To schedule a private show, ask for James.

Code word: Pretty Girl

James?

Henry James.Drew is using a pseudonym. For himself but not for Delilah.That fucker.

Coming September 1st:

Want to Experience a Night of Fantasy with Delilah?

For $150,000, Delilah can be yours for the entire night.

Request an appointmenthere.

Devoid of all coherent thought, I click the link then enter the number of my burner phone when prompted. Digging the phone out from my bottom desk drawer, I plug it in before powering it on.

Almost immediately, I receive a response.

Thank you for your interest in Delilah. We’re now booking appointments for September and October.

The relief I feel when I realize theseappointmentshaven’t started yet doesn’t outweigh my fury at the situation. It doesn’t alleviate the disgust I feel, knowing what he’s trying to do to her. What he’sbeendoing to her.

Our first available appointment for a Night of Fantasy with Delilah is September 1. What date would you like to book your appointment?

I type, “September 1” then hit send, thankful the first date that these services begin is open so I can swoop in and pluck her out of Drew’s clutches. I can’t wait to fucking get my hands on him either.

Another incoming text chimes almost immediately.

Your appointment is scheduled for September 1. Please contact us with a time and location as soon as possible.

I shoot off the name of a hotel I remember passing when we were in Harrisburg for our meeting with the Krymson Destroyers and tell him to meet me there at 8 PM.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your appointment. The remainder is due at least one hour prior to your appointment time. Do you agree to these terms?

I don’t hesitate.

I don’t stop to think about the amount of money this fucker is about to make off of me.

I don’t consider whether or not this is just a scam Drew is running to get money.

None of it matters to me as much as Delilah.

I reply, “Yes,” desperate to be one step closer to getting her back.

With the next text comes instructions for initiating the bank transfer. I follow them step-by-step and link my offshore account to the transaction.

It was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I don’t care if I never see the money again as long as everything works out, and I have Delilah back in my arms.

* * *

Present

“Everyone is set and ready to go,” Draven informs me.

JD and some of my guys are set up at different places surrounding and throughout the hotel, keeping watch for signs of Drew and Delilah and anyone else they may be bringing with them.

I got the notification thirty minutes ago that my wire transfer was finally complete. It’s been keeping me awake all week, waiting for its status to change. I thought tonight was going to be fucked, and I’d lose this chance at getting Delilah back.