Murray chuckled. “You will. I figure if it involves our current case we can’t or shouldn’t say no. The more dirt we find, the more likely the charges stick, right?”
“Now you’re getting it,” Luca said.
“Fine,” AJ grumbled. “We’ll help.”
“Wow, I thought it was going to take a little more convincing to get you on our side,” Murray teased.
AJ narrowed her eyes. “Look, Bex needs us. I’ve seen what assholes do to her at school. I’ll do whatever I can to protect her. She is my priority. Not the cartel or the FLDS.”
“I’ll take it,” Murray said. “Every bit helps.”
Luca grinned at her then pointed to the pictures on the table. “These three men are the leaders of the FLDS, this man,” he pointed at the heavy-set white man with blond hair and blue eyes, “is named Anderson Gunther. He has three wives and nine children with one on the way. He’s also set to marry this girl,” he set out a smaller photo, “Ambrosia McCall. The daughter of Lucas McCall, member of the Quorum of Twelve. The other two men should be familiar to you.”
“Warren Jeffs and his brother Merril Jeffs,” Thomas said.
Luca grabbed the last picture from the folder and placed it on top of the FLDS members and the girl’s picture. This is the leader of Los Trios, Joaquin Gurrero Martinez. Nickname is El Sicario.”
AJ choked. “How did a hitman become the leader of a cartel?”
Luca cocked a brow. "Do you need me to explain?"
“I think it surprised her,” Murray stated. “I’m intrigued as well. Los Trios is a newer outfit in these parts. So, howdida Sicario become the leader of a cartel?”
“Sheer force,” Luca said. “Sicarios are ruthless. They kill indiscriminately and take whatever is left. I have a feeling Mr. Joaquin got tired of being the hired man and decided to turn his gun on his masters.”
“Do you think he’d kill Bex, given the chance?” AJ hedged. “Because of what she knows?”
“I’m not sure,” Luca answered. “If I were in Joaquin’s shoes, I’d give her to the FLDS, let someone marry her and get her to pop out a few kids. Or, they could sell her into the sex trade. Besides killing Raul straight out, knowing his daughter will never be free would drive the man insane, especially with what she knows.”
Thomas shook his head. “Bex might have all of the numbers in her head for Raul, but the bastard doesn’t care either way. She’s disposable. If he means to take her to the emporium and sell her there, why do you think sending her straight into the sex trade would be any different. No, she has a purpose and nothing more.”
“Coldblooded,” Murray muttered.
“Indeed,” Luca agreed.
“We’re in,” Jaqueline added. “No child should have to deal with this.”
“Thank you.” Luca gathered up the photos on the table then handed them each one of the black folders Murray had been eyeing since they sat down. “This is all of the intelligence we have on Joaquin. Whenever you have the chance look over it. I could use some fresh eyes.”
“Sure,” Murray said. “So, about this club. What’s it like?”
“Ah, the real reason you’re here.” Luca pulled out his chair and sat. “I can tell you it’s not like any club you’ve been to, ever. There are very strict rules there, though.”
“Oh?” Thomas leaned forward. “Such as?”
"First and foremost, what you witness can never be talked about. The club members enjoy their anonymity. They also aren't your typical members either. I believe it will be easier to show you than explain it. With that said, you'll be asked once you're inside to sign an NDA. Everyone signs one including the owners."
“Who are the owners?” Thomas asked.
“I’m not sure,” Luca replied. “I don’t ask questions when I go there. What I can tell you though, is that member safety is of the utmost importance, especially for the submissives. The owners do not tolerate any mistreatment of subs.”
The lie slipped off of Luca’s tongue with ease. Murray wondered if the others caught it. Luca knew who the owners were, but whether it’d been due to the NDA or his own need to have the upper hand in a situation, the man withheld the information from the group. “Well, at least they are protective.”
“Very,” Luca agreed. “I believe all of you will enjoy your time there.”
That was still up for debate. However, Murray would give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Later, if anything went wrong, he’d go after Luca. He’d make sure the man would regret ever attempting to run an op against Murray’s team.
Jaqueline peered out the tinted limousine window as they entered the club’s driveway. The mansion didn’t look like any club she’d seen before, not that she’d been to a BDSM club. Golden lights illuminated the grey stones, giving it a soft butter-yellow glow. The club was at least three stories, maybe four, if the dome behind the main structure was included. The landscaping had been meticulous and perfect as though someone spent their day making sure there wasn’t a shrub or flower out of place. As they drove through the arch overhang, she noticed the area above them was more of an observation room than a walkway.I wonder what they watch though?Behind the house was more of the same, only there were added paths and smaller cabins dotting the area. To the right was a giant labyrinth and her curiosity had been piqued. Had it been a piece of artwork or something the club used? Could it be why there was a walkway connecting the buildings?