Page 61 of Palace of Betrayal

“What the hell are those?” Wojcik asked saving Leo the time.

Roz twisted her hand this way and that, admiring the device he was sure was antique. “What, these? These, my friend, are called Spanish Ticklers and you’re going to become very well acquainted shortly.”

Wojcik looked up and seemed to come to a sudden realisation. “You! You’re her. The one they fear. You use antique torture devices on your victims.”

Roz grinned. “I’m semi-retired but it’s nice to know you’ve heard of me.”

Wojcik looked like he was about to piss himself as Leo hauled him to his feet and marched him to the door.

Roz, Kanan, and Alex followed as he led them toward the dungeon. They went down two flights of stairs and into a tunnel that led from the kitchens, and past old boxes and files that hadn’t seen the light of day in years until he came to the area with the steel grid cell door where prisoners of old would’ve been held until their execution.

He pushed Wojcik inside, letting him fall to his knees on the cold stone. “Last chance, asshole.”

The man had seemingly got some of his courage back because he merely spat on the ground at Leo’s feet.

Leo put his hands in his pockets as he turned to Roz. “Okay, have fun. I’ll be with my father when you’re ready.”

He had no doubt, as he left the three people who’d dropped everything to come for Bebe, they’d get what they needed.

Leo almost shuddered at the thought of getting on the wrong side of Roz. The woman was terrifying, and he suspected each of her girls was as deadly as she was. Strangely, it only made him love Bebe more.

Twenty-Two

On his way back to his father who he’d left in the capable hands of Roberto and Evelyn, who he knew would defend the King to the very death, Leo put in a call to his personal security. “Is Miss Vos detained?”

“Yes, sir.”

Leo’s personal security team was headed by Lance Martin, a man he’d served with in the army and a great leader. Leo was sure he’d have made it all the way to the top if an IED hadn’t taken his right arm. He was still an excellent soldier and Leo had jumped at the chance to give him a commission at the palace leading his personal team, which he’d thankfully taken up. His palace team were made up of men he’d selected personally and some he’d served with so he knew he could trust them to get the job done. He spent much of the time not using them, instead, he’d made them part of the palace security. Now he was glad he had because the Palace needed locking down.

“Good, please come to the palace and secure Hans and Prince Alwyn in the same way.”

Leo heard his friend whistle through his teeth. “Wow, shit is hitting the fan big time.”

“Yes, it is. I can’t go into details except to say I need the palace locked down. Nobody in or out unless I give the order.”

“And the four people in the dungeon?”

Leo smiled as he walked through the kitchen, the staff all looking away in fear as if they could sense the danger around him right now. “Mr Wojcik will be staying there as our guest, and the others are free to come and go. They’re with me.”

“I have no idea how they got in, sir.”

“That’s a conversation for another time. We clearly need to review our weak spots and eliminate them.”

“Copy that, sir.”

“I want the Palace guard on full alert. Nobody in or out unless myself or the King approves it.”

“Roger that.”

Leo hung up and went to his father who was sitting in his favourite armchair with Roberto standing guard between him and Alwyn. Evelyn nodded at his return and headed for the door, most likely to meet up with the others.

“Roberto, Prince Alwyn will shortly be taken into custody for treason. As are Miss Vos and Hans, my butler. Mr Wojcik is also being detained for further crimes. I’d appreciate it if you could keep a lid on this and make sure the staff don’t discuss it. I’ve issued a lockdown of the Palace, and nobody gets in or out without mine or the King’s direct authority.”

“Yes, Prince León. I’ll handle it.” Roberto paused as if unsure if he should speak, the shock on his face showing he was struggling to understand and take it in but rallying to do as he was instructed.

“Speak, Roberto, now isn’t the time to lose your spine.”

Leo put his hands in his pockets as he watched his father step up to the plate, taking control of the situation for a few minutes while Leo got himself together.