Page 137 of Retribution

“Thank you, let the pilots know we’ll be there in an hour,” I respond.

Once we’d fallen asleep in front of the fire last night, I found myself wishing that I didn’t have to wake up this morning, so that I didn’t have to face this vile reality.

Knowing Willow is over seven-thousand miles away, the thought that at any point they could discard her phone and she’d be gone forever is so much more daunting than the court case.

My P.I has been on it since I text him on the way home after Indie told me everything.

He said he would try and investigate the cards, but they’re practically untraceable.

I have my suspicions:

Scott

Britney

Rachel

Lottie?

I hesitated before putting my own sister on the list, but her showing up randomly, the card appearing around the same time, seemed too coincidental to ignore.

Britney has been a bit of a lost cause since we broke the news to her about us, and then she showed up at the wedding with little convincing, had Willow overnight, and then poof. Gone.

Rachel is the obvious candidate, she despises me and therefore, despises Indie. The information that was relayed in those cards were too specific and simultaneously connected to events that had happened for it to be someone distant.

* * *

“Reed, you’re looking well!” Ever shouts me over as I walk through the bar to our usual table.

“You too, Ever. Sun-kissed as always.” I joke, hinting to his Aussie skin tone.

I take the seat across from Devon, beside Blake.

“Have you ever thought, on your days off, to wear anything but a suit?” Blake laughs, aiming his words towards Devon.

“You know, I never have, actually. Thanks, Blake.” He responds with a scowl, heightening Blake’s laughing.

“So, Reed. We’ve heard through the grapevine that you need a bit of help, with a problem of yours?” Blake begins.

I take hold of the soda that Devon got for me before I arrived, taking a large gulp and then nodding my head.

“You’re in luck, man. Devon here has all of the answers to your problems. There isn’t anything he can’t do, right Ever?” Blake continues, jabbing his thumb in Devon’s direction.

“Yeah, he’s not wrong. He’s somewhat of a mastermind.” Ever smirks.

My eyebrows furrow as Devon stares around the bar absentmindedly, not caring that his two best friends are singing his praises.

I can’t understand what they’re getting at, they haven’t even heard my problem yet.

“Is that so?” I look at Devon and his gaze returns to mine, the darkness within his eyes becomes intimidating.

“They give me far too much credit, I’m one of many. It’s not all my doing.” Devon responds dryly.

“What’s not all your doing? I’m a little lost here, guys.” My eyes flick between the three of them, waiting for one of them to spill the beans and let me in on this taboo subject.

“Devon here, is a businessman of sorts. Lets just say, even bad guys don’t mess with him.” Blake grins, staring admirably at Devon.

“I’m still not following.” I groan, wishing they would stop being so evasive.

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