“I went to our apartment first. I found the note you left for Riley about her friend’s car. I stole it because I knew I’d never be able to walk all the way here, too,” she sobbed. “Will I get in trouble for stealing it?”
“Shhh, we’ll figure something out. I know you’re exhausted. Do you think you can show us where they took you?” Rachel asked gently.
“Rachel, may I speak with you?” Matthew asked as he jerked his head toward the living room. “Garrett, you might as well come, too,” he said as he rose from his seat. “Mac, why don’t you get Tara a refill or some more cookies?”
“Will do, boss,” Mac replied as he smiled at her.
Matthew ledthe way into his office and shut the door after Garrett entered.
“Rachel, you can’t go and promise we’ll save her sister. We need to let the police handle it,” Matthew admonished her as he sat behind his desk and tapped on his computer keyboard.
“As far as you’re concerned.” Matthew glared at Garrett. “You’ve stayed here one day, and you have embroiled us in a scandal,” he said, angrily.
“I call bullshit,” Rachel said as she plopped down across from her fiancé.
“I’m going after her,” Garrett announced. “Shit. Why didn’t she tell me she needed the money for her sister?”
“Do you think it might be something more? She works at a biker bar. There’s no telling what she witnessed, and they threatened her sister to keep her from talking,” Matthew surmised.
“It doesn’t matter why she’s there,” Rachel argued. “She’s a woman in trouble. You know…”
“It’s why I think we should call the police,” Matthew interrupted her, giving her a stern glance.
“I’m taking Tara, and I’ll get her out. Don’t involve the police,” Garrett said. “I gave her the money and caused this shit.”
“We don’t need trouble here,” Matthew warned him. “I don’t want attention drawn to this place because I hired you.”
Rachel scowled. “Matthew, he needs your help.”
“We barely know him, and you can’t go around here making empty promises to young women,” he scolded.
Rachel rose. “Don’t you take that tone with me, Matthew Cartwright. This young woman needs your help.”
She took out her phone and dialed a number. “Hi, Rebecca. When will you and Julio arrive home? Oh, I didn’t realize you planned to come today. Listen, we have a situation here.”
“Rachel, hang up the phone,” Matthew growled as he came around his desk, attempting to stop her.
Rachel gave him the finger and walked out of the office, telling Rebecca all about Tara and her sister.
“Don’t make me regret hiring you,” Matthew gritted out. “One thing you need to know. You’ve caused an argument between Rachel and me. Therefore, you’re on my shit list.”
“Let me make it easy for you. I quit,” Garrett said, leaving the office. He heard Matthew let out a string of curse words as he entered the kitchen.
“Come on, sweetie. I need to pack up my stuff, and then we’ll figure out how to get your sister,” he said, helping her from the chair. The poor kid rose and weaved in place, as exhaustion and adrenaline overtook her.
“How will we save her? They’re scary,” she sniffled.
“I’m scarier,” he assured her, leading her into the living room.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Rachel said, putting her arms around her shoulders. “Julio will be here shortly and I’m taking Tara back to our house to rest. She’s about to fall over.”
“I need her to show me where they’re keeping Riley,” Garrett explained.
“I’ll ride with you and after she shows you, then you can bring us back home,” Rachel offered.
“Like hell you will,” Matthew said, as his eyes shot fire at her.
“Last time I checked, you don’t own me. I’m not letting a young girl suffer after what I’ve witnessed. Julio and Rebecca will be here shortly. I’m sure you guys can work it out.”
