Page 145 of Chasing Hope

And I can’t betray Evie.

But I’m not like Carter, Felicity, or Serena. I can’t let this go. I can’t sit on my ass and do nothing and let the man who did this to her get away with it.

With that in mind, I bring up my contacts on my dashboard and hit dial.

Paul answers on the third ring.

“Matteo, what can I do for you?” he says by way of greeting.

My heart hammers wildly as I say, “I need you to do a background check on any and all men who had access to the Ellington family home twenty years ago.”

The phone falls silent.

“Can you do it?” I ask, trying to keep the turmoil from my voice.

“Of course I can. Is there more I should know on the matter?”

Yes, someone hurt Evie and I can’t fix it for her.

“Can you hack into computers remotely?” I ask instead.

“Matteo, should I be concerned?”

Yes, probably.

Ignoring his question, I go on. “I don’t want you digging into anything personal. I just want to know if you’re able to find out if someone has child pornography on their computers or views that type of content online.”

His voice grows cold over the line. “Consider it done.”

Chapter 43

Evie

BOOK CLUB BANDITS

LAYLA

excussseeee me

mini Ellington, when were you going to tell us about the elevator???

CINDY

ELEVATOR???

BELLA

has she been holding out on us?

LAYLA

massively!!!

BELLA

girls’ night is in order. Totti’s, Thursday, 6 p.m.

CINDY