Page 13 of Playing For Keeps
CHAPTER 4
HUNTER
“Thanks, Jonah.”I rub my aching neck as I stare out the window of my apartment. “Try to get Dad to tell you everything and anything that could help us find Dorothy.”
“I’ll do my best.” Jonah releases a deep sigh. “I’m sorry this happened, Hunter. I know how much you care about her.”
“Thanks, but finding her is all that matters at this point.”
He hesitates for a moment. “I’m not trying to be negative, but I know what the mob is capable of. You need to prepare yourself for the worst.”
My blood drains from my body at the blow. “Don’t even consider it.”
“It’s been over twelve hours. Every hour that passes means?—”
“Jonah, I don’t want to hear it. We’re going to find her. There’s no other way this turns out.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am. Now go to Dad’s and see what you can find out. He won’t minimize or try to get around your questions if you’re standing in front of him.”
“Okay. I’ll come by once I’m through with him.”
“Thanks.” I stand and meander to the kitchen.
“Sure thing. Hold the faith, and I’ll see what I can do.”
We hang up. I try to waste time preoccupying myself with mindless activities, but I’m putting off the inevitable. Aiden and I will have the discussion he’s been avoiding since he got here.
I’ve given him enough time to work with his associates in private, so there’s no time like the present. I pull in all my strength and prepare myself for a showdown.
The muscles in my chest tighten as I enter my home office where Aiden’s been working to coordinate efforts to find Dorothy. We need to have a serious conversation that could end in a messy fight.
“You’ve been up all night. I thought you could use this.” I place a cup of coffee down next to him, knowing we’re responsible for this situation.
It’s enough to make me want to crawl into a hole and die.
He peeks at his drink. “Thanks. It smells like hazelnut. How did you know that’s how I take my coffee?”
“It’s how your sister takes it, so it was a guess.” I gesture to the computer screen. “Anything new?”
He shakes his head and lifts the cup, blowing on the liquid. There’s a moment of silence as the weight of this situation hangs heavy in the air. I’m already empty inside, but now I’m lost as to what I should do.
He rests back in his chair while cupping his mug between both hands. “We’ve got the FBI’s help now, but I’m ‘too close’ to the matter, so they aren’t keying me into all the details.”
“What does that mean for us?”
“They said they’ll keep me informed with pertinent information, but I’m not privy to the plans of the operation.”
I nod and slide my hands into my pockets. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“Why weren’t they involved from the beginning?”
“It wouldn’t have been a good idea.”
“Why?”
