Page 77 of Tony

She put one foot in front of the other until she was toe to toe with him, her head leaned way back. His eyes were dark, and she longed for the warmth in them that she always saw when he looked at her. Reaching up to cup his jaw, she said, “Okay. I won’t do anything that you don’t want me to do. You’ve rescued me twice and I never want to put you through that again. I love you.”

His black eyes warmed to caramel as his breathing slowed down. “I love you too, baby,” he said, wrapping his arms around her as he pulled her into his chest, wishing she could be even closer.

The group stayed still for another moment, allowing the couple to have their healing, then began to talk softly about the investigation. She lifted her head from his chest as he wiped her tears. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a gentle kiss. One that spoke of forever.

They turned back toward the group and resumed their seats. In control, Tony took charge, determined to erase the look of fear from Sherrie’s eyes.

23

Tony lay in bed the next morning, staring at the woman who held his heart as she rested in his arms. Her long, blonde hair spread across the pillow as her hand rested under her cheek. When she dressed for work, she looked every inch the professional woman that she was. But asleep? She looked like a china doll with porcelain skin and rosy cheeks.

He smiled at her sleepwear, his large t-shirt hanging off one shoulder. She had abandoned the flannel pajamas and stole his t-shirts now to sleep in.Nothin’ sexier,he thought, as he leaned over to kiss her shoulder. She made a small moan but stayed asleep.She was exhausted last night.After a long meeting in his conference room, the group had finally created a plan.

He knew that the wheels of justice could turn slowly, but Sherrie had had a hard time being patient. Matt and Shane, with Betina’s art pad and BJ’s enlargements, were going to report to their chief and see if they could get search warrants for the grocery, the laundry, and the club. They were also going to see if they could get one for Hernando’s house. They wanted him, but only because he was just one more cog in the wheel. If they could get him to roll over on the men above him, it would help shut down at least a part of the organized human trafficking in Richmond.

Sherrie had wanted them to go immediately last night. Becoming frustrated, the only way she gave in was when Shane finally told her that going in now meant that nothing would hold up in court and Hernando would get away and hide his evidence. Pursing her lips, she had remained quiet, but Tony knew it had been hard.Hell, it’d been hard for all of them.

Not knowing where the club was had them at a distinct disadvantage. They had no idea if it was already established or not yet opened. Lily and BJ were working around the clock to try to find out more. Jobe and Gabe were working with some of the new employees on surveillance to keep track of where Hernando was going at all times.

Sherrie stirred and her eyes fluttered open. Crystal blue ones met his and he leaned in for a kiss.

“Hey, you,” she said sleepily.

“Hey back,” he replied.

“You let me sleep late,” she accused, glancing at the clock.

“You needed it, baby. I don’t figure Mr. Marks is going to fire you for being late for the first time ever.”

Sherrie sat up in bed suddenly, and said, “I forgot to tell you. He’s retiring in a month and moving away.”

Tony sat up, propped himself against the headboard and pulled her back against him. “Retiring?”

“Yes,” she lamented. “I like Simon well enough and Mr. Marks said that my job was secure, but…he’s been kind of a father to me for the past year.” She twisted around to look at him. “Not only that, he’s selling the mountain cottage. I wanted to be able to go there again with you.”

Tony tucked her into his side again, brushing her hair from her face. “I’m sorry, babe. We’ll find another cabin to visit sometime. I promise.”

She nodded against his chest, but knew that nothing would ever hold the memories of the Marks’ cabin. Sighing, she looked over at the clock. “I’ve got to get ready for work. I may be late, but I’ve been working so much overtime, I don’t think they’ll mind.”

“I’m going to be at the office today, Sherrie, waiting to see what comes from Matt and Shane. I need you to be safe and promise me to stay out of trouble.”

She saw the fear once again in his eyes and never wanted it to be there again. “I promise. I’m going to the office and seeing what I can do to help Mr. Marks’ retirement transition go smoothly for Simon and the office. Believe me, I’ll be busy.” She started to get out of the bed, but then turned back. “Tony?” she said tentatively. “Will you let me know what’s happening? I’m really scared for Betina.”

“Absolutely, baby. I promise.”

* * *

Betina woke, only able to open her swollen eye to a slit and she could feel her lip just as puffy. She tried to sit but found nausea forced her to lay back down. Memories of the previous evening filled her mind.

The house was empty when she got home after work. Her mother must still be at work, but Betina did not mind. In fact, alone time was welcome. She could read, listen to music, or draw. Anything to pretend for just a little while that she was not the recruiter that sent other girls to their bondage.

She spent so much time self-loathing, that the few minutes of respite were the only time she did not want to either run away again or kill herself. But neither would help the girls; the clues she had slipped to Sherrie would have to work. Please let them work.

Hearing the door open, she hoped it was her mother, but it was Hernando’s angry presence that filled her doorway. Stalking into her room, he backhanded her before she could react. Falling back on the bed, he grabbed her by the front of her shirt and backhanded her again. This time her head snapped to the side and she saw stars before her vision became so blurry she saw nothing.

Screaming, she tried to scramble away from him, but he was too strong.

“You stupid bitch. I have given you everything. All you had to do to keep living here with your mom was recruit for me. But no, you had to run off and get the police and court services involved. Now you got that Mullins bitch snooping around. What did you tell her?” he screamed.

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