Page 69 of Grayson’s Challenge

“I’ll get right on it,” Sebastian said and disconnected the call.

Monique sighed. “You know there’s another way for Abel to have found out about our plans.” She hated to point it out, because she didn’t want it to be true.

Grayson met her gaze. “Yes, I know. Somebody is leaking information to him.”

“A spy.”

Grayson nodded. “I hope we’re wrong about that.”

30

When Grayson entered his parents’ home with Monique by his side, Delilah was coming down the stairs. She looked as if she hadn’t slept since the kidnapping, and her green eyes had lost the luster he was used to seeing in them. Without a word, he took her into his arms and hugged her tightly.

“We won’t give up, Mom,” he murmured.

She sniffled, then pulled back a little, looking at him. “I’m so relieved that you didn’t get hurt in New Orleans.” Then she looked past his shoulder. “Monique.”

Monique put her hand on Delilah’s arm and squeezed it. “We’re all okay. Thanks to your son, and Scanguards and the Stealth Guardians. If they hadn’t been there—”

“I just heard you’re back,” William interrupted, coming out of the dining room. “Monique, what happened in New Orleans? Your brothers? Are they all right?”

Grayson released his mother from his embrace, but kept an arm around her waist.

“They’re all alive,” Monique said to William.

William released a sigh of relief. “Thank God! We were so worried. Your mother was beside herself when there was no news of your brothers.”

“Where is she now?” Monique asked.

He gestured to the wood-paneled hallway. “In the study. She’s looking at the database the palace sent over about an hour ago.”

“I’ll go talk to her.” Monique glanced at Grayson, then walked to the study.

“So, is it true?” William asked. “Abel is behind this?”

Grayson nodded. “Yeah. And his men were well prepared. They were expecting Monique’s brothers, and got the jump on them.”

“How?” William asked, looking stunned.

Grayson shrugged. “We’re still trying to figure that out.”

“Is there anything I can do? I’m fully healed now.”

“For now, you’re most useful staying here, protecting Faye. I’m sure she’s grateful to have a familiar face around.”

“Of course,” William said, though he appeared disappointed.

In a way, Grayson understood him. Like Grayson, William didn’t like to sit around and wait for something to happen, and take action instead.

Grayson looked at his mother. “Have you and Faye identified any other men from the prison records?”

“No. I closed my eyes for an hour or so, just to doze a little. I was just about to go back and help Faye. She’s been at it nonstop. I wish I had her stamina. She doesn’t seem to need sleep. Whereas I, I feel so tired…”

“You’re human, Mom,” Grayson said softly and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Nobody blames you for taking a nap.”

“Mom!” Isabelle said, as she stepped out of the kitchen into the hallway. “What are you doing up?” Isabelle sighed and approached, a stern expression on her face. “I thought we agreed that you would sleep for a few hours.”

“I can’t sleep not knowing how Samson is, where he is… if he’s still…”