Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 78732 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78732 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
"This is going to sound a little juvenile," Kincaid begins from the front of the room. "But this is so very important. Not only will you be given specific jobs, but we need you to be on the lookout for possible other jobs while you're in Vegas. Let's go over signs of trafficking one more time before I cut you loose."
The massive screen behind him comes to life, showcasing a list of signs of trafficking including work conditions, personal traits, and how suspected trafficked persons act around people of authority in their lives.
"Vegas has always been a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, and because of its diversity, I urge every one of you to keep any bias or stereotypes you may have about certain groups of people out of your work. Your opinions about how people should live can't come into play. You aren't going to Vegas to change the way people think but to help those who need help and aren't capable of getting out of certain situations themselves," Kincaid continues. "You'll have a week or so in Vegas to explore and get your bearings before one of the guys from Tennessee comes over to outline your first jobs. Shadow?"
The vice president of the New Mexico chapter steps forward. "I urge you to explore the town and listen to the whispers at the blackjack tables. People from out of town are in the know. They're aware of the best place to go for many less-than-legal things, and people love to talk. They love to share the secrets that were whispered to them by others."
"Keep in mind that we never do anything half-cocked," Kid, another original Cerberus member, says as he steps forward. "Intel is vital. Rooster was picked for this team because he's one of the best, so use him in every aspect of your cases."
"The jobs that you'll be working aren't going to be like the jobs you've helped with in South America," Dominic, Kincaid's brother, adds. "These jobs require a hell of a lot more finesse, and keep in mind that each case will require you to work with other agencies. There's a lot of red tape with these types of jobs, and there will come a time when you want to do more but bureaucracy prevents you from doing so. There will be some really bad shit that you will have to walk away from. Each of you were vetted and picked because of your ability to see past what's right in front of your eyes and consider all options. That's something we're counting on in order to make the Vegas chapter successful."
A quick and easy murmur of agreement comes from each of us. We know what the expectations are. We've been educated on the differences between what we've been doing with them to train and what is expected of us once we're working the domestic cases.
"I have a lot of confidence in you guys," Kincaid says, taking the floor once again. "But if there ever comes a time when you feel like you're drowning and need to take a step back, let me know. We can't help people if we aren't taking care of ourselves. Are there any questions?"
Several of us shift in our seats, but no one voices any concerns.
"Okay then," Kincaid says, turning his back to us so he can face the screen. "This property was bought by Cerberus, and it's where you will be living."
The screen shifts from the list of trafficking signs to the front gate of a massive villa. The landscaping alone in such a desert climate has to cost a massive amount of money just to maintain each month.
"Eleven rooms and eleven bathrooms," Kincaid explains as pictures of the interior begin to flash across the screen. "Two-lane bowling alley. Heated pool. Sauna. Hot tubs. This place has it all."
One of the guys whistles at the extravagance of the place, but I'm too in awe of the images in front of me to pull my attention away long enough to figure out who it was.
"It's a pretty extreme place, but we need you guys to have a place to go that gets you away from all the danger, so you don't have to be on all the damn time," Kincaid continues. "I will advise you that this isn't the place to bring your hookups and would advise against parties or large groups of people coming to the house. It complicates things. Any questions?"
I look over my shoulder at Rooster to find him with a smile on his face as big as the one tugging up the corners of my own mouth.
I can't wait to get to Vegas.
Chapter 2
Kaylee
The corner of my left eye twitches as I take a step back and look at the project that has consumed the majority of today's shift. I hate canned fruit, and the fact that nearly every company that manufactures it does it with way too much syrup makes my stomach turn, but this display was what the owners of this small mom-and-pop grocery store wanted.