Page 131 of The Archer Brothers

THE NAME AMY JONES stares back at me, almost mocking me because it knows that I’m limited in what I can do to find out who this person is. My cell phone sits next to me, the ringer switched on as I wait for Marley to call back with details on where I’m going to find Amy Jones.

Marley and Cara spoke briefly today when Marley returned my call. Cara informed her that we’d fly to the East Coast once Marley could locate this Amy Jones. I’m not convinced this person is my Penelope, but Cara has hope. I guess that’s part of her job, to be optimistic.

“A watched phone will never ring,” Carole says as she enters the dining room in her wheelchair. When her and Ryley were in their accident, Carole ended up taking the brunt of the impact. If I remember correctly, she had a broken pelvis to go along with two broken legs, but I can’t be for sure. Ryley told me her mom goes through extensive rehab and has to learn to walk again, which Carole says will be accomplished by the summer so she can hold Nate’s arm as he walks her down the aisle to her seat for Ryley and Evan’s wedding. And because it’ll be on the beach, Carole has to be confident in her steps since walking in sand is a bitch for anyone. Unless Carole wants to wear her combat boots.

“I know, but I’m afraid to leave it.”

“It’s portable, it can go with you.” She points out the obvious, except I’m afraid that if I move it from its spot my cell coverage will weaken and I’ll still miss the call or won’t be able to hear Marley clearly.

“You’re going to find them, Tucker. Penelope is out there just waiting for you to come and get her.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. She thinks I’m dead and knows people are looking for her. If I were her, I’d be hiding in plain sight just so I could watch my surroundings. I wouldn’t trust anyone, which is why I’m confused about this Amy Jones person. Whoever she is, she knows where to find Penelope.”

“And what are you going to do when you find her?”

Cry. Scream. Jump for joy. “I don’t know.” I shrug. “I’m trying to tell myself that my situation will be different from Archer’s or Rask’s, but the truth is, it’ll likely be the same. I’m going to have to convince her I’m alive and pray that my daughter remembers me, but I doubt she will.”

“And what if Penelope has moved on?”

Shaking my head, I drop my head into my hands and sigh. “I can’t think about that. I don’t know what I’ll do if she’s remarried. I wouldn’t blame her, though, because it’s been six years and she should remarry and find happiness, but she’s my wife … at least for a few more months. If I don’t find her soon, it’s not going to matter what I think.”

“How are you liking Marley?”

I crack a brief smile. “Marley is efficient. You were right when you suggested that I try using a female PI.”

Carole smiles and rests her hand on my mine. “Cara shared with me what Marley found. Penny is brave, Tucker. She did what any mother would’ve done in her position. She couldn’t turn to you and feared for her daughter’s safety. You can’t hold that against her.”

“I don’t. I just pray that wherever she is, she’s safe and happy. And that Claire is loved and enjoying life.”

A phone rings off in the distance and even though I know it’s not mine, I pick it up and say hello. Carole must think I’m a goof because she’s laughing.

“I’m freaking out.”

“I know,” she says, patting my hand. “But Marley will call when she finds something. I’ve known her for a long time, and she’s always been efficient.”

EJ comes into the room with his camo pants on and a shirt that says ‘Future SEAL’. It makes me wonder how Ryley and her family feel about his desire to go into the Navy. I think, under the circumstances, they’d probably discourage him when he’s older. I know I would now.

“Wanna go fishing, Uncle Tucker?”

“Thanks, Buddy, but I’m going to hang out here with your grandma.”

“Why?” He puts his hands up in a shrug. I guess to him, hanging out with grandma over going fishing with him and his grandpa doesn’t make much sense. Honestly, it doesn’t make sense to me, either. For all I know Marley won’t call for days.

“EJ, don’t be bothering Tucker,” Ryley says as she enters the room. EJ huffs and crosses his arms over his chest.

“Fine.” He stomps off to the door that leads to the garage.

“Is he mad at me?” I ask Ryley.

Stifling a laugh, she shakes her head. “No, he’s looking for someone to bait his hook since my dad makes him do it himself. EJ says the worms are too wiggly.”

“Ah, I see. Clever little dude.”

Ryley and Carole both nod. The mood is light and somewhat cheery even though I’m on edge. Cara’s voice echoes down the hall, and as much as I’m straining to hear her, I can’t. She hangs up as she walks into the dining room, pocketing her phone.

We’re all silent as she pulls out a chair and sits down. On the inside I’m freaking out because she’s sporting her FBI face. She’s either hiding something or about to rip my heart out of my chest.

“Marley called,” she begins, and my mouth drops open. I bring my phone to life and see that I don’t have a missed call, which means Marley didn’t call me. What the fuck does that mean?

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