Page 42 of Ethan's Command

“I’m thinking that’s a helluva debt to forgive for one small boy.”

Ethan cocked his head, letting that thought percolate. Cooper was not wrong. A small boy was worth a lot to certain people for reasons that Ethan did not want to dwell on, but the Yakuza wouldn’t forgive a debt over him. They would just get another kid.

“You’re right. That is an interesting angle.” Ethan shook his head. “Why are they willing to forgive a large debt in exchange for Liam?”

“No idea,” Rusty responded, “but I think we need to find out. If we figure out that mystery, I think it will go a long way toward finding Liam.”

Before they could continue, Bellamy’s voice cut through the feed. He leaned into the frame, his blue eyes sharp with focus. “I tracked the SUV for a few blocks after it left the school. Traffic cameras caught it heading south, but then it turned onto a back road with no coverage. I’ve got nothing after that.”

Ethan clenched his fists, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “Damn it. Keep looking. If there’s even a chance of picking up their trail, I need to know.”

“Understood,” Bellamy said.

Rusty cleared his throat. “Any update on Liam’s phone?”

Cooper shook his head. “Not yet. Nova’s still arguing with the phone company. They’re stalling because Jackson’s out of town, and we don’t have a warrant.”

The bathroom door creaked open, and Brooklyn stepped into the hallway, her hair damp and curling around her shoulders. She wore a light gray sweatshirt and jeans, her face scrubbed clean but still pale. Her eyes locked on Ethan as she overheard the last part of the conversation.

“Jackson?” she asked, her voice wary.

Ethan turned toward her. “Yeah. The company’s dragging their feet without him to expedite things.”

Brooklyn’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’ll call him,” she said firmly. “I’ve…I’ve been putting it off, but he needs to know what’s happening.”

“Brooklyn…” Ethan started, his voice softening.

But she held up a hand, cutting him off. “He’s Liam’s father. He deserves to know that I failed him and Liam.” Her voice wavered slightly but held firm.

Ethan said nothing, watching as she grabbed her phone and moved to the kitchen, her voice low as she began the call. There was nothing he could say or do that would make that call any easier, which broke his heart. She would blame herself for this even though it wasn’t her fault. She’d done everything right. He turned back to the screen, his expression hardening once more.

“We’ve got to move fast,” he said. “The longer we wait, the colder this trail gets.”

Cooper, Rusty, and Bellamy all nodded grimly. “We’ll keep you updated,” Cooper said. “Hang in there.”

The call ended, and Ethan slouched against the couch cushions, scrubbing a hand over his face. Mojo nudged his leg, his warm brown eyes watching him intently. “Good boy,” Ethan murmured, rubbing behind the dog’s ears. Mojo’s steady presence was a small comfort in the chaos.

Brooklyn reappeared moments later, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. “He’s on his way back,” she said. “And I told him to call and talk to Nova so he can authorize the trace. Hopefully, that will expedite things.

Ethan stood. “Good. That’ll help. Did he say how long he’ll be?”

“Considering the time difference and the flights, I’m guessing he won’t be here until Sunday,” she said, her voice wavering as she sank into the armchair. “Ethan, what if…”

He sat on the coffee table across from her and grabbed the arms of her chair. “Don’t go there,” he said firmly. “We’re going to find him, Brooklyn. You have my word.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, taking a shaky breath. “Okay.”

The room fell silent except for the faint ticking of the wall clock. Ethan’s mind churned with plans and contingencies. They had leads, but every moment felt like an eternity. He couldn’t let himself dwell on the worst-case scenario—not yet.

Brooklyn’s voice broke the silence. “Ethan…” she exhaled heavily. “Thank you. For everything.”

He met her gaze, the intensity in his eyes unwavering. “You don’t have to thank me. We’re in this together.”

She managed a faint smile, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweatshirt. “I just… I don’t know what I’d do without you…and your team,” she stammered.

“You won’t have to find out,” he said simply.

The weight of his words hung between them, unspoken emotions simmering beneath the surface. But before eithercould say more, Mojo’s ears perked up, and he let out a soft bark, drawing their attention back to the task at hand.

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