Page 121 of Valor

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Fifteen hoursand what feels like lifetimes later, I’m watching as all five of the Hunt brothers get out of two separate Hunt Ranch trucks parked in Lani’s apartment’s parking lot. Growing up, I’d always been intimidated by them. Even though they never did anything to make me feel that way, I’d known that if I crossed that friendship line with Lani and broke her heart, they would have torn me apart.

Or, at least my teenage mind thought so.

But seeing them now, expressions serious, moving like the tactical team they are, I can honestly say I’ve never felt more relieved. Because Tucker is absolutely right.

Given I lack Tucker’s computer skills, there’s no way I could get into the databases he can. If Lani is still out there, these are the men to find her and bring her home.

Each of the Hunt brothers has their own service dogs, though today it looks like they’re only bringing Bravo—Bradyn’s dog—in.

“Gibson,” Elliot says. His wife, Nova, is at his side, dressed in similar tactical clothing to his. She joined the team after moving here from Dallas.

“It’s really good to see you guys,” I tell them. “Uh, you should know, the scene is rough.”

“We’ve seen worse,” Dylan says.

I hate that it’s true. That even though their sister’s blood is on the floor, the scenes they’ve witnessed not just in their current jobs but also when they’d been Special Forces for the Army are far worse.

Without another word, I pull the crime scene tape down and unlock the padlock we placed on the door. After shoving it open, I step aside, letting the five brothers and Nova into Lani’s small apartment.

Once they’re all in, I follow, standing in the kitchen while they comb the place, looking over every nook and cranny.

“I believe she was attacked by the door. That cardinal picture was hanging next to it,” I tell them.

Bradyn nods. “She fought back.”

“She did,” I say. “Hard.” My gaze lands on the shattered coffee table and the blood staining beneath it.

“Enough blood that we know she was hurt, but not so much to think she was killed and moved,” Dylan says, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.

“She’s alive,” I tell them. “She has to be.”

“There hasn’t been any contact?” Riley asks, turning to me. “No mention of a ransom?”

I know the Hunts are wealthy, likely the wealthiest in town and quite possibly the state, but they never show the money off. Still, it’s not a theory that I’ve dismissed. “Not yet. They could still try and make contact, but so far there’s been nothing.”

Bradyn points to the floor, right near Lani’s blood. Bravo leans down and sniffs it then looks up at Bradyn expectantly. “I’m going to walk him outside. See if we can catch a scent. It’s been long enough I’m not hopeful, but it’s something. And right now, we need a place to start.”

“One tiny thread,” Dylan mutters. “And we’ll bring the weight of the world crashing down on top of whoever took her.”

I can’t explain the relief I feel at his words. Because I feel the exact same. “I canvassed the area, but I’d like to go back to the hospital today. See if I can catch up with a few of the nurses who were out.”

“I’ll go with you,” Riley offers.

“Great.”

“I’m going to start scanning traffic, street, and security cameras in the area,” Tucker says as he heads for the door. “See if I can’t pick her up on facial recognition.”

“I’m going to talk to the neighbors,” Dylan says, his gaze landing back on the bloodstained floor. He looks about two seconds away from detonating like a bomb, ready to tear the building apart to find her.

It’s a sentiment I share.

“I’ll go with you,” Elliot replies.

“I’m going to go talk to her friends. See if there’s something they might be willing to share,” Nova offers.

I’ve already done everything they’re doing, but somehow, knowing they’re looking too gives me hope. The more boots on the ground, the more we can cover. The less likely someone will miss something.

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