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“What else?” she asked, holding her chin high.
“I’m sure we can figure something out … after a probationary period.”
She laughed. “Probationary period? I’m not starting my job at the gym again or something. This is a completely different ...”
“Do. You. Want. Your. Life. Or. Not.” He paced out his words loudly. She remained silent. Her tricks wouldn’t work here.
“And what if I go to the police?” she said, the last attempt at retaining her freedom.
“We own the police,” he said firmly. “They’ve been paid off for years. Chief Tanner is one of the sponsors of the club, discreetly, of course.”
Liz thought of the kidnappings that had been disguised as hoaxes. It was a cover-up by the family. She knew the story sounded suspicious. The whole town did, but everyone loved Chief Tanner, even trusted him. So much for this town being safe.
“There were two kidnappings years ago,” Liz said lowly.
Ben nodded. “Martina Herrera and Casey Long.”
“That was you?” she asked.
“Not me specifically.” He leaned back in the chair with authority. “It was the family, though. They were heroin addicts, stole some of our guns from our safe house so they could rob our dealer.”
“Were they … killed?” She debated if she wanted an answer to this question, but she had to know.
He shook his head. “No. Taken hostage for information. Now they perform … various services for the family.”
“That sounds sketchy.”
“They mostly stake out our enemies and handle our dealings with the lowlifes in town. Light work.”
Liz nodded. “Is that what I should expect?”
“No, Elizabeth,” he said, smiling. He stood. Liz caught a glimpse of the V-shape on his hips. She remembered how large he was when he was cornering her earlier. How hard he got when he pressed against her.
He placed his hands on her arms, leaning his full weight onto her. He leaned in and placed his lips by her ear. His breath was warm, and she caught the scent of teakwood again. Electricity ran through her veins as he pressed his cheek against hers, his stubble lightly grazing her skin.
She reached her fingers back to fumble with the buckles against her wrists. With him this close, he wouldn’t be able to see her trying to undo them.
“I have something much more interesting planned for you,” he whispered. She craned her neck to the side, almost asking him to come closer. He lingered on her neck for a moment, his lips brushing against her ear.
“I ...” she said through deep breaths, “think I’ll need more information.”
He chuckled lightly on her neck before pulling back and staring down at her. “You were able to hide from Vito.” He made his way back to the window.
Liz looked down at the belts quickly. She shoved her hand under one of the belts and loosened the strap.
“You evaded him until you could catch him alone.” He paused and turned, stroking his chin. Elizabeth paused her movements, acting as if she was staring at the floor.
“You then ...” he laughed and shook his head.
Something about his demeanor was so evil, calculated, abrupt.
“You then attemptedto blackmail him into giving you money ... for rent, of all things!” he said in surprise. “You tried convincing one ofmymen to shovel cash out to you, and he actually let you go free. A man that I have employed for years, who was trained under my rule.”
He pushed his hair out of his face and shook his head, looking between the blades of the blind. What was he looking for? Was someone else outside? Liz began loosening the other strap enough for her to wiggle her hand out if she needed to.
“You now,” he continued, “are facing me after I break into your apartment and you attempt to fight me. Attempt to disobey my commands, knowing damn well you wouldn’t stand a chance ...” He looked down at her. “If I lost my temper.”
She looked at him with conviction. “I already know all of this. Tell me something new.”
