Page 48 of Absolution

Oh, really?Bennett answered.That would be a first…

Fuck you.Once more, the device vibrated quickly after Bennett’s message was sent.It’s about the guy your daughter is shacked up with.

That got Bennett’s attention, his back straightening as his thoughts returned to Ella.

What about my daughter?

His heart hammered as he waited for Collins’ response. Inevitably, this time, the seconds protracted to minutes as though Collins intentionally intended to maim Bennett.

Not her. Him.

Only three words, but they offered Bennett little in the way of consolation.

What about him?Bennett tried again.

Guess who Kenner’s paying to kill him?

Kill him? Bennett read the message over and over again, his galloping pulse demonstrating his unease.

So, Kenner wanted Bowman dead? That made sense. Virtually everyone seemed to have beef with Bowman these days, and Bennett would certainly be happy to bury him, but if Collins’ inference was correct and he was being paid to assassinate Bowman while he was staying with Ella, what did that mean for her?

Could she be safe with creeps like Collins skulking around, looking to take out her captor? And what if what Kenner had said was true? If Bowman was more than only a kidnapper to her—and he despised the thought that he could be—she was potentially in real danger. Men like Collins wouldn’t think twice about taking out a woman who got in their way, and if, God forbid, she attempted to try to protect Bowman, things could go very badly indeed.

Returning his focus to his phone, he typed his reply.

You’re going to kill Bowman?

That’s right.

Bennett blinked at Collins’ reaction, a thousand worst-case scenarios playing out in his head.

When?

Whatever Collins’ answer, he had to get to Ella before him, had to let her know she was in imminent danger.

Later tonight. Collins’ arrogance practically oozed from his message.I thought you’d like to know. If you’re lucky, I’ll leave your girl untouched.

Fuck you.

Bennett typed his message but paused before he hit send, deleting the profanity. It wouldn’t do to piss off the guy who was planning to eliminate Bowman in Ella’s presence. Better that he bite his tongue and blow smoke up Collins’ ass—for the time being, at least.

Thanks for letting me know.

In the end, there was nothing else to say. Ultimately, Bennett was grateful Collins had brought this to his attention. Otherwise, he would never have known the hazards waiting just around the corner for his daughter. Otherwise, he’d have been impotent at this most critical juncture.

Ella.

Squeezing his eyes closed, a picture of his smiling daughter burst into his mind. He’d been a deplorable father so far, ignoring her for the longest time before trying to manipulate her with bribes and presents. Then, when Ella no doubt believed he couldn’t get any lower, he’d convinced her to stay with him and drugged her before driving her bound body to the woods to leave for Bowman.

What sort of father did that?

“A shit one.”

Regret swelled as he leaned back against the cushion. He’d never fancied himself as much of a parent, but even given his lack of experience in the role, he’d royally fucked up whereElla was concerned. He had to do better, had to utilize Collins’ gloating to their advantage.

“Don’t worry, Ella.”

By the time his phone buzzed again and his gaze flickered open, Bennett was resolved. His latest missive was from Kenner—a curt memo with the address details he needed to find Ella.

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