Page 75 of Mastered By Desire

“Or,” I hesitate, “you could call them and ask them to be ready.”

“That I’ll do,” he says. “For your dear Leah.”

Gage

When I step into the Ironwood building, I’m directed straight up to Jaxon Marsel’s office.

He meets me at the door. His cheekbones are prominent over his tidy beard even when he smiles in greeting.

“I’m sorry to call you here on a Saturday night,” I say.

“You’re paying a high price for it.” He smirks, but then his dark eyes soften into concern. “Besides, Gage, we go way back. You know I’ll help you if I can.”

I hired Jaxon and Ryder when I first came to San Esteban. They helped me set up my apartment and all of its security. They’ve worked on the security protocols at Vice and Low Vice, as well.

I tell him everything that’s been going on with Leah, her ex, and the threats from the loan sharks.

Ten minutes later, we’re in an office with two women in front of dozens of computers.

“This is Leonie and Lin, two of our best cyber investigators,” Jaxon says.

“I’ve already pulled up all the traffic cams I can find surrounding the hotel,” says the brunette, Lin. She has a tiny mole at the corner of her mouth, and the side of her head is shaved. “Do you have a picture of the woman you’re looking for?”

“I don’t.”

“All right, what’s her name?”

“Leah Shreve.”

A few seconds later, Lin has pulled up Leah’s driver’s license photo.

I wonder if Lin’s access has been obtained legally. Traffic cams, driver’s licenses? I suppose it doesn’t matter if Ironwood is hacking into places if they have no intent of harm.

From there, Lin, Jaxon, and I stare at the three monitors closest to Lin as footage plays.

“A fire alarm went off,” Lin says, pointing. “You can see everyone rushing out here. Any sign of your girl?”

I don’t see her anywhere. Surely she would have left when the alarm sounded.

“If someone took her,” I say, “that’s how they did it. They would have gotten to her when she left her room.”

We watch and re-watch the footage. There’s no sign of Leah.

Dmitri arrives, escorted in by one of Jaxon’s employees.

“Were you able to get any help from your grandfather?” I ask.

He shakes his head of dark blond hair. “He told us not to trust the police, but that’s nothing unusual.”

There’s more to his words, but his demeanor is closed off. I won’t push it, not right now.

Dmitri points to the computers. “What is this?”

“We’re trying to find out when Leah left the hotel, and who took her. A fire alarm went off, so everyone leaves at eight forty-five.”

“Are all the exits covered?” Dmitri asks.

“Yes,” Leonie says. “I’ve been looking over the building’s blueprint.”

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