Page 16 of Brutal Truths

Wylan didn’t like it. Once he found out about me, he went behind our mother’s back and gave me my share. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to. His way of reaching out, extending an olive branch.

I’m glad he did.

He and his wife, Misty, run a resort near Little Haven, on the rugged Welsh coastline. In the summer months, it’s a popular vacation spot, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and bustling activity. Now, it’s still early spring, so things are slow. Perfect for hiding someone while I deal with the mess closing in around us.

Misty is a home nurse. She works with elderly patients and their families. Which makes her the perfect person for Alma, who needs someone who understands the best way to manage a person with her condition.

“Have L or K call.”

K is my sister Kimber—Lane’s wife. They met when Wylan invited me to his place so we could get to know each other and I could meet both my half-siblings. I didn’t want to go alone, so I dragged Lane with me. The fucker set his eyes on Kimber seconds after we arrived. Since I trusted him more than anyone to look after her, I gave him my blessing.

“Tell them to keep it brief. Explain who’s bringing the package.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Silas glaring at me, but I ignore him. “Make sure someone stays until one of us gets there. Text me when you know more.”

“On it.” Pauly keeps it short.

“We’re heading to Soulcombe now.” There’s one more thing I need to ask before we disconnect. “Any word about Isabel?”

“I tracked the SUV as best I could. Once they pulled off the main highway, I lost them. They either switched vehicles or stayed on back roads that aren’t monitored. It’s taking some time to gain access to the satellite images I need.” The frustration in Pauly’s voice can’t be hidden. The man isn’t used to hitting roadblocks. He’s one of the best hackers out there. “I’m doing the best I can. As soon as I know, you’ll know. We’ll find her.”

It’s almost noon now. She’s been missing since around four this morning. The longer we take to find her, the harder this gets. Getting her out of the country won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible.

And depending on who took her… they could already have done that.

That scares the shit out of me. If we don’t find her before the forty-eight-hour mark—which is too long—our chances dwindle with each passing hour.

I refuse to accept that. I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure it doesn’t come to that.

“We have to,” I grumble, ending the call with a press of the button on my steering wheel.

The car immediately fills with that fucking shitty music Silas picked. In no mood, I punch the power button and cut it off, glaring at him as I do.

He keeps his trap shut for about five minutes before he can’t help himself. “Do you mind elaborating?”

“I do, actually.”

Leaving the highway behind, I take the back roads toward Trent’s place in Soulcombe. The scenery shifts from straight lines to sharp, winding curves.

With a worried frown, Cort leans forward, his voice thick with concern. “Is what I’ve heard about this place true?”

Welcoming a change in topic, I take this one. “That depends. Which part of the property are we talking about?”

Our guest’s eyes widen as they dart between us. “What does that mean?”

Glancing in my mirrors, I check our surroundings. “I’ve never been to the main house, so I can’t say for sure. I’m sure Silas will fill us in.”

A flicker of annoyance crosses Silas’s face as he narrows his eyes at me. “Don’t think this will stop me from getting you to answer my earlier question.”

“Wouldn’t dare.” I take the corner a little faster than necessary, making both men shift in their seats. “But for now, let’s make sure Cort knows what to expect once we get to Soulcombe. Your father didn’t purchase this property for the Polo Club, right?”

“Not exactly, no.” With a slight turn of his head, Silas steals a glance at Cort. “Although it’s a lucrative business, it’s the gentleman’s club that keeps our members happy. You ever been to a proper gentlemen’s club, Cort?”

“You mean strippers?” The man nods. “Sure.”

That makes Silas snicker as he shakes his head. “No. That’s not a real gentlemen’s club. Those are nice, don’t get me wrong. But this club is exclusive, and you pay a hefty fee to join.”

“Do they have access to both the polo and the gentlemen’s club?” Cort sounds confused, which is probably why he asks, “How much would something like that cost someone?”