Love & Corruption: A Love & Ruin Standalone Novel

by J. A. Owenby

  “It was rumored that in the sixties, they were used to smuggle sailors underneath the city to be sold to captains as extra hands. However, there was also a lot of chatter about women being kidnapped and sold into prostitution, too. Right now, it’s under renovation in areas, but tours are conducted on a regular basis. Brian couldn’t supply a name, but apparently they have a source that tipped them off that the professor had not only worked there, but had also disappeared along with Claire. Since Mr. Colbert knows the underground passages, it would have been a perfect avenue to discreetly kidnap someone. At this point, it’s a tip and something new to check into.”

  “So you’re saying there’s a possibility this all went down right under the city?” Redd asked. “I want to see the tunnels, boss. It might give us a little info if there’s any illegal activity going on.”

  “I’m not saying you can’t take the tour and sniff around, but the FBI has asked that we let them check it out and continue to take care of Sutton and her parents. Brian will update me as he can. At this point, they have no reason to believe Claire isn’t alive.”

  Sutton squeezed her eyes closed. “Maybe this is our break,” she said quietly.

  “No kidding.” Redd stared down at the floor, then he held my gaze. “So we wait?”

  “Until I hear more from Brian, our jobs remain the same. Protect the Forresters.”

  A small cry escaped Sutton. “I’m sorry, my mind is running wild with possibilities. Is she alive? Is she still in Oregon? Even though there was a tip, what if it wasn’t her history teacher? Why would he want her anyway? But then it’s incredibly odd that he’s not been at school for the same days as Claire, and his wife and kids haven’t shown up at school or work. There has to be a connection. But why?” She clamped her hands on the top of her head as though she were trying to hold herself together.

  Tears streamed down her cheeks, and I strode over to her.

  “I know you have a lot of unanswered questions.” I knelt down next to her. “I’m so sorry this is happening.” I wiped her damp face with the pad of my thumb, but her tears turned into full on sobs. Her body shook while she came undone in front of me.

  I stood, scooped her up in my arms, and carried her to the guest room. Her fingers clutched my shirt, and she buried her head into my neck.

  “I’m sorry,” she hiccupped. “At times it’s more than I can handle. I just want my baby sister home.”

  “It’s all right. I’m here.”

  I sat on the edge of the bed and continued to hold her. No matter how much I wanted to fix the situation, I couldn’t. My chest tightened as she continued to cry, and I smoothed her hair. I placed a gentle kiss on her head and waited for her to calm down.

  “Sutton,” I whispered, cupping her chin and lifting it up. “I’m going to do everything in my power to assist the FBI so they can bring her home safely.” I brushed her tears away, and she leaned into my touch. My heart and body were quickly responding to her, and I placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. Hesitating, my gaze dropped to her full mouth. Everything inside me screamed for the taste of her.

  “I need to go.” I couldn’t kiss her. She was too vulnerable, and I’d be an ass for taking advantage of her.

  She peered up at me, her blue eyes a flurry of anguish and regret. Sutton reached up and traced my cheek with her fingertips. I wanted more. I wanted her, and this wasn’t the time. I drew in a sharp breath and reined in my desire.

  “Thank you.” Her words were thick with gratitude.

  I paused. She needed to know how I felt … at least a little.

  “It was always so easy with you, Sutton. You were the one part of my life that made sense.”

  Without another word, I placed her on the bed, then got the hell out of there before I lost all my restraint.

  Chapter 15

  I needed a cold shower, but it would have to wait. I’d have to ignore my throbbing hard-on until it calmed down.

  Witnessing Sutton fall apart had cracked me open. I’d been avoiding spending time with her, afraid that with every moment and every day we were together, she was working her way back into my heart, and I would be unable to control my rekindling feelings for her. But the problem was, she’d never left it in the first place. I’d just lied to myself that I’d moved on.

  Rounding the corner from the hall, I spotted Redd and Jeffrey waiting for me in the living room.

  “Let’s go to the library where we can’t be overheard,” I said in a hushed tone.

