“Make it quick,” Red said rather loudly.
Adrenaline spiked through him as though he were on a mission, and Josh couldn’t help but grin. He missed everything about being a SEAL—the camaraderie, the planning, the anticipation before they shipped out, and the mission itself.
Josh placed his hand on the men’s room door then checked on Red, who was writing on a piece of paper. Riley was leaning up against the counter, and Charlie was staring at Josh.
Josh wanted to signal he wasn’t in any danger and didn’t need help, but when Riley began petting the dog’s head, Charlie looked up at her.
Josh ducked into the bathroom and waited, counting to ten. Then he poked out his head in one quick motion, a habit he had when checking rooms in buildings while on a mission.
The reception desk was empty. As quietly as he could, Josh hurried down to Liza’s office, which was two doors down. He gripped the handle then turned. Relief traveled through him that at least the door wasn’t locked. Before he went in, he took a breath as memories of that fatal day in Afghanistan bombarded him.
You’re in an office building of a fashion company, not in a place where bombs strapped to enemies are the norm.
Nevertheless, he glanced down the long hall one more time. The coast was still clear.
Once inside Liza’s office, Josh blew out a breath, mainly because a bomb hadn’t gone off. Then he crossed the carpeted floor, skirting around racks of clothes and a slanted table that had Liza’s latest dress design drawn out on paper. One of the reasons Liza had moved to Boston was for fashion school.
Josh settled behind her desk, quickly sweeping his gaze over the contents. Sticky notes covered the perimeter of her computer screen.
Riley’s flight info was on one. “Call Haley” was on another. “Get Taylor to run down to Berger’s fabric shop.” “Talk to Monroe.” “Prep for fashion show.”
Nothing stood out to him, and since her desk was one solid piece of glass, no drawers existed. Josh was about to peek into a filing cabinet that was located near the floor-to-ceiling window not far from him, when Charlie’s wet nose pushed on his hand. Josh’s heart skipped a beat as he zeroed in on Red, who had a scowl the size of California.
She crossed thin arms over her chest. “What are you doing? I should call the cops!” she practically shouted.
Riley came to an abrupt halt behind the lady, mouthing, “I’m sorry.”
Charlie wagged his tail at Josh’s side.
Stupid me for not bringing him with me,Josh berated himself, although by the time the dog would’ve alerted him to any noise, it would’ve been too late.
Josh held up his hands. “Look, I know you’re only doing your job. But my cousin Liza is missing. And whether your job is on the line or not, I don’t care. I need to find her.”
“I’ve given Riley Taylor’s address. I have your info. If I hear anything, I will call you.” She waved her hand at the door. “Now you both need to leave.”
Josh grabbed Charlie’s leash.
Maybe they would have better luck with Taylor.
