“No,” I reply.“No, I don’t.”
It’s a lie.I did have a sister.
One I let die.
So, I don’t deserve to be a brother and acknowledge her.Her death is all on me, and nothing can change that.
Liam starts up the stairs, accepting my answer, but now I’m back in the past and only half listening.“Well, I’m just saying, you have to see it from his point of view....”
“I’m going to hit the gym,” I say when we reach the top and head in the other direction.
I’m in no place to have a reasonable conversation with anyone right now.Remembering Becca always throws me.
I change, then slide on some gloves and proceed to punch the living shit out of the boxing bag for the next forty-five minutes.
––––––––
AN HOUR LATER, Thomaswalks into the gym.Liam is behind him and his expression has me dropping my gloved hands.
“What’s going on?”
“Just had an alert.Young girl has gone missing in the same area,” Thomas says.
You have to be kidding me.
“The fuck.”I rub the towel along the back of my neck after ripping off the gloves.“We were just there.What time?”
“Around midday,” Thomas replies.
Liam and I share a sharp look.
The clogs of my brain start going back over all the things that happened during the day.We arrived at the park around that time, eating ice-creams, and then I saw...Caylee.
Guilt slaps me across the face.
Was I more focused on her hard nipples and curves than saving some innocent children?Fucking hell.
Josh walks in and crosses his arms, his legs parted.“Thoughts?”
Liam shakes his head.“Didn’t see it.”
“Who is she?”
“Young girl.Fifteen.Mother is a lawyer, father a businessman.Pretty wealthy family,” Thomas reads from his tablet.
Liam and I share another look.
This is in line with what Agent Reed was describing, and it happened right under our fucking noses.
I’m starting to think Reed is right, and these things are not random.
“They’re all planned,” I say aloud.“Reed said the Feds think these girls are targeted.Specifically.Someone is pimping these girls and selling them.”
How?
“You sure?”Josh uncrosses his arms and props them on his hips.
I’ve been on this case for only a day, so I’m not sure, but it certainly appears like it.Am I completely sure?No.I mean, rich kids don’t linger on street corners like those who are homeless or looking for drugs.