  Shutting the door behind us, I grabbed the scotch and poured myself a drink. “Help yourself to whatever is there.” I nodded toward the bar as Redd took me up on the offer.

  “I don’t drink, sir, but thank you,” Jeffrey replied.

  “Good thing you do most of the driving, then,” I said.

  I checked the cameras at Sutton’s house and set up my laptop. Redd had kept an eye on things while I’d been gone today, but it was my turn now. I still had reservations about Sutton returning to her home, even if we were there with her.

  I sat down in my favorite chair and wished Dad was in the room with us. He always brought a new perspective to the table when we were working. I needed his years of wisdom, because my heart was involved in this case, and I didn’t know how to protect Sutton from another heartbreak. It was time to put Jeffrey to the test.

  “How’s Sutton doing after the news?” Redd’s concern was evident in his eyes.

  “Wrecked. I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind.” I took a sip of my scotch and welcomed the slow burn while it traveled down my throat.

  “What the hell is happening with this history professor?” Redd peered over the rim of his drink. His attention landed on Jeffrey, then back to me. “More importantly, what else did Brian say? You and I have worked together long enough for me to know you didn’t tell her everything he shared with you,” Redd urged.

  “Smart man,” Jeffrey chimed in.

  “Apparently this source of Brian’s had a lot to say. Until it’s confirmed, Sutton and her family aren’t to know any of this, understood? The only reason Brian brought me in the loop was so we could keep our ears open for any additional information we come across.”

  “Understood,” Redd said.

  “Agreed,” Jeffrey replied.

  “They’re already talking with the professor’s friends and family, and Claire’s, too. From what they can tell, Claire and her professor hadn’t known each other before she became his student.”

  “So there’s no connection prior to her enrolling in his class?” Jeffrey asked, sitting on the edge of the loveseat.

  “No, but Claire isn’t the only girl from the professor’s circle that’s gone missing. There are at least two others. Here’s the bottom line.” I paused. This wasn’t going to be easy to say out loud. My lips pursed together as I paused and collected my words.

  “Uh-oh,” Redd said. “I know that look. Shit’s about to hit the fan.”

  “Brian explained they’ve been tracking and looking into several girls disappearing from Portland for a while now. About six months ago, they linked it all with a human trafficking ring. Although this is the first time they’ve learned about Mr. Colbert, they believe not only is he involved, but that he personally took Claire and a few others. He has the expertise to move the women through the tunnels and stay out of sight.”

  Redd released a low whistle. “Damn.” He paused and tapped his foot against the floor. “So, with this new information, what about Tucker Newton? Do they suspect he’s involved?” He folded his arms across his chest and frowned.

  “Brian said they have strong suspicions the MC is behind it and they have someone undercover in the Sons of Chaos in order to obtain proof. And although he told me about the trafficking and his additional source, he can’t tell me who it is of course. Hell, I’m surprised he shared what he did. He knows Sutton and I have a past, and that this is personal to me. But we’ve worked together before and he trusts me.” I stretched my legs out
and leaned back in the chair.

  I paused and took another sip of my drink while I attempted to put all the pieces in place.

  “So, if Mr. Colbert is in fact connected with the trafficking and he has Claire ... Typically, the girls are taken overseas to be auctioned off as sex slaves,” Jeffrey said.

  Jeffrey’s words echoed in my mind.

  “Yup. You got it.” My throat tightened with the mere thought of it. Where was Claire? Was she sleeping on a dirty warehouse floor somewhere? Or was she already on her way across the ocean?

  “That's fucked up. I know guys who've worked on trafficking task forces and heard some gruesome stories. When we find the bastards who took Claire, if it's one of those rings, I'm gonna shoot each of them in both kneecaps and leave the sons of bitches in the desert to die slowly while the buzzards pick on their rotting flesh.” Redd’s cheeks burned hot with his anger.

  “I like the way you think.” It was one of the reasons Redd and I got along so well.

