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Wesley shifted. “Your mom wants you to come as soon as possible. Hailey sent me ahead to find you.”

“I promised Eric I wouldn’t go anywhere alone.” But she hadn’t expected something like this.

He puffed his cheeks. “I can take you.”

“What about Hailey and Jenna?”

“We just got here. They’ll be okay long enough for me to get you there and get back. I know Hailey will want to be at the hospital with you guys, but she won’t want to take Jenna.”

Allye hesitated a second longer before nodding. Eric would understand. She jotted him a note and slipped it under a paperweight before grabbing her cashbox. A wave of dizziness hit her as she stood.Not now.She closed her eyes and leaned against the table for a moment.

“You okay?” Wesley asked.

“Yeah, just stood up too fast.” She shouldered her bags and tucked the cashbox under her arm. “I’m good now. Let’s go.” She started toward the parking area, Wesley close behind.

DION BIT INTO HIS HAMBURGER.First thing he’d eaten today. His mom would have told him he was wasting his money coming here, and maybe he was. But it wasn’t like she hadn’t wasted all hers on drugs.

He’d hoped Lucky’s foster parents might choose to come today, but although he’d gotten here early, he hadn’t spotted his brother.

An ache formed in the pit of his stomach. Lucky shouldn’t have to be in a stupid foster home. It would be almost four years before Dion could legally get him out of that system.

A large group with several children entered the festival area. Dion scanned each face. No Lucky. His shoulders sagged.

Two men split off at the tail end of the group and headed for an uncrowded area along the fence line. Dion straightened. What were Bernie and Lenny doing here?

Things were never good when they showed up.

Dion tugged his ball cap lower and sidestepped into a narrow opening between two tents, keeping his eyes on the men. Bernie leaned casually with his back against the fence as if enjoying the view. Or waiting for someone. A crowded family-friendly festival wasn’t his usual stomping ground.

He turned his attention to the other man. About the same size and build as Bernie, Lenny’s attempt to give off a carefree vibe fell a bit short. The average festivalgoer might not notice, but there was a subtle tightness in his shoulders and a hardness in his eyes that belied his easy grin. The man didn’t talk much and had a reputation for being willing to do anything for a price. Dion would bet he was in Bernie’s pocket.

Dion ate his burger slowly, as if savoring it, but he’d stopped tasting it the moment he caught sight of the two men. They were trouble.

After a few minutes, Bernie shifted, his eyes locking onto something. He nudged Lenny with his elbow.

Dion followed his gaze.

That redheaded chick who’d been with Eric at the park was heading for the exit with someone he didn’t recognize. The two men waited until they passed before falling into step behind them.

Dion shoved the rest of the burger into his mouth.

This wasn’t good.

He looked around for Eric. He knew Detective Thornton was here. He’d had to dodge him a few minutes ago to avoid being spotted.

Eric was nowhere in sight.

The small entourage passed through the exit. He didn’t have time to find Eric. Not if he wanted to warn Allye of the danger she was obviously in.

He knew he shouldn’t get involved. Bernie would kill him if he caused him trouble. But Allye had been kind to him the other day, and she obviously meant something to Eric. She didn’t deservewhatever Bernie had in mind. He could at least see where they were going and pass on the information.

He jogged after them, dodging oblivious festival attendees on his way to the exit.

JUST OUTSIDE THE EXIT,Wesley stopped and slapped his forehead. “Hailey has the car keys.”

“That’s okay. I can drive.” She’d planned to follow him in her car anyway.

“Do you mind? It’ll take more time than we have to track her down in this crowd.”