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I had a feeling I’d need him more in the days to come, as well.
“It’s a possibility.”
“But there are a dozen other possibilities, too. You said yourself that Imogene was often targeted by true crime fanatics who were obsessed with her father. Or religious zealots who insisted the child must pay for the sins of the father, or something like that. Based on what my guy uncovered at his apartment…”
“I understand that. But I don’t know…” I shook my head. “I have a bad feeling about this. Just like I did all those years ago. I didn’t listen to my gut back then, and it nearly cost me my life. I can’t take that risk now. Not with Imogene’s life. Which is why I want you to put some guys on her. Don’t make it obvious, but make sure she’s safe.”
“Oh, really?” He leaned back into his chair and crossed his arms over his t-shirt. “I thought you didn’t care about her.”
“Just make sure nothing happens to her,” I barked as I tossed the file back onto his desk.
Getting into my conflicted feelings about Imogene, especially after seeing that asshole put his hands on her tonight, was the last thing I wanted to do right now.
“If anyone so much looks at her the wrong way, I want to know about it.”
He mock saluted me. “Whatever you say, boss.”
With determined steps, I continued out of the office and down the long hallway, stopping in front of a secured door at the end.
After punching in my code, I pressed my thumb against the pad and the door buzzed. The instant I entered the dimly lit space, a chill settled over me, the stench of piss and vomit suffocating.
It brought back disturbing recollections of my own imprisonment, being kept in worse conditions than this, only let out to train or fight in death matches for the entertainment of sick fucks on the dark web. The mere thought of all the lives I had to take just to live to see another day made bile rise in my throat, but I quickly pushed down the memories. I refused to let this asshole see a single ounce of weakness.
“Wakey, wakey, Benji,” I sang, approaching the slumped-over figure, his wrists bound together and attached to a thick chain secured to the reinforced wall.
I wasn’t sure what my plan was in having Henry bring him here. I just knew he played a part in what happened to Imogene tonight.
And for that, he’d have to pay.
“Time to have a little chat.”
When Benjamin didn’t stir, I kicked his stomach, relishing in the sound of his pained grunt. He flung his eyes open, seemingly disoriented until he focused on me.
Raw panic replaced all traces of confusion.
“Morning, sunshine. Have a nice nap?”
“Where am I?” He tugged on his restraints, but it was useless.
“That’s not important right now. All thatisimportant is how much longer you’ll be here. Which all depends on you.”
“Me?”
I paced the length of the room, my leather shoes echoing against the concrete floor. Stopping in front of a workbench, I unfolded a leather knife roll. I made an elaborate show out of removing a knife and examining it before returning it to its protective sheath, continuing the process with several more.
And with each one, Benjamin’s nerves increased, a wet stain soon appearing on his pants.
“Precisely,” I said as I settled on a knife and returned to him. “You’re going to tell me what you wanted with Imogene Prescott.” I toyed with the blade, pressing it against my pointer finger to see how easily it drew blood.
It was certainly sharp.
I leaned toward him, dragging the knife up the inside of his leg, every muscle in his body tensing as I neared his groin. He tried to get away, but he couldn’t, the shackles on his ankles preventing him from doing so.
“And you’re going to tell me now.”
“Please,” he whimpered. “You need to understand.”
“No, Benji.” I tightened my grip on the knife and brought it up to his throat. Little droplets of blood escaped from where it dug into his skin. “The only thing I need to understand is that you were involved in an attack outside a club a few hours ago. And that woman you targeted? Let’s just say I have a particular interest in assuring her safety for the time being.”
