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I slipped into the bathroom with Mr. Toodles on my heels and closed the door behind us. My throat felt dry, my tongue heavy. While I knew my father was alive, and I’d interacted with him unwittingly just a few weeks ago, he hadn’t contacted me since. It was a lot to process. My mother was missing, and now the man who had disappeared from my life fourteen years ago was texting me. There was a lot on the line.

I quickly turned on the water in the sink, then did the same in the shower. Spray hit the tub, so I closed the curtain so Mr. Toodles and I didn’t get splashed. The dog excitedly threaded between my feet, probably hoping I’d give him a bath. Either that or he really, really had to go to the bathroom. That, however, would have to wait a few minutes more.

I’d just turned off the ringer on Jax’s phone when it vibrated in my hand. An unknown number was calling. Inhaling a deep breath, I punched it on and lifted the cell to my ear.

“Hello?” I said, my voice wavering.

“Angel, listen to me carefully. This is your father. You need to do exactly as I say. We don’t have much time.”

Chapter Thirteen

ISAAC REMINGTON

Isaac had just stopped at a light when the burner phone in his briefcase rang. He reached over to the passenger seat, popped open the case and pulled out the phone.

“Yes?”

“The girl left UTOP just after one o’clock and headed to her mother’s apartment. She’s there now.”

Isaac’s pulse quickened. “How did she get there?”

“One of the kids from UTOP drove her. We’re checking which one.”

“What’s happening now?”

“Not much. They’re looking around inside, trying to figure out what’s going on. We’re still monitoring the situation.”

“Does she suspect foul play?”

“They’ve only been there a few minutes. I just wanted to let you know she arrived.”

“Good. You’re still monitoring her phone and computer?”

“Of course.” He paused, and Isaac presumed he was checking the data from the girl’s phone. “No recent calls in or out, as of yet. Same with email. Sir, what if she calls the police?”

“Like I said, I doubt she will. But if she’s so stupid that she does, the blood will be on her hands. We’ll just have to deal with the situation and be as flexible as possible. Though, once it becomes public knowledge she’s missing, the clock is ticking for Sinclair, and he knows it. He knows how to reach me.”

“What about Candace Kim?”

Anger flared, then leveled off. “Leave Candace to me.”

“Understood. I’ll keep you informed. Shouldn’t be long before I have something to report.”

“Good. Use all the resources you need, but make sure things stay quiet, and keep an eye on the girl. Sinclair should be coming to us shortly.”

“He’d better. We’re in a hot place with the bird in our possession. We need to offload, and soon.”

“Trust me. That’s the plan.”

ANGEL SINCLAIR

The breath froze in my throat when I recognized my father’s voice. It was the voice of the man I’d encountered in a coffee shop when I was going through the UTOP trials. My dad, the man who’d saved my life and prevented my kidnapping just a few weeks prior. But this would be the first time I talked to him actuallyknowinghe was my father.

“D-dad?” I had to push the word out of my mouth. “How did you get this number?”

“It doesn’t matter.” My dad’s voice was urgent. “I’m sorry to make you do this, Angel, but your mom’s apartment is bugged. You cell is being monitored, too, which is why I’m calling you on your friend’s phone. I have to be exceptionally careful what I say. Your mom has been taken by some bad people, Angel. The same people who tried to kidnap you. We have to get her back.”

“Taken?” I pressed my hand to my chest and closed my eyes. “Why? Why would someone kidnap Mom?”