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“When I’m forced to be. This is important. I want to see her reaction.”
She nodded. “What do you hope to find?”
“The path we can go down in investigating the real reason behind your abduction.”
“Then I’ll do what I can.”
“Keep in mind the truth may be difficult to bear.”
Laughing, she leaned forward until our lips were centimeters apart. “At this point, I can handle almost anything.”
I brushed my thumb across her lips, drinking in her scent. “I know you can. You have the courage of a lion.”
“What else do I need to ask?”
After suggesting several questions, I glanced at the time. “Let’s get this over with.”
Broderick had provided a secure number and line, which I activated by satellite. While I knew of several sophisticated systems that would allow for the possibility of being hacked, the person or group on the other end would need to be searching at the very moment we were online. Still, I wouldn’t take any unnecessary risks, limiting the call to under five minutes.
When the call was answered, I sensed Willow stiffening. I kept my face out of view, allowing her to take control. Given the requirement to keep my identity as well as that of the organization a secret, I would listen in only.
I shifted further away from the screen, but not enough I couldn’t gather a silhouette of her parents sitting in what appeared to be a luxurious office. From the expressions her parents wore, I gathered a sense of what Willow had already told me.
James Cavanaugh appeared anxious. There were bags under his eyes and while he was dressed impeccably in a high dollar suit and tie, I gathered a sense of sleepless nights. Jennifer Cavanaugh’s appearance was entirely different, her demeanor relaxed, her attire haute couture. Only Willow’s father leaned forward as soon as the picture became clear.
“Willow. Thank God,” James said, his tone laced with concern.
“Father. I’m fine. I’m being cared for, but it’s just…” Willow dropped her head, her shoulders heaving as if she was crying.
I couldn’t help the smug look that crossed my face. The girl had already convinced me.
“Baby, it’s going to be alright. This person who saved you. Is he treating you okay?” James continued.
“Yes, but I’m so scared. You have no idea what the horrible man did to me.” While Willow didn’t glance in my direction, I had a feeling she was searching for affirmation she was handling the call in the way I’d instructed her. I was able to touch her on the leg, which allowed her to take a deep breath.
“As long as you’re safe then you have nothing to worry about,” Jennifer told her.
Willow lifted her head. Dear God, the girl was damn good. There were tears brimming in her eyes. “The asshole beat me. He beat me for not following his rules.”
The slight flinch in the corner of Jennifer’s eye was the only indication she was bothered by Willow’s statement. “Well, darling, that man will never be able to touch you again.”
I had to fight to keep from making a remark when her mother grabbed a tissue, blotting her eyes. What the hell was wrong with the woman?
“Did… Did he ask for money?” Willow asked.
“No ransom demands have been made,” James answered but only after a look shared between the married couple.
“I knew it. He was selling me off. I was paraded in front of several men. They were talking in Spanish, but I knew what they were saying. They touched me. Everywhere!” Willow exclaimed, immediately dropping her head, issuing sobbing sounds. “I think a purchaser had been found.”
I knew immediately that Jennifer was shocked, but it was entirely different than the way James reacted. Why did I have a feeling that Jennifer had a part of the entire scheme? Was I searching for answers, trying to implicate a woman that Willow couldn’t stand?
“My God. That man will be hunted down like the animal he is. I don’t care how much money I need to spend!” James slammed his fist on the desk, his reaction genuine. There was horror and disgust in his eyes, while Jennifer only turned her head toward him, placing her hand over his fist. When she whispered something to him, I bristled.
This was a game. A high-priced game that Jennifer hadn’t planned would go but so far.
“Do you have permanent injuries?” Jennifer asked.
Willow laughed, the sound bitter. “Not where you can see them, but they violated me.”
