Childs Exploited: Victoria Childs Series, #3

By Neeley Bratcher

**WARNING** This book contains adult language and content (meaning there are F-bombs and sex)! If you don't LIKE adult language and content, PLEASE DON'T download and read this book and give me a bad review for it. Thank you.

"She's just a little girl..."

After a brush with death, and a somewhat odd experience with the Varner brothers, Vic is thrust into another case with the FBI. Join her as she teams up with the youngest Varner, FBI agent Josh, and his smooth, seductive ways. Resisting his advances may prove challenging as Detective Varner has not been the least bit supportive to her lately. But there is so much more at stake in the case than either one of them realizes as they enter the ugly world of prostitution, where there is no age limit. Find out what happens in Neeley Bratcher's latest novel, Childs Exploited.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neeley Bratcher
• Release date: Aug 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533752505

Book preview

Childs Exploited

Victoria Childs Novel, #3

Published by Neeley Bratcher

Copyright © 2014 by Neeley Bratcher

All rights reserved

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Cover Art: Alisha Basso

Edited by:  Jenny Sims @ Editing4Indies

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above,  no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Published in the United States of America

This book is available in ebook format.

**********

Dedication

To my grandfather, E.C.; to my grandmother, D.B.; to my uncle, J.B.; to my uncle, P.B.; to my aunt, B.B.; and to my uncle-cousin, J.B.

Though you are no longer with us, you will never be forgotten. You are forever in my heart.

Chapter 1

Michael Potter sat in his truck outside Rita Erwin’s house. Rita had the misfortune of being Potter’s current girlfriend. He had been sitting there for hours, apparently waiting for her to come home. I sat in the Jesus Coffee House situated across the street, watching him wait for her. The coffee house was a frequent hangout for homeless folk. Considering I had been there for quite a while, I had been asked for spare change more than twenty times, and I had run out of coins about two hours into my stay.

Potter was a small guy, wiry, and he liked to stalk women. The last woman he stalked ended up in the hospital with a broken cheekbone. Ms. Erwin contacted me at Victoria Childs (V.C.) Investigations because she found blood and lipstick on his shirt and she wanted answers. Then she kicked him to the curb and decided he wasn’t her problem anymore. Then he became her problem and mine, because he was stalking her and I hadn’t been paid.

I figured where he was, she was, but it wasn’t turning out that way this time. She had apparently given him the slip somehow. I suspected another man was involved in that one, and I half expected her to end up the victim in one of my boyfriend’s murder investigations.

Yeah, I had a boyfriend, a hot one. He was a Detective Lieutenant with the Brenton PD, and I was the envy of all the ladies in town.

My Bluetooth chirped and I hit the talk button on my cell phone.

Where y’at? asked the voice of my beloved Detective Lieutenant Jason Varner in his thinning Louisiana accent. It seemed to come out more when he was feeling frisky, or when he was mad or drunk.

He wasn’t mad or drunk.

I’m still at the JCH, I said, rubbing the sleep out of my left eye.

How long you been there?

I looked at my watch. Sheesh...is it really five? Going on about six hours now.

Baby girl, it’s Friday. Why don’t you give up and come on over for some dinner?

Those who give up do not get paid. She owes me close to a grand and I need it.

You don’t need it that bad, now.

I know, but it’s the principle. Besides, maybe I’ll get her slime ball of a boyfriend off the street. He’s violating his order of protection as we speak.

He sighed. All right, but if you ain’t over here by seven, I’m coming to get your cute little ass. Even if I have to carry you out of there screaming like a demon child.

I smiled. Roger that, Captain.

He snorted. I’m only a Lieutenant, and I wish like hell that attitude was real.

Oh, shut up.

That’s my girl. You call me later now, hear me?

I hear ya, I giggled, more at his accent than anything.

Love you.

Love you too.

I disconnected, only to have the phone chirp in my ear again two seconds later. It was Toni, my partner and best friend, at mission control.

Eeeep! I answered.

We had developed this crazy way of communicating with each other because we were occasionally involved in some dangerous cases. An Eeeep from me or an Ornk from her meant, Everything’s cool. If I answered or called her with an Ornk, or she answered or called with an Eeeep, it meant to call the police, or my boyfriend, which were technically the same thing.

