“Samantha, what did Uncle Lalla and Uncle Maverick tell you about a dog?” Dakota asked.
“To wait until I’m ten.” Sammy scowled. “I don’t want to do that.”
“I tried,” Maverick said. “She’s strong willed. I wonder where she gets that from.”
“Sammy, did you meet my mom and dad?” Providence pointed to her folks.
“Uh-huh. They’re nice. Please put me down.”
Providence set her down and she patted Whiskey.
“I’m going over to talk to them,” Providence said. “Why don’t you come with me?”
“Okay.”
Providence extended her hand, and Sammy clasped it. With a heartwarming smile, Providence said, “See ya, boys.”
As Dakota watched them walk across the room, he knew. Without question, those two were meant to be together.
“How’s everything going here?” Dakota asked.
“We’re having a blast,” Maverick replied. “Sammy hasn’t even asked to go outside. As far as she’s concerned, inside vacations are the way to go.”
“Thank you for this.”
“You got it, bro.”
Sin joined them and Dakota pulled him in for a bro-hug. “Everything go okay?” Sin asked.
“Maddox’s wife went missing,” Dakota replied. “Police took evidence from Gordon and Heather’s house and I had their locks changed so the lunatic can’t get back in and ambush them.”
“I heard Maddox was arrested,” Sin said. “How’d that go?”
“I about killed him.”
“I’m not surprised,” Sin replied. “Smartnotto do that in front of the police.”
All three men laughed.
Dakota’s phone rang. “It’s Stryker.” He answered. “Tell me something good.”
“I’m so good at my job, I amaze myself,” Stryker said. “The offshore account is owned by a Lizbeth Maddox.”
“That’s Randy’s wife.”
“Where is she?” Stryker asked.
“Vanished.”
“She’s probably hauling ass outa town.”
“Or she’s right around the corner,” Dakota replied.
Over the next twenty-four hours, Dakota tried to relax, but he was on edge. Where the hell was Maddox’s wife? Was she a threat to his family or an innocent spouse? Was she Maddox’s accomplice or the one in charge?
TWO DAYS LATER, Providence’s mom was well enough to return home. While everyone was hanging out in the safe house’s rec room, Heather Sharpe pulled Dakota aside.
“I’m very grateful for what you’ve done for Gordon and me,” she began. “I’ve got to tell you that Sammy was instrumental in my speedy recovery. She’s precious and so smart.”
