Page 72 of Secret Redemption

“That’s natural, and I’m sure the fact that she works with young kids helps.”

Dane nodded again as if he was too tired for words.

“What’s up, Dane?” Zack asked knowing that something was on his friend’s mind. Dane didn’t answer straight away.

“I’m worried about my dad. He seems to have given up since Lizzie was killed and I don’t know how to reach him. It’s like he’s going through the motions, but inside he’s dead. He hasn’t even been to see the babies yet. Spouting some bullshit about not feeling up to it.” Dane ran a hand through his hair and sat forward, his hands hanging between his legs as his elbows rested on his knees.

“Would you like me to talk to him? Or get someone else to talk to him?”

“I wondered if perhaps talking to someone who had lost someone like you lost Catherine would help.”

“I can try, and honestly, I think seeing his grandchildren will help. How long before they come home?”

“Not sure it depends on the feeding. Leah is just so sleepy she can’t be bothered to open her mouth. Aaron has no such problems, that boy is permanently attached to his mother.” Dane chuckled.

“No problem, I’ll figure something out and drop by tonight.” Dane stood and held out his hand. “Thanks, Zack. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, happy to help. Now get some sleep and a shower. You’re no good to anyone if you collapse.”

“Yeah, I’m going to grab a couple of hours and shower here if that’s okay?”

“Of course,” Zack said as he walked Dane to the door.

Zack thought about their conversation as he went through mundane emails and some not so mundane reports that the team had given him.

Before he knew it, it was two in the afternoon, and time for the team meeting. Making his way to the conference room, his phone rang.

“Zack!” Roz said, and the urgency in her voice made him stop in his tracks.

“What’s wrong?”

We just followed Hamilton to the outskirts of Telford. He entered an abandoned warehouse. A few minutes later a car pulled up, and two people were hustled inside. I’m sending you images, but it looks like Frank and Helen Drake.

Zack’s whole body went solid and on alert at the news. “Send the images, and I don’t want your eyes to leave that warehouse until I get there.”

“Of course,” Roz said and hung up.

A few moments later grainy images came through of a bloody looking Frank Drake and a frightened Helen. The only good thing was they were both still awake and walking. That at last meant no serious injuries yet. He thanked god that Riley hadn’t gone with them today, and Ava had insisted that he stay at ‘Cunningham Estate’ with Skye and Mimi looking after him.

He walked into the conference room and thank god, the whole team, bar Zin, Dane, Lucy, and Sly were present. Walking to Ava, his eyes never left hers, and he could tell she knew instantly that something was wrong. Her face paled, and he hated that he had to tell her the news. Dropping to his haunches, he took her hands in his,

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Roz just called. Hamilton has taken your parents, she has eyes on them though.”

Tears instantly flooded her eyes, and her hands shook in his. This woman was not weak though she didn’t buckle, she stiffened her spine and asked him a question. “What are we doing about it?”

“That’s my girl,” he said and stood, turning to the team. “I want maps and a full report of what the warehouses where the Drakes are being held are used for. Nate, get hold of Roz and get co-ordinates, then I want a small drone up showing all the access points and any issues we might encounter. He doesn’t know we’re watching so let’s keep it that way,” he said firmly. Nate was instantly on his feet to do as he’d been asked. “Liam, go with him, and I want to know exactly how many people they have watching them.”

“Sure boss,” he said following Nate out the door. His phone rang again, and it was an unknown number. Signalling Will who pressed some buttons on the laptop that was permanently attached to his knee then nodded, Zack answered, putting the call on speaker.

“Yes?”

“Ah, Zack, just the man.” Hamilton’s smarmy voice said over the line.

Zack gritted his teeth. “I’m going to cut your fucking heart out,” Zack spat.

“So, you know I have your in-laws. I thought perhaps you did. You’re good, Zack, but I’m better. That little bitch you sent in to bug my office is proving to be a fun plaything for my men. Now listen up, I can’t be long, I don’t want Will tracking me now we’ve got rid of your little watch dogs and moved locations.”