Chapter Eighteen

The Downpour

Bennett

Glancing out of the enormous expanse of glass, Bennett’s gaze settled on the place where the stretching overcast sky bled into the top of gray skyscrapers. Wherever he looked, the world was awash with sinister clouds, as though the ominous weather was trying to send him a message.

Something’s not right.

Bennett was hardly a superstitious man. He’d never believed in any god and had never given any thought to so-called ‘signs from the universe,’ but the older he got, the more pensive he found himself on the subject.

The life that had once only revolved around lines of white powder and pussy, now seemed to hold a much greater gravity. Staring out at the city, he realized his existence was about more than only the extent of his ego.

He had to start thinking about legacy. He had a daughter, for fuck’s sake—someone else to give a shit about—but so far, all he’d done was make things worse for her.

“I traded her for money.” He flinched, lowering his chin as his voice steamed up the pane. “I dumped her in the woods.”

Resting his forehead against the glass, his heart fell. Like a snake hiding in the long grass, he had done those things. He was supposed to be Ella’s father, yet he’d sold her out. It had all been his idea. Bowman hadn’t even contemplated taking Ella before he’d suggested it. Hell, the moron probably hadn’t even known Bennett had a daughter until then.

“I thrust them together.” His knees buckled as the words resounded, guilt resonating through his body. Remorse wasn’t something Bennett was used to experiencing, and he grimaced as the words tumbled from his mouth. “I forced them into that hut, and now he’s dragged her to this shithole.”

His gaze rose to take in the grim landscape beyond his window. Kenner had been fleeting with his feedback about Ella’s whereabouts, but all he’d told Bennett so far was that she was somewhere in this concrete jungle.

“I have to call him.” He reached into his pocket and tugged out his phone. “Need to find out where she is.”

He scanned his contacts, his stomach lurching as his fingertip grazed over Kenner’s name. Not so long ago, Kenner had been his benefactor, but now he was an obstacle between him and his daughter. Bennett’s free hand balled into a fist as his anxiety morphed into resentment. It was as if he had to impress Kenner before he’d pass on her location. Bennett despised him for that.

Hitting the button to make the call, he turned his back to the city and leaned against the window. The dialing tone reverberated through his eardrum and down his treacherous spine, exacerbating his churning trepidation.

“Bennett.” Kenner’s reply echoed down the line like an exasperated sigh. “What is it?”

“Well, hello to you, too.” Bennett’s attempt at levity vanished at the gruff tone that greeted him.

“I said, what is it?”

Typical Kenner. He’d always been an asshole, but he was a rich one and the sort of ally Bennett had needed to keep on his side.

“I want to know where my daughter is.” Bennett might as well cut straight to the point. Kenner’s terse response invited his directness, and he was more than happy to oblige the jerk.

“Why?” Kenner’s answer was equally brusque.

“Because she’s my fucking daughter!”

Bennett pressed his palm against the glass, unable to fathom Kenner’s question. Sure, he didn’t think Kenner had any kids of his own—he’d certainly never mentioned any—but he couldn’t be that dim, could he? Surely, he understood why not knowing Ella’s whereabouts would cause Bennett concern.

“Careful how you talk to me.” Kenner’s tone lowered. “You owe me a lot of fucking favors, Bennett.”

“I know.” Bennett’s stomach clenched at the thinly veiled warning. “I realize, and I’m thankful.”

“Good.”

“But I’m worried about Ella.” Bennett sounded pitiful, but he couldn’t deny the truth of his words. He might be the cause of his daughter’s woes, but he was worried. “I need to know if she’s okay.”

“She’s still holed up with Bowman as I hear it.” Kenner’s voice rang out with indifference. “But I understand their pairing is more consensual than ‘captor and captive’ these days.”

“What?” Bennett blinked at the back of the blue couch. “What do you mean by that?”

“I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.”

Though he couldn’t see Kenner’s face, Bennett had the distinct impression the bastard was smirking.

“I can’t believe this.” Bennett’s head was as thick with clouds as the skies outside his window, and he wasn’t sure if he’d said the words aloud or not. “Can you tell me where she is?”

“Why?” Kenner snorted. “Isn’t it a bit late to rush in and play Daddy?”

Kenner’s question stung more than it had the right to. Aside from his financial backing, Kenner meant nothing to him, and he shouldn’t care what a worm like him thought about his parenting style, yet somehow, his criticism hurt.

“I’d like to see her.” Bennett swallowed down his upset, determined to get what he’d called for. He’d find out where Ella was and go to her. It was the only way he’d be able to reassure himself that she was okay. As for the idea that she was somehow emotionally attached to the asshole, Bowman, he didn’t believe that for a moment, but he supposed he’d discover the truth for himself.

“Fine.” Kenner blew out a breath. “I’ll message you the address where he has her. Anything else?”

“No.” Despite Bennett’s growing loathing of Kenner, he was grateful for his cooperation. “Thanks.”

“Sooner or later, we’re going to have to talk about how you’ll repay me, Bennett.”

“Yeah.” Bennett closed his eyes, trying not to imagine what Kenner had in mind. He’d been expecting a comment like that one for a while. It was only a matter of time before his luck ran out. “I guess we will.”

The line went dead before he had time to dwell on what his reparations might look like, his device buzzing in his hand before he’d even had time to lower it from his ear.

That’s Kenner! Bennett’s heart sped up. He’s messaging with Ella’s address!

