Chapter 8

Only after Derrick and Frank left did I recall that logo. I had indeed seen this company before and heard rumors about it—it was a thoroughly unscrupulous operation. On the surface, it functioned like any legitimate company, with normal collaborative projects, employees working overtime, and undergoing evaluations. But when the timing was right, it would lure employees under the guise of team-building trips and sell them into slavery in Southeast Asia. The police had investigated numerous times, but the company would simply change its name and reopen. The only constant was its logo. The Anderson Family uncle and nephew thought they’d hit the jackpot, unaware they’d already become someone else’s prey. On the way back, after much deliberation, I called Derrick. Despite their despicable actions, human lives were at stake. I felt compelled to warn them. “Arlene? I knew you'd change your mind! All cleaned up and waiting for us now, huh?” Derrick's voice sounded particularly flippant. I didn