Chapter 46
forty-six
ROSE
The pain radiating through my skull wakes me, and as I list to the side, the ropes around my middle are the only thing holding me in place. The vomit barely misses my lap. The acidic bile splatters on the stained concrete. Gagging on the last of my breakfast, I spit a few times to get the sour taste out of my mouth, crying as I take a trembling inhalation.
The rough material of the restraints digs into my ankles, pinning them to the legs of the chair. My hands are tied behind my back. The rope around my middle is so tight, it hurts if I breathe too deeply. I guess it could be worse. At least I’m not gagged and blindfolded.
Head throbbing from whatever was bashed against my head, I take little sips of air and try to get my bearings. The last thing I remember is Dare calling my name. There was a van, too, but I wasn’t paying attention.
Where am I?
A row of lights hanging horizontally over my head illuminates the space, but that’s the only lighting, other than the dingy light filtering through the film-covered windows.
From what I can see, concrete runs the length of the space. There are a few pillars holding up the roof. The walls are made of brick, some of which is crumbling. This is a warehouse of some sort, but there’s nothing to help me figure out my location or who might’ve taken me.
The air is damp and musty, but something heavier rides the stale current. Copper? Of course, the creepy warehouse smells like blood. What else would it be used for? Swallowing, I try to focus on anything but the unease filling me. Somewhere in the building, a pipe drips. Pigeons coo and flap between the rafters.
Am I alone?
“Hello?” My throat is so dry, my voice cracks. I clear it and try again. “Hello?”
A door slams somewhere behind me. I crane my neck, but the warehouse is too big and too dark to see where it is, but as the person comes closer, the familiar cadence of their walk steals my breath.
Dad emerges from the shadows like a wolf, eyes gleaming and teeth bared. He sneers at me, and I recoil as he places his hand on my shoulder.
“Rosalynn, Rosalynn, Rosalynn.” His fingers dig into my skin. “How many times have I told you to focus on what matters? The future holds all the answers, but you just couldn’t help yourself, hmm? You had to go digging into the past.”
I keep my lips pursed together to keep from admitting anything. How does he know about any of this?
He releases my shoulder, but the ache of his grip remains pressed upon my skin. I’ll have bruises. Though, it’s not like anyone will ever get to see them. “I shouldn’t need to remind you of my connections, but your PI made the mistake of approaching a friend, and here we are. What do you know?”
“Nothing.”
The back of his hand cracks against my skin, and I cry out, head whipping to the side as pain radiates from my cheek through my body. “Don’t waste my fucking time with your lies.”
Groaning, I right myself and scowl at the man I used to call Dad. “You murdered Mom.”
He hums. “She started digging, like you. It’s poetic, isn’t it? Mother and daughter, both killed for the same reason. The apple, the tree.”
“Why? She was your wife. You swore to protect her the day you got married.”
Dad’s answering laugh is cold and hollow. “You and your fairy tales. Your mother was a means to an end. She had her uses. But everyone has an expiration.” He whistles and someone else approaches. “I’m afraid you’ve reached yours.”
“And what about you?” I ask, desperate to delay the inevitable. “What happens to JD Miller & Co when you die? Everything you’ve worked for will end with you.”
He shrugs. “Better it ends with me than be carried on by a traitorous bitch.”
“I hate you,” I snarl, jerking against the restraints.
He watches me with an impassive face. “That’s no way to speak to your father.”
“You’re not my father,” I growl. “You’re a sad little man, afraid of love and life. What, did your mommy hurt you?”
“Watch your mouth,” Dad snaps.
A laugh rattles out of me. “No. I’m done biting my tongue. I hope you go to sleep tonight, realizing that all you have is your stupid corporation, but all the money in the world won’t make you a better man, Dad. You’ll still be pathetic and lonely. You won’t have anyone.” I spit at his feet.
This hit, I see coming. Pain radiates through my jaw, but I’ll take the agony of being alive over the bullet waiting. The rope digs into my skin as I try to pull my wrists out, fighting to live. It’s such a stark contrast to when I stood in front of Remy. Then, I had thought I lost the man I loved, but right before I was taken, Dare called for me.
Which means there’s hope. We can find a way to fix things, but not if I’m dead.
“Make it fast,” Dad says right as familiar fatigues and boots come into view.
Gasping, I look up at the tall man looming over me. His dark eyes scan over my face. He arches his eyebrows. Remy? Did he betray Dare?
“What are you doing here?”
Dad laughs. “Remember when I told you that money can buy anything?” Dad slaps his palm on Remy’s shoulder. “Meet my newest employee.”
Remy grins at him like they’re old pals.
Rage lights up my insides. “You fucking bastard!” I scream, jerking in the chair. “Dare trusted you.” If Remy has turned on Dare, his life is in danger too.
Remy rolls his eyes. “I can’t wait for her to finally shut up.” He slowly raises the gun.