Page 100 of Wallflower

“For the good of the plan. Less communication the better, remember?”

“I know, but even Shantel said you turned her away.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve done that, probably won’t be the last. She’s not the only cunt on the block.”

“Jesus Christ, do you have to talk about her like that? Just because you’ve been fucking her doesn’t mean she’s not a person. We’ve known her since we were kids, show her some respect.”

“Sounds like you want to dip your dick in her. Go hard, man. She’s all yours.” She can be the ever nagging thorn in Kyle’s side for once. The thought of my restraints on her wrists doesn’t even make my pulse quicken.

“That’s not—Fuck you’re annoying.”

I’m done with this conversation. “Let me know if you want to get dinner and tear up the town later,” I say, not bothering to wait for a response. I’m out of the car and heading for the lobby before Kyle’s even out of the rental.

Once I’m safely within the confines of my room, I dial Rose’s father. He picks up immediately. “Mr. Keller, I was getting worried.”

“Something’s come up, we will have to postpone our meeting.”

“With all due respect, you said this was about my girls. I’d like to meet as soon as possible.”

“Take it or leave it.”

His rage huffs into the mouthpiece. “Do you have kids?”

“No.”

“But surely you can grasp the severity of the situation.”

“Whether we meet now or in a few hours, it will make no difference. They most likely won’t be moved from where they are because you’ve made such a ruckus.”

“Is that good?”

“I don’t know. I’ll contact you tomorrow.” I hang up before he can respond, shutting off the phone so he can’t call incessantly.

I don’t know what I’m hoping to learn by meeting with Rose’s family, but if they sold their daughters there has to be something more she’s not telling me. Were they in unbelievable debt? Owe money to a loan shark, and this was their idea of breaking even? Is Patrick playing the part of the concerned father only to appear normal? Obviously, no reaction to such a crime would be suspicious. Is he baiting me? Hoping to find out what I know to glean if I’ll be a problem or not. There’s too many unknown variables, and I don’t like it. If I’m to have her, I do not want the authorities breaking down my door and stealing her away from me.

The knock on my hotel room door pulls me back to the present. “Who is it?” I call out, stepping to the side so if someone decides to shoot me through the wood, they’ll miss.

“It’s me, you grumpy asshole, now open up.” Moving across the room, I open the door for Kyle.

“You don’t still got your panties in a twist, do you?”

“No. Shut up. Fuck.”

I chuckle. Kyle always has a quick rebuttal, but since the start of this plan he’s been knocked off his game. It makes bugging him all the more amusing, even if the stress of it all is ruining his personality.

“Do you need something?” I ask.

“Shantel will be on the first flight out in the morning, apparently Glitch is pregnant.”

“Great, more rats.”

His annoyed eyes snap to mine, and I fight to keep my features neutral.

“You’re such a pain in the ass,” he mumbles.

“You love me, don’t you, bestie?”

“I’d love you more if you buy me a steak.”