God and Monsters

Chapter 16

The Basilisk Brotherhood lives in a bank in a suburb of Portland. Obviously, it was abandoned, though the sign outside the building still stands, the old name in bold blue letters. The entire front wall has been replaced with black slate, assumingly because it used to be glass when it was a business. What's more interesting is that they turned it into a mini skyscraper. I know damn well this bank didn't look this good when it was active, and it sure as shit didn't have at least five floors on top of it.

I swing open my door and inhale my cigarette one last time before stubbing it on the ground with my boot.
Stop littering.
Yes, baby.

I grab the butt and throw it in a little trash bag hanging in my car, the recyclable sack full of orange filters already. Exiting my Mustang, I slam the door shut and slowly approach the building. The parking lot is empty, so I'm assuming their cars are hidden in a garage somewhere. Several cameras watch me as I approach the front door. Glancing up, I stare directly into the lens hanging above the entrance, and seconds later, the door clicks. Two of the four brothers are waiting for me on the other side. Ryker and Kace, the former with his arms crossed and a frown tugging on his lips, and the latter with his hands tucked into his front pockets and a stoic expression.
They both eye me closely, so I put my hands up.

"I swear I'm not here to rob you. Scout's honor," I say with a grin. "You'd be dead already if you were."

I drop my hands, the smile on my face growing. Deciding I'll push their buttons one at a time instead of all at once, I remain quiet. We're standing in what used to be the main room; the teller station now closed off completely. Now, it's four walls, dimly lit with shiny gray wood flooring and deep navy blue walls. A single black leather couch is pushed up against the wall to my left, and I imagine this is where all unwelcome or untrusted guests are vetted before they're allowed into their home.

"You have two minutes to explain what the hell you want," Ryker says.

"Well, fuck, no pressure, right?" I widen my stance and cross my arms, appearing at ease. "Long story short, my girl was kidnapped by the Society. Sold off into the skin trade."

"You're L, and can't find her?" Kace challenges.

I keep my face blank as I meet his stare. His blue eyes are ice cold and unflinching, unconcerned with questioning my skills.

"I'm capable of a lot of things, Kace," I say quietly, unleashing a little bit of the darkness that's been festering inside my body. "Including finding exactly where your twin sister stays. Claremont Drive, right? Her twin girls, Kacey and Karla, are getting so big already. Eleven years old, am I right?"

He snarls and takes a step towards me, the first sign of emotion sparking in his eyes. Ryker's hand snaps out and lands on his chest, stopping him from advancing.
I forge on before any threats can leave their mouths. I have no interest in Kace's family.

"Her name is Roseanne Park. She was taken to Dr. Garrison's place to be treated for injuries from a car accident-one that they caused. The doctor had a penchant for taking his patients to his room and having his way with them, except with Rosie, he tried to kidnap her. He was killed by one of her kidnappers, Rio Sanchez, and when they left, they shut down the entire grid. The last thing I am is incapable, but I am also aware that the more people I have searching for her, the faster I am to find her.

"I am a patient woman, but not when it comes to getting my girl back." They're quiet for a few beats, their brains churning.

"What do you need us for?" Ryker asks finally.

"You trade in human organs," I answer. "Do you not?"

Ryker tilts his head to the side, contemplating my question. "If you know that, why would you want people who are in the market for people like your girlfriend to help you?"