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He was going to try his best to explain the difference, without detailing what they both already knew about his father. They were words Alex couldn’t verbalize. He had no idea how someone as young as Myla comprehended such horrific acts. It’s sad that it’s a lifestyle she doesn’t believe she can fight against. I’m here to end that, hopefully. “James Henderson was a very evil man, and he hurt a lot of people.” Even his own children. “I don’t hurt people.” Or try not to.
She looked confused. “But you had them bring me here when I didn’t want to come. That is hurting someone. Hurting me.”
“Yes, I did. I needed you here so they would... think I’m like my father.”
“Everyone thinks you’re like him.”
He’d felt that from the moment he disembarked from the plane. “I know. I want them to think that.”
“Why would you want people to think that you’re... evil?”
Sounds crazy even coming from you.“So they would send you to me.”
Myla got up off the couch and started to pace. He could see her looking around the room, hoping to find an escape. Alex couldn’t let her leave. Not yet. Not until the week I’ve paid for is over.
Alex reached out and took hold of her arm. “You can’t leave, Myla.”
“You lied. You are going to hurt me. I knew it. I knew it,” Myla whimpered. Tears poured down her cheeks, and she shook with fear. Her voice became louder, but just above a whisper. “You’re hurting me. You’re hurting me!”
He hadn’t realized how tightly he’d gripped her small arm. Letting her arm go, she slipped to her side, but he could see the red spots where his fingers once were. “I’m very sorry.”
Myla brought a hand up to rub where his hand had left its mark.
In a much softer voice, Alex tried to calm her. “Please, Myla. I need your help. If you can trust me, I’ll show you I don’t mean you harm.”
“Why should I believe you? You’re a Henderson. I know why you’re here.”
“No. You know why my father came here. That is not why I came.”
“Then why are you here?”
His other family didn’t know, yet here he was about to open up to someone he’d met only minutes before. They shared something. We’re both knee-deep in this, and we both need someone to trust. He hoped she could shed some light on what happened to the other women of Tabiq who had faced what their mothers had. It was obvious this was an ongoing practice. He wasn’t sure if it was for the same reason his father came. Children. Unwanted or not. No matter what the reason for the others, it had to stop. To stop it, you have to know what you’re dealing with. For that I need someone on the inside who’s willing to speak the truth. Alex wasn’t sure if it was foolish betting on Myla, but his options were limited.
“My mother is from here. I’m here to find her and to put a stop to all this... this abuse that is happening to girls like you.” And like my mother.
“Your mother lives here? Who is she?” Myla asked, her eyes getting as big as saucers.
“I don’t know. It’s what I need to find out. I need you to help me, and trust me. If you do, I promise to help you and your family so no harm will come to any of you again.”
Myla looked at him, meeting him square in the eyes. “So my sisters will not be sold like me?”
His heart was ripping apart as he saw the pain in this young girl’s eyes. She was well aware of what was expected of her and the others. “I promise you, Myla. No one will hurt them. I’ll make sure of it. Will you do as I ask?”
She nodded. “For my sisters, I’ll do as you ask.”
“Good. First, you must promise not to tell anyone about this. It appears no one here can be trusted, maybe a few can be, but they’re afraid to take a stand against this. Everyone must think you’ve provided the services I paid for.”
“They’ll think I’m... tarnished.”
“Only for now. Once this is done, we can tell them the truth. For now, no one must know.” He could see she was torn about making such a promise. “This is only until I have the information I need. Then the truth will come out.”
“Okay. I will not tell anyone, and I’ll help you so we can stop this evil from happening.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.” Originally, he’d had the adjoining room set aside for Myla. But it was occupied by Ziva. Although he liked having her close by, it made the sleeping arrangements more difficult with Myla. On the positive side, it also meant she couldn’t slip out during the night, without him noticing. Thank God, I’m a light sleeper. “There is only one bed. I’ll take the couch. If for any reason housekeeping or room service comes in, we must make it look as though we share the bed. Understood?”
Myla looked toward the bed then back to Alex. Her eyes were wide with concern. “And you’ll not come in the bed with me there?” Her voice shook slightly when she asked.
“No, Myla. I will not touch you in any way to hurt you. I’ll stay on the couch. If anyone does see us together, we’ll have to make it look like you and I have had relations.”
