Yesterday’s Betrayal, Today’s Scars

Chapter 5 - A LESSON IN MANNERS

Alice

I'm always anxious when Star is on the job. I know she is the best at what she does. But it doesn't stop me from worrying. It's well after 3 am when Alex and I get the call she's home, and the package is awake.

We meet her in the garage. Once she parks, I see the sly smile on her face. Then it goes stoic as she opens the back, revealing a pissed-off man. His hands and feet are bound, and he’s blindfolded with his shirt tied around his head. He starts yelling profanities at us in Spanish.

When the word “puta” leaves his mouth Star has him by the hair in one hand, jerking his head back. The other hand has a knife to his throat. He goes very still and shuts his mouth. I can’t help but laugh.

Alex grabs him, throwing him over his large shoulder. Then, takes off in the direction of the habitat. Star and I follow but go to the observation deck to watch while hidden behind one-way glass. We both enjoy watching our jewels of the Nile when they get excited.

A few years ago, a smuggler brought us two Nile crocodiles. A female and a male. They handle disposal for us, and we provide them with a home free from poaching for the leather trade. I'm not sure who loves them more, Alex or Star.

Alex takes the thief, putting a leather strap firmly around his waist and looping the hook from the hoist through it. After removing his blindfold, he raises him over the habitat. The fear in him is palpable.

My phone beeps with a notification that a message on the secure line has come through from the Marino’s. I hold my phone up, showing Star. She sighs, then pulls her cell phone out, dialing them.

“Mr. Marino, can I assume you have found your manners?” she states, and I have to hold back a laugh. I watch as she places the phone on speaker. Then I hear his deep voice over the line, “I have, and I apologize. You can, however, understand my concern when someone breaks into my home.” he pauses.

“Yes, although I was on a tight schedule and figured this gift was time-sensitive. Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Marino?” comes her altered voice. He clears his throat and asks, “What do you want for this gift?” I see Star's face go red with anger. This i***t can't help but stick his foot in his mouth. “I want nothing. As I said, it was a gift. Do with it what you will.” she states.

“My sincere apologies, Lightning. I didn't mean to offend you. We’re going to need your disposal services for the objects of your gift.” he says. “We are happy to help. Normal drop-off location after funds are transferred. Will this be a living or expired drop?” she asks. “That depends on if you accept my special request, lightning.” “What’s the request, Mr. Marino?” Star looks at me, both of us knowing what he will say, and I smile wide at her. She is shaking her head no while I'm nodding yes adamantly.

“The rumors of your means of disposal have reached my ears. I want to watch.” his smooth and even tone comes over the line. There is a long pause as Star looks at me and Alex, who has joined us. We are both trying to contain our laughter. It's obvious his deep baritone voice does things to her, but she won't admit it.

Finally, she answers with a sigh. “The usual $5000 transferred within the hour. It's the same drop point; make it 5 pm this evening. You may watch, but follow my associate's instructions to the letter.” she explains firmly. I'm almost giddy with anticipation of how this will go.

When she hangs up, I burst out laughing. “You know that man's voice makes your girly parts tingle. Don’t try to deny it,” I exclaim. The blush that envelopes her face is glorious. “I'm shocked there is a man out there that gets your juices flowing,” my twin says. I'm rolling with laughter now. Alex has a satisfied look on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Star looks mortified.

“I don't mess around with men. You both know that,” she exclaims. We all know she's scared of getting close to anyone. Hell, we all are. “Hopefully, he’s as hot as his picture. I could use some eye candy,” Alex says. “You could always go to the club with Alice. She wanted a wingman or woman last night,” Star retorts, pointing at me. Alex raises an eyebrow at me, and I shrug.

Turning to me, Star tells me to send Hector a picture of his thief hanging from the lift with a message ready for pickup. Set a time ASAP so he is out of here. “Got it,” I say. Snapping a picture with my phone, then walk back to my dungeon.

I don’t particularly look forward to communicating with him again. His file shows he is hot as hell. But it's clear he is a pump them and dumps them boy by his track record with women. It's sad. I've only ever been attracted to two men. Dem owns Desire and has to have plenty of s****l partners, and Hector, by all accounts, is a manwhore.

Not that I could ever have a real relationship or want one. But why are the only two men who excite me those two? I think to myself. I must be more messed up than I thought.

Going into my office, I load the picture on my computer. With the message “pick-up within 24 hours at this location, give us your eta,” I send them. In less than three minutes, he replies, “1 pm tomorrow.” That works, I think to myself.

It's late, so I check all alarms are functioning as they should before I go to bed. I texted Star and Alex the pick-up so they'll be prepared as I punch in my code to my room.