Light of Day by Allison van Diepen Page B

Milo or anyone with him, male or female,” X warned. “If things go wrong, stay near me or Manny. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
    Manny returned with three drinks. X took his Coke from him. “I’ll be back in a little while. Hang with Manny.” And with that, he disappeared into the club.
    â€œGuess it’s just you and me, sweetie pie.” Manny lifted his drink. “Cheers to that.”
    â€œCheers. Lot of ink you’ve got there, buddy.”
    Manny ran his hands down his arms with fake sensuality.“What can I say? I’m a canvas of artistic beauty. You got any?”
    â€œNo. My parents would freak. And I can’t think of anything that would be meaningful enough that I’d want to keep it on me forever.”
    â€œI got a love/hate relationship with them, you know? These tats saved my life a few times. And they’ve almost gotten me killed too. So I guess it evens out.”
    X slid in beside me then. “Milo’s here.”
    A chill went through me. “Bree?”
    â€œI couldn’t tell. I want you to walk by his table. He’s got some girls with him. None of them look like Bree to me, but I can’t be sure. If she’s going out, she’d probably make herself look different.”
    My pulse kicked up. “Where is he?”
    â€œIn the next room.” He nudged his chin in the direction he’d come from. “He’s in a booth with two big guys and three girls. He’s Hispanic, twenty-five, black collared shirt. Looks like a college athlete. Doesn’t look like what he is. Make sure you don’t stare, don’t draw his attention.”
    I nodded, and got up.
    X put a hand on my arm. “If she’s there, don’t stop, and don’t make eye contact. Just come back this way and let me know.”
    â€œAll right.”
    Taking a breath, I slowly walked into the other room,sipping my soda as I went. The room was packed with people, and X’s description of Milo was pretty generic. But then I saw him.
    Doesn’t look like what he is. Milo looked like a rich college boy, not a pimp. It made sense—he wouldn’t have been able to lure Bree if he were decked out in fur and covered in bling. He was clean-cut, dressed sharp. In fact, he looked like an older, more polished version of JC. Maybe that was part of the appeal, I thought dismally. Bree had always had a sweet spot for JC.
    One thing was clear—Bree wasn’t with him. The three girls at Milo’s table were heavily made up, but I would’ve recognized Bree immediately.
    â€œThen where is she?” I asked X once I got back to the table.
    â€œHe must be worried someone will spot her. Guess he’s gonna keep her in hiding for a while.” He sighed. “I know you’re disappointed, Gabby. This is what we deal with all the time. You think you’re making progress, then the pimps switch it up.”
    I gritted my teeth. “What about the other girls with him? Maybe I could talk to one of them if they go to the bathroom. Find out where Bree is.”
    X shook his head. “No way. Milo’s girls are loyal to him.”
    Manny gave me a sympathetic look. “Pimps have got PhDsin manipulation. That’s how they do what they do.”
    â€œBut—it makes no sense!” It was hard to believe that Milo’s girls were so devoted to him when he was selling them for sex. Who would put up with that?
    â€œThey see him as their protector,” X said, putting a firm hand on my arm. He probably didn’t trust me not to do something stupid.
    My fists tightened. I wanted to march right up to Milo’s table and punch him in the face. I wanted to demand that those girls tell me where the fuck Bree was.
    X must’ve sensed my mood. “We’d better go now. I’ll drive you home.”
    I didn’t argue. If I stayed here much longer, I really might do something stupid. I got up.