Page 83 of Betrayed

Concern replaced my agitation. “What happened?” I asked.

“Meg hasn’t shown up for work.”Fuck. “And I can’t reach her.” His voice cracked as he choked on his fear. His eyes darted around, like he hoped to find her in the safe house living room.

“What can I do?” I couldn’t do much from here, but I had to offer.

“Nothing. Jay will be here in ten, then I’m going back.”

He paced the room, stopping occasionally to pull back the curtain on the door window,as ifwilling Jay to arrive sooner.

I glanced down the hall as the shower shut off, knowing I’d be doing the same if I was in his shoes.

No, I’d be less calm. Less patient.

Jack’s phone buzzed. He answered the call, putting it on speaker. “Janerek’s with me.”

“We got a message.” It was John. “They have Cinderella.” His flat tone didn't give away the fear I knew he felt.

“No,” Jack whispered as his knees buckled.

I closed the distance and pulled him up before leading him to the nearest chair. “Breathe.”

“Jack?”

“He’s here. Give us a sec,” I answered, prying the phone out of his hand. “You good?” I asked Jack, knowing he wasn’t, but needing him mentally present.

He nodded as he said, “Tell me.”

“They want to exchange her for Aurora.”

“No fucking way.” I barked, my voice thick with venom. One look at Jack’s face and I back-pedaled, softening my tone. “There has to be another way.”

“We’re working on it,” John offered.

"What's it say?" Jack asked, reaching for his phone as he stood.

“We’re sending a screen shot now,” John said as a text popped up on Jack’s phone. “Sharpe’s tracing it, but it’ll take him a while.”

“Got it,” Jack said.

John disconnected the call.

I had to concentrate to read the screen in Jack’s shaking hands.

You have something we want.

We have something you want.

Let’s make a trade.

Details to follow if you agree.

I didn’t want to think about what would happen to Meg if we didn’t agree. “It’s not a lot to go on.”

Jack’s eyes never left the screen. “No.” He pulled the phone in close and started typing a reply to Jamie: tell them we agree.

I ripped the phone out of his hands before he could hit send and stepped out of reach. “No. No fucking way.”

He stood. “We don’t have a choice.” Desperation filled his voice.

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