Eric hasn't spoken to me since the drama at the table last night.
Truth is, I don't care. He can act like I don't exist, it won't affect me.
I was at the office when Taylor texted me that he had something to share and we should meet up.
Coming to me was too risky so we chose a quiet restaurant where we should meet.
"I still don't trust this guy." Kent said as we drove to the location.
"We don't have to trust Taylor, as long as he'd benefit us, that's all I care about." I said.
"But what if he's not who he claims to be," Kent added.
At this point, I was losing it.
"Who cares Kent? Not me! We use him, once our goal is achieved, we dump him like we never knew him."
"Still, Adriana…"
"Look Kent, you failed me by letting Daven ruin those evidences. Taylor is all we've got now," I said, stopping the car.
"If you are that uncomfortable, you can stop here and I'll handle it on my own."
Kent didn't say a word after this so I continued driving in silence.
"Well, it's about time." Taylor said when we got to the location.
"It's your fault you picked such a far place." I said, taking a seat.
"I didn't know you were bringing company." He said, looking at Kent.
"This is Kent, my friend. Kent, meet Taylor."
"Nice to meet you." Taylor said.
"You too." Kent replied dryly.
"As I was saying, I have great news." Taylor said.
"You could have said it on the phone," Kent rolled his eyes.
I gave him a mean look, then faced Taylor.
"The drug dealings are not the only illicit business the Willinghams are involved in." He said.
Kent and I gave each other a look of astonishment. How does Taylor know so much?
"There's a lot more deeper shit." He said, turning his laptop screen to face me.
"There were pictures of deserted buildings.
"In these buildings, the Willinghams run the most dangerous human trafficking business," he explained.
My face froze in shock.
"What are you talking about?"
"Children and women go missing every hour and are shipped out of the country to be used as slaves or sex workers." Taylor continued.
"These people are ruthless," Kent gritted.
"Yes, and they are responsible for more than 99 percent of the cases in town."
Damn, my head was aching from the information.
I know they are bad people and they've done worse than this.
But the idea that I've been living under the same roof with those monsters was unsettling.
And the thought of Daven participating in all of this made my heart ache.
"So what's the plan?"
"The plan is, we would expose them. But this time, we will do it right." Taylor said.
"I'm still working on the plan. I just want you to be alert because I'll need you." He said.
"Alright. If you need any help now, you can contact Kent." I tapped Kent's shoulder.
"Good to know Adriana." Taylor said, smiling at Kent.
We headed back to the office and from there, I drove back home.
My whole body was sore from the long trip, I stretched my joints while taking slow steady steps into the house.
"Are you okay?" Daven's voice almost made me jump in fear. I didn't know he was behind me.
"I'm fine." I said without looking at him.
"You sure? You don't look fine," He said.
"Well, it's none of your business," I hastened up, so he kept walking behind me.
"Do you want to talk?" He asked.
"No Daven! And even if I do want to talk, do you know who I would be talking to?" I turned around to face him.
"Right. Eric. Why? Cuz he's my husband!" I raised my finger so he could see the ring.
"Ohkay, Good to know." He said then rushed ahead, leaving me behind.
"Heyy, Adriana," Isabelle and Selena called the moment I walked into the living room.
They were seated at a cute tea table, eating cupcakes and giggling.
"Come come!" Selena said.
This brat really is calling me?
I sighed, put on a fake smile, then walked up to them.
"What's up ladies?"
"You really need to help us decide on which dress would suit Isabelle the most."
My smile vanished instantly. They called me just to decide on a wedding dress, when the groom hadn't even consented for the wedding.
"Oh, I'm really very exhausted.
Can we do this some other time?" I smiled weakly.
"Oh come on, it wouldn't take time," Selena said, pulling me to sit next to her.
"Here, Rosemary tea," Isabelle said, handing me a cup. "All the stress would be gone in no time," She said.
"Thank you," I sipped as I helped them examine the dresses.
I wished I could tell them all.the dresses were ugly and none would fit her, but I had to control my tongue.
The rest of the week continued with Isabelle joining us for dinner every night and Grandma trying to convince Daven to agree on the wedding date.
I was more occupied with Taylor's mastermind revenge scheme and my work at the office.
I return home late most nights just so I can skip dinner and Isabelle's annoying face.
I was filled with joy when Taylor called me and told me to meet up.
"Time for our plan to come to life," He said with his usual menacing smile.
"The details."
"Well, Adriana, I have enough pictures, videos and even transactions between the Willinghams and their partners." He said.
"So?"
"So,we need to get them submitted in the right places," he said.
"And, we would need someone to give a statement."
"Like a witness statement?"
"Yes, someone very reliable, someone who the media would believe, Adriana."
"Taylor, are you sure?"
"Adriana, it's the best way. We don't want to fail. it wouldn't be good,"
I gulped hard. This wouldn't be easy, but it's for the mission and the mission always comes first.
For my late parents, and for me.
I stared at the scar on my wrist.
"Okay," I said.