Sex slaves.
Ryan’s stomach turned over at the scene before him. The reality of it stole his breath, same as the pictures of the women murdered for their organs.
An array of adolescent females sat on several cots the men had arranged outside the container. The hope that lit the girls’ and women’s eyes far outshone their condition. When they realized they were free, they spilled outside. They blinked as the sun shimmered on the traces of dew that lingered on the blades of grass and weeds that sprouted in patches around their makeshift prison.
The police had arrived, but didn’t seem overly interested in the women. Abdul and Hamid were escorted to the hospital under police guard. The Sheikh’s nephew, Hassan, and one other envoy also traveled with them to ensure the men didn’t disappear, or were released on bail before Vikkas could bring charges against them that would stick.
Ryan’s gaze left the women and returned to the surrounding group, which included two high-ranking police officers, Daron, Dro, Nicco, Bashir, and Angela.
“This isn’t finished,” Ryan said while the policemen shuffled their feet, as if eager to be on their way. “What’s the process for dealing with these women?”
The officers exchanged a perplexed look, then the one wearing a comb-over cleared his throat. “We have to question them and find housing, which might be difficult.”
“Why should that be a problem?” Angela asked, frowning. “It’s clear that a crime has been committed against these women. It’s the state’s responsibility to provide accommodation until they have somewhere to go.”
“This isn’t America.” Nicco’s tone was gruff. “And these two don’t seem ready or willing to deal with this situation.”
The uniformed men hemmed and hawed but didn’t propose any feasible course of action.
Dro eased out his phone, speed-dialed, and put it to his ear. “I’ll get on the line with Sheikh Kamran. He and the Sheikha will come up with something. “
“This is right up their street,” Daron said. “They have a facility that should be able to accommodate at least some of the women.”
An uneasy glance passed between the policemen. “We will contact our headquarters and see how we can work with you to resolve this problem.”
“You had your chance,” Daron said, and waved at them in a dismissive gesture. “We’ve got this.”
A sour smile came to Ryan’s lips. The world over, some people only bowed to affluence and influence. This should not be the case in a sensitive situation like this one. All the same, some kind of response was better than no response from the authorities.
His gaze drifted to Aziza. More than anything, he wanted to wrap himself around her and never let her out of his sight. She was in conversation with the Senegalese woman who sat on one side, while her arm rested over the shoulder of a young Indian girl.
Aside from bruising around Aziza’s jaw, she didn’t seem injured. He grinned at the thought of her holding the guards captive. He’d forgotten there was a whole other side to the woman he loved. Drake and he had rolled their eyes at her persistence, but included her in the self-defense moves they had learned during those long summer months in Evanston. Who knew that stuff would come in helpful years later? He couldn’t wait to get the four-one-one on everything that happened since she disappeared, but that would be much later, when they were alone.
The last twelve hours had flown by in a blur of activity and more than anything else, he needed that down-time with his woman. When they finally got back to the hotel … his thoughts strayed to the police officers.
I am a member of the security forces.
The man in his room was the same one who interrupted their meeting at the police headquarters with the Commissioner and his assistant. He said as much to Dro.
“I wonder how many more pieces of this puzzle are still missing, Seems like no sooner do we have a handle on one thing another pops up, like the guy in my room.”
“We’ll have answers soon enough,” Dro said. “The room attendant checked out, but Daron placed a bug in the housekeeping department to keep an eye and ear on things. Just in case.”
Ryan nodded and swallowed a yawn. He was dead tired. Earlier, he was shaken to his core to see the actual result of a wholesale trafficking operation. Modern day slavery. How many women had been taken and never saw their family again? How long had this ring been in existence, and why didn’t the police pay more attention to what was a growing problem?
After Daron spoke to Sheik Kamran, Sheikha Ellena sent a team of medical personnel to do preliminary checks on the rescued group. Bashir proved helpful with crossing the language barrier on both sides.
Jai had a team of doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, including Blair Ali Khan, Chaz Maharaj and Ahmad Maharaj waiting at his medical facility.
Aziza’s gaze clung to his, and Ryan gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile. He wanted the business end of things wrapped up within the next twenty minutes. He could almost believe they had been standing around for half a day as the early morning chill dissipated and the sun gained ascendancy.
As if God heard his unspoken prayer, two passenger vehicles trundled over the sand toward them. Two men climbed out of each van. After greeting them, one driver announced, “His Royal Highness, Sheikh Kamran Ali Khan and Sheikha Ellena sent us to pick up the passengers.”
Ryan walked away and held out his hand to Aziza. She held on to his fingers, then allowed him to slip one arm around her. “You’re coming with me,” he said.
Aziza inclined her head toward the others. “Where are they going?”
“The Sheikh’s wife has a facility where they can stay.” He touched her jaw. “At this point, I’m not sure I’ll ever let you out of my sight again. Ever.”
Laying both hands on his chest, Aziza murmured, “I’d love to travel with you, but it’s better if I stay with them. For now.”
As if the little girl sensed a separation was coming, she hurried to where Aziza stood and grabbed a handful of her dress. One by one, the women came to stand with Aziza and the child.
From his position next to Aziza, Ryan looked deep into her eyes. This woman had so much more to her personality than he knew or appreciated. Adversity had a way of bringing out the best and worst in people. Although she could have had the advantage of travelling with him in privacy and comfort, she chose to remain with the others.
Ryan pressed his lips to her forehead. “As long as I know you’re safe, I’ll be all right.”
He clasped her hand, and after a few seconds she tugged at him. A mischievous light shone from her eyes. “Though we’re not dressed for polite company, and might smell a little ripe, I’m sure it would be okay if you ride with us.”
Ryan grinned back at her. “That’s the best invitation I’ve had all day.”