Page 87 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Shut the fuck up, Braden. That ship sailed. Leave her alone.” Eli takes the bait, making the rest of us laugh. And joking or not, I decided to add my two cents.

“I second that. You know I love you, Braden, but keep your dick away from my sister. I know some of the places it’s been. Eli, I’ll take your offer if you stay alive long enough in between all the crazy shit you do. Keep me posted if she gets into it with my parents.” Eli’s been obsessed over chasing his next adrenaline high. His motto of living life to the fullest is getting a little reckless if you ask me.

“I’ll second that one,” Sebastian adds while giving Eli a look of admonishment.

“Do they know she’s here yet?” Eli asks me, ignoring our comments.

“No, I left a letter on the counter. They’ll get it when they get back. They’re still on the cruise, but they have a message to call me on their way home so I can at least warn them what they’re coming home to.”

“Well, I hope you’re more successful than the FBI, not to mention all the PIs you went through, but come on, man, you must know this is a long shot. I don’t want to see you lose your mind if you can’t find him. That’s all I meant earlier. I know you feel guilty, but it’s not worth throwing your life away.”

“Braden, I’m going to let that slide because I know you’re coming from a good place, but sheismy life. I thought I madethat clear. Even if it’s not until the end of the trial, I’ll get her back, and if her dad is the way to make that happen sooner, then I’ll find him.”

“Well, then, I hope you succeed sooner than later ’cause I’m gonna miss my best friend. These douchebags aren’t as fun.” He lifts his beer, and everyone follows suit.

“Good luck, man,” Eli says.

“Bring him in,” Sebastian adds as we clink our glasses in a final toast.

THE SEARCH

Jackson

It’s been three weeks since I arrived in Puerto Rico, 108 days without Mia, and I’m no closer to finding her dad. I’ve just finished making the rounds with Mia’s extended family after visiting each one in person. People tend to remember more when you’re face to face. Also, it allowed for more time so if anything came to mind, they could tell me then and there. If I only made phone calls, the chances of them getting in touch after are less likely. It doesn’t mean I won’t follow up with everyone, though. Not only to see if anything came back to them but also to thank them for their hospitality.

They were all generous, showering me with meals and excited to spend time with someone who had ties to the family they lost. I tried not to explain why I was looking for Mia’s dad but gave them enough to stress the importance of my search. I came up mostly empty-handed, except for finding out where her parents met.

Interestingly, Mia’s mom was on vacation in the US, and during a stop in Las Vegas, she met Roland, who lived there. According to Sofia’s account of the story, it was love at first sight. I asked why they didn’t stay in Vegas, and from what they’d heard, she didn’t want to raise her daughter there, so they somehow ended up in San Diego. They knew about his gambling habits from Sofia, who would call often and confide in her sister about their problems.

Sofia knew he was playing too much before he left and was always worried his habits would get them in trouble at some point. She assumed he stuck around San Diego, but she never knew for sure. They gave me the most recent picture they had of him, so I have something tangible to go on. I see similarities between him and Mia, but she takes after her mom more so.

It was a success for the picture alone, but the information about Vegas might also be helpful. My next stop on the Roland Marcos tour is his own family. There aren’t many—an uncle and a few cousins—but maybe they’ve heard from him recently. It’ll take me a while, even with his few relatives, since they’re so spread out. Luckily, I have plenty of time now with Cici running things back home. Speaking of, I decide to call and check in and give her an update.

“Hi, Jackson. Are you still in Puerto Rico?” Cici answers.

“I’m at the airport, ready to fly out. I made it through everyone here, and now I’m headed to Arkansas to talk to Roland’s uncle.”

“Did you learn anything?” she asks eagerly.

I fill her in and ask how things are going there.

“Everything’s good. Rebecca and I are holding down the fort. It took a while to get back in the swing of things, but it all came back to me eventually.” She stepped right in and handled it like a champ. She might not like the family business, but she’s good at it.

“It seems like you never left with how good you’re doing. Have you heard from Mom and Dad yet?”

She laughs. “No, but they’ve been checking in with Rebecca. They’re too stubborn to talk to me, you know that.”

“You know you’re their daughter, right, smart one? As a neutral observer, you all play a part in this, but it only takes one of you to admit it first. That’s the problem with the Soloman stubbornness.”

“Okay, Obi-Wan Kenobi, are we done here?”

I chuckle. “Yeah, I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Later, Obi-Wan.”

I’m laughing as I hang up. Thank God. I wondered if that sound would ever leave my mouth again.

Mia

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