“Morning.” Simon walked into the kitchen.
“Good morning.” I handed him a cup of coffee.
“Thanks.” He smiled. “All the kids from last night went missing around two months ago. We contacted their families, and they’ll be reunited today.”
“Do any of them know who Elias is?” I asked.
“No. They never saw him. Only heard his name. I was able to get some information out of the guy you shot last night. He said that Elias is the middleman, and the kids were bought by a man named Carson Dewberry. He’s a billionaire here in Los Angeles who’s been under investigation for bank fraud, tax evasion, and possible murder. The thing is, every time some type of evidence appears, it quickly disappears. So, we were never able to formally charge him. He’s been under the FBI’s watchfor two years. My friend Roman, with the FBI, told me last night that they’re looking for someone called the Judicator. Ring any bells?” His brow arched.
“No.” My response was too quick.
“The Judicator? What the hell is that?” Parker asked.
“A ghost.” Simon’s eyes never left mine. “A person who judges, enforces, and makes sure justice is served. An executioner. So far, all they know is it’s a woman. And with your particular set of skills, Paige?—”
“Enough,” I said, bringing the mug to my lips.
“Paige?” Parker glanced at me and cocked his head.
“It’s just a stupid name a group of thugs made up.”
“Well, your secret is safe with me,” Simon said. His phone rang. “What? Are you kidding me? Fuck. I’m on my way.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“The man you shot last night was just found dead in his hospital bed. Someone slit his throat. I have to get to the hospital. I’ll be in touch.”
At the exact moment Simon left, my phone rang.
“Gabriel,” I answered.
“I found something, Paige. Every month, on the same day, Adamar Industries deposits a large sum of cash into the account of one Marian Bennett.”
“Were you able to find out who she is?”
“Are you ready for this? She’s Elias’s mother, and she died ten years ago. Last year, a houseboat in Marina Del Ray was purchased in her name. I’ll bet you any money that’s where Elias is hiding.”
“Send me the address. I also need you to do a deep dive into a man named Carson Dewberry. He’s a billionaire who lives in Los Angeles. Apparently, he was the buyer for the children we found last night.”
“Got him. I’m sending you his address. Do what you need to do to get these scumbags off the streets.”
“I will. I’ll talk to you later.” I ended the call.
I reached into my handbag and retrieved the two Glocks, running my thumb across each magazine to make sure they were loaded. My phone rang. Glancing over at it, the word ‘Unknown’ appeared on the screen. A feeling I didn’t like settled into my belly.
“Hello,” I answered, and put it on speaker.
“You’ve left quite a trail of bodies, Judicator. My men. My operation,” the man’s low voice on the other end spoke.
I looked at Parker as his eyes widened.
“Your men signed up to die the minute they joined you, Elias.”
“Such conviction from the righteous judicator,” Elias said. “Tell me, do you sleep well at night with all that blood on your hands?”
“Better than you will when I’m finished,” I said, my tone cool as a cucumber.
“My men were the best, and you took them out as if they were nothing. If you want to continue playing this game, I’m in. I’m coming for you myself, and that lawyer you’re protecting.”