Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

E vangeline

Perfection.

I wasn’t certain there could be a more perfect evening.

With Gage’s assistance, his patience and his care, I’d learned so much about a lifestyle that had terrified me up to this point. I had other reasons why it had, not just because of the visit to a club I’d had with my besties, but over the years, I’d done everything I could to try to pretend certain fears were for other reasons.

And I’d done a damn good job.

But as I sauntered to the suite I shared with the other girls, I realized I was easily happier than I’d been in a very long time. We’d gone back to his suite, doing nothing more than enjoying wine and some appetizers he’d had brought up by room service. He had such an incredible view and we’d sat outside, remaining close and cozy while enjoying the evening.

I’d wanted to stay but thought it best to return to my suite at some point. Just to try to separate business from pleasure. Right. Who was I kidding?

It was late but almost as soon as I walked into the suite, my phone rang. It had been in my purse the entire time and I’d chosen to keep it there. I certainly didn’t need to be tethered to it all the time.

Sadly, it stopped ringing before I could grab it. When I did, I became horrifically concerned. My mother had called at least a dozen times. She never did that.

I was frantic, heading into the kitchen and tossing my purse.

“Your mother called me.” Hearing Heidi’s voice startled me. I lifted my head. She had a strange look on her face.

“What did she want? I’m worried.”

She shrugged and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “Not my place to answer.” She started to walk out and I couldn’t have been more floored.

“What?”

When she turned back around, I sensed a total change in my friend’s demeanor. “Let me ask you a question. Why did you dare divorce Joseph? He tried his best to give you everything. Everything. You acted like he was nothing, like the world where you were raising a family meant nothing.”

What?

Seeing the venom in her eyes was shocking. I’d long believed her to be close with certain community members, but she’d always seemed so nonjudgmental.

I was so shocked I couldn’t respond at first. I was immediately taken back to a horrible night almost five years before when I’d been hunted down like some wayward dangerous animal, brought back home and…

“You know why. The community is… terrifying. The man is deranged.”

She shrugged again and my God, it was like I didn’t even know her. “So he wasn’t perfect. Who is? Maybe now you’ll realize you two really do belong together.” Her smile was polished, perfect.

And terrifying.

My phone started ringing again and I turned away, my stomach doing flipflops. “Mom. What’s wrong?”

“It’s the baby. He’s gone. He’s gone. I don’t know where. I can’t do this. I tried calling you and it was crazy. Even that friend of yours acted as if she didn’t care.”

So the bitch did talk to my mother.

“Mom. Calm down. What are you talking about?” I carried my purse into the living room, my heart racing.

“Joseph. Your father wasn’t here and he broke in with his buddies and took him. He snatched the baby!”

It wasn’t just fear that sweltered deep inside. It was rage. “Did you call the police?”

“Yes. They laughed at me and said it was a domestic dispute.”

“Even though I’m divorced and have a restraining order on the bastard?”

“I guess they don’t care. What can I do?”

“Nothing,” I told her. “Sit tight. I’m going to get the hell out of here. I’ll call you when I’m in the air.”

Why hadn’t I moved far away, not just across the city? I’d been lured into thinking the bastards couldn’t get to me or had decided not to bother. Besides, Joseph had a new girlfriend. Maybe that was a lie. What the hell was he doing?

He didn’t like to lose.

I dumped my phone into my purse and fled from the door. My best friends, the girls I’d trusted my entire life were a part of this. How had I not figured that out before? I was the biggest fool of all.

I headed to the elevator, still holding onto the keycard Gage had provided. When I stepped onto the private elevator, I tried to make a plan. First things first. Getting the hell off the island.

There was only one person who could help me do that quickly.

Gage.

I found myself pounding on his door while I was in the process of hyperventilating as the news my baby had been abducted finally settled in.

When he opened the door, he was in pajama bottoms, the look of concern on his face horrific. “Evangeline. What’s wrong?”

“I have to get off this island. Now. Can you help me? It must be tonight. I must get back to Connecticut. If I don’t, they’ve won. My baby. It’s crazy. I don’t know why I was stupid enough to leave him with my mother. Too close. Too fucking close. The bastards took him.”

“Whoa. Whoa. Come in. You’re rambling and very upset.” He pulled me inside and I didn’t object. Even as he sat me down on the couch, giving me a comforting rub before heading to the bar, I was so frozen, it was all I could do to keep from sobbing.

