“Fucking hell.” Jaxx curses, pulling me into the back room.
“I’ve called the police; they’re pulling up out front now. The photographers were sticking to the sidewalk, but when they realized you two had come in here, they pushed through. Sorry, I didn’t want to ruin your day.” The clerk approaches us, handing me my clothes. “You can change in my office. I’m afraid the whole world will have seen you in your dress soon, though.”
“Fantastic.” I walk into the office and lock the door, quickly changing back into my Gucci dress and Louboutin heels, and head back out to Jaxx.
“Costin and Abel are here, baby. They had the car brought around back and are going to help get you out of here. Head down, and walk fast, okay? I would carry you, but-” He shrugs.
“Yeah, no. I can walk just fine.” I force a smile. “It’s not my first rodeo.”
“Let’s do this then. Ma’am, have the dress delivered to the address I gave you. We have other plans for the evening.” Jaxx hands her a tip, and we quickly make our way to the employee entrance. When we step out, Abel and Costin are immediately at my side.
“We’ve gotcha, Princess.” Costin places a coat over my head, and the guys surround me, walking quickly to the waiting car. I flinch with each flash but make it in one piece.
“Well, that sucked.” I pout, sitting in the limo, looking at three smirking men. “What?”
“You are the one who decided on the rock star.” Abel laughs.
“You are all garbage humans. Truly.” I laugh, flipping them off as we pull away, and then hold out my hand. “Give me your phone, Abel.”
“Better idea.” Jaxx hands over a phone. “Yours. Try not to put this one in a toilet.”
“Oh! Thank you.” I kiss his cheek. “Is it the same number? “ I look down at my suddenly ringing phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey beautiful, I just heard the great news! We’re getting married?”
“Hey, Jonah, yeah.” I laugh. “We were just accosted by not only paparazzi but also jilted fans. Fun times. Where are the milk balloons when I need them?”
“So, what’s the real story, beautiful?” he says with a serious tone. “I have asked that you be left alone and that the nature of our relationship is our private business. Any outlet that refuses to honor that request will be blacklisted on our end, but I want to know. Why are you in a bridal shop?”
“Long story, rock star.” I look to the guys, noting the irritation on Costin and Jaxx’s faces, although Abel seems to be enjoying this far too much. Whispering into the phone, I continue, “We can talk when you get back. Go be famous already. Plus, I have yet to hear my song. Beauty, grace, excellent aim, all that.” I laugh.
“Fucking amazing tits, wizard at sucking dick.” he chuckles.
“’Bye, Jonah!” Costin yells, causing Jonah to laugh.
“Okay, beautiful, call me when you have time… and privacy.”
“Okay, ’bye, Jonah. Stay safe.”
“You too, love.” He disconnects.
“That was…”
“Yeah, we know.” Jaxx crosses his arms.
Andrew
“About fucking time you all got back!” I bark when Costin and Abel walk into the basement.
“Not like we had a choice there, boss. She needed help.” Abel rubs his neck, “We cleared the penthouse and set up additional security. She will be safe there until this shit passes.”
“What’s all that?” Costin nods to the table.
“Coke.” I laugh, leaning forward, snorting two quick lines, then toss the small metal straw to him, “Here. Then I’ll show you what I found while you all were dealing with Poppet’s fucking mess.”
“Puckett?” Abel coughs, wiping his nose with his sleeve.
“Nothing. No one saw anything. Richard was with Poppet, probably the reason he didn’t notice someone but quite possibly what saved her from being hurt as well.” I slam a fist to the table. “Who the fuck is this guy?”
“So what’s in the folder?” Costin tosses the straw back to the table, sitting back.
“This is what I found in Joshua’s room when Douglass went downstairs to see what you all were shouting about. The hard drive was gone from the computer and desk was empty, but this folder-” I spread the contents across the glass top. “-was taped to the underside of his desk. Impossible to see with the drawer in, but when I pulled it out, I felt a frayed piece of tape. It has been removed multiple times before, but the contents were quite interesting.”
Costin picks up a photo and quickly puts it back down, turning away. “They are fucking kids! Did you know Douglass Laporte was into this shit? He was around E!”
“Douglass never touched her. It’s just these two, look.” I shuffle them around. “Same two, for years. They are close to your age now, it seems, Costin.”
“We don’t deal in kids, Andrew! How did he get them? Keep them hidden? Did you know?” Abel says, slamming the folder, but his gaze locks on the young woman in a photo.
“I know we don’t deal in children, Abel. And as much as I hate to admit it, no, I didn’t know about this. Seems Joshua did, though. Remember the file I sent him away for? These kids were in the photos with him. Especially her.” I point at the girl in the picture. “I thought… fuck. I thought he was fucking her.”
“This girl… Andrew do we know this girl? She’s so- familiar?” Abel says, not taking his eyes off the young beauty. I can’t blame him. She is gorgeous. Honey brown eyes, dark brown hair, with an hourglass figure most women and men would kill for.
“I can’t say for sure, Abel. Costin?”
“Once, I think? Maybe a dancer? I remember no one was allowed to fuck her. Douglass was adamant about that.” Costin paces. “What does any of this mean, though, Andrew? Joshua knew?”
“It looks that way, but I think he was trying to help them. Look at the letter.” I slide an envelope across the table.
“Angel?” Costin questions. “No way she knew.”
“Just fucking read it.” I roll my eyes.
“’Don’t open the envelope of photos… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you… I wanted to help them… Give this to Jaxx… trust no one else… Abel and Costin are too close to do this alone... I love you, and I’m so sorry.’ Holy shit, Andrew.” Costin flops against the back of the couch. “We’re too close? What is that supposed to mean?”
“That is what we are going to find out. I want Jaxx back here. Don’t say a word to Poppet. Joshua was right to keep this from her. Seems they may have come from the same group that had her.” I puff out. I fucking hate pedophiles. Always did, but finding my Poppet in that basement really ignited a blazing hatred in me for them. It’s not something I tolerate, and it will need to be corrected. Just not until my daughter is safe and settled into her new life.
“You think he had something to do with what happened with E?” Abel asks, still clutching the photo in his hand.
“No, at least, not directly. He lost his son and his chance to attach himself to our family… our money. No, he didn’t do that, but Joshua’s knowledge? That could have.” I lean forward, pulling in another three lines from the table. “There is only one way to find out…”