Page 57 of Fatal Attraction

“Okay,” I agreed. “I’ll speak with Carter and then we can regroup at my place. Have either of you gotten any updates about Karl?”

They both pulled out their phones, checking the displays.

“I’ve got nothing,” said Phoenix.

“Yeah, same here.”

Shit.

“I’ll call Ben,” I said through a tired sigh. “He should know something by now. Call me when you’re on the way.”

We kissed each other goodbye and as I got in my car, hooking up my Bluetooth, I dialed Ben, just to curse when the line rang and rang until it forwarded me to his voicemail. It was late, about half past midnight, so it would be wise to assume he was sleeping. Just in case though, I tried again as I was pulling out of the club, sighing at the same result.

Damnit.

There was only one other person I could call and as much as I didn’t want to do it, I rolled my eyes and then did it anyway, waiting.

Regretfully, Harley answered after the third ring.

“Charlotte? Is everything okay?”

“What’s the news on Karl?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

“What do you mean?”

I took a hand away from the wheel to rub my palm against my forehead, already feeling a headache emerging. “When is he being released?”

“Oh, I’m not sure, really. I haven’t heard from Ben.”

Great. Just fucking great.

“Alright, Harley. Thanks.”

“Wait,” she shouted before I could hang up. “What happened tonight? Did you get him?”

“No.”

“Fuck,” she groused.

“When was the last time you talked to Ben?”

“About an hour after Judge Carter gave the order. I mentioned putting Karl in WITSEC and Ben told me he’d mention it to him. Other than that, I frankly don’t know. I haven’t heard from Ben since then. As far as I know, Karl hasn’t been released yet.”

“Good.” I blew out a sigh of relief and leaned back in my seat. “That’s good.”

For now, at least.

“Charlotte, if I may—”

“I’m really not in the mood for it, Harley. We can talk when I’m done being pissed off with you.”

I hung up, then tossed my phone in the passenger seat, ignoring her when her name popped up on my dash. She didn’t call again, so I just kept my eyes on the road and tried to remain positive as I drove home, whispering that everything would be okay and that we’d figure it out.

Blaire’s car was parked in the driveway when I pulled in. I cracked a smile, happy to know Carter was here and safe.

But as I got out of the car, glancing up at my cameras, I froze.

They weren’t on.

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