From that day forward, I lived in vengeance. Transnational Criminal Network was on my list as soon as my military term was up. Granted, the difference I’ve made has been but a faint echo, but I feel as if I’m doing my part. I know when I’d take out one outfit, another two would spring up somewhere else.
I didn’t like my hands being tied to rules and regulations that come with a badge. I figure criminals don’t have rights, and they lost their rights the second they took another. My men and I decided to be independent contractors. When the CIA got wind of a developing drug that would alter perceptions and act as an ecstasy drug, I didn’t blink twice to sign up.
I let out a heavy sigh, I’ve never felt so overwhelmingly helpless as I do right now, and I pray to God history is not repeating itself.
Quinn claps his hands loudly, startling me. “Hot damn!” he shouts. “I’ve got voice transmission.”
Jules
Making my way off the airplane, I take the last step off the stairs and onto the tarmac. Immediately, I recognize the private landing strip, and an indescribable elation fills me. I spot one of Dad’s many black limos already here and waiting for me. My heart skips a beat, knowing I’ll see Jake too. I’m almost to the vehicle when the driver’s side door opens, and a big burly man steps out. My step falters, and the look on my face can only be one of disappointment.
“Where’s Jake?” I ask disconcerted, halting in my steps. Jake is always the one to come get me, unless, of course, he’s out of town.
This man is scary big, and I haven’t seen him before. I back up a few steps, and the man immediately throws his hands up in surrender. “Trust me, he wanted to be the one to pick you up. He told me to tell you personally he cut his business trip short, and he’s enroute as we speak,” he explains. He regards me with what looks to be empathy and compassion as he continues, “Your dad chose me for the job, because I’m the best in the business, and I don’t have to tell you twice how dangerous the real world is.”
Touche, Mr. Big Man, I think to myself. I open the car door for myself, and as I slide into the back seat, I’m immediately hit with the fresh smell of leather. I feel safe on one hand, but highly disappointed on the other. Why didn’t my dad come out here to greet me if Jake couldn’t? I mean, he never has come to greet me any other time, but this situation is entirely different.
I’m so lost in thought I don’t even realize the car is pulling off the airstrip until the driver clears his throat to speak. “I’m Alex, by the way.” I half ignore him as I look out the car window, excited to be home. “Your dad wanted to come, but I decided against it.” I whip my head around to give Alex my full attention as he continues, “I told him due to the given situation, it would be easier for me to protect one person instead of two. There was no reason to put extra people at risk being out in the open.”
I suppose that’s true. I didn’t think about that; not to mention, he spent a vast amount of money to get me home the safest and fastest way possible. “I’m sure everything is going to be fine, but one can never be too careful, can they?”
I shake my head, speaking softly, “No, definitely not.”
We ride in silence back to my house, which is a very short distance, and the closer I get, the more anxious I become. It seemed as though I would never see my home again. Pulling into the long drive, tears of joy spring forth, and a large lump forms in my throat. I try clearing my throat, but it doesn’t work.
As soon as Alex puts the car in park, I’ve already opened the back car door and have bolted out. An indescribable exhilaration fills me as I spring up the all too familiar brick steps leading to the front entryway. The doors are unlocked, and as I step into the foyer, all the familiar scents accost me. I take in a deep breath, inhaling every good memory this house gave me.
“Daddy!” I yell out with enthusiasm as I run down the hallway to his office. “Daddy!”
“Princess,” he calls out as I round the corner of his office door. “Oh, my God, you’re home. I can’t believe it,” he cries with joy as his arms spread open wide. I bury my face into his shoulder, and a long, suppressed sob escapes my lungs. “Shh…you’re safe now.” There is no way in hell I will ever be able to talk to him about what went on inside the facility, or what I was put through. A shiver skates down my body, and my limbs tremble at the thought of being a sex slave.