Jason thought we were insane, especially when he called and Toni answered the phone with an Ornk just to confuse him.

Ornk, she replied. Rita Erwin paid up.

When?

About thirty seconds ago.

Is she still there?

Nope, why?

Potter is sitting in front of her house.

Wonderful. Where are you?

I’m at the Jesus Coffee House across from her place. I’ll try to distract him. Give Nate Starkey a call and tell him to meet me over here.

Nate Starkey was a patrol officer whom I had befriended. Okay, Nate and I had a thing once when Varner and I were...having issues. Well, it wasn’t really a thing, it was just one date and he spent the night at my place but...

Nate and I were a little complicated to explain.

Anyway, I always called Nate when I needed police backup and didn’t want to get Varner involved. Needless to say, Toni had his number on speed dial back at the office, and he was always on Recents on my iPhone.

I’m on it, Toni said. What about Varner? I could hear her smile oozing through the phone.

Don’t bother him.

Oh, come on, I love it when I call him and he comes flying to your rescue only to find you’ve handled it yourself and then he feels like an idiot.

Yeah, but you’re not the one who has to deal with him after that.

She laughed. You know you love it.

I smiled to myself. Well, just let him know that I may be a little late for dinner because I may have to make a statement.

Okay...schmitzgig.

Schmurple.

Where the greetings to our conversations were functional, the closings were just silliness. They started because of how Jason talked to his brothers on the phone, both of whom were in some sort of law enforcement. There were always 1020’s and 505’s and 909’ers...so we started making fun of him and it sort of stuck.

I went to the counter and paid up.

About time you left, said Lou behind the counter with a big grin. You’ve been here all day.

Stakeout, I said, handing him a twenty. Keep the change for those who can’t pay.

He winked. You’re a good kid. I don’t care what they say about ya.

I went to my car parked behind the building, holstered my .9mm under my jacket, and put my stun gun in my pocket. Then I threw my purse in my car and locked it. I tossed my long, chestnut-brown hair up into a quick ponytail and checked myself in the outside mirror. Not quite enough make-up to look like a hooker, but I could pull it off with the right walk. I paraded myself across the street, unbuttoning a couple of buttons on my blouse so maybe I could convince Mr. Potter that I was looking for a good time as I walked past his truck.

Hey sexy, he called after a long, wolf whistle. You looking for some trouble today?

Jeez!  What a slime ball. I can’t believe he bought it!

Depends on what you mean by trouble, I said in my dumbest hooker voice. I leaned into the passenger side of his truck, noticing the empty beer bottles all over the floor. What’re you doin’?

Waiting on my old lady, he said grinning. What’s your name, baby doll?

Uh...hooker name...hooker name...

You can just call me Honey, I said, leaning in a little further.

You...selling? he asked, taking a look at my bouncy ladies who were giving him a peek-a-boo.

You buying?

Hop on in; we’ll go for a ride.

Yeah right, idiot. I can smell the alcohol coming off you in waves, buddy.

Then Nate pulled up in front of the truck, flashed his lights and did a boop, boop with his siren.

Shit! You’re a cop? Michael hollered.

Without waiting for an answer, he shifted into reverse and peeled out away from the curb, running over my toes in the process. I screamed in pain as my butt hit the curb. Potter skidded around in some freakish, NASCAR spin and sped off down the street away from Nate.

Nate pulled up next to me and called, You okay?

Just get him! I yelled, trying to decide whether to hold my left foot or my right ass cheek. I’ll catch up!

Nate took off as I struggled to my feet, gimped over to my Nissan, and floored it up the street after them.

Potter didn’t get far, given his level of intoxication. He spun out after the railroad tracks and ended up hitting a fire hydrant on the next block, rendering his vehicle worthless and showering the street with water. I hopped out of my car, limped over to Potter’s truck, and pointed my gun at him as Nate called for backup.

Fucking cops! Potter screamed.

I’m not a cop! I yelled. Get out of the truck now!

He laughed. What if I don’t, bitch?

I’ll fucking shoot you where you sit! I yelled in my most intimidating voice, which was rather funny given my tininess. I was lucky to hit five-foot-three, and my weight was hanging pretty stable at one twenty-five since I’d been dating Varner. He made me eat healthy, the big meanie.

