CHARLOTTE

I tick off on my fingers. “One; The Police think they know who the culprits are, but not where to find them. Two; They could have taken Beth by mistake, but they could just as easily have been intended to pick up both of us and they happened to get her first. Three; The Police have no leads of any kind on hideouts, car registrations, routes out of the City, or anything else. Four; I can’t even go home right now, or back to university and Five……” My voice falters, tears threatening…. “Beth is my friend, and she’s in trouble because of me…”

Taking a deep breath, I fight back the pricking at the back of my eyes. Tears don’t help anyone. “And this isn’t small trouble. They probably don’t want to kill her.… me…. Otherwise, it would just have been a bullet in the head in a parking lot…. It’s more likely they want to learn what she.… I…. know and then sell her on.… me on….”

All three men are watching me, jaws dropped. “Jeez, Charlotte. You sound cold-blooded when you talk like that,” says Michael.

“It’s about survival isn’t it,” I say, keeping my voice heartless. “Richard was right when he said that you’re no good to anyone if you panic. Some things have to be done in cold blood.”

My Master, watching me carefully, says “Like selling yourself to the highest bidder? Done in cold blood?”

I lift my chin, meeting his eye. “And how else do you think I could have done it?”

Richard interrupts. “Alright, Charlotte, you’re a survivor. We all know that. But you won’t help Elizabeth by getting yourself caught and trafficked as well. All that would mean is that we’d lost both of you. And while she may be your friend, you don’t owe her that…”

I owe it to you though….

But I stay silent; keep my thoughts to myself.

I look at Will. “So, I’m happy to be corrected, but in fact, the police have no idea where Beth is? And no leads of any kind to follow? Please tell me if I’m wrong on this.”

Miserably, he nods his head.

Richard looks sick at heart. His face is drawn, and he’s lost weight over the last few days.

He loves her…

It dawns on me that I am flanked by Michael and my Master. “What’s this then?” I ask. “You’re my jailers again?”

Both men look askance at me. Michael says “Charlotte, take this as it’s meant, but while James thinks you’re his obedient little sub….” My Master looks startled. “….and will do as you’re told, I don’t. And frankly, I’m not willing to let you out of my sight just now.”

“You think I’ll try to do something stupid?”

“No. I think you’ll try to do something clever. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be dangerous in the extreme and…. I’m not letting you.”

“We’ve discussed this. I’m not property.”

“No, you’re not.copy right hot novel pub