Chapter 6
Kendrick
“Mr. Cavanaugh. It’s good to meet you.”
As the man behind the voice settled into the seat next to me, I barely glanced in his direction. “I assume you have something to do with this charade.” The text had come from Catcher barely three hours before. Maybe my eagerness would work to my benefit.
He laughed as if he’d never had one of his guests criticize his special club ever before. “I assure you this is no charade.”
“After agreeing to sign a nondisclosure, I was told to meet at a parking lot where I was frisked then forced to put on a blindfold. My weapon was taken without so much as being provided with an explanation of why or when it would be returned. After not being told anything about my destination, I was taken into this darkened space, required to wear a mask without anyone so much as greeting me in the way I require in every event I attend.” I barely threw him a look, continuing to stare at the darkened stage in front of me.
“So yes, to me this is a complete charade.”
I’d managed to take a good enough look at him to register a few features.
While also wearing a mask as everyone I’d seen up to this point, including the ten or so men sitting at small tables sprinkled throughout the room, he stood out from the rest. I could almost see a golden halo surrounding his head.
With my photographic memory, I already had a list of various traits from selections of watches and jewelry to nervous tics. Even still, identification would be tricky.
Wherever I’d been taken, I’d seen several rooms, many of them large.
There were at least three dozen men enjoying drinks in bar-like settings, every location with creatively blacked out windows.
There were even pool tables and dartboards, as if the club was merely an extended man cave for the rich and famous.
The building itself was likely located just outside of town, although it was entirely possible the driver had purposely ensured I wouldn’t recognize turns or noises.
If I had to venture a guess, I’d say we were in a converted warehouse.
Clever as hell. There’d likely be little if any traffic at night, providing additional anonymity.
But so far, I’d been unable to see any distinguishing marks.
With the expansive lighting, even the ceilings were all but invisible.
Many of the clients and members were in their sixties, very few younger than fifty.
They were all well dressed, all drinking scotch or an expensive bourbon.
The gentleman seated to my left was in his late thirties, close to my age.
Everything about his physical being depicted money, including his jewelry.
I’d noticed him the moment he’d entered the room, acting as if he was king instead of a monster selling off women like fine diamonds. I had the distinct feeling he’d been planted to watch me during the event.
“Yes, well, the act of anonymity isn’t always necessary.
Many of my clients work together, or at least are acquaintances.
However, when we have a newcomer, extra precautions are taken.
As I’m certain Steven told you, we are very conscientious about our privacy.
I don’t think I need to provide you with reasons why. ”
“Yes, of course you don’t. The trafficking of women is highly illegal, although I must admit, the knowledge makes ownership that much more inviting.” As I brought the glass to my lips, I chuckled.
“You seem to be a man mirroring my own heart. There is something invigorating about taking what shouldn’t belong to you.”
“Absolutely. Now, how is the auction handled?”
“It’s very simple. You’re allowed to bid on any of the women and as soon as you’ve made the choice, you’re out of the auction.
While I often enjoy two or more women at once, we must not be greedy.
There are other members who deserve a chance at happiness.
However, as noted in the nondisclosure, you as our guest are required to bid on a woman tonight.
Given the women we have as our offerings, you will be taking home a slave.
That doesn’t mean you are required to keep her permanently, of course. Variety is the spice of life.”
Meaning he wanted another sale.
“Yes, I do enjoy tasting many fruits.”
He hummed as if in the throes of pleasure. “Oh, I do as well.”
“Do the women go along with this willingly?”
His laugh made my blood boil. “They have no choice, Mr. Cavanaugh. If they become unruly, members and even guests such as yourself are allowed to punish them.”
Punish.
What the hell century did I wake up in this morning?
“I’m curious. What do I do when I’m finished with the beautiful treat and require another?”
“Well, if you believe they make the perfect slave, we’ll be happy to buy her back. For a reduced price, of course. Even while you own her, as a member you’re allowed to participate in another auction. As many as the number of women you can handle.”
