AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re her fucking bodyguard.”
Hannah lifted her chin and smiled with glee. “You do remember who my dad is, right? Surely, you don’t want to get on his bad side by pissing off his daughter.”
It was starting to drizzle outside, and the crutch squeaked as Amelia walked as fast as she could. While she was worried for her friend, she was proud of her as well. Hannah had never let her status turn her into a spoiled princess.
“We cannot sneak up on them with you in tow!” Rory was beside himself. “Please, Ms. Clemson. You’re too conspicuous.”
Even as he said it, folks leaving the party were noticing them and hailing her. She waved. “Goodnight! Can’t talk now. Call me tomorrow!”
“Hurry,” Amelia nudged Rory. “We can’t let Binni get away.”
He helped her into the elevator. “She won’t.”
Hannah put an arm around Amelia. “We’ll look out for each other. You two go after her.”
The doors parted on the second floor. The lighting was poor and gave all the vehicles a sick yellow aura. The concrete smelled like standing water mixed with oil and metal.
They emerged slowly, Rory and Masden in front, blocking Amelia and Hannah with outstretched arms. As one, they stopped and listened, and Amelia turned her head, cocking her ear toward the shadowy level. The ceiling was rimmed with red and green lights, showing where empty spaces were available. Most guests had used the valet service, few parking their own vehicles here. There were more green lights then red.
Rory waved them out of the elevator and motioned with his hand for them to stay quiet. Amelia’s fingers clenched and unclenched around the handle of her crutch, her ears straining to hear footsteps, a car engine, anything.
Was Trace wrong? Had Binni chosen a different level? Why was she driving her own car?
“What kind of vehicle does she have?” Rory asked. Amelia wasn’t sure if he was asking Hannah or the team.
Tate responded. “There’s no vehicle registered to her.”
At the same time, Hannah said, “She uses a ride service when she’s in town.”
Amelia’s pulse quickened. “Jose’s?”
Hannah nodded and Rory took off, moving as fast as Amelia had ever seen.
“Look for a 1994 Toyota Camry, blue, with a ding in the rear right fender.”
Masden followed quickly, clicking on a flashlight and running it across the nearest vehicles.
Hannah held onto Amelia, keeping her from trailing after them. “You and I stay here,” she insisted.
“What was all of thatif Amelia is going, I am, toostuff?”
Hannah pinched her lips together. “I feel like you’re my only true friend right now, so sue me for wanting to keep you safe. This is all my fault. These two are inmyprogram, Amelia. I can’t believe either of them is tangled up in a kidnapping ring. They’ve used me. Even Chad. Why would a billionaire steal jewelry? For sport?”
Amelia squeezed her arm. “I’m sorry about all of this.”
“You should have told me your suspicions. I could’ve made sure my agents were on guard, looking for them.”
Amelia tried to explain. “We needed the element of surprise. We weren’t sure who we could—”
“Trust?” Hannah asked when she didn’t finish, hurt evident on her face.
Amelia bit her lip. “In all honesty, I suspected Masden was behind the attack.”
Hannah didn’t seem to know what to say, and finally offered a gentle hug. “I’m sorry, Amelia. I had no idea those pictures would cause you to get hurt.”
They continued hanging onto each other as the men walked the rows. “Not your fault.”
“I still have copies, so what good would it do for them to steal yours? Is Kenesha in danger? My mother?”
