Page 58 of Consuming Logan

“I’ve told you and everyone in this organization that I want the person or persons responsible for the attack. If anything happens to Logan, Ava, or the baby…I will personally bury a bullet in your gray matter.”

He nodded vigorously. “I understand, but that may be easier said than done. I found this on the dark web this morning.”

The dark web, the level of the Internet where illegal marketplaces like hers could only be accessed by a specific link and password. Social media had revolutionized the drug market by lowering the risk and multiplying her customer reach. Cryptocurrency as payment offered an advance over traditional currency. After all, it couldn’t be seized in a raid. Every organization looked for a more efficient way to do business. The Internet served as a neutral party, was there to serve them equally.

The Barren Mother read over the printout and then frowned. Seconds later she slammed her hand down on the desk.

“How dare Victor imply that we can’t get this done.” In her hand she held the equivalent of a contract for Monique Faulkner. Victor promised a one-million-dollar bounty for anyone who could bring him the girl with the bionic arm.

Placing the printout on her leather-bound calendar, she sat. Victor thought to make her appear weak. Not in this lifetime. The old demented pervert would get a taste of his own medicine before this was over.

“This is a mess,” the Barren Mother snarled. “Here,” she said shoving a stack of papers across the polished surface. “Now we actually have competition. Where are we in securing the girl?”

“No closer than we were on day one.”

She opened a center drawer, lifted out a letter opener, and placed it in clear view. Hawk’s eyes widened behind his studious spectacles.

Smiling, she let menace seep in her eyes. “Why is that?”

“She’s rarely alone,” Hawk replied, his voice steady. “There’s always nurses, doctors, and all these teenagers in her room. Her father, who looks like he could kill you with a gem clip, is in and out of the room all day long.”

“So,” she challenged, picking up the letter opener. “I’m very good with a blade,” she glanced up at him. “Did you know that?”

Hawk began to fidget. She liked it when men begged. Some would say she craved it. The power, the attention, the control. Being able to control another human being gave her a high beyond that of the Galaxy she moved from continent to continent.

“Barren Mother, please,” his hands trembled. No doubt, he remembered what she’d done with the hair clip. “Unfortunately for us, this young lady has been in the hospital repeatedly. She recognizes the regulars on staff. Any new faces that enter her room stick out like a sore thumb. In some ways, she’s almost impossible to get close to.”

“Nothing is impossible,” the Barren Mother corrected.

“When it comes to that girl it seems pretty damn close.”

Profane language in front of a lady. Now, that was unacceptable. He’d have to apologize for his crude language in her presence. But first, business.

She thought for a second. “I want an eye on Logan Masters. We could use him to get Monique out of the hospital. She’s very comfortable with him and Ava.”

Hawk’s eyes brightened. Why was she paying these fools? If she had to come up with all the ideas? Of course, men did have their uses. The occasional special assignment led to unexpected surprises. Sometimes.

“Once I leave here, I’ll make the phone call.”

Must she explain the simplest of tasks? Why, yes, she did.

“No,” she said through pursed lips. “I don’t want any additional people involved in my affairs. You’re paid a lot of money to give me alternatives, Hawk. I suggest you get to alternating.”

“Yes ma’am. What do you want me to do about Victor and the contract out on the girl?”

“Double the contract amount. If someone gets to her before we can, we’ll just have to take the bounty off their hands.”

“You’re going to steal Monique from the kidnapper?”

She leaned back in her chair, pleased with the brilliance of her plan. If Victor had people combing the hospital, attempting to take Monique, why not outbid him. Greed drove men to their own foolish end. It was their own fault. Why join the race when she could patiently wait at the end of the line with a loaded gun?

“Absolutely,” the Barren Mother smiled. “There’s no honor among thieves, Hawk, only dollar signs.”

Not that she needed any more money. Actually, she’d gotten bored with the money two decades ago, but she loved the thrill of pitting her wits against homeland security, against the authorities, against customs and border patrol, against them all.

She had spent a lifetime learning how to outsmart men. How to downplay her abilities. Ironically, she’d been rewarded handsomely for her efforts.

She thought about her family. In some ways she knew if Samuel and Rebecca Lynn discovered the truth about the role she played in drugs trafficked through the city, they would be devastated. She hoped they would be able to appreciate what she’d accomplished. She’d built an empire under their noses. And one day she intended to slam her brother’s nose in her success, and hopefully break it off.