Chapter Forty-One: Deteriorate

Quick warning guys. This chapter contains some graphic and disturbing scenes. You've been warned.

ONE MORE CHAPTER AFTER THIS ONE. i think.

Twenty-seven days. I had no concept of time mainly because I didn't need it anymore. Nine to five jobs meant nothing to me, nor did the concept of midnight verses noon hour. I refused to look at my phone except for when it was needed for work. I didn't have any of their contacts anymore, but the memory of their ten digits imprinted in my brain.

My finger draped against the wooden desk in my room where a powdery dust resided. I inspected it for only a moment before clapping my hands together to rid the snow. I was jonesing hard today.

I paced a lot for no particular reason. The feeling of constantly being on edge was starting to get to me a percent higher every day. Nash was upping the stakes of his hierarchy by involving a new set of demons connected to a whole new level of crime.

Days went by slower when my only thoughts were her.

After what seemed like a world of procrastination, I decided to throw my black leather jacket over my black v-neck shirt. I stared at the desk a little longer, contemplating decisions, spacing out.

The creek of my bedroom door while startling me, didn't make me move a muscle. I knew by the way they crept that I was still the one in power here. The new treaty that we would be facing today must be making Nash nervous. He wouldn't have brought over Marcus and Darius if he didn't need back up.

Marcus cleared his throat from the doorway. It's been awhile, brother. "What are you doing?" He asked with a sharp voice.

I stared away, continuing the form of a statue.

"Vince asked you to be downstairs over forty minutes ago," He continued.

Vince wasn't my boss. They knew of this.

"We need you to help us with tonight, Ex. Are you listening?" He huffed. "I heard you've been fucking off whenever you please, and I don't think Nash is very-"

I lifted my head and turned ever so slightly in his direction, giving a side eye.

Marcus immediately changed his facial expression from confidence to plea.

"I'm-I'm just saying that you-"

My eyes cool as ice, stared him down until he muted himself and stepped away from the door frame. Did he almost forget that I was in charge? Pitiful.

Since my return, it didn't take long to embody the position of the leader next to Nash all over again. The boys feared me easily once I let myself slip back into my old ways. Things were slightly different this time though. I was different. I had a conscience, I just never let it shine through. For all they knew, I was much worse than I ever had been.

With vengeance, maybe.

I walked downstairs to meet up with the other guys who were standing in a pact circle talking amongst each other. The crease on Darius's forehead seized me to believe that they were nervous; This had to go well.

They stopped talking when Nash's eyes met mine. The rest turned their attention towards me and Marcus's shoulders slumped slightly in a sign of relief. He didn't need to hear the wrath of Nash's rage when he realized that I didn't listen to orders.

"Eli, just on time," Nash's voice dripped in sarcasm.

I walked into their bubble, a place I never liked to be in but I needed to be close to them in order to show them I can attack when I pleased.

"I suppose we should catch you up," Vince grumbled. "So we're going to the ho-"

I raised my hand. "Quiet," I demanded. I had a migraine and I needed snow. "Don't fool yourself. If you think you know every detail of their operations, just remember that I know more." I almost barked but I didn't want to show true emotion.

It was a half lie. I knew of all the plans because Nash is my confidant, but in reality, I barely listened to who exactly the other business we had a meeting with was. It didn't matter, Nash didn't tell the others what it was either. It was strictly a surprise. I just knew that they'd make us plenty of money, they were highly illegal, and dangerous.

I can be more dangerous.

My assumption of the business was some sort of trade. Of what? I didn't care. As long as they thought that I knew, it wouldn't matter. I would find out soon enough. The only details I needed to know were the money aspects and how to obtain it, the rest would fall into place once I met them. All I had to use was my charm and we would be golden.

I could've sworn I had an extra baggie on me, but it seemed to have disappeared. A fix, I need.

If I cared to know where we were going, I would've driven the two hour journey but alas, I gave zero shits.

My fucking head.

