Road to Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page A

himself in the mirror. For most of his life, he’d looked younger than his age. Looking at himself now, he was looking older. He could pass as fifty-five if he wanted to. He took out the envelope and stared at the cash. This is what his life had come down to. He could be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, but all he had to do was help in wrecking the lives of innocent children and their families.
         Then there was his other choice, refuse to do it and risk the safety of himself and his family. He could contact the FBI. Maybe they’d put them in witness protection. That wouldn’t work , though. They’d have to cut off all contact with all their friends and family. No way would he agree to that. Not to mention that would mean telling Kim what he was doing. She’d completely lose it. No. The best course of action for now was to do his job, and make his money. Maybe after a few months they could just slip away. He’d think of something.
         He stood onto the toilet and unscrewed the bottom screws in the vent above the toilet. Lifting the vent screen, he took the envelope and placed it inside the metal box inside with the rest of the cash. Once the box was closed, he closed the screen and replaced the screws. It wasn’t the best hiding spot, but it would do for now.
         After climbing back down, he went into the bedroom and got ready for bed. Kim came in as he was climbing under the sheets.
         “So, you think with this raise we can finally decorate Taylor’s room?” She asked.
         “Oh, I don’t see why not.”
         “Great. It’s so dull looking now. It needs some color. I thought maybe we can give it like a Disney theme or something.”
         “I’m sure she’d love that,” he said.
         “She missed you today. I did too.”
         “I missed both of you too. You think she still wants to go to the zoo tomorrow?”
         “I’m sure she’d love to.”
         “Great. I think we got enough money to go and do some things.”
         “This is so exciting!” She said as she kissed him. “I’m so proud of you.”
         “Thanks. I’m just glad we’ll finally have some breathing room.”
         She grabbed him and hugged him tight. As he returned her embrace, he kept his eyes open. When they were closed, all he saw was the men with guns kicking and hitting him as he lay on the ground. He wondered if every trip would be that way.

                            Chapter 8
     
         Slade was sitting in his office when someone knocked at his doorway. It was Domingo.
         “Hey Dom. What’s up?”
         “I got something you should know,” Domingo said.
         “What’s that?”
         “Don’t ask me how, but the feds have traced the truck back to Ramos.”
         Slade stood and leaned over the desk.
         “What?”
         “Yeah.”
         “How the fuck did they figure that out?” Slade asked.
         “I don’t know. Unless we have a snitch. That’s the only way. That truck was clean.”
         “Yeah I know. Fuck me. I’ve vetted everyone at that warehouse. Goddammit. Have them clear it out. Get rid of the cages, any clothing belonging to any of the girls, anything. Get all of it out of there, now. You know when they are coming?”
         “Could be any time. My guy at DPS said they are pretty fired up about it.”
         “Shit. Get down there, make sure the place is clean. I’ll let the boss know.” Slade instructed. Domingo nodded and headed out.
         Fuck.
         Slade picked up the phone and called his boss.
         “Yeah?” The boss said.
         “Hey boss. Sorry to bug you. I have some info for you.” Slade explained about the warrant and raid. The boss was unusually quiet as he explained. He hated that. At least show some anger. When he was dead silent, no telling what was going through the man’s head.
         “Ok,” the