Missing (The Brannock Siblings Book 3), page 22
"Didn't help that Dad paid them to do all that stuff half the time. Mom would get so angry with you," she directed at Liam who smiled brightly.
"Yes, she would."
Aiden studied the wistful expression on the man's face and knew he was remembering specific times. When his cheeks turned a light shade of pink, she could only imagine what making up was like for him and his late wife. Gus told her they were madly in love from the very beginning and it never waned, it only got better.
She would have the same with Gus. She could feel it in her bones.
If they could only get this whole mess sorted.
"You two beauties ready to go?" Liam stood and cleared the table while Ash gathered her purse. Time was passing quickly and the distraction they had provided her helped her regroup. She wanted to get to Lily and take care of her family.
"Did you find your phone yet, Aiden?" Ash asked.
"No, but I'll look for it when I come back with Emily. I'm sure she wants a minute to herself after last night."
They left the apartment and she and Ash stood on the sidewalk waiting for Liam to bring the rental car around.
"I know it isn't much," Gus' sweet sister started. "But I want you to understand that whatever happens, we are here for you and your sister. Don't think I'm saying they won't find Aidy. They will. Just know that we are here whenever you need us for whatever reason. We're all family now, okay?"
She nodded and held back the emotion clouding her eyes. Family had meant everything to her during her 27 years of life on this earth and it was nice to know that she had people around her who felt the same. Her mom and dad were going to love the Brannocks. "Okay."
Ash hugged her briefly and they both took a deep cleansing breath together before her newly acquired sister shouted, "Let's kick some ass today!"
For the first time all morning, she felt energy radiating through her limbs.
They made the short trip to Lily's with little conversation, but a comfortable air in the car. When they walked into Aidy's home, Aiden felt the weight on her shoulders, but didn't let it drag her down. Lily needed her strength and by God she was going to give her whatever she could.
Emily was in the kitchen sipping a mug of coffee and her sister was awake on the couch, Chad by her side. When Lily looked up and saw Aiden, her face crumbled, but she suddenly leaped to her feet and dashed across the room, crashing into her and holding on tightly.
"Aiden," she gasped.
Aiden clung to her sister's tiny frame and poured whatever strength she had left into her. It might not be enough, but it was something. "I'm here, Lil. We'll find her."
Lily pulled away, her eyes streaming with tears that Aiden tried to catch with her fingers. "Shh, just breathe, sis. That's all we can do right now, okay?"
She nodded and fell into Aiden's arms once more. The sisters held each other for a long time, quietly reassuring the other that they would get through this together. That Aidy was strong and that the men would do whatever it took to find her.
They made it back to the couch and Chad gathered Lily in his embrace. Aiden smiled at the gesture and knew that this man was going to be good for her big sister, and for Aidy. When this was all over, Lily would need someone strong beside her who loved her and took care of her.
"Lily?"
Liam and Ash stood at the edge of the living room watching the whole scene without a word, letting them have their moment, but they wanted to put some of their strength in as well.
Lily finally saw them and got back to her feet without another thought, launching herself into Liam's waiting arms. Without their father present, Liam gladly took the role upon himself.
Aiden hoped they got there soon. It would be easier for her sister with her own family by her side. Their parents were on the way, unable to leave until this morning because of her father's medical issues. Flying wasn't the best thing when you were on blood thinners after surgery, but his doctor cleared him that morning with her father's insistence and they took the next flight out. She was glad they hadn't driven. He wouldn't have been the least bit comfortable, but he would have suffered through it if his doctor hadn't cleared him.
Lily sobbed into Liam's chest before yanking Ash into the circle and clinging to her. She was back and she was taking no prisoners. When it came to heart ache, she knew the kind of support system she had and she wasn't about to take it for granted
"Did you hear from Mom and Dad?" Aiden asked quietly.
"Yes, they're almost here. It will be nice to have everyone together for when Aidy gets home."
She sensed the false bravado in Lily's voice, but didn't mention it.
Liam immediately started in on explaining exactly what the men were doing at the moment and Lily looked extremely grateful. She wanted to know what was happening and what steps they were taking to find her little girl. Aiden could tell it was taking all of her power to stay in that damn apartment and not go out looking for her on her own, but Liam's sweet demeanor and comforting words helped her relax. Speaking with him over the computer was nothing compared with face to face.
On that thought, Aiden remembered that she needed to get a phone right away. The kidnapper would likely contact them according to Gus and none of them wanted to miss that call.
I turned to Emily who was already shouldering her purse with a knowing grin.
"Do you think I could stay with my sister?" she asked.
Emily shook her head, "We'll be back soon and I wouldn't know where to look for your phone. Plus, they'll need you to set up the new phone for Lily."
She was right, but still, Aiden felt obligated to argue for some reason.
"Em, you look exhausted."
She waved her concern away, "Nothing the last three cups of coffee won't fix in the next few minutes. She's in good hands. Ash will keep her occupied and when she thinks about it, Liam will keep her hopeful."
