Page 142 of Missile Strike

Bella wasn’t answering.

And Hassan had been murdered.

Alarm bells were going off like a klaxon in his head.

“It wasn’t an exposé. It was two paragraphs.” Olivia’s voice lowered. “Regardless of what you think of me, I never threatened Isabella or intended to cause her any harm.”

“Then keep her out of your damn newspaper. You’ve done enough damage.”

“I’m trying to save her!”

The stridency in her voice caught Danny off guard. He swiped to the photo she’d sent him earlier. A photograph of Miran Hassan, his wife, son, and daughter at the beach during happier times.

Omar looked to be twelve years old. The girl, seven or eight.

“Did you know Miran Hassan’s wife divorced him and disappeared with their two children after his arrest?” Olivia continued. “Raised them in northern California under a different surname—her maiden name.”

He zoomed in on the little girl.

Dark eyes. Dark hair. A crescent-shaped scar beneath her right eye.

The breath in his lungs froze. “Collins.”

“Amina Hassan legally changed her name to Talia Collins in high school. I asked her why she didn’t acknowledge—”

“Wait.” Danny cut her off, adrenaline rocketing through his body. “You spoke with her?”

“This morning—or rather yesterday morning, now that it’s after midnight. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you and Isabella all day.”

“Fuck.” He shot to his feet, heart slamming against his ribs. “Call 911, get CMPD over to Bella’s home.” He rattled off the address, then grabbed his duffel.

“What’s going on?”

“Hassan was murdered and Bella’s not answering her phone. Call the police.” He hung up before Olivia could say anything further.

Olivia Flores outed Talia, then Talia made her move.

The zipper caught twice before he forced the bag shut. Then he raced to Tavari’s room and pounded on the door.

The deadbolt clicked open. Tavari stood in his doorway, dressed in a pair of sleep shorts, his eyes bleary. “Bro. It’s late.”

“Bella’s in trouble. I’m catching the red-eye to Charlotte.” Danny shifted the strap on his shoulder, his body twitching with nervous energy. His mission calm had deserted him completely.

Tavari’s expression sharpened. “You’re in no condition to drive. Give me two secs.” He threw on a T-shirt and shoes and grabbed his wallet and keys.

They sprinted to Tavari’s rental SUV.

Danny tried calling and texting Bella again.

“I can’t reach her.” His voice cracked.

Tavari’s hand left the steering wheel to grip Danny’s shoulder. “Breathe, buddy.”

“Go faster.” The red-eye was in less than an hour.

If he missed it…

If Talia hurt Bella.