Page 143 of Stone

I was concussed, had two cracked ribs, and it took a week for the swelling on my face to go down.

It was worth every punch and kick.

The months passed, and I collected everything I could find that one day would incriminate my husband and his vile dealings. I didn’t get much, Robert didn’t get where he was and stay clean by being sloppy, but I kept at it, hoping one day I’d gather enough evidence to gain leverage and get my Constance back. Then, I could leave and put Robert behind bars forever.

A couple of years later, help came in the form of an FBI agent on a personal mission.

And hope bloomed in my heart again.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Elise

There was a nip of frost in the air. Fall in Hambleton was beautiful. The colors were spectacular, and the cooler temperatures were a relief after the burning heat of summer.

I pulled the lapels of my coat closed, smiling as I watched RJ whizz around on his new bike from where I sat. Our Labrador puppy, George, yapped after him, prancing around like a tiny show pony.

A shadow fell over me, and a man, around his mid-thirties, dressed in a suit, pointed to the empty bench beside me. “May I?”

“Certainly.” I smiled.

He nodded toward RJ. “Your son?”

“Yes.”

“How old is he?” the man asked.

“Twelve,” I replied, turning to face him. “Have you got children?”

He shook his head. “No. I’m an FBI agent. I’m married to my career.” He held his hand out. “I’m Special Agent David Sears.”

My chest jolted as I took his hand and shook it.

FBI? What the hell was an FBI agent doing in Hambleton?

“I’m actually investigating the disappearance of my sister,” he went on, going into his inside pocket and pulling out a picture. “This is Mary.”

I took the tiny image and stared at the blonde girl smiling up at me. “She’s pretty,” I murmured. “Is she okay?”

The man shrugged. “I don’t know. The last reported sighting was over in Mapletree six months ago. My leads have dried up, and I wondered if you could help me.”

My eyes widened.

He knew.

The problem was that I knew Robert had FBI and law enforcement in his crony group, so I didn’t know how much I could trust this man. It wouldn’t have shocked me if he was a plant sent by my husband to flush me out. I had to tread very carefully.

“What can I do for you, Special Agent Sears?” I asked.

“Call me Dave,” he told me.

“Dave.” I dipped my chin in assent. “I’m Elise.”

“I know, Elise. Without wanting to appear like a stalker, I’ve been watching you, asking around, and getting the lay of the land. It appears you’re a decent woman who’s caught up in a situation you have no idea about. Your husband is involved with some very dangerous characters and doing some very nefarious work. I could beat around the bush by getting to know you and then try to recruit you to help me, but I haven’t got time. My sister’s missing, and I need to find her. For that, I need your help.”

My stare went to RJ, and my heart wept.

Constance was almost the same age, growing up fast, and I’d missed everything. Her first word, steps, her giggle, her scent. Did she love dancing and singing? What was her favorite toy or TV show? How did she sleep? Was she happy? Was she content?

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