Page 76 of Tony

“It’s modern slavery, but is more than just sex slavery,” Matt countered, “and it’s happening right here in Virginia. What we’re investigating is the child trafficking.”

This statement captured the attention of the group.

Shane picked up the report in front of him, reading, “It can be child sex trafficking or child labor trafficking. Children make up twenty-six percent of the trafficking in the United States and many of them are in our schools.”

“Then why can’t they get out? Get help? Tell someone?” Vinny asked.

“These victims are kept in bondage through a combination of fear, intimidation, abuse, and even psychological control.”

Lily spoke up again, “Like the children who are kidnapped and stay with their captors even when it’s physically possible for them to walk away?”

“Exactly,” Matt agreed.

“We’ve gotten some intelligence that there is a large ring here in Richmond, but we’re not getting very far in finding out much. We’ve been tasked to investigate, but so far these kids have really disappeared. I know Lily was looking into the disappearance of the two girls whose grandparents contacted you. With Sherrie’s information, this may all be linked.”

“Seems they do a lot of recruitment in the schools. We’ve got a school counselor in a downtown high school that’s working with us. She’s had some suspicions and after hearing about this in a conference she went to, made contact with us.”

The group nodded, the idea of children being systematically used and abused not sitting well with any of them.

“Fuck,” Gabe exploded. “I thought getting out of the Army would be boring. At least over there I felt like I knew who the hell the enemy was. But here? Goddamnit, the depravity of some people.”

The others nodded, but it was Tony that spoke. “That’s why we do what we do. We protect those who can’t protect themselves.”

Sherrie had been quiet during the entire discussion, but could no longer hold back. “Betina. She’s the recruiter, isn’t she?”

“From what you’re telling us, it sounds like she is. But remember, she’s a victim too,” Matt answered.

Her breath caught in her throat as she gasped out loud. “The club. Oh my God, the club. Do you think that’s what Hernando is holding over her head? If she recruits, then she stays out of the club? But the dancers and waitresses have to be over eighteen years old. I mean I know club owners can do what they want, but there’s enough adult girls who want the jobs, they’re not going to risk hiring young teens.”

Sherrie noticed the men around the table all looking at each other as they avoided looking at her. “What? What am I not getting?”

“The sex clubs will have rooms,” Tony said gently. “Rooms upstairs or in the back where underage girls…and boys…will be kept for…um…customers.” He started to take her hand but she was faster.

Jumping up, she knocked her chair over. “Oh, Jesus,” she said, clasping her hand over her mouth. “No, no,” she cried as she bolted from the table.

This time Tony was faster, wrapping his arm around her waist he picked her up and cradled her against his front. “Shhh,” he murmured against her neck.

“I thought I’d seen it all in the dives I was around and even though Charisse sold her body to whoever would buy her drugs at least she was never held captive. Oh my God.” She began to struggle to get loose, but Tony held her tight.

“Let me go!” she screamed. “I want to kick his ass! How dare he use Betina like that. She tried to escape but was described as a troubled teen and sent back to the viper’s den. Tony, let me go.”

“Not doing it, baby. You’ve got to calm down. You’re no good to her like this. That’s why we’re here. Baby, listen to me,” he said, giving her a little squeeze. “We have to get all our intel and then plan. We go in half-cocked and we lose the kids.”

She was no longer struggling but her breasts heaved with fury as he continued to hold on to her until she was under control. Nodding, she felt his arms loosen slightly, but he held her until she was steady on her feet. Turning to the group she blushed at her outburst, but Vinny just walked over and gave her a hug.

“Darlin’, that kind of passion to right a wrong is what we do.”

Turning to Tony, she said, “I want to help. What can I do?”

“Nothing, baby. It’s too dangerous. Watching Vinny pluck you from the side of the wall today was enough for my heart to take.”

“Tony, you can’t keep me out of this. It’s too important. And anyway, I’m the only one she trusts. She won’t talk to any of you,” Sherrie argued.

Tony’s patience blew again and forgetting they had an audience, he shouted, “No! I’m not going to fuckin’ lose another woman in my life!”

The words hung out there as everyone in the room froze. No one moved. No one spoke. No one breathed.

Sherrie began to shake as she looked into Tony’s ravaged face, feeling the weight of what just happened. She knew he never spoke publicly about his loss. Her next words could make or break the man in front of her.

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