“I know you have. Just stay that way. We’ll be fine here. I want you one hundred percent aware of what’s going on there. Got that?” My voice faded away at the end, the air stolen because of my nervousness. I was starting to get that panicky feeling again. The one that sometimes left me wanting to crawl back into the closet and hide in the corner. I’d done great since Gaige and I had bonded, but the dream, combined with my past, was overwhelming.
There was more movement in the background and I listened, wondering what exactly was going on in his mind. What did he learn? What were his plans? I knew if I asked, he’d tell me. Or as much as he could, but a part of me didn’t want to know. If I thought he was in too much danger, I wasn’t sure what I would do.
“Elle?”
“I’m here.”
Our voices had lowered and I could feel the pressure of our separation. The longing we both had to be back together.
“I miss you.”
I smiled at the contrast of who Gaige was. When it came to personalities, his was as dominant as they came. Yet, there was this loving side to him that went past anything I could have imagined a man would feel for someone they cared about. He was tender and never lacked the ability to verbally express his feelings.
“I miss you, too. You should probably get some sleep. I know you’ve got to be exhausted.”
As if my words were a cue, he yawned. “I am pretty tired, plus I need to sleep the day away. I’ll be working tonight. There are some things I have to check out and the darkness will help with that.”
My stomach turned even more, but I tried to pull myself together enough where he wouldn’t be able to detect it. “Just be careful. I’ll be here whenever you get the chance to talk. And the time doesn’t matter. Don’t hesitate because you might not want to wake me. These circumstances don’t call for courtesy. I’ll be happy to hear from you at any hour. I mean that.”
“I love you. I’ll call when I get the chance. Text too, if I get the opportunity. You have plans for the day?”
I smiled at him wanting to continue with the conversation. “Nothing out of the ordinary. Reading. Your mom and I might run into town and get some groceries. That’s about it.” I felt horrible lying to him, but he’d be worrying, and I couldn’t have that.
He took a deep breath, and I could hear the covers rustle as if he were shifting. “Sounds good. Keep your eyes open. Watch for everything.”
“I will. You, too.”
“Always. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Goodnight.”
He yawned again, half speaking through it. “Goodnight, baby.”
My lips pressed together as I hung up the phone and sat it on the bed. Today was going to be my attempt to spark a movement. To create awareness to the dangers that was right under everyone’s noses. During my time of waiting for Maggie, I’d done a little research of my own on a human trafficking website. They allowed you to print out posters to hang up at local businesses. I had every intention of doing just that. And, not just in Napa, but the surrounding towns as well. It’d take all day, but without anything major going on, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to do my part as a survivor. If just one girl could be saved, or one act of kidnapping could be stopped or prevented, than it was more than worth it.
Most people imagined sex slaves were sold to the highest bidder, a lone captive in some sick man’s twisted fantasy, but that wasn’t always the case. Teen boys and girls were being taken and prostituted out in cities all over the world. Forced and drugged to sleep with multiple men at sleazy hotels and trucks stops. It had to stop. This epidemic was growing by the year, even without all the numbers being perfectly accurate. If what the website had said was true, I was just one out of a possible one hundred thousand children that had been taken and sold into sex trafficking that year alone. The number was unfathomable to me. And that didn’t even cover the adults which would have bumped it into the hundreds of thousands. I couldn’t live with that number. Couldn’t sit by while it continued to climb.
Maggie supported my cause. She knew what I wanted to do and we had talked about it for hours before we both went to bed. Carson had been one to lead in situations like this and now it was my turn. I’d do it for him. For me. For all the other girls and boys who still hadn’t made it home. For the ones who, after their long day of going through the worst imaginable situation a person could get forced into, might possibly pass one of my fliers and reach out to an organization ready to help bring them home. If I could do that, provide that chance….I just had to.
The sound of the shower filled the restroom and I stayed focused as I went through the routine and got dressed. Maggie already had coffee made and was sitting at the table as I exited the bedroom. A smile lit up her face and I made a cup and joined her.
