Page 46 of Oblivion

“That’s for me and Laser to look into now,” CJ stated. “After this, I’ll call Tate and Jackson to update them on our progress.”

I nodded, then glanced toward the house when Cynthia’s stricken wail rose again. “Is anyone with her?”

“Paul is. Though he’s been glued to that phone since the package arrived. Apparently comforting his wife comes second to his other priorities.”

Frowning at his lack of compassion, I huffed. “From what I’ve seen of him, the guy’s an asshole.”

“My thoughts too. Other than the delivery, there is nothing else to report. No one has been in, or out, all day.”

“Thanks, brother. Keep us updated,” I urged.

CJ and Laser threw up a hand in farewell, then made their way to their vehicles.

I turned to Makka. “I’m gonna duck inside for a few.”

His eyes narrowed. “Not sure that’s a good idea, but okay.”

While there was noneedto head inside, morbid curiosity had me taking the front steps one by one. I had to see it with my own eyes. Had to know for sure.

My knock on the front door went unanswered, so I tried the handle to find it unlocked. Despite the entrance of the Prescott home being open and light, an oppressive weight hung in the air. I had to consciously force an inhale as I took a step further into the unknown.

“Mrs. Prescott?” I called. “It’s Dante Bateman, from Cole Security.”

Hasty sniffing and the sound of a nose blowing came from out of sight. “In here.”

I entered the kitchen as Cynthia finished dabbing her eyes on a tissue. She forced a brave face and offered a small smile. “What can I help you with, Dante?”

“I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. CJ and Nick just filled us in about what happened…”

My attention unintentionally dropped to the counter where Penny’s long, glossy ponytail was perfectly laid out.

Cynthia’s enduring expression faltered. Pressing her lips together did nothing to stop her chin quivering with another onslaught of grief.

“Her beautiful hair. I’m so worried, Dante. These last two days have been nothing but hell. I’m sickened with the thought of what will arrive next. What if…” An uncontrollable sob burst free. “What if she’s dead and he’s going to keep sending us parts of our little girl?”

“Fuck,” I hissed under my breath.

Unable to leave her standing in the middle of her spotless kitchen, I stepped forward and opened my arms.

She all but threw herself against my chest and gripped my shirt, clinging and sobbing into it while I held her. It should have been her husband comforting her, not me.

Outwardly I was cool, calm and collected, but internally, a part of me was equally as fearful that this wouldn’t end happily.

I swallowed down the thought and eyed Penny’s ponytail. If her mom only knew what I did to her daughter in Vegas, she wouldn’t be seeking solace within my embrace. In fact, she’d probably be stabbing me with the nearest kitchen knife and calling me every name under the sun for defiling her beautiful daughter.

“Bring her back to us, Dante.Please!”

I cleared my throat. “That’s the plan, Cynthia.”

I’ll be finding Penny, even if it’s the last thing I do.

She sniffed and extracted herself from my arms to reach for another tissue.

“Thank you.” The small shake of her head made me sad for her. “Paul’s not exactly handling things well, so…” She waved to make light of her inner concerns, even though the hurt was evident on her face.

“Have you got other family here? Or a support network?”

She nodded. “James and Lizzie are close by—Paul’s brother and his wife. We’re close…”

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