Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“This is Ford.”
“It’s Ivan. I’m sorry it’s taken a bit. I had my people scour through the footage for information that might help you.”
I scrub the side of my face as I wait for him. He responds at once.
“We’ve uncovered that Benny hasn’t reached out directly to the Korslova duo. Still, my guys have done their research. There’s a safe house in Middle Creek, close to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It’s listed in some of the properties under Dimitri and Dominic’s name. That’s likely where Martelli is holed up. I’m texting you the address now.”
“Thanks, Ivan. If I can help in any way—”
“I accept your marker. I wish you luck on getting your woman back. Word on the street is that Martelli is the lowest sort of scum.”
“He’ll be dead scum when I find him. Thanks again.”
“Anytime. I don’t have many hard limits, but hurting an innocent woman is one.”
I grunt in reply, but Ivan has already hung up. I immediately spring out of the bed and almost jog to the bedroom that Lyla and T are using. I knock, briefly worried that I might wake my granddaughter up. Still, I’m not waiting another minute. I need to get to Grace. I’m already sick to my stomach thinking about her being alone and unprotected against that asshole.
T comes to the door after a minute or so. I don’t even give him time to speak. “We need to load up,” I tell him, turning away as I take out my phone to call Grunt.
“What’s going on?”
“Ivan Levkin gave me a lead on Grace. The Korslovas have a safe house just outside of Pigeon Forge. There’s a very good chance Grace is there.”
“I’ll get dressed and make sure Lyla keeps an eye on Asher,” he says.
“I’m going to call hotel security and beef it up, making sure no one gets in this room while we’re gone,” I tell him, knowing he’s as worried about my daughter’s safety as I am.
“Asher and I will be fine. You guys just hurry and bring back my new mom,” Lyla says.
I turn around to look at her, smiling while shaking my head. “I love you, Butterfly.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
“W-What about me?” T asks. He doesn’t really show his stutter much at all anymore. It’s just here and there. It makes me proud of him.
“You already know how much I love you,” she whispers. I nod my head as I dial Grunt’s number. I’m glad Lyla and T have worked out all their issues. All I ever wanted for my daughter was for her to find love and be happy. I had my doubts about T—especially considering how the two of them got together. Still, they’ve worked out their issues and one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my life is watch the love the two of them share strengthen. That’s one thing I’ve never had—and it’s what I want with Grace.
When Grunt answers my call, I give him the address that Ivan texted and explain what I need from him. He’s going to get men together and meet me about a mile from the house. We need the element of surprise. I can’t let anything screw this up. I’m too worried that this will be our last chance to get her back. I just finish texting the address to Grunt so he has it to use in his navigation app on his phone when T comes out, pulling a clean shirt down over his torso. He leans down and kisses my daughter, telling her he loves her and will update her when he can. Lyla kisses him and then hugs me, while also giving me a reassuring smile. “Make them sorry they messed with our family, Dad.”
“You know it, Butterfly,” I promise, kissing her forehead before T and I head out. I’m not a praying man, but if I was, I’d send one up right now. I need for my woman to be alright. If she’s not, I’m going to unleash hell on the Korslova Brothers. I’ll make them sorry they were ever born.
22
GRACE
I feel so weak that I’m having trouble standing. I know when they give me water, it must have some kind of drug in it. I’ll have to not take it the next couple of days and see if I can build up any strength while I try to figure out a way to get free. As we pull into Joe’s driveway, I silently curse. I was hoping he and Sarah would be at the diner. That would mean Asher would be safe for another day. Joe’s SUV is in the driveway though, and all hope kind of dies.
I’ve been looking around for anything that I might use as a weapon, but there’s nothing. Even if there was, I doubt I could do much. There’s a barrel of a gun pressing against my side by one of Benny’s henchmen. We’re in a freaking limo and I’m forced to look at the monster I was once married to. If I ever wanted to have my past thrown into my face, this is definitely it. My grandmother was completely right. She used to tell me constantly that I’m stupid. It’s definitely clear that I am. I’m also nothing but bad luck. I’m bringing the devil himself to Joe’s door. A man who has never been anything but kind to me. I can feel myself wanting to cry, but I push the emotions back. I will not let Benny see me cry. I swore to myself I’d never allow that again, and I meant it.