Page 73 of Hushed

When Austin left them, he flipped the lock and sat on the corner of the table, pointing to a chair next to him. “Sit and talk.”

She blew out a long breath as she lowered herself into a chair. Jax leaned against the closed door and observed.

“I didn’t realize until about six months ago what Jake and Chris were doing. They killed someone, and I’ve been looking for a way out ever since. But I think I’ve been accidentally helping them traffic girls all this time.”

Something about her story set Gage on edge. She was known to lie and be dramatic, but he didn’t think she would lie about something like someone dying. At least he hoped to God for her sake she wouldn’t.

“Why not go to the police?” Jax asked.

Evie’s face went pale, and she shook her head. “No way. I can’t. Chris and Jake both have connections to the department.”

God fucking damn it. He was so tired of corrupt law enforcement. They were supposed to protect and serve.

“What is your role in all of this?” Jax asked, clearly taking over the interview as he stepped further into the room. Gage was too angry to ask questions right now, so he was more than happy to let him.

Evie ducked her head. “I was supposed to keep an eye out for women who might be interested in working in the adult industry. On top of running the club, Chris and Jake are partners in a studio that houses cam girls and other adult performers. I just thought I was helping them find suitable candidates that were truly interested. But now I think most of the women there work there under duress. My suspicion is that Chris drugs them and takes compromising photos of them and then forces them into working. But I don’t know that for sure.”

Gage put his hands on the arms of her chair and turned it so she was facing him, then got close to her. “Is that what Chris was planning to do with Kenzie if he drugged her drink? Did you fucking point him to her?”

Evie’s lip quivered, but he didn’t fucking care.

“I didn’t, I swear. He saw her and was obsessed.”

“Then you should have fucking warned her.”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t. It’s not that simple.”

“Why not quit?” Jax asked.

“Again. It’s complicated.”

“Then un-fucking-complicate it for us,” Gage snapped. “You need to start talking now. I’m tired of this shit, Evie.”

He wasn’t sure what she was expecting from him or why she came to him, but he knew he had to get to the bottom of it right away.

“I can’t tell you everything. But someone in your circle might be able to, and that’s all I’m going to say.”

He had to back away, so he didn’t shake her, but they weren’t leaving this room until he had some damn answers.

“Let’s change gears,” Jax suggested.

Gage waved at him. “By all means.”

Evie turned to look at the tall cowboy.

Jax pulled out his phone and showed her the image of the photos, and Evie’s face turned red.

“Why send these to Kenzie?”

Evie laid her head back. “Because I knew it would get his attention if they really were together, and I trust Gage to help me out of this situation.”

Jax lifted an eyebrow at Gage.

“Why would you trust him?”

Evie laughed. “Have you met Gage? He’s the most helpful, trustworthy guy I know.”

“There were better ways to get my attention.”

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