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I expected him to react, but he said nothing.
And I started to feel bad about what I said. I was imagining things. A shadow of evil? Come on.
“Look,” I began. “I didn’t mean?—”
“Yeah, you did.”
Well, if he agreed… “Okay, I did. What the hell is going on?”
“I’d tell you if I knew.”
“You’ve got to know someone who has it out for you.”
He was quiet for a moment, until?—
“I’m working on it,” he said.
This time I curled my hands into fists. All the fear in my heart turned to anger toward Brad. “Steel, you’ve got to do better than that. The woman I love is?—”
“I know. I’ll do what I can.” He shook his head. “This will kill Daphne.”
I adored Daphne, but they were friends. Patty and I were partners, lovers. “Not as much as it will kill me. We were talking about going to London to meet my folks. Then touring the continent.”
“I know, man. I’m sorry.” He touched my shoulder lightly. “You’re right. It will affect you worse. I’m walking over to the police station to file the report. You want to come along? They’ll need to talk to you anyway.”
I didn’t respond, simply nodded.
We walked in silence the few blocks to the station, and I answered their questions as best I could. I knew very little.
“You’ll stay with us for now,” Brad said to me. “At least I know you’ll be safe. I’ve got round-the-clock security since Joe was threatened.”
I didn’t say anything. Simply nodded again, and then we went to the hotel, and I packed up all Patty’s and my belongings. Daphne was awake when we got to their place.
“Ennis is staying with us now,” Brad said.
“Patty?” Daphne asked, wide-eyed.
“She’s missing,” I said.
“No…”
“Not officially until twenty-four hours have passed,” Brad said.
“Not officially?” Daphne asked. “You think that makes a difference?”
“No, baby, I don’t. Ennis and I have been talking to the cops for the last couple of hours. They’ve checked every shop in Snow Creek and even went around the residences in town and knocked on doors. Patty’s gone.”
“And no one saw her?”
“Not that we’ve found yet.” He caressed Daphne’s cheek. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
“No, just no.” She laid Joe in his bassinet. “This can’t be happening.”
My eyes glazed over, and I had to hold back the tears. “It is, love. I wish it weren’t, but it is.”
“But how…?”
“We’ll find her,” Brad said. “I asked you to trust me.”
