Page 77 of Six of Hearts
“Do not insult my intelligence by insinuating that I actually would have believed you did that,” he said. “I know you. I know you didn’t do that.”
It was a relief to hear that after everyone from my old life was so convinced I had. “Look, I hate to call you up after five years, and when you thought I was dead, but I really need a favour.”
“God, I hope you could feel me punch you through this fucking phone,” Travis barked. “What is it?”
“I need you to find someone,” I said.
“Is that it? Couldn’t you do that?” he responded.
“This is different. I have no idea where she’s gone or any clue to help. I’m talking invasion of privacy. I need you to find someone,” I repeated.
Travis groaned. “I don’t know, Adam. I could go to federal prison for that.”
“I’ll pay you. Any amount,” I said.
“Just name it.”
“It’s not about the money,” Travis responded.
“$3,000,” I offered.
“Adam, seriously, no amount of money is worth–”
“$5,000,” I cut in.
“Dude.”
“$10,000,” I said.
Travis hesitated. “Who is this that you are willing to pay that much money just to find them?”
“Someone very, very important to me. Please. I have to find her,” I begged. “I can wire the money to you right now.”
“I wouldn’t even take it if I didn’t need it to make sure my family is set up in case I get arrested for a fucking ghost,” Travis responded. “You can send it now?”
“Yes,” I replied quickly.
“Fine. I’ll send you the bank details, you send me the name,” Travis said.
“Thank you, Travis. Thank you so much,” I responded.
“So, do you die again, or what?” Travis asked.
“I’ll have to get back to you on that,” I said. “The main threat is gone, but I quite like my new life. We’ll have to see.”
Travis sighed. “Well, just, stay in touch… you dick.”
I laughed. “Let’s finally get that coffee soon,” I said, and the line went dead without another word.
I exchanged information with Travis, sent the money, and waited patiently for a response. The moon was high in the sky, and I was just hoping that Travis could find the informationneeded in time. I was starting to doze off in my car when I all of a sudden got a text. My heart jumped up into my throat.
‘Found your girl. She’s staying with her friend Khloe Dubois in Houston.’ There was a photo of an address below it. A few tears actually started to stream down my face. I’d found her. I typed a gracious response, texted Gabriel to let him know I was bound for Houston and to alert the guys, and then set off.
I didn’t want to go home and pack bags; I barely wanted to stop to gas up my car. I just wanted to drive until I was holding Aria in my arms.
It was close to four hours from city to city, but I probably did it in two and a half. It was a miracle that I didn’t get pulled over, but I couldn’t slow my pace. My car was racing as fast as my heart, and neither would calm until I was in Houston at Khloe’s doorstep. It was just after 10 o’clock at night when I was finally pulling up in front of the duplex that matched the address. I clamoured out of my car and ran up to the door, knocking frantically despite the late hour.
There were a few sounds of footsteps and movement from the other side of the door, and then a voice called out. “Hello? Who’s there?”
