Page 129 of Hidden Ties

“What’s the favor?”

“I want the security footage from the Smart Shopper parking lot from Monday at five p.m. and an Officer Simon Lee’s phone number.”

“Why do you want the security footage?”

“A friend of mine was mugged there.”

“Give me an hour.”

True to his word,Sal had the information he wanted within the hour. Kent returned the favor, letting Sal know anything Nintendo should do the trick.

Using his personal laptop, he pulled up the footage. The surveillance video provided a sideview of Sage’s mugging. Unfortunately, the mugger’s back was to the camera, so he couldn’t get a clear view of his face. The fucker was twice Sages size. After taking what he wanted, he had run off to the side of the market, where he was out of view of the camera.

Rewinding the footage, he focused on Sage. She had parked right under one of the store’s lights. Zooming in closer, he was able to get a clear image of the watch she’d been wearing.

He took a picture of the watch on his cell phone and felt a burning rage at Sage’s terror-stricken expression. Closing his personal computer, he placed it back inside his briefcase.

The call to Officer Lee was quick and to the point. At first, he refused to give him any information on Sage’s case until he dropped a couple of names. If the Carusos or the Lucianos found out about the name-dropping, he would cross that bridge later. Right now, he was only focused on one objective.

He had used the time waiting for the information to come from Sal to complete the work that needed to be done today, so when he left his office, he stopped by his assistant’s desk.

“I’m leaving for the day.”

Mrs. Boward stared at him above her bifocals. “What should I say if anyone asks for you?”

Kent didn’t think his assistant would approve of the profanity-laced response he wanted to give. “Tell them I’ve left for the day.”

TWENTY-TWO

“How do I look?”

Nervously, Sage stood still under her sister’s quizzical regard.

“You look very pretty.”

Crossing their bedroom floor, she sat down on the side of the bed. “Are you sure you don’t mind me going out?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m happy you’re going out instead of being stuck with me on a Friday night. The girls are with Victoria for the weekend, and I plan to spend the night catching up on my reading. Go and enjoy yourself.”

“Tayla will be coming over to check on you throughout the night. Text or call me if you need me to come back.”

“Sage …” Glory waved her hand toward the door. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

When she heard the doorbell, she brushed a kiss on her sister’s cheek before clicking the bedroom door closed behind her, then went to open the door for Kent.

She pulled the door open and forced herself to breathe normally. She was used to feeling as if she was chilled to the bone, yet anytime he was close, warmth would spread throughout her veins, dissipating the piercing cold.

“Am I too early?”

She couldn’t resist smiling at Kent’s eager expression. “Not at all. I’m ready to go.”

“Good. I have a car waiting.”

“Smart move.”

“I don’t plan for you to have all the fun by yourself.”

Leaving her responsibilities temporarily behind made her feel as if she was walking on air. The thought brought a wave of guilt before she could get inside the car.