Chapter 3The Assistant and The Axe

There was no police substation here. When someone tried to dial 911, Kevin had his goons surround them, ordering them to snatch the phone out of anyone's hand if they tried to make a call. It was late, the security guards looked menacing, and most people decided it was better to just mind their own business.

I was amazed at Kevin's audacity. This wasn't a rest stop; it was a bandit's hideout.

Of course, Kevin also promised everyone that if they waited thirty minutes, they could leave, and all their food and drinks would be on the house.

"Free?" I challenged him. "Do you have any idea how much that will cost? Did you clear this with Isabelle? If this is your call, you won't be able to afford the losses."

He just shrugged, completely unconcerned. His only goal was to screw me over.

My father-in-law suddenly asked, "Isn't this the plaza Isabelle's company leased a while back?"

When I nodded, he pulled out his phone to call his daughter. Before he could dial, Kevin slapped it out of his hand.

"Are you deaf, old man? Didn't you hear what I said? Anyone makes a call here, they answer to me!"

"This place belongs to my daughter!" he roared back. "I'm calling her to deal with this!"

The clock was ticking. Every second we wasted felt like a lifetime.

Kevin just laughed. "Getting bolder in your old age, aren't you?"

"You dare insult me? My daughter is Isabelle Ross! You must know her!"

Even hearing her name didn't faze Kevin. He was convinced the old couple were my parents.

"You do this now," I warned him, "and you'll regret it when she gets here."

"Ha! Don't try to use her to scare me!" he shot back. "Even if Ms. Ross shows up, you're the one in the wrong. What's it got to do with me?"

Seeing his absolute lack of fear, I finally understood just how much power Isabelle had given him. Enough to let him run this place like his own personal fiefdom.

"You sure about that?" I pulled out my own phone and dialed Isabelle. Kevin watched me, a defiant look in his eyes.

She picked up almost immediately, her voice flat and cold. "I'm in a meeting. Make it quick."

I told her my car had been smashed.

"Okay," she replied without a moment's hesitation. "So it's smashed. We'll buy a new one when you get back."

Before I could say another word, she hung up.