She sat in a chair across from the old man. He stared at her, appraising her the way he did that first day she’d come to in that dark cell. She rested her hands on her thighs, surprised by her own calm. “You asked for me?”
He shifted his head to the side, still assessing her. “I knew you were different from the start. I tried to tell him he had made a mistake with you.”
Greyson lifted her eyebrows, surprised. “How so?”
“You were more than he bargained for. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Greyson frowned, confused. “I don’t understand.”
His mustache bristled the way it did when he was about to tell her something important. “I knew a day would come when someone would challenge him, when someone would make it stop.”
This made no sense at all. “But you were a part of it. You could have stopped it yourself. You even bet on the fights.”
He nodded. “You were my special order. I had doubts about you, but you’ve turned out to be the fighter I was looking for after all.”
Anger rose in Greyson making her skin burn as if her clothes were on fire. “You? You were the one? You were the Employer?”
He nodded. “He doesn’t know that, of course. I couldn’t let him know.”
“Why?” Greyson’s head was spinning from this news. She wasn’t sure what she expected, but he had taken her by surprise. She had known he was playing her, just like she was playing him, but not this. She hadn’t seen this one coming.
“After his mother…left us, I taught him everything I knew. Once he got a taste, he wanted bigger things. He wasn’t happy with keeping the fights small—he had to have more. It started with an obsession with Elizabeth. They’d always been close, and her devotion to him was infectious. He wanted to replicate that with other women. He wanted to extend his family. He started collecting, and it became a game to him to play the women against one another. The power he felt from controlling others became his drug. I tolerated his games because he brought in good money.”
Greyson leaned forward. “Are you saying the Recruiter is your son and Liz is your daughter? You started all this?”
He nodded. “Of course, I had no idea how far he would take it. His obsessions have corrupted everything.”
“Where is he?” Greyson asked.
The old man smiled. “The last I saw him he was on his way to Nashville to finalize plans for the death match.”
The old man gave Greyson and the agents all the information he had on the fight, where to find the Recruiter, and where the other cells were hidden. He never hesitated in answering any of their questions.
After what felt like hours of listening to him, Greyson was overwhelmed. “Why are you telling us all of this?”
“Things changed. Some of the men Adam involved have corrupted the mission.”
“The bean counter?” Greyson guessed.
He nodded again. “I’m getting old. I’m a sick man. You were my last bet.”
Greyson sighed. “You’re crazy.”
He leaned forward. “Maybe. Judge all you want. I got what I needed. They thought they could push me out because I’m old. We’ll see who’s in charge now.”
Greyson shook her head and leaned back in her chair. She’d had enough. “Can I go now?” Greyson asked the agent next to her.
He nodded.
Greyson stood to leave. She had heard more than she would ever be able to process.
“You won’t catch him,” the old man said as Greyson reached for the door.
Greyson turned to face him. “What?”
“Adam is already gone. You won’t find him until he’s ready to find you.”
Greyson’s stomach twisted. The idea of the Recruiter being out there stalking her was more than she could handle. She threw the door open and pushed her way out of the room. Down the hall she turned on the agent.
“Is he right? Have you found him? Are we ever going to be safe?” she asked, her voice rising.
The agent met her gaze. “We’re going to do everything we can to bring him in. We won’t give up until we have him.”
Greyson took a steadying breath. “This is never going to be over as long as he’s out there. What are we supposed to do until you find him—hide away, lock ourselves in another prison?”
The agent looked uncomfortable. “He gave us a lot of information. We already have agents moving on it. We’ll do everything we can.”
“Well, I hope you’re good at your job,” Greyson said, feeling her freedom slipping through her fingers.
* * *
Olivia took Greyson’s hand, needing the comfort of her touch to handle the news. “What are we supposed to do now? It could take days or weeks before they catch him.”
Greyson rested her hand against Olivia’s thigh, gripping Olivia’s hand in hers. “I don’t know.”
“I can’t stand the thought of being locked up in some safe house or even my parents’ house for weeks or even months, but I’m scared,” Olivia admitted. “I’m afraid he’ll be back. What if he hurts my family?”
Greyson sighed. Olivia could hear the frustration being pushed from her lungs. She knew Greyson didn’t have the answers, but she had gotten used to turning to Greyson for strength.
“I’m sorry. I know this is hard for you too.”
“Yeah. It’s hard. It’s hard not knowing what’s going to happen next. It’s hard not knowing how to keep you safe. It’s hard feeling like he’s still controlling my life,” Greyson said, her voice a low growl. “He won’t let this go. He’ll be pissed that I messed everything up for him, and he’s sick enough to think he owns you. How do you defend yourself against someone like that?”
Olivia shivered at the thought of the Recruiter. “Well, we know who he is now. It isn’t like before when we didn’t even know people like him existed. The police are looking for him and the guards have given up a lot of information. A lot of the places he would hide have been exposed.”
Greyson nodded. “I know I need to give it time. You know, before all of this I never could have imagined taking someone’s life. I fought that idea the whole time we were locked in that place. Now I find myself imagining what it would be like to kill him.”
“Oh, Greyson.”
