Page 7 of Legally Loved

"His behavior is suspicious as hell," Clive chimes in.

"Should I shank him or do you want to?" I want to know as my anger boils over. Clive points out that’s probably not the smartest question to ask in present company. I wave it off, but decide I need a minute to recover and let them know I’m going to the ladies’ room. Caleb opens his mouth, though I stop him and promise I’ll behave. “But only if we can leave after I’m done.”

"You insulted my parents and we got what we needed from Sean. Our mission is complete."

On my way to my destination, I go through Sean’s timeline of what happened, which lines up with what my brother was saying. Not to mention, the guy was acting sketchy as hell. Thanks to Caleb and Clive, I know we’ll nail this fucker and get Harry free. So focused on that, I’m not paying attention to my surroundings, therefore, I don’t notice the shadow before I’m pushed from behind. The impact sends me to my knees and I attempt to scream. A hand covers my mouth, muffling it, and I’m picked up and carried off. I don’t who has me, but whoever it is, they’re aren’t concerned with gentleness because my head hits the side doorjamb and everything goes black.

Chapter 7

Caleb

"We found suspicious transfers from Sean's account," Clive informs me. We’re currently hiding in a corner trying to avoid everyone while Grace plays the social butterfly as we wait for Halo.

“Without a warrant."

"If we find something, we’ll get one."

"You're breaking the law."

"I'm helping a friend," he corrects me. Knowing he has my back means a lot to me; but seeing him act more like his old self surpasses that. He’s been struggling since Cole’s death and has had a hard time dealing with his grief. I nod, telling him I appreciate it as he returns to watching Grace as she goes toward the bathroom.

"With what we’re uncovering, once an actual investigation is launched, it won't take much to find the rest of it," Clive explains. "You going to marry her?" The abrupt change of topic is different for him, but I still answer honestly.

"Of course."

"Good. Grace likes her."

"And that’s a requirement before a wedding can take place?"

"Yes,” he states in tone so matter of fact I bust out laughing. “Grace comes first." Okay, I can’t fault him for that as I feel the same about the woman I love. I’m about to say just that when Grace comes running toward us, her face white as a ghost and her breathing labored. Clive meets her halfway and grasps her shoulders, asking what’s wrong.

"A man took Halo out the side door. She was unconscious." My stomach bottoms out at her words and I demand she show me where she saw them. Clive is on my heels as I follow Grace. When we reach the spot, I see Halo’s clutch on the floor and hurriedly pick it up as I hurry through the same exit that leads to the parking garage.

"Cameras," Clive says, helping me think clearly. We race to the security room while Clive calls it in. My heart is racing with fear for my Halo as we watch the footage. Plain as day, it shows Sean carrying her outside and placing her in the back of a limo before it takes off.

"Find them," I bark to Clive who rattles off the license plate to the person on the other end. Hanging up, he reassures me that his people are on it, but it isn’t enough. Clive comforts Halo as she worries for her friend, a testament to how close the two have become.

"An officer will take you home,” he tells her, urging her to wait for him there. “He’ll stand guard until I get there.”

"I want to help,” she stubbornly demands. “She's my future best friend." As much as I’m thankful for her obvious affection for Halo, I have to agree with Clive.

"I'm not going to argue about this. Go!" I’ve never heard him speak to her in this manner, though I know it stems from concern for her. She doesn’t like it, but she does as he says, giving him a hard kiss prior to walking away.

"How long until they track down the company?"

"Everyone is on high alert. We'll find her, Caleb. She’ll be okay.” I have to believe that she will be. She’s scrappy and knows how to take care of herself, she’s had to for so long that it’s second nature to her. But I didn’t want her to have to now. I wanted to do it for her.

When I find that son of a bitch, it’ll take everything I have not to kill him.

Hell, I might do it anyway. It’ll be worth it.

Chapter 8

Halo

Iwake dizzy and disorientated, my head throbbing like I’ve spent hours in a mosh pit. I try to touch the spot, wanting to see if there’s a wound, but my arm is restrained to the chair I’m sitting in. Both of them are. The sounds of a man and woman fighting reach my ears, distracting me from the pain. I recognize the former as Sean.

"I couldn't leave her,” Sean says. “She and that lawyer were on to something."

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