  We sat in silence. I assumed Redd and Jeffrey were as deep in thought as I was. And what sucked the most? Our hands were tied. Or maybe not. An idea had been simmering on the back burner of my brain, but I didn’t want to go that route unless I had no other alternative. For now, it would have to stay put.

  I drained my glass and set it on the end table.

  “Since I’ve been able to think it through, Jeffrey will stay with me so you can focus on protecting Sutton.”

  Redd frowned. “Mm, no disrespect, but I don’t like that you only have one bodyguard, boss. I mean, I know you’re all badass, but I need to speak my mind without getting fired.”

  I grimaced. The thought shouldn’t have even crossed his mind. “I realize our roles have changed, but you never have to worry about that, Redd. You can always be honest with me.”

  He leaned forward, propping his elbows up on his legs. “Then I need to break it down for you.”

  “Fine.” I eyed Jeffrey who sat back in his chair with an amused look on his face.

  “You’re in Portland. You’re a billionaire, and you have enemies.” Redd hesitated and sat ramrod straight.

  “Denver, Colorado. John Adams. There were two bodyguards when he went down,” he said quietly. “I’m not being a dick by bringing it up, but you’re my family, man. Things aren’t like they used to be, and heavy shit is going down.”

  A sharp sting traveled through me, and my newest tattoo flashed in my mind. John and I had worked together for August Clover’s tour. He was also the band’s drummer, so he’d easily filled the role as bodyguard. When the sniper opened fire at a concert, I was too far away from him to help. Maybe Redd had a point. At least while I was in Portland.

  “Grab me my roster,” I said, giving in to his request.

  Redd jumped out of his chair and bolted out of the room. He probably wanted to act before I changed my mind. I glanced at Jeffrey, who gave me a discreet nod.

  “Here.” Redd shoved a piece of paper in my face when he’d returned.

  “Thanks.” I scanned the list, only recognizing a few of the names.

  “Dad always spoke highly of Jaxon Sullivan. Looks like he called him Sully.”

  “Yeah?” Redd asked and took the sheet from me.

  “Call him, and see when he can be here,” I conceded.

  “We’ll need to fly him in from Utah. From your dad’s notes, he finished an assignment yesterday,” Redd added.

  “Fine. Book his flight, too.”

  Redd’s expression began to relax. I’d never seen him this concerned, but when you were protecting someone who was more than your client … I knew how it felt.

  My mind returned to Sutton. She’d felt so right in my arms. Until a few nights ago, we hadn’t been that close to each other in years. Frustration swarmed through me like angry bees. A part of me wanted to stay with her, hold her while she cried, and tell her I’d keep her safe, but I couldn’t. My head was already a fucking mess from losing Dad and returning to Portland, not to mention I was working her sister’s case.

  I scanned through the camera footage of her home and sank back into my chair. So far, everything appeared to be normal.

  Anxiety hummed inside me. I desperately needed to blow off steam.

  “Jeffrey, where did Dad train his employees for combat? Did he have a space to work out?”

  A sly grin spread across his face, his pearly whites flashing at me. “Yes, sir. I’m happy to show you whenever you’re ready.”

  “There’s no time like the present.” I stood, handing my laptop to Redd. “I’ll be back. Stay here with Sutton and watch the cameras.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  I shook my head, suddenly feeling self-conscious about being my friend’s employer. “You don’t have to call me that. Westbrook still works.”

  “Sure thang, boss,” Redd said and grinned.

  Heaving a sigh, I gave up trying to persuade Redd to refer to me by my last name. I followed Jeffrey down the hall toward the master suite, my current bedroom.

  "I thought you were going to show me the training area." The penthouse was large, but I hadn't seen evidence of a gym or anything similar.

  "Oh I am, sir." Jeffrey stopped at the doorway to the room. "Your father owns the entire floor of the building. Or, I should say that you now own the entire floor.

  "By your expression, you’re confused. I'm sorry I didn't fill you in on the details, but you've been busy the last few days. I decided to reveal things as the need arose." He entered the bedroom and made his way to the walk-in closet that was as large as a studio apartment.

