Mason (Carter Brothers #2) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,93

hand to her chest.

“Fuck! Someone call the police again, I’m going to watch this video again and see if I can tell where she is.’’

“What can I do?’’ Mary says and Joan walks up to her wrapping an arm around her.

“You can help me make everyone something to eat and drink.’’

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

I’ve replayed the video call of Denny over and over again to the point I had to get Harlow to run over to hers to get her charger.

A message alert beeps on Harlow’s phone making me jump.

Unknown number: Meet me by the fishing pond down by Green Day in an hour. Don’t forget, I’ll know if you’ve got the pigs involved.

“Guys, he’s contacted,’’ I shout, getting everyone’s attention. Harlow wakes up from the sofa. She fell asleep an hour or so ago. Joan fell asleep too, but it seems everyone is now awake.

After calling the police they told us they were sending someone out, that they were short staffed. After that I told them to fuck off, that my girlfriend and baby’s life are in danger, so if they wouldn’t do their job, I would. We’re still hoping someone makes it here before we leave.

“What’s he say?’’ Maverick asks walking in from the kitchen. His eyes have a dark shadows under them, he looks as tired as I do.

“He wants us to meet him at the fishing pond down on Green Day in an hour. Do you really think this will work?’’

He opens his mouth to reply when banging starts up at the door, stopping all of us in our tracks. We all look to each other before looking back to the door. When it’s clear no one is expecting anyone we all move towards the door.

Charles is the first one to the door, he opens it looking pale and drawn as the rest of us.

“Son?’’

“Dad,’’ Evan nods. The badge on his trousers has me looking up at him wide eyed. I remember him from some of the parties we used to crash at school, but other than that I don’t think we ever really got on. My feelings for Denny had always gone unnoticed by everyone, including Denny, but her brother, Evan, knew and warned me away from her.

Like that happened.

“What are you doing here?’’ I ask him impatiently, not having the time. I need to watch the video again, I know I’m missing something and it’s there. I just need more time.

“Can I come in?’’ he asks and I nod, moving out of the way and directing him into the front room.

“Take a seat,’’ I gesture, the phone squeezed tightly in my hand.

“No, I’m good. Look, I know Denny’s missing. I know who has her. The station radioed in a few hours ago saying you called in with more information? I need to know what that is?’’

“How about you start from the fucking beginning?’’ I growl, stepping forward. “You knew your sister who is fucking pregnant had been kidnapped, and you hadn’t bothered to come and check in?’’

“Look, I’m not allowed to go into specifics. I can tell you that I’ve been working undercover to bring down the gang that, Carl Davis is involved in. We caught the last gang member today outside watching your house. I’m taking a good guess here in saying he was outside watching to report back to Carl about what’s been going on. All we need now is Carl. I need to know what he gave you in terms of ransom or whatever it is he wants?’’

“He wants Harlow to give him a signed written statement stating that his brother is innocent and that what he’s saying is the truth. He wants us to meet him in an hour, but we don’t believe that he’s going to give us, Denny,’’ I tell him, trying hard not to punch him in the face right now.

“I know you want to punch me right now, but I needed to stay off the grid so I could do my job. I’m not the bad guy here. I’m here to help. If I could have gotten here sooner, I would have. Believe me.’’

“Does she even know what you do for a living?’’ I ask him before turning to Charles. “Did you even know?’’

“No, son, I didn’t,’’ Charles answers, turning to look at his son in awe, or maybe hurt? I’m not sure.

“No she doesn’t, but it doesn’t fucking matter. What matters is getting her back. After talking to my mother at