Page 76 of Into the Fire

We left them there to sort through Cole’s words and went into the office. Immediately, I poured us all drinks and we settled in on the leather furniture.

“She sure wasn’t expecting that,” E said, looking content as he took the drink I offered him.

“Nope, but we’re going to so get laid.” Cole clinked his glass with mine while I chuckled.

We drank in silence for a moment before Fox spoke up.

“Do you guys think we should reach out to the kings?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I sent a text to Levin last night. He said there was no news. I’ve got feelers out and honestly, it’s like she never existed. There is radio silence on everything. No one knows shit. It’s disheartening.”

“And terrifying,” E said, frowning. “How can someone like Dominic De Santis’s wife just go missing? I’d think if it were someone trying to prove a point, they’d be out there bragging about it or there would be some kind of chatter.”

I nodded. “I agree. It’s odd. It makes me think that she’s either left on her own and did a massively good job of making it look like a kidnapping or a lone wolf snatched her. Someone who is simply working alone. Perhaps someone with a vendetta. Those are the only two things that make sense to me at this point.”

“I just hope she’s found. I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. It’s the not knowing that’s the worst.” Fox rested his elbows on his knees, sadness washing over his face.

“If something like this ever happened to Rosebud. . .” Cole’s voice trailed off. “I couldn’t, man. I’d lose it completely. I’d kill every motherfucker who ever laid eyes on her before I did myself in to join her. That’s the truth.” He lit a sugar stick, then took a hit and sat back in his seat looking murderous.

I had no doubt he’d do that shit too. I’d join him in it.

“Let’s change the subject,” I said, clearing my throat. “This shit only makes us upset. We have no news. Let’s hope Queenie is simply lounging out on an island somewhere, drinking a margarita and laughing at all of us for being so dramatic.”

“I’ll kick her fucking ass if that’s the case,” Cole muttered, taking another hit from his sugar before handing it off to E. He took it and inhaled some quickly before passing it off to Fox.

I watched as he eyed it for a moment before he gave in and had some. I smiled at that. Foxy boy was an enigma. He used to smoke with us often in high school. He didn’t do it as often these days.

It didn’t matter though. I was just grateful we were all together. Anything less would break my heart.

TWENTY-THREE

ROSALIE

Jamie and Anson hadn’t really spoken.

He’d come to pick us up the following morning after her arrival and drove us to the bridal shop. Now, he sat awkwardly in a chair inside the boutique with his arms crossed and leg bouncing as I wrestled myself into a dress with one of the women from the shop helping me.

Jamie sat nervously beside him, darting quick looks at him. I could see them through the slats in the door to the dressing room.

I’d hoped they’d have hit it off. So far, no dice.

Sally, the woman helping me, opened the door, and I came out to stand in a simple A-line with a sweetheart neckline.

Jamie’s eyes lit up while Anson gave me a slow perusal, no emotion on his face. Enzo had called and asked him to come escort me for dress shopping today. He’d agreed, but I knew it wasn’t exactly how he wanted to spend his day.

Nervously, I stepped onto the pedestal and twisted my hands in front of myself.

“What do you think?”

“It’s pretty,” Jamie said, grinning. “Do you like it?”

I glanced at Anson, who hadn’t said a word and wore a frown. I bit my bottom lip and turned to see myself in the mirror.

“It is pretty,” I murmured. “But I don’t think it’s the one.”

I stepped off the pedestal and went back to the changing room. I should have set Anson free in town. It was unlikely anything could happen to me and Jamie in a bridal shop. By the time I was stepping into the eighth dress, I’d decided that was what I was going to do. There was a bar and grill across the street and a record store. Two places I knew Anson liked.

I turned and looked at myself in the mirror of the dressing room, my heart in my throat.

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