“I’ve many hidden talents.” I kiss her lips and waggle my brows, neglecting to mention how I Googled the recipe only five minutes ago.
While we’re chowing down and discussing possible motives, her phone pings.
After reading the text, she jumps up. “Oh my God. Jason found Chrissy. She’s at her mom’s apartment. Call Slate. Get someone to hold her there.”
Finally, our luck has changed.
About an hour later I stand in a swanky living room overlooking Central Park. On the floor by my feet, a handcuffed teenager with a muddy coat, holds her knees.
Ignoring the nasty gaze she shoots me, I step between black leather furnishings and shake hands with Slate. “Thanks for getting here so fast.”
“I nearly lost her in the stairwell.” He scowls at her and the looks she gives back is so similar, I chuckle.
“Slowing down in your old age?” Grinning, I hand him the coffee I bought downstairs.
“Meet me in the gym. We’ll see who’s soft.” He pops off the cover and eyes me over the steam.
“Yo, macho-men, you mind focusing?” My wife squats next to the girl, and shares a smile usually reserved for Mikey.
“I’m Samantha Russo. The huge lug is Suds, my partner. The one in the expensive suit is Slate. Your mother hired us to find you.”
The tension in Chrissy’s face disappears, making her appear much younger than sixteen. “You’re not handing me over to the cops?”
“Not unless you want us to.”
“God no. Can I talk to my mom?”
“Sure.” Sam digs out her cell and stops short when Slate whistles.
“Don’t.” He points to a pile of disabled listening devices on the kitchen table.
Then, he reaches into his jacket, removes the plastic packaging around a burner phone, and hands it to Chrissy. “Use this.”
I share a worried look with my partner as our found teen works her thumb over the device.
Soon, tears roll down her face, creating rivers of mascara. “It’s me. No… I’m sorry. You don’t understand… I know… I did… But Gran’s lost it. Okay. I won’t. Uh-huh. Please don’t be mad. I love you, too.”
Wet lashes lift as she hands me the cell. “My mom wants to talk to you.”
“Ms. Bright?” With the plastic to my ear, I walk into the kitchen, thinking about possible next moves.
“Thank you for finding her. Tell me, is she hurt?”
“No, ma’am but she’s lucky. I thought you said she was smart.”
“No, I said she’s brilliant. Listen, I’m coming back to New York. I need to see her.”
“No. You stay in DC with Wheels until we figure out who’s tryin’ to kill you. Understood?”Damn, that’s all we need.
“But-”
“No buts. Put your bodyguard on the fucking phone.”
I wait, worried she’s not going to do as I ask, and let go the breath I was holding when Wheels’ familiar voice sounds through the speaker.
“I’m guessing you found the kid?”
“Yeah. You can go ahead and let Selena do her business but stay close.”
