Page 166 of Unexpected Heroine

“Oh shit,” I mutter, then train my gaze on her, an apology etched into my face. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re both helping a lot.”

Her answering smile is genuine and only slightly inebriated. “I know you didn’t. Just kidding, Lettie bear. Trying to make you smile.”

“I think therapy is a great idea,” Freya responds. “We can take you tomorrow if you want. Get you all set up with their outpatient program.”

Something about that doesn’t feel right, but I nod.

Outpatient would mean lots of driving back and forth. And that means more chances to get taken during the commute. I think I’d rather be inside the compound. According to the brochure, it’s gated and protected by top-of-the-line security systems and personnel.

Until I see the place, I can’t be sure how I’ll feel there.

Tomorrow, I’ll decide.

Tonight, I’ll cry.

Chapter 30

Closing time

TOMER

The burning in my eyes becomes too much to stand. No amount of eye drops can soothe the sting at this late hour. My body longs for sleep, but my mental toughness perseveres.

I’ll sleep later. When all the fuckers who hurt Lettie are in the dirt with worms invading their carcasses. Even that feels too good for them.

Backing away from the desk in my home office, I stretch before heading to the other room to swap out my contacts for glasses. When I return, my face is washed, coffee mug is full, and focus is restored.

With the help of my Redleg peers, three of the fuckers are in jail, bringing the total number of arrests to four once you include Davidov. This morning, Detectives Patterson and Salgado showed up at Lettie’s apartment with lineup photos. She identified all three of them without hesitation and agreed to testify. In addition, she confirmed the identities of the other three from the house, Skidmark included. We just need to find them. And we will.

I watched the whole thing through the surveillance system, pride and awe filling me as she did what she had to do without shedding a tear or showing any fear. Lettie didn’t need me with her. Whether it was her friends supporting her or her internal strength shining through, she was confident and steady.

Big Al’s gonna love her. She’s a rock. Just like him.

At least she is regarding her abduction. When the topic of my betrayal comes up, she breaks down, making it painfully obvious which event is making her suffer the most.

Her apartment’s live security feed is always on my third monitor. I shouldn’t watch this much. It’s an unhealthy distraction, taking the focus away from my mission. Yet I keep doing it because I deserve the pain. I don’t want to cower from her suffering. I caused it, therefore, I should pay the price alongside her. The only positive is I’m no longer lying to myself by justifying my actions as a measure of her protection.

However, I loathe the shame coating my skin from watching her without her consent again. Although it’s not sexual, it’s still an invasion of privacy. And I promised myself I’d never do that again.

I should tell her. Maybe she’d feel safer knowing I’m still looking out for her.

Nah.

That’s bullshit. Another lie to justify my behavior.

Telling her would serve to remove my guilt, not bring her reassurance.

My inbox dings with an incoming email from Detective Salgado. After clearing her background earlier, I provided her and Patterson with the names of the other three traffickers, including Skidmark.

I scan her reply quickly, fixating on the key details.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining three individuals on your list in addition to Yevdokim Ivanovich.

This afternoon, we showed their driver’s license photos to a few of the other victims. We’re confident they’re the right perps. If you get any additional information regarding their whereabouts, please forward it immediately. Attached are more recent photos for use in facial recognition searches.

We’re waiting on the state attorney to determine what to do about Vanessa Eldridge; given she was trafficked too, there are other considerations.

At the end, Salgado adds what’s fast becoming her customary reminder.

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