Page 168 of Perfect Pitch

“For that kind of chance, I could be on the moon in four days.”

He sighs happily. “Now, if all my clients were so easy to work with.”

Carys chuckles, “You mean like her father.”

Kristoffer pleads, “Go on tour with him. For me?”

I’m in awe of what I’m hearing. “My dad’s a prima donna?”

They both shout, “Yes!” Causing me to clutch my stomach while I laugh. Thinking about the secret I’ve yet to share, I caution, “Maybe. I really do want to do this on my own.”

“And we understand that,” Carys says gently. For the next few minutes we finish hammering out the fifteen show tour, with no more than two shows a week. I excuse myself for a moment to call my OB-GYN to make certain she’s comfortable with it. Charlie follows me into the conference room. After I get the clearance from her, he drills me before following me back into the conference room.

I’m shocked when he announces, “She’s going to need security.”

“Agreed.” Carys reaches for the phone, and I stay her hand. “Austyn, let’s be reasonable. If I don’t get you security, your father is going to give birth to kittens.”

Her mention of giving birth brings me crashing down to reality. I don’t know the security layout of the clubs I’m about to step into the way I do Redemption. Charlie’s eyes bore into mine. Then he turns to Carys, “I’ll handle it. I’ll talk with Caleb.”

Carys agrees.

A few hours later, I’m ready for a nap before I go to Redemption. After speaking with my father, since I still haven’t reached Mitch, Charlie was “urged” to go with me for the next few weeks with a small cadre of Hudson’s agents from the Missing Persons and Protective Services division, including “Two female agents, Austyn.”

I’m comfortable with whomever he chooses. “Are they good?”

“Two of the best.”

“I trust you, Charlie.” I yawn. “I’ll trust you even more if I can get in a nap before tonight.”

He drives like he just stole the vehicle we’re occupying but within minutes, we’re back at the condo. “Go get some rest. I’ll pick you up later tonight.”

I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks, Charlie. You’re the best.”

“You’re welcome.”

* * *

CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX

Stop what you’re doing and check out the new club line Danielle Madison designed with Emily Freeman. It’s chic, it’s timeless, and it only requires half a kidney to afford.

—Eva Henn, Fashion Blogger

“Want to tell me why you’re lying to that little girl?” are the first words out of Charlie’s mouth when I pick up the phone.

“What makes you think I’m lying to Austyn?”

“The fact she knows you’re home and haven’t contacted her,” he remarks.

“How do you know that?” I demand.

“Who do you think was the one who took her to the appointment with her... lawyer today?” he asks.

“Stay out of it,” I warn my uncle. He retired. He has no reason to be involved in something that could get him hurt physically or emotionally.

“Too late. I’m knee deep in it,” comes his obscure reply before he disconnects the call.

“Damn it.” I curse as I slip a black jacket on over my mulberry-colored shirt. The tracker I managed to slip on our target last night has her headed in the direction of Redemption—where Austyn’s playing.

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