Page 38 of The Allure of Ruins

“You microwaved the phones,” Calhoun said with a grin. “Is that right?”

“I didn’t want him to be able to track anyone.”

“The computer hard drive at the bottom of the pool was a nice touch, though all the things that went in as well was a bit overkill.”

So much furniture, practically all the appliances, the TV from the living room, glassware and all the plates, bowls, and so many bottles of liquor.

“I didn’t do any of that. It’s kind of a blur, though. I remember being frantic and wanting to go, but I guess while I was destroying specific things, the others went wild.”

“You sound pleased,” Colton said.

“I am. That’s a lot of therapy right there.”

“You’re not wrong.” Colton choked on a laugh. “I love how the fish tank is pristine.”

“Not surprising. I hope they got a good home.”

“I’m certain the tank and fish were removed by a service,” Calhoun apprised me. “When we seize property, everything is calculated down to the penny. That’s what forensic accountants are for, to not miss anything. Like, there’s a fortune in art in this house, and again, no one touched any of that or the cars.”

“A lot of those pieces got me through some hard times,” I told him. “When things are happening to your body, you can disassociate, and it helps to have something to focus on, especially something beautiful. Not that I would ever want to see any of them ever again for as long as I live.”

“Well, I understand why you and the others went a bit scorched earth on this place.”

“And in such a short time,” I commented, because really, it was impressive.

Interesting to see the decimation of the kitchen, and then, in Gen’s office, the amount of paperwork, the open safe, and the safe behind it, the gold bars on display. The number of kilos of cocaine in the gun safe was also impressive. The rooms with locks on the outside were hard to see again, and the media room downstairs, where he could watch everything, as well as the over-the-top sex dungeon that I had missed being defaced.

“I’m sure it looks better destroyed than it did before,” Colton granted.

Yes, it did. Without question. So strange to think of myself living there, and worse, choosing that life. I had been so desperate to be loved and cherished that I accepted how I was treated, wagging my tail even as I was being tortured.

“Is that Antonov?” I heard Colton ask, and when I checked the tablet, realizing I’d been lost in my memories for a moment, there he was, the man who used to haunt my dreams, not allowing me to sleep, being walked out of his home in handcuffs by FBI agents. It was an amazing picture.

“Thank you so much,” I said, standing and offering Calhoun my hand. “I really appreciate your letting me have those images in my head instead of old ones.”

He stood up and took my hand. “You’re very welcome.”

“What’s going to happen with protection for Pax?” Colton asked.

“I’ve notified the Chicago PD, and they’ll have a patrol car in front of your place after five for the next month, and all day every weekend.”

“That makes sense. During the day I’m at work. I’m safe there.”

“Not his place, though,” Colton informed Calhoun. “At my place in Bucktown, that’s where he’ll be. His apartment is in an unsecured building near a not-so-great area. The cops would be too busy with other emergencies to watch out for him.”

“Then let’s do this. I’ll send some agents with you, you pack him up, and then they’ll escort you both to your place so we’ll know precisely where that is, as well as the layout.”

“That sounds great, thank you.”

As Calhoun walked to his desk to use his phone, I rounded on Colton. “Hello, do I have a say in any of this?”

The flick on my forehead was both painful and unexpected. Putting my hand over where it hurt, I tried to rub the sting away even as I glared at Colton. “Ow,” I grumbled.

“This is not up for debate, so I need you not to argue for once in your life.”

“I never argue with you unless you’re wrong.”

He flicked my ear that time.