Page 132 of Sinner

He blinked several times, his mouth twisting in disbelief. “Oh, hell, no. That’s why I came here. I couldn’t get you on the phone.” He was exasperated. “Fuck, man. I’ve been working with you guys since almost the inception. There is nothing and no one that will coerce me into becoming a turncoat. Who the hell told you that shit?”

“Dorn mentioned your participation in bringing us down.”

He snorted. “You believe that fuck? You know he’d sell out for a few grand.”

That part was true. I’d left my phone on my desk before heading in to work out. “You have five seconds to convince me you aren’t a part of the attempt to destroy us.”

“Let me show you something. Okay? I found something.” As he reached into his jacket, I armed the handgun, prepared to shoot. “Please. Hold on. Okay?” He was breathless, his chest heaving.

“Three seconds.”

He fumbled with whatever he had in his pocket, pulling out what looked like a photograph. “Here. I found this after I noticed a name on an email that none of us were supposed to see.”

I snatched it from him, hissing as I quickly glanced down.

“This is bullshit.”

“No, it’s not. I think the photograph was being used as a reminder or maybe an incentive. But it’s pretty clear what’s going on here. You’re going to need to trust me, Xander. I’m not the one betraying the company.”

He was fairly convincing and I doubted the picture had been doctored. “Where’s Jessica?”

“Jessica?”

“Yes. You heard me. She’s disappeared.”

“Oh, God. He wants her gone. She had the article retracted. Didn’t she?”

“I think you already knew that.”

“She had no idea what she did. Let me help you find her, Xander. What do you have to lose?”

I weighed the possibility he was telling me the truth. If not, he’d face the same consequences as the other people involved. “Fine. You’re coming with me. However, one wrong move and your lovely wife will find herself a widow.”

“Fair enough.”

We headed to my Toronado, jumping inside.

I rolled through the streets, both of us remaining quiet. Trusting him was almost impossible, but the picture told no lies. We’d all been snowed by someone we would have never considered being a traitor. I’d almost laughed a half dozen times at the realization. What I couldn’t understand was why, but that was of no consequence.

Within fifteen minutes, I’d pulled up in front of Jessica’s house.

The emotionless state had disappeared, rage now fueling my actions, my mind churning from the various possibilities. It turned out Dorn hadn’t known as much as he’d claimed, yet he’d insisted that Jessica was in danger and I believed him.

But the little shit had taken the information he’d used in the article somewhat blindly. For his stupidity alone, I’d left him writhing in pain just outside my door. He was damn lucky I hadn’t put a bullet through his brain.

Jessica’s house was dark, her car missing from the driveway. I’d tried calling her, but her phone had been turned off. Everything about this smelled of the deceit Dorn had mentioned. My little lamb was either being used as a pawn or a lure. Either way, I didn’t give a shit.

“Check the other rooms,” I told him as we searched the house.

I moved through the living room, not bothering to turn on a light. I knew every inch of the place, every shadow and corner.

A few seconds later, he returned. “She’s not here. No sign of forced entry.”

I turned around in a circle.

Hissing, I headed into her kitchen, flicking on the light. Mail from at least a couple of days was on her kitchen table, but therewas no sign of any disturbance. She’d taken her purse and her keys, so I knew at least she’d left here of her own accord.

Where would she go if not with her friends?

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