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“It doesn’t make sense,” Mary stressed as she looked at us. “Play it again.”
A groan came from Blake as he tilted his head to me and raised his eyebrow.
“Do it,” I ordered. “She may be right. It sounds like the sniffle is coming from Bethany, not Lily. If she was so hell-bent on the money, why would she be crying? It doesn’t make sense.”
The voice played back at full volume and the silence throughout the room ended when the recording did.
“That’s my sister. I’m telling you, she’s crying and she wouldn’t do that unless there was a reason. Having Lily and her revenge would have been enough. Ransom? That just doesn’t sound like Bethany. She’s smarter than that. She just exposed her guilt when we were all clueless as to who it even was. It doesn’t add up.”
Zain nodded, bringing his head up from where it was resting on his fists. “She’s right. I think it was Bethany, too, and I don’t believe she made that call willingly.”
A knock on the door was followed by Marcio opening it and Gaige walking in. The power emanating from him couldn’t be ignored. He wasn’t the Gaige who’d told me about his wife and son. This Gaige was different. He was back to being the bad ass agent.
“You said you had news?”
His eyes scanned all of us before coming to settle on me.
“Play it,” I said to Brace.
For what seemed like the millionth time, Bethany’s voice echoed through the living area. Each time Lily screamed, Zain’s fists clenched. I’d seen the reaction too many times and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.
“That’s my sister,” Mary stated. “And she’s crying. Something isn’t right with that call.”
Silence reigned as everyone looked at Gaige. Had he picked up the crying, too? Did he think it was Bethany?
“Shit,” he mumbled. “Alright, I have to make a few calls. I’ll get one of my guys here, ready to trace any more calls that might come through. I’ll make the rounds with my partner and see if we can locate Bethany. From what her husband told me earlier, they’re no longer together. When I stopped by to ask about their supposed falling out, she was gone. I was trying to track her down when you called.”
“I think she’s in trouble,” Mary said, lowly. “She’s in over her head with someone, and now both her and Lily are going to pay for it. God.” Mary stood, wiping the tears from her cheeks. I immediately followed her toward the kitchen area. When we were far enough away from the others, she turned and threw herself into my chest. “I’m so scared, Slade. I have such a bad feeling concerning all of this. I know I shouldn’t care what happens to Bethany after all that she’s done, but I can’t help it. My heart is breaking. I just want them back. If my sister had any part, I want her to do her time. But…hurt or dead?”
“Shh,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
The sobs grew heavier and I led her to the bedroom, hugging her tightly against my side. Mary didn’t need any more stress. She couldn’t afford it and neither could the baby.
“You’re going to rest. I don’t want you out of bed for the rest of the night.” I led her to the dresser and opened the drawer, removing a white, silk nightgown. Slowly, I undressed her, easing to my knees to press my lips to her stomach. “Understand? Let’s get you in bed so you can rest. I’ll bring you dinner when it arrives.”
With one more kiss and her nod, I stood, raising the gown to slide down her lifted arms.
“There. Now, let me tuck you in. I’ll be back to check on you in a little while. Do you need anything? Crackers?” A bottled water was already resting by the bed and I took it, handing it over.
“I should be okay.” She took a sip and placed it back down, grabbing a tissue. “Will you let me know if you learn anything?”
I nodded my head and pulled back the covers. “You know I will. Now, lay back and relax. Remember what the doctor said. You need rest, not worry. I’ll do what I can.”
Pressure gripped into the lapels of my jacket as she pushed to her toes and angled her face toward mine. Our lips met and I couldn’t stop my hand from fisting the silk material at the small of her back. I pushed my fingers through the hair at the base of her neck, needing more. Mary was the only one who could calm me and make me forget everything but her. Even if it was only for a few seconds, my soul grounded and I felt myself calm.
“God, I love you.” My deep breaths were met with hers and the green of her eyes pulled me under. I could get lost staring into their depths. Here, I was safe. Free from the dangers and pain of the real world.
“And I love you. Go help them find Lily. I’ll be here.”
I helped her into bed and leaned down for one last kiss. As she curled onto her side, I couldn’t stop myself from placing my lips against her temple before I stood. Walking away was the hardest, but I knew she was right. I had to find my sister and bring her home safe. Maybe even Mary’s sister. What in the hell was going on? There were too many questions and nothing for answers.
The door clicked as I pulled it closed. The men stopped talking as I walked toward them.
“What’s the word? Any news in the last five minutes?” I’d meant it sarcastically, but from the looks on their faces, I’d obviously missed something. “What is it?” My heart raced while I stared between Blake, Gaige, and Zain. All three of them turned toward Brace, who was still sitting at his computer. My guard swallowed hard as he stood.
“Between Blake and Zain, we might be able to break through the shield blocking out the address where Bethany called from. Give me just a minute, boss.”
I took a step back and turned, trying to remember where in the hell I put my gun. My mind was whirling in disbelief. Excitement and nervousness crashed, leaving me turning in a complete circle. Where the hell was my gun?
