EXCERPT FROM BETRAYED - A romantic suspense novel | Page 12

MORGAN ST. JAMES

even tried going to Chicago himself to speak to the mother.
“Maybe the old gal saw the offer as a threat. Probably
thought she would lose her daughter.” He pointed to the
drugged teenager. “Yeah, look what she turned her into instead.
I swear the kid’s one step above a zombie.”
~~~~

Tommy had known Laurel for only a few weeks when the
crazy idea of kidnapping the girl popped into his head. He’d
been driving home listening to that new singer, Elvis Presley,
belt out “Heartbreak Hotel” on the radio and thought there
would be some heartbreak, alright. He figured the kid was
always so depressed, if she disappeared, everyone would think
she ran away. The more he thought about it, the more he liked
the idea. Why, with a few right breaks, they could make enough
money with that girl to get out of Chicago.
Unable to contain his excitement, he’d grabbed Sherry the
minute he got home, planted a kiss on her lips, then said, “Sit
down and listen. You know the saying, ‘Our ship has come in?’
Well, Baby, ours just docked. See, there’s this kid at the
Academy—real looker, she is. Some of those rich old goats who
go to Sal D’Angelo’s place would pay through the nose for the
chance to screw a pretty, young kid like her. Let’s face it, Sher,
the couple of bucks he pays us to send him girls who want to
turn a trick is chicken shit compared to what he’ll pay for this
one.
Sherry started to shake her head, but he kept on talking.
“Think about it. Plenty of dough to get us to Florida.” As her
expression turned from interest to shock, he acted like he
hadn’t noticed.
“Here’s my idea. Maybe if you take some lessons at the
studio you can cozy up to her.”
Her eyes had widened in fright, as if he had suggested
killing someone.
When she finally found her voice, she’d yelled, “Are you
friggin’ crazy, Tommy Boy? What you’re suggesting is called

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