Page 100 of Playing With Temptation

“Good. Was your mom talking to someone or do you think she saw something and wanted you safe?”

“Unit’s on their way,” Ethan said.

“Uncle Julian. Well, he’s not really my uncle. He was married to my aunt Zoe. And he’s not my uncle anymore because he makes my mom cry and sends flowers that make her real mad.”

“Call Dylan. He already has a file on Julian Calloway,” I told Ethan, then went back to Lucas as I watched Ethan exit the vehicle. “Are Cole and Juni with you?”

“No. They didn’t want to come, and Kayla was there so they stayed⁠—”

“Right, I don’t mean to interrupt, buddy, but I need to tell you something important. Police officers are going to be there any minute. When they get there, you tell them you’re my son and you do not leave their side until me, Kayla, or your Gigi get there to get you. No one else, Lucas. And if you see Julian again you tell the police officers. You got all that?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m gonna find your mom, Lucas.”

I heard another stuttered breath. This one whistled like he was trying to pull air through clenched teeth.

“Lucas?”

“I’m scared.”

“I know you are. So am I. But we’re gonna find your mom. You did good, Lucas. Help is almost there, promise.”

“I think I see police lights.”

“Good. But don’t move. They’ll come to you.”

“I see them.”

Thank fuck!

“Don’t hang up until you tell me who’s there.”

I heard someone in the background ask him if he was Lucas Cross.

“Yes, I’m Detective Jason Turner’s son.”

Christ, I felt that burn through me.

“She wants to talk to you.” Before I could say anything, the phone was passed off.

“Jase? It’s Wendy. We got your boy.”

Jesus, that burned, too.

“Everette and Cody are here to secure the scene. Me and Frank came so we could take care of your boy. Where do you want us to take him?”

“My house, but my other kids are there with a babysitter and they don’t know what’s happening. You showing up there before I get there is gonna freak them out. So before you take him home, I need you to go pick up Rainy’s mom.” I rattled off the address, Wendy confirmed she had it down, then I went on. “I’m gonna call her now, tell her to expect you, then you take them back to my place.”

“Copy that, Jase, we’re lights and sirens. As soon as we get this done, we’ll be on the hunt.”

The hunt for my woman.

“Thanks. Let me talk to my boy again.”

There was another hand-off.

“Jase?”