Chapter 19
Chapter nineteen
Jackson
It doesn't take long for Gateley to dispose of Madelyn. We walked two steps inside the place, and someone whisked her away to a room locked from the outside. “I can’t have her nosing around the place,” Gateley says.
He pats my back. “She'll be safe there, and you can have her back as soon as we get our business taken care of, unless she's part of this transaction.”
I don’t try to hide my annoyance. His guard touched her and took her somewhere that I can't see her. If she runs off, I lose the money. But more importantly, if I can’t see her, how can I protect her from everyone that’s not me? “Get it through your head, man. She's not part of this deal.”
“Shame,” he says with a slight smile. “I feel like she would be fun to break.”
Mine to break. “I'm sure you have other girls to attend to; you don't need another.” My jaw clenches.
I have to fight the urge not to throw a punch in his face.
As bad as I admit it, I need him. Specifically, I need his cameras and computer network to spy on my brother.
Gateley smirks, the look unnerving. This motherfucker likes to play with me.
He motions for me to follow, and I do without comment.
My mind is elsewhere as I take in his compound.
A lot has changed in recent years, including the addition of several more cameras, guards, and closed-off doors.
I can only assume it's used for both business and pleasure.
But a lot is still the same. The whole place open in the center of the building, which allow the stories above to see the activity on the ground floor.
Metal pipes act as a barrier to the floors above.
The only light in the place is from gas lamps, strategically placed every few feet around the property.
“Girls from all over decide to work for me,” Gateley replies, breaking my concentration. “Business has done nothing but increased over the years. But that doesn't mean I want to pass up what appears to be an inexperienced cunt. Do you have any idea how much money she may bring me?”
A lot, I have no doubt. But many fucking times do I have to say, she’s mine? No one will be feeling her in any capacity ever again. That inexperienced cunt is for my cock only. When she leaves this earth, the last thing she will know is me.
“Let it go,” I say with heat behind my words. He eyes me, taking in my hands, before showcasing a slight smile. “It is truly mesmerizing to see you so possessive over that girl.” We stop as we reach a metal door with two guards outside it.
With the wave of a hand, the guards disappear, and Gateley walks through the threshold of what I know to be his office.
A wall of monitors piques my interest as I follow him inside.
The door slams behind me, and the distinguishable sound of a lock sliding into place crushes through my resolve.
Gateley settles in behind his desk, which is directly in the center of the room.
One side of the space has the monitors, which show every square inch of the property.
The other side is gray with metal trim. No windows.
No other doors. No way out. This is Gateley’s sanctuary.
Now that he's settled, he continues, “You know that's dangerous. Your brother has never allowed you a positive relationship for long.” He motions toward the chair across from his desk. “Sit. We have a lot to discuss.”
I ignore his invitation and his statement about my brother. Instead, I make my way over to the monitors. My eyes scan over the screens, looking for her familiar face. But instead of finding her, a screen to my right allows me to see something almost equally entertaining.
Simon’s limp body is being dragged into a cell by the guards. “I'm surprised you didn't have him killed.”
“Oh, I will… eventually.”
I turned to face him, then, not being able to find Madelyn or anything else entertaining on the screens. “You are always one for dramatics.” I laugh. “I have no problem with that as long as that is not me.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Or her?”
“Yes,” I say, heading toward the chair.
“Speaking of getting carried away…,” Gateley replies while opening the top drawer of his desk. He pulls out a cigarette and carefully lights it, blowing smoke my way. “Care to tell me about the set of eyeballs my men found in your car?"