Instead, I let Nash drive while I sat in the front seat next to him, while the other three idiots sat in the back. Darius wasn't pleased by my return because it meant that he was pushed down a level just like back in the day when I first arrived into their group. He was always envious and I didn't know why; I'd have loved to be in the shadows like him. I was just too good at what I do.

I sat with my headphones in my ear and purposely didn't react to anything that was being said to one another. They thought I was listening to music but in reality, I was spying on their conversation, gathering clues that I could use against them later. It's what I do best.

"How did we even score an opportunity like this?" Vince asked aloud. This wasn't of importance.

I rolled my eyes towards the window.

"Vivian," Nash calmly replied while focusing on the road.

"Vivian?" Vince asked.

"Vivian Grace," Nash spoke once more. "Mrs. Grace and I met a few years back when she was the photographer at an old friend's wedding." By old, he meant dead. "She took quite the interest in me, especially with her camera," Nash flashed a smile. "It was like I was her muse of the night."

I rolled my eyes once again. He really hasn't changed much.

"I suggested she pay attention to the wedding and that's when we got to talking," He continued. He always had a conquest. "She had quite the pretty rock on her finger, and it didn't take long for her to bring up her fiancé and introduce me. He was of business that I liked to dabble in. We got along well. He's switched his course of action throughout the years, of course. But it was Vivian that convinced us to stay in touch," He laughed. He had his own private joke that I didn't understand. I didn't care to understand.

But this, this was good. Vivian can be used as my pawn to checkmate.

Even the smartest of people, could be very naïve.

I rested my eyes for the remainder of the drive but my ears were very much awake. When we arrived, I already gathered enough information to learn where I was. No where I was familiar with but the look of a fancy hotel lobby with marble floors never phased me. What interested me though, was that the only people walking throughout the lobby were in suits and made mostly up of men.

I eyed each person from the side discreetly and scanned their appearance for a mental note. There weren't many people here; it was relatively vacant. Closed down hotel strictly for business. Was everyone here in the same business we were in? Were we all criminals? No, we couldn't be. We had to blend in.

Nash was checking in with the concierge while the others huddled close by. I, however, kept a distance.

My senses grew on high alert by the increasing presence of a large man making his way towards my group. I set my eyes on Nash who just retrieved the hotel keycards from the reception. Nash turned around at the perfect timing of the other gentleman stopping dead in front of him.

He was young but had greys starting to sprout from his hair, making a salt and pepper appearance throughout. Hm. His statue was straightened and stiff, he meant business and it was evident.

Nash walked with the man, where the rest of the group followed closely behind. I suppose this meant I was to be there too.

I was in an odd place, being back in my old lifestyle. I was finding it internally very difficult to actually take the plunge and submit myself to Nash. On the other hand, the leadership role enticed me. Nash and I were always tense, even from back years ago, and even though I hate his fucking guts, I couldn't help but feel that connection with him again.

We really were just one big fucked up family.

We walked ways away from the front desk and to the side of the lobby where dark red leather chairs rested with a funky mustard carpet squished underneath.

"Joey," Nash greeted with a wicked smile.

"Nash," Joey responded. "A pleasure to see you again."

Joey then proceeded to shake the rest of the group's hand before stopping last on me. His hand extended towards me while eying me suspiciously. He was curious as I was.

I kept my eyes trained on his while he awaited my handshake.

Nash chuckled and snaked his arm around my shoulders. "This is Eli, he's my right hand man," Nash gritted a smile and side eyed me.

I nodded in Joey's direction. I wouldn't place a truce just yet.

His hand fell back to his side as he reluctantly produced a smile. "Ah, the man who gets things done. I've heard plenty." I could almost see a sparkle in his eye as he stared. "Come this way, gentlemen," Joey demanded while keeping his eyes in my direction. With delight, he walked away.

We followed him to another room, dimmed and musky with stale smoke. I suppressed the urge to light one myself. I couldn't be distracted today.

