Page 5 of Obsession (Dark Revenge)
Entering the bathroom once more to tend to my wound, I noticed that she had left the toys behind. That could only mean she had removed them herself. No one else had entered this room to take her. It was glaringly obvious, fueling my anger to new heights. What twisted game was she playing?
I swiftly retrieved the first aid kit, tending to my leg wound by cleaning and bandaging it. Then I left my room, making my way to Vince’s office. I knocked before entering, unsurprised that he hadn’t retired for the night. He had developed a keen sense of obsession, refusing to let things go, especially now that we knew someone else was operating in the shadows. Sleep wasn’t on his agenda tonight.
“Have you seen Alison?” I inquired as I entered.
“Your pet isn’t where she’s supposed to be?” Vince responded with a smug smile, leaning back in his chair.
“This house is under constant surveillance. If she ran, I’m blaming you,” I snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at him. He continued to wear that infuriating grin.
“Why me?” he inquired innocently.
“Because you have thousands of cameras in this place. You should’ve been alerted if she attempted an escape,” I reminded him. I knew he was trying to get under my skin, teaching me a lesson about being more vigilant and not placing blind trust in others.
“I do have quite a few cameras,” he admitted. “But why would she run?”
“I think the smarter question is why not?”
“She’s aware of the consequences of running.”
“I’m aware of that!” I shouted, thinking my night couldn’t possibly get any worse, and yet it had.
“So?”
“Are you seriously going to lecture me right now? Yes, I should’ve tied her up or locked her in the damn basement. Is that what you want to hear? I shouldn’t have relied solely on the contract.”
“You’re correct. You shouldn’t have.”
“Can we move on, then?” I implored, my patience waning.
“I don’t believe you genuinely mean the words you just uttered. Jared, she possesses too much information, and she’s become a major distraction to you. You’ve had your fun. Why not reveal the secrets now, securing your protection, all of our protection, and then release the girl?” Vince advised.
“No.”
“No?” Vince raised an eyebrow.
“No.”
Vince didn’t seem pleased with my response, although it wasn’t as if I hadn’t contemplated the idea. I had considered it earlier tonight before I found myself gasping for air in the water. But Alison had tormented me for years, turning my life into a living hell, leaving me with no refuge. Should I truly make it that easy for her to escape? I didn’t think so.
“Jared, remember what we discussed?” Vince inquired.
“What?” I feigned ignorance.
“Don’t play the fool. You know I detest it.”
I groaned, crossing my arms in frustration. “Can we continue this conversation after I’ve retrieved her?”
“No, we’re addressing it now.”
“She could be back home by now!” I shouted in exasperation.
“Do you think she’s that foolish?”
“Her husband isn’t home. She might have gone there,” I pointed out.
“Not a very secure hiding place. You know her address.”
“Where else would she go?”
