anyone you took me.”
The smile that formed on his face was full of menace. “Too late for that, Corinne. This is your new home now.”
This man was deranged. Completely out of his mind. What had happened to him? She remembered him well and the principal she’d known had been friendly and quick to smile. This guy … he creeped her out.
“Why?” she blurted, dragging herself up by using the rails of the cot. “Why did you bring me here?”
“It’s the only place for you to go,” he said simply, as though that was a legitimate answer.
“Where am I?” she asked, although the location didn’t really matter, but it would help when she managed to escape. At least if she had her bearings, she would know which direction to head when she made it outside. Because she would make it outside, by God.
“Doesn’t matter. We’re miles from anyone who can help you.” He pointed toward the cot. “Lie down. I told you, it’s time for your bath.”
Cori shook her head vehemently. “No. Please.”
His eyes narrowed. “Don’t make me force you, because I will if I have to.”
Her gaze swung to the cot, then back to him. She couldn’t bring herself to move, even though she didn’t think he made idle threats. He certainly didn’t sound like he was joking.
“Last. Warning.”
Still, her feet wouldn’t move. A squeal escaped when his big hand curled around her bicep. He yanked her forward, tossing her like a rag doll. No sooner had she hit the mattress than he was on her, his entire weight holding her down as he straddled her middle. His hands were rough and angry as he gripped her wrist.
Cori fought because it was her only option. It did little to deter him as he restrained her wrists to the metal bars that were bolted to the wall. Her legs flailed when he got off her, but he easily subdued them, pinning them to the bed as he cuffed her ankles to the footboard.
“Please,” she begged. “Please don’t hurt me.”
“No one’s going to hurt you, Corinne. But you will have to learn some manners. Believe it or not, you’ll come to enjoy it here. After a while. A few years of training, and you’ll be a good little girl for me, Corinne.”
He sounded crazy. Like seriously insane.
“I should’ve thought about this sooner,” he continued. “Like sisters. The two of you can take care of each other while I’m away at work. And when I’m home, I’ll have two young wives to take care of me.” His eyes raked over her, brow furrowed. “Although you’re a little older than I’d like. It could work.”
Bile rose into her throat at what she thought he was saying, but she couldn’t speak.
“But don’t worry, Corinne. I won’t force you. Won’t have to. You’ll break. They always break.” His smile was feral. “Oh, yes. And that will be a lovely day indeed.”
Movement near the door had her eyes cutting over. A woman stood in the doorway, her face in shadow, her waist-length hair board straight, her dress… It looked handmade and something from another time period.
“What’re you gonna do to me?” Cori whimpered.
“I told you. It’s time for your bath. My sweet Emily’s going to help you out.”
“No!” Cori cried out as the woman stepped closer. “Please. I don’t want—”
The words died in her throat as the woman’s face came into view.
Oh, my God.
Chapter Fifteen
Unfortunately, getting ahold of Jason Montgomery was more difficult than Brantley had expected. However, not impossible. JJ was able to track him down, but rather than warn the man they were coming for a visit, Brantley decided to surprise him.
Reese whistled softly as they stepped into the building occupied by the Montgomery/Jones team of lawyers. “Nice office.”
“Law pays,” Brantley noted.
“That it does.”
“May I help you?” a cheerful young woman sitting behind a fancy glass desk asked as they approached.
“We’re here to see Jason Montgomery,” Brantley stated.
“Is Mr. Montgomery expecting you?”
“Doubtful, seein’ as he doesn’t know us.”
Seemingly confused by his sarcasm, the young woman’s eyebrows dipped.
“Doesn’t change the fact we’re here to talk to him,” he added when she made no effort to get him.
She hesitantly reached for the phone. “May I tell him who’s here to speak with him?”
Really? How polite could one person be?
“Brantley Walker and Reese Tavoularis. We’re with the governor’s task force.” He motioned toward the badge on his hip.
There were no signs of recognition, of course. For one, governor’s task force sounded like a lie. Definitely had to work