Page 49 of Auctioned Innocence
She doesn’t care what happens to these girls after they’re sold.
Doesn’t care if they live or die, suffer or survive.
They’re commodities, nothing more.
“Perfectly,” I reply, maintaining Dmitri’s cold demeanor while mentally adding her name to my list. “Business is business, after all.”
She nods, satisfied. “Until tomorrow, Mr. Volkov.”
I follow the guard back to the main hall, my mind already mapping contingencies.
The Irish are ready to move, itching for violence.
Marco’s team is in position around the perimeter. Jonah’s information about underground passages. Multiple family representatives to deal with, each with their own security details.
And now, a private viewing.
One hour alone with Sofia.
One hour to communicate, to plan, to prepare her for what’s coming.
One hour that might make the difference between success and catastrophic failure.
My phone buzzes with Marco’s response:Files incoming. D’Angelo, Kovac, Martinez all financially linked to Calabrese shell companies. Reed being monitored. Private viewing approved—USE IT.
I scroll through the attached documents, absorbing information on the three families now allied with Dominic.
The D’Angelos control ports from D.C. to Miami, giving them transportation infrastructure.
The Kovacs have connections throughout European law enforcement, providing protection.
The Martinez cartel offers distribution networks across North and South America.
Together, they form a trafficking empire that spans continents.
An empire with Sofia’s sale as its cornerstone alliance.
I return to my guest suite, locking the door before removing my jacket and the facial prosthetics that itch against my skin.
In the bathroom mirror, I stare at my real face for a moment.
It’s harder than I remember, my eyes colder than they used to be.
I splash water on my face then reapply the disguise with practiced movements.
Becoming Dmitri again, piece by piece.
The gray at the temples.
The slightly altered nose.
The harder set to the jaw.
As I work, I mentally outline the extraction plan.
Nine a.m.: Private viewing with Sofia. Communicate the plan, ensure she’s prepared.
Noon to 4 p.m.: Final preparations for the auction. Staff will be distracted, security stretched thin.
