Broken Toys by Glenda Thompson

Author:Glenda Thompson [Thompson, Glenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Texas; Secret Identity; betrayal; Texas Rangers; abuse survivor; kidnapping; human trafficking; Travelers; Gypsies; abduction; abuse; action; alcoholi
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2020-10-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

With his father at his side, Patrick tugged the right-hand door of the metal shipping container open. A shriek of rusty hinges split the humid air. Whimpers and scampering noises echoed from the shadows within. Patrick flipped on his flashlight. The batteries were weak, and its sickly, yellow gleam did little to cut through the gloom. Darkness lurked in every corner.

He unlocked the left-hand door and with a grunt shoved it open, banishing all except for the farthest shadows. A dozen steel cages with plywood floors lined the walls. The stench of urine, feces, and fear exploded from the space. Huddled at the back of each pen, except for one, sat a disheveled, frightened child.

“…ten, eleven.” Seamus slowly counted the children. He stopped at the last, empty kennel and turned on his son with a scowl. “I see you still haven’t found me a replacement.”

Patrick bit the inside of his cheek and silently counted to five. Between clenched teeth, he ground out, “I’m working on it.”

“Work faster. We’re almost out of time. And clean this place up.” He gestured at the cages. “None of our buyers would want something like this in his bed.”

Behind his father’s back, Patrick glowered.

“Don’t glare at me.” Seamus turned to face his son. “The auction is in ten days. We need this merchandise ready to sell, and we’re still short one. Are you going to be able to find me a replacement in time?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

His voice deceptively calm and cool, Seamus asked, “As far as you know?”

Disregarding the telltale muscle tic in his father's cheek that warned Patrick he needed to be careful, the boy replied, “Well, I can’t know any further that that, now can I?”

“Boy,” Seamus growled. Raising a fist, he closed the distance. “Don’t make me strike you.”

“Sir, yes, sir,” Patrick barked and mock-saluted his father.

Seamus’ features tightened. His fists clenched at his sides. “I really don’t need any of your smart-ass shit right now. Do you not realize what is at stake here? Do you know who these buyers are? Ever hear of the Hijós de Yucatán? They make MS-13 look like pussies. Do you really want to piss off people like that? Because I sure as hell don’t. Pull up your socks and find a replacement. Today.”

Patrick followed his old man as he stalked from the container. After locking the door behind him, the heat and humidity swamped his lungs. Damn, I hate South Texas. I could drown just standing here.

When considering his father’s parting words, a lazy smile turned up the corner of his lips. Maybe I don’t care if your buyers get pissed off. Maybe they will make you disappear for me.

****

For a change, Noah beat Cat home and did his best to shake off the shitty workday. Tonight’s the night. Excitement tinged with a touch of fear fluttered in his chest while the same old refrain echoed in his brain.

Broken toy, broken toy, broken toy.

He shook off the fear and jumped into a hot shower.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.