Page 70 of Found By Him

Chris: Do what you need to do to get her back. I’ll defend you with everything I have.

A small amount of peace settles in my chest at his response. The fact that I have all these men’s support means so much to me.

We parked behind Carlos on a quiet residential street in an older part of Nashville. The houses are dated, and some of the yards are overgrown. The patrol car is parked in the driveway next to an older model car.

As we climb out of the vehicle, my mind clears, and my nervous system eases. While the feelings I have right now are nothing like any I’ve ever experienced, being in the action, not knowing what we’ll walk into helps me tap into my years of training for keeping my cool in the most dangerous of situations. Let’s just hope that continues.

The five of us walk up to the front door, allowing Carlos to lead the way. He slams his fist into the door.

It only takes a few moments for the door to fly open. A man stands staring out at us. He’s shorter, maybe five-ten, with shaggy brown hair and a shirt that looks like it could use a good wash. His beady eyes jump to each of us, Adam’s apple jumping as he swallows, face visibly paling.

“Uh, can I help you?” he stutters.

Carlos shows his identification. “I think you know why we’re here. Let us in so we can talk.”

The man hesitates, but then gives a curt nod and pushes the screen door open. We step into his house, the living room clean but dated. He gestures to the couch. It looks likeit could give at any moment, so I opt to stand in the corner. As the man sits down, his leg immediately starts tapping.

Carlos wastes no time. “Let’s just cut the shit, Will. Where the fuck is Ella?”

Sweat beads along the man’s hairline as we stare him down. With a shaky exhale, he wipes his palm across his forehead. “I don’t know who that is.”

My eyes narrow as I growl out a breath.

“We have a video.” Carlos’s voice is menacingly calm.

He looks like he’s going to be sick. “Can I get immunity if I give you information?”

My hands ball into fists at my sides. I cannot believe the nerve of this fucking idiot. I take a step forward, my feet moving on their own. Nate grabs my bicep to stop me, and I send a sharp glare his way. He just stares back, not releasing his grip on my arm. With a huff, I relent, and he lets go.

Carlos glances at me, then back to Will. “Not a fucking chance, but you will save a woman’s life. Isn’t that more important?” His voice is menacing. “Plus, if she dies, I’ll make sure you’re charged with murder, right along with whoever does it.”

My stomach rolls at his words. I might be the one who gets sick instead. I can’t even think about a world that doesn’t have Gisella in it.

Will grimaces. “He paid me a lot to fake the arrest and deliver her to him. He said she was alone. I didn’t know about the guy across the street.” He shakes his head adamantly. “I don’t know where he took her. I swear I don’t know.”

“Who paid you?” I bark out, ready to lunge at this corrupt asshole.

“Steven Melton.”

Carlos glances at me. “Does that name sound familiar?”

I rub my forehead as I think. It does sound familiar, but I can’t place it. Until it clicks, and I snap my fingers. “Her piece of shit boss. His last name is Melton.”

There’s a knock on the door, catching all our attention.

Carlos’s grin is wide but far from meeting his eyes. “Perfect timing. Will, your ride is here.” When he pulls the door open, six police officers stand outside. All are looking grim, probably because they’re about to arrest one of their own. Carlos looks at the four of us and says, “Let’s go find an address.”

When we’re back at our vehicles, Carlos sets his laptop on the hood, and once he is connected to his hotspot, he pulls up Steven’s information. “It looks like he lives in an apartment. Seems unlikely he would bring her there.”

“What about his dad? Ella’s boss. Does he own any property?” Ian asks, then looks at me. “Do you know his first name?”

“Maybe Craig?”

Carlos nods. “Yep, that’s him. He rents a house here in Nashville. But they have some land out in Fairview. Looks like a farmhouse.” Carlos stares at the four of us, watching him intently. “Secluded, in the middle of the country.”

“I would be willing to bet that’s where he would go,” I say as I start stepping back. Whipping around, I stalk toward Ian’s vehicle. I don’t turn around to make sure they’re following, but hear the rapid footfalls behind me as they hustle to catch up. We all know how time sensitive this is.

“I’ll call for backup,” Carlos calls out after us as we climb into the SUV.

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