I didn’t even consider kidnapping as a possibility. I look at Reaper. “Did you hear from Officer Parker?”
“Yeah. There was nothing worth mentioning,” Reaper answers.
“I need to work with my brother and Zara on this, so I’ll have to bring them into the fold, update them on what’s going on. Raise your hand if you are okay with this.”
Everyone raises their hands.
“What are you going to do about your mom?” Axle asks. “Do you think Misty’s there, or what’s going through your mind?”
“I don’t know about that part. I want to face Audrey, but she’s a flight risk. I might scope out the property tonight. If I confront her, it needs to be by surprise, and I want it planned out to ensure there’re no mistakes. I can’t let her get away without an explanation. And on that”—I glance at Twitch—“can you get me house plans and any information on the security of her house and anything else you can think of?”
“Where’s your girl?” Viper asks.
My throat gets clogged, so I shake my head.
“I’ll manage all of this. You go get your woman!” Viper replies.
He was an operations sergeant in the special forces. He handled all the operational aspects of the missions, so I know he’ll be all over this.
“Thanks,” I say, appreciation clear in my tone.
“When am I visiting the pig?” asks Demon. I know he’s referring to the lead investigator of the police.
I pull the piece of paper from my pocket and pass it to him. “You can watch his house. Check back and make sure he’s there, but you can’t go in... not without me.”
His wicked smile dims. “Shame, how long are you going to be?”
My lip lifts at his eagerness. “Hopefully not long.” I’m going to getmywomanfirst.
Sixteen
The Cunning Puppet Master
Zara
I couldn’t goinside my old home, and I didn’t want my parents to see my unrest, so I drove to the lake instead. I’m in the parking lot, watching the boats and people walk along the trail on the shore. So many emotions strangle me. I’m scarcely aware of the tears falling.
I slam my hands on the steering wheel.
Why was everyone hiding the truth from me? Misty... Knox... Iris... Audrey...Did my parents draw the same conclusion that Misty was pregnant? Did Kane know? Has Misty been hiding from me and my family all this time? How could she do this to me?I slam my hands again as a tormented scream bursts past my lips.
My phone rings. I stare blankly at the lake. My phone pings with what’s most likely a voicemail message but then rings again. I shuffle through my bag, moving my wallet out of the way to see my phone lit up with Knox’s name. My thumb hovers over the cancel button but presses the answer button instead. I remain silent, waiting for him to talk.
“I’m sorry.” His voice is thick with emotion.
“Tell me... what else do you know that I don’t? No more hidden truths.”
“Nothing... but I’ve been to see Kane, Dad, and Alec to get some answers.”
I sit up straight in my seat and listen carefully, hanging on to every single word Knox says.
“Alec said there wasn’t enough done on Misty’s case, but the lead investigator somehow paid for a house in Crown Village. My senses tell me it’s why Audrey moved away and paid everyone off to not look into the case. Audrey put up a million-dollar reward, and even though she has the money to back it up, she knew no one would come forward because she paid Iris off and paid off the investigator to turn a blind eye to any important information that comes their way.”
I pause, allowing the news to sink in. “What about Misty? Do you think she was pregnant and they both moved away? Why would they do that? Misty loved Kane. If she was pregnant, I don’t see her moving away from him. I’m hurt that Misty thought she couldn’t confide in me and was hiding stuff from me, but I still have trouble grappling with the idea she left us to go with Audrey of all people. I can’t say Misty was her biggest fan.” Misty’s carefree nature did not go down well with Audrey.
“I agree with you. Can I pick you up? I’m working on getting answers. Demon and I are visiting the lead investigator tonight, so please come back to the clubhouse.”
I hesitate. “Okay,” I answer softly, eager for more information but still unsure on where I stand with Knox and how I feel. “No more surprises, okay?”
