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Zayne pulled away. “I understand, but something about this feels off.”
I silently grumbled that Zayne had blocked me. Staring into the darkness, I surveyed my surroundings. We were in a shitty part of town. Boarded up buildings lined the streets, and homeless people curled up in the doorways of closed businesses. If I walked down the street, I’d probably spot at least half a dozen used drug needles on the sidewalks.
He disappeared into the building, and I stared at the door. “I think he should be kidnapped the way River was and flung into a trunk.” I wasn’t sure if River had been thrown into the back of a vehicle or not, but I suspected she’d been tossed into the delivery truck. Anger simmered beneath my calm exterior, threatening to break free at any moment.
Ten agonizing minutes ticked by, then the same door opened that Tim had used to enter the building. I leaned forward, attempting to get a better look through the darkness.
“What the fuck?” I blinked rapidly and tried to clear my vision.
“Do you know who’s with him?” Zayne asked.
“I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I think it’s Logan from River’s old neighborhood.” My hands fisted. “I’ve only seen him in an old photo. Honestly, I don’t remember that evening at all, but River found it on my desk, so it obviously happened. My mind is one big-ass blank from the ages of three to five.”
Zayne glanced at me as his eyebrow rose. “Nothing?” He asked as he returned his attention to Tim and the man he was talking to.
“Not a fucking thing.”
“Do you want to? Remember that is.” Zayne rubbed his jawline, his green eyes flashing with curiosity.
“I’m not sure.” I shifted on the smooth leather seat. “I need to get closer so I can see if it’s really Logan.”
I grabbed the door handle and climbed out of the car.
“Holden, what the fuck are you doing?” Zayne fiercely whispered as he followed me.
“Just roll with it.” I shoved my hands in the front pockets of my jeans in an attempt not to appear as though I wanted to beat Tim. I didn’t want to put him on the defensive. My plan was risky, but I was willing to take that chance if it got me closer to finding River.
Loose gravel crunched beneath my tennis shoes, alerting the men that we were approaching.
“Hey, Dad.”
Confused, Tim stared at me. “Holden? What are you doing here?” He squared his shoulders, eyeing me suspiciously.
“I saw you leave Mom’s and I needed to catch you before you left town again. I know that our last conversation was heated, but I need your help.” I slumped in defeat. “My girlfriend is missing.” My voice cracked with tension.
Tim’s mouth hung open. “Son, are you sure she didn’t run off with another guy?”
My nostrils flared, and I gritted my teeth. “I’m positive.”
Tim sauntered over to me, empathy flickering to life in his expression. Then he shocked the shit out of me with a hug. “What do you need, Holden? How can I help?”
I ran a hand through my hair and eyed the man who had remained quiet so far. It was definitely the same guy in the picture. He was older and thinner, but there was no mistaking it was him. From what River had said, he lived in the same shitty and dilapidated trailer park she had, but he was dressed well. Money oozed from his pores. He placed his hands on his hips, and his Rolex reflected the streetlight. He wasn’t as poor as he pretended to be. But pretending to be broke was a smart cover when you were running illegal weapons.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting. You seem to be traveling more and I couldn’t afford to miss you.” My gaze landed on the ground, then slowly drifted to Tim.
Tim patted me on the back, and I willed myself not to shiver with disgust.
“It’s all right. You probably don’t remember Logan. He was over a lot when you were younger. He’s a friend and business partner.”
Logan tipped his chin up, then held his hand out. “You’re not a scrawny little kid anymore.” Logan chuckled. I shook, making sure I gave him a firm handshake, imagining it was my fingers wrapped around his throat.
“Sorry, I don’t remember you. Thanks for letting me borrow my dad for a few minutes.”
Logan focused his attention on Zayne. “Who is he?” I didn’t miss the edge to his tone.
“My bodyguard. He’s cool.”
To my surprise, Tim bristled. He threw his arm around me and stepped closer to Logan. “We might be able to help, son. Tell me what happened.”
