Page 70 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

As we started to head for the SUV, a man in a suit approached. “Excusez-moi, Mr. Davenport, Mrs. Toussaint?I’m Antoine Moreau, lead inspector assigned to this case. I understand this is a trying time,” he said in an extremely thick French accent. “However, we need information immediately about the men that held you. Particularly a man named Angus Sokolov. He’s wanted in several countries. And no one has laid eyes on him in years…except for you two.”

“Are you saying he got away?” Alana gasped, a hand going to the center of her chest. Christo tucked her close in response.

“Oui. He disappeared out of thin air it seems. We were able to capture many of the men that were here, including his top henchmen, Dimitri Volkov. He was the one that was leading you out the back. Though I know the type. He’d rather die than rat out his boss. A man like Angus always has leverage against the members of his team.”

“Dimitri did mention something about a wife. Angus responded that she hadn’t arrived in Paris yet. They had a few harsh words about it before we went out the back. He also mentioned readying a helicopter.”

The inspector wrote that information down in a notepad. “That’s excellent information. I need to interview you and the girl.”

Rhodes lifted up a hand, stopping the detective from getting any closer to us. “Look, Inspector Moreau, my 13-year-old daughter was kidnapped and held by these criminals. She’s been terrified for hours. I’d like to get her fed, rested, and in bed so she can feel safe,” Rhodes stated in a tone that brooked absolutely no argument.

“And my husband needs to go back to the hospital. He was shot by one of Angus’s men and was receiving treatment when he was informed we’d been located. If you’d like to escort us, I’d be happy to tell you every detail I can recall. Emily was passed out for much of the experience and likely won’t be able to add anything more than what I can share.”

“Oui, madame, I shall follow you.Merci. Mr. Davenport, I still need to interview your daughter. May I come to your home tomorrow?”

Rhodes nodded. “If you must, yes, you can come to the Toussaint’s home tomorrow. We’re staying with them while on holiday. I hope you catch this motherfucker. He deserves to be put away for life,” he sneered.

“Oh, we’d love nothing more than to lay our hands on him. I’ll be in touch,” inspector Moreau confirmed.

“We’ll see you back at the house,” Rhodes rumbled and then took Emily’s hand and gestured for me to take her other one, putting his daughter between us as we walked to the car, our two guards leading the way.

“Do you think Aurelie will make us some crepes? I’m starving,” Emily said on a yawn.

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Rhodes smiled and seeing it made me smile.

Emily was fine. Alana was fine. Christophe would be fine.

We were going to be okay.

As long as the cops could find this Angus guy, all of this should go away.

I had no idea how wrong I’d be.

Episode 79

A Whisper in the Wind

JACK

Summer’s family arrived just after the Johansen’s, with two suitcases apiece and big smiles for everyone. Apparently, they were planning on staying a while.

The room was loud and filled with laughter, warm greetings, and welcoming hugs. I watched Summer introduce everyone while holding TJ on her hip. She was a natural with him. It was a side to her that I didn’t expect to see so soon but couldn’t deny made me happier than I should be at such a sorrow-filled time.

Ann instantly went to Summer and reached for TJ.

“He doesn’t usually take well to strangers…” I warned as TJ went willingly into Ann’s arms, making me look like an idiot.

“Oh, who is my sweet baby boy! Grandma is soooo happy to meet you!” she cooed.

Shockingly, TJ patted her face and smiled as though he’d known the woman all his life. Something he didn’t do with just anyone. It had taken some time for him to warm up to Erik and Savannah, and here he was, babbling at a perfect stranger in Norwegian.

Summer came over to me and looped her arm around my waist, tucking her head against my chest.

“Mom is really good with kids. They all love her. She says it’s her super power.” She sighed contentedly. “But it’s true. I’ve never met a little one that didn’t gravitate to her.”

She swung TJ back and forth, dipped him forward and kissed his neck the same way I noticed Summer did with him. He squealed with glee as the Johansens looked on, also in surprise. They’d been some of the only family in TJ’s life, so they were already well known in their grandparent role and understood that him being so comfortable with Ann was a true blessing.

“Summer, he’s sooooooo cute!” Autumn gushed and reached out for the boy.

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