Chapter 103

CALLUM

Ever since I left Maddison at Sanctum, I’ve been privy to the chilling happenings within its walls. It’s been a whirlwind, with things escalating faster than we anticipated, but Maddison has been a force to reckon with, amassing more evidence than we’ve ever had before.

I’m not exaggerating when I say we’ve shut down syndicates with far less proof and in a much longer time frame. We’ve only been on this case for a few months, but the progress we’ve made, thanks to my team and Maddison, is nothing short of impressive.

But tonight, I feel sick to my core. Maddison is working on the very laptop we need access to. I have three of my team members on the task of extracting the necessary information.

But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook. My job is to ensure Maddison’s safety. I’m monitoring her vitals, keeping an ear out for any unusual activity around her.

Does that mean I’ve been flawless in my duty? Far from it. I’ve made mistakes—mistakes that wouldn’t have happened under Violet’s watch.

But she’s currently occupied with keeping Asher safe. She’s usually the one in charge, delegating tasks, but now she’s focused on Asher. Apparently, he’s developed feelings for Maddison.

I’m not sure how I feel about that. It’s not that I have anything against Maddison, but I don’t think Asher is ready to commit to someone else. Asher has always been a bit self-centered, yet paradoxically needy and insecure.

And his drug use is a major concern. I despise his addiction. I hate that Zach seems to tolerate it. I’ve noticed a divide among our children—a lack of respect.

They all respect Violet immensely, but their respect for us fathers seems to be based on blood ties. Ella constantly seeks Tyler’s approval, almost to the point of desperation.

The boys, on the other hand, are drawn to Zach’s laid-back parenting style. And Talya—she knows I’m the soft touch, that my words and actions don’t always align.

She has me wrapped around her little finger. Then there’s Tilly. She’s undergone a significant transformation since Isaac came into her life.

She used to be argumentative, always looking for ways to exploit our weaknesses. But now, she’s the most caring and attentive child. She visits more often than Ella, always trying to mend fences that have long been repaired.

And I think we have Isaac to thank for that. He’s given her a sense of belonging that we couldn’t provide. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Josh and Rogan.

Their relationship with Tilly isn’t what I would have chosen for her, or any of our children, but they handle her emotions well. They make her feel loved and wanted.

So yes, our children are far from perfect, and we’ve been far from perfect parents. Our flawed parenting styles have caused these rifts. Asher may like Maddison, but he’s not ready or capable of loving her.

He needs to seek help, achieve sobriety, and learn to love himself before he can love someone else. Violet disagrees. Tyler doesn’t argue, and Zach says it’s Asher’s choice.

Once again, we’re not on the same page. But Violet will probably get her way, especially when it comes to Asher. He’s a mama’s boy, after all.

Suddenly, Maddison’s voice comes through the speaker, asking if they want their drinks now. I’m taken aback. I hadn’t heard either man request a drink.

I turn up the volume and make sure my computer is still recording. I hold my breath as Maddison continues to speak.

“We have your favorite…Papa,” she says, the last word sounding forced. She clearly hates addressing him that way.

It seems like she’s stalling, but for what, I can only guess.

“So, Filly, you do?” His voice drips with insinuation. “Why ask then? You know I enjoy having you serve me my favorite drink over ice—all while you’re stark naked…”

His words sear into my ears, making my stomach churn.

To make matters worse, Violet suddenly materializes next to me, reaching for the second pair of headphones.

I want to snatch them from her, tell her to go home—to trust me with this. But I know that would be pointless and only lead to a fight.

There’s no question why she’s here. She knew the shipment was moved up to this morning.

So, I grit my teeth, watching her plug the headphones into the computer. I see realization dawn on her face as Maddison’s voice fills her ears.

“I’m not sure my new owner would appreciate me serving you drinks in the nude,” she whispers.

“No, you’re probably right,” Fennick grumbles, clearly displeased. “She’s my property now, remember? Or have you forgotten the hefty price you charged me for your own flesh and blood?”

Violet and I exchange a glance, silently acknowledging the conversation unfolding.

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

Fennick’s laughter is deep and menacing, making Violet shudder next to me.

“We’ve had a few private sessions. I know how she handles. That’s why she’s still here.”

Violet shudders again, reaching up to rub her forehead in frustration.

I hate that she’s hearing this. Not because she’s helping these girls, but because she’s grown too attached to Maddison because of Asher. It’s made her vulnerable.

“Boss?” Caleb’s voice pulls me from my thoughts as he rushes over with his laptop.

His cheeks are flushed, and a frown of anger creases his forehead.

“What is it?” I ask, trying to keep one ear on Maddison’s conversation as he thrusts the screen in front of Violet and me.

My heart stops. He’s mirrored Fennick’s laptop, and the images on the screen turn my stomach.

Children, no older than Tal, are displayed naked. Front and back views of each girl, their wide eyes staring blankly.

I feel sick, the urge to push the laptop away overwhelming me.

“What the fuck is that?” I demand as Violet pulls off her headphones to look at the screen.

I watch her recoil at the sight, anger building in her eyes.

I’ve never seen her speechless, never seen her beautiful blue eyes so filled with anger, fear, and resentment since that day in court.

“Where did you get these?” she demands of Caleb.

He straightens, hand going to the back of his neck, and answers her immediately.

“They were just transferred from an external card to Fennick’s private laptop,” he stammers.

“Just now?” she asks, her need for this information clear in her tone.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She stands abruptly, knocking over her chair, and starts moving. I watch her in disbelief.

She bolts from the room, and it takes me a moment to catch up.

To understand why she’s running.

And I’m too late; I took too long to piece together her thoughts before I could react.

I chase after her, but she’s already leaving the building by the time I catch up.

I have no choice but to hide as she blows her cover, darting across the busy street and into Fennick’s den.

“Are we really going to let her do that?” Caleb asks me.

“Ever heard of a heads-up? Jesus, kid…”

“I’m sorry, sir. I thought you needed to know they had underage girls in there.”

He’s right, of course, but now we have more than just that problem to deal with.

I watch, helpless, as Violet walks right through the front door of Sanctum. I rack my brain for a way to get her out without blowing my own cover.

“Get the officers on the phone…” I order, stepping out into the street, making the split-second decision to protect my wife over any child being held in that club.

But Dante pulls me back, his words igniting my anger.

“We can’t just go rogue until the feds show up…”

“Watch us,” I retort, a wild laugh escaping me as I try to shake him off.

“We’re only putting those kids at more risk. We need to get the feds on this—let them handle these assholes.”

I can’t fight him on this; it’s exactly what we need to do.

Damn it.

“Can anyone get a read on Violet? Is she wired? Is she wearing her jewelry?” I call out, moving back into the apartment.

I snatch up Caleb’s laptop, dipping my toes into dangerous waters as I pull up Sanctum’s CCTV to find Violet.

“The officers are dispatching their teams; they’ll be here in eleven minutes,” Dante’s voice echoes from the next room.