Chasing Shadows (First Wives #3)(80)

“There were more people in the group rooms.”

Liam held her hand as they walked their way back inside. There were half a dozen people talking in the first group room.

Avery looked at the men who appeared to be either staff or clients. Two couples were standing with two men that were part of the staff. “I see a theme,” she whispered to Liam.

He was looking at the testimonials on the wall. “What’s that?”

“Staff and patients are wearing long sleeve shirts and casual pants.”

Liam glanced in the other room. “I think you’re right.”

Avery looked at everyone now a little differently. Every man in a long sleeve shirt without a jacket became part of her mental lineup. Too tall, wrong nationality, wrong build . . . she didn’t rule out thick or thin, because a year could change that. It was while walking through the main living room that she started to realize exactly what she was seeing.

“Are you okay?” Liam asked. “You look pale.”

She placed her lips close to his ear and whispered, “If he is here, he’s like these people. No one is raving mad and crazy.”

“We don’t know what is happening on the top floors.”

Avery needed more. She walked up to the first collared-shirted man and smiled. “I’m sorry, do you work here?”

“I do.” He extended a hand. “I’m Duane. One of the counselors.”

“I’m Avery and this is Liam. Can I ask you a few questions?”

“That’s why we’re here.”

“My brother, he’s been using for a long time. He’s kind of a mess. He has hit our mother a couple of times. Everything here seems so orderly and balanced. Am I looking at the right facility?”

“We work with all types of addiction, and sometimes the initial phases of detox involve violent tendencies. We do everything in our power to talk patients down and provide a safe environment for everyone. The fact that you’re here, looking for help, is a positive step. But I’m sure you know he has to be the one to walk through the door. No one is forced to stay here. Is your brother ready?”

“I don’t honestly know.” Her lies about a fictitious brother came easy.

“How old is he?”

Avery thought about the approximate age of her attacker. “Twenty-six.”

“College?”

“He used the money for college on his habit.”

“Not uncommon for our clientele.”

Yeah, kids with money had more to blow . . . literally.

“Thank you for speaking with me.”

He reached a hand out and placed it on her arm. “I look forward to helping your brother beat this and taking that look out of your eye. Addicts often don’t understand the pain they dish out to their family every time they use. He can earn your trust back. I see it every day.”

Duane walked away and Liam whispered, “You’re a little too good at lying.”

Avery held her smile back. Across the room, Sasha made a nodding motion to the courtyard.

They slowly made their way back outside.

“Did you recognize anyone?” Sasha asked quietly.

“Everyone looks normal.” Normal didn’t fit the image in her head.

Liam placed a hand over her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “We’ll find him.”

“You wait out here. I’ll do another pass and signal when I’m leaving.”

“Do you have what you need?”

Sasha’s only confirmation was a slight nod.

Liam guided Avery to a bench and took her side. “What do you think she needed?”

Avery sighed. “Their records, registry for the patients?”

“You think she hacked into their computers in the time we’ve been here?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past her, from the stories I’ve heard.”

“I can’t wait to hear them.”

She stared down at their intertwined hands. “It feels like we’re wasting our time.”

“We waste as much as you need.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips.

Yeah, but what if every day was like this? Hype and hope followed by disappointment.

“Excuse me?”

Avery and Liam looked up.

“Duane suggested I come over and talk to you.” He pointed to his chest. “I’m one of the clients here. He thought you might want to hear about how this facility helped me.”

Twenty-five, maybe, clean-cut with a polite smile.

Avery blinked several times, forgetting the string of lies she’d managed since walking through the door.

“That would be great,” Liam said.

He pulled an empty chair from behind him and sat facing them. “I’m Cedrick Palmer.” He reached out to shake Liam’s hand.

From the edge of his sleeve, peeking out from under the material, was one spiny leg.

Avery brought both hands to her mouth to keep from crying out.

It’s him.

Liam swiveled his gaze, then turned back to the man whose hand he just shook.

She noticed the second Liam realized what was happening. His arm tensed.

Avery grabbed his leg and kept him sitting.

Cedrick started to push his seat back. “Are you okay? Can I get you some water?”