He brought me a drink seconds later and I didn’t care what it was. When I grasped the crystal tumbler from his hand, I looked up into his eyes. “Help me.”

“I can only help you if you tell me the truth.” He sat down in the chair only inches away, placing his drink on the coffee table and concentrating on me. “First of all, we don’t fly at night. It’s not safe. But something could be arranged first thing in the morning.”

“But. But…”

He threw up his hand. “The last thing you need to do is to panic. Talk to me calmly. What baby are we talking about? Who did this? Joseph?”

I had a feeling he knew more about my ex-husband than he’d let on. I took a sip of my drink and nodded. “Yes, my little boy. And the tribal council in the community initiated taking him.”

“Tribal council?”

I almost laughed. “It’s a long story. The community where I lived with my husband is different. Okay? I didn’t mention that before because most people can’t believe it. As with any community association, there is a board of directors. They are volunteers that help enforce the rules, collecting dues for care and maintenance of the common areas. But Weathered Heights is… dangerous. The men take their positions far too seriously. They determine who can move in, who can move out and trust me, that doesn’t happen often if ever. Only the best of the best from corporate moguls to politicians, old family money, and maybe a few entertainers are allowed. It’s crazy how controlling they are and have gotten more so over the years.”

“That’s… scary. Who did they take?”

I clasped my face in my hands, tears finally falling. “My son.”

He lifted his head, exhaling and looking away briefly. “Joseph’s?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not judging but I’m surprised you had a child with him. Were things better then when you made that decision?”

I laughed. “Better? No. I finally had decided to escape and while Joseph was at a business meeting, I pulled the car into the garage, packing a few items. I didn’t think anyone had seen me, but they have eyes and ears everywhere. I couldn’t get out of the neighborhood. They had every exit blocked.”

“What the fuck is wrong with these people?” Gage was angrier than I’d ever seen him, his entire face lit up like a firecracker.

“They think they are gods. Plus, they’re bringing up an entire generation of little drones, children eager and willing to fall into their parents’ footsteps. Including my friends. I didn’t know that until just now.”

“What happened then?”

I was embarrassed I’d never reported it or said anything about it. Even mentioning the primal hunt to my mother had her rolling her eyes and telling me I needed to stop allowing my wild imagination to get the best of me. I couldn’t look at him as I’d mentioned what happened.

“I know you’re not going to believe me but everything I’m about to tell you is true. The council members set up a primal hunt. There are areas of woods in the community, one huge one directly in the center of the homes. When I couldn’t get away by car, I knew of a way to get out through the forest. Big mistake. They chased me. They… chased me. They were chanting and I swear they were crazy, acting like barbarians.”

I wasn’t certain whether the quiet meant he didn’t believe me. When I lifted my head, I could gather easily that Gage was plotting revenge. God, I wanted him to hunt them all down, killing every one of them.

“Fucking bastards. It’s unbelievable what the need for control can do.”

“Yeah. Then I was locked in the house and… impregnated, which was what everyone wanted. I couldn’t leave. It took me years to figure out a way. Even then, I have no clue why they let me go.”

“They must have had their reasons. Not good ones. Maybe someone knew something. What’s the baby’s name?”

“Damien. He’s the sweetest, most unaffected four-year-old in the world. He’s my everything. I hesitated leaving him to come here because I never do, but my mother assured me everything would be okay. I was so damn stupid. So stupid. They live in the community on the outskirts. This was the perfect opportunity to take him, which is what Joseph had wanted. His flesh and blood means everything. Clout. Influence. Money. It’s crazy. I should have left the city, but I felt guilty for doing so because of my parents. Besides, my regular sitter for the few times I’d been away at night flaked out. But where is my father in all this? Why doesn’t he seem concerned? I don’t know who to trust any longer.”

“Well, one thing is for certain. You can trust me. Do you need to go back to your room?” he asked and I had a feeling he was hopeful I’d say no.

“I have a bad feeling they’ll try and stop me from leaving. I didn’t think they were a part of it.”

“They were watching you, likely giving Joseph details. I know this is hard, but how long has this trip been planned?”

Swallowing hard, I had to think about it. “Only about six weeks. Up until then we were just going to Martha’s Vineyard, but Heidi got a wild hair.”

“Yeah, perfect.” He rubbed his jaw. “Can you trust me? I mean really place your trust in me?”

