Page 110 of Rex

“It’s not if that’s how you feel. He’s a good man. A great brother. We’ll bring him back, Aria. Also, it’s okay to cry if you need to. It’ll be our secret.”

I sniff and blink away the wetness that was creeping in and pull back to look up at him.

“Thanks, but I just promised myself I’ll do that once he’s here and safe.”

“If you change your mind, let me know. I’ll bring the tissues, and we’ll do it up right,” Reeves says with a small smile as he releases me.

Pointing at the door, he asks, “Ready?”

I nod my head, and he follows me back inside.

Hours later, we’ve narrowed the circle by half. We’re getting closer, but it still seems success is too far away.

“We have company,” Gunner announces.

Looking up, I can clearly see the strain on Gunner’s handsome face. He’s been on the move all of yesterday and through the night. So has pretty much everyone else, though, and it’s showing on all of our faces.

Several men enter the clubhouse, and it’s clear it’s the Morales brothers. While each has their own look, they all look very similar. Gunner greets them, and they follow him straight to his office, but several greet Bella by name or at least dip their chin in her direction as they pass by our table. The rest of us go back to our search. A few minutes later, they emerge, and Gunner calls for everyone’s attention.

“We have additional hands to help with the search. I want a club member paired up with a Morales to hit the streets again. You all have pictures of the SUV and the men who took Rex. Call in with anything you see that might help. Pigeon, Bella, Aria, and Petey will stay behind to continue working their angle. Has anyone made contact with Candy? Petey, try to track her down and make sure she’s not missing too. When you do, send her my way. Let’s go.”

The men leave, and I watch Petey pull out his phone. I feel a moment of relief when Petey indicates that he’s made contact and that Candy is fine. I impulsively reach over and give Bella a quick hug, and she smiles softly before we both get back to work. When Petey sits down across from me, I look up and see his concerned eyes on Bella.

“Petey. Where was Candy?” I ask, drawing his attention.

“She hadn’t heard about any of this and went to work yesterday like normal. When she got off work, she went straight home, not feeling well, but Chubs called early this morning and explainedwhat happened. She went first to the funeral home to make sure Marti was being taken care of properly, then met up with Chubs. She’s been with him, searching all day.”

“I feel bad I didn’t think to call her yesterday,” I mutter.

“She’ll understand. There was a lot going on,” Petey answers before looking at Bella again. “You should take a few hours off and get some sleep, honey. You’ve been here all night.”

“I’m okay, Pops. I’m going to run up to Bailey’s for a few minutes, though, and see if they need anything. I might run home for a quick shower. Then I’ll be back. You okay for a while, Aria?” Bella asks.

“Yeah, I’m good. Take your time,” I answer.

After Bella walks through the kitchen door and disappears, Petey speaks up again.

“It’s hard sometimes to know where her head is at. She keeps everything locked down tight. I worry that us dealing with sex traffickers and the Morales family again might bring back her own experience with them.”

I nod in understanding but reply honestly, “She’ll be fine. You’ve raised her to be strong, and she is. She has all the family around her that she needs, and she’s smart on top of that. She needs something, I think she’ll ask.”

Petey nods in agreement, but the worry lingers in his eyes. I pick up my phone when it vibrates, moving slightly on the table next to my arm.

Pippa: It’s me, Craig. I only have a minute or so before Mom realizes I have her phone again. Drones! Use the drones!

Me: Hey Craig. What drones?

Pippa: Rex has a couple of super high-tech drones. They have video and audio capabilities. He’s let me and Luke fly them before. He keeps them at the security company.

Me: I’ll let Gunner know. Thanks!

Pippa: Rex will be okay. Remember that. Love you!

Me: Love you too!

“Craig just texted and said we should use the drones. He said Rex has a couple of them, and they could help,” I say to Petey.

“I don’t know shit about them, but let Gunner know. Can’t hurt,” Petey states.

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