Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
“But it doesn’t explain how he’s paying his folks here.”
“He could be using the same offshore account.” I walked over to my desk and turned on my computer as I continued, “But we won’t know for sure until we find those accounts.”
I pulled up the files I’d gathered from Interpol and started searching for Carl Davenport’s tax id, thinking it might help us locate those offshore accounts. I knew it was a long shot. He’d already taken the measures to change his name and even took on a new identity. It only made sense that he would get a fake social security number and everything in between, but I hoped there might be some connection between the two.
I was busy searching for something that might help us locate his offshore accounts when I heard Big announce, “The kid is on the move.”
“Where’s he headed?”
“Not sure.” Big was silent for a moment, then added, “Looks like he’s headed north.”
“I’ll message Stitch. Keep an eye on him, and let me know when you have a better idea of where he’s going.”
I was too wrapped up in finding Bruton’s accounts to think much about Ben and his shenanigans. Besides, I knew it was only a matter of time before Stitch and Wrath had him in their clutches, and then, it would be over for the douchebag.
I kept hammering away, and it wasn’t long before I found a possible lead. After some cross-referencing, I knew I’d found something. I became solely focused on what I was working on, ignoring Big and Cotton talking behind me until I heard Big say, “Looks like he’s headed to the university.”
“What?”
“I might be wrong, but it’s looking like he’s headed for campus.” Big turned to face me as he asked, “That’s where he met up with Elsie, right?”
“Yeah, they have some classes together.”
“Then, we need to get in touch with Torch and give him a heads up.”
“On it.”
Cotton took out his phone and dialed Torch’s number. As luck would have it, he didn’t answer. He tried again, but nothing. “I’m sending him a message. You call Elsie and give her a heads up.”
I nodded, then grabbed my phone from my pocket. I dialed her number, but it went straight to voice mail. I tried two more times, but she never picked up. I was becoming anxious when Cotton told us, “I got him. They are at the student union, and all is good. There’s been no sign of Ben.”
“Tell them to bring Elsie home.” I could feel myself becoming unhinged and tried my best to remain calm as I told him, “The last thing we need is this guy fucking with her.”
“That’s not gonna happen.” Cotton was staring down at his phone as he told me, “Stitch and Wrath are close on his trail.”
“I don’t want her anywhere near this guy, Prez.”
“Then, tell her to get her ass home.”
I nodded, then sent her a message.
Me:
Come home.
Elsie:
I’m on my way to class.
Me:
Don’t care.
Need you to get home.
I waited a moment but got no response.
So, I messaged her again.
Me:
Elsie, no fucking around.
I need you to come home.
Me:
Elsie?
I tossed my phone down on the table as I grumbled, “Fuck.”
“No luck?”
“Fuck no.” I ran my hand over my face with frustration. “She’s either already in class, or she’s fucking ignoring me.”
“Torch just messaged and said she made it inside.”
“Fuck.”
“He’d have to be a real dumbass to pull something on that campus.” Big was trying to reassure me, but it wasn’t working—not even when he added, “And Stitch and Wrath are right on his tail. You don’t gotta worry. He won’t get the chance to get close to her.”
I wish that was the case.
Sadly, it wasn’t.
CHAPTER 17
Elsie
I knew Wyatt was worried about me coming to class, but I didn’t know how worried until I received his message about me coming back to the clubhouse. Under any other circumstances, I would’ve just done what he said and headed back, but I had to get my project assignment for the following week. And I had Torch and Alto watching my every move.
They even walked with me up the front steps of my building and watched as I headed inside. They were taking every precaution—not that they needed to. There were people everywhere, including campus security. I felt completely safe, which was why I replied to Wyatt that I was on my way to class and put my phone on silent. I shoved it into my back pocket and continued down the hall.
I was just about to step into class when I felt someone’s hand on my arm, and I was jerked back. Seconds later, I was in a small, enclosed place with very little light. I took a quick look around and saw that I was in a supply closet with a man wearing a black hoodie. I immediately started punching, kicking, and screaming at him but stopped when he snarled, “Stop, Elsie! It’s me.”