“Gaige called me,” I said, blowing at the steam.
“He’s alright?”
For now. My insecurities crept back in and I cupped the mug, letting it warm my hands. “Yes, he’s doing good. He’s going to call when he has a chance, but I think he’s going to be pretty busy.”
Maggie’s dark curls bounced as she shook her head. “I never knew. Never even had the slightest inclination that he had any involvement like that with the government. He said analyst. I figured he was doing something number related. You know how he was always taking those hard math classes in college? He’d be pouring over his books for hours. When he joined the military, I figured it was his way of doing what he could for the country. That, and his need to flee the area. He had such a hard time with Carson’s murder.” She paused and her hand outreached to mine. I still cringed every time I heard it put that way. Time hadn’t eased the pain regarding his death, just the guilt.
“I have to admit.” I lifted the cup to my lips, taking a sip. “When Gaige showed up where I was staying, I was shocked, to say the least. Especially when he introduced himself by a fake name. But he’s good at his job,” I assured her. “He’s…very good, actually. Even with as angry as he was with me at first, he never really got out of character. Marco believed what he told him.”
Maggie shook her head. “Just hard to imagine my son doing something like that. I guess each agent out there is someone’s son. They probably think the same thing. Or…I doubt they know, but if they do, I’m sure they find it hard to believe too.”
“I’m sure they do.” I smiled while we continued to chat. It was still early, but I was getting restless to go and it didn’t take long for Maggie to notice. As she stood, I followed suit, and we were leaving within fifteen minutes. Due to my not-so-great driving record, I opted to let her take us. The area wasn’t overly bad with traffic, but I wanted to head as close to San Francisco as possible, and there, I’d be in over my head. I didn’t trust myself to not barrel over someone with Gaige’s big truck.
Maggie’s white sedan was so much more convenient for busy freeways and it didn’t take long for us to cover Napa with fliers. Novato came next and lunchtime approached. We settled for an Irish brewery in a busy shopping center. It reminded me of Gaige and his love for trying new varieties of beer. Had he ever been here? A frown came to my face as I thought of him. Right now he’d be sleeping, getting ready for his night of who-knew-what. That part scared me the most. It was something I couldn’t think too much about or I might go crazy. Instead, I’d focus on my plan and pray I was doing good.
San Rafael was a lot bigger as we weaved into the downtown area. Random people rode bicycles through the busy sidewalks. A range of businesses lined the streets from restaurants to barbers, to boutiques. This place was going to a take a lot longer if we didn’t split up.
“Maggie, maybe you should take that side and I’ll stick to this one,” I said, pointing as she parallel parked. Something I couldn’t have done on my best day.
“I don’t know,” she said, lowly. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
My purse rested at my feet and I pulled it to my lap, opening it. The small gun Gaige made me carry was visible
. My heart hammered in my chest whenever I thought about having to use it. I prayed I didn’t, but if I had to, Gaige had taught me well. I’d spent months in his back yard learning to hit a target. And I had picked it up, becoming fairly expert.
“I’ll be fine.” I patted the leather and I knew she understood. Her eyes widened, but she nodded, not saying a word. “Here.” I separated the thick stack of papers, handed it over, and reached into the front pocket of my purse, retrieving the extra tape I’d brought along. “We can meet at the end. It only looks about four blocks long.”
“Okay. You stay on your side. I’ll come to you,” Maggie said, cautiously, grabbing the tape and opening her door.
“Sounds good.” I reached out, hugging her and she met me with all the passion a mother could. Her fear was valid and, deep down, I was just as scared. The thought that something bad could happen again was just as alive as it had ever been, but I was determined not to let it overtake me. If it did…where did that leave me? Agoraphobic? Too afraid to leave the house? I fought that shit every time I breached the walls, but I couldn’t live that way. Couldn’t hide from the outside world because there was the smallest chance Marco or his men would find me. Weeks had gone by since we’d run into him and he hadn’t found me before or even afterward. I was safe here.
