“Why don't we get your t-shirt on properly, then you can draw one for Daddy.”
“Okay.” He grins. Thank God for this kid. His easy-going nature still surprises me.
While Oz concentrates on his blob animals, I pull Connie aside. “Any idea why Andrew didn’t go with Angie?”
“No. I haven’t seen him this morning.”
“This isn’t right, Connie. She would never leave without saying goodbye or letting one of us know.”
“Maybe she was in a hurry,” Connie says.
“Then why isn’t she picking up her phone. This feels wrong.” I pace for a second. “I should speak to Ray. Can you watch Ozzie for me?”
“Sure.” She half smiles.
“I’ll be back in a second, buddy.”
“Okay Daddy,” Ozzie says while his little tongue sticks out from the side of his mouth. He’s too busy drawing now to care.
Ray is already waiting for me as I get outside and he knows exactly why I’m there.
“We're on the case, Tommy. I'm afraid Mrs Knox left without a word to us and isn’t picking up her phone. Try not to panic. If it helps, Andrew is leaving for her place now. If she’s not home, he can check all the usual places she visits. He’ll be in touch when there's any news.”
“Okay. Let me know as soon as you hear anything.”
“Yes, Tommy. Oh, and did you see the envelope left for you in the kitchen? A courier dropped it off earlier.”
“No, not yet.”
“I asked Connie to give it to you.” He frowns.
That’s weird. “Fan mail goes through the label. You know that.”
“It doesn’t look like fan mail. It was sent via a private courier.”
“Things have been a little busy this morning.” I raise my brow and he nods. “But thanks. I’ll take a look.”
Sure enough, I find the envelope. It’s been tracked, so it must be important. I shake out the contents on the kitchen counter, which include a handwritten letter along with images I never wanted to see. Chelsea and Dylan in a compromising position… holy fuck. I hold on to the counter and steady my breathing. “Fucking hell,” I whisper out loud as my stomach twists. The shit just keeps on coming, but this time, I have the proof in my hands.
Picking up the letter, I glance at it briefly before Ozzie sings from the top of the stairs, “Finished!”
“Just coming, bud,” I call back while scanning over the contents as quickly as I can. There’s a lot to digest, and it’sgoing to take time to get my head around all this information.
I take the folded paper and photographs to my study across the hall and lock them in a drawer. Ozzie calls for me again, and I take a moment to calm my breath before calling, “On my way now, Oz.” I’ll have to deal with it later.
When I get to Ozzie’s room, I crouch down beside him and look over his drawing of a green cat. “I think that’s the best one yet.” Then I hug him extra tight. My heart is beating so fast. I need this moment to calm down.
My mind is in overdrive. I’m worried for Angie and Josh’s safety while thinking also about the information I’ve received. Where the hell is she? I realise sitting around waiting for something to happen won’t help. I have to find her.
I glance at Connie and smile briefly as I scoop up my kid. “Hey, bud. How about we take a trip in the car today?”
“To where?” he asks.
“I thought we could look for Josh. What do you think?”
“Yay,” he squeals.
Then my focus turns fully to Connie. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I could do with you there. The boys may need looking after while I talk to Angie.”
