Page 67 of Searching for Love

ChapterTwenty-Two

“What in the hell was she thinking?” Lucas cursed under his breath.

“We’ve called the police,” someone said as he darted towards the door that Avery and Diego had just walked out of.

“Easy,” Rico said, holding him back.

“I’m going after them,” he growled.

“You and what army? Did you happen to see what the man was carrying?” Rico pointed out. “Enough firepower to take out everyone in this building, twice over.”

Just then the kitchen doors burst open, and Ryder rushed back in. He’d only met the man officially a few hours before. Still, he knew instantly that the guy was a kindred spirit when he dipped into fluent Spanish with one of his staff members. “They’ve got this under control,” he told Lucas, taking his shoulders in his hands. “Trust me on this. Half of the police department and the entire fire station were out there.” He pointed behind him. “Most of them are carrying weapons themselves. They’re sneaking around to the cottage and will get Avery away from him. Trust us on this. We take care of our own.” Ryder shook his shoulders.

“My mom? Sister?” he asked, his ears ringing oddly.

“Aiden is sending someone over to Avery’s place to check up on them now. From the sounds of it, your dad has no clue where they are. Avery was smart to lead him away from here. To lure him into a trap.” He smiled. “She’s strong. For now, we wait.”

“Like hell.” He jerked free of Ryder’s hold and turned to Rico. “Would you stand by if he’d taken Yolanda?” He nodded to the woman he’d seen Rico kissing earlier that day.

“Hell no,” Rico barked out.

Yolanda nudged him towards the doorway. “If you get yourself killed, I’m not moving in with you.”

Rico smiled. “Deal.” He looked at Lucas. “Well, come on. Let’s go help save your woman.”

“Know where this cabin is?” he asked Rico as they darted outside into the dark.

“Nope,” Rico answered.

“I do,” Ryder said, catching up with them. “It’s down the pathway.” He motioned to the dimly lit cobblestone walkway.

They ran until they heard Avery’s loud voice, then the three of them stilled.

“I told them they could stay here until their house was done being fumigated,” she was saying loudly. “I’m not sure they’re home just now.”

The cottage was dark, and Avery was standing just outside the doorway under the lamp.

When had it gotten dark? He’d been so oblivious to everything except his work. Hell, he hadn’t even seen Diego stroll into the kitchen until he’d bumped into him. He’d been about ready to complain to whoever was in his way when he’d spotted the gun.

Then, someone in the kitchen had dropped a plate and screamed. After that, everyone froze. Time seemed to stop altogether. His hearing had dulled. His eyesight had narrowed until all he could see was Diego standing in front of him, dressed in black, with his grandfather’s military-style rifle strapped to his chest.

Did this mean Diego had done something to his grandfather? Was he still alive? Shit, he should have asked someone to check on the old man.

Lucas knew that there was no way in hell the older man would have allowed his son to take his guns. Never. Not if he was still alive.

“She’s running out of time. She can’t stall him much longer,” Rico whispered.

Sure enough, he could see that Diego was losing his patience.

“I know I have the keys here somewhere,” Avery said, sounding a little nervous as she flipped through the small clutch purse she’d carried that day for the wedding.

“Dad, let her go,” Lucas said loudly, stepping into the light.

His father jerked around to face him. At that same moment, the door to the cabin flung open, and dark hands reached out and snagged Avery, pulling her inside in one quick motion. He saw a flash of her brother’s face and knew that whatever happened now, at least she was safe.

“What in the hell have you done with them? You keep spreading these lies,” Diego said. “Why? I didn’t do anything to you.”

“You didn’t have to,” he shot back. “Then again, I wasn’t the one you wanted.”