If you ain’t a cop, you can’t, Potter sneered.

But I can, Nate said, reaching his arm over my head. Police officer, get out of the truck, now!

**********

I can’t believe you let him run over you, Nate said, helping me out of my shoe. You sure you don’t want an ambulance?

Yes, I’m positive, I replied, getting out my cell phone. I called the office and Toni picked up.

Eeeep, I said, with no enthusiasm.

Ornk? she said. What’s wrong?

Tell me you didn’t call Varner.

She did, I heard behind me.

My eyes rolled back in my head and I heard a little, annoying voice start to sing, You’re gonna be in trouble, you’re gonna be in trouble.

Never mind, I said into the phone. I’ll call you later.

She snickered. Am I fired?

We’ll see, I said, Shakalaka.

She laughed and hung up.

I turned and looked up and into the hazel eyes of one of the best-looking men on the planet. He ran his long fingers through his shortish, sandy-blond hair that had darkened over the winter into a light brown. He was six-foot-five of Louisiana muscle and normally just looking at him made my heart do a little happy dance.

Not this time, however.

What did you do now? he asked as Nate removed my sock. My toes were red and throbbing and the big one was starting to look like it was going to pop.

She collared Michael Potter, Nate said, his blue eyes dancing over my face. She’s a maniac.

I know, Varner said, squatting down next to me. What’s with the foot? And why are you wet?

Nate shook his crazy blond hair that was soaked with hydrant water and was obviously going to be sticky from the amount of hair gel it took to keep his faux-hawk intact.

Dude spooked and ran over her, Nate said with a laugh. He smashed a hydrant.

Varner snickered.

Don’t you start! I hollered.

Can you move your toes? Nate asked.

I tried and they all moved except the big one and pain shot up my leg.

Damn it!

You’re lucky it’s your left, Varner said. You can drive yourself to the hospital.

It’s not funny, Jason. And I’m not going to the hospital.

Yeah, you are.

You really should, Nate said. If that doesn’t heal right it could cause major problems later.

I looked down at my toes and suddenly a wave of nausea swept over me.

You okay? Varner asked me. You’re green.

I’m fine; just help me to my car.

He helped me up and I took some deep breaths.

You better move, I said, looking up at Varner.

Huh?

I staggered a few steps away from him and puked in the street.

Whoa... I heard behind me. I think they both said it.

I coughed and sputtered...and then felt fine.

Hm, I said standing up. That was weird.

Varner handed me a hanky at arm’s length and backed away from me quickly.

It’s okay, I’m done, I said, wiping my mouth.

He looked at me and the corners of his mouth lowered in a look of disgust. You sure?

Watch it, Nate quipped. This is when she levitates and her head starts spinning around.

They both laughed and I took a couple swings and nearly fell on my ass again.

You sure you’re okay? Varner asked.

Yeah, I’m fine actually.

Still looking uncertain, he put his hand on my shoulder. Come on and let’s get you looked at...but you ain’t getting in my car.

**********

One wrapped toe later, and I was at his house, being slathered with sarcastic humor. But he was sort of babying me, so it all evened out.

I brought you some ice, Varner said. You should know better than to take on a Silverado.

I grimaced as he placed the ice pack on my toes. Thank you, and it was an F-150.

Even worse. Now, what the hell were you doing?

He was stalking this girl, and she was on her way home. I didn’t particularly feel like watching my client being battered in the street.

So, you let him batter you with his truck? Smart.

Hey, at least Nate got him on a DUI and violating his order of protection!

Meanwhile, you have a broken toe and broken blood vessels in your foot.

I’m fine. It doesn’t even hurt.

He touched the top of my broken toe.

OW! Meanie!

You’re damn lucky it’s just your foot!  He could have killed you!

I was armed.

So was he, with a half-ton vehicle!

I pouted and flipped through the channels on the TV.

You hungry? he asked.

No.

Still feel sick?

No.

He sat down on the couch and lifted my sore foot up onto his lap. My poor baby. He began massaging my calf and smiled. Still love me?

No.

He snorted out a laugh. Fine, little pouty butt. Be that way.

I stuck my tongue out at him and smirked. How was your day?