“I’m serious. What does that say about me? Have I become exactly what he wanted?”
Olivia turned to Greyson. “You are nothing like him. Everything you have done has been to survive. You never chose any of this. It’s normal to think things like that in this situation. I’ve even thought about it myself.”
Greyson looked surprised. “Really?”
“Really,” Olivia answered. “There were times when I was alone with him that I spent hours trying to figure out a way to do it. I have to believe that given a choice between his life and mine, I’d take his in a second.”
Greyson frowned. “Do you think we’ll feel any different when they catch him?”
Olivia shrugged. “I don’t know. I think there are some things that are going to be changed forever. But I’ve seen you survive things I never could have imagined. I know you’ll get through this too.”
Greyson squeezed Olivia’s hand. “I think it’s good you’ll have some time with your parents. They love you very much.”
Olivia smiled. “Yeah, it’s strange, but before all this, I hated the thought of staying there. I felt trapped by my mother’s judgment and need to control my life. Now I know what real control is like. She never really meant me harm. We were so busy fighting, we weren’t listening. I need to show her that I’m okay. I think once she knows I can be happy, she’ll be happy too.”
“Don’t be surprised if she still holds on to those old ideas. It won’t be easy for her.”
Olivia nodded. “I know. I’ll be patient.” She smiled. “And persistent.”
Greyson laughed.
A knock at the door made them both jump.
Greyson sighed. “I guess it’s time to go.” She pulled Olivia into a hug. �
�Remember, when this is over, you promised me a date.”
Olivia smiled. “Don’t forget me, Greyson Cooper.”
“Never.” Greyson kissed her, lingering against her lips, savoring the closeness between them. Things were about to change, and she wasn’t sure where they would land on the other side. “We’ll talk soon.”
Olivia nodded. “Okay. Stay safe.”
Greyson nodded. She held Olivia’s hand and walked her out. She watched as Olivia climbed into the back of the car and disappeared around the corner. Greyson felt like she had run out of air.
A horn blared and she looked up to see her Scrambler speeding through the parking lot. She smiled as the Jeep came to a stop and Dawn jumped out, running toward her.
Dawn threw her arms around Greyson in a bear hug. “Man, you are a sight for sore eyes.”
Greyson returned the hug. “Sorry I worried you.”
Dawn stepped back, looking Greyson over. “Damn, what happened to you? You look like you’ve gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson.”
Greyson shrugged. “Something like that. Come on, I’ll try to explain. How’s my boat?”
Greyson was thankful when Dawn wrapped her arm around her shoulders. The contact was a comfort and helped settle some of the uncertainty clouding her life. She had people who loved her. She would get through this.
Chapter Seventeen
The rhythmic sway of the houseboat soothed Greyson’s nerves as she attempted to tame the persistent cowlick at the back of her hair. “Dammit!” She was going to be late.
Dawn laughed. “I never thought I’d see the day when Greyson Cooper would be nervous about a date.”
Greyson scowled at her. “You’re not helping.”
Dawn shrugged. “That’s what you get for not letting me tag along.”
Greyson shook her head. “It’s a date. I don’t need a chaperone—I’m not twelve.”
“You know what I mean,” Dawn said as she slid down off the counter she had been perched on. “It still makes me nervous.”
Greyson turned to her friend. She did understand. Dawn had done everything to try and find Greyson. She blamed herself for not being there with her. She still believed if she had been there, the Recruiter wouldn’t have gotten to her. No matter how many times Greyson reassured her or explained how deranged the guy was, Dawn just couldn’t believe it. Dawn had barely left Greyson’s side since she returned home.
“You don’t have to worry anymore. They got him. There are no more shadows to hide from. I’m safe.” Greyson knew that just because the Recruiter was behind bars didn’t mean the ordeal was over, but she could at least take a breath without fearing it would be her last.
Dawn sighed. “Thank God they got him. I don’t think I’ve slept a single night since you disappeared. This has been one hell of a nightmare.”
Greyson clasped her hand over Dawn’s shoulder. “Thank you for staying with me. I know this hasn’t been easy. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Dawn blushed. “So why don’t you just let me drive you to town. I can hang out while you’re on your date. You won’t even know I’m there.”
Greyson smiled. Dawn was a good friend. She was just trying to look out for her. “I promise to check in as soon as I arrive. You already know where I’ll be. And I won’t be alone—Olivia will be with me.”
“Fine. But you better call me if you decide not to come home tonight. I swear I’ll call the police if you don’t.”
Greyson laughed. “I promise.” She checked her watch. “Shit, I’m going to be late.” She gave her hair one last stroke of the comb, then gave up and bolted out the door. “Don’t worry,” she called to Dawn.
She hoped luck would be in her favor and traffic wouldn’t be too bad on the way back into town. The sun was already low in the sky and a blazing sunset cast an orange glow across the water. She stopped on the dock and looked out across the lake, letting the warmth and the beauty kiss her skin and warm her heart. She blinked against the bright glare of the sun on the water and lifted her hand to shield her eyes. The open water made her feel safe, buffering her from the evil in the world.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her spell, and she jerked it from her pocket. The message on her screen had her moving again.
