6
PIPER
This was the third time I walked in the backdoor of a brothel. It was getting easier each time, perhaps because I knew that Wiley was around...somewhere to protect me. Perhaps it was because I was much more bold and daring than I'd ever been in my life. I'd been so sheltered on the ranch. Even with my family off doing terrible crimes, I had remained unaware and safe. Now, I was very aware and possibly not safe. I had to do this for Wiley, to let him have the revenge he deserved and the closure he so desperately sought. Only then could we get on with our lives, settle into his ranch and just...be.
The cook stood in the same place before the stove and looked at me, again with no expression or surprise. "Back, are you?"
I nodded, "Yes, ma'am. I'm...I'm desperate."
She looked me o
