Page 39 of Abducted

“My gut tells me it’s a personal matter. The obvious scenario is something to do with her fame or her father. But it just doesn’t ring true.” He took another swig of coffee.

Nate joined him at the table, propping his feet up on the chair beside him. “How come?”

He raised his shoulder. “They offered a big sum of money and even paid Stamos a finder’s fee for locating me. That’s a total of two hundred grand. Seems pretty damn personal to me.”

Nate rubbed his jaw. “You going to tell me who your hunch is about?”

“Her stepbrother, Tanner. He came on to her and assaulted her. They had a big spat, but he apologized for it later. Still doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Could just have a mad crush on her. I mean, she’s gorgeous. Can’t say I’d blame him.”

Cal bit his tongue. Nate wouldn’t make a move on Lana, that he knew for certain. But with Nate’s roster of women, Cal didn’t like him commenting on her appeal.

“Man, don’t look at me like that. I’d have to be blind and deaf not to notice. She’s all yours—”

“You’re so gracious. As if there was even a competition.”

“—she has eyes only for you, dude. So calm your nerves.”

Eyes only for him? Huh. His stomach knotted. It wasn’t fair for her to think like that. Hell, it wasn’t fair for him to let his mind explore what life could be like with her. Life would be pretty damn good. Better than what he deserved. Last night, cramped in the seat of the truck, he’d slept better than he had in years. She was good for him. He was getting used to having her around. She didn’t belong in his world, and yet…she fit.

“Aw, you’ve got hearts in your eyes.”

“Shut the fuck up.” He shook his head and laughed. “What’s the plan for today?”

“To find Will Anderson.” He set his coffee cup down and Nate nodded, his eyes small with doubt.

Ding, dong.

Rufus perked up under the table with a sharp woof. Cal stood. His muscles tensed as he focused on Nate. His hand went to the gun at the small of his back.

“It’s just E. Relax.”

Right. Ethan. He dropped his hand and sat back in the chair. Nate disappeared to the front of the house and returned with Ethan, Rufus in tow.

Ethan squeezed his shoulder as he passed, taking the seat next to him. “Nate told me about what happened last night. How’s she holding up?” Leave it to Ethan to be concerned about Lana. Ethan was a big dude, but he was also the biggest softie.

He wasn’t afraid to show his sensitive side, and if anyone made a comment, as some had in the military, he’d put them in their place with one hard stare. He was respected and kind. Cal valued his friendship, and Nate’s, as well, when he wasn’t wanting to throttle him.

“Pretty damn good. She’s resting right now, though.”

“What’s the plan?” Ethan crossed his ankle over his knee, his mouth set in a grim line.

Damn, he was lucky to have such good friends. “I want to see what Nate’s buddies at the office come up with on some suspects. In the meantime, I need to pick our things up from the hotel.”

“I can go with you,” Ethan offered.

Cal watched Nate out of the corner of his eye. “Think it’s safe to leave him here with Lana?”

“Dude, c’mon. You really need to ask that?” Nate held his hand out, waiting.

“Nah. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you.”

“Good, because we have a slight problem.” Nate pulled out a chair and sat. Cal groaned. He had enough problems.

“Lana is going to be reported missing. I know her whereabouts, so that puts me in a tough spot as an agent. This is a delicate situation, but I need to be careful. Ethan will probably have to join you on future head hunting.”

Ethan clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Sweet. I need to blow off some steam.”

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