Page 61 of Deserving Cora
“Well?” Stone asked impatiently. “I take it you didn’t see her?”
“No, we didn’t. And if the gorilla that met us at the door is any indication, things aren’t good,” Pipe said.
“Any sign of Lara at all?” Owl asked.
“No,” Cora said, her shoulders slumping.
“Next up…Blue Moon,” Pipe said.
“You think he’ll be there after you made it clear you know Ridge frequents the place?” Cora asked.
“No. But I do want to talk to people. See if he’s got a specific stripper he’s been spending money on.”
“I still want to know about that chopper,” Owl said under his breath.
“Gotta be his father’s. Though it would make sense for Ridge to use it if he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s got money issues. Flying around in that thing would portray a certain image,” Stone said with a shrug.
The men continued to speak, but Cora tuned them out. She felt incredibly disappointed. She’d truly thought that maybe, just maybe, she’d get to see Lara today. That they’d knock on the door and Ridge would take one look at Pipe and let her talk to her friend. But to be blocked as firmly as they’d been, to not even know if Lara was, God forbid, alive or not…it was a blow she was struggling to absorb.
“Hotel,” Pipe said abruptly, jerking Cora out of the fog she’d been in.
“Right,” Stone said, turning the key in the ignition and pulling away from the curb.
Cora’s eyes stayed glued on Ridge’s house as they drove past. It sucked to be so close, and yet just as far as she’d ever been to finding out what was going on with her friend.
Pipe squeezed her hand again. He’d only let go long enough for them both to get into the car, and she was grateful for his silent support.
She also appreciated that he didn’t give her platitudes about how he was sure Lara was fine. They both knew that likely wasn’t the case…not with the way that man so firmly refused to let them in the house.
Cora turned to look out at the passing landscape. Tears filled her eyes, and the scenery blurred as she struggled to keep her composure. She couldn’t lose Lara. She justcouldn’t.
Feeling as alone as she’d ever felt growing up, Cora desperately tried not to start bawling.
Then she felt Pipe lean toward her. She didn’t turn to look at him because she didn’t want him to see her tears. “I give you my word, love, that we’re going to help her.”
Cora closed her eyes. He was close enough to her that his breath warmed her neck as he spoke directly into her ear. She nodded but didn’t turn. She couldn’t imagine a world without Lara. She was her rock. Her anchor. She was quiet, kind, dependable, and a perfect balance to Cora’s brashness and tendency to act before thinking. Without her, Cora would be lost.
She had to be all right. She simply had to be.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Pipe didn’t like how quiet Cora had gotten. More often than not, she exuded a sense of relentlessness. Of stubbornness. But after meeting with the arsehole who’d refused to let them see Lara, she seemed subdued. Almost despondent. And he hated it. He much preferred the woman who wasn’t afraid to disagree with law enforcement and Lara’s parents. Who stood up to him and his friends. Who did what she thought was necessary without hesitation.
He’d left her in their hotel room, which he was relieved she had no problem in sharing, to talk to Owl and Stone. He’d originally wanted to go to the Blue Moon and investigate himself, but he’d easily let his friends talk him out of it. He felt a bone-deep need to stay with Cora. To make sure she was all right. It wasn’t as if he thought she’d do something rash, it was more that he couldn’t bear to watch her suffer and not be there to try to ease her pain.
When he returned, Cora was sitting in the exact same position as when he’d left half an hour ago, seemingly lost in thought. Pipe didn’t hesitate to walk over to the chair and crouch down in front of her.
“Cora?”
She brought her gaze to him. “Are you leaving soon?” she asked in a flat tone.
“No. Owl and Stone are going.”
She frowned slightly at that. “I thoughtyouwere.”
“I changed my mind. They’ll go, see what they can find out, then brief us in the morning.”
“Then what?”