The door shut at my push and Maggie crossed the street. The first business on my side was an upscale salon. The glass door was propped open, the logo across the front scrawled in an elegant cursive. As I entered, three of the stylists glanced in my direction. A woman sitting on the first chair stood, obviously thinking I was a customer.
My fingers clutched the papers as anxiety left my stomach tightening.
“Hi, did you have an appointment?” She walked behind the counter, fiddling with the mouse and staring at the computer.
“No.” I pulled one of the papers free, glancing down at the text and logo of the foundation I was supporting. “Actually, I was wondering if I could leave this with you. Maybe tape it to your window or in the restroom area.” My hand shook as I handed it over. The woman’s bright red hair fell forward as she peered down.
“Human trafficking?” Green eyes shot up, more filled with curiosity and a trace of what looked to be confusion.
“Yes. It’s a lot more common than you think. I’m hoping with these fliers I can help create awareness to a growing epidemic that’s getting worse by the year. Plus,” I shifted under her stare, “there’s a number there for anyone who might need help escaping a situation they’ve been forced into.”
She looked back down at the paper and came up smiling. “Sure. I’ll hang this on the front. Bathroom is to down there to the right if you want to post one in there too.”
“Thank you.” Relief settled over me. No matter how many times I did this, it never really got any easier. I kept waiting for someone to dismiss my cause. Dismiss the truth of what was happening all around. The fighter in me stayed lurking in the background, ready to defend what I knew to be true. I’d seen the slaves with my own eyes. Hundreds over the last few years. Ones I couldn’t help, then. But now, I was capable, and I would get it done.
Light pink covered the walls, accented with wallpaper at the top, covered in red roses with dark green leaves surrounding them. A stand holding hand towels, spray, and lotion rested in the corner. I scanned the area and thought of the one place where most people would look. The door. I pulled the tape out of my purse and secured the paper eye level on the wooden surface. Anyone leaving the restroom would be faced with the flier. It was perfect.
As I left the salon, I waved, deciding I’d come back here the next time I had to dye my hair. So far, I’d gone every shade but auburn. Maybe I’d do that one next. If…I had to. Maybe Gaige would pull through and put an end to this. I had to keep faith that he would, even though I didn’t see this ending the way we wanted. I knew somehow Marco had to have known the danger he was in. After all, every lead I gave them came up empty. What happened to all the slaves? There had been a warehouse full of them. I hadn’t seen it in a number of years and maybe they’d changed locations. It was known to happen. But I thought I would have heard Marco mention that. And what about all the names I dropped? The victims that were killed? The slaves that sometimes resided under Marco’s roof? Had they all disappeared?
The stores came and went. Each one allowing me to post or at least keep a copy on their counter. Some even let me tape it right to the door. The day had been a complete success, but I still couldn’t quiet the questions that plagued me. There were so many, but for now, I had to be satisfied with doing what I could.
Maggie was already waiting as I walked out of the last business, a cute little café with red and white umbrellas shadowing the small tables that clustered in the front.
“You ready to head back? We could post in some of the convenience stores on our way home.” She smiled as she said it and I couldn’t help but return the expression. Although hard at times, adjusting to my new life was more than I could have ever wished for. I never truly thought I’d ever seen any of the people I loved again.
“That sounds great. Do you think tomorrow we could head north?”
She laughed and wrapped her arm around me as we began walking. “We can go anywhere you want. How about we head toward Sacramento? It’s a bigger city. I’m sure the fliers will help out a lot there.”
“I would love that. I bet you’re right.”
We strolled at a slow pace, taking in the bustling around us. The couples heading into stores and the family members talking as they hurried to wherever they were going. Three blocks down and my footsteps slowed, my smile fading as I stared toward Maggie’s car and the two men who were passing in front of it. They looked like regular men. Average height. Both Hispanic. Their clothes consisted of loose fitting button up shirts and jeans. My hand gripped around her waist and I steered her toward the door to the pet shop we were in front of.