“That was fast,” he muttered. Kenner wasn’t usually so efficient, but hell, Bennett wasn’t complaining. Once he knew where she was, he could plan to reach out to her. He might not deserve another chance with Ella, but he desperately hoped for one.

Flicking into his messages, his pulse accelerated as he took in the incoming missive. It wasn’t from Kenner at all but from someone he hadn’t heard from for years.

“Collins.” He scowled as a mental image of his former associate popped into his mind. “What do you want?”

Hey, dickhead! The idiot who’d once hung around Kenner like a fly around a bad smell conveyed all the grace Bennett recalled him having. Long time no see.

Bennett didn’t like to point out that Collins still couldn’t technically ‘see’ him. He figured that might be stretching Collins’ brainpower a little far.

What do you want?

Bennett fired off his irritated reply, clutching his phone as he strode to the sofa and collapsed onto the soft cushions. He didn’t know how Collins got his number, but he’d rather not have to deal with morons like him, especially when he was so concerned about Ella.

I know something you don’t.

Collins’ reply arrived almost immediately, exuding the kind of smug glee Bennett associated with Kenner and all his associates.

Oh, really? Bennett answered. That would be a first…

Fuck you. Once more, the device vibrated quickly after Bennett’s message was sent. It’s about the guy your daughter is shacked up with.

That got Bennett’s attention, his back straightening as his thoughts returned to Ella.

What about my daughter?

His heart hammered as he waited for Collins’ response. Inevitably, this time, the seconds protracted to minutes as though Collins intentionally intended to maim Bennett.

Not her. Him.

Only three words, but they offered Bennett little in the way of consolation.

What about him? Bennett tried again.

Guess who Kenner’s paying to kill him?

Kill him? Bennett read the message over and over again, his galloping pulse demonstrating his unease.

So, Kenner wanted Bowman dead? That made sense. Virtually everyone seemed to have beef with Bowman these days, and Bennett would certainly be happy to bury him, but if Collins’ inference was correct and he was being paid to assassinate Bowman while he was staying with Ella, what did that mean for her?

Could she be safe with creeps like Collins skulking around, looking to take out her captor? And what if what Kenner had said was true? If Bowman was more than only a kidnapper to her—and he despised the thought that he could be—she was potentially in real danger. Men like Collins wouldn’t think twice about taking out a woman who got in their way, and if, God forbid, she attempted to try to protect Bowman, things could go very badly indeed.

Returning his focus to his phone, he typed his reply.

You’re going to kill Bowman?

That’s right .

Bennett blinked at Collins’ reaction, a thousand worst-case scenarios playing out in his head.

When?

Whatever Collins’ answer, he had to get to Ella before him, had to let her know she was in imminent danger.

Later tonight . Collins’ arrogance practically oozed from his message. I thought you’d like to know. If you’re lucky, I’ll leave your girl untouched.

Fuck you.

Bennett typed his message but paused before he hit send, deleting the profanity. It wouldn’t do to piss off the guy who was planning to eliminate Bowman in Ella’s presence. Better that he bite his tongue and blow smoke up Collins’ ass—for the time being, at least.

Thanks for letting me know.

In the end, there was nothing else to say. Ultimately, Bennett was grateful Collins had brought this to his attention. Otherwise, he would never have known the hazards waiting just around the corner for his daughter. Otherwise, he’d have been impotent at this most critical juncture.

Ella.

Squeezing his eyes closed, a picture of his smiling daughter burst into his mind. He’d been a deplorable father so far, ignoring her for the longest time before trying to manipulate her with bribes and presents. Then, when Ella no doubt believed he couldn’t get any lower, he’d convinced her to stay with him and drugged her before driving her bound body to the woods to leave for Bowman.

What sort of father did that?

“A shit one.”

Regret swelled as he leaned back against the cushion. He’d never fancied himself as much of a parent, but even given his lack of experience in the role, he’d royally fucked up where Ella was concerned. He had to do better, had to utilize Collins’ gloating to their advantage.

“Don’t worry, Ella.”

By the time his phone buzzed again and his gaze flickered open, Bennett was resolved. His latest missive was from Kenner—a curt memo with the address details he needed to find Ella.

Thanks. I owe you.

He fired the feigned gratitude back to Kenner, although, in truth, it wasn’t fake at all. Without that address, he couldn’t get to Ella, couldn’t warn her about the impending danger. He’d been nothing but a bastard to his only child, had consistently let her down, but on this one critical point, he wouldn’t fail her.

He had to keep Ella alive.

Oh, I know.

Kenner’s reply jarred Bennett from his somber thoughts but did nothing to assuage his apprehensive mood.

Checking his watch, he slid his phone into his trouser pocket and hurried to his feet. He needed to leave to get across town to the address Kenner had sent him, and that’s all he knew. He’d figure out the rest of the plan once he got there. He didn’t have a choice.

Turning back to the vast window where he’d been standing, he noticed that the heavy clouds he’d eyed had already opened and dropped their contents over the metropolis. The dark swathe of clouds extending over the skyline looked like something out of one of those cheap horror movies his ex-lovers had made him endure.

He shook his head, pushing the unhelpful notion away. Losing his cool now wouldn’t aid him or help Ella. Reaching for his jacket, he pulled it over his shoulders and found his keys. Shoving the metal into a hip pocket, he walked quickly to the kitchen and collected the only weapon he could easily get his hands on—a long and serrated knife.

Heading back to the front door, only one thought dominated Bennett’s head.

He had to get to Ella before Collins did.