Julia wrapped an arm around Lottie’s shoulders, and Sabrina leaned forward and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Chaz dragged him off me and Donato slammed into the glass railing. It shattered and he fell,” Lottie finished hollowly. But her blue eyes flashed as she added, “The men downstairs are heroes. If they hadn’t found me… If they hadn’t held off the mercenaries hired to protect Donato… I’d be dead.”
“But you’re here,” Julia said firmly. “And you’re about to be a mother all over again.”
“This pregnancy is making my hormones spiral, and it seems I can’t keep a secret, either,” she admitted with a sheepish smile.
“It’s good that you told me,” Sabrina said, pulling out her phone.
“Who’re you calling?” Julia asked.
“My dad.”
“Why?” Lottie asked, confusion wrinkling her brow.
“Because FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel Ross needs to know what happened, and that none of you are responsible for Donato’s death. Then I’m asking him to help us find Emma using Bureau resources.”
“Special Agent in Charge? That sounds important.” Lottie took the tissue Julia handed her and blew her nose.
“I think between Sabrina’s dad and mine, we’ll have enough brass to find Emma,” Julia said, and Sabrina nodded, remembering Brandon’s soon-to-be father-in-law was a General.
In less than twenty minutes, Sabrina explained the situation to her dad, conveniently leaving out the embarrassing fact Jaysoncaught her snooping. Her dad promised to find out what Rocco Ferrante was currently doing in Las Vegas and get back to her as soon as possible.
“If he has her, they took her alive for a reason,” her dad said, voice thoughtful. “And if everything checks out like you said, I have a feeling she’s on a private plane heading for Vegas and straight into Ferrante’s lair.”
They talked for a few more minutes then said goodbye. She’d just hung up when Brandon called them to come back downstairs. Talking to her father, knowing he would do everything in his power to help, gave Sabrina a boost of confidence, and she followed the women back down to the bar.
“I told Sabrina what happened in New York,” Lottie blurted out, heading straight for Chaz. “I had to let her know you guys didn’t kill Donato and that all of this is my fault.”
“It’s not your fault, Sunshine,” Chaz murmured, pulling her down onto his lap and stroking a hand over her blonde curls. “You had nothing to do with your useless ex getting involved with the mob.”
“Still though, I feel guilty. And I refuse to let any of you get in trouble because of something Andy did.”
Admiration for Lottie and the fierce way she protected the people she loved made Sabrina respect her deeply. “You did the right thing, Lottie. No one blames you for anything.” Lottie gave her a small smile.
The moment she spoke, the heavy weight of everyone’s stares landed on Sabrina, and she tried not to squirm. But, damn, they were an intimidating group. “I called my father to help,” she announced, hoping the calm authority in her voice would convince them she was on the right side of things.
“Special Agent in Charge Daniel Ross?” Brandon asked.
Sabrina blinked in surprise. “How did—”
“Seems like he and Mitch are acquainted,” Brandon said dryly. “If he can help, great. But, we’re leaving for Vegas immediately. Lex, can you get your plane ready?”
“Roger that,” Lex answered, already hopping up. “I’ll have mySpitfireready to fly in thirty.”
The atmosphere suddenly felt kinetic. Their energy, the way they leapt to help Jayson, showcased the tight, supportive bond the men shared. Maybe they weren’t family by blood, but this group had each other’s backs, and that made them the best possible kind of family—a found family who chose each other and always would.
Sabrina moved over to Jayson’s side and grabbed his arm. “I want to come, too.”
He hesitated. “You asked your father to help us?”
“I did,” she acknowledged, hoping her voice didn’t wobble on the admission. Or that he’d be upset because she didn’t ask for his permission to involve Bureau resources.
“And he agreed to that?”
“Yes. His resources are vast. If Emma is in Vegas, he’ll find out where before we even land.”
He searched her face for a moment then nodded. “Thank you,” he said, voice gruff. His gratitude made her relax a bit, but she didn’t miss the worried brackets lining his mouth or the tumult flickering through his hazel eyes. Releasing a low breath, he turned away, speaking to his friends. “Let’s grab our gear. Meet at the airfield in twenty.”
