Page 20 of Girl Long Gone

“Thompson?” Evelyn asked, her gaze locked with Lacey’s.

Lacey nodded. “Yes. That sounds right.”

Ben took out a notepad and scribbled something down. “Can you look into this guy? See if we can find him and ask him some questions?” Connor continued to scratch behind Snowball’s ears as he asked Ben the question.

“Yeah. I’ll start as soon as I get home.”

“Will we be safe here alone?” Lacey’s soft voice quieted the questions racing in Evelyn’s brain.

Connor and Ben locked eyes for a beat before Connor cleared his throat and let his gaze land on Lacey and then rest on her. “You have top-notch security. Leave your doors locked, don’t buzz anyone into the building, and try to stay home until we lock up this bastard.”

“If you don’t feel safe, I can always stay,” Ben said. “I could use your computer to look into Simon Thompson.”

A light blush stained Lacey’s cheeks.

A soft vibration sounded against Connor’s thigh. He grabbed his phone, pressed his finger to the screen, and lifted it to his ear. “Mitchel.” He puckered his brow. “Okay. I’ll meet you there. Thank you.” He disconnected the call and jumped to his feet. “Warrant came through. Sanders said to meet them at Gabriel’s townhouse in Brooklyn.”

Evelyn sucked in a breath. This was it. The time had come to expose Gabriel for who he really was and bring Monica home.

“Want a ride?” Ben asked as he rose to his feet.

“No. You go home and let my dog out. I’ll grab a cab.” Connor made a beeline for the door.

Evelyn hurried after him, and a fist squeezed her gut.

She wanted Connor to find his sister more than anything but if he did, she’d have no reason to see him again. Courage overtook her, and she laid her hand on his back as he reached for the handle. Fire sparked in her veins. “Good luck.”

He turned toward her with a slight curve to his lips and hope shining from his eyes. “Thanks. Remember, stay inside. I’ll call when I can.”

As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn’t let Connor walk out of her life. He scared her in a much different way than Gabriel, but maybe for once in her life, he could be someone worth taking a chance on.

Black clouds covered what little light the distant stars usually shone down on the still-noisy streets of Brooklyn. A light drizzle rained down on Connor as he joined the three uniformed officers on the stoop of the brick-faced townhouse. He stopped on the side of the stairs and grabbed hold of the slippery black railing. Monica could be on the other side of that door. If he didn’t get to her in time, he’d never forgive himself.

A grim-faced Sanders nodded his way. “Remember, stay out of the way. We’ll both get our asses kicked if Miller finds out I let you come.” She turned to knock on the door.

Rivers of water trailed down his head and over his face. He counted the seconds as they waited. A couple hours had passed since Evelyn and Lacey left Gabriel at the restaurant. Even if he hadn’t left right away, he should be home by now. Unless he had more sinister plans.

The door swung open.

Gabriel stood in the doorway with his blond eyebrows drawn down and his lips pressed firmly together. “Good evening, officers. Can I help you?”

Connor squeezed the railing until his knuckles threatened to burst through his skin. Words danced at the back of his throat, but he had to keep calm. They had the ace, and he couldn’t do anything to compromise their search.

Sanders pulled the warrant and her badge out for Gabriel’s inspection. “We’re here to search your home. Any and all information you need can be found here.”

Gabriel grabbed the warrant and glanced at it, all the while keeping the look of confusion glued to his stupid face. He glanced up, and his gaze traveled from face to face, finally landing on Connor. “Go ahead, officers. If I can be of assistance, please let me know.” He opened the door wider and stepped into the shadows.

Connor followed the officers into the house. Two officers hurried up the stairs and Sanders disappeared down the hall. The door closed behind him, and the heat of Gabriel’s gaze singed his back.

Gabriel leaned against the deep blue wall and crossed his arms over his chest. He locked eyes with Connor, and the corner of his mouth hitched up.

Sanders halted in the open doorway. “Mitchel. Back here.” She kept her gaze fixed on him until he turned toward her and made his way down the hallway.

“What?” He growled.

“Stay away from Wilson. Do what we came here for. Let’s find your sister.”

Connor ground his teeth together as he passed Sanders in the kitchen and pushed open a set of French doors that led to the office. Desperation squeezed his lungs. How could Monica not be here?