the men won’t cause more troubles for you.”
The woman’s gaze slanted to her, and Luciana felt her heart gallop in her chest.Her palms began to sweat as icy cold dread washed over her.This woman was old enough to be her mother.Was she being held captive here, too?And if so, how long had she been held against her will?
