The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Fifty-Eight

With the help of Ashley's father, Deon was released from police custody and extradited to the Canadian authorities. He accompanied Trevor and Ashley back home to Canada. Aside from a brief introduction with Ashley, Deon remained in the front of the plane, staying out of Trevor and Ashley's way.

As the plane flew back to Vancouver, Trevor and Ashley cuddled up together in an oversized bed watching TV.

"Prominent businessman Robert Whitman was arrested today in his New York City office in connection with the abduction of Ashley Morrison, wife of Trevor Morrison.

"In what can only be described as a sadistic and evil plot by Robert Whitman, Ms. Morrison was allegedly being used as a pawn in a hostile takeover attempt of Unity Inc.

"Ashley Morrison was pronounced dead just a few months ago from a tragic car accident. Upon learning the abrupt news of his wife's passing, Trevor Morrison temporarily stepped down from his position as President and CEO of Unity Inc. and had been in hiding."

"Hey, I wasn't in hiding," Trevor said, shouting at the TV.

"Quiet, I want to see this," Ashley said.

They continued to watch the news. Ashley had been in isolation for several months and was curious to see some of the backstory that led to her rescue.

"Robert Whitman is facing multiple felony charges, which include kidnapping, extortion, grand larceny, assault and battery, and attempted murder.

"According to sources close to Trevor Morrison, he was in New York City to take a meeting with one of Robert Whitman's shell companies, Trinity Global. However, the meeting took a turn for the worse when Morrison was taken at gunpoint by an associate of Robert Whitman's. The social media savvy Morrison live streamed the entire ordeal, which led to his wife's rescue and Whitman's arrest.

"You're my hero, babe," Ashley said, kissing Trevor on the cheek.

"Honestly, I had no idea I was even rescuing you. I got the glasses because I wanted to use them to live stream my trip to New York. I just so happened to be wearing them when I was picked up my Whitman's associate. When I got into the limo by myself, I became paranoid and activated the glasses."

"Smart thinking, hun," Ashley said. "Who would have thought your social media obsession and paranoia would one day save my life?"

"I got lucky."

"That seems to happen to you a lot."

"My life is truly blessed."

"I guess then I should let you live stream whenever you want, even in the apartment. You still have the apartment, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"Did you throw away any of my things?"

"No, but I did put all your stuff in boxes. They're in storage."

"Babe!"

"What, I thought you were dead. I was trying to move on."

"Wait, you don't have a girlfriend do you?"

Trevor laughed. "No, of course not. Up until yesterday, I was still in mourning."

"Did you sleep with anyone?" she asked. "I won't be mad if you did."

"No I didn't, I promise."

"Good," she said, kissing him.

"Did you?" Trevor asked reluctantly.

"What? No. I'm several months pregnant!"

"I don't know, it could have happened. You still look hot to me," Trevor said.

"You're so sweet."

Ashley let out a deep breath. "What a crazy life. I can't wait to be back home."

"We're probably going to have to lay low for a bit," Trevor said, "The media is going to be all over us."

"Perhaps instead of avoiding it, we should just do all the interviews and get it over with. Hopefully after that they'll just leave us alone and we can get back to our regular lives."

"Whatever makes you happy, babe."

"It feels so good to be with you again," Ashley said, cuddling Trevor.

"It feels a little surreal to me. I just hope I don't wake up from this dream."

"Me too. I'm curious to know what you've been up to in the past few months. You hired the street hustler, grew your hair out... what else can I expect to be different about you?"

"I don't know. I feel as though I'm the same guy you knew, perhaps with a new perspective on life now."

"Good, because I like that guy."

The flight continued for several more hours and the couple made themselves comfortable in the bedroom in the back of the plane. Lying together under covers, Trevor had one hand on Ashley's stomach as she proceeded to fill him in on her abduction and captivity.

"It was the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced," she recalled.

"I headed out to pick up some dry cleaning on my lunch break and when I got into my car, there was a man in the backseat with a gun and a mask. He shoved the gun into my side and said, 'I will kill you and your baby if you don't drive.' I drove to an underground parking facility where I was told to get out of my car and into the back of a van. I was blindfolded and gagged and my arms and feet were bound. I then remember being knocked unconscious with some sort of chemical. Probably chloroform. The next thing I remember, I woke up in a strange room with boarded up windows. I remained there for what seemed like an eternity with no contact with the outside world."

Trevor listened in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The level of stress and fear that Ashley must have endured was unfathomable.

"There were cameras all over the room, watching my every move," she continued. "I was given three meals a day, a proper shower, and a clean bed for me to sleep. On occasion two men would come in, but they never spoke and always wore masks. I was too afraid to fight back or run. I didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize the baby."

"My gosh, Ashley, I'm so sorry to hear that. Don't worry, this guy is going to get what's coming to him."

"I hope so."

"If it makes you feel any better, I knocked him out."

"Actually, that does make me feel a little better. My brave man. Looks like he got you pretty good too though, huh?" she said, checking his wounds.

"It's nothing. There were two big body guards that laid the boots to me after I hit him."

"Aww, my poor baby."

"Don't call me poor."