Page 98 of Declan

“She didn’t want you to, Autumn,” Beth rejoined. “She gave you her real name so you’d find what she wanted you to find, and that was an ally. But also she needed you, so she gave you what you needed and exploited it.”

“I’m…um…I don’t know what the fuck I am,” Autumn hissed. “She lied to me.”

There was a loud knock on the door and Garrett barged in. His angry eyes went directly to Zane. The room went from pissed to wired. Brooks, Thad, Kyle, and Max all stood.

“Natasha’s gone,” Garrett announced.

“I’ll track her watch,” Tex said.

“No need. I already did. It lost signal. Last coordinates are Seven River Bridge.”

“Send me her picture and I’ll check traffic cams in the area,” Beth put in.

“We got bigger issues. When Owen called in to tell me Natasha was gone, I checked his security cameras. I’m not a hundred percent, she’s wearing a hat, kept to the shadows, face turned away, but I have a profile that looks a lot like—”

“Ashaki,” Autumn finished for Garrett.

“Where are we with finding out why Maloof was in Annapolis in the first place?” Zane barked.

“Still digging,” Tex answered.

“She wasn’t in contact with me about going to Maryland,” Beth added.

“Ash wasn’t watching Declan, she was watching Natasha. Who is this woman?” Autumn inquired.

“She was rescued in Alaska with Eva. No home. Won’t give up a last name. Won’t say where she came from. Just know she was sold.”

“Ash wouldn’t hurt a victim.” Autumn relaxed.

“You sure about that?” Max asked. “Knowing what you know now.”

“No.” Autumn paled and wrenched her eyes closed. “I’m not sure about anything anymore.”

Fucking, fucking, fuck.

“Where’s Blue Team?” Zane barked.

“On their way in.”

“Where are we with Natasha’s DNA?”

“Still waiting on results.” Zane sliced Garrett with a look that would shrivel the balls of a lesser man.

“Goddamn clusterfuck,” Zane grouched.

“Tex, you have information on Natasha?” Beth asked.

“We’ll run this on our end, keep in touch.” Tex disconnected and Zane looked around the room.

“I want that woman found,” Zane growled.

“Do you know of any places Ashaki uses in Baltimore?” Thad inquired.

“No. But she likes to take her time, so you’ll be looking for a place that gives her that. In the past, she’s found housing tracks that were new builds, no occupants in any of the houses. Abandoned warehouses, office buildings. She doesn’t care as long as she has time to get all the information she needs before she takes ‘em out.”

“Motherfucker!”

Autumn jumped and we both turned to find Owen outside of the door.