Page 25 of Casey's Hero

“Ray,” Jacob called out.

The bartender looked around but continued moving toward the large trash bin, tossed the bag inside and then turned. “Can I help you?”

“We were here last night with the bachelor party.”

“Hawk’s party.” Ray nodded. “Did you lose something?” He came to a stop in front of Jacob.

“Actually, we did,” Jacob said. “The groom.”

The old Navy man’s brows rose. “You sure he didn’t decide to skip out on the wedding? You know…cold feet?”

“No,” Casey said. “We think he might have been kidnapped.”

Ray’s brow dipped. “From the Big Wave?”

“No,” Jacob said. “From the hotel he was staying at.”

Ray crossed his arms over his chest. “What does that have to do with the Big Wave?”

“The woman the off-duty policeman escorted out last night,” Jacob said. “Do you remember her?”

“Camila?” Ray asked.

“That’s her,” Casey said.

“It’s a long shot, but we think she might be involved.” Jacob waited for Ray to respond.

The man’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at the corner of the building. “She introduced herself as Camila. No last name.”

Jacob hid his disappointment. “Did she arrive alone?”

He frowned, shaking his head. “I was busy at the bar when she appeared in front of me.” His eyes narrowed. “Seems there were a couple of big dudes lurking on either side of the entrance. Didn’t think much of it at the time. I thought they might be waiting for someone else to show up. Then you gave me the signal to get the cops, and it was a blur of motion getting the cop-for-hire to escort her out.”

“Do you remember what the two guys looked like?” Jacob urged. “It’s important that we find them.”

“The sooner, the better,” Casey added. “Or a bride will be left standing at the altar while her groom could be in real trouble.”

Ray pinched the bridge of his nose. “They wore short-sleeved shirts and had tattoos on their arms.” He dropped his hand and stared at it. “A black hand.” Ray looked up. “They both had black hands tattooed on their upper arms. And some letters. E.M.E, I think.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I can’t remember more than that. I assume since they both had the same type of tattoos, they could be gang members. I can’t say with certainty that they were with Camila. They left before the cop escorted her out.”

Jacob stuck out his hand. “Thanks, Ray. We appreciate your help.”

Ray held up his hands. “I’ll spare you the shake. My hands are pretty dirty. But if I remember anything, leave a number for me to call.”

Casey pulled a business card out of her purse and tucked it into the pocket of his white apron. “Call the number on the card. It’s my cell phone.”

“Will do.” Ray gave a mock salute. “Good luck finding your guy. I hope he makes it to his wedding on time.”

“So do we,” Casey murmured. “So do we.”

If gang members had taken Hawk, there was no telling where they were holding him. Jacob and Casey would be hard-pressed to get him back in time for the wedding. It would take an act of God or mission-ready SEALs to pull it off.

Jacob prayed Hank was more successful gathering a team and the necessary equipment they’d need if a raid into gang territory became necessary.

CHAPTER 6

Casey climbed into her SUV.“Do you want to get your vehicle, or will mine do for now?”

“Yours will do.” Jacob pulled out his cell phone and punched in Hank’s number.

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