Page 105 of Protected

Rage was clear in Michael’s voice.

“How do we find her? Do you have enough to get the police involved? Where the fuck is Peter?”

“Probably. I’m calling my captain now. I just wanted you to hear from me first. Peter’s rental car is in the parking lot but he’s not here. I’m wondering if something happened to him too. I’m still scanning footage. Look man, I understand that she’s pissed at you, but I also know she loves you. So, I’m going to find her, and you two will work this out.”

“Thank you. I’m not leaving my office until you call me again.” Suddenly an idea occurred to him. “Can you get me a screen shot of Kaden taking Darci?”

“I could. The footage is digital. What do you want that for?”

“Just humor me.”

“Don’t try to be a hero, Bradley. Leave finding her to the police.”

“If he kidnapped her, he’s going to take her some place private, right?”

“Probably,” Michael answered hesitantly.

“I want to see if the senator knows where that might be. My guess is some family property that isn’t being used or something, but I need something to show the senator when I ask.”

Michael sighed. “You’re not confronting him. It’s a good idea though. Is the senator there?”

“Not right now, but I can have him here in fifteen minutes. He’s in the capitol.”

“Do that. I can be there in ten. I will be the one to question the senator. I mean it, Givens.”

“Fine. I’ll get him here.”

“This is preposterous.” The senator said twenty minutes later as Michael slid the picture in front of him.

“This picture proves nothing. You can’t even be sure it’s Kaden.”

“Senator, your nephew raped Darci eight years ago. We believe he’s been stalking her and that he’s killed three women,” Michael said.

Sean Atleigh’s face reddened, and he clenched his fists. “How dare you make such outlandish accusations,” he shouted.

“It’s not outlandish, Sir. The rape allegations are on file, and this picture proves he’s got Darci. I did a quick check; he’s working for a temp agency. What happened? Did the family cut him off after the accusations?” Michael leaned against the desk he was standing in front of and waited for the senator to respond.

“I don’t have to stand here and listen to this bull shit. Givens, I can’t believe you would draw me into this,” the senator said, turning his head to where Bradley was seated on the couch.

“Sorry, Sir. But the fact is, something has happened to Darci, and I’ll do whatever it takes to find her. I understand you want to protect yourself and your nephew, but her life could be in danger. If you could just give us some clue as to where he might be.” Bradley stood and moved toward the senator. “Your family has several properties in the area. Does he have access to any of them?”

“He’s not even supposed to be in D.C. Like I said, you don’t know that’s him.”

“So just give us a list of your properties and we’ll check them out. If it isn’t him, we won’t find anything. If you don’t want to cooperate fine, but you don’t get to yell at me when the media is hounding you about why you’re involved in a murder investigation. I know they’ll catch wind of the story when I go find a judge to sign a warrant at this hour.”

Michael kept his tone friendly, but Bradley could tell he was feeling anything but.

The senator’s shoulders sagged. Even a whiff of such a scandal would tank his campaign before it even got started. Bradley’s involvement was hurting him enough.

“Fine, but you’re not going to find anything. He rounded the desk and picked up a pad of paper and scribbled on it.” He tore the sheet of paper off with more force than necessary and shoved it at Michael.

“Thank you for your help, Sir.” Michael stepped out to make a phone call. Bradley stood silently in front of the senator for a moment.

“Son, you’re treading on dangerous ground right now. If you’re going to run my campaign, I need to be able to trust you to shield me from this sort of thing.”

Taking a deep breath, Bradley reached into his jacket and withdrew an envelope.

“Actually Sir, I won’t be running your campaign. I’m sorry but I’m resigning effective immediately.” He held the envelope out and for a moment Atleigh left him hanging.

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