Page 59 of Rescuing Riley
Chapter Twenty-Two
Josh pacedthe empty hall of Stitches, Inc., calling Riley repeatedly. He was at the point he wanted to throw the phone in the trash. Charlie stood idly by outside the men’s room, watching. He always knew when something was bothering Josh. The dog was ready to come to the rescue at a moment’s notice.
Josh tried Agent Wallace several times to no avail. Candace tried Taylor but also got no answer. They were striking out big time. Maybe Taylor had been kidnapped too.
Candace emerged from the ladies’ room. Her bright-red hair was tamed, and her blue eyes were clearer. “Any luck on the FBI guy yet?” she shouted.
Josh groaned, wanting to pull each strand of his hair out of his head. “No.”
She stuck her hands on her hips. Irritation supplanted the fear she’d shown earlier. “Then call that officer you know at the SFPD. I’m really worried about Riley. I’m going to try Taylor again.”
Josh would’ve thought that Candace would’ve left by then to run for her life. But the woman was adamant about helping.
“You should go home,” he said. “I’ll give Agent Wallace your info. He can question you later.”
She lowered her shoulders. “I told you I’m not leaving. I know if I were in Riley or Taylor’s situation, I would want anyone and everyone helping to find me. Plus, I really like Riley.”
Josh could feel a grin forming. He really liked Riley too. Suddenly, his lips tingled as if she were kissing him again.
Snap out of it, dude. Find her then reminisce. Or better yet, take control and kiss her lights out.
“You’re smitten with Riley, aren’t you?” Candace’s smile brightened in the dimly lit hall. Then she got a faraway look in her eyes as though she were thinking of her significant other.
It was Josh’s turn to break her out of her reverie, so he cupped her elbow.
“Sorry,” she said. “I’ll call Taylor. You call that officer at the SFPD.” Her tone was commanding as if she were leading a platoon.
As she disappeared into Liza’s office, Josh pinched the bridge of his nose. Officer Tanner couldn’t do anything to help them. Or maybe he could. But first, Josh decided to try Wallace again.
“Wallace,” the man rushed out.
Finally.Josh wanted to jump through the phone and give him a manly hug. “It’s Josh Bandon. We have a problem. Riley was kidnapped by that bald guy in your photo.”
“You know this how?” His tone was reserved, unlike Josh’s.
“One of Liza’s coworkers. It seems the mafia is looking for a thumb drive.”
“Tell me where you are,” Wallace demanded.
Charlie took off down the hall.
Josh froze.
Then Charlie banked around to the elevators.
“Um, let me call you back.” Josh hung up as his stomach flipped all over the place.
He stalked down the hall as fast as he could, sticking close to the wall. Before he could stop it, memories of that day came barreling back. It was always the same memory on repeat like a broken record. Sometimes the entire memory replayed, and other times, only parts.
As he limped his way along the wall, dark eyes flashed before him.
The man studied Josh as though Josh were the weirdest person he’d ever seen. Then he blessed himself before he pressed the detonator he was holding.
Less than a second was all Josh had to pray for his life.
Josh’s chest rose and fell, his breathing labored.
“Josh.”
