“Darla, we ran her DNA and checked all of the international missing children’s databases,” Dulce said. “Unfortunately, we still haven’t gotten any hits yet.”
“I have to believe her family is out there somewhere, worrying about her and what she might be going through.” Darla took another sip from her mug.
“Don’t worry, we’ll never stop looking for them.” Dulce had a great deal of influence, and her powerful father would do whatever he could to assist in her efforts.
Her mother, Hanna Houldcroft, was no slouch either and shared her daughter’s passion for helping the innocent. She’d been known to leave many a powerful senator and congressman trembling in her Chanel-scented wake.
“I assume the man who had her”—Charlotte checked her notes—“Ray Stamfield, isn’t talking?”
“No.” Dulce heaved a big sigh. “He’s being held in solitary until we can get some answers out of him.”
“Someone needs to go in there and tell him that if he doesn’t start talking soon, you’ll toss his ass in with the general population,afteryou make sure every inmate knows exactly why he’s locked up.” Charlotte had zero sympathy for animals like him. “Then let’s see how long it takes before he’s begging to talk to us.”
As morally bereft as most prisoners were, they had a bizarre code of honor and an unforgiving and vicious way of dealing with people who hurt kids.
“That’s actually a great idea.” Dulce nudged her shoulder against Charlotte’s. “Look at you, being all badass. I like it!”
“Yeah, right.” Charlotte rolled her eyes. She was far from being a badass, but she didn’t bother correcting her friend.
“Maybe I could try to come out there and spend some time with her.” Charlotte figured the timing was perfect.
“Oh, my gosh. Really?” Darla gave her a hopeful smile. “That would be wonderful.”
“I’m not making any guarantees I can get through to her, but I’m happy to try.” And Kalispell, Montana, was a lot farther from DC than Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Maybe she could convince her mom to come with her. Neither of them had ever been to Montana before.
“Charlotte, you’re the most caring person I know, and you have such a magical way with children who’ve experienced trauma,” Dulce said. “I just know you can reach that little girl so we can try to reunite her with her family.”
“Before I can commit, I need to see if I can arrange a few things here.” She had to talk to her mom. There was still the issue of someone harassing her, and then there was that awful list.
“Thank you so much.” Darla sounded relieved to have the additional help.
“We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, Darla,” Dulce assured her.
“Sounds good.” She set her mug down with a solidthump.
“Talk to you soon.” Dulce stretched her arm to the middle of the table, tapped a button on the wireless keyboard, and the large screen on the wall went dark. “Let’s head back to my office.” She gave Charlotte a sideways glance. “I’m sure Hawk is getting antsy by now.”
Charlotte wasn’t sure what she meant by that and opted not to ask. And anyway, he’d probably already left.
She tucked her pen into the loop on her notebook and snapped it shut, then they headed out of the large conference room. They chatted about Ariana’s situation as they made their way down to the far end of the hall.
Having something else to think about was a welcome, if only temporary, diversion from her own problems.
“I knew it would be a good idea for you to talk to Darla about Ariana’s case.” Dulce grabbed the handle to her large office door, leaned her weight against it to push it open, and they stepped inside. “After you, madame.”
“Thanks.” Charlotte stepped through the doorway. “Assuming I’m able to get out there, we have to keep our fingers crossed that I can actually get her to open up to me.”
Charlotte turned away from Dulce and stopped short at the sight of Hawk. She’d thought for sure he’d be gone and had already prepared herself for disappointment.
Cole stalked over to Dulce, cupped her chin in his hand, and leaned down to kiss her. He pulled his lips from hers, and their eyes connected for a moment.
Charlotte was ashamed of the twinge of jealousy that ran through her at the way they looked at each other. Feeling like an intruder on their private moment, she turned away and discovered Hawk watching her.
He didn’t smile, didn’t frown. He justwatchedher, which made her jittery, so she dragged her gaze from his and fiddled with the clasp on her notebook.
Cole gave his wife a last quick kiss. “How did it go?”
