Page 29 of Infernal Hearts

It still doesn’t eclipse the worry I’m starting to have about my dad missing. No struggle, no note, no clues of any kind. I feel like time is running out. They say the longer it takes to find someone, the more likely it is that the worst happened.

I try to not think about that.

…

I finish up the last of the paperwork for the night, and my neck is so stiff I could scream. I just want to sit upstairs with Grover, drinking a nice cup of tea, and maybe even catching a quick snooze between textbooks.

I pull out my phone again and dial the detective’s number. Right as it’s about to hit voicemail, he answers.

“Rhodes.”

“Hey, it’s Jason Blackwell.”

He grumbles but finally answers. “What can I do for you?”

Okay, he could sound at least alittlemore helpful. “Just wondering if you have any leads on finding my dad.”

“We’re doing what we can.”

His dismissiveness is washing over me, but I ignore the heat rising on the back of my neck. “Can you at least tell me what you know so far?”

“Nope.”

I tell myself to calm down. I tell myself to think straight. Is that what I should be doing in this situation? Yes. Is it working? Not one fucking bit. “Is there a reason?”

“Because we can’t disclose anything in an active investigation.”

I clench my free hand into a fist. “You could at least give me something to give us some peace of mind.”

“We have other cases, too, Mr. Blackwell.”

My words leave my mouth faster than I can catch them. “That’s doctor.”

“Well excuse me,Dr.Blackwell.” He takes a heavy breath. “Listen, it’s been a long day. If we find something, I’ll give you a call. Have a good night.”

“Thanks.” For nothing.

The line goes dead, and I’m left in the office, fuming. Valerie doesn’t know anything, and neither does Michael—apparently. And now the police are about as useful as an asshole on my elbow. I have no idea what to do next, and my blood pressure is about to make my face burst.

Locking up for the night, I turn off the light in the main lobby. But something catches my eye—a light on in the guest house next door. It’s been a long day, but I can’t shake the feeling that I should at least check on Levi and see how his injury is doing. That’s at least one thing Icando.

After all, Levi is in my care, and I don’t need a dead body turning up on my property. But maybe I’m just trying to ignore my curiosity of seeing how his night went after I dropped him off. I don’t want to think too hard about it.

Closing the side door behind me, I turn and walk the ten paces to the house. Maybe I should have just sent Valerie to check on him earlier—then I could have gotten to my tea sooner. I take a deep breath, soothing the restlessness from the phone call with Rhodes. Three knocks on the door and ten seconds later, Levi opens.

“Jason.” A sultry smile crosses his face. “I didn’t know I’d signed up for so many house calls.”

I raise my eyebrow, my breath slow and even. He isn’t getting a reaction out of me tonight. “Just glad to see you wearing clothes this time. I wanted to take a look at your wound before bed.”

“Take a look at whatever you’d like.” He opens the door wide and motions me in, closing the door behind him. He immediately begins unbuttoning his shirt.

“Do you want to borrow some of my clothes?” I don’t know why I offer, but right now I feel like it’s a good thing to do. “They may not be as fancy as you’re used to, but at least they’re clean.”

“That would be really nice. Thank you.” His shirt comes off his sides as he drops it to the floor, perfectly sculpted muscles revealed.

I’m a medical professional, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t send blood rushing to places that it shouldn’t. My damn body betrays me.

I step a little closer and gently run my fingers around his stitches. “It’s amazing how fast this healed. No tenderness?”

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