Chapter Nine
Cole
Cole watches everyone go their own way after dinner. No one seems up for socializing tonight. He is fine with that. He’s still reeling from what happened at training.
John appears and drops his duffel bag at the door next to Cole’s and signals he is ready.
Cole nods at him and heads for the stairs, knowing what he is about to say isn’t going to be easy—at least not for him.
Savannah’s door is open. He peeks in and sees her sitting in front of the fireplace, the glow of the flame casting shadows on her face. Her hair is in a messy bun held up with a pen. A few pieces have come loose, and she looks sexy as she leans over to study a photo.
“Savi,” he says quietly so as not to scare her.
She glances up and gives him a sultry smile.
“May I come in?”
“Sure.”
He walks in and notices papers and photos fanned out in front of her.
“Is this what you wanted to show me before?”
“Yes, I found something.” She hands him the picture she was just studying. It’s of her father at a charity event. “Look who he’s toasting with.” She points to the bracelet. “He knows the girl who took my picture in the pub.”
Well, damn, she found something.
“This was taken four months after my kidnapping. They must be close, because my father doesn’t smile like that with just anyone.”
Huh—interesting.
She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “I tracked down the number of the charity event coordinator. I’ve met him before. I thought I could call him.”
“No, Savi—”
“I won’t give my name or anything, but I could get the guest list. I’ve been to these things enough times to know who’s who, and I could start the process of elimination.”
“I’ll get you the list,” he says a little harder than he intended to.
“Fine.” She dismisses his tone.
“What’s this?” He picks up an article about a woman who was kidnapped.
“Well, I’ve been researchingLos Sirvientes Del Diablosand found a few stories of the victims who were returned unharmed. Shocking how few there were.” She rubs her stomach. “Their ransoms were huge—like a couple million. One woman was only gone a month, and they got one-point-five for her.” She sighs. “Cole, my ransom just doesn’t make sense. Their pattern changed with me, but why? I’m wracking my brain. Why was The American involved in my case?”
“Okay, slow down. This is a great find,” he says, holding up the picture and studying it. “I’ll make the call and get the guest list. This is all one giant puzzle, and you’ll go mad asking all the questions at once. You need to pick one and start there. If you hit a dead end, put it aside and pick up another. A path will soon show itself, then a picture will start to form. Have you had any more flashbacks?”
She bites her lip, debating telling him.
“I remember my first proof of life,” she finally whispers, “when I met Maria.” She looks really uncomfortable. She bends down, picking up a small piece of paper. “Here’s the number for the charity.” Her face is flushed, and her eyes are watery. “His name is Gary. He’s really friendly.”
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks, stepping toward her.
She shakes her head and hands him the paper. “Some flashbacks are harder than others.” She lets out a shaky breath.
Before he can ask any more questions, John sticks his head in the door. “Hey, Savi.” He grins at her. “Logan, the chopper will be here in fifteen. We’re good to go.”
“You’re leaving?” She looks up, clearly startled.