Page 48 of Coming Up Aces

“What’s wrong?”

Regina took a seat on Con’s lap as Rayna recapped everything that happened. “Once we had Grissom’s room number, Regina was going to voice him regarding Seth, but he wasn’t there. Lucy tapped into the security cameras, but there was no sign of him getting off the elevator on his floor. It took her a bit, but she figured out why. The cameras in the hotel had been set on a loop, and we all know who has that ability.”

“Spencer,” Ace said. “But if he’s helping Grissom, does that mean both the deputy director and Hanson are on the take?”

“That’s the question of the hour,” Regina added. “That and where the hell did he go?”

“We couldn’t check every room of the hotel. We did knock on the doors surrounding his room, and he wasn’t in any of them.” Rayna rocked her head from side to side, popping her neck. “I had an idea, but you’re not going to like it.”

“What’s your idea?” Ace braced himself.

“Spencer was held at the correctional facility up in New Ray Brook. I want to drive up there and ask questions.”

That wasn’t as bad as Ace had been expecting. He wouldn’t tell Rayna not to go even though he wanted to shelter her from her bosses. “To what end?”

“Mainly to see if Seth is there. If Grissom stashed him somewhere, it’s possible he made it appear Seth was being detained.”

“That kind of shit goes on within your organization?” Conrad asked.

“Not often, but it does happen. I need to rule it out before I go into the office.” Rayna toyed with Ace’s fingers. “I want nothing more than to go home and take care of you when Rev gives the all-clear.”

“But you need to do this for Seth and Vanessa. I get it, Ray. If it were Ripper who was missing, I’d do whatever it took to find him.”

“Goddess, this sucks.”

“It does, and I may not have known you long, but I understand this is something you need to do. You’re a trained agent with an impeccable record, so go find your partner. Con and Regina will make sure I get home and settled.”

“Damn right we will,” Regina said.

Rayna studied Ace’s face. He smiled even though he wasn’t happy. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his while running her fingers through his hair. “As soon as I find Seth and make sure he’s okay, I’m turning in my resignation. I can’t help find Spencer, and if one or more of the bosses are involved with him? That’s above my paygrade anyway.”

“Then go find Seth and come back to me safely. We have a garden to plant and stars to gaze at.”

“I’m going to stop off at your house for my suits, so don’t worry if you see some of my things gone.”

“I have several burner phones in the drawer by the refrigerator. Grab one before you leave.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Do you want me to drive you?” Regina asked.

“Just to Asher’s. I’ll call for a ride back to my place.”

“Be safe,” Ace said, not wanting to let her go.

“Always.” Rayna lifted his hand, pressing it to her cheek, then kissed his palm. She rose from the bed, grabbed the prosthetic and wig, then she and Regina left once again. Ace had never felt as useless as he did in that moment.

“Do you want me to follow her?” Con offered.

“No. I have to trust Zeus and her goddess to watch after her. I don’t think I’d be given my mate after all these years to lose her this quickly.” Ace sent up a prayer asking his god to keep his female safe.

Rayna

It felt strangeentering her home after being gone for so long. The house was stuffy, so Rayna cracked a few windows to let the air circulate while she took her toiletries to her bathroom and unpacked them. She hadn’t brought her casual clothes from Asher’s since she planned on going back soon. She hung up her suits and tossed her low heels onto the floor instead of placing them in the rack. Her service weapon and holster were next, but she didn’t put the gun in the lockbox since she was leaving again soon.

Rayna went to the bathroom and dabbed on a little makeup before twisting her hair into a low bun. She swapped her shorts and tee for a button-up and one of her pantsuits. She hated pantyhose, so she opted for the nylon footies that weren’t much better. After putting on her shoulder holster, she checked her weapon before sliding it home. She grabbed her jacket, shoved her feet in the ugly shoes, and retreated to the living room where she’d left her purse. The new burner phone was already loaded with several numbers including those of Regina, Conrad, Lucy, and Asher. She found her work phone where it was charging on the kitchen counter. How long could a phone stay plugged in? It had been months, but when she tapped the screen, itloaded normally. She didn’t carry a purse while she was working. Instead, she had a slim wallet that fit in her back pocket, which held her driver’s license and one credit card. She grabbed both phones and her keys, then locked up behind her. Once she stepped into the garage, her Cheetah growled.

What’s wrong?

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