Riley’s lips pressed together. “I’ll see what I can do about procuring funds.”
When he turned and walked off, Sarah wanted to throw something at him. What was wrong with that man? Sure, they didn’t need to be hugging and kissing in public, but a smile would have gone a long way to cut through the anxiety of what she was about to do.
Even if Statler denied her request, the women would enjoy a shower. Needing someone to stand guard, she went in search of Skip, but he wasn’t in the warehouse any longer. Near the front entrance, she ran into Connolly who was stomping around like a bee who’d been swatted at a few times.
“I need some help,” she said in a calm tone so as not to piss him off any more.
As if she’d offered the bee some honey, the crease between his brows softened. “What can I do for you?”
She explained about how she wanted to bathe the women before the buyer’s assistant arrived. “None of them seem strong enough to fight me, but I don’t want one to get away after I release her from her bonds.”
“I’ll be happy to stand watch. If I’m called away, I’ll tell Riley to help you. I just sent Skip outside to check on something or I’d ask him.”
“Is Russ gone?”
“Yes, he’s left for the day.” His lips firmed. “I’m sorry about what happened. Just so you know, I fired his ass for the stunt he pulled, but he managed to convince Statler to have his job reinstated. My hands are tied.”
“I appreciate that you tried. I’ll be more careful next time.” She never expected Connolly to even care. She’d never met a Statler hire that did.
Connolly nodded.
“I need to get some supplies in the closet, but then I’ll be right back.”
After she located the antibiotics, along with shampoo and some spare bars of soap she’d insisted on taking when they left the clinic, she headed back toward the women. To her delight, Connolly had located a chair and had stationed himself in the hall between the two rooms.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
He nodded then returned to staring straight ahead. While she believed the women would appreciate the shower, for many of them, it would be a struggle. For Nancy, it was not even possible.
It was close to eleven a.m. by the time all but one of the women were clean. Their hospital gowns were soiled and needed to be tossed, but she didn’t have any spares for them to change into.
After jotting down their clothing sizes, she headed into the hallway to find Riley to see if he’d received permission for her purchases.
“Have you seen Riley?” she asked Connolly.
“He’s checking the perimeter with Skip. Are the girls okay?”
“Okay would be a stretch. I asked Riley to find out if I can buy the women some clothes and makeup for their inspection meeting.”
“I imagine Statler would give you the okay. Selling these women is his goal.”
Sick bastard. “I know.”
From the small break room, she grabbed her purse and headed out. Even if Statler wouldn’t pay for it, a tube of lipstick and some blush could go a long way to make a woman feel good again. Glancing around outside, she spotted Riley and Skip chatting. While he didn’t turn around, the straightening of his shoulders, coupled with his excellent sense of smell, convinced her he was aware she was there. When he finished chatting, she’d speak with him. Not wanting to intrude, she waited by her car.
A minute later, Skip nodded and moved away. Riley had to acknowledge her or look like a total jerk. He turned and came toward her.
“Statler gave the okay, though it took some convincing,” he said not sounding happy.
“I don’t understand why Statler balked. The better they look, the higher the price he can command.”
Riley winced. “Are you sure fixing them up is the best move?”
“Statler will have my head if I don’t deliver the girls in the best condition possible. I need him to believe I will always follow his instructions.”
Riley looked away then back at her. “You’re right. We probably stand a better chance of saving them if they’re in the buyer’s hands anyway.”
Glad not to have to defend her position, she slid into the driver’s side.
Riley rushed to the passenger side door and hopped in. “I’m coming with you.”
A laugh bubbled up. “Really? I don’t see you as someone interested in women’s fashion.”
“I’m not, but I overheard Russ and Amy arguing right before they left.”
Acid dripped in her stomach. “What did they say?”
Chapter Thirteen
Riley was a confused mess. He wanted Sarah so badly he could taste it. The scent of her skin had permeated his brain, and he had to fight the beast within every minute of the day not to mate with her. Being near her and not touching her was pure torture, but he was well aware that the devastation to his heart when she left would either destroy him or throw him off his game so much, he’d die in battle.