I value my family, my business, and my reputation.
Dialing Dante is easy.
Talking to him, that’s a hell of a lot harder.
We’re both businessmen.
We protect the people we care about in different manners.
He uses brutality to get his point across.
I’d like to think that I don’t have to do that, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Dante asks as he answers the call, recognizing my number. “I’m rather busy.”
I keep the phone on speaker but gesture for Emerson to remain silent, holding a finger to my lips. I want her expertise, but Dante doesn’t trust easily.
Emerson silently nods, listening to the call.
“Can’t say I’m surprised. I heard your daughter-in-law is missing.”
Silence ensues and I hope that I haven’t spooked him.
He gives a huff, or maybe it’s a sigh. The man is clearly not pleased by my knowledge of his missing in-law.
“It does seem to be a problem. One I was going to reach out to you about.”
This time, I’m the one taken aback by his comment. “Is that so?” I imagine he’s stroking his jaw, his eyes narrow, his gaze tight. If he were staring at me, the weight of the world through that cunning look and the desperation hidden deep within him would show.
“Harper was abducted yesterday evening while working her shift at my bar.” Dante sighs and I wait, letting him continue to give me the full story. I choose not to let him know how I knew to call.
Dante continues, “She managed to escape, who I can only assume were DeLuca’s men, and when I sent Nico and Moreno to retrieve her, imagine my surprise to discover my own man betrayed me.”
“That’s—unfortunate,” I say, letting the words hang in the air as I stare at Emerson.
“Damn right it is! It’s outright criminal,” Dante barks and huffs under his breath.
I’m relieved that her disappearance from the bar isn’t being linked back to my daughter, to Jayden, or to myself.
“I’ve got other problems here,” Dante says, “and believe it or not, I’m calling in that favor.”
I let out an obnoxious laugh. “You already called it in. I don’t owe you anything—” I want this conversation over before Emerson starts asking questions. Letting her eavesdrop might have been a bad idea.
“We’re not done! I helped you out of a—predicament.” Dante is always careful over the phone with his words. Even in person when we’ve spoken, he’s cautious. The man must live assuming everyone is out to get him. “Besides, how did you know Harper was missing?”
“Your son’s teammate, Liam, he’s dating my colleague’s daughter. It’s a small world,” I remark with ease and a knowing grin.
He huffs, unpleased. “What does the girl know?”
I glance at Emerson, whose eyes are like two saucers. She wants to protect her daughter, I get that, but we also need to make it seem like we’re on the same side. “Not much. Came here concerned about a friend missing from work. I told her I thought it was nothing, especially since it hasn’t been on the news?—”
Dante interrupts me. “Liam’s girlfriend,” he repeats, and I can’t tell if he’s making a mental note or jotting the information down for later. “The girl have a name?”
“Not mine to give, but I’m sure you can figure it out.” I smirk and lean back in my leather desk chair.
“Fine. Fine. That can wait.” Dante gets right back to the point. “I’ve got resources indicating that the DeLucas have several properties in and around the Las Vegas area. Can you look a little deeper for me? I suspect they’re putting her up in some place remote, likely where there’d be an auction.”
“An auction?” I repeat, making sure I hear him correctly. “Are you telling me the DeLucas are still alive?” I run a hand through my unkempt hair and exhale heavily.
