My mouth is dry and tastes like sick. If I try to get away now, I won’t get very far. And the attempt will cost me the freedom he’s giving me. But it’s possible that as soon as I’m inside the house, the limited freedom I have could be taken from me. I need him to think I can’t move at all, or that it’s too painful to move.
Unfortunately, that’s a little too close to the truth. I need to keep him focused on me so that if help comes, they have a chance of getting here without him hurting them.
I don’t know how I’m going to manage to get out of this. All I can do is hope the ring keeps me connected to the guys so they can find me.
CHAPTER 44
Hawk
“No one saw anything,”I say into the Bluetooth in my helmet connected to my phone. I told them what Sophie said. “Chase wasn’t able to give me anything. The police are aware Annie’s missing. I’m on my way to talk to Brandt.”
“The rose always felt wrong,” Cam says. “From everything the stalker did, the rose was the only thing that hurt her.”
“Apparently whatever game Brandt was playing wasn’t happening fast enough for him.” Damon’s voice is little more than a growl. It’s probably a good thing he isn’t coming with me. Though I could probably use someone to hold me back, I’m not sure either of them would be willing to.
They hit a dead end. The GPS tracker is either lost or outside of service, or the asshole who took her brought a GPS blocker. Meaning, even if Damon had tagged her like a pet, it still wouldn’t give us anything.
“There isn’t much out this way,” Cam says. They’ve pulled up a map to try to figure out what direction the stalker might have taken her. For all we know, he could be driving her out of the state.
I’m sure our parents would prefer us to wait with them and stay out of the police’s way, but fuck that. This is our girl.We’re not fucking losing her waiting on bureaucracy and fucking warrants.
“We need to find out who all Brandt was using.” Damon breathes out. “This could still be Jackson. For all we know, Mia is back and wants to hurt Evan for taking her role.”
“I’ll find out what Brandt knows.” I’m getting close to his house.
“Try to find out before you rearrange his face,” Cam says. “There’s a few old farms around this area. We’ll start there and let you know if we find anything.”
“Good luck.” I disconnect as I pull up to the gated home. I press the button on the intercom and wait. Breaking in and holding a knife against his throat until he tells me everything would have been preferable and saved time, but also probably would have gotten me arrested. I need to be able to help Annie and can’t do that if I’m locked up.
“Can we help you?” The voice in the box is tinny.
“Hawk Wilker. I’m a friend of Brandt’s and need to talk to him.” Keep it simple.
“Just a second.”
I tap my finger while I wait. Every second is wasted unless Brandt gives me information. Hopefully, he lets me in. Otherwise, the knife plan is looking better and better.
The gate buzzes and then opens. I ride up the long driveway to the house. It’s opulent and fancy like any rich kid’s house. Just a little more over the top. I park my bike and take off my helmet. A girl in a dress stands in the doorway. This must be Elizabeth Stanwell.
She leans in the door with her arms crossed and an arrogant, knowing smile on her lips.
“You’re lucky I’m home for the weekend.” Elizabeth smirks. “I doubt Brandt would have let you in. But I’m bored and love a little entertainment.”
I hook my helmet on my handlebar and walk up the steps. “Are you going to show me where he is?”
She smiles and shrugs. “Probably.”
I narrow my eyes on her. “He has information I need.”
“Don’t we all?” She chuckles.
“I don’t have time to play games,” I bite out.
“Pity. I do so enjoy games.” She backs up a step. “I guess I’ll just have to enjoy you tearing my brother a new one. Come on. Mom and Dad are out for the evening.”
I pocket my gloves and leave the knife tucked in my pocket. There’s more than one way to get information. If the nice way doesn’t work, I’m willing to try whatever it takes. Annie is gone. Someone took her, and I doubt they have plans to keep her nice and safe. Time is of the essence.
Elizabeth leads me out to the backyard where Brandt lounges in slacks and a shirt beside the pool. When he sees me, his eyes widen before a smile cuts across his face.
