The gate opened. I looked at Juan, who shrugged his shoulders and said, “Vamonos, let’s go.”
I stopped near the front door where Hondo stood with the door open. I said, “The door?”
“I found it like this.”
I didn’t ask anything else, just walked into the mansion.
No one was home, like the house had been abandoned. No groundskeepers, no security, no staff, and no Troy. I headed for the office and checked for any messages or notes, but found nothing. I also noticed the security monitor. Someone had shut down all the security cameras. As I turned to leave, I spotted a crumpled piece of paper in the wire trash basket. I lifted it out and unfolded the paper to read a handwritten note: Bring her. Forest Lawn Hwood, liberty 23.
Hondo said, “You find something?”
“A clue.”
“I didn’t hear you say Eureka.”
“Well, we are trespassing.”
Juan looked at us and shook his head like we were crazy.
Hondo said, “What’s the clue?”
I showed it to him and said, “I think it means Bodhi.”
Hondo called her number and let it ring. When the voicemail opened, he said, “Call me, it’s important.”
I called Amber. She answered on the second ring, “Hey my handsome man.”
“Is Bodhi with you?”
“No.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“No, what’s going on, Ronny?” I heard the nervousness in her voice.
“It may be nothing. We wanted to check with her on a few things.”
“Tell me the truth.”
I said, “She may be in danger.”
“Not after everything that’s happened, no.”
“Can you try reaching her, or maybe call her friends to help?”
“I’m at work, but I’ll do it.”
“Call me if you locate her.”
“I will,” Amber didn’t want to hang up and the anxiety in her voice was palpable, “Please, please be careful.”
“Don’t worry, they don’t call me Rambo Baca for nothing.”
Amber remained silent, but I heard her breathing, then she said, “I love you.” I could tell it was something she debated about saying, and the impact of her words felt huge.
I said, “I will.” I wanted to say the words back to her, but didn’t. I don’t know why. Amber waited in silence for a few more seconds before saying in a hurt, anxious voice said, “Bye, Ronny,” and hung up her phone.
I dialed Jim’s number and when he answered, I said, “Can you and the other Testicles keep watch on Amber?”