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Audra had drifted off with a book in her lap but now sat up straight, concerned. “What’s the matter? Did something go wrong tonight?”

She had no idea.

“Is Liam all right?” I asked, going straight to his room rather than waiting for a response.

“He’s asleep,” she whispered behind me. I found that out for myself once I eased his door open and discovered him fast asleep with only the soft glow of his bedside night light illuminating his sweet, unbothered face. The fist that had clenched my heart loosened a little, enough that I was able to breathe without a struggle. He was fine.

Winter was probably explaining things to Audra, the two of them murmuring softly while I sat as gently as I could on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake him. My son. A part of me that had existed in the world without me knowing. I had missed so much of his life already.

Was he now in danger because of me?

Maybe Winter was right.

I hated to think it, but she had planted a seed of doubt that was now growing into something large, unwieldy, and ugly.

“You have nothing to worry about, ever.” Stroking his hair away from his forehead, I marveled at its softness. He could afford to sleep soundly. He had no understanding of what the world could be like. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” I couldn’t help leaning over to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. He was so perfect.

Once I was satisfied he was safe to be left alone, I tiptoed from the room and eased the door closed until it was open a crack, the way I’d found it. I never liked having the door shut when I was little, either. Audra was on her way out by the time I pulled out my phone. There was one person I could call if I wanted results, and he had nothing to do with the police department.

“Grayson?” I murmured, glancing toward the living room, where the girls were having a quiet discussion by the front door. “I need you to do something for me. Whatever it takes, you’ve got it, but this is crucial.” Years of friendship meant there was no wasting time asking pointless questions.

“What do you need?”

“First, I need eyes on my mother.” The thought of her turned my stomach. Was she capable of this? What kind of question was that? “She’s supposedly somewhere in the Keys, but I want confirmation.”

“Got it. I can look into her movements using her cell and credit cards.” When I groaned softly, since it didn’t feel like enough, he continued, “I can also have someone in the air within a couple of hours. Are we concerned she’s in some sort of danger?”

She will be once I get my hands on her, but that isn’t what my friend is asking. “No, that’s not the problem. I need to know she’s out there and not still hanging around in town.”

“I don’t get it,” he admitted. There was no choice but to give him a rundown of what Winter had shown me. “Whoever sent them had us followed yesterday. I need to be sure it wasn’t her.”

“Got it. Want me to look through bank records? See if she’s made any payments to a contractor lately?”

I didn’t bother asking how he worked his magic. He had his ways, which were what made him an expert at what he did. “Yeah, good idea.”

“Is there anyone who might have a grudge?” he asked. “I hate to be narrow-minded and only look into your mom. Maybe a dancer you fired at some point? Somebody who feels threatened by Winter’s presence?”

My eyes closed as the impulse to slam my head against the wall almost overtook me. This was not the time to let intrusive thoughts win. “Isobel Lawrence. Fuck, I didn’t think about her until now.”

“Who is she? What the hell’s been going on with your life lately?” he asked with a tight laugh. “First, you tell me you have a kid, and now you drop a new name in my lap.”

“It’s a long story,” I grumbled. “Her dad owns the Lawrence Casino and Hotel. I need you to look into her as well. I turned her down on a business deal, and she was unhappy about it.” There was no time to go into details now. We could catch up over a drink once I knew my son was safe.

“Got it. I can send a guy over to where you are now if it would make you feel better. A pair of eyes to watch and make sure no one is sneaking around out there.”

If it were just me, I would have balked at the idea of needing protection. But there was more at stake than me and my pride now. “If you could, I’d appreciate it. Like I said, whatever it takes, you’re covered. Pull out all the stops you can.”

“I’m on it.” Knowing I had him on my side with all of his expertise allowed me to relax a little. He knew what he was doing.

Once that was settled, I ventured into the living room. Winter was there, sitting on the sofa with her head in her hands. Guilt almost drowned me. All I could do was try to comfort her. “I have people on this. My friend, Grayson, works in security. He’s going to send someone out to watch the house.”

Her hands dropped to her lap as she groaned miserably, lifting her gaze to meet mine. I was the reason her cheeks were tear-stained. At least, I hadn’t helped matters.

“You’re right. Why didn’t I alert the authorities before now? I shouldn’t have waited.”

“And I shouldn’t have said that. No, I mean it,” I insisted when she scoffed. “It was wrong. I’m worried, and I took it out on you.”

“I did the same to you. I’m sorry.”