I take a deep breath."Sir, this is the first concrete connection I've found between Club Red and the mafia.If Castellano is involved, that means organized crime has a foothold there.That opens the door for RICO charges, human trafficking investigations…"
"Based on what evidence, exactly?"he cuts in again."A man walking into a building?"
I suppress my frustration."The Virgin Auction photos."
"Which we still can't verify the authenticity of," he reminds me."And even if they're real, we can't prove it was an actual auction of virgins rather than some staged fantasy thing for consenting adults."
He's not wrong, and that's what makes this so infuriating.I know there's something happening at Club Red.I can feel it in my bones.
"I want to set up more regular surveillance," I push."Maybe even work on getting someone inside."
My boss looks at me for a long moment, then sighs."Look, I appreciate your dedication.But we need more before I can allocate resources.Get me something solid.A witness, financial records showing irregularities, or evidence of coercion or trafficking.Then we can talk about a proper operation."
"And until then?"
"Until then, you can keep watching in your free time.Don't neglect your actual caseload, and for God's sake, don't get caught.If you're made and this turns out to be a wild-goose chase, the department will deny any knowledge of your activities.Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"And no approaching potential witnesses or club members without clearing it with me first.We can't risk spooking anyone if there really is something worth investigating."
I nod, though my mind is already racing with potential next steps.As I turn to leave, he adds, "And Agent?Be careful.If you're right about Castellano's involvement, these aren't people you want noticing you."
Outside his office, I pause, collecting my thoughts.This isn't the full support I wanted, but it's not a shutdown either.I've been given just enough rope to either pull in the biggest case of my career or hang myself professionally.
My phone buzzes with a new message.
Unknown Number:Stop looking.
A slow chill creeps up my spine.
Someone knows.Someone's watching me too.
I tighten my grip on the phone, then delete the message.This changes things.
I was supposed to be the hunter.
But now?
I think I just became the prey.
Chapter 7
Gage
I'msprawledacrossmycouch with my laptop balanced on my knees, surrounded by research papers and curriculum proposals from other universities across the country.The soft glow of my screen illuminates the dimly lit living room as I sift through yet another PowerPoint presentation on "Safe and Consensual BDSM Practices in Educational Settings."
Princeton's approach is comprehensive but perhaps too clinical for what we need.Stanford's program has a better balance of theory and practical workshops.I make a note to borrow elements from both as I continue crafting my proposal for Carter to go over.
My mind keeps drifting to Skye, her smile, her gasps when I touched her, the way she fought against her restraints.The research I've been doing on setting up a BDSM educational program for my university should be captivating, but it pales in comparison to thoughts of her.
My phone sits beside my laptop, and I keep glancing at it, waiting for Skye's next message.
Me:Don't forget to drink water today.
It's simple, almost paternal advice, but I need to check in on her.Need to know she's taking care of herself.Aftercare doesn't end when the scene does.At least, not with me.
Her reply comes almost immediately.