Page 26 of Deadly Lies

“Because he didn’t go to the party. I’ve spoken to a bunch of the men on the Team. He didn’t leave. I checked the base records.”

Mind. Blown.

“Why on earth haven’t you told Mia? She’s your wife, dude. She thinks her brother raped her. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Lots. And I will. But I need to figure out why Joaquín would confess if he didn’t do it. What is he hiding? Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, since now Joaquín seems to know something about Sienna. Don’t tell Mia, though. I need to figure a few things out.”

“You have my word. But, man, you need to tell Mia.”

“I know. I will. When the time’s right.”

I eyed him hard. “Clearly, I’m not an expert on relationships, but you can’t keep secrets from your wife.”

“I’m working on it.”

I just shook my head and turned away from him. What the fuck was he talking about? Why on earth would Joaquín lie about raping his sister? And murdering a woman who may be alive? And go to jail for it?

Was Tiffany really alive? Had she taken my daughter?

I needed Ashley to look into this. She was a great NCIS agent. She had just found Sienna. I would love Ash until I took my last breath for finding my daughter.

But why had Grant just told me that? What was his purpose? What else had he been keeping from me?

I had known Grant for years. He was like my brother. I trusted him with everything.

But I couldn’t help but think that he was being shady as fuck.

The plane touched down at the Novato airport. Ashley greeted me at the gate, and I scooped her into my arms and kissed her.

Mia was also there. Grant kissed her as well. But no sign of my baby girl.

“Where is Sienna?”

“She’s with the agents, the police, and a social worker. She’s safe. I can take you to her.”

I kissed Ashley again, and thankfully, she didn’t smack me. I didn’t have the mental energy at the moment to wonder what the future would hold for Ashley and me, I was just grateful that at least there was the possibility we could still make our relationship work.

Grant drove his truck as Ashley and I cuddled in the backseat. I put my arm around her.

“Thank you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“You’re welcome. I’m relieved that she’s okay. She said no one hurt her, except cutting her hair.”

“Her beautiful hair, but at least it’ll grow back. So, what happened? The full story. Don’t leave out any details.”

Ashley looked me dead in the eyes. “Well, we went to see Joaquín, but he already had a visitor. I thought she looked like Tiffany. My contact gave me the log, and I got the address of the girl. Her name is Tania Jackson. Then I went to her place. She wasn’t there, but I found Sienna.”

I shook my head, wanting to blurt out that Grant had just told me Joaquín was innocent. “So, Sienna just happened to be with someone who visited Joaquín in jail?”

Mia spoke. “I know, that’s super weird. But trust me, Joaquín is innocent.”

Ha. I wanted to laugh. Good news travels fast. I shot a look at Grant, who remained silent.

“Right. So, some prison groupie who looks like the dead stripper Joaquín murdered had my daughter. Got it. Makes perfect sense. Am I the only rational person here?”

Mia smiled at me. “I know it seems odd, but there has to be an explanation.”

“Well, I’m going to march into the jail and ask Joaquín what the fuck is going.”