“What is it?” Her voice was low, fear creeping around the edges. My whole body was trembling and I couldn’t stop it. Flashes of a man blinded me. I could see him leaning against the wall, glass in hand, sipping liquor as Marco spoke to the group. Those almond shaped eyes…so focused. So…deadly. Tracker. God, yes. That’s who he was. He was a former falcon who’d moved up through the ranks due to his ability to find anyone. He’d found Junior and brought him to Marco. And not an hour away from my home? I swallowed hard and grabbed my phone from my purse, moving more behind the large sign that was standing next to the entrance.
“Elle, talk to me.” Maggie’s voice was low as she continued to glance around.
“There are two men by the car. Marco’s men. They’re heading to the Mexican restaurant on the corner. Probably to wait for us to leave, or at least you. I think if they had spotted us already, we wouldn’t still be here.” How did they find us? Or locate Maggie’s car? I pulled up Mr. Viceroy’s number, hitting the button. Maggie stayed quiet as it started ringing.
“Elle.” The deep tone of his voice was welcoming, as it always was.
I peeked around the sign, just in time to see them sit down at one of the tables on the corner. My throat felt like it was closing at the fear I felt. “I need your help. Two of Marco’s men are waiting for me and Maggie. I don’t know what to do.”
“Calm,” he said, slowly. “Where are you?”
I looked at the intersection behind me. “Downtown, San Rafael. We’re in front of the pet store close to C Street. They’re sitting at a table outside of a Mexican restaurant.”
“Are you positive they’re Marco’s men?”
My mouth opened to say yes, but I froze, once again peering around the sign to make sure. The dark glasses still sat on both of their faces, but the hooked nose and thin lips on the tracker… “I watched one of them deliver Junior before he was decapitated right in front of me. I’m positive.”
Maggie’s hand clutched to my arm and I forgot she didn’t know the details.
“Go inside the pet store and don’
t come out until an agent comes to get you. Can you tell me a description of the two?”
My hand nudged Maggie inside and we moved to the far side so we could still see out the window. Unfortunately, that didn’t give me access to view the men. “Mexican. Both are wearing dark glasses. One has on a tan button up shirt and the other has on a white one. Both are wearing jeans. Short hair. The one I recognize has a distinctive nose. You won’t miss them.”
A door shut in the background, making me wonder where Mr. Viceroy was heading. Was it to notify agents that might have been in the building he was at? Was he coming, himself? Where was he even located?
Muffled voices broke through and I knew he had to have his hand over the phone. “Sit tight, Elle. We’ll be there shortly. You’re going to see local police. They’ll arrive first, but you both stay where you are until you’re retrieved.”
“Thank you, we will.” I hung up, only then looking over at Maggie’s pale face. My hand instantly reached to cover hers. “Are you okay? I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have come.”
“No.” She pulled me into her arms. “I’m fine, I’m just glad you spotted them before it was too late. To think, if you wouldn’t have recognized one…”
This was a bad idea, regardless if my intentions were good. Gaige had been right to worry. Marco wasn’t going to stop until he got me back. But that still didn’t explain how the men found Maggie’s car. Especially here in San Rafael. She lived an hour and half away. We were pretty much in the middle of our two homes. With as populated all the towns were, it sounded too good to be true concerning coincidence. Marco was closing in. But how close was he to finding me?
Chapter 15
Gaige
Pitch black surrounded me as I weaved through the dense foliage and trees on the side of the mountain. If not for the night vision goggles showing me the way, I would have been lost a long time ago. The coordinates Crux had provided to the warehouse rested ahead. Supposedly, I would come to a clearing that gave view to the large building in the distance. According to Elle’s reports, it once housed the children who were sold into slavery. The reports claimed the place appeared to be abandoned the majority of the time, with only one guard making an appearance on occasion, but I wasn’t so sure that was the case.
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