Chapter 37
Brent was in a bind. He needed money, and he needed a place to stay. The cops had locked up his bank account, blocking him from accessing his money. He stole a few items and pawned them, but even with the large number of pawn stores in San Diego, he was running out of places to go.
His business had dried up with the loss of his home and the infamy he’d gained in the press. His contacts didn’t want him contacting them now. They were all jerks anyway. He could build new contacts, find new ways to do business. Being smart was a huge part of why his business was a success.
He was walking past a library when a thought hit him. He should look for contacts he’d lost touch with over the years. They might be out of the picture, but what if he found them again?
The library was quiet and cool. The air conditioning felt good. He took a moment in the bathroom, using the sink to wash his body. He should find a gym and take a shower. He could steal some clothes and feel more human. It was awful what he’d been put through.
When he finally got back on top, he would find Thario and make him pay. He needed to find Calla, too. She should pay for her betrayal. If only she’d shot those men when they’d shown up at the house. It was her fault he was in this trouble.
He’d stayed in San Diego in part because of her. He should have sold her to another trafficker years ago. Once he got his hands on her again, he would make sure she suffered.
After a few hours searching, he wasn’t making any headway. On a whim, he typed in Abigail’s name. At first, he didn’t see it, but then he realized the results midway down the page were from his sister. She had put up a blog begging people to hear her complaints about him.
He read for an hour, seeing that she’d tried going to the police multiple times, but they didn’t believe her. He couldn’t believe that bitch had tried to ruin his life. She’d tried to cause problems for him, but now, he was going to be her problem.
It only took another hour to figure out where Abigail lived. Soon enough, he would make her pay. Then he could use her place as a base of operations. This would give him time to track down Calla and make her pay.
Calla listened intently, hoping that whoever had answered was Abigail. Years had passed and she couldn’t believe she was getting the chance to speak with her sister.
The sound of someone breathing on the other end of the line sent excitement through her. Her throat closed with emotions, and she had to force herself to speak.
Her voice came out in a squeak. “H-hello.”
Someone spoke, but the voice was one she recognized. Fear twisted through her and worry ramped up. This was the last person she ever wanted to hear from again.
"Calla, that sounds like you. I've got Abigail, and if you don't come here in the next twenty-four hours, I'll make it so you never see our sister again. And I'm monitoring the police radio. If I hear anything, she's dead."
The call ended, and a text popped up, giving her an address. She stared at the phone, not sure what to do. He had Abigail, and if she didn’t do what he wanted, her sister would end up dead.