Chapter 56

"How long have you known Esguerra?" the man asks, addressing me. He has a British accent, mixed with a hint of something foreign and exotic. At the sound of his voice, Beth looks up, startled, and I see that she's back with us for the moment.

I hesitate for a second before answering. "About fifteen months," I finally say. I don't see the harm in revealing that much.

He lifts his eyebrows. "And he kept you hidden this whole time? Impressive . . ."

I suppress the sudden urge to snicker. Julian quite literally kept me hidden on his island, so this guy is more right than he realizes. My lips twitch involuntarily, and I see a flicker of surprise cross the man's face.

"Well, you're a brave little whore, aren't you?" he says slowly, watching me with his dark gaze. "Or do you think this is all a joke?"

I don't say anything in response. What can I say? No, I don't think it's a joke. I know you're going to torture me and probably kill me to get back at Julian. Somehow that just doesn't have the right ring to it.

His eyes narrow, and I realize I somehow managed to make him angry. He looks like a cobra about to strike. My heartbeat spikes, and I tense, bracing myself for a blow, but he simply reaches for his Strotter bag and opens it to reveal his iPad. Glancing down, he quickly types some email, then looks up at me. "Let's see if Esguerra thinks it's a joke," he says quietly, closing the bag. "For your sake, girl, I hope that's not the case."

Then he turns and walks away, heading back to where the other men are gathered.

* * *

Despite my terror and discomfort, I somehow manage to fall asleep in the chair. My body is still recovering from the operation, and I'm both physically and emotionally exhausted from the events of the past day.

I wake up to the sound of voices. The guy in the suit and the short one I had pegged as the leader are standing in front of me, setting up what looks like a large camera on a tall tripod.