look in his eyes.
Addison’s body went ice cold.
Jason appeared by her side. His attention was drawn to Michael, across the room. Whatever he saw in the other man’s expression put the former Marine into action. Jason’s hand landed on the small of Addison’s back as he propelled her toward the double set of doors. “Let’s go.”
She needed no further encouragement. Addison broke into a run as they hit the stairs, her sole focus on finding Chloe.
Rachel intercepted them. “Chloe dropped the baby off with her mom more than an hour ago. She was going to her apartment to finish getting ready and then heading to court.”
That gave them a starting point. Addison shoved her briefcase at her paralegal before hurrying down the last of the stairs. “Stall the judge any way you can.”
She didn’t bother to wait for Rachel’s response. Grabbing Jason’s hand, Addison raced to the parking garage and his vehicle.
Please, Lord. Please don’t let us be too late.
Jason raced through every light of downtown Austin. In the passenger seat, Addison clutched the handle above the door, whispered prayers falling from her lips. She’d tried calling Chloe half a dozen more times. Each attempt went to voice mail.
Something was definitely wrong.
Tires squealing, Jason turned into Chloe’s apartment complex. He braked, bringing the truck to a stop along the fire lane. Parking there was illegal, but urgency fueled his movements along with the memory of Michael’s smirk.
Addison jumped from her seat and raced for the rickety staircase. Jason followed, catching up to her on the landing. The metal stairs swayed from the force of their steps. On the third floor, Jason grabbed Addison’s arm, pulling her to a stop. “Get behind me.”
She nodded. Jason assessed the landing and entrance to Chloe’s apartment. Nothing seemed disturbed. The mat was flush against the door and there were no scratches around the lock that would indicate a break-in. There was only one other apartment on the landing, the entrance opposite Chloe’s. Based on the bare rooms visible through uncurtained windows, the unit was empty.
Jason knocked. “Chloe, it’s Addison and Jason. Are you there?”
No one answered. Jason dropped his hand to the handle and twisted. The door popped open.
Addison sucked in a breath. She leaned in closer to him and whispered, “Chloe would never leave her home unlocked.”
He nodded sharply. He remembered the last time they’d visited, Chloe had used the chain and deadbolt. Jason removed his gun from the holster concealed under his jacket. He kept the weapon’s muzzle pointed at the ground as he used his foot to push the door open wider. “Chloe, it’s Jason and Addison. Are you here?”
Silence.
The living room and kitchen appeared undisturbed. A blanket was folded across the back of the futon while toys poured from a bucket on the floor. It smelled like coffee and baby powder. Nothing was amiss and yet the hair on the back of Jason’s neck rose. His gut was never wrong, and he wouldn’t ignore it now.
“Stay behind me,” Jason whispered.
Addison nodded.
He stepped farther into the apartment, his boots sinking into the stained carpet. Addison followed his movements, her hand wrapped around the back of his belt. The curtains in Chloe’s apartment were closed, blocking most of the natural light.
The hallway leading to the bathroom and master bedroom was on the left. Jason traversed the narrow path. The bathroom door was open. A towel rested on the side of the bathtub. Water droplets lingered in the sink.
Chloe had been here recently. Where was she now?
The only possibility left in the apartment was the bedroom. Jason’s heart raced as dread settled into his bones. No sound emanated from behind the cracked-open door. He feared what they would find once they crossed the threshold.
“Chloe, are you here? It’s Jason and Addison.”
He hoped against hope the young woman was merely sleeping. Jason once again used his foot to ease the door open. A single bed covered in a quilt came into view. The nightstand next to it held a lamp, a book, and a cell phone charger. The closet door, located on the other side of the bedroom, was shut tight. Dust motes danced in the light coming from a single window. Nothing appeared disturbed or out of place.
Jason quickly crossed the room and opened the closet door. A light flickered on, revealing a suitcase, a row of shoes, and an assortment of women’s clothing. Several shelves held baby items.
Chloe wasn’t here.
Addison let out a breath and released the back of Jason’s belt. She