Aiden hugged her sister, telling her she would be back soon and to tell Mom and Dad what she was doing so they didn't worry. Lily looked deflated, but nodded.
"Thank you for staying with her last night," she told Emily when they climbed into the rental car.
"No problem. You needed to get your head straight and I'll tell you what, it had an effect. I know Lily felt that and her entire demeanor changed the minute you walked in. She hasn't spoken much since she woke up early this morning."
"What time did Con leave?"
"Just after seven. He was rearing to go at five, though."
"Thank you."
Emily grasped her hand as she drove through the city and squeezed lightly, never letting go until they pulled into the lot by her apartment. She was desperate to hear from Gus, but between Ash and Emily, she would be getting the updates through Con and Luke. Emily mentioned that Gus had buried himself in the task and hadn't had a chance to get on the phone with her. According to Luke, his captain wanted him off lead since this was too personal to him, but Gus was insisting on it.
Aiden understood, but felt like she was missing something. She remembered the few details Gus had given her about these cases over the last few weeks. He had been worried that the guy not only knew more about the families than they originally thought, but that he knew more about Gus himself. He had mentioned a letter, but she couldn't remember what it said. She had been too worried about cheering him up.
"When I looked up the store to get the phones, it said they weren't opening until nine thirty since it's Saturday. It's only nine now. I'm going to shower really quick and get changed."
"Sounds good. There isn't much we can do until then anyway."
Emily walked into Gus' apartment with the spare key Aiden gave her and told her she would be ready in ten minutes.
Aiden moved quickly into her own apartment and started looking around. She had no idea where her phone could possibly be. She could swear she had it in her purse on that stupid date, but when she checked that next morning, it wasn't there. She moved to her bedroom to look under the bed or in the pocket of the jeans she wore recently. When she stepped into her room, she froze.
There it was, on the edge of her nightstand.
She blinked, unable to move her legs, unable to even take a breath.
Staring at the phone that hadn't been there this morning was like a blast of icy cold air. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as she waited for the thing to disappear like a hallucination. She knew - she knew - it hadn't been there this whole time, so that meant…
The phone blared with her ringtone, loud and frightening in the heavy silence of the room. She jumped, clutching her chest and praying her racing heart would stay inside. It took her only a moment before she stalked across the room and picked it up. If it was Gus, she needed to tell him.
Unknown number.
She was going to pass out.
Her thumb deftly slid over the delicate screen and the call was answered. Her hands shook violently as she lifted it to her ear.
"Hello, Aunty Aiden."
That voice.
She knew that voice, but couldn't place it - yet.
"Who the fuck is this?" she whispered, the harshness of her words voided by the weakness in her voice.
"Someone looking for justice."
She closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to put a face to that creepy tone, but anger won out. "I'll kill you."
"Yes, I know you want to. Like you said, you would do anything for little Aidy."
Chapter 14
Gus
It wasn't even nine thirty in the morning and I felt like I had been at it for hours. Technically I had, but I was starting to lose it and Con and Luke were very aware of that fact.
"I'm telling you, Luke, this guy is closer than we think."
"Take a step back, give me your reasoning."
"Well, the letter, for starters. It was personal, it felt personal. Then the fact that he knew when and where to get Aidy and even had the picture from Aiden's computer on his phone to show that teacher. Someone's been watching us and…"
I couldn't say it because saying it out loud would seal the deal. It wouldn't be a question that I was the one who brought this into their lives.
"What, Gus?"
"If he's been watching us, then he knows exactly who I am anyway, so it is personal. It's not just coincidence that he chose Aidy."
Con had been sitting back listening without a word. His usual silence could be amusing at times, but now, it was just pissing me right the hell off.
"Any input?" I asked scathingly.
"He's right," Con stated and looked at Luke. "Gus is right. It's just too coincidental." He turned back to me, "I don't want to make you feel like shit, but this whole thing revolves around you now and you've gotta think about who you've pissed off that would do something like this?"
"Excuse me? I don't piss people off, I'm a fucking delight to be around."
"That's not what I'm talking about," Con said with an exaggerated eye roll.
Aiden's was definitely sexier and I missed her like crazy. I wanted to see that she was okay, see her smile, but I had to give her a reason to smile.
"You're a cop, Gus. A detective for missing persons. Is there anyone that may be bitter about you not finding-"
"I've only been a detective for several months, Con, and I haven't lost a kid yet."
"And before?"
"I was never even considered for lead. I was always back up."
"But you found them."
"Yeah."
We all sat in silence, trying to come up with anything that could be a potential clue as to who had it out for me. Even if we didn't have all the facts, it was the most probable scenario. I felt it in my gut from the very beginning. This guy was fucking with us.
Linc had been sitting at his desk, commenting here and there, but he was just as lost as I was. He wasn't so sure it was personal, but I could tell the pieces were coming together for him. The look in his eyes told me that he was thinking about what he had mentioned before, about our families suffering the consequences of what we do. He'd already called Kristie three times today to check up on her.
Luke let out a heavy sigh before asking, "Linc? Would you mind pulling those phone records from the previous families?"
