Noah and Sami met 6 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"So, you used me."

"That's harsh, but true." Noah swallowed. "We were hoping you had information you didn't know you had. That's why we bugged your conversations." He hesitated. "Some of your plans put you in danger. We needed to know what you were doing next." He closed his eyes. "More accurately, I needed to know what you had planned."

"Why?"

"One of my jobs is to ensure everybody's safety." Noah studied the ceiling. "I told you I wouldn't lie. I've become fond of you and wanted to make sure you were safe." He gulped. "I knew you wanted to make an impression on the pros, so I purposely made sure they saw me give you money. I knew better than to flash money but did it anyway, and it caused you to be hurt. I'm sorry."

"That's what attracted Big T, right?" Noah nodded, so Sami continued, "I sort of understand your actions when you came to my aide with the john. I don't see how disgracing and humiliating me was protecting me. You were..."


"I had no choice," interrupted Noah. "I was undercover. I didn't have a plan. I knew I had to get you out of there and remain in character. I was a purchaser of young girls for the sole purpose of selling them as sex slaves. You weren't for sale. I had to convince those guys my need for you was strong."

Tears welled in her eyes. "But..."

"I'm sorry," interrupted Noah. "I've played that scene over and over in my head." He hesitated. "I understand I humiliated you. I doubt you'll ever forgive me. I saw hate in your eyes. It's still there."

After a long pause, Noah added, "The only other way I can think of to have gotten you to safety was allow Chen or his men to move you. We could've rescued you on the street. There might have been gun fire. Innocent people could have gotten hurt we did that.

Sami stood. "If that's all you have to say, you can leave."

TODAY'S POST

Chapter 5 B

"There are a few odds-and-ends that need to be addressed," Noah quickly added.

Her glare met his eyes as she sat.

"Sarah went into your apartment and got the things you'll need while you're here. I thought a female should do it thinking she'd do a better job making sure nothing was forgotten. As for Jasper being sedated, it was safer for him and for us. I had our K-9 veterinarian administer the sedative so there wouldn't be any problems."

"I appreciate that."

Noah nodded. "I've put your car in our impound lot. It'll be safe there. Your mail has been directed to my office. Any personal mail you receive I'll, or if you prefer, somebody else will bring it to you. My office is covering your bills, so you won't be delinquent. Tomorrow, I want you and Sarah to make a list so I'm sure we don't miss any."

"Will I be your private property forever or will I be able to continue my life?"

Shaking his head, Noah said, "Sami, you don't belong to me or anybody else. As soon as we arrest Chen and the rest of his ring, you're free. Just be sure to stay away from Big T. If I were you, I wouldn't go anywhere near his territory."

"I don't plan on it. What about Myra and the others?"

"We believe Chen kidnapped them. Once we're able to arrest him, we should be able to rescue the girls. We believe the reason he kidnapped you was he felt you were asking too many questions and getting too close to his operation."

Noah held out the phone he'd taken from her. "This is Myra's, isn't it?" When she nodded, he asked, "I thought you didn't know where it was?"

"When Big T knocked me down, I got a glimpse of it under a shrub."

"Why didn't you tell me you found it? Thursday night would've been the perfect opportunity."

"Can I have it back?"

"No. It's evidence."

"That's why."

"Touche." Noah exhaled. "You said there might be a photograph of the black van on it. Its password protected. Can or will you help me with the code?"

"I won't help you, but I'll give it to you because it might help Myra."

"Understood."

She took Myra's bracelet from her pocket. "It's the date I gave her this. The date she realized she had a future: 10-13-22."

Noah handed her the phone. "Put it in."

Once Sami input the numbers, her eyes lit up. "I'm in."

"Is there a photo?"

"Yes, and some of the men kidnapping the girls."

He held out his hand. "Can I see?" When she handed him the phone, he said, "Thank you. I'll get this to my tech. We'll search for the van and run facial recognition on the men."

Holding Sami's Fitbit, Noah said, "Now, for this."

Sami stood, walked to her room, and closed the door.

*****
Noah's head turned as Jose and Sarah rushed through the door. Jose said, "Boss, I'm glad you have LeRoy's office bugged. Turn up your wrist communicator. Chen's pressing LeRoy for information."

They listened as Chen spoke, "I want my bitch. She wasn't for sale."

