Page 4 of Caged
He'd never dreamed he could make a career out of hacking and digging into the dark areas of the web, but he was doing it. He loved his job, and while not legal, he was doing more for the world now than he ever could have working for some big company. He was also making more money. He didn't know exactly how Jeremy managed it, but before each sting, he found a way to take the money from the pedophiles and somehow without a trace put it towards the team's needs and pay. It was probably best he didn't know how it was done. Having that kind of power and knowledge wouldn't be good for him.
"I'm going to cut out." Patrick set a stack of papers beside Marshall. "I hope I found you what you need."
Marshall glanced at the clock on his computer, seeing it was almost five. Where had the time gone? They'd been at it for hours. "Thanks, I'm sure you did. You have big plans tonight?"
Patrick shrugged. "Not sure. I'm meeting a guy for drinks and we'll go from there. We met briefly at a dealership where I bought my truck but didn't talk much there. I got the sense he didn't want his co-workers knowing. I'm hoping he's not in the closet. I'm not sure I have patience for that right now. We'll see how it goes."
"Well, good luck. I hope it works out." Marshall nodded to the stack of papers. "Thanks again for your help."
"Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow." Patrick took off.
Marshall sat back and sighed, taking a moment to roll his shoulders and stretch before glancing through the background checks Patrick had run. There was enough information on most of the names to give him leads to dig deeper, but he didn't have the energy for it now. Hating to leave stuff unfinished, but knowing what he had to do could take days, he forced himself to shut off the computer. He needed to do things at home, and tonight was as good a night to get them done. He never knew when things with the team would pick up and he'd end up putting in long hours. It was best he do what he could at home while he was able.
Saying goodnight to Jeremy and D, he made his way home, debating on if he would work on his unfinished basement or if he would mow the yard. Both needed done, but he decided that working on what was visual to the public was more important. The lawn wasn't huge, and he might get some time to work on the basement before he went to bed.
It was a perfect afternoon. A couple of kids played basketball across the street, pausing as he pulled into his driveway to give him a wave. He'd only been in the house a little over two weeks, but he'd slowly gotten to know a few of his neighbors. He liked the ones he'd met so far. The one he still wasn't sure of was the one right next door. He still heard yelling from time to time, but it wasn't constant. None of the neighbors seemed to know much about the people living there. Marshall hadn't seen anyone yet, but the car came and went in the driveway, so between that and the occasional yelling, it was clear someone was there. As long as they didn't cause him any problems, he could deal with it.
Once in the house, he debated on eating, but that could wait. He'd get the lawn done, then figure out dinner. He had leftovers in the fridge he could warm but was thinking of ordering pizza instead. It was easy comfort food, and after the long hours in front of his computer looking at human monsters, he deserved comfort.
Changing into shorts and a t-shirt, he made his way to the shed and pulled out his new lawnmower. It was one of the expenses he hadn't thought of when buying a new home, but one he'd had to get. There were a million little things he needed, and even more he wanted. Thank God for the nice paychecks he got from the team.
He started with the backyard, thinking as he mowed about how his garden would look next spring. He also wanted to look into getting a hot tub, but that was something he'd look into further down the road. It was easy to get excited about everything being new, but he needed to pace himself. He was doing okay with money now, but he could easily take things too far if he got everything he wanted right away.
As he enjoyed the warm evening, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the sounds of a happy neighborhood around him, he wondered how he'd ever survived in his shithole apartment. Even living with his aunt hadn't been this good. Life was finally looking up, and he no longer worried where his next meal would come from. He had job security, he had a home, he had good friends. This was a life any man could enjoy.
With the backyard finished, he paused for a drink before wheeling the lawnmower out front. The kids still played ball, and down the road, a group of teenage girls stood in a circle giggling. There was a park not too far from the house, but he hadn't ventured there yet. He kept telling himself he'd start taking walks, even thought about getting a dog, but with the long hours he worked, he wasn't sure that was a good idea. Though he could take the dog to work. He doubted anyone would care. It was something he'd ask Jeremy about next time they talked.
Feeling as if he was on top of the world, he started the mower and focused on getting the job done.
CHAPTER FOUR
Danny ignored the way Larry was watching him and focused on making sure that he got the lines even with the vacuum. If they weren't straight, he would be punished. Punishment could mean anything from a beating to going a day without eating, and Danny didn't want to face either one. He hardly got enough food anyway. Which sucked because he cooked Larry a good meal every night.
He wasn't sure why Larry wouldn't allow him or the boys to eat much. Maybe he hoped to keep them weak and thin, but it was one of the hardest parts of Danny's life. He was constantly tempted to sneak a bite or two while he cooked, but he'd been caught doing that more than once, and it hadn't been worth the beating that came after. Still, he longed for the chance to sit down at a table and eat a full meal like he did when he was little.
"Good. Now while I go out and mow the lawn, I want you to find my suit and make sure it's clean and pressed. I have a meeting tomorrow and want to look my best. Make sure you shine my shoes as well." Larry narrowed his eyes at Danny. "Don't try and sneak down to the boys. You know they're in trouble for trying to block me from their bedroom last night. If I find you've gone to them, you'll regret it."
He swallowed hard. Larry was telling the truth. If he denied him, he'd beat him twice as bad as he usually did. Still, he worried about the boys. He'd heard the beatings the two of them had taken the night before, then heard the screams from the rapes, and he had to wonder if they were okay. Hell, he wondered if they were even alive. Things had been silent in the basement all day and he hadn't been allowed to go down and check on them.
He didn't know what the boys had done to try and keep Larry from their room, but from the crashing and banging he'd heard, he guessed they'd pushed things up against the door to try and block Larry from getting inside. He'd tried the same thing when he'd been held downstairs, and he remembered the punishment he'd taken because of it.
"Do you hear me?" Larry asked.
"Yes." Danny gave a nod.
Without a word, Larry headed outside.
Danny froze, staring at the door as it shut behind Larry. Unlike every other time that Larry went outside, this time, Danny hadn't heard the lock click as Larry locked him inside. Could he have left the door unlocked?
His heart raced as he thought about what that could mean. He could make a run for it. Get help for him and the boys. But was he wrong? Had Larry locked it? Did he dare check? What if Larry was standing on the other side waiting for him to do just that?
He looked around, feeling as if someone was watching him, just waiting for him to attempt to leave. He'd never had this chance before. It was the first time Larry hadn't locked the door. Fear gripped him, but this could be his only chance. If he didn't go, what would happen to him? Larry was using him as a maid now, but in time, he'd tire of that. Would he kill him then? And what about the boys? They'd live years being abused by Larry before they would probably end up meeting the same fate as him once they got too old for Larry to use sexually.
Tears stung his eyes as he tried to find the courage to try the door. He took a step closer, then paused. If Larry was waiting on the other side, he'd kill him for opening the door, but if he wasn't… He fisted his hands. Would he be able to get away? Where would he go? Could he risk pounding on a neighbor's door and hoping they'd help him? Would they even be home? If they weren't, then Larry would drag him back and punish him or even kill him.
His body shook as he debated what to do. He'd never been more scared, even when Larry had first taken him and brought him here. Was he willing to take the chance?
He didn't have a choice. Death would be better than the life he was living. He had to try. He waited a few minutes more, hoping to hear the sound of the lawnmower to assure him that Larry wasn't waiting for him. He could hear the sound of one next door, but it wasn't Larry's. His was older and louder, sounding as if it was going to explode any minute.