Joey took a seat in a dark leather chair which prompted Nash to do the same in the seat parallel to him. Marcus and Vince sat down beside each other at the same time, while Darius waited for me to make a move. He was attempting not to eye me but to keep his attention on Joey but it was easy to tell he was struggling. Darius wasn't sure where his place was anymore.

Joey didn't speak until everyone was seated. He liked to grab attention, that was evident. He was extremely quiet and patient while we piled in like the big mess we were.

I sat next to Nash, of course. This should be good.

"This has been a long time coming," Joey spoke to Nash in a smooth gesture. "I've been waiting for quite some time to finally meet with all of you."

"As have we," Nash spoke back. "I've been cautiously waiting..." He glanced towards me. "For everyone to come together again."

"Well, now that we've been acquainted," Joey grunted while adjusting his buttoned white shirt and realigning himself on the chair. "Our business is very precise. We've gathered a clientele within our years of operation with slim numbers to keep our partners satisfied. As of now, we have about seven men who come to us with specific preferences."

"In which location do you obtain possession of their needs?" Nash asked with seriousness.

Since the fuck when did he speak in that way? I must have forgotten he had a brain.

I was eying the two of them, squinting back and forth to them. They were speaking in a code that I should know but didn't bother to learn. Fuck, I needed to lay off the blow and get my head back in the game. I was off to a poor start.

I didn't turn around to view Vince or Marcus because I didn't want to expose myself to being lost. I was curious to know what they knew though. It couldn't be much. I could only assume Darius knew a glimpse of what they were talking about.

Fuck, I thought to myself again. I really shouldn't have done all that blow while he was talking to me.

"It depends on their requests. Some men like high quality goods while the others are more so interested in fast delivery. In the end, we try to give the best of what we can to our clients."

Drugs.

"I see," Nash nodded. "And what would you like for us to do to help you?"

"You see, some of the women are of high value which can be more difficult to obtain," Joey spoke while I frowned. "I have men who track down the girls of whom we need but it's become rather difficult. I know someone in your group," He glanced at me, "Who has slippery fingers and can get things easily. Importing the girls to our country will be handled by us, although supplying the needed formula to which they're... Kept under control and well behaved, will need to be supplied by you. In addition to this, if you track specific women closer to our location in a specific timeframe, you'll be of great value to us. We're starting to slowly expand."

"What is our main target?" Nash asked.

"Fifteen years of age to twenty-six is the range. Some younger, some older, depending on taste and appearance."

My teeth began to clench tighter together.

Nash smiled and leaned in closer, his interests doubling in size as his pupils.

My skin flushed a deeper temperature while I zoned in and out of their conversation. It was a hazy blur.

"We do the trade auctions in my location, based right outside of New York. The girls you'll be delivering as well as supplying to, will be based in Canada and the States."

My skin began to boil as Joey continued on. I knew this side of the world existed, I wasn't an idiot. But to come face to face with it officially, was fathoming. I couldn't comprehend how people could exploit women like this. And now I'm involved in it?

In all my years of living, playing my cards terribly wrong, and breathing in the life of crime; I never thought I'd join the business of human trafficking.

My fists balled, only realizing when the feeling of pierced skin from my fingernails stung upon my palms.

Interrupting Joey, I stood up. "No," I growled low.

Nash shot his eyes in my direction but his face remained cool. Vince frowned, the idiot having no clue what was going on. He was a moron. They all were morons.

"What?" Joey asked.

"I won't be involved." With that, I left out the doors, confident in my decision and royally pissed off.

Does Joey not realize who the fuck I am? Does Nash? I would easily rip his head off if I wanted to. I didn't need to be tested to know I can get shit done. I'd kill them both for involving me in this pathetic excuse of a money grab.

Before the doors completely shut behind me, all I heard was the faint muffles of Nash reassuring Joey that I was on board. Was he fucking dumb? No.

"He just has to see how we will operate first hand to make sure it's worth it. Trust me, he's in," I heard Nash hush out.