Better than yours, but you may not think so.

I looked at him. Why’s that?

He reached over and played with my shirt sleeve. Because...I talked to my brother today.

Which one?

Josh.

I smiled. Josh was the FBI agent of the family. He was also long, lean, and gorgeous beyond comprehension, with his thick brown hair and hot chocolate eyes. He was around six-foot-five like his brothers Jason and Jon, but while the elder brothers looked almost like twins, Josh only resembled himself, which was enough. The bad thing about Josh was that he knew this, and he used it, which was sometimes a source of tension between the three. He had attempted to seduce me on more than one occasion and had also put the moves on Jon’s wife, Nancy. But, after a very public knock down by both Nancy and me at a family breakfast, he had become a little more subtle with his seduction techniques.

What did the hottie want? I asked him teasingly.

He rolled his eyes. He wanted to talk about a new case he’s on.

Oh, yeah?

He looked at me again and bit his bottom lip, which was a bad sign. He bit his top lip or ran his fingers through his hair when he was bluffing me at Texas Hold ‘em. The bottom lip meant one of two things—he was either going to tell me something I wouldn’t like or he was thinking about something he couldn’t figure out. Since he had given up trying to think of a way to solve the oil crisis, I assumed he was about to tell me that Josh had asked for his help on his case...and he would be leaving.

It was my turn to roll my eyes. When?

I’ll probably leave Sunday.

What kind of case is it?

Big drug case.

Where?

He cocked his head and blinked slowly. You know I’m not gonna tell you that.

Isn’t there someone in the bureau that could help him? Why do you have to go?

He asked me.

Why? Why couldn’t he ask for Jon?

He massaged my calf again. Jon’s got a family.

I looked at my lap. Then I looked at the promise ring he had given me almost a year ago. He had it made out of his college class ring. The topaz glittered in the light of the lamp behind me, almost as if it was laughing at me.

I’m not close enough to be considered family, huh?

You know what I mean, darlin’. He’s a father. This case could get dangerous.

Jon had a beautiful little girl named Melanie, and while he was good at his job, he had very little experience as a detective. Jason excelled at it and was promoted to Head Detective of his precinct in New Orleans before he was thirty.

What if I say I don’t want you to go? I asked.

He put his elbow on the back of the couch and rubbed his day-old beard. Are you saying that?

Yes.

A sigh escaped him and he rubbed his eyes. I stared at the TV, knowing I was being selfish and irrational.

Then...I won’t go, he said quietly.

We looked at each other, and he smiled sheepishly at me. I rolled my eyes again.

Go.

No, you don’t want me to. I have to take that into account.

I sat up and took his hand. Jason, I’m fine with it. Go.

He squinted. You sure?

No, but if you feel you have to do it, I’ll respect your decision.

He smiled again. You have any idea how wonderful you are?

I snickered. Of course.

He lifted my foot and finagled himself between my legs, crawling up to my face.

I sucked my teeth as my foot hit the back of the sofa. Take it easy.

He kissed my lips gently. I love you, Miss Childs.

I sighed. I love you too, you pain in the ass.

He kissed me softly again and his lips lingered against mine, making his little mmm noise, which he knew made me crazy with lust.

I’ll bet I can make you forget all about your foot, he whispered.

Keep kissing me like that and I will.

He chuckled.

**********

Chapter 2

Will you at least call me when you get there? I begged him.

I will, I promise.

He dropped his carry-on and hugged me tightly. Can you get back to the car okay?

I think I can manage.

Take care of that foot.

I will.

He pulled back, ran his fingers down my cheek and cupped his large hand around the back of my neck. I’ll miss those beautiful gray eyes of yours.

He leaned down and kissed my lips gently.

Then don’t go, I whispered. Come home with me right now.

Flight twenty-four fifty to Atlanta, will be boarding in fifteen minutes at gate nineteen, the bitch on the loudspeakers called.

I’ve gotta go, darlin’.

I know. I hate this.

He kissed me again. It will be okay. I’ll be home soon.

Okay. Smack Josh for me and tell him this is the last time!

He smiled. I’ll do it. And this is the last time, I promise.

He kissed me again and held me close to his chest. I love you.

I love you most.

He grabbed his bag and headed for the escalator leading to gate