Page 57

He sighs, already knowing where this conversation is going. “Let me take a wild guess.”

“The DNA from the lipstick isn’t a match for anyone in the database,” I confirm.

A dark laugh escapes him. “So she’s a fucking ghost.”

I place my glasses back on my face. “My guess is there’s a reason she wants to remain off the grid.”

“You’re probably right.”

“Come again?” I say in surprise. “I didn’t quite catch that…”

“I said probably.” He sighs. I can practically feel his frustration through the phone.

“Listen, I’ve still got her image running through my software. The second her face appears as a match, I’ll let you know.” I tap my finger on my desk. “We’ll find her.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I have a big brother who once told me that an Alarie can do anything they set their mind out to do.”

“That guy sounds pretty smart. He’s probably not bad to look at either.”

I grin. “So the ladies have said.”

He chuckles. “I appreciate you, brother.”

“Anytime.”

He ends the call, and I set my phone on the desk and stare at it for a moment before my attention shifts to the stack of background checks Amelia left for me earlier that morning. I pull the first file from the top and open the manila folder, spending the next half hour going through them all.

Knock. Knock.

My attention shifts to my office door. “Come in.”

Kai pushes it open, and I minimize the security feed, muting the audio before he reaches my desk.

“I’ll take my bonus in all hundreds.” He flashes a proud grin, carrying a small rectangular box.

I lean back against the plush leather of my chair. “I take it that means it’s all set?”

“Just sealed it with a coat of silver.” He sets the box on my desk and steps back.

“Good.” I wave him off. “Transfer the bonus into all three of your accounts. I know you know how.”

He chuckles. “Will do.” He turns toward the door as Ethan rushes in, cutting him off.

“Boss.” His face has gone pale, his chest rising with quick breaths. His usual cool, calm demeanor is gone, and that alone has me straightening. “We just picked up Luka Vasiliev’s face on Burrow Rd two minutes ago. He’s with a group of men in a black SUV heading south.”

Every muscle in my body locks as a map of the town appears in my mind. I pinpoint his location as fury vibrates through my bones. “That’s only one block from—”

My phone vibrates on my desk, and I turn it over to see Leo’s name. I accept the call and press it to my ear. “We have a fucking pro—”

“Get outside.” His voice cuts through mine. “Now. I’m parked by your car.”

I shove back from my desk so hard my chair slams into the wall. “What happened?”

“Scarlett and Charlotte were shot at.” His words come fast and sharp. “Get your ass out here in five seconds, or I’m leaving without you.”

I end the call and sprint from my office, crossing the main room before shoving open the steel door. Leo is already waiting in one of our armored SUVs, the engine roaring to life. I yank open the passenger door and climb inside, fury radiating off him in waves. Before I’ve even shut my door, Leo slams his foot on the accelerator. Tires squeal against the concrete as we tear through the underground tunnel. The security gate begins lifting, and we blast onto the road the second there’s enough clearance.