Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“She fucking bit me,” the man who hit me says. “Fucking bitch bit me,” he says like he can’t believe I’d ever do such a brave thing.
The one who still has a grip on me continues to chuckle, his laughter grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. For a fleeting moment, I entertain the hope that they might turn on each other, allowing me a chance to slip away unnoticed. In a desperate bid for freedom, I stomp down hard on his foot, but my efforts only seem to fuel his amusement, his laughter echoing cruelly in my ears.
"She's a fighter, this one," he remarks, yanking me closer to the imposing bulk of the ship looming before us.
As we ascend a ladder to board the vessel, I steal a glance at the rows of shipping containers lining the deck, a stark reminder of the illicit activities unfolding in the shadows of the harbor. The ship sprawls out before us, its sheer size a testament to the magnitude of the operation at hand. I can't help but wonder how long it will take to sail this behemoth out of the harbor—a small glimmer of hope flickers within me, praying that federal agents are combing the city in search of me.
But the hope is fleeting, overshadowed by the reality of my predicament. How did these men breach the security measures in my room? The answer is clear. Bane's influence knows no bounds, his pockets lined with dirty money from Mayor Thornberg, the architect of my impending trafficking ordeal.
With a surge of defiance, I spit at the man in front of me, the same man whose hand I sank my teeth into earlier. I know I'm only inviting further trouble with each act of defiance, but I refuse to go down without a fight. I loathe them with every fiber of my being, my hatred burning like a raging inferno.
They usher me down a set of narrow metal stairs and into a cramped room at the end of a dimly lit corridor. The man shoves me roughly to the floor, the unforgiving metal flooring scraping against my skin as I land with a painful thud.
After giving me a cursory once-over, they lock me inside the room, their footsteps fading into the distance as they leave. I waste no time springing to my feet, pounding my fists against the metal door, my voice hoarse from shouting.
A foghorn blares in the distance, its cry a chilling reminder of my captivity. I scour the room for anything—anything at all—that could aid in my escape, but all I find are sterile metal surfaces and machinery devoid of any potential weapon.
I'm trapped, living in a nightmare from which there seems to be no escape. It's a bitter realization. One that leaves me feeling utterly powerless and utterly alone.
Chapter 29
Ledger
As the darkness envelops the docks, we arrive to find a looming cargo ship in the distance. Vin coordinates with his team via phone, confirming our destination to everyone involved.
Is Posey there? Will we reach her in time?
Vin parks the black SUV and instructs me to remain inside as he and Addison hop out.
Once they've distanced themselves from the vehicle, I capture the moment, slipping out of the back door and onto the dock. Stacks of imposing shipping containers provide cover, shielding me from prying eyes. With a pressing need, I move quickly toward the ship, driven by the need to find Posey before anything happens to her.
What if we’re too late? What if she's already in danger?
Refusing to entertain these possibilities, I push forward, determined to reach her before the dawn breaks, revealing our presence and jeopardizing our mission.
More SUVs, their flashing blue and red lights slicing through the darkness, converge on the scene, swiftly surrounding the area. Despite the ensuing chaos and distant shouts of men, I forge ahead, undeterred by the growing commotion.
I need to find her.
I need her.
My heart maintains a steady rhythm as I keep moving closer, heading onto the ship through a back door that leads to a lower level. I have no idea where they’d keep her on this stupid thing, but I need to keep looking.
I won’t give up.
Normally, I'd be armed with my own gun, but the chaos of what happened earlier left me feeling naked.
I spot Bane up ahead, speaking to a man who’s back is to me. I can sort of make out his profile, and recognize him as Mayor Thornberg.
You asshole.
Drawing closer, I strain to catch any snippet of their conversation, but their words remain muffled at this distance. I pull my phone from my pocket, capturing a series of discreet photographs and activating the recording function.
Like a ninja, I edge closer. Uncertain of what I hope to uncover from this, I press on.
“Do you have the money?” Bane asks Mayor Thornberg.