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But it would cause more grief than I needed and the priority was getting Ameera back, not starting a war.

My mother set a hand on my arm, making me jump, and then glared at me.

“I’m not an idiot. A man like Kumar would never let his woman interfere in affairs that aren’t her concern.”

“Some men are more secure in their manhood than others. If you really think I’ll let Ameera go from one living hell to another, you have another think coming.”

“As I said, don’t go against me or you will be in the middle of a scandal that will ruin any chance of your husband winning reelection.”

The line went dead, and a sense of anxiety hit me.

God, please keep Ameera alive until we can get her out.

I sent my prayer to heaven, stood, and turned to my mother.

“I’m sorry, Mummy. I need to make another call.”

She frowned and then nodded.

I dialed Tyler’s number. The second he came on the line, I said, “Tell me you got the trace.”

“No. Only the recording.”

My heart sank. I knew it was too good to be true. I hoped luck would throw us a bone and a trace would lead us directly to Hamir but it wasn’t in the cards.

“Any luck with your leads on locating the package?”

“Nothing yet but I’m following a few leads.”

I pushed down the disappointment. “Tyler, she’s been missing too long.”

“You think I don’t know this?”

“I’m sorry. I’m worried.”

“Forget about it. Just make sure the money goes into the account by the end of this coming week.”

“Already scheduled.”

“Tara, you didn’t have to marry Ash for his money. He would have given it to you regardless of whether you married him.”

I winced. “That’s not the only reason for this.”

“I know the reason. Do you?”

“Leave it alone.”

“I can’t do that. I wouldn’t be a friend otherwise. You know Ameera would agree. We’ve kept each other accountable for years. I won’t stop just because she isn’t here.”

“I can’t right now, Ty. Let it go.”

“Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow when I transition to my groomsmen’s duties.” He hung up.

I took a deep breath and returned my attention to my mother. There was no hiding my agitation from her, and I was pretty sure she’d caught some of my conversation with Hamir.

The best course of action was to pretend all was good and hope she believed me.

“Where were we?”