“My plan will probably accommodate you both,” Vance interjects. “I don’t just want Allen. I also want his uncle. I want a recording, documentation and video. I want to nail both their asses. We can do that at the cabin with all our surveillance. And we can activate from here.”
“This is the same Paul Jeffries who’s running for governor? He’s Allen’s uncle?” Laney asks.
“Yep. His reputation behind the scenes is sleazy. But no proof, and no witnesses willing to speak up. He puts on a good front.”
“You think this is a joint scam, or are they just covering each other’s backs?” I ask.
“I’m thinking a little of both. One of the victim reports from the Jeffries files said she thought there was a second younger man who also raped her. But she was in and out with the drugs she was given and couldn’t give a description or what they called a viable account to prosecute.”
“They’re a tag team,” I snarl.
“My thoughts, too. I want them both. We’ve found that two of the women who filed complaints against Jeffries have disappeared. We suspect they’re dead. One of the other girls Laney identified as a potential victim of Allen’s is living under a different name and is talking with us. We may be able to convince her to press charges. With two of you, some of the others may feel strong enough to come forward as well. Meanwhile we try to contact Jeffries’ victims.”
“I think you should have me talk with the women.” Laney says. “I’m a victim, too. They might relate better with me than an alpha male, especially since women always seem to be blamed or told it was their fault anyway. Maybe I could get them to join a joint lawsuit. It might be easier since none of us would be on our own in the fight.”
Vance studies her for a moment then a small smile flits across his face before he nods. “Good idea. We’ll get it set up.”
“I was lucky he didn’t rape me the night he left marks on my neck. I had a few self-defense moves to rely on that Hawke and Frank taught me. I caught him off guard and got away.
“I can’t identify the hit and run driver, but I’d know Allen’s eyes anywhere. He had something on his face, some kind of disguise on his cheeks and nose the day he pushed me down the stairs, but I know it was him.
“I want to do whatever I can to take these bastards down for the rapes and murders they did get away with. Let’s set a trap and get this over with before they do this to anyone else.”
Vance walks us through the info leak he proposes and the backup support he’s organizing. We agree to another twenty-four hours of the office trying to find them, before we set everything in motion for a trap. Then schedule our next check in.
Laney heads to the bathroom. There’s a weariness in her as she makes her way across the room.
Opening the second pantry, I make my way through the hidden door to the panic room. It will be my first choice of protection if we’re breached.
I grab the BuddyStrap that’s hanging from the wall. Depending on what Vance learns overnight, I could carry her on my back tomorrow and let her get some fresh air.
If we need to make a run for it in the mountains, the strap will be handy and I’d still have my hands free. Next, I snag two ballistic vests and two smaller cushions for the breakfast bar stools before heading back upstairs.
I go over my preparations. I can’t miss anything. Laney’s life depends on me.
I double check all our security before I hear the shower shut off. I tap once. “Am I too late to get my back scrubbed?”
She laughs. “Not if you hurry up. And its gonna cost you a hair dry.”
“My pleasure. I love brushing your hair,” I say pushing through the door. God, she’s beautiful. Eyes sparkling, smile on her face as she turns the water back on and pushes the shower door open for me.
I will protect you. I will end this, my love. Then I’m going to marry you, I promise her and myself.
CHAPTER 12
Delaney ‘Laney’
Something is up. His touch is too intense. Too desperate. I love it, but something is wrong. Spearing my fingers through the sides of his hair I guide him down for my kiss as he cups my ass and lifts me so he can bury his hard cock deep inside me with my back against the wall.
He isn’t wearing a condom. I could say something. Should say something. But having his baby would be a dream come true. I know that isn’t my decision to make. Still...
“Hawke, talk to me. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing, I just need you. You are my everything and I could have lost you. Twice.”
“Hawke, you aren’t wearing a condom.”
“Fuck. Shit. I’m sorr?—”
