Page 16 of Devil's Lair

“We don’t have to do nuthin’. Just hand the girl over.”

This time I raised my gun. “I already told ya’, no can do. She’s mine.

“Relax,hombre, we can work this out. Boss man won’t want to start a war with The Devil’s over this…”

“Then leave. I told ya’ I got this handled.”

“Shit better cool off then. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

“I’ll be in touch.” This time Kennedy didn’t fight me as I gently pushed her into my truck.

With my gun still ready to fire, I climbed behind the wheel, quickly starting the engine. “Believe me now, sugar?” She nodded mutely. Baby girl was completely in shock.

“I’m going to bring you somewhere safe, okay? No one will touch you.”

Except me.

I swore as I caught the tears streaking down her face every time I glanced in the rearview.

Twenty minutes later, we descended into darkness. My old, rustic cabin was hidden in shadows. The cliffs of Devil’s ridge was at its back and the high Sequoyah pines towered over its front.

It was the Devil’s lair if there ever was one.

My heart skipped a beat in anticipation as she willingly walked over the threshold.

Baby girl had no idea the world she was walking into.

I played the part of the nice guy. The savior very well. When all I was deep down, was the one who’d cost her the most.

“Here, come, sit. I’ll fix you something eat.” I pulled out a chair for her. Lulled her into a false sense of safety before I’d spring my ultimatum.

“I can’t eat.”

“You’re in shock. I’ll make you a scotch neat. Even two sips will calm your nerves.”

She took the drink, albeit a bit reluctantly but baby girl was good, finishing it all.

I took the seat opposite hers. A heavy silence filled the room.

“I have a plan to save your sister. But it’ll require something from you…”

“Anything. I’ll do anything for her.”

“Anything?” I let the question hang for a few seconds.

“Yes.”

“I purpose a trade; her freedom for yours.”

She swallowed nervously. “I don’t understand. You’ll sell me to the Cartel?”

“Never.”

“You’ll belong to me. You’ll work off the debt. I’ll secure her freedom but you’ll be more in return.”

“Why?”

I let my age trail over her. The intensity of it had her face flushing and those perks nips pebbling against her cotton T.

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