Page 50 of Unplanned Target

EIGHTEEN

OWEN

“What’s wrong?” I set the cup I was planning to fill with coffee on the counter and give Miranda my full attention. I can tell by the look on Miranda’s face something has happened. Something really fucking bad.

“Everyone fired me.” Her chin wobbles the tiniest bit as she sucks in a deep breath. “All of my clients sent me emails terminating our contracts.”

“Over missing one day?” That doesn’t make any sense. I get it could be frustrating to not be able to get a hold of her, but it’s not like she was missing for a week. “Why?”

“Only one of them was willing to tell me anything, and even then it wasn’t much. But I think whoever messaged Allie is responsible. It almost sounded like they threatened to do something bad if they continued working with me.”

Fuck. It didn’t even occur to me that could happen. I know damn well how much shit like this overlaps. The way it can taint and infest the lives it touches. I’ve just been so busy and wrapped up in Miranda—and how much I fucking like being around her—that I accidentally let her down. Missed something I should have considered.

“We need to call Heidi.” I take her hand in mine, leading her away from the kitchen of the rooming house where I was collecting drinks and snacks to carry up to her room. “Let her know what’s going on so she and Intel can get started figuring out who’s behind it.”

I hate to say it, but this actually might be a really fucking good thing. It’s a trail we can follow that might lead to identifications. I hate that Miranda’s business was damaged in the process, but if it leads to saving a bunch of abducted girls, I think she’ll agree it’s worth the sacrifice.

Cutting down the hall connecting this building to the main offices, I lead her through the entryway, barely noticing her belongings are gone. I’m glad someone helped get them where they needed to go, but would have liked to have been part of the process.

Yet another way I let her down.

Going past the large desk centered in the space, I direct Miranda to the stairs that will take us to the second floor. We reach it and have to dodge workers and equipment on our way to the trio of completed offices at the end of the hall.

Walking into the largest one, I find Pierce sitting at his desk, lips pressed into a grim line. He looks up from his computer, and I swear his shoulders seem to sag. “You look like you’re about to tell me something that’s going to keep me away from my wife and daughter even longer.”

“I look like I’m about to tell you something that might actually end up being really useful.” I give Miranda an apologetic look, because I’m sure she doesn’t feel the same right now. “All Miranda’s clients fired her. It seems like someone pressured them into doing it.”

That has Pierce sitting up straighter. “Does Heidi know?”

“Not yet. We came straight here.” I urge Miranda into one of the leather armchairs flanking Pierce’s gleaming wood desk. Once she’s seated, I continue. “If they were sending these people emails, we should be able to get an IP address or something, right?”

“At the least.” Pierce begins typing, eyes flicking to where Miranda sets. “Is it all right if Heidi accesses your computer remotely?”

Miranda nods. “Of course. Anything she needs.” She turns to me. “You really think this could help?”

I tip my head. “I do.”

“Good.” She turns to Pierce. “Tell Heidi she can get into anything of mine she needs to if it helps track these fuckers down.”

That’s my girl. She’s fucking vicious in all the best ways, and I love it. Can’t wait until all of this is over and we can sit down and really talk about what we could be.

If she’s willing to do what it takes to make us happen.

“I will pass that on.” Pierce finishes drafting the email to Heidi and sends it off. Then he meets my gaze. “I do have some news, and I’m afraid you probably aren’t going to like it.” His eyes flick to where Miranda sits before coming back to mine. “Let me know when you have time to discuss it.”

He’s trying to give me the opportunity to talk without Miranda present. Which I appreciate. But I don’t need it. I’ve invaded so much of her life. It’s only fair she invades mine back.

“I’ve got time now.” I lower into the chair next to Miranda’s, scooting a little closer to her in the process. “What’s up?”

Pierce looks between us, his uncertainty apparent. “Vincent is having some issues, and requested our help.” His expression tightens. “I’m sending you, Luca, and Maddox.”

Shit. This is terrible fucking timing. I want to be here to help Miranda and Allie acclimate to being in a new place. I want to make sure they’re okay. Be around in case there’s another incident like the one that brought us to Pierce’s office.

Scrubbing a hand over my face, I try to hide my disappointment. “When are we leaving?”

Pierce winces. Likely because he knows I’m not going to appreciate what he says next. “Rico will be here in an hour.”

An hour? That’s not nearly enough time to explain to Miranda what this is going to be like. Not enough time to tell her all the things I want her to know before I have to leave her behind for at least a week.