“What kind of dumbass question is that? No, we weren’t followed.”
“How’d he know where to find you? Who else knew about the appointment?”
“Emily and Jamie. As far as I know, Ashley didn’t tell anyone else.”
“They wouldn’t have said anything.” Jack’s defensiveness was unnecessary.
“Did we sweep her phone for a tracking app?” AJ asked.
“No,” I said.I’ll beat myself up later for not thinking of it.
“Let’s talk through it,” Jack said. We filled the time on the ride to Dallas talking through every idea, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.
Had Finn hired someone? Was the suspect operating with or without Finn’s knowledge? If Finn wasn’t responsible, who the hell was?
We’d have some of those answers soon enough.
The air in the car felt thin. My chest rose and fell in rapid succession. I clenched my fists and my teeth.
I will not have a panic attack.
I will hold my shit together.
I will not fail Ashley.
When I started my countdown, my focus was on Ashley. How she’d looked curled up in my arms. How soft her skin felt. Her laughter, which was always followed by a snort if it lasted too long. The fruity scent of her hair. The taste of her lips.
When Jack parked, he reminded me of the mission before turning off the engine.
Focus on the mission. I’d done it a thousand times before and could do it now for Ashley.
“We’re looking for Finn Bentley,” Jack said to the receptionist.
“Who may I say is asking to see him?” To her credit, there was only a slight tremor in her voice.
“I’m Jackson Sheppard from Sheppard & Sons Investigations. We think he can help us with a missing persons case.”
“Have a seat, Mr. Sheppard.” She looked at the rest of us before continuing. “I’ll see if he’s available.”
I positioned myself so I was out of the way, but could block Finn if he tried to run.
My scowl and laser-beam focus probably spooked the receptionist. I added her to the growing list of people I’d need to apologize to.
“What’s this about?” Finn asked as he sauntered into the lobby. The second he saw me, he started backpedaling. “Oh no. You need to leave.”
He backed away fast. I moved faster. “Let’s have a little chat in your office,” I said, putting my arm around his shoulders like we were old friends. Jack and AJ were right behind us.
Finn looked like he wanted to piss his pants when AJ closed the door behind us.
“I’m calling the cops.”
“No, you’re not.” I snatched his phone out of his hand.
“Blaszek.”
“Sheppard.”
“Let me talk to him.”
