Page 43 of West (The Moral Compass 1)
“There is a shipment of Dendrobium Orchids coming in from Ireland on Wednesday. They will help and assist with the increase in activity. I will also place an order for some Birds of Paradise to be sent over from Bulgaria. They work so well together.”
And, with that last statement, she left the room.
Chapter 34
Sutton
Chapter37
Sutton
We found the swimsuits in the dressing room just as Mrs. McGarry said we would. What we didn’t expect was that the suits would be Chanel.Brand-newChanel suits in a wide range of colours and sizes. I looked at Kara. Her eyes were exactly what I think mine would look like.
“Do you think we could take a couple and shove them in our bag?” Kara joked. “Rent money for the next six months,” she whispered. I laughed and shook my head. Kara may be a lot of things, but a thief? No. Never. We changed in the warm room and headed through a corridor that had a sign saying pool. Makes sense.
Or so I thought.
We passed two saunas, three steam rooms, and a jacuzzi pool, and there in front of us was a beautiful oasis. I looked up and could see the sky through the glass roof, and then I realised what she meant by the roof being on. I don’t know why, but I expected something a lot smaller with a makeshift type of pool house. I should have known better; this was in keeping with the rest of the house. It was opulent and beautiful and just screamed wealth.
Kara ran and jumped right in. I expected her to come up saying it was cold, but as I walked down the steps, I realised the water was warm. Really warm. This was paradise, and I could stay here for a long time soaking up this peace. Kara came to join me on the steps.
“So, why do you think we were sent away?” she asked, looking around her to see if anyone was watching or listening.
“I’m not sure, but I’m sure we will find out later. I don’t know why, but I don’t think West’s mum was shocked at our predicament. It was like she was expecting something as both her boys had come to visit at the same time.”
“Are you okay, Sutton? I mean, after all this shit in the last twenty-four hours? It was only a day ago when all you had to worry about was West being a womaniser. Which I think you could be wrong on that one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy look at a woman like he looks at you. It’s well, sweet, but then you look at him all big and tall and just fucking huge, and it is quite a puzzle.”
“I don’t know if I am, to be honest, Kara. I know that what I thought about West was wrong. He’s explained all of that, and I believe him. I didn’t think I could ever trust anyone again, but then again, what choice have I got? For all I know, he could have kidnapped the pair of us, and it’s him that’s going to sell us to creeps.”
Kara’s eyes are wide, and she is fake smiling and looking above my head. I turn to look at what she’s gawking at and then I see. West and North are standing right behind me, both in swim shorts. Jesus Christ, this should not be allowed in any country. North has a huge smile on his face and is looking like he is about to eat Kara. West doesn’t look as happy to see me.
“Is that what you think, Sutton? After everything we’ve done this morning? After all the work North has done? You think we are the bad guys here?”
“No, no,” I stammer. “You didn’t hear the whole conversation, West. I was telling Kara that I do trust you, and, how with my past, I really shouldn’t because I make such bad mistakes. That’s all. I do trust you, and I know you are both going to get me and Kara out of this mess.”
I smile at him with a half-cocked head and then try my cheesy smile when that didn’t work. He cracks and comes to sit beside me in the pool. Kara and North swim over to the other end. I’m glad she’s not stuck playing third-wheel with me and West.
“It’s not just us now, Sutton. Mum’s called in reinforcements. I’ve been here before with human trafficking, and it can get very,verymessy. We need more men on the ground than we currently have, and they will arrive in the next few days. Until this is over, you are both going to stay here. More guards are coming, and you will be under surveillance twenty-four hours a day. Don’t get freaked by this, but I need to make sure you and Kara are safe, especially when I’m not here.”
“What, why? Where are you going? You can’t just leave us here,” I panicked.
“I’m not going anywhere today. Well, at least I don’t think I am, but I will need to leave soon and sort this mess out and put things in order. North will be staying here, and he will keep me updated. The house is going to get busy quickly, Sutton, and I don’t want you to be scared, but everyone in the house will be armed, right down to the cleaning staff. They are all specialists, and they are on our side so no need to freak out. Nothing is going to happen to you or Kara, but you must stay in the house. You must not go outside or answer any doors.”
“Okay, but what you’ve just described is more than a little weird, and you’re expecting me not to freak out?” I can feel my heart beating so fast inside my chest I think it’s going to explode. “So, these people West, do you trust them. I mean with your own life? I’m asking because this ismylife, and if there are people here with guns that could have been paid more to ‘off’ me, then I’m going to freak out, don’t you think?”
I can feel the terror rising, and I’m trying so hard to be calm, but it's really fucking difficult.
“You’re doing great, Sutton. Honestly, I don’t think anyone could not be scared in this situation. I promise you, Sutton, I will guard your life as if it’s my own, and I rarely break promises.”
“Rarely? What do you mean rarely? That’s not one-hundred percent, West.”
“The only promise I have ever broken was to my mother. I promised her that this side of my life was over and that I would not go back under any circumstances.” He looks down to his feet through the water and then looks back up to me. “She understands. She wouldn’t have gotten involved if she didn’t,” he says.
“Your mother is involved? Why? How can your mother help?” I question rapidly.
“For God’s sake, Sutton, when will you learn to ask one question at a time?” He laughs deeply. “Mother has talents and contacts, and she was once a very powerful lady. You’ll learn very quickly, Sutton, not to make her angry. Well, you might not. She likes you and Kara already, so I’m sure you’ll you be okay.” He laughs again. This guy and his family are something else.
Kara and North are deep in conversation at the other end of the pool.
