“All things considered, she’s doing well. Mom and Dad are moving to Virginia while she undergoes her initial treatment. The reunification specialist remains optimistic, but she’s honest. It’s going to take years, a lot of patience, and unconditionallove.”
“I’m here for whatever you need.” After a hearty handshake, Danny heaved open the glass door andleft.
Crockett told Ellen he’d be taking the rest of the afternoon off and to contact him for urgent matters only. On the way out, he texted Alexandra. “Headed home. See you there.ILY.”
While driving, he called Colton. “Are you intown?”
“Had a meeting in DC. I’m heading over the bridgenow.”
“Swing by my place. I have somenews.”
“You want to tell me what this isabout?”
“Inperson.”
Crockett ended the call and gripped the steering wheel.No fucking way will I manage this one alone.His guts churned as he parked in his spot, then rode the elevator to hispenthouse.
He went straight to his bar and tossed back a shot of whiskey, then poured one for Colton. After dropping his coat and computer bag on the sofa, he made a pot of coffee. Anything to keepbusy.
Ten minutes later, Colton arrived. “Congratulations,” he exclaimed, taking in the penthouse. “This is sensational. You’ve got a million dollarview.”
“Thanks.” He shot his best friend a tempered smile. His phone buzzed and he read the incoming text from Alex. “Be home soon.ILY2.”
“I didn’t buy that,” said Colton. “You should be on top of the world. What’s goingon?”
“Alexandra is on her way.” Crockett offered Colton the whiskey. “You’re gonna needthis.”
Colton took the glass, but set it down on the coffee table before relaxing on thesofa.
Fueled by anger, Crockett paced. “A handful of scum was arrested the night we found Sophia. The sex club was a front for sex trafficking. It wasdeplorable.”
“That’s disgusting,” Coltonsaid.
“After Danny read the police report, he thought Alexandra should know the truth. She’s due home any minute and I’m not doing thisalone.”
Colton furrowed his brow. “I’m notfollowing.”
“One club member was a serial pedophile. He was arrested the night we found Sophia.” With clenched fists, Crockett stared out the window. “He also had a thing for Alexandra. That prick never laid his hands on her, but he cameclose.”
“Jesus, what a sickbastard.”
“I never knew his real name untiltoday.”
Colton stood beside him and Crockett felt his stare boring into him. “Who was it,Crockett?”
His guts burned, his head pounded. Crockett pivoted. “WilsonMontgomery.”
On a growl, Colton’s eyes blackened with hatred. “Fuck.No.”
“You told me Wilson Montgomery was behind the hostile takeover,” Crockett bit out. “What you failed to mention was his goddamn relationship toyou.”
“And said what, ‘My father is trying to ruin me?’” Colton raked his hands through his unruly hair. “You brought me a phenomenal opportunity. I shouldered it and every damned thing that came with it. I wasn’t going to fail you or the Francesco Company, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to let that son of a bitchwin.”
“That fucking pervert—Wilson Montgomery Mitus—would have sexually assaulted his owndaughterif I hadn’t gotten to the club intime.”
“Jesus,” Colton growled. “I’ll kill themotherfucker.”
“You’ve got to help me tell her. Alexandra doesn’tknow.”
