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“I told you I don’t know where she is.”
Julian stepped closer, and Keenan moved back before he could stop himself.
“Why you backing up? I’m asking you a question.”
“I answered you.”
Before I could tell him to watch his tone, Julian grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him forward.
“Don’t get smart with me. Where the fuck is she?”
“Julian, let him go,” I said, getting out of my chair.
He shoved Keenan aside, sending him stumbling against the couch. My nephew caught himself and straightened his shirt, glaring at his uncle.
“Fuck that! You’re hiding something!” Julian barked as he marched toward the stairs.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“To his room.”
I started toward the stairs, following him. I hated being put in the middle of this, but Keenan needed to understand how serious it was. His father was missing, and protecting Melody wasn’t going to help us find him.
Julian went straight to the dresser while Keenan stood beside his bed protesting. I stayed near the doorway, watching clothes get pulled from drawers until Julian stopped with a second phone in his hand.
My nephew’s mouth closed, and I knew right then that we had caught him.
“Unlock it,” Julian ordered, holding it out.
Keenan looked at me as if I could make his uncle give it back. I folded my arms and waited until he reluctantly entered the code.
I glanced over his shoulder. Julian opened the phone, but there were no text messages. Only one number had ever been called. It had to be her.
“Who does this number belong to?” Julian asked.
Keenan looked to the side. No answer was an answer.
“So you have been talking to her,” I said. “Why would you lie about that?”
“Because y’all act like I’m doing something wrong. She’s my mother.”
I didn’t appreciate his attitude, but Julian was already heading toward the door with the phone.
“You can’t take that,” Keenan protested, stepping in front of him.
Julian pushed him aside. “Move before you make me lose my patience.”
I caught Keenan by his arm when he tried to follow. He was nearly shaking, but I needed him to stay put before this got worse.
Julian headed downstairs, then looked back up at me.
“Keep an eye on him, Aria. I don’t want him contacting her.”
“What are you gonna do?” I called as he reached the front door.
“I’m gonna have a talk with your sister.”
My heart sank. Could she have had something to do with my missing husband?
