My lungs seize.
What if they were looking for Haley?
What if it was Justin, trying to take custody matters into his own hands?
What if he’s looking for Haley now? What if he found something in the house that would hint to where she is? A class photo? The list of Haley’s friends’ parents numbers that I keep on the fridge?
Oh, God.
The panic is paralyzing.
“Angel.” Ronan jostles me lightly. “Hey. It’s alright. Just breathe.”
“Haley,” I choke out. “What if it was Justin? What if he came for Haley? What if… He could be out there, looking for her…”
“We need eyes on Garrett Ryan’s house,” Ronan says immediately. “Haley’s sleeping over there tonight.”
I pull away from Ronan and start heading to the door. “I need to get her. Now. I need?—”
Ronan catches my hand, stopping me. “Not you. We’ll handle it.”
“But—”
“I’ll have Alec and Gage go,” Enzo interrupts. “They’re on the way over right now.” He pulls his phone from his pocket and sends a quick text. A few seconds later, he nods. “Alec’s close. He says he’ll be at the Ryans’ in a couple of minutes.”
“But what if Justin’s already there?” I ask. I tug at Ronan’s hand, but he won’t let me go. “I need to call Garrett. Warn him.”
Enzo opens his mouth to answer, but he’s interrupted by the whine of sirens. Flashing lights glow through the curtains.
Tires screech. Car doors open and shut.
From downstairs, Knox says loudly, “We have five inside. Me, Enzo, Ronan, Max, and Angel. No sign of the intruder.”
In response, a woman says dryly, “Why am I not surprised you guys are already here?”
“I’ll call Garrett,” Enzo says to me. “I’ll let him know.”
“But,” I start. “You don’t have his number. And Haley. I need to get to her. I need her?—”
“Hey.” Ronan thumbs away tears I didn’t realize I was crying. His voice is achingly gentle. “We’ve got this. Haley’s okay.”
“How do you know?”
He leads me over to the bed and helps me sit down. “Because.” His gaze holds mine; solemn and earnest. “First off, Garrett Ryan’s house is secure. I know it is because Alec installed a security system for him.”
“But—”
“Enzo’s got everyone’s numbers,” he continues. “He’ll tell Garrett exactly what’s going on. And we’ll have Alec and Gage right there to guard the house.”
“I want Haley,” I say with a little sob. “I need her.”
“I know.” Ronan brushes away another tear. “I know you do. But we can’t bring her here right now. Not with the police here. Not without knowing…” He frowns. “It would scare her.”
I know he’s right.
But she’s my baby. My world. And if something happened to her…
“She’s fine,” Enzo announces. I didn’t even realize he’d been on the phone. “Ryan said she’s watching a movie with Tess. The house is secure, and he’s keeping a close eye on them. Plus, Alec and Gage should be there any minute.”
