Page 118 of You Make Me Feel
Hudson points at the empty chair next to him. “You might want to sit down for this,” he murmurs, as Asher walks in behind me, closing the door with a slam like he’s furious with himself.
He looks at me and shakes his head, like he’s trying to decide how to break whatever this is to me gently.
“We’ve got some intel,” he says, letting out a mouthful of air. “We know where Darien is. Or at least we know where he was last night.”
“Where?” I ask, my throat feeling so thick I’m finding it hard to breathe.
“He was spotted on the mainland. About a mile from the ferry dock. I’m sorry, bro. I fucked up.” Asher scrubs a hand down his face. “The sighting was confirmed. I’ve seen the footage and it was definitely him.” He meets my eyes, voice low. “And he asked about ferry times to Liberty.”
We’ve been going around in circles for the last ten minutes. Looking at the footage, then searching the camera logs for every single crossing to and from the island since. There’s no sign of Sadie’s ex getting on the ferry but I can’t shake the pounding that’s started in my head.
“How dangerous is he?” Hudson asks, his voice low. “I have a wife here. Two kids at home. Should I be worried?”
Asher shakes his head. “No, not really. He’s a petty criminal at best. And a bad one. And even if you were to worry, I have two sets of guards at your house. And this place is watertight. So is the lighthouse, since Milo is being babysat there.”
“We should close this whole thing down,” I say. “Send everybody home. It’s too much of a risk with the island swarming with people.”
Asher sighs, running his hand through his hair. “I get it,” he tells me. “And if I thought there was a huge risk, I would. But let’s face it, the guy can’t even do parole right. He’ll be back inside before you know it.” He gives me a pointed look. “I have a pregnant wife out there. If I was worried, I’d be taking her right home. But here I am.”
“What?” Hudson asks, his head whipping up at the mention of Asher’s wife. “Is Francie?—”
“Fuck!” West says, jumping up. “Congratulations.” He shakes Asher’s hand. Wyatt hugs him tight.
“Jesus, you kept that quiet,” Hudson mutters. “Which is no mean feat on this island.”
“Not quiet enough apparently,” Asher says, looking sheepish now, because I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean to announce it. “And if one of you breathes a word I told you, I’ll be climbing into your bedrooms in the dark of night and making sure you regret it.” There’s a half smile on his face. “Now let’s get back to the problem, shall we?”
Hudson lets out a long sigh. “I still don’t like it. What if he turns up here and makes a scene.”
God, I hadn’t thought of that. Sadie would be mortified.
I look at Asher. “Do you think we should end the gala early?”
Asher shakes his head. “No. First of all, Autumn’s worked hard on this gala. And unless you all feel like facingher wrath, then I suggest we don’t mess it up for her. Let’s just carry on, let my guys do their job and enjoy the party. We’ll worry about this guy tomorrow. Find him and send him home.”
He looks at me slyly. “And then Sadie can go back to her apartment. That is if you want her to.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes at him. “I’m going to head back to the ball.”
“You going to tell Sadie what’s happened?”
“Of course,” I say.
Asher lifts a brow. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not going to let her out of your sight?” he asks, because he knows me too well.
“I just want to make sure she’s safe,” I mutter. “You’d do the same.”
“Yeah.” He nods. “I would. Go check on her. I’m going to speak with my team and then I’ll join you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” I really do. “And if there’s any change…”
“I’ll tell you right away. As I just told you. Now go.”
I shoot him a tight smile and head out of the office, the sound of the orchestra echoing through the private corridor from the ballroom. Wyatt follows, falling into step beside me.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asks once we step into the reception area.
“I will be once I see her,” I say.
