Blackmail by A.L. Simpson Page A

built in Avery's eyes and after marking a trail down her face, they dripped from her chin. Ruby offered a tissue and the tears were swiped away. “I can't let you do it Kylie. Vince is too clever. He would see straight through you. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you. How would I face Glenda? No, I'll do it. I'm the only one Vince won't suspect. He’ll have heard how desperate I am. It won’t take much to convince him I’ve been living on the streets.”
    Gabe dragged his fingers through his hair and pleaded with his father. “Dad, you were on the force for more than forty years. Explain to Avery how careful and organized we are.”
    Before Grant could open his mouth, Avery interrupted. “Good, if you are all so careful and organized, you'll keep me safe. The others know me. They’re more likely to open up to me.”
    “Avery,” Gabe growled. He couldn't allow her to go back. How would he stand in the crowd and allow other men to ogle her body? He'd mop the floor with the bastards.
    She stared into his eyes. She noted the pleading and concern reflected there. “Vince said I would be back. That I would come crawling to him. I'm the obvious choice. You have all been so good to me, please let me do this for Tegan.”
    “Did you know her well?” Ruby asked quietly. “What was she like when she worked at that horrible place?”
    “Tegan was exquisite and in more than a physical sense. She was kind, gentle, patient. It was easy to believe she was older than fifteen. You raised a beautiful daughter and I vow to help you bring her killer to justice.”
    “She had been so quiet for the past few weeks. We thought it was because she had exams coming up, she always worried. When she stayed out late, we never questioned she wasn't at the library or a friend's house.” Tears welled in Grant's eyes as he spoke.
    “I'm so sorry,” Avery murmured.
    “I wish she’d come to us. We would have found a way to get her out of there.” Gabe added.
    “It might be too late for our daughter but let's get those fucking bastards behind bars before they hurt someone else’s daughter.” Ruby's swearing caused her husband's and son's heads to jerk around.
    “Mom,” Gabe admonished. His mother never swore. It was totally out of character.
    “Get over it, son. They are bastards, fucking assholes and a whole myriad of other gutter slime words I can think of.”
    Ruby's attitude helped alleviate some of the tension and they all chuckled.
    “Well, if that's decided, I'll get going. I'm happy to take over if Avery changes her mind. Call me.” Kylie hugged Ruby and Avery before Gabe escorted her back to the car. She opened the door but before getting in, turned to face him. “You make sure you have our best cops watching her. I swear to God if anything happens to her, I'll tear their fucking balls off and stuff 'em in their asses.
    Gabe chuckled. “I'll make sure she doesn't get hurt. No way am I going to let anything happen to her, ever.”
    So, the boss is losing his heart. She was elated. Avery deserved a good man like Gabe.
    “See you tomorrow.” She slipped behind the wheel.
    As Gabe stood watching the car drive away, a sick feeling invaded his gut.
    ****
    Avery sat alone on the balcony, deep in thought. Good one, Avery. How the hell am I going to cope with being back at the club? At least I'll have an out this time. I'll be protected. Will Gabe be watching over me too? She shivered. I could pretend he is the only one there, my dance could be exclusively for him.
    “We need to talk.” Gabe's voice brought her back to the present. Gruffness, almost anger tinged his speech. “Come down to the beach with me.” He offered her his hand and she slipped her soft hand into his calloused one.
    Ruby appeared from the kitchen. “Where are you off to? Do I need to hold dinner?”
    “How long do we have?” Gabe asked.
    “A couple of hours.”
    “We'll be back. We're going for a walk on the beach.”
    “Okay. Be