Chapter 21
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Hallene watched Leclairhandle the SUV, maneuvering his way through traffic with ease. He’d taken the keys and brought the car upstairs so she could check out and meet him there.
They hadn’t discussed who would drive.
She’d look like an uptight twit to argue that she should drive. To be honest, she was glad for the breather from trying to do everything on her own.
“Keep going south?” Leclair had surprisingly asked that without pressuring her for specifics.
“Yes. I don’t have a location, but the kidnapper landed in Alexandria, Virginia after leaving Venezuela. He didn’t go directly to that airport. He did some sly jockeying before he ended up there. Until I get another update, I’m heading there to be in the area.”
He had his left elbow on the doorframe and his left hand against his cheek. He scoffed at something under his breath.
“What?” she asked nicely, not getting annoyed with him this time. She was beginning to realize his occasional mutters and grumbling were just part of his makeup.
“Your information is dangerous.”
She lost her understanding smile.
He glanced her way. “Not criticizing. I’m saying it’s a good thing we’re working together so you have backup because I don’t doubt for a minute you can find Phoebe.”
Oh. He’d complimented her.
Her phone buzzed with a text. Only one person would be contacting her. She read the text and her heart leaped at the words Midnight had sent.
A proof of life meeting for P on north side of Wiggins Marina parking lot in PA. 11:20 local. Be careful.
Leclair had found a rock radio station and said, “You like that okay?”
Shocked, she lifted her gaze to his.
“What’s going on?” His tone changed to serious.
She hesitated, thinking through how much of this to tell him.
Leclair sighed so loud it filled the car. “I’m trying, Hailey, but you have to ease up and loosen the death grip you have on control. I can’t help if you keep me in the dark on anything.”
She’d been called a control freak by an angry guy in the past. She didn’t want Leclair thinking of her that way, but she did not share intel easily.
Still, he made a fair point, so she told him about the proof of life meeting.
He continued working his way to the interstate and taking the on-ramp while saying nothing.
“What are you thinking?” She could see him sorting through something.
“Why a proof of life meeting if her father doesn’t care about her?”
This is why Leclair had to know more. “I found Phoebe the first time because my tech intercepted a communication between Kovac and the kidnapper when they let Kovac know they had Phoebe. My tech traced the call to that location in Venezuela. Kovac is being blackmailed to do something for the kidnapper. That’s why there is no ransom. Phoebe is being used as a pawn.”
“Holy crap, Hailey. That’s information I need to help you.”
“I know, I know. That’s why I just shared it,” she snapped defensively.