I didn't give a fuck anymore, I lit a smoke. It wasn't like the hotel staff would say shit considering the whole building was rented out by criminals. Besides, if they were so concerned of their lungs failing over one cigarette, I'd buy them off or knock them out. I was not in the mood to be pushed.

The firm grasp upon my shoulder was enough to send shivers on my arms. I couldn't tell if it was from fury or nerves. I whipped around to face Nash who had a rather very angry expression on his face.

"What the fuck were you thinking?!" Nash loudly whispered, voice drenched in panic and threat.

"I won't be apart of a sex operation, Nash," I calmly stated although the look on my face was evident that I was not playing around. I just needed to stay calm. All of this would go away.

"The fuck you are," Nash growled.

A flash of Lacey appeared in my head. I shook the thought away with a drag of my cancer stick. Then, like a lineup in my memory, Tyler's sisters enter my mind, each displaying innocent eyes.

I shivered.

The mere thought of any of them being slaves to sweaty, greasy men... I couldn't.

I didn't even tempt myself to place an image of her in my brain. I refused.

Where the fuck was my baggie?

"Eli, get your fucking head in the game," Nash said, a voice of almost reason. He needed me and it was only this very moment, that he accidentally let it show.

I eyed him momentarily but distracted myself in the back of my subconscious and instead stared through him. I felt like my brain was deteriorating.

"Nash don't fucking test me," I threatened and stepped closer to him.

"Brother, don't forget how you got yourself into this mess," Nash glowered.

I glared but remained silent.

"I'm certain you'd much rather see strangers sold rather than someone close to you, hm?" He asked with a simple manner.

I frowned and moved to attack him but stopped in my tracked when he lifted a finger up.

"Oh Ex, I admire your persistence. But don't worry, brother. I have a way to make it up to you, you see, I have a name that you might seem as familiar. When I introduce you to him, I will gift you the opportunity to have five minutes alone with him." He smiled, wicked.

"Who?" I asked, mad.

His smile widened. "In due time."

I couldn't focus anymore, I needed a fix to get my head back in it.

Would I be more up for this challenge if I was high? Hm.

Definitely not.

He would do anything, to make sure his needs were met.

"No," I threatened. I glared at him while smoke interrupted our vision.

He glared back.

There were wheels turning in his head, I can almost hear it.

"Ex, get your fucking ass back into the fucking room. Now." Final warning.

I yanked my arm back and released his death grip. I put my smoke back in my mouth and stormed back into the room, trying to restrain the rampage that was about to form.

I sat down and stared blankly at Joey.

It didn't stop me from catching a glimpse of Darius's dead eyes watching my movements. Vince was the most excited of them all, he almost couldn't contain the smile on his face.

I trained my eyes on Joey while he cautiously eyed me. He was curious but unsure. I had plans to keep it that way. On his toes, he must stay.

I silently listened to Joey continue on.

"And how many have you been successful with?" Nash inquired. It was only him and Joey speaking now. I assumed I was supposed to join their gossip session, but Nash would be a fool if he thought of that reality.

"Currently we have thirteen in possession. We've been rather successful, having a steady rate of thirty-five thousand to fifty thousand, depending on race. Innocence however, sells for much higher."

Joey seemed proud of himself.

Nash's eyes lit up, I could almost see the outline of dollar signs in his pupils.

How did my life turn into this?

"Innocence," Nash inquired with a smile.

"Virgins are of highest quality. Women who look innocent, who look like virgins are also of high value. They can be auctioned off for up to two hundred and fifty thousand a piece," Joey grinned.

Nash side eyed me for a moment.

I was fucked now. He knew what she looked like. They'd make a fortune off of her.

"Where are they located currently?" Nash asked. "Where are the thirteen?"

Joey eyed the room of no one else but my team and himself. "We have a few clients within the building this weekend."

I shivered, gnawing on the inside of my lip to the point where I tasted my own blood. I couldn't do this. But I had to protect my family.

I was going to die a hated man. I was going to end up in prison by the time this was over. Completely alone and betrayed.