Page 68 of Deadly Forever

“That’s Kaspar’s house,” James said. “He must have more computer experience than we realized.”

“Unless it’s his kid,” Mandy offered.

James pursed his lips. He hadn’t considered that. “Do we know where the kid is?”

“I haven’t heard from Sophie about that yet,” Grady supplied, joining the small group. “I can call her.”

“Do that,” James instructed. “I’m starting to wonder if the kid is just as big a part of this as the father.”

“He’s definitely the most believable link between the boys who went into the mall and his father,” Mandy said. “If Kaspar took the kid when he ran, where do you think they’ll go?”

“I honestly have no idea, baby. That’s what we need to find out.”

“ACCORDING to Sophie, Jacob Kaspar is in the wind, too,” Grady announced twenty minutes later, pocketing his cell phone as he strolled back into the room. “The sheriff’s department isn’t making that public knowledge, but she has a source on the inside and he confirmed it.”

“So Jacob is part of this, too,” Finn said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not surprised. He had to know his father’s plan from the beginning.”

“The kid probably never had a chance,” Jake said. “He was raised by his mother for the bulk of his life, but we all know how powerful a father can be when it comes to shaping who you become. Jacob probably knew what his father was and yet still wanted his approval.”

“So when Kaspar got out of prison, Jacob willingly went with him and they changed their names together,” Mandy said. “Kaspar probably groomed his son to work with him and ease the way so he could access as many girls as possible. How much do you want to bet that Darcy wasn’t the first victim?”

“I’m betting there are a lot of victims out there,” James said. “They probably don’t even realize they’re victims because of the drugs. Darcy said she could only focus on Dakota Landers’ face and that everything else was a blur. These other girls might think it was a bad dream.”

“And even if they believe it happened, they can’t accuse anyone if they don’t know who violated them,” Finn added. “They’re in a terrible situation. Most rape victims don’t even report the crime. If you don’t know who did it and you’re confused because you were at a party … .”

“I want them to pay,” Mandy grumbled, rolling her neck until it cracked. “I want to find them and … castrate them.”

“I wish that was an option, but finding them is going to have to suffice, baby,” James said, moving closer to his wife so he could soothe her with a hand on the back of her neck. “We’ll find them. We’ll make them pay. I don’t think you’re going to be allowed to castrate them, though.”

“I guess that will have to do.” Mandy pressed her face into James’ side, only lifting her head when James’ phone dinged with an incoming text message. “What’s that?”

James’ face was grim as he stared at the screen, although there was a slight gleam in his eyes. “It’s Peter,” he replied. “He has a confirmed sighting of Kaspar.”

“Where?”

“A hotel in Mount Clemens,” James answered. “In fact, it’s the same hotel Emma’s mother stayed at when she was here.”

“Well, I guess we know where all of the psychopaths like to hang out,” Grady said, shaking his head. “Are we moving?”

“We’re definitely moving.” James leaned over and pressed a kiss to Mandy’s forehead. “It’s almost over, baby.”

“Can I go with you?” Mandy was hopeful, but she didn’t believe for a second that James would allow her to walk into a fraught situation.

“Not on your life, wife,” James replied almost immediately. “You’re staying here with Maverick. You guys can keep talking about women and stuff. In fact, you can help him embrace those traits you were talking about.”

Mandy wasn’t happy with the answer, but she refused to put up a fight when James was so close to ending this situation and getting whatever limited justice he could for Darcy. “Be careful. I’m awfully fond of you. It will ruin everything if you get hurt.”

“I won’t get hurt,” James said. “These people are cowards, baby. That’s why they operate in the manner they do. They can’t take me. I’m too manly and strong.”

He was going for levity, but Mandy wasn’t convinced. “Come back to me.”

“I will always come back to you.” James pressed a firm kiss to her lips. “Never doubt that.”

“Go and get him,” Mandy ordered. “I’ll stay here with Maverick. I promise I won’t get in trouble.”

“That will be a nice change of pace,” James said, grinning. “Load up, boys. Peter and his men will meet us there. I’m guessing this is going to be a quick operation.”

“That will definitely be a nice change of pace,” Grady said.

Mandy watched them go, her heart full of love and hope. Then something occurred to her. “James?” she called out before he disappeared through the door.

“What, baby?”

“Kick him in the balls for me.”

James grinned. “You’ve got it. I’ll be in touch as soon as possible. We’re almost there, wife. It will be over before you know it.”