Chapter 150 Yegor's Mess
Dakota's P.O.V.
After taking a quick shower, I lie down next to Ari. It feels good just being able to lie with him. Courtney had already changed his bandages, hooked up his IV, and given him pain medication by the time I was done meeting with everyone. I'm on my stomach, looking at Ari as he struggles to keep his eyes open.
"Go to sleep. You need your rest. I love you." I kiss his forehead, and he smiles. As soon as I close my eyes, my phone rings.
"Hello?" I answer.
"Dakota, it's Tyler. Shea and I just got to the bar, and I think you're going to want to come down here." I sit up wide awake.
"Why? What's going on?" I begin getting dressed.
"Yegor was running a trafficking business out of the bar. He was selling women, men, and children. There are pictures on the walls showing the current prices for each person, and the basement has cells where he kept them. There are a few adults down there now who Shea is talking to. Galdino's men have rounded up the people who were working when we got here." That rat bastard, son of a bitch. If I could bring Yegor back, I would kill him again.
"I'm on my way. Keep everyone there." I disconnect the call and kiss Ari's head. I'm glad he's still sleeping. Hopefully, I'll be back before he wakes up. I stop to talk to Courtney on my way out.
"I have to take care of something. If Ari wakes up, tell him I'll be back soon." She's in the kitchen cooking something delicious. After wiping her hands, she hugs me and kisses my forehead.
"I will. Be careful." I'm glad she and Bobby are here. I know they'll help keep an eye on things while we take care of the family business. After I leave Courtney, I find Galdino.
"I thought you were going to get some sleep." He asks, looking at me worriedly.
"That was the plan. Can you come to the bar with me? I'll explain on the way." He doesn't hesitate as he gets a few of his men to accompany us. On the way, I reiterate Tyler's phone call.
"I'm sorry, Dakota. I'm glad you found out so you can stop it. Let me know if I can do anything." Galdino pats my hand as we pull up to the bar. I want him to come to make sure I don't miss anything. I'm so scared I'm going to let Grandpa Chrissy down, and Galdino is the only one I feel will give it to me straight.
We get out of the SUV and go inside. Two of Galdino's men have a group of people sitting in the middle of the bar. Tyler walks over to me as I'm looking at the pictures on the wall. How could Yegor do this? He was selling people. I feel sick when I see a little girl who can't be more than five.
"Where are the people he had in the basement?" I ask Tyler.
"They're still down there with Shea. I wasn't sure what you wanted to do with them. If we let them leave and they go to the police, you will be blamed because you're the head of the family." I sigh and turn to look at him.
"How many are here?" I ask, following him to the back of the bar.
"Two women, one man, and a teenage girl." I nod as we go down the stairs. I want to hear their stories and see what I can do for them. If they go to the police, I'll deal with it. I have records showing Yegor was running this place, and I'm closing it down. When we reach the basement, Shea is sitting with all of them at a table. They look down when I walk in as if they're scared of me, and it breaks my heart.