Triple Beat-nook(41)

She shook her head, pointing to a cab that was parked outside. “Nope. I’ll just grab that cab and I’ll text Bryson on the way back. Ask him to meet me out front. I’ll be fine, promise.”

He walked her to the car and opened the door for her. “Love you, Dani.”

Dani suspected he could say that to her a million more times and she’d never, ever, get tired of hearing it. Brother. Family. Love. It felt as if everything she’d ever wished for was in her grasp. All she had to do was reach out and grab it.

“Back atcha.”

He kissed her on the cheek, and then closed the car door after she’d climbed in. She gave the driver the address for the apartment building. She was much calmer now than she’d been on her way to the bar. As always, Jett found a way to calm her down, help her see things that would have been obvious if she weren’t acting like a ninny.

She fired off a quick text to Bryson, then sighed as she considered the conversation that was facing her when she returned to the penthouse. She knew her guys would be supportive, understanding, wonderful. She didn’t doubt that for a minute. All she had to do was find a way to get the words out without falling apart completely.

Afternoon was giving way to evening and the sun had dropped down behind the buildings. Unfortunately that disappearance hadn’t helped with the humidity. While Nashville was no stranger to hot summer days, it felt like Siberia compared to New Orleans.

She swiped at the tiny drop of sweat sliding down her neck and tugged at her t-shirt, wishing the driver would turn up the air-conditioning.

She tapped her thigh as she watched the streets roll by. She was anxious to get back to the penthouse to talk to Aiden and Bryson. She frowned when she realized nothing looked familiar.

“This isn’t the way to the apartment.”

“Shortcut,” was the driver’s very brusque response. For the first time since entering the cab, Dani felt uneasy. She couldn’t see the driver’s face except in profile. Even then, his bushy beard and the ball cap he had tugged to his eyebrows obscured it.

She remained quiet for a few minutes more. When the man turned down a road that looked more likely to lead to hell than the fancy apartment where she was staying, she spoke up again. “I think you’re going the wrong way.”

Her heart started to race when he pulled over to the curb and turned the car off. When he twisted in the seat, Dani felt all the blood drain from her face.

Her father lifted the gun, allowing her to see it. “Actually, I have you exactly where I want you.”

***

Jett had just hung up after asking Caleb to check on Mama when his cell rang. “Blake,” he said as he answered. “I was just about to call you. Dani’s dad texted her again. He’s definitely following her. What did you find out about him?”

“Got an address and place of employment. Hold tight. I’m going to text you a recent photo of Russell right now.”

“Cool.” Jett flicked the speaker function as the picture flashed on the screen.

Carissa walked by as the text came through, glancing at his phone. “Russ?”

Jett looked at her quizzically. “You know him?”

She nodded. “Yeah. You should too.” Carissa pointed to a seat at the other end of the bar. “Guy sits there every time he comes in.”

Jett’s blood ran cold as he recognized the face. “Fuck.”

“What’s wrong?” Blake asked.

“I know how Dani’s father found her. Bastard’s been spying on me.”

“Well, Dani was right. Guy’s been in jail since she left town, but since his release, he’s kept his nose clean. Got a job driving a taxi.”

Jett jerked from his seat. “What?”

“He drives a cab.”

“Give me the address, Blake. I need to call Dani.”

“Why?”

Jett swallowed heavily, a very bad feeling settling in his gut. “Because I think he got her.”

***

Dani reached for the door, hoping to jump out and run, but it wouldn’t open.

“Child lock. Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to come open the door and you’re going to get out of this car and walk inside with me. If you scream, I’ll not only kill you, but I’ll take down anyone who comes to help. You got it?”

She nodded as she looked around the street. She saw two older ladies talking at the corner, a young mother pushing a baby stroller and three middle-school-aged boys roughhousing and laughing. None of them deserved to die.