“Yes. I understand. Thank you,” she says and ends the call. “The police say she has to be missing for twenty-four hours before they cando anything.” She scoffs. “What a damn joke. My dad might know where Bea’s house is. She’s an awful woman, but I don’t think she’d do this.”
“Where’s Noah?” I ask, looking at the clock on the wall, noticing it’s almost three.
“He’s at school, duh.”
“Mara, if Bea took Cora or had a hand in it, do you think Noah is safe?”
“Why don’t we go to the school and see if she’s there. Maybe she got a ride from someone,” Matt offers.
“Don’t fucking bother. Stay here in case she comes back. I’m heading to the school.”
I turn to leave, and Mara’s words halt me.
“Cora doesn’t need you anymore, Atlas. This isn’t your problem.”
“My problem?” I whirl around and stride toward her. “Every fucking breath that Cora and Noah takeismy business.Sheisn’t a problem,heisn’t a problem, and they never will be. They are mine, both of them. Do not get between us.” I turn and run into Matt’s chest. “Same for you, pretty boy. Stay out of my way before I give you another black eye.”
I shove past and head back out to my car. Pulling out my phone, I call Seth. “I need your help. Cora’s missing.”
“What do you mean,missing? I thought she was just ignoring you.”
“No. Her car was found a while ago, but she’s not with it, and no one’s heard from her. I’m going to the school for Noah.”
“Shit. Okay, let me get the guys. Could she just be ignoring you still?”
“No. This feels different. We have to find her.”
“Alright, man. I’ll call the others, and I’ll meet you at the school,” he says, disconnecting the call.
Tossing my phone into the passenger seat, I hightail it across town. If someone has taken Cora, they may also try to take Noah. Ihave to make sure he stays safe. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to him.
I make the usual twenty-minute drive in ten and park. Rushing up to the doors, I watch as kids come out of the building. I don’t care about any of them. I just need to see Noah. The majority of the crowd leaves with their kids, but I still don’t see Noah. I feel the panic rising in me when Seth joins me.
“Is he out yet?”
“Does it look like it?” I snap.
“Sorry. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Atlas. The whole thing is my fault.”
Shaking away his apology, I can’t deal with that right now. Taking a few steps toward the building, I finally breathe when I see Noah running out.Thank God.
“Atlas! Seth! Why are you here? Where’s Cora?” he asks with a smile.
“We just came to surprise you.” Seth plasters a smile on his face.
I pull Noah into a hug, relief coursing through me.
“You’re going to hang out with Seth for a bit. Is that okay?”
His eyes light up, and Noah nods. “At the shop?” he questions. “Can Kash do another tattoo?”
Seth looks at me, and I nod. “Of course, but only after you do homework and read. Deal?” He holds out his fist, waiting.
“Deal,” Noah confirms, pushing into Seth’s fist. Walking back to the car with them, I notice someone standing at the edge of the parking lot. I guide Noah toward Seth’s car and watch them out of the corner of my eye. I don’t know what they’re doing here, but I know for a fact theyshouldn’tbe.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Cora
