Most of the time I’m kind of young.” She plucks at her outfit. “Like today. Sometimes even a toddler.”
I smile. I really like her. “Thank you for coming over. I feel better.”
“You’re welcome. Any time. What else do you want to know?”
Chapter 29
Master Davis
With every passing day, my stress level increases. My rational mind knows that no one has a single clue where Britney is hiding. Hell, even Shepherd doesn’t know. I try to remind myself often that she’s safe, but I’m still nervous.
I know Britney sensed I was off Thursday and Friday, but she didn’t say anything. I worked in my office several hours both days, mostly touching base with my boss and Shepherd. I placed two calls to Lazinski, giving him a bogus update, but I think he’s given up on me. In fact, on Friday he sounded almost disinterested, which made me even more nervous.
What is the man planning?
I’m sitting at my desk early Saturday morning, tapping the surface with my fingers. I’ve squeezed my stress ball so many times that it’s misshapen. When my phone rings, I snatch it up. Caller ID indicates it’s Blade.
“Talk to me,” I demand by way of greeting.
He doesn’t hesitate. “We have a situation.”
“Give it to me.” I’m not surprised. I could sense this coming all week. Today is the rendezvous day and we still don’t know where or what time. We don’t even know who the fuck Lazinski is planning to sell since he doesn’t have Britney. Shepherd and Spike followed both Lazinski’s goons all week and neither of them ever picked up a woman.
“Mila Herring came through with a replacement dancer last night and you’re not going to like this.”
I cringe. “She looks like Britney.” My voice is deadpan. I’m not asking a question. I know I’m right.
“Yes. Not exactly the same but young, petite, long hair, small boobs. Spike went to the club last night and nearly shit himself when she came on stage. Even Shepherd hadn’t been aware of her being hired until she innocently came out to dance.”
“Fuck. Let me guess, no one has seen her since.”
“Bingo. Shepherd couldn’t leave the front door and Spike only managed to see her leave with Mila. They said they were going to get coffee. The new girl never went home after that.”
A chill climbs up my spine. I grip my forehead with two fingers. “She’s in on it,” I declare.
“Who? Mila?”
“Yes. That bitch knows.”
“Fuck.”
I hear something slam against the wall and know my boss has thrown something. I hope it isn’t the phone. “Blade?”
“I’m here.” He’s breathing heavily. “Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.”
“Have Shepherd check on Mila.”
“Already done. She’s in her bed sleeping.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.” He’s irritated. I don’t blame him. He shouldn’t blame himself. We all missed this. “I’ll call Shepherd and have him put a cop on her. They can arrest her as soon as we nail Lazinski.”
If we nail Lazinski, I think to myself. “Please tell me Spike is on Lazinski.”
“Yes. Of course. The man is at home, but he’s moving around. Lights were on most of the night. His wife and kids are in the house, so there’s no way he brought a girl back there.”
Where is she, Lazinski? Where did you stash a woman over night?
“Sit tight. I’m gonna make a few calls.” Blade hangs up.
I lean back in my chair, but my fingers are squeezing the fuck out of the stress ball.
“Daddy?” Britney’s sweet voice forces me to calm my nerves as I lift my gaze.
“In my office, sweetie.”
She comes to the door, which I’ve left ajar. I never want her to feel like she can’t approach me. “Come in, sweet girl.” If I can wrap my arms around her, it will soothe me.
She pads over to my desk. She’s still in her nightgown. I haven’t gone to her room to wake her up yet. Her hair is disheveled in long waves down her back, wavy from the braids she wore yesterday. Her nightie is a thin white gossamer that hides nothing. I love this one. She’s like an angel approaching me.
I pull her between my legs and hug her body tight as if she’s life and I need to breathe some into my body. In fact, I inhale her scent, the powder-fresh smell filling my nose and making me groan inwardly. Finally, I lift her up and set her on my knee, brushing long locks of hair from her face.
“I woke up. You weren’t there. I was scared.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I lost track of time.”
She