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“We don’t know for sure that she was kidnapped,” I remind her.
“But chances are good.”
I give a slight nod.
“What’re we going to do? We need to help her.”
“We can contact the local authorities,” I suggest, but Lake shakes her head.
“That’s not good enough. Maybe we can find a clue in the house and track her down ourselves.”
As I’m debating how to break it to her that I’m no Richard Castle and she’s not Kate Beckett, my phone vibrates. I pull it out of my pocket and see Ryan’s name on the caller ID. “Slater,” I answer.
“Dash, I was digging around on the Dark Web and someone claims to have Tantium Force. He’s scheduling meetings and plans to sell it to the highest bidder.”
“Can you get us in as a potential buyer?” I ask, a plan beginning to form.
“From what I could tell, there are already three possible buyers lined up. But I can message this mystery man and see if we can get you in on the action.”
“Great.”
“Sending now. As soon as I hear something, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, Ryan.”
After disconnecting the call, I turn my attention back to Lake.
“What’s going on?” she asks.
“Someone on the Dark Web claims he has Tantium Force and is offering to sell it to the highest bidder. Ryan just messaged him saying we’re an interested party.”
“So, now what?”
“Now it’s a waiting game.” I glance down at my large watch and frown. I hate killing time, but that’s exactly what we’re going to have to do until we hear back from Ryan. After a quick call to Finn telling him to hang tight, I turn to Lake. “We may as well go to a nearby hotel, freshen up and wait for Ryan to call back.”
Lake agrees and we squeeze back into the Microlino, heading into town. It’s quaint with cobblestone streets and looks like a historical gem. I spot a decent-looking inn, ditch the mini car from hell and we walk over. It’s not very busy and I easily book two rooms. A part of me is tempted to pretend there’s only one room left so we’d have to share, but I don’t think Lake would fall for it considering only two people have passed through the lobby.
“I left my purse on the train,” Lake says, suddenly realizing it’s gone. “And I lost all my souvenirs.”
The disappointment in her voice when she mentions the lost souvenir bag makes me pause. The hotel is right on the main street and we can easily re-buy whatever she wants while waiting for Ryan’s call. My desire to make sure she gets her souvenirs has nothing to do with killing time and everything to do with putting a smile back on her face.
“Let’s clean up and then how about a little sightseeing? We can pick up some replacement stuff and grab something to eat.”
“I’d like that,” she responds and sends me that adorable smile I wanted to see. It makes me feel like a million bucks.
Ten minutes later, we’re walking down the cobblestone street and while Lake ooh’s and ahh’s over shop window displays, I admire her. The woman is stunning and I don’t think she even realizes it.
“Pick out more souvenirs, chocolate and some clothes for yourself. Make sure to get a new jacket, too,” I tell her.
“You like taking charge, don’t you?”
I pause as I reach for my wallet, considering her words. “It’s just who I am.” Pulling out a wad of Swiss francs, I hand them over.
“I’ll pay you back,” she promises.
Her brown eyes sparkle earnestly in the sunshine and the golden strands in her hair shimmer. “I’m not worried about it,” I tell her.
“I will,” she insists.
