Nurturing Britney (Surrender Book 7) by Becca Jameson (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

that in to the IRS as yearly income. It would work out perfectly. Every year he makes the same amount, and every year he claims it as if the Lounge does excellent business.”

“You’re fucking kidding me. The man pays taxes on the sale of his women?”

“Just a guess, but I’m betting yes. He isn’t even stashing the money in an offshore account. He appears to be totally on the up and up. Wouldn’t even raise a red flag as long as he has one sale a year.”

“Jesus.” I run a hand through my hair. “He must be sweating his balls off.”

“Oh yeah. He’s yelling at every employee every night. He has his henchmen running around chasing their tails. He’s a piece of work. I’m betting he’s as good as dead if he doesn’t have the promised commodity on the day of the transaction. I’m still trying to figure out what that date is. Spike has watched him come and go from his home. Get this, the fucker not only has a wife, but two teenage daughters.”

“Shit.” I’m seething and not at all surprised Lazinski still has men working for him even though I told him to call off the vultures. It would make my life easier if no one was looking for my woman but me. But expecting Lazinski to leave the entire search up to me was farfetched. “Do you know anything about the previous women he sold?”

“I’m working on a list. I’ve got three of the names so far. Britney isn’t the first woman he’s hired who fit her description.”

“You mean young-looking, innocent, no plastic surgery.”

“Yes. Can’t guarantee they were all virgins, mind you, but they were small and didn’t fit the look most people have for a stripper. Turns out besides being profitable on the black market, they do bring in good tips, even if they don’t fully strip. It adds to the mystery, and some dudes like to look at…well, I hate to be so crass considering I know you have feelings for this woman, but…they like to imagine themselves taking away that innocence. Ruining them.”

I’m gritting my teeth, trying to remain professional, forcing myself not to picture my Britney stripping and dancing. I shake off his last words and focus on the important part. “I bet all of them came from broken homes or foster care too. Easy targets. No one would be looking for them.”

The thought that until I brought Britney home, she really had no one who would miss her makes my stomach churn. Sure, Cindy would have noticed. She might have even called the cops eventually, but she would probably have assumed Britney took off without a word when she couldn’t find her.

Blade sighs. “Well, I’ll let you deal with Safe Harbor. I know you need to make sure their security is beefed up. Let me know if you need anything from our end.”

“Will do. I’ll talk to you again after.”

“Later.”

I end the call and climb out of the car. It’s early. The shelter isn’t open to the public until ten, but there are two cars in the parking lot besides mine. Cindy’s and another. That puts me on high-alert—no one should be here yet. I head for the entrance. It’s unlocked, which I need to talk to Cindy about. I hate it, but I’m going to have to impress upon her that she could be the target of Lazinski’s henchmen.

Cindy is standing behind the front desk when I enter. “Who else is here?” I ask.

She frowns. “What are you doing here?”

I frown in return. “I told you I was coming by this morning.”

She cocks her head to one side. “Yeah, but I didn’t figure you would show since you sent someone else.”

I freeze. “What are you talking about?”

She points toward the back. “The guy you sent to work on the alarm system.” Her voice fades and her face pales, and it should because I’ve drawn my gun.

I point to the front door and hiss. “Get in your car. Call my office. Ask for Blade. Drive across the street.”

“Do you want me to call the cops?” she whispers.

I shake my head as I slide past her, gun drawn, pushing through the door that leads to the kennels. I’ll have to walk between all the cages to get to the back where the offices and the alarm system are located, but it can’t be helped. It also doesn’t help that several of the dogs start barking immediately.

I hurry, not wanting whoever has lied his way onto the property to spook or have time to run. When I push through the door leading to the back area, I find a large man nearly my size approaching me.

“Freeze,” I shout.

He stops moving and lifts his hands.

That’s when I recognize him. He was the bouncer who let us into the Sky Lounge the other night and also escorted me to meet with Lazinski.

He recognizes me at the same time and drops his hands like he’s off the hook. He rolls his eyes next. “Why the fuck does the boss man send more than one dude to do a job?”

I don’t lower my gun. I can’t stand that this prick is also looking for Britney. I pray that Cindy didn’t tell him anything. She’s one of the few people alive who knows where Britney is hiding. If she believed this jackass was working with me, she might have told him whatever he wanted.

I specifically told Lazinski I wanted his henchmen called off so that I could do my job. I know from Blade that didn’t happen, but I’m still pissed. This is exactly the sort of thing I had been hoping to avoid. My woman’s life is in danger, and I don’t want anyone fucking finding her.

“You tell me, asshole. I spoke to him yesterday and told him I was working this angle. He didn’t say a word about sending someone else.”

The big guy narrows his gaze at me. “You can stop aiming that gun at me.