Chapter 104

MADDISON

I’m perched on a barstool, sliding the SD card into the laptop’s port. The images start to transfer instantly, leaving me to nurse my water and watch the progress bar inch forward.

Behind me, Mr. Fennick and Papa are engaged in friendly chatter. They’ve claimed one of the many bar tables, discussing future shipments over their drinks.

This shipment is the largest yet, and they’re dissecting the challenges it presented. They’re mulling over what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently next time.

Papa is basking in the glory of his role, boasting about hand-selecting the girls and housing them on our farm. He’s particularly proud of how he managed to keep them hidden from the federal agents investigating the disappearances down south.

My stomach churns as I think about where these girls have been living and what they’ve been through. I can only imagine the horrors they’ve endured, the nights they’ve gone to bed hungry and cold.

Their beds were nothing more than makeshift cots, offering no comfort or support. Yet, those were the only spaces they could call their own, where they spent most of their days.

They were likely miles away from their families— their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, and maybe even their schools.

Some might have tried to escape, only to find themselves trapped in the middle of my father’s vast property. The laptop screen pulls me back from my thoughts as things start happening on their own.

The cursor is moving around, opening files and folders without my input. The images are being transferred somewhere else, and I’m trembling.

~Callum…~

For a moment, panic takes over; my heart pounds, and my mind goes blank. All I can think about is getting caught.

But then, the rational part of my brain kicks in. I hop off the stool, closing the laptop lid just enough to hide the screen but not enough to shut it down.

Then, I approach Mr. Fennick and Papa.

“Ready for your drinks?” I ask, my voice louder than I intended.

“We have your favorite, Papa,” I add, the use of his affectionate term making my skin crawl.

“You do, Filly? Then why ask? You know I like you to serve me my favorite drink over ice while you stand completely naked…”

His words make me recoil, and I take a couple of steps back. His nickname for me makes my stomach turn, and his expectations leave me stunned.

I look to Mr. Fennick for some guidance, but he offers nothing, just a blank stare. It’s a test, I realize.

He doesn’t want Papa to control the situation, and he’s promised to keep him at bay if I behave. So, I need to behave.

“I don’t think my new owner would appreciate me serving drinks naked,” I whisper.

“No, you’re right,” Mr. Fennick agrees. “She’s my property now. Or have you forgotten the hefty price you charged me for your daughter?” he directs at Papa.

They exchange glances, Papa sizing up Mr. Fennick before responding.

“Of course not. And I was right, wasn’t I, Fennick? She’s been trained since childhood. She wouldn’t dare step out of line, and she’d take her punishment if she did.”

Mr. Fennick chuckles, his eyes glazing over as he recalls our past encounters.

“We’ve had a few scenes in my private quarters. I know how she handles. That’s why she’s still here,” he admits, smiling at me.

I manage a small, grateful smile before dropping my gaze to the floor and excusing myself.

Back at the bar, I glance at the laptop, wondering if they’re still in control. But I don’t want to draw attention to it, so I pour Mr. Fennick’s and Papa’s favorite drinks.

Then, I load a tray with olives and cheese for them to snack on. The more I keep them occupied, the more time Callum gets to gather what he needs.

I approach them, tray in hand, and set it down in front of them, their eyes fixed on me in silence. Time seems to stretch out, becoming infinite.

I meet the gaze of both men, their thoughts laid bare before me. I have no doubt they’re imagining me, my body, and how I might perform in…bed.

But our attention is diverted by an unexpected arrival. The loud chatter from the entrance grabs our attention, even prompting Mr. Fennick to rise from his previously relaxed position.

The goons are trying to shoo someone away, leaving Papa and me in an awkward silence. To my astonishment, when Mr. Fennick returns to the club, he’s accompanied by none other than Violet.

Her eyes blaze like a raging fire, and she seems to be holding her breath. Her gaze sweeps the room, landing on me, then Papa, and she appears displeased to find us alone.

“Where are they?” she hisses, though it’s unclear who she’s addressing. The room falls into a stunned silence, and I find myself trying to make sense of the situation.

~Why is she here? Is this our chance to get the girls out?~

“Who are you looking for, sweetness?” Mr. Fennick inquires, leaning in to grip Violet by the arms.

She recoils, her eyes shutting as she takes a deep breath. In a split second, he’s sprawled on the floor before her, his body crumpling like a discarded rag. His breath escapes in a desperate plea for help.

“Where are the fucking kids?” she bellows at him.

“They’re downstairs,” I confess. I step away from the bar and move toward her.

~This is it. They’ve come to rescue the girls.~

But as I continue to approach her, the situation takes a horrifying turn. The click of a gun being readied echoes through the room, a chilling reminder of the potential for death, and I freeze in my tracks.

Papa has brought his favorite toy.