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“What’s the key for?” Adrian asked.
I beeped the fob, and a truck in the garage responded.
“The rusting, green F-150 can cruise the streets without a second glance,” Viktor told him.
I read the list, hoping a name sparked recognition.
“Talia says to start with those,” Viktor explained. “They’re distant blood relations, and while they fear Gustave, they might have a reason to help Claude.”
I narrowed my eyes at the names. Talia thought someone related to her family would have the audacity to stand up to her father? It seemed improbable given the senior Beaumont’s iron hand. Six of the names were local, the rest were hours away from LA. With no digital paper trail, it was impossible to tell where the ogre spawn was. Claude could have slipped into Mexico, and it would be hard work to track him there. But my gut feeling told me that the coward would stick close, needing his father to help him if the situation became dire. Therefore, it was highly possible he was working with a relative. The more I chewed on that thought, the less I liked it. “Fine, but tell her that I want something more accurate.”
“She’s still combing through the list.” Viktor dropped his voice, adding, “What if she spoke with her father?”
I shot him a cool look. “He wouldn’t say anything useful, and the call wouldn’t be traceable.”
Viktor held up his hands. “Fine! Clearly, this is not my day for good ideas.”
I pocketed the list and climbed into the driver’s seat. After slamming the door, we peeled down the drive.
~*~
We weren’t gone formore than thirty minutes before Viktor called. By then, we were sitting in the truck, idling a block away from our first target. A flicker of unease rolled through my chest when I saw his name pop up on my screen.
“What?” I snapped.
“Pissy much?” Viktor snorted.
Drawing a deep breath, I struggled to rein in my emotions. I knew I shouldn’t be so hard on someone who was willing to help me, but it wasn’t in my nature to be kind—especially when my life was in ruins.
“Your wife is very headstrong,” Viktor drawled.
Those words had my heart skipping, and a mad fear skated through me. “What happened?”
“Talia’s gone. She conned my sister into helping her distract the guards at the gate and took my Mercedes, but I doubt it’s for a joy ride.”
Ice speared my gut.What did you do, princess?
