Reno NV 13 years later:

Chapter 1:

A young woman who stood about 5 feet 2 mingled at a street corner wearing a very provocative outfit. Her long strawberry blond hair was blowing with the wind. She was waiting for her mark. To the average person she looked like a teenage prostitute. But she was so much more. This was a planned meeting that had culminated over years of blood sweat and tears. He told her he would be wearing a grey suit. He'd take her for drinks, then they would make a deal. The deal of a lifetime. A man in a pickup pulled up. "Hi beautiful...awful cold. Want to warm up?"

"Honey...I have an appointment...but maybe in an hour swing back. One of my girls will be around." She gave him a flirtatious smile.

"I can swing by in an hour."

"They'll look for you. Promise." He drove away and that is when she saw him. He swaggered up to her. A man in his mid forties. They had been talking online for over a year. He was a specialist you see. He had a network and a knack for delivering anything for anyone. He was in the sex trade and she wanted as she said some little boys. He even sent her a tasteful photo. It was promising. Her smile was feral as he approached. "I was wondering if you were even going to show."

He smiled. "You gave me quite a deposit little lady. How old are you again?"

She flipped her hair. "21 according to my drivers license." She then put an arm around his shoulder and whispered in his ear. "My birth certificate says different. Being an heiress has its perks. You like them young?"

Inside a monitoring van just across the street and down the block was Frank Hardy, Joe Hardy, and Mr. Gray himself. Frank was nervous as he watched his wife work. Gray said. "She's doing very well Frank relax."

"That is a pedophile with a multi million dollar sex business and you want me to relax?"

Joe sniffed. "Don't think about that...just think how hot your wife looks instead."

Frank abashed hissed. "JOE!"

Their eyes were glued to the monitors and Frank heard every sound. Callie laughed. "How about that drink...and the show. You promised me if I came I'd see it all."

"I did...but how do I know that I can trust you?"

Her eyes widened. "Seriously! After all those hours online. I'm trusting you with my life...I can't be satisfied with normal. I want fresh...you appreciate that don't you Colin." She pulled him to her. He immediately responded. Callie had to fight the urge to step back as she felt his arousal. 'Sick bastard' she thought. But she knew that her husband and his brother would not let him hurt her in anyway.

"I do...Rosie...you checked out. My computer guy is the best. He says you're clear. Want a taste of paradise?"

Callie purred. "I do…"

He took her arm and they walked two blocks. They were actually right in front of the van now. Colin opened the door of a warehouse. Frank had tracked the location 6 months ago and the FBI had been monitoring it. "The party has already started."

Callie looked around at the finely decorated tables and a stage set up like an auction. Above you could see rooms with beds and privacy curtains. Callie felt sick but kept her emotions locked up. These were kids he was about to sell to the highest bidders for sex. She couldn't wait to take every last one of these horrible humans down. She sat at a table a server came over. "Want something? They have mimosas right now."

Callie nodded. The girl looked to be about her oldest daughter's age and appeared terrified. Callie saw the shackles around her ankles. "Thank you sweetie." She took her drink and observed as the rest of the room filled up. The time was almost 8PM. The auction started. Callie watched in disgust but occasionally put in a bid. The last child that was up was a small boy about 6 years old. He had brown hair, green eyes, olive skin, and was visibly shaking. Callie's heart broke for him. She put up a bid and won. She was allowed to go up to the stage for her 'prize.'

Callie whispered. "All set?"

Frank who had moved from the van, with two units along with local PD, and US Marshals, whispered. "We are give us the signal."

Colin was clapping. "I thought he would be perfect for you Rosie."

Callie stroked the boys cheek. "He is...are you ready?"

Colin grinned. "I'm ready." He held out his hand.

Callie turned and gave him a look of loathing. "I wasn't talking to you." The doors banged open and the police and FBI ran in. Callie pulled out her gun from her knee high boot. "Hands in the air asshole."

"You set me up! You bitch!"

Frank was up on the stage by now. "Watch who you are calling a bitch friend. That's my wife. What amazes me is that you and others like you fall for this trick each and every time."

"Antoine never misses. He picks up all the cops!"

Callie laughed. "Your Antoine's skills pale in comparison to my genius husband. Oh honey let me." Callie put the cuffs on Colin herself. Then she spoke into the microphone. "You are all under arrest for sexual acts to children under the age of 13, for false imprisonment, and other charges to be determined. You have the right to remain silent."

"I can't believe green Special Agents pulled this off." The man was Supervisory Special Agent Scott Baker. He gave Callie a look over. "Nice outfit."

Frank put a protective arm around her waist. "We have a knack for solving riddles. We're hardly green. My wife was dressing the part. You can wipe the drool off your chin now."

Baker scowled. He would have killed for this bust. How did the Hardy's get the line anyway? He had been working violent crimes for 10 years at the bureau. Only a couple of these creeps showed up on his radar. He was furious. He glared at Callie Hardy...she was flaunting too. Why did she have to go in? It was embarrassing. He should have been assigned as lead on this case not her.

"They are no longer just Special Agents."

Baker wheeled around. "What do you mean director?"

"Joe is equal rank to you."

Baker laughed. "That's funny! Nobody makes SSA under 8 years in."

"But their work is stellar they deserve the credit. Callie and Frank are going to be acting as co-unit chiefs and promoted to ASACs; if they perform up to par it will be permanent."

Callie's mouth dropped open. "What! Why?"

"Because you have to have compassion for the victims and you have the ability to see angles others miss."

Baker was furious. He had applied for the unit chiefs job and now these grass green agents and one was a woman at that was waltzing in and taking his spot. His Uncle was the Executive Assistant Director for Criminal Investigations! Who did Callie Hardy screw to get the job over him?

Gray said. "Baker make sure all these detainees are processed and in the tank. Work with the US Marshals and Joe Hardy. We have to investigate each one."

Baker stormed off. Callie was still shocked. "Thank you sir but it's not necessary."

"It is necessary, I need you both in these positions Mrs. Hardy."

"Frank once these guys are processed take a look at their files. See if we can find other charges."

"On it sir."

"Tomorrow is soon enough. These guys aren't going anywhere. We'll have a briefing at 800 at the field office."

Frank put his coat over his wife. "Let's get out of here."

Callie couldn't help it she felt dirty that one touch had her body feeling gross. "My thoughts exactly."

Joe came over. "I'll stay get these guys processed. See you tomorrow morning."