"Sure, but we already checked on that. There's no way to locate this guy since he used a burner every time he called."
Luke glanced at Con who raised a curious brow.
"Tell me Ripley has connections."
I looked to my older brother. The man who had put himself at the mercy of a dangerous man and came out with a new friend. He never gave any details, but I knew Lucien Ripley admired him and for what it was worth, Con thought the guy had redeemed himself completely.
"Get me the records, Linc," Con ordered.
Linc immediately started typing and clicking, searching for the files that had been a dead end before. I jumped when he cursed loudly and slammed his fist on the desk.
"God damn computers!"
He ripped the phone from its cradle and started dialing.
Luke and Con looked at me in confusion and I shrugged. Linc hated technology.
"Yeah, it's Lincoln. I've got another freeze up."
Luke dropped a steady hand on my shoulder, drawing my gaze back to him. He was frowning. "You called Aiden yet?"
I winced, shaking my head no.
"Do it."
"I don't know if she found her phone and the store Emily was taking her to just opened."
"Try anyway."
"Luke-"
"Now, Gus. If Ash taught me anything, it's that the women who love us need to trust that no matter what, we're always here. Just call her."
I hadn't wanted to call until I had something to give and it tore me up to hear the bleakness in her voice. I wanted to give her something to hope for.
I pulled out my phone, but froze when I heard Linc's one sided conversation.
"What do you mean a virus? No, Donny fixed that a while ago and told me not to worry about a virus."
My heart thudded to a stop, every cell in my body freezing instantly.
"Yeah, okay, bye." Evan slammed the phone down and moved under his desk to shut off the tower, cursing as he did it.
"Gus! What the hell just happened to you?" Luke shouted. "Call Aiden and-"
"FUCK!" I screamed, all three men jumping back when I shot out of my chair. "It's Donny."
"Who?" they all asked at the same time.
I took a few deep breaths and raked a hand through my hair, tugging hard to get my blood moving again. It made perfect sense. All the pieces came together.
"Aiden went on a date with some douche bag named Donny. Said he creeped her out and asked all these personal questions. I thought he looked familiar, but couldn't place him. He's with tech."
Evan's eyes went wide as saucers. "Then he'd have no problem getting any information on the families since he's a computer fucking genius. There is no question he would know exactly where the security cameras are located. It fits."
"That old guy, Roger. He mentioned a kid named Donny being taken years ago. They never found him. You think it might be connected?"
Linc shrugged.
"Call tech and ask them how long he's been working for them. I gotta get a hold of Aiden and-"
Con's phone blared and my chest tightened. It could only be Emily, who was with Aiden right now.
"Em, glad you called, we need to talk to-" His brow dropped in confusion. "She what? When?"
"Give me the phone," I growled and ripped it out of his hand. I didn't care if he kicked my ass later. My stomach rolled knowing something had happened to Aiden and I couldn't stand back and wait. "Emily?"
"Gus, she's gone. I was getting ready to take her to get the phone and when I came out of the apartment, she was sprinting down the stairs. She looked freaked out and didn't even hear me calling behind her. I'm following her right now. She got in a cab, but I'm in the rental. Gus, I'm scared she's about to do something really stupid."
I had no doubt she was. Aiden would do anything, anything, to get her niece back. Even if that meant she had to make an impossible choice. I would give myself up for my own family, she would do the same. Grabbing my keys, I signaled for the guys to follow me. Evan stayed behind and was already speaking to someone from tech about Donny.
"Where are you right now?"
"I don't know, I'm sorry… wait! There's a sign. Graitiot Avenue? I'm passing a McDonald's."
"That's only a few blocks away. Keep on her. We're coming now. Here's Con."
I handed the phone to my brother as we bolted out to the parking lot, Luke hot on our heels. If we were going to find this guy, shit was going to go down. I couldn't let anything happen to Luke with a baby on the way.
"Luke, you stay here and help Linc."
"Shut the hell up, Gus," he growled and flipped me off as he climbed into the passenger seat of my car. Con slid into the back with the phone still to his ear, listening to everything Emily was telling him.
Where would I be without my brothers?
I started the car and peeled out of the lot. There was no time to argue with Luke and I needed him with me. I just hoped Ash didn't kick my ass for putting her fiancé and father of her unborn child in danger.
"She said there's some kind of aviation field," Con called from the back, then gave Emily some instructions on how to follow her without being noticed.
The steering wheel creaked under my grip. The noise in the car from the back seat and from Luke's constant assurance that we would get to Aiden in time, was drowned out by the whooshing sound of blood filling my ears. When I turned on the correct street toward the aviation field, my adrenaline spiked even higher.
"The cab stopped at a hangar and Aiden went inside," Con said hurriedly. "Hang back, Em. I don't want you getting hurt… I know, but please, baby, just promise me you'll stay in the car."
I weaved in and out of cars, thanking every single God out there that traffic was light. It was only minutes before we were turning into the entrance at the aviation field. The cab I assumed had brought my Red to this son of a bitch passed by us and Luke took down the number just in case.
