Page 79 of Montana Justice

“Hopefully,” Ray repeated, skepticism dripping from the word like poison. “It’s like you don’t ever want to see your daughter again, do you?”

“No, I do. You know I do. I’ll call more often until it’s working again. I can get you information the old-fashioned way. Like before.”

“You better. I’m running a business here, not a charity. That watch was how I stayed ahead of your boyfriend’s operations.”

Boyfriend. The word made me want to laugh hysterically. Lachlan wasn’t my boyfriend. He was the love of my life whom I’d betrayed in the worst possible way. He was the father of my children who’d never trust me again. He was everything I’d ever wanted and could never have.

“I know,” I managed. “I promise, I’ll make it up to you. Actually, I was going to call today anyway. Lachlan mentioned something about focusing efforts on the east side of town, closer to Billings. They’re sure that’s where the base of operations is.”

Ray chuckled. “East side. Law enforcement has always been, and will always be, dumb as dirt. What else?”

At least he seemed to be buying it.

“That’s all I have so far, but there’s supposed to be a meeting tomorrow. I’ll find out more then.”

“You better. Because if I think for one second that you’re trying to play me, Piper, there will be consequences. You know what’s at stake here.”

My whole body went cold. Beside me, Lachlan’s jaw clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grind.

“I know,” I whispered. “Please, Ray. Can I see her? Just a photo? It’s been so long?—”

“No.” The word was flat, cruel, designed to hurt. “You get photos when you earn them. And lately, you haven’t been earning shit.”

“Please—” My voice broke completely. “She’s my baby. I just need to know she’s okay. Need to see her face?—”

“Stop begging. It’s pathetic.” I could hear the smile in his voice, that particular tone that meant he was enjoying this. “You’ll get what you deserve when you prove you’re still useful. Fix this watch situation, get me real intel, and maybe I’ll consider it.”

Tears burned down my cheeks. Lachlan’s face had gone dangerously still, the kind of stillness that preceded violence. His whole body was coiled tight, ready to explode.

“Yes, Ray.”

“Call me tomorrow night. And, Piper? Don’t disappoint me again. You know I don’t give third chances.”

The threat hung in the air like smoke. Then the line went dead.

I dropped the phone like it had burned me, wrapping my arms around myself. My whole body shook now, violent tremors I couldn’t control. The taste of blood filled my mouth—I’d bitten my tongue again.

Lachlan immediately called Travis, his movements sharp and efficient.

“Did you get it?”

Travis’s voice came through the speaker, triumphant. “Got him. He’s using a tower near Whitehall. It’s a start.”

Whitehall. The name hit like a physical blow. Less than two hours away. My daughter had been less than two hours away this entire time. While I’d been sleeping in Lachlan’s bed, while I’d been cooking dinner and taking walks and pretending to build a life, she’d been right there. Close enough to reach but completely out of my grasp.

“How many more calls?” Lachlan asked.

“Two should do it. Each call helps me narrow down the area. With two more, I can pinpoint him within a few houses.”

“Good. We’ll make that happen.”

“I’ll be ready. Also, I’ve modified the watch. Should have it to you within the hour.”

Lachlan ended the call and stood abruptly, putting distance between us.

“Two more calls,” I said, the reality of it crushing. “Two more times when I have to keep pretending everything’s fine while Sadie?—”

“While Sadie stays alive,” Lachlan finished harshly. “She’s alive. That’s the most important thing. We can’t move until we know exactly where she is. If we spook Ray, he’ll take off and take her with him. Or worse.”

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