Page 72 of The Layover

I wanted to be there to meet him, but I also needed to be here to keep looking for our baby girl.

When I disconnected with Diego, Carly was on the phone, it sounded like Daria based on what she was saying. Harmony clung to her hand and had all-but attached herself to Carly’s leg.

That should be Eloise. Holding on tightly. Dragging Carly into another room to see whatever she’d made. Not missing.

I stopped the work crews for the day. We couldn’t have them here while this was going on, but I didn’t let them leave in case anyone saw anything. Most of them were happy to help look for Eloise while we waited for the police, but there was still no sign of her.

My focus was shot when the police did finally arrive. I gave them distracted answers about Eloise’s mother. Sent them dozens of pictures of our daughter, to make it easier to look for her. The only thing that kept me from decking the officer who implied this might be my fault, was that I needed all of their help.

Diego still hadn’t called me back. The police were on their way to Isabella’s hotel to talk to her. They set up a widening perimeter search around our building. I called Antonio, who of course couldn’t do anything but offer to help search.

What good was it having family connections if I couldn’t call in useful favors when I needed them the most?

I’d tear down the neighborhood, the country, burn down the world, to get my daughter back. And if Isabella or anyone hurt her, I’d tear them apart with my bare hands.

25

Diego

I hammered on Isabella’s hotel door with the side of my fist until she opened up.

“Diego. What are you—”

I shoved into the room the instant she had the door open enough for me to put weight into it. “Where is she?”

“Who? Diego. What the fuck?” Isabella’s anger had nothing on the rage coursing through me.

The room wasn’t the fancy suite I expected, based on what I knew about Isabella. This was a simple space. A bathroom, kitchenette, and two beds. Good. Easier to search. “Eloise? Where are you, sweetie?” I called.

“She’s not here, you psycho.” Joystick stepped in my path, fury flashing across his face. It was hard to take him seriously in the ridiculous Hawaiian shirt he was wearing. “Because you won’t let Isabella see her.”

I clenched my jaw, and his shirt in my fist, and shoved him into the wall. He hit the structure hard enough to rattle the bolted down paintings. “I’m told you’re the one who took her. If one hair on her head is out of place.”

“She’s not here. No one took her.” Joystick shoved me back.

I growled. “Someone took her. Is she in the next room? Where the fuck is she?” I swung at Joystick’s gut.

He doubled over with a grunt.

“Diego.” Isabella’s voice was loud and shrill. “She’s not here. We didn’t take her.”

I whirled on her, my rage making red dance at the edges of my vision. “Convince me. Because if you had anything to do with this, the strings we’ll pull to make the rest of your life miserable… Prison will be the worst of your problems. I will personally ensure your existence becomes a living Hell.” I didn’t know if Raul’s family had connections that deep, but I’d make it happen somehow.

Isabella’s anger faded to fear. “I swear it. I don’t know what happened to Eloise.”

“Not convinced.” I wasn’t buying the bullshit front. She’d never been a great actress.

“Why would I take her?” Isabella asked. “I walked away for a reason.”

Joystick’s expression went slack. “What?”

“Then why the fuck are you back?” I wouldn’t be distracted.

“I— I just wanted to see her. To see what she’d become. Then I was going… I just wanted to see her.”

Wow. If that wasn’t the most obvious lie ever… I raised myself up to full height, and let the force of my fury spill out. “Tell me the truth.” I looked terrifying right now, and sounded scarier. I didn’t need a mirror to tell me that was true.

“Bella. His daughter is missing. Your daughter. Tell him anything you know.” Joystick’s tone was forceful.

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