“Anna keeps saying, “If she goes home”, I’ll call Danny to pick me up. If she’s heading home, I’ll catch her on the way. I’ll callSebastian to run a trace, to see if he can pick up her signal. Are you okay staying with Mighty Mouse over there?” I thumb in Anna’s direction.
Carlos breaks out with a smile. “Yeah. I’ll hang for a bit, then take her home. I’ll head over to your place if we don’t come up with anything.”
“You keep me posted and I’ll do the same.” I pat him on the back and head out.
Once in the hallway, I call Danny, then Send Sebastian a text.
Alex: Can you run a trace on this number?
Sebastian: Sure.
I send him the number.
I open the back door and pace. If she's hurt, I’ll fucken lose it on someone. I swear to God I will. We might not be a normal couple or even friends at this point, but she’s still mine to protect. And God help anyone who lays a finger on her soft skin.
Danny pulls up and I hop in. “Home.”
I stare out the window, watching the lights of the city pass in a blur. She better be on her way home from the bookstore. So much for dinner plans, it’s already 7:30. I open my phone and call the restaurant and cancel. Dropping my hand in my lap, I look at Danny in the rear-view mirror.
“Did you notice if Isabella arrived at the house?” My voice is much calmer than I truly am.
“No sir. I thought she was coming home with you.” He looks back at the road.
Fuck!
Once inside the house, I race up to her room and slam open her door, calling her name. She’s not in the bathroom or her art room. I leave and run down the stairs, heading to the kitchen.
I burst in and Rose screams and drops the empty pan in the sink.
“Sorry about that. Have you seen Isabella this evening?”
“No, no sir.”
Humph, “Okay, thank you. Go back to what you were doing.” I point around the room trying to look like I know what I’m doing.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
I head to my office, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I sit at my desk and rip off my tie, tossing it on my desk. It’s Sebastian.
Sebastian:Not sure who you’re looking for, but they won’t be found unless they want you to find them. The signal is dead in the water. My guess is a Pro job with an ID screen blocker and mesh interference bag.
Alex:WTF is a mesh interference bag?
Sebastian:Fuck’en luddite! Just what I said! It’s a steel mesh bag or metal box that blocks any and all signals to a phone you fucken muggle!
Alex:Fuck you, computer nerd. Get some sleep. I can see your red eyes from here and you’re not making any sense.
Sebastian:Terminology. Luddite: computer illiterate person. Aka, YOU! Muggle: Non-magic folk. Harry Potter movies. Duh! Again, aka, YOU!
Alex:Whatever. Thanks, bro, text you tomorrow.
I go over to the bar and pour a three-finger splash of whiskey. If I don’t start hearing from someone soon, I’m going to lose my mind. I unbutton the top few buttons on my shirt. My hands feel clammy and my chest still hurts. It’s past 8:00 now, plus it’s raining.
Fuck, what if she is out on the street in this? She’ll get sick.
I slam my drink on my desk. Shesooogetting her ass good and pink before I get on that plane. Better yet, I’ll handcuff her ass to her bed and she can’t get into any trouble while I’m away.
My phone rings and I grab it without looking at the caller.