“Yes, I can.” There was no question. I could.

“Maybe you don’t know very much about my family, but we have more power than your tribal council. I need to make a few phone calls. You’re going to stay right here with me.”

I grasped his hand. “I can’t allow my baby to be with that monster.”

“I assure you we will get him back. You have my promise.”

Gage

What the fuck?

The community sounded like something out of a horror flick.

It was all I could do not to put my fist through the wall. What I did know was making her more excited and terrified than she already was wouldn’t help the situation in the least.

What I needed do was figure out the best plan. First call, Travis to arrange for my private flight. He was none too happy being awakened at almost three, but he’d get over it.

“It’s becoming a habit, boss,” Travis said, yawning.

“Yeah, well, you might need to get used to it. I need my plane ready first thing in the morning.”

“Destination?”

“San Diego.”

“Okay. That’s out of the blue.”

“Maybe but necessary. Let me know when the jet is ready.”

“Will do.”

Second was calling Valerio. Maybe he’d found out something.

“Hey bro,” he said, half laughing. “You’re up late. What’s up?”

“What did you find out about Joseph, his parents, the fucking community where they live, and even her parents? I need to know.”

“Whoa. What community? I had no idea. Joseph is a piece of work, destroying a smaller company less than a month ago but I don’t have much on his parents. What’s going on?”

“The name is Weathered Heights. Think community from hell where old men control everything. Moving in and out, likely making people disappear. They took her child.”

“They. Her child. I take it you mean Evangeline.”

“Yes!”

“Just tell me the story.”

So I did, trying to relay it the best I could. When I told him about the primal hunt, I heard my brother cursing. “We need to dispatch anyone we know to look for this kid.”

“My God. What you just told me sounds nuts, but I believe you. I’ll need a picture of the little boy if possible.”

“Yeah, well, Joseph will have him tucked away somewhere by now. I’ll try and get one.”

“Still, get me one if you can.”

“Okay. I’m headed back in the morning with Evangeline. The community is exclusive so it should be easy to find. See what you can discover.” I thought about the events that had occurred. “Add a name to the mix. Christopher Bentley. I have a feeling he is tight with this mob of people.”

“Whew. Okay. I’ll ask for Braxton’s help on this. Just don’t get yourself in the middle of something you can’t get yourself out of.”

“You know me.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

After we hung up, I debated if there was anything else I could do. There was one thing. I could put the gruesome group on notice. I knew it was risky but if this community was as dangerous as she said, and I suspected it was, they would still have no idea what I was capable of.

I headed back into the living room, stopping a few feet from the couch. Evangeline was asleep.

As I gathered her into my arms, she murmured, even opening her eyes once as she placed her hand on my chest. For a woman who had no reason to trust anyone, the fact she’d placed her trust in me was daunting. But also promising.

I walked her to my room, pulling back the covers and gently placing her underneath. After pulling them tightly around her chest, I brushed my fingers across her face. I couldn’t imagine what else had been done to her.

A fucking hunt. I still couldn’t get it off my mind. I’d heard of community associations gone wild, including guns being brought to board meetings, but what she’d told me was terrifying. The fuckers needed to pay for what they’d done.

And I was just the man to make that happen.

I threw on some clothes and even grabbed a weapon. I could never be too careful with the members of the horrible group.

I headed to the door, ensuring it was locked. I doubted she’d try to leave given how distraught she was, but if she woke up and I wasn’t there, it would scare her.

As I drove in the dark to Christopher’s bungalow, I had to face the facts that my early interference might have escalated things. Although I had no doubt the trip was meant to take her out of the country so she’d have limited recourse for stopping Joseph.

I was on the porch and pounding on the door within seconds. When the bastard didn’t rise and shine quickly, I pounded again, prepared to break in if I needed to.

He threw the door open, ready to growl at whoever was standing on the opposite side.

He didn’t have the chance. I had my hand wrapped around his throat so fast I was certain his head had tried to spin.

The small light turned on inside barely reflected the terror in his eyes, but I felt it. I slammed him against the wall, squeezing until I sensed he was turning red, choking already. I did so love the sound of a man spitting and squirming to breathe.

“What the fuck did you do?” My voice was exceptionally quiet, calm, and reserved. Of course, the man was wheezing, finding it impossible given my iron hold to catch his breath. Was I supposed to feel sorry for him that my hold was strangling? Well, too bad.

