Page 84 of Talon

“Did you find Allison?”

“No. But there’s something else you need to know. Matrix found your dad’s will.”

“And?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Everything goes to you if your dad dies. But if you die before him …” I hesitate, hating to say the words out loud.“It all goes to Allison.”

“I always knew she was a bad person, but I never thought she’d be willing to kill for money.” Her face drops.“Dad is going to be devastated when he finds out.”

“Until we find her, you need to stick close to me.”

“Of course.” She glances down at her father, still unconscious on the hospital bed.“I want to stay with him, though. I can’t leave him alone.”

“I don’t think you’re safe here. There are too many places for Allison to hide. We’ve got prospects searching for her, but you’ll be safer at the clubhouse. Your dad is safe. The club has guards posted outside his door. You don’t have to worry about him.”

“If he’s safe, then why can’t I just stay here, too?”

“Babe, the doctors might have to take him to other parts of the hospital for more tests. They won’t let you go with them. I don’t want you wandering around this place. When the doctors have an update, they’ll call us. In the meantime, I want you home. We’ve got a security system and plenty of prospects on patrol. You will be more secure there. I know you don’t want to go, but you have to trust me on this. I promise we’ll come back as soon as the doctors have news.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, her voice wavering.

“Positive. Once we’re back at the clubhouse, we can regroup and figure out our next move.”

“All right,” she concedes, taking one last look at her dad.“I just need to use the bathroom first. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“It’s just down the hall. Stay here with my dad. I’m more worried about him right now.”

“Make it fast.”

“Can you hold my purse?” she asks, handing it over to me.

“Go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back,” I say, taking her purse.

As she disappears down the hallway, I step into the doorway, so I can keep an eye on her. She turns and gives me a soft smile before heading into the bathroom. I smile back, despite my trepidation. Until we know where Allison’s hiding, Jessica and her dad won’t be safe.

“Hey Matrix, we need more on Allison so we’ll know where to start looking.”

“Already on it. I haven’t found anything yet, but I’ll call you the second I get something.”

My phone rings. It’s Scar.

“Nothing at the house,” he says.“We’re en route to the hospital.”

“Damn. But at least we can check it off the list.”

“No sign of her yet?” Scar asks.

“Nothing.”

“We’ll put every man we’ve got on this. You just take care of your woman and I’ll handle the rest.”

“Thanks, Pres.”

After ending the call, I lean against the wall. Jessica’s purse hangs from my arm, but it’s getting heavier by the second. My eyes are glued to the bathroom door. With each passing minute, the queasy sensation in my gut increases. Something feels off.

“Come on, Jess,” I mutter, realizing she’s been gone for far too long.

---