Page 33 of Resolutions

“Colton.” Same warning, different son.

“Sorry, sir. I'll get the nurse.” He sticks his tongue out as he leaves. I return the gesture because some things never change.

“My mother warned me about raising boys,” Mom mutters, “and I had to have three of them.” She sighs, following Colton out.

Dad and I share a smile. For just a moment, it feels almost normal. Then I remember that Melanie should be here rolling her eyes at our antics, telling us we never really grew up. I know the ache in my chest has nothing to do with dehydration.

Chapter 15

Michael

Red bleeds into my vision as I slam my fist on the mahogany desk. “What do you mean, you can't find her?” My question is geared toward my lead man on the phone. I had to go back to the office, leaving him to follow Melanie. Pushing away from the computer screens, I stalk to my private bar, crystal decanter rattling against the glass as I pour. The amber liquid won't calm me, but it might stop me from strangling someone.

“The program shows she's there.” I study the blinking dots on the monitor, tracking my men in real-time. “The car is a few blocks south, but the phone and tablet signals are exactly where you three are standing. So. Fucking. LOOK!” I ended the call. “Morons! How could they not see her?”

The whiskey burns going down. The empty glass makes a satisfying explosion against the wall. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in modern art hang in here, but watching crystal shatter into glittering shards feels like a better decoration.

Back at my desk, I lean close to the screens. The red dot representing my team moves methodically through the search grid. But those blue dots representing her phone, my burner phone, the tablet, her computer, and the one in Moses's collar those dots remain stubbornly stationary. The other blue dot marking her car sits apart, mocking me.

“What are you up to, little bunny?” My fingers trace her dot on the screen. “If you forgot the phone again...” A shiver of anticipation runs through me. “Hippity hoppity, you're going to be in very big trouble. So, please tell me you forgot it.”

The phone's ring interrupts my fantasy.

“Well?” I snap.

“Found the phones and tablet, boss. Her laptop too, and-”

“AND?”

“Suitcase full of clothes and a cat collar. But here's the thing, all the electronics are smashed to hell. I don't think all the damage is from the fall. They look like she did a number on them before that.”

“Fall?”

“Everything's in a dumpster. And,” he hesitates, “she's not here, no sign of her anywhere.”

The leather of my chair creaks as I lean forward. “Are you absolutely certain she's not there?”

“Either she ditched it all herself or somebody grabbed her and did it. But she ain't here, boss.”

“Get over to her car. Find her. NOW!” Only years of control keep me from hurling the phone after the glass. I stare at the car dot. “Someone's been a bad, bad bunny.” I pick up my pen and slap my palm, imagining the punishment I would enforce. I have to adjust my hardening dick. Sliding my jaw back and forth, I close my eyes, envisioning her strapped to,

My phone rings again.

“She sold it.” The voice reports. “Dealer went on and on about her being smoking hot and having a kick-ass car. But that's all he remembers.”

My jaw clenches. “What did he sell her?”

“Nothing. Said she walked off toward the right side of the lot.”

“When?”

“Yesterday.”

“YESTERDAY? When we were there? Canvas every dealership in a fifty-mile radius. She has to have a vehicle. Show her picture. Find her!” I end the call and walk to the windows. A laugh bubbles up from deep in my chest.

“Oh, what a very clever little bunny. Clever indeed.” My hand drifts to the ever-growing bulge in my pants. “You want to up the ante? Fine, we'll do that.”

To chase prey that bites back, fuck me! And little bunny just proved she's going to be the most entertaining chase yet. The thought of her trying to outsmart me, thinking she can escape. I adjust myself, already aching.

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