Finding Her Strength (Sonoma #3)

23. Unknown

23

UNKNOWN

T he jingle of keys echoes down the white-washed hallway. The small cell doesn’t allow me to see who’s coming, but it wouldn’t matter anyway. I’ve solidified my strength in this hell hole well enough that trivial things, such as who’s coming to my cell, are no longer a concern. It’s amazing how quickly you can establish your leadership over a group of thugs needing the validation of someone higher than their station.

“You’ve got a phone call, boss,” the guard says, stepping up to the bars to open the door. It was just as easy to get the guards on my payroll. A few well-placed threats and a greased palm or two got me any luxury I could need. I’ve always been good at getting exactly what I want, no matter the situation. It’s what has made me so successful.

I stand from my cot, waiting for the door to open. When it does, I step into the hallway while the guard cuffs my hands. My teeth clench in annoyance at being treated like every other criminal. Someday soon, I’ll be free of this fucking charade. I’m far too important to continue being degraded by people inferior to me.

The guard escorts me into the room with a bank of phones. “Last one on the left.” The guard motions to the end of the row of phones, then steps out of the room. At least I’ll get a small amount of privacy.

I step to the booth, picking up the phone from its cradle. “Yes.”

“Boss, we found her,” my associate says through the line. His words send a bolt of triumph through my system. I knew we’d find her; it was only a matter of time.

“Good. Where is she?”

“Some hick town in North Carolina.”

“Hmm. Interesting. I’ll want a full report.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What about the other matter?”

“In the works. Should only be another week or two.”

“Fine. If this goes sideways, it’s on you.”

“It won’t, sir.”

“We’ll see.” I hang up the phone, not waiting for a sign-off. If he needed coddling from me, he wouldn’t be in my employ.

As I’m escorted back to my cell, my plans play over in my mind. I’m so close to having all the pieces in place to have everything back the way it was. I’ll have her exactly where she’s supposed to be.

With me.