  Rows of expensive designer suits and clothes hung from wooden hangers, evenly spaced on the racks. Shelves of shoes, ties, a drawer full of watches, cufflinks, and sunglasses filled out the remainder of the space. A pang of sadness swirled inside me as I saw all of Dad’s belongings, and I recognized the blue and white pinstriped dress shirt he’d worn the last time I’d seen him.

  Jeffrey reached for a discreetly positioned switch on the top drawer of a dresser. "This is the private access, used only by your father and me."

  My mouth gaped slightly as the wall cracked enough for him to take hold and tug it the rest of the way open. He motioned me to follow him into a short hallway.

  "We're walking into the next apartment, aren't we?" I asked, the sound of our footsteps echoing against the hardwood floors.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “Holy crap.” I entered a huge room with mirrors and weapons, including knives, staffs, and nunchaku. Four full-sized punching bags were suspended from the ceiling, four treadmills, four ellipticals, free weights, and top of the line weight machines. “He had enough to train four at a time.” I placed my hands on my hips and attempted to take it all in.

  “Plus it gave his men a safe place to learn. Dominic preferred to keep his eye on the weapons as well. There’s more.” Jeffrey walked toward what was the front door of the apartment. “This is the way everyone normally comes in.”

  I nodded. We stepped out the door, into the main hallway, and rounded the corner. “This room … this is where the guns are hidden. Dominic had quite a collection. He and I were the only two allowed in here.” Jeffrey paused and stood in front of an eye scanner. “We will set you up immediately.”

  Words escaped me while we entered, and he closed the door behind us. Guns of every type and style from a Barrett M82 to a Glock were mounted on the walls. An extensive collection of knives, including boot, combat, and daggers along with a wide variety of swords, hung on opposite walls.

  “Every weapon in here is used in practice training.”

  “Jeffrey, some of these guns are illegal.”

  “I’m aware, sir. Dominic has his own shooting range in Welches.”

  “He never told me about it.” I scanned the variety and magnitude of the weapons. “Seems there were a lot of things I didn’t know,” I mumbled while I removed a Colt Government Model-45, Nickel, Series 70 from its shelf. “This is incredible.” I
turned to Jeffrey, holding the gun out in front of me and pointing it away from us.

  “He has a healthy collection of rare and antique weapons, as well as current ones.” Jeffrey pointed out each section to me.

  “I could spend days in here.” I shook my head in disbelief and returned the Colt back in its place.

  “You have plenty of time to explore and learn all about your new life. If you choose to, that is."

  I cupped the back of my neck and sighed. “I’d give it all up to have Dad back.”

  “I have no doubt you would.”

  “Are there any other rooms up here?” I asked.

  “No, sir, this is it. It’s all yours.”

  “Okay. Let’s set me up on the eye scanner. Someday I might want to know how Dad purchased his illegal firearms, but for now, I’m going to leave it alone.” A part of me wondered how deep Dad’s illegal activities went, or if it was nothing. The only thing that bothered me about that? Dad never did anything half-assed. It was all or nothing.

  When I was in school, no matter how hard I’d studied, I failed the majority of my tests. I could recite the information out loud, but once I sat down and gazed at the sheet of paper, I was paralyzed. For a while, my teachers worked with me and allowed me to take tests orally. I passed with flying colors and brought my grades up from F’s to A’s and B’s.

  I paced across Dad’s home office, the same feeling gnawing at me as when I was in school. I was devastated and overwhelmed with responsibility, and I wasn’t sure how to untangle it all. But if I admitted it out loud, it all became unbearably real, and right now I had a job to do. Protect Sutton.

  “Is there any more news?” Sutton’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

  I turned slowly, preparing myself for the pain that had etched itself into her face lately. She didn’t deserve this. Claire and her family didn’t deserve any of this. They were good people, but criminals didn’t care if someone was an outstanding citizen.

  “Not yet, but I promise I’ll let you know. Brian is a man of action, so we should have an update shortly.” A sharp pang stabbed my chest. Although I’d just kept information from her, I wasn’t at liberty to share it. This was the part I hated about my job.