“If the selection wasn’t satisfactory? What then?”
His smile should send chills down my spine. Instead, I wanted to wipe it off his face. “Then we’ll be happy to dispose of her for you. We pride ourselves in customer satisfaction.”
“Excellent. Any objection as to the dollar amount? Once I’ve made a choice, I become highly possessive and competitive.” It was becoming impossible not to break his fucking face right here, right now.
“Absolutely no limitations.” He laughed as if I was making a joke.
I could only imagine how much money they were bringing in.
“Now, I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.
Perhaps after tonight, we’ll have a long conversation.
I can tell you’re going to fit in perfectly with our members.
We are a very tightknit group. Perhaps we could even be friends. ”
I wasn’t interested in being his friend. “Perhaps.”
“Oh, a couple of things. As mentioned already, we take our privacy very seriously. What happens here and any subsequent events you will attend are to remain private. Imagine just how many people would clamor to become a member if they knew about our fabulous offerings. That would destroy the exclusivity. Any violations of the agreement are dealt with harshly.”
With a smile on my face, I lifted my glass. “I wouldn’t expect otherwise.”
He stood, peering down at me as if I’d passed another test. “One last thing. Given that the last thing we want is any interference by members of law enforcement, once you’ve made your selection, as a guest you will be required to test the merchandise.
In front of several members of my staff, including myself.
I hope you don’t mind voyeurism, Mr. Cavanaugh. ”
“Not at all.” As anticipated and a necessary evil. Although not one I held any interest in, I’d managed to convince myself there was no other choice. However, if I was expected to be brutal with the woman, the fucker had another think coming.
“Good to know. After this evening’s festivities have been completed, either you will be contacted again with an invitation to attend another festive event, or you won’t. However, if you’re not one of the lucky few, you can keep the woman as a complimentary gift.”
After paying a hefty price, of course.
“Understood.”
“Enjoy your evening, Mr. Cavanaugh.”
I lifted my glass in response. There was no doubt my interactions would be watched.
While the main goal was to expose the operation and the people involved, tonight was all about locating Reese.
If what Catcher had told Maverick was correct, the new girls were always sold to the infrequent guests or newer members.
While that increased the chances Reese would be a part of the women chosen for tonight, it certainly wasn’t guaranteed. Every bit of what I was doing was a crapshoot. At least I could save a single girl. Then I’d go from there.
Less than ten minutes later, the lighting in the room changed. Every bidder had a prime seat in front of the stage. The music was lively, the lights behind the tables providing a perfect backdrop while all eyes were on the stage.
Nothing surprised me any longer. After years spent as a prosecuting attorney, I’d heard countless stories of various acts of abuse. Maybe I’d been na?ve enough to think the girls would simply be tossed on stage, screaming and begging for help. That wasn’t the case.
The initial parade of women in beautiful dresses and high heels strutting on their long legs, smiling as they moved from one side to the other was cause for alarm.
They weren’t fighting, their smiles almost genuine.
Had the girls been drugged or indoctrinated?
Or had they simply been promised something that didn’t exist?
With their makeup and hair styled by someone in the industry, I was simply watching a beauty pageant.
The girls knew the routine well enough, stopping in front of each man for three seconds to allow us all to have a better look.
Preening as they jutted their hips forward, tossing their long hair.
While my eyes remained on every girl as she passed, I wasn’t truly seeing them, lost in another wave of anger and determination to bring these bastards down.
As the minutes dragged on, hope was waning. There were plenty of beautiful women in line, but none of them matching the photograph.
Until the very last girl.
Where the others wore expressions as if fully entrenched in whatever lies or threats had been used on them, this girl was different.
She reeked of anger and determination, flashing her lovely eyes at every man.
But not in the same way as the others. She was daring them, taunting them.
And if looks could kill, she’d cut each one of them to ribbons.
Given I was the last man on the parade circuit, she was losing her patience. The moment she stopped in front of me, her glare became even icier.