He couldn’t speak or breathe but I kept my hold for a full minute before backing off just enough. Up until now, he hadn’t fought me in the least, the shock too significant.

“Now, I’m going to let go of you and we’re going to talk about this community in Connecticut, the people involved in this basic cult, what you have to do with them and where the fuck the child is. Understood? Grunt if you get it.”

At least he did that.

I let go of his throat. However, I’d learned a long time ago never to underestimate your opponent. Or in this case, your enemy.

When he took a wild swing, I easily caught his fist, twisting his arm in a martial arts move. “Now, I can either break your arm, bad enough it will likely require surgery, or you can calm down and talk to me. Man to man. It’s your choice, Christopher.”

I could swear the man was debating. Finally, he nodded. I let go, cocking my head and studying him. I gave him time to recover as I walked to his bar, which was close. He couldn’t make any moves at this point. Or if he dared try, he would face the kind of wrath he didn’t like.

A broken arm would be the least of his worries.

I made myself a scotch, turning around and facing him. He was clearly unnerved, which was dandy by me.

“You heard my questions. I need answers.”

“You’re one crazy fuck, Gage, if you dare think going up against a group like the Elite will do anything but get you killed.”

“The Elite. The elite what?” I snickered. “Assholes? This council who runs the little world in the community?”

“You can’t understand how powerful they are.” He was nervous, heading to the bar. His hand was shaking and I allowed him to make a drink so he’d calm down and hopefully spill his guts.

I also ensured he noticed my gun sticking out the front of my trousers. He studied it for a few seconds before lifting his gaze.

“What I can understand is that they think they are gods. In the process, they kidnapped a little boy from his grandparents and his mother. It was done on purpose. You were told to enlist the help of Heidi and her bunch of witch friends. Yes?”

“Don’t let Evangeline’s father fool you. He’s one of them.”

That didn’t strike me with any level of shock. I’d suspected as much. I had a feeling Evangeline had shut down the concept in her attempt at believing her parents were totally good. “Her mother?”

“She’s just another pawn, for God’s sake. They pick women who eventually won’t fight back or if they do, something is held over their heads. Like Evangeline was with her mother. They will stop at nothing to get what they want.”

“You knew about the divorce.”

His sigh was heavy. “Yes, but I couldn’t understand why they let her go in the first place. It doesn’t happen. Unless people disappear.”

At least he’d confirmed what I’d suspected.

“Where do you come into play with this?”

He took a long swig of his drink, half laughing and half choking. “Like I said, you don’t get to leave the society. If you are allowed for any reason, you owe them bigtime. I had payments that had to be made. Luring Evangeline here was an easy one. A vacation. Her friend’s bachelorette party. It fit right in with her social media profession. But they want more. Blood.”

“Blood, huh. Well, I’m out for blood too. Who’s the fucking leader of this cult?”

He laughed. There were even beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face.

“Talk to me. Now.”

“Heidi’s father! He’s always been in charge. His name is Dreyfuss Winston.”

“How could Evangeline not know?” I was musing more to myself.

“Are you kidding me? The man is the best well-kept secret in all of New England. I think there are other cults who worship the man and what’s he’s been able to accomplish. He uses his minions to do the dirty work, sitting back and enjoying the spoils of war.”

“Much like a mafia organization.”

“Very much so but get this. Most crime syndicates are afraid of the man and the group within this community. The council members could make a phone call and lives are destroyed. The bastards tout the area is free of crime. Yeah, right. They create their own rules.”

At least now I knew what I was up against. I was a little surprised he was being so forthcoming but I had a feeling he’d been burned more than once.

“Where would they take the kid?”

He appeared more nervous than ever. “That I can’t be certain and I swear to God, I really didn’t know all the details of what they had planned.”

“What about your nephew? Is that why you were given some leeway?”

After taking a huge swallow of his drink, he nodded. “Yes, but that adds pressure. My nephew is going to be someone within the group. Do you understand?”

I think I did.

“Fine, Christopher. I know you’re going to tell the powers that be I was here. I have no issue with that. You will also give them a message for me. I’m coming for them. And they won’t know how or when but I will bring down the wrath of God when I do.” I powered back a good portion of my drink before slamming the glass down onto the bar. As I headed toward the door, I heard him mumbling something. What did I care?

“Heed my warning, Gage. They are more powerful than you think they are.”

My turn to laugh. “So am I.”