Page 52 of Royal Pain

“I have a bad feeling they’ll try and stop me from leaving. I didn’t think they were a part of it.”

“They were watching you, likely giving Joseph details. I know this is hard, but how long has this trip been planned?”

Swallowing hard, I had to think about it. “Only about six weeks. Up until then we were just going to Martha’s Vineyard, but Heidi got a wild hair.”

“Yeah, perfect.” He rubbed his jaw. “Can you trust me? I mean really place your trust in me?”

“Yes, I can.” There was no question. I could.

“Maybe you don’t know very much about my family, but we have more power than your tribal council. I need to make a few phone calls. You’re going to stay right here with me.”

I grasped his hand. “I can’t allow my baby to be with that monster.”

“I assure you we will get him back. You have my promise.”

Gage

What the fuck?

The community sounded like something out of a horror flick.

It was all I could do not to put my fist through the wall. What I did know was making her more excited and terrified than she already was wouldn’t help the situation in the least.

What I needed do was figure out the best plan. First call, Travis to arrange for my private flight. He was none too happy being awakened at almost three, but he’d get over it.

“It’s becoming a habit, boss,” Travis said, yawning.

“Yeah, well, you might need to get used to it. I need my plane ready first thing in the morning.”

“Destination?”

“San Diego.”

“Okay. That’s out of the blue.”

“Maybe but necessary. Let me know when the jet is ready.”

“Will do.”

Second was calling Valerio. Maybe he’d found out something.

“Hey bro,” he said, half laughing. “You’re up late. What’s up?”

“What did you find out about Joseph, his parents, the fucking community where they live, and even her parents? I need to know.”

“Whoa. What community? I had no idea. Joseph is a piece of work, destroying a smaller company less than a month ago but I don’t have much on his parents. What’s going on?”

“The name is Weathered Heights. Think community from hell where old men control everything. Moving in and out, likely making people disappear. They took her child.”

“They. Her child. I take it you mean Evangeline.”

“Yes!”

“Just tell me the story.”

So I did, trying to relay it the best I could. When I told him about the primal hunt, I heard my brother cursing. “We need to dispatch anyone we know to look for this kid.”

“My God. What you just told me sounds nuts, but I believe you. I’ll need a picture of the little boy if possible.”

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