A Debt Owed(66)

My pupils dilate. “You didn’t tell them she’s a—”

“Prisoner?” she fills in for me. “Of course not, Sir.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Good.” I couldn’t take them believing I’m a sadist on top of the fact that Charlotte’s escaped, that’s a little too much to handle right now. I need to focus on one thing and one thing only, and that’s catching her alive. Doesn’t matter what it takes.

“We need to start a search. Call every staff member, and every assistant I’ve ever had. I don’t care what they’re doing, offer them more,” I tell Jill, who’s still clutching her phone like her life depends on it.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Tell them to look for a girl clutching a notebook.”

“A notebook?” Jill frowns.

“It’s why she fled, probably.” I lick my lips and grab her shoulders. “Just do what I ask, please.”

The added please makes her nod and smile. “Yes, Sir, I’ll do whatever I can to get her back to you, I promise.”

I nod and take a deep breath.

Now’s not the time to fall for the rage coursing through my veins.

Charlotte’s out there … alone … afraid … searching for comfort and a home to come back to. All I need to do is find her.

The hunt is on.