The Cocky Thief (Stolen Hearts #1)(32)

No. He’d gone after Jennifer this morning because he’d felt some sort of bond with her. A camaraderie. But picking her up from the airport was very different from going on the offense. Even if she gave Stranger and Sterling back that necklace, there was no guarantee that they’d ever get Melody back. And if they did, there was no telling how many pieces she’d come in.

And that wasn’t his problem. The second they learned who they were stealing from, they knew the risks. Hell, if Austin had known who Stranger was involved with, he never would’ve stuck around as long as he had. But he had what he came for and Hart was off his back. There was absolutely no reason for him to walk through that door and offer his services.

“Fuck me,” he muttered under his breath as he walked back into the hotel room. Isobel gave him a long measuring glance while Jennifer seemed surprised to see him. No more surprised than he was.

“So what are we doing then? We have no idea where Melody is or where to start looking.”

“That’s not true,” said Hart. “That card wasn’t left by accident. If Melody left her sister’s card as she was being kidnapped, there should be a reason.”

“Okay. Let’s call Toni then.”

Jennifer and Isobel exchanged an uneasy glance. “That’s easier said than done.”

“Why?”

“Because Toni is completely off grid. After a job went bad a few years back, she, um, erased herself.”

Hart let out a laugh. “You can’t erase yourself. There are records everywhere for—”

“You don’t know Toni like I do,” said Isobel. “You give that girl a computer and she can delete you from existence or make you fifteen new identities.”

“If she’s so good, why wasn’t she invited to your wedding then?” asked Austin. Isobel didn’t say anything, but the way her gaze averted to the ground was telling. “She was invited but she didn’t show up,” he said as he got it.

“She’s a hard woman to get a hold of,” snapped Isobel.

Jennifer held up the card. “This is a message. I bet that if we go to this site, we can find her. Or at least give her a way to find us.”

“That’s good,” said Hart. “If we’re going to get Melody back, we’re going to need new faces. People no one has seen.”

“Like you?” said Austin.

“I want to have more than just me at hand. Do you know anyone?” he asked Austin.

“Me? You’re the ringleader here. Who do you know?”

“I know a lot of cops and most of them aren’t my biggest fan right now.”

“I’m shocked,” said Austin dryly. “There’s one guy who could be of some use to us. Lives in the desert outside of Reno. I crossed paths with him on a job once and I did him a solid. For a price, we could get him on board.”

“Money won’t be a problem,” said Isobel.

“Good. Who’s the guy?” asked Hart.

“James Weston.”

Hart’s brows drew together. “That name sounds fake as shit. Who is James Weston?”

“He’s the one you call in to do the dirty work.”

“No. When we get Sterling, I plan on doing all the dirty work. I’m not going to sit back and keep my hands clean in this.”

“Fine. Then he’s the one shooting at Sterling’s guards while you do the dirty work yourself. Either way, he’s necessary.”

“All right. You call him. If we can get Toni and Weston, I’ll feel more comfortable. By my count, we should be getting a call from Stranger any minute now about Melody. He’s going to want to arrange an exchange. I know Jennifer played her part, but this is going to be personal to Stranger. He’s going to want to speak to you, Isobel. I want to stick close to you. Miles, Jennifer, you two can break off and go get this Weston guy. If they do set up an exchange, we’ll want to do it fast.”

“If Toni gets here before the call is made, she might be able to trace it to find out where Mel is,” said Jennifer.

Hart shook his head. “She’ll know where the caller is. I doubt he’ll be in the same location because I don’t think this is the first kidnapping Sterling has done.”

“It’s probably Greg’s,” said Isobel. “He’s not the type to get his hands dirty.”

Hart nodded. “That’s a good point. Stranger is hurting and he’s emotional and he’s inexperienced. I’m not saying he’s not dangerous, but he will be easier to manage if we have to choose.”

“The pissed-off jilted lover doesn’t usually make a predictable mark,” said Austin.

Hart looked up and his hard eyes met Austin’s. “More predictable than a sociopath who kills without question.”

The room fell silent as it sunk in that Melody was alone with those guys. Austin had barely talked to the girl, but for Jennifer and Isobel, this had to be terrifying. “Weston has a place out in the middle of the desert last I checked. If we want to get there and back today, we’re going to have to leave now.”

“I don’t have to leave.” Jennifer faced Isobel. “I can stay and help with Toni—”

Isobel shook her head. “Our new friends are offering to help but they don’t know Mel like we do. You need to be there to make sure this Weston helps us.”