Page 87 of Paco
“He was the delivery man. He got his money too. We had no choice. We needed to pay our drug debts to Erik and then to Bobby. As I said, it wasn’t anything personal.”
“Aunt Sandy, I love you. How could you’ve betrayed me? And Mom? What’s wrong with you?”
“I needed the money. They threatened to kill us if we didn’t pay our debts. And now we need the money again.”
“Speaking of money, where’s mine?” Victor came over to her, digging his fingers cruelly into her cheek even as she cried out. His panting echoed in her ears as he rubbed against her like an animal in heat.
“I don’t have your money. I just ran that night. Ask Bobby where it is,” she said in a strained voice.
“He’s not talking, but it doesn’t matter. You’ll pay me every fuckin’ penny back with your body.” He leaned in close. “And when I tire of you, I’ll sell you overseas for tiger meat,” he whispered in her ear. From the way he acted, he wasn’t stealing her but rather claiming what he believed was rightfully his. “Enough of this. It’s time to go home.”
Victor threw her on the couch and she landed on her side. Her aunt avoided Chelsea’s gaze as she held out her hand for the envelope he gave her.
I can’t let him take me away. I can’t go back to that life.Then she remembered the key fob Paco had given her. He’d told her that tapping it once would send an alert to his phone.
If only I can reach it before Victor finds it on me.
As her aunt and uncle counted the money Victor paid them for leading him to her, she tried to slip her fingers into her back pocket. The zip ties dug into her skin, and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from making any noises.I have to reach it. Please let me.
Victor bent over her, his cold hands stroking her face. “How obedient and quiet you are. Not one sound out of you. No fighting. And that’s how you’re going to remain—silent.” He bent lower and she could feel the vibration of his lips on her ear. “When I beat you, you’ll be silent. When I rape you, you’ll be silent. And if I decide to kill you, you’ll be silent. You’re in my fuckin’ world with my goddamn rules.” He kissed her and nausea poked her stomach.
“You promised us ten baggies of coke,” Dave said.
“We’re going to have a lot of time together, fucktoy.” He straightened up and walked away.
Chelsea resumed fumbling for the key fob. And then her finger found it. Adrenaline shot through her.I can do this. I just need to go in a little bit more.From the conversation behind her, she surmised that they were wrapping up the sale of her. The fact that her beloved aunt and uncle were the ones who sold her eight years before was incomprehensible.
I can’t think about that now. I just need to push the button. I can’t let him take me. I’ll never be found.
“You need help getting her in the SUV?” Dave asked.
“I can manage. I have two men with me.”
I almost have it. I can feel it.
Then he grabbed her shoulders.No! I almost had it!Her insides quivered and screamed silently as tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. Victor took out a sack.No!He jerked her up and put it over her head, cutting out all light, then fastened it around her neck. The musty scent of the sack filled her nostrils, and bile rose up her throat. She offered no resistance as he propped her straight on the couch, her finger sliding into her pocket. Resignation turned to hope as she pushed the button right before Victor jerked her onto her feet.
Heavy footsteps thudded into the foyer. She cocked her head, trying to see something through the sack. Nothing. Several hands grabbed her and forced her into something cold. When they pushed her down on her side, she realized they were putting her in a trunk.
“No! Aunt Sandy, please don’t let them do this to me. Please!”
“Shut the fuck up. Your disobedience will cost you,” Victor gritted.
Someone pushed her head down, and the snap of the lid sealed her fate. She rocked back and forth and knew they were carrying her. Her teeth chattered when they threw her on the ground. The revving engine and the shifting motion from side to side told her she was in a vehicle. At first she hit her feet against the walls and cried out, but the only reply was her own echo from the metal walls. Cruel laughter filtered in and she willed herself to stay calm.
Please come find me, Paco. He’s taking me away. I love you.
She concentrated on remembering how it felt to be with Paco. Over and over she replayed each of their moments as the car drove farther and farther away.