Running late. I’ll be at the restaurant in thirty minutes. Sorry.
Greyson picked up the pace. She would be lucky to get downtown in thirty minutes, let alone make it to the restaurant. She moved her fingers deftly over the keyboard and sent a reply.
She slammed the door to her Jeep and started the engine. She was halfway across the parking lot before remembering her seat belt. She ran her hand across her forehead to capture the sweat that trickled across her brow. She hadn’t been this nervous about a date in years. Greyson laughed. She and Olivia had survived the unimaginable together. Why was she so nervous now?
She sighed. She knew the answer. They were about to test their connection in the real world. She had missed Olivia since they’d parted. It was as if her body ached on a cellular level to be reconnected with Olivia in some primal, instinctual way.
Greyson shook her head and scolded herself. She sounded like a lovesick teenager, but she didn’t care. She had never been one to waste a moment of her life on doubt and insecurity. When she wanted something, she went for it with her whole heart and soul. That kind of intensity was sometimes too much for people, but she wasn’t about to sacrifice her passion for conformity. She would rather be alone than temper the passion that fueled her life. She had been away from Olivia too long already.
Greyson jogged around the corner into Market Square and scanned the crowd. Not Watson’s had its usual crowd and she could see a few people gathering outside on the patio. She slipped into the restaurant and made her way to the bar.
Olivia was nowhere in sight. Greyson’s stomach tightened as the thread of doubt began to wind its way through her gut. Maybe Olivia had changed her mind. Greyson pulled out her phone to check the time. She was only a couple of minutes late and there were no new messages. She took a deep breath. This didn’t look good.
She pushed aside the pang of disappointment and took a seat at the bar. There was no need to panic. Olivia had said she was running late. There was still time.
The bartender nodded to Greyson. “What will it be?”
“How about a dirty martini?”
The bartender cocked her head and appraised Greyson as she wiped invisible spots off a wineglass. “Let me guess, shaken, not stirred.”
Greyson smiled. “Always.”
The bartender winked. “Coming right up.”
Greyson didn’t miss the flirtation in the bartender’s voice and she had to admit the woman was beautiful. She wore faded jeans and a black suit vest over a white T-shirt that hugged her biceps. Her black boots were shined to a mirror finish and a leather band adorned her left wrist, while an intricate tattoo of ground ivy snaked up her right forearm. At any other time this woman would have Greyson’s undivided attention, but tonight her thoughts were elsewhere.
She drummed her fingers on the bar top and scanned the room, keeping an eye on the door. Her trepidation grew with each passing moment.
The bartender set a napkin on the bar in front of Greyson with 007 written in the corner. Moments later a frosty martini graced its center. She tapped the napkin with her index finger. “My name is Ashley. Let me know if I can get you anything else.”
Greyson dipped her head in a nod of acknowledgment and smiled. “Thanks.”
She lifted the glass to her lips and sipped, allowing the cold bite of vodka to fill her mouth as the salty bitter taste of olive brought her taste buds to life.
Greyson licked her lips savoring the flavor when someone slipped a hand along her back and around her waist.
“Looking for someone?” Olivia’s soft voice whispered close to her ear.
Greyson lowered her head and peeked over her shoulder. Olivia smiled playfully back at her. The sense of relief
and excitement that filled Greyson in that moment was more intoxicating than the drink in her hand. She turned slowly to face Olivia, dancing her gaze across Olivia’s face, memorizing the glint of mischief in her glowing brown eyes, the fullness of her teasing lips, and the tantalizing curve of a faint line at the corner of her mouth.
“I was afraid you weren’t coming,” Greyson admitted.
Olivia’s lips curved into a crooked grin as she played her fingers along Greyson’s thigh. “I couldn’t stay away. But I have to admit I indulged in a little voyeurism and watched you from across the room for a while.”
Greyson was intrigued. “Really? Why?”
“I wanted to have a little distance between us so I could see who you really are when you don’t know someone’s watching, and when I’m not so flustered by you I can’t think.”
“Do I fluster you?” Greyson asked.
Olivia smiled. “Let’s just say I’m not sure I’ve been thinking very clearly since we met.”
Greyson stood and motioned for Olivia to take her chair. As Olivia settled into the seat, Greyson tucked a strand of hair behind Olivia’s ear. The pixie cut was a lot shorter than Olivia had worn it before. “You cut your hair.”
Olivia smiled. “I decided I needed something new. Do you like it?”
“You look beautiful. It suits you.” Greyson said. “I like how it frames your face. Your eyes even seem brighter.”
Olivia blushed. “Thank you.”
Greyson sipped her drink. “So what did you learn while you were spying on me?”
Olivia pursed her lips in a playful smirk. “Hmm. I think I’ll keep that to myself for now. Let’s just say it left no question where I want to be right now.”
Greyson tried to stay calm, but the hungry look in Olivia’s eyes, the closeness of her body, and her willingness to admit what she was feeling were driving Greyson crazy. Her pulse danced in her neck as her heart raced, and her palms began to sweat.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Greyson said, taking another sip of her martini to cool herself down.
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