Somebody to Hold (Tyler Jamison #2) - April Wilson Page 0,59

Ian’s father, which is odd as we’d just spoken earlier.

“I’m sorry, but I have to get this,” I whisper to Ian, who’s half asleep in my arms. I accept the call. “Jamison.”

“Tyler.” The urgency in Martin’s tone puts me immediately on high alert. “I need your help. We need your help.”

I straighten in my seat. “Of course. What do you need?”

“It’s Layla. She never came home from school today, and we can’t reach her or her bodyguard. They’re not answering their phones. This goes completely against protocol, and Ruth and I are worried.”

“I see.” I don’t dare say anything more with Ian right beside me.

“Ian’s there, isn’t he?” Martin says, picking up on my guarded response.

“That’s right.”

“Can you step away? We need to talk.”

“Certainly. Just a moment.” I kiss Ian’s forehead as I gently extricate myself from his hold. “I’ll be right back,” I whisper.

I head down the hallway to the kitchen and step out onto the back porch, well out of earshot. “I can talk now,” I tell Ian’s father. Immediately, I switch to detective mode. “Tell me everything you know.”

“Her last class today ended at two, and she should have come straight home after that. I’ve tried calling both Layla and Sean, but they’re not answering their phones. Hers goes straight to voicemail, so it’s either turned off or the battery’s dead. For Sean not to answer his phone is inexcusable, and it violates protocol and his company’s policies. I’ve contacted the security agency, but they can’t reach him either.”

“Have you called the police?”

“Yes. An officer already came to the house and searched her bedroom. He found a note in her dresser drawer, from Sean to Layla, suggesting that the two of them run off together. Now the cops are saying she’s likely a runaway, but I don’t believe that for a second. Layla would never agree to such a thing—she doesn’t even like Sean. Besides,” he says, his voice shaking, “Layla wouldn’t do that to us. She’s in trouble, Tyler. I know she is.”

“I’ll call my captain and see what I can find out. With her medical issues, she’ll be deemed an at-risk missing person, and they’ll make her a top priority.”

“Not if they think she’s a runaway. Tyler, every hour she’s missing puts her in greater danger. Without her medications—”

“Does she carry her meds with her?”

“No, they’re kept here at home. And Ruth just checked. All of Layla’s medications are here. Her insulin pump has enough insulin for roughly another twelve hours, but her antipsychotic medication has to be taken daily. Tyler, we need to find her fast. She might not be eating right—and stress makes her hallucinations worse. And she—” He chokes up. “She’s a vulnerable young female, Tyler. I don’t think I need to spell out what’s at stake here.”

Even though I doubt it myself, I have to ask. “And you’re sure there’s no possibility she ran off with Sean?”

“Absolutely. I’d bet my life on it.”

When I hear a pained gasp behind me, I turn. Ian’s standing in the doorway, a horrified expression on his face. “Ian—” Damn it. I didn’t want him to find out this way. “I have to go, Martin. I’ll call Jud Walker and report back to you.” Then I end the call.

Ian pales. “What’s going on?”

“That was your dad.” I hate that I have to tell him this. “Layla didn’t come home from school today, and no one can reach her or Sean.”

I walk him back into the house and sit him down at the kitchen table.

“I need to call Jud,” I say as I call up his number and begin pacing.

Jud answers almost immediately. “Walker.”

“Jud, it’s Tyler. Layla Alexander is missing—Ian’s sister.”

“Yes, I know. I’ve read the report. We have APBs out on her and her bodyguard. We’ve got people looking.”

“Layla has serious health issues, Jud. She’s dependent on medication.”

“I know, Tyler. We’re on it. I’ll let you know as soon as we find anything.”

“I can help—”

“No, you can’t,” Jud argues. “It would be a direct violation of the terms of your suspension. If you perform any law enforcement activities, you’ll be putting your job on the line, and I won’t be able to intercede on your behalf.” His voice hardens. “Stay out of this, Tyler. I’m sorry, but you have to let us handle it.”

“This is Ian’s sister—”

“I’m aware of that, but my hands are tied, and so are yours. Sit tight. Hopefully we’ll find her soon.”

“Martin told me about the note that was found in Layla’s