Debt Collector's Due

“They’re trying to draw you out.”

“You expect me not to answer them?” She rasps.

“If you respond, what are you going to say Because I know exactly what they’ll tell you. Give yourself up, agree to meet them, and they’ll spare your Father. Sure they will until they get you all in one place and slaughter you all in one swoop.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do. Because it’s my job to.”

She shakes her head.

“You willing to bet Kier’s life on it.”

She grips her throat and shakes her head. “Oh, my God. Of course not.”

“You need to stop letting your emotions rule you. You know how this goes as well as I do.”

“Not all of us can separate our feelings so easily.”

“It’s what’s made me the best at what I do,” I say blankly. This is about keeping them safe. I can live with her hate as long as she’s breathing. “Give me the phone and let me listen to their messages.”

I take the phone and move into the living room as she begins to pace.

“If you want to see your father alive again. You’ll make immediate arrangements. Every hour you remain silent, he’ll lose another item.”

I grit my teeth. The type of guilt she’d feel over this would kill her soul.

“Do you know why they’re doing this?” I ask.

“No. I don’t care about his empire.”

“Maybe not, but Kier is currently the rightful heir to it.”

“Oh, My God.”

I nod. “They want to tie loose ends.”

“I can’t let that happen.”

I wrap my arm around her waist. “I won’t let anything happen to either of you. But I need you all in to make this problem go away.”

“I thought we were safe here.”

“You should be, but I don’t deal in uncertainties. So, you go into your room, clean yourself up, and calm down. I’ll play hardball.”

She hesitates. “You either trust me or you don’t love. Can’t be in-between on that.”

“I trust you.”

“Then go.” She doesn’t need to see this side of me, not when her father’s life is in the balance. He gave me a task. No, he returned the task that was rightfully mine, protecting my family, and that’s what I’m going to do at any cost. I walk out to the back of the house and redial.

“I didn’t think you’d have the guts to call back. I’m impressed.”

“Hate to disappoint you then.”

“Who is this?” the man snarls.

“Alfie Bowring. You know.”