Chapter 86

MADDISON

I have a feeling Callum only shows up after Asher has left the room. He knocks on the door, even though it’s already open, asking for permission to enter as if he doesn’t own the place.

“May I?” he inquires softly.

I give him a nod, propping myself up a bit on Asher’s bed.

Ever since I returned from the hospital, this has been my refuge, sharing the bed with Asher every night. He keeps to his side, and I find myself watching him sleep.

I can’t bring myself to leave, to sleep in another room, even though I probably should. There’s a sense of belonging here that I can’t deny.

Last night, I even reached out to touch his face, my fingers grazing his cheek, causing him to sigh in his sleep. I know it was a mistake, but I couldn’t help myself.

The desire to do more than just touch him was overwhelming. I wanted to wake him, to plead with him to make love to me, to give me that special something only he could.

But the rational part of me knew better, especially after he made it clear he wouldn’t touch me like that again.

“Can we talk?” Callum’s voice pulls me back to reality as he drags a chair from Asher’s desk to the bedside.

I blush, realizing I was fantasizing about his son.

The thought of refusing crosses my mind. The need to maintain some semblance of control in this situation is glaringly obvious. But I find myself nodding, tucking my legs under me as I brace myself for whatever this conversation might entail.

“How are you feeling now?” he asks.

It’s a simple question, and I don’t need to think too hard about the answer, but I still find myself being cautious. The fact that Callum is involved with the police churns my stomach.

I’ve seen cops at the club, and just because they’re off duty doesn’t mean they’re not breaking the law.

I recognize the older man who was at his desk the other day. I’ve seen him before. He was a regular with Kacy, taking her to room nineteen, the cinema room, for weeks on end.

The thought of it makes my stomach turn.

Kacy disappeared after that, without any explanation. I never found out where she went, only that she never came back.

And neither did he, interestingly enough.

I can’t help but wonder if he had something to do with her disappearance. Could she be at his place, the small barnhouse he shares with the housekeeper?

Callum clears his throat, pulling me back to the present.

“Feeling stronger every day. Thank you, by the way. You didn’t need to pay my medical bill,” I say, unsure of how to feel about his generosity.

“It was the least we could do,” he replies with a smile.

“I’ll pay you back every penny,” I promise.

“No need, honestly. Now, I need your help—we all do,” he says, looking uncomfortable.

“What help?” I ask.

“I know it might seem scary and unjust, but we need you to return to Sanctum. We need evidence: photos, conversations. Information to lock those bastards away. You are the only one close enough to get anything. If you just use the ties you’ve made, we could have the place shut down within the week,” he explains.

“I might find nothing.” I shrug.

“We both know you do more than aid and abet,” he says, his tone stern.

Yes, we both know I handle the girls, the sex, the drugs, and most importantly, the money. I’ve made a place for myself within Sanctum. I’ve infiltrated the team and made it my home, as crappy as it is.

“What you’re asking me to do is a surefire way to create a death wish,” I mutter.

“We appreciate that—that’s why you’ll be wired.”

“How will a wire work when I have to get naked to fuck?” I laugh bitterly.

“Wires can be hidden within clothes: bras, knickers, tops, and trousers. Even your shoes…”

“All my clothes are at Sanctum, Mr. Henderson.”

“I get it, that’s why you need to head back, layer up as much as you can, and rendezvous with us at a safe spot to get wired. The tiny battery packs should last about seventy-two hours, hopefully long enough for us to catch the intel we need.”

“What if I refuse? What’s your plan then?”

“Consult Addison,” he suggests confidently.

His eyebrows arch in a silent dare, and I realize he’s got me cornered. He’s playing on my weakness.

There’s no way I’m letting that happen, no way I’m stepping back and putting her in danger.

Don’t get me wrong, she’d step up.

Addison is nothing if not determined to get herself back home.

She’s stubborn and hopeful to a fault, convinced that nothing will come back to bite her.

I shake my head, discomfort creeping in, but I already know my answer.

Yes, I’ll return, yes, I’ll collect evidence, and yes, I’ll get wired.

“Are you certain the wires won’t be visible?” I question.

He grins at me, pulling something out of his pocket.

In his hand is a tiny microphone, no bigger than a centimeter, attached to a box of the same size housing two minuscule, round batteries.

“You sure that’s going to work?” I question again.

“Absolutely. My team engineered it,” he discloses, a hint of pride in his voice.

“We’ll be able to pick up everything happening around you, but unfortunately, we haven’t yet figured out a way for you to communicate with us.”

“Good, that would be too risky,” I concede.

“So, you’re in?” he probes.

I draw in a shaky breath, despising the decision I’m about to make, but knowing it’s the only option.

“Yes… I’ll head back tomorrow.”