Felicity: I know, my friend, but I know flowers, and they’re the only legitimate option.
“How did you get this?”
“The number she called Bradyn from was a burner. But I was able to hack into it and make a copy of the data on it. I’m guessing they didn’t find the phone when they took her.”
“Okay, but what does this mean? Black roses? White roses? Are you thinking wedding?”
“We’re thinking bigger than that,” Elliot says. “Black roses used to be sent as an omen of death by those who ordered hits on large crime families. White roses are a symbol of purity, and it could also mean?—”
“Surrender,” I reply. “A white flag.”
“Yes, when compared to the black roses. We believe that they were trying to speak in code just in case the messages were intercepted.”
“Ranunculus is one of the most popular wedding flowers,” Riley explains. When my brothers turn to him, he simply shrugs. “Read a book once in a while.”
I study the message, trying to restructure the conversation between the lines. “So death was headed her way unless she surrendered to the wedding.”
“That’s what we think.”
“Emma’s marriage to Heath Slater.” Just saying the words makes my stomach churn. “Does it say anything else about that boutique owner?” I question. “About how she was killed?”
“You’re thinking torture.” Elliot shakes his head. “Knowing what we do, I wouldn’t put it past Gio to carry that out. But how’s he hiding it? Surely someone saw something.”
“How does one control anyone? Money and the threat of violence. Both of which Gio has in spades. Is Harlow still alive?” I step back from the computer.
All of my brothers exchange looks with each other. It’s one I know well—they agree on something I don’t. More than likely, they think going after Gio Karver is the wrong answer. But from where I’m standing, it looks like the only chance we have at ensuring Emma gets to live a life without constantly looking over her shoulder.
“We need to let the feds take this one,” Bradyn says. “We spoke to Frank, and he said he’d get with his contacts.”
“All you’ll do is tip Gio and Heath off. Do you really think neither of them has dirty cops on their payroll? And if it gets traced back that we’ve been snooping, they’ll figure out she’s here.”
“Dylan, we’re not cops. We’re not even military anymore.”
“And has that stopped us before?” I demand, turning to Tucker. “You went on the run with a wanted fugitive when Alice was being framed. And you”—I turn to Elliot—“hid vital information from the police because you were afraid it would implicate Nova.”
“This is a crime family the feds have been after for decades,” Bradyn reminds me. “If they haven’t been successful, what makes you think we can find something to pin on him?”
I clench my hands into fists. “Because, for me, this is personal. He went after Emma. Grabbed her from her house with the intent to traffic her to another crime family in exchange for who knows what. They came into our house. Pine Creek. How does that not bother you?”
“Dylan’s right,” Elliot says. “And you all know he is. If we stand a chance at finding the truth, then we need to do it.”
“Who knows what resources Gio has.” Bradyn clenches his jaw. “This could be a suicide mission for all of us if we press too hard.”
“Then don’t. I can do it alone.” I turn to leave, but Riley steps in my path.
“You’re not alone, Dylan. But we have to be smart about it. This guy isn’t playing by anyone’s rules but his own. We have no idea why Gio made the agreement to exchange Emma, or why there’s a deadline on it.”
“Then we talk to Harlow. Because she does. And after what happened to her friend, I imagine she’s pretty terrified.”
Chapter 16
Emma
Frustrated, I turn off the television and toss the remote onto the cushion beside me. Ash glances over, annoyed at the noise, as he’s lying on the back of the couch. Apparently, I’m the only one who can’t stand being in one place for too long.
There’s so much to do. So many things I needed to get prepped for the fall festival I’m likely not even going to be able to attend.
I miss my students.
