Page 117 of Owen

Knox throws a dish towel at my head, and I use it to clean my mouth and nose.

Tentatively standing, I hold my stomach. “Did you come here to tell me I’m a worthless son of a bitch? Because if that’s the case, then get in line.” I hate how pathetic and broken I sound.

“Drop the act, Owen.”

Ouch, that stings.“It’s fucking true.”

Tutting, Knox waggles his finger at me. “Watch your tongue, son. You may still be drunk, suffering from grief, heartbreak, and losing all of this.” He points to the ceiling, gesturing to the roof over my head. “But that does not mean that you forget who you are with me, so rein it in and listen.” He takes a deep breath. “Lincoln and Jacob told me everything. Including that you made a deal and agreed to work for Richard.” He shakes his head in disapproval.

I’m so ashamed of every aspect of my life that my face flushes with heat.

“I’m so sorry about Jade, Owen, but they will find her.”

I stare at him, not believing a word he says.

“It’s all over the national news now that they have finally released a press statement and they have helicopters searching. It’s only a matter of hours. I have confidence.”

“Richard did this,” I say.

“If I find out he did, he will pay, Owen.” He’s a powerful man, true to his word, and I believe him.

“How much do you still owe him?” he asks.

“1.5 million.” Now I feel sick to my stomach for a different reason.

“Unlock your phone and give it to me.” His voice is demanding, so I fish it out of the pocket of the dress pants I’m still wearing from yesterday.

He frowns, navigating around the touch screen to find what he’s after. I hear a call ringing in the earpiece. He then taps the speaker phone icon and waits for the call to connect.

“Ah, Owen, so nice to hear from you.” Richard’s slimy voice drips down the phone.

Knox holds up his finger, telling me to keep quiet.

“Not Owen, Knox Black.”

There’s a pause before Richard speaks. “Ah, Knox, how nice to hear from you. How is that beautiful wife and ever-growing brood of children keeping?”

“Fuck off, Dick. I’m not here to make small talk. Send me your bank account details.” I almost laugh at Knox’s confidence and the nickname he used.

“Why?” His voice goes higher, as if he’s genuinely taken aback.

“To pay off Henry’s debt. Not that Owen should pay it. It’s not his debt to pay. You’re a bully. Now just give me the fucking details and I’ll pay it.”

I put my hand up, telling him to stop, but he ignores me.

“And if I don’t?” Richard plays with Knox. “That debt is not yours to pay.”

“That boy is like a son to me. And may I fucking remind you who you are talking to? My father gave you the money to start Sanderson Shipping. So fuck off with the theatrics. Text Owen the bank details and it will be paid within an hour. And I want a letter of confirmation outlining the total debt paid. He’s not coming to work for you, and if I ever hear of you harassing another member of my family again, I will have the cops all over that shipping yard of yours faster than you can sayboo. Now, whatever you have done with Jade, either release her or let the cops know where she is. Right. Fucking. Now. It’s been good doing business with you.” Before Richard can respond, Knoxends the call and hands the phone back to me. “You’re a great stepfather. A great partner. And you deserve happiness. So sober up, clean yourself up, get your shit together, then drive to get your girl. That call is coming. They are going to find her. I know they will.”

“She’s been missing for almost two days,” I say, my voice defeated.

“Then get on your knees and pray to the Greek god Elpis; the god of hope.” He gives me a gentle smile. “That’s all we have left. Hope.”

I suck in a breath.

He adds, “Gather your belongings. I will have my people from the hotel come down with a moving truck to take your furniture to Jacob’s. You have nice furniture. Don’t let Richard take everything, Owen. And if there is anything from the house”—he points at my family home up through the trees—“drop me a text over the next couple of days and let me know.”

“I want nothing. And we ended up trashing most of the house looking for Dad’s money.”

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