Game of Fear (Montgomery Justice #3)(27)

The major studied them both. Deb recognized the suspicion—and the skepticism. “This doesn’t make sense. What’s the real story? What could Ashley going AWOL possibly have to do with a video game?”

Deb opened her mouth to respond, but Gabe’s face went cold and his jaw tightened. He stood. “She’s not AWOL. She’s missing, Major, and she could be in big trouble. We’re certain of it. I suggest you pull the game off the shelves until we know what’s going on.”




Gabe pulled up to a large brownstone resembling the one the Unsinkable Molly Brown had inhabited in Denver. Big, brown, and expensive as hell. “This is it. One of Ashley’s friends has big bucks.”

Deb stared at the home and gripped her pants in her fists. “I should have been to this house before now, met his parents. Why haven’t I? She spent a lot of time here.”

“She’s in college,” Gabe said. “She has her own life, despite her age. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“She’s sixteen,” Deb said, looking over at him, her gaze haunted. “Sometimes it’s hard to remember that.”

“You know who they are, though. They’re high school kids? You met them?”

She bit her lip, distracted, then nodded. He could tell she was beating herself up.

“They used to be classmates before Ashley’s early graduation,” she said.

“She went to school in Colorado Springs?” Gabe looked over in surprise.

“My father was stationed nearby. When he was reassigned overseas, I left the service to act as her guardian. Denver was the closest place that I found a job. She lived . . . lives . . .” Deb faltered. “She’s at the dorm during school, and has to stay on campus Monday through Friday, so it worked out. Or I thought it did.”

Gabe had to stop this spiral. “Well, we might as well head in. Milo and Otis—”

Deb’s lips quirked at the corners. “Just Mylo, actually. Milo and Otis is a dog and cat movie. Knowing that information does not go with your tough-guy image, Montgomery.”

“What can I say? I’m Luke’s daughter’s favorite uncle. I’ll watch anything with Joy, if it makes her happy.”

Despite his smile, Gabe studied her closely. She’d backed off thinking of the horrors that could be happening to Ashley. She might have to deal with any one of those. But not yet.

“You’re a surprising man.”

He gave her a quick wink. “Hey, don’t let my he-man sex appeal fool you. I can play Barbies and tea party with the best of them.”

Deb’s smile made him feel warm inside. It softened her features. He wished he hadn’t waited so long to let her know he cared.

To Gabe’s surprise, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, letting her lips linger for just a moment. “I know you meant to distract me,” she said quietly. “Thank you.”

She exited the vehicle and Gabe followed. Well, okay then. He could mix a little beta with his alpha personality, if it garnered this kind of reaction. Good to know.

He hit the SUV’s automatic locks. “You talked to Mylo, right? He knows we’re coming?”

“Justin was supposed to be here, too.”

The tension in her voice rose again. Would Ashley’s boyfriend show? That could be good or bad news if he did. But he figured Deb would take Ashley going on a joyride over the alternative any day.

With a quick, experienced eye, Gabe scanned the surroundings. His gaze paused on the roof. “The house has satellite. These kids are set.”

“According to Ashley, all of them have impressive computer setups. That’s part of what initially drew them together.”

They strode up the front steps and knocked on the door.

A woman about ten years older than them opened it. She gave them the once-over. “I don’t do surveys, I’ve already been saved, and if you’re trying to sell anything, I do my buying on Amazon.”

She started to shove the door closed.

Gabe stuck his foot into the crack. “We are here to see Mylo, ma’am. This is Deb Lansing, Ashley’s sister.”

She didn’t skip a beat. “Tell me he didn’t get her pregnant.” At their startled looks, she sighed. “He has a major crush on her. All those boys do.”

“Uh, no. Pregnancy is not the problem and Mylo is not in trouble. I’m sorry he didn’t tell you we were coming. Is he home?”

“He’s on the computer. Where else would he be? He lives on that damned thing.”

The woman whirled around. “Mylo! Some people here to see you.”

Footsteps pounded up the stairs. A tall, thin, sandy-haired kid, all elbows and knees, stopped in the doorway. “Oh. Oh, yeah. Mom, they’re coming to talk to me about Ashley. Is it okay if they come in?”

His mother gave him a look. “This time, but I’ve told you a hundred times to check with me before you invite people over.”

Mylo blushed. “I know. I just got caught up in the game and forgot.”

She shook her head in dismay. “Well, don’t do it again.”

The kid shrugged. “Okay, but Britney’s coming, too. Remember? She’s got red hair. You’ve met her before.”

The mother huffed. “Fine.” She gestured to Gabe and Deb. “You two might as well come in.”