Page 70 of Trapped Truth

“Thank you for your cooperation.” Joe watches our weapons exchange hands. “Now we can proceed.”

“I want that back in one piece,” Hyland hisses at the masked pair.

“Mr Price, there is no ulterior motive here. Your weapons will not be tampered with. Now,” Joe clears his throat, “If you’ll follow me, we have your product ready for transportation.”

The way he singsongs product like we’re not discussing a real life human being makes me want to throw up all over Joe and his asshole friends. I’m going to take great pleasure in running through them with their own fucking guns.

Bitter chlorine burns my nostrils as we’re escorted into the cavernous pool house. High ceilings strung with half-lit industrial lighting illuminate the space, echoing and full of long shadows cast over the placid swimming pool.

Across the still water, a gaggle of masked assailants await. Apparently, it’s only Joe’s face we’re allowed to see. Nestled among them is a slumped-over body, kneeling at their feet like a chained dog.

Oily black hair obscures what seems to be a female from sight. From what I can see, she appears to be stick-thin. Badly bruised. Stained with a layer of filth. They couldn’t even be bothered to give her more than a bloodied shirt to wear.

“Perhaps you’d like to discuss a bulk discount?” Joe asks conversationally.

“Excuse me?”

“We have plenty of quality product. Is it only females you’re interested in?”

I’m not sure how I avoid swallowing my tongue.

“Primarily,” Hyland answers for me, barely managing to maintain cover by biting his rage back. “But we could be persuaded by a good deal.”

“Entrepreneurial. I approve.”

The nameless men guarding our purchase all avoid looking at us. Perhaps it’s a courtesy in this world. Like Joe said, discretion. I doubt the type of clientele who purchase skin wish to be scrutinised.

“May I inspect the product?” I ask through my choking rage.

“By all means.” Joe motions to the poor thing, huddled silently at our feet. “She is in good condition.”

“She appears to be beaten. You couldn’t clean her up?”

“My apologies.” His words sound anything but sincere. “We had a tight turnaround, getting this asset into the country in time.”

Ensuring Hyland is covering me, I approach the surreal scene with light steps. No one makes eye contact. Just as well, I’m not sure I’ll be able to contain the violence thrumming inside me if anyone dare speak.

Their captive doesn’t make a sound as I crouch down so we’re eye-level. As much as I hate it, I have to touch her without permission, pushing lank hair aside to get a closer look at her face.

Fuck, she’s conscious.

Thick duct tape covers her mouth, cracked and bleeding from the plastic edges. Above that, her almond-shaped eyes are wide, brimming with fear so acute, I can taste it. I’ve felt the exact same terror. The horror of knowing what’s about to happen while being totally powerless to stop it.

When her eyes meet mine, I hold her tear-logged stare. It’s too risky to say anything, but I want her to know I’m here. She isn’t alone. No one is going to lay another finger on her as long as I’m still drawing breath.

Straightening, I force some strength into my voice. “How long has she been in service for?”

“Only a few months.” Joe watches me from next to the pool.

“And she’s trained? We don’t have time for disobedience from our girls.”

“I can assure you, she’s been thoroughly broken in. You’re getting an excellent price.”

“We’ll take her.” Hyland jumps into the negotiation. “Our associates will have the cryptocurrency transferred into your account.”

“Wonderful.”

Through her hair, the girl peers up at me again. She’s young. Mid-twenties, maybe. Though the violent black bruises over her face and dramatic eye bags make her appear infinitely older. She looks so weary. Hopeless.