Page 112 of Absolution

“No.” The concern in his voice adds to the knot in my stomach. I’m sure they’ve noticed the building is being watched, but I’m hopeful Bobby is somehow bluffing.

“What is it?”

“Ava and Ray left on an errand. They should have been back by now. We can’t seem to reach them.”

“You can leave me here,” I advise the cab driver before getting out. “Did you retrace their steps?”

“Yes. They were only going to Target. We followed their route and came across a car accident. Ray is dead, and Ava is missing.”

“Fuck!” I rub my forehead. I should have known Ava wouldn’t just stay put and wait for me if she needed something. “We just got a call from Dougal. The building is being watched. It’s probably surrounded. You need to get the kids out of there somehow.”

“Where too?”

“Angus will call you with instructions. Keep an eye out.”

“Okay.”

I dial Angus.

“Hey,” he greets me.

“Where are you?” I snap out, getting straight down to business.

“Eros. I’m trying to assess the damage. It’s not as bad as the mansion.”

“We have a problem.” I walk away from the restaurant. There’s no point going there, I’ve determined it was a decoy.

“Talk to me.”

“Bobby called. He split Viktor and me up. He claims he has men watching two-twenty-five.” Viktor is on his way to the docks, and I’m near the restaurant.”

“I’m on my way,” he advises.

I hear him sprinting during my next confession. “That’s not the problem.”

“What is it then?”

“I’m reasonably sure my father has Ava. She has disappeared, and Ray is dead.”

Gravel kicks up under his feet when he comes to a dead stop. “Does Viktor know?”

“I’m going to call him next. I need you to protect the kids. You need to move them quickly, but I’m not sure what you’ll walk into.”

“Let me worry about that. You and Viktor focus on finding Ava.”

Although he can’t see me, I nod my thanks. “I’ll call you once we find her.”

“Aye.”

I’m dreading calling Viktor. He’s going to react without thinking. He always does.

Taking a deep breath, I dial.

“Are you already there? What is going on?” he asks.

“Ava has disappeared. Continue to the docks. I’ll find her.” I’m blunt and to the point. This is not the kind of thing you drag out.

“Absolutely not. What do you know?” I hear tires screeching, proof Viktor has abandoned the docks.

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