Sebastian
“Thanks, Marla,” I tell my assistantas she finishes giving the messages for Devin and me. “You’ve been such a trouper through all this.” She calls twice a day to keep me apprised of everything going on at Midtown since we haven’t been there. I’ve been trying to get some stuff done while Devin sleeps or when she’s at the gym. It helps keep my mind off the fact I feel helpless in this situation. There was nothing I could do to aid in taking Crystal off the streets.
“You’re most welcome, Mr. Brooks. How is Ms. Miller doing? I’ve wanted to call, but I know you wanted everything to go through you for the time being.”
Crystal sent those flowers under the guise of them being from Midtown. I wasn’t taking any chances. Cell phone spoofing and all kinds of crazy shit is possible. Plus, I didn’t think Devin needed to be worried about things happening at work.
I smile. “She’s doing well, Marla. I’m sure she’ll jump at the chance to get back to the office.”
My phone beeps. Pulling it away from my face, I see it’s Mark.
“Hey, Marla, I have to run. I need to answer another call,” I rush out. “I’ll check back in later.”
Not waiting for her response, I press the button ending my call with her and answer for Mark.
“Hey, man. How’s it going?”
The line is silent for a moment. “It wasn’t her.”
My hackles rise, my stomach rolls, and my heart beats like a hummingbird’s wings inside my chest. “What wasn’t her, Mark?”
His voice matches the storm surging inside me. “Her prints were taken when she was booked. They aren’t a match for Michelle Jenkins.”
“She had her IDs on her.”
“I know, but it wasn’t her. Something isn’t right here.”
Turning, I look back to the door of Devin’s apartment. A terrible feeling gurgles in my gut as I sprint up the walkway to the door, words tumbling from my mouth. “Fuck! Fuck! I took her back to her place. We’re here now. We thought the threat was gone.”
“Shit!” he roars.
I reach for the door to her apartment, but its locked. “Devin!” I scream. “Devin, open the door!”
I bang my fist against the door as hard as I can.
“What the hell is happening, Sebastian?”
“DEVIN!” I thunder, my lungs burning with the force.
Mark’s voice is cold and lethal. “Sebastian, where the hell is my sister?”
“She went in to grab a few things while I checked in at the office. The fucking door is locked, Mark. DEVIN!” I scream again.
There’s still no answer.
Everything stops but the pounding in my chest and nausea rolling in my gut.
No.
Please, God, no.
The IDs. The tips. This was a setup. A trap.
She’s going after Devin again.
Mark’s voice filters back in. “This is Officer Miller from the NYPD 19th. I need units at 1914 Grove Street immediately.”
I don’t hear much as I search for something to break down the door.
“Units are on their way, Sebastian...” That’s all I hear before I drop the phone and try to find a way inside to get to Devin.
I need to get to Devin.
