“Or her bodyguards. Offer enough money and incentives and they’d look the other way,” Duncan added.
“There’s more,” Alé said. “We found a video.”
“More like one was dropped in our laps,” Eito interjected.
“It’s pretty fucked up.” Ale nodded again, and the images on the screen changed to a video. “We don’t believe Bex knew she was being recorded. Nor did she consent.”
“Ah, fuck me.” Duncan scrubbed his brow. “Do you have a bead on who shot it?”
“Working on it,” Alex grumbled. “Whoever was behind it, they did a good job of keeping their identity a secret.”
“We’ve narrowed down the time, day, and year. It coincides with when Bex lost her leg,” Jacolbi added. “This shit got sent to her father.”
“We believe,” Alé stated, “the All-Americans and Bitches are behind it. My gut says Marybeth figured out who Bex was and decided as a way to fuck with her she’d send it to Raul, but I can’t prove the latter half.”
No, but it was good conjecture on his part. “Anything else?”
“Yeah, there was another fight.” Eito grinned. “It felt good.”
“Jesus, kid, I thought you were supposed to be keeping a low profile?” It was the second incident where the kids had gotten into it with the assholes who’d made torturing a student an art form.
“I wouldn’t have engaged had the asshole not broken my mother’s bento box. All bets were off then.” Eito shrugged. “I’m more than sure this’ll cause issues for Bexley, but we’re of the same mind. We will protect her.”
Asher grunted. “You’ve all done good work. Your quick action saved Bex in more ways than once, and showing off a little in the cafeteria also put the message out loud and clear that anyone who fucks with her, or you, will have hell to pay.”
“We’re still going through financials,” Alex said. “We should have more information on that front by the weekend.”
“I also went by the dry cleaners,” Jacolbi said. “It’s closed. Everything is gone and there’s a for sale sign in the window.”
“She’s running out of food and money.” Alé cut his gaze to Asher. “We’ve been catching her snagging extras. Twice now I’ve offered to treat her to a meal, but she tells me to stay away.”
“Be more persistent, kid,” Duncan said. “She’s a caged, broken animal right now. She doesn’t know who she can trust and who she can’t. By all of your actions, you’re giving her a chance to see that people care. Keep going.”
Asher nodded. “Exactly. Alex, Eito, I want the financials in my email by Monday morning. Jacolbi and Alé, keep up with being makeshift bodyguards. Tell Bronx she’s doing good too. You’ve all stepped up your games. I’m proud of you. However, if you could keep your asses out of the office, that would be great.”
Alé chuckled. “Won’t make any promises, but we’ll do better.”
“All I can ask for,” Asher said. “Now, get out of here. We have business to take care of, and you guys can’t be here. Dismissed.”
Everyone left, leaving just Asher and himself.
“Omar working out okay?” the Commander of R.O.O.T asked.
“Yeah, most times they barely even know he’s around.” Duncan shrugged. “Which isn’t exactly easy, considering how damn small the apartment is.”
Asher cocked a brow. “You could always just hand them over to the FBI and wash your hands of it.”
He could, but he wouldn’t. He’d made a promise, one he intended to keep to both Bella and Enzo. Of course, on the flip side, he wanted to see if his gut feelings on Enzo were correct.
“Yeah…that’s what I thought,” Asher said. “Which one has your interest?”
“Wait…what?”
Asher gave him one of those knowing looks he’d come to recognize since he started collaborating with the black ops group. “Just be careful, Duncan. They’re both carrying some heavy ass baggage.”
Duncan shook his head and took a defensive pose. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Asher gave a sardonic chuckle. “Yeah, okay. I can play it that way too.”