Everyone Can Be Bought

(39) Recovery

When Softserve arrives I order the twins and Danny out of the room. Pierce has me on room arrest for the time being for some odd reason. Does he really think I'd go out and do something stupid with a hole in my arm? Okay....maybe it's a good thing I'm locked up. But this just seems like overkill.

"I heard about the shooting! Are you alright who did it!?! What can I do!?!"

"You can cut the act Softy, they can't hear us now." I struggle to push myself up against the headboard. Softserve helps me get situated.

"It wasn't all an act." He quiets his voice. "I really am worried about you."

"Did you bring it?" I ignore his concern and focus on the task at hand.

"One disposable phone as you requested." Softserve slides the black technology into my sweaty hand. This was my real reason of wanting Softserve contacted. We arranged a secret plan and I figured he would know what I wanted, knowing that Monster has accelerated his plans...whatever they are.

"Winters, Are you sure about this? I mean, Tanner's gang shot you and wanted to do worse than that. Your father could have attacked you earlier anytime he wanted but why is he suddenly doing it now?"

"That's what I intend to find out." I call the number on Frank Delgado's card he slipped to me in my bra...When I found it I was livid. To be fair, maybe Delgado didn't slip me his card. Brand was the one with his hands all over me that night. Let's pause for a second to let that sink in....ewh.

I'm greeted with a cranky scratchy voice that makes my skin crawl.

"Mr. Delgado." I fake a cheery voice and imagine the creases in his face tighten. "It's Tess Shay."

"Ah, yes! Miss Shay I'm delighted to hear from you."

"So delighted that you turned a wild dog loose on me the other night? Hmm?"

"You mean Brandon Winters? I vaguely remember something like that happening but I heard that you kicked that dog and left it whining. I'm throughly impressed."

"Impressed?"

"I was testing you. Just because you claimed to be Tess Shay doesn't mean you were. It would take a very strong and determined lady to turn down the handsome Brandon Winters. You not only refused but threw in a few hits. You passed by the way and you absolutely made my night."

"You're demented!" I snarl.

"I trust that you are already well aware. You knew that before meeting me. I'm no different than you."

"At least I'm secretive about my business. You flaunt it around like you're not afraid of getting caught!"

"I'm not as cunning as you my dear. I can't afford to get caught because I'm not confident enough that I'll escape like you can. Mr. Winters and I like to call what we do hiding in plain sight. I am secretive but only when need be. But that's beside the point. Since you passed the test I want to recruit you."

"I'm listening."

"I'm sure you know that my partner Nathaniel and I hire certain people out to companies who want certain things done. We also place our people out in the streets because it serves as a great side business with a lot of benefits. I want you to be included in that side business. You bring a powerful asset to the table." The line grows silent. I expect Delgado to give me more information but he doesn't; not like I need anymore. He just confirmed everything that Axel told us the day he came to our base.

So at least THAT wasn't a lie.

"I'm interested." I say at last when Softserve nudges me. I guess I spaced out thinking about the traitor.