LeRoy responded, "I didn't sell her. Rumor has it your men sold her to Trey Morgan. You need to talk to them, not me. I can't do anything."

"What's Morgan's number?"

"He's not somebody to mess with. He expects privacy."

Noah spoke into his wrist communicator. "This could go south fast. Who's in LeRoy's neighborhood? I need an agent there ASAP!"

"Boss, I can be there in less than five," responded Matt.

"Good," interrupted Noah. "Make sure you're armed."

"Roger. Going in." Matt loudly closed the door. "LeRoy, Trey Morgan sent me."

Chen's voice was heard, "Who are you?"

"None of your business."

"Tell Morgan I demand my bitch."

"Step back. I don't like my space being invaded." There was silence before Matt said, "If you were aware of Morgan's reputation, you'd know he doesn't take orders from anybody."

"Does he still have the bitch?"

"Boss, doesn't confide in me."

"Where's he live?"

"I'm not telling you anything."

"If you don't, it's a death wish."

"I trump your knife with this." Again silence, before Matt's voice was heard, "I advise you to leave. I'll give Morgan the message. I doubt he'll comply."

"I want my bitch returned." The next sound heard was a door slamming.

Noah whispered, "Matt, make an excuse and get out of there." When he heard Matt leave LeRoy's office, he spoke into his wrist communicator. "Good job, Matt. Who's backing him up?"

Bob said, "Boss, Keith and I are outside. We just watched Chen get in his car and leave. He's visibly angry."

"Good to know. Matt, don't go home. Use one of our places in the city. Bob, you and Keith stay with him. George and Aaron, keep an eye on LeRoy. We'll get this guy. He's making mistakes." Noah paused. "Matt, if you're still using that sawed-off shotgun, we'll need to have a discussion."

"Roger that, Boss."

Noah smelled peony scented perfume and turned. His eyes widened. "Sami? I thought you were in your room. You shouldn't have heard that."

"I'm the girl Chen wants back, aren't I?"

"Yes. That's the reason I did what I had to so he wouldn't have access to you."

Sami swallowed. "I should say thank you, but I can't."

"Understood."

Jose said, "Boss, I'm going to my post."

"I'm going with Jose," added Sarah.

Noah held out her Fitbit. "I still need to know what to do with this." When Sami didn't answer, he said, "I want to keep the bug on it until you leave here. While here you should be safe, but if something goes wrong all you need to do is yell 'help' and somebody will be available. It also has a GPS tracker."

Avoiding eye contact, Sami said, "You feel it's necessary?"

"If I didn't, I would've already removed it."

Sami reached out her hand. "Okay."

"Thank you." After a few moments of silence, Noah said, "Sarah said you haven't eaten. I'll fix dinner."

"You cook?"

"Nope. How hard can it be? I'm sure I can find something in the kitchen." He headed toward the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

Following, Sami said, "Move aside. I cook. I'm not doing this for you, but for Sarah and Jose. You can tag along."

"Thank you."

*****
During dinner there was very little conversation. What was said centered around everyday subjects, such as the weather.

Noah left after dinner, but dropped by the cabin and gave Jose a note. "Make sure Sami gets this."

"Boss, why don't you give it to her?"

"She hates me. She wouldn't read it."

~~~~~
In Texas, possession of a sawed-off shotgun is legal under certain conditions. Texas Penal Code 46.05 prohibits the possession of "prohibited weapons" which includes sawed-off shotguns. However, the statute allows certain individuals to possess a sawed-off shotgun for specific purposes, such as for use in a movie or theatrical production, for use in a sporting event, or for use by a peace officer. Individuals who obtain a federal tax stamp under the National Firearms Act are also permitted to possess a sawed-off shotgun in Texas.

~~~~~
CHARACTERS:

Sami Martinez - Twenty-five-year-old high school teacher, who's working to find a kidnapped teenage girl.

Noah Taylor. - Homeland Security team leader, who works in the Human Trafficking department. Alias - Trey Morgan

Jose, Bob, & Sarah - Agents who work under Noah.

Laura Martinez - Sami's mom.

Jasper - Sami's Great Dane, a large breed dog.

Myra Rodriguez - Kidnapped teenage girl who Sami was close to.

Julia - Teenage girl, who was friends with Myra and Sami works with.

Big T - Neighborhood pimp; not a friendly person

Numerous Team Members - They will show up periodically but not really important to the story, except they're there.