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Asher shakes his head grimly. “No. Bellamore’s keeping it quiet for now, but the police do know. We need to act fast. I’m afraid of what he’ll do when people start searching for her. Based on his pattern, it’s grim.”
I exhale, running a hand roughly through my hair, my pulse spiking as urgency takes hold. Harper is safe in the next room, but Mia’s situation is different—every second counts.
“We have another big problem though. Micah’s father has the police department in his pocket. They could tip him off if we call the authorities.”
I stare at Nick, understanding what this means. The three of us hold a silent conversation.
“This has turned into a rescue mission,” I say, and Asher exhales.
Nick’s gaze meets mine, serious and unflinching. “If we go there and find Mia, it’s enough evidence to put Micah in prison for a very long time.”
Asher slides the laptop around and opens folders, showing files upon files of evidence that he’s found regarding the missing women in Newport. “There are at least twenty missing between Newport and the city. Mia doesn’t deserve to be another one of Micah’s victims.”
I click through surveillance photos, transaction records, and partial transcripts of conversations. Each piece of evidence the Banks brothers have found is just another nail in Micah’s coffin. I sift through the documents, my jaw tightening with every new revelation.
“How long have you been tracking him?”
Asher leans forward, elbows resting on the counter, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “The moment Harper started dating him. But after you rescued Harp, we doubled down and went to the dark web. Nick made some calls, asked for some favors, and turned over every goddamn rock he could find.”
Nick shrugs modestly, though a smirk tugs at his lips. “I might’ve pissed off a few people along the way, but it was worth it. Turns out, Micah has powerful friends in high places—people who prefer to stay anonymous. I can relate.”
I flip through more information; frustration boils even hotter. “And these ‘friends’ protected him?”
“Until now,” Nick replies smoothly. “Let’s just say, after he showed up to confront you, his friends no longer think he’s worth the risk. This morning, Micah pulled large sums of money from several accounts, and I think he’s getting ready to run. His lies and deceit are falling around him like a house of cards.”
“But not fast enough,” I say.
Nick nods, his expression sobering again. “After he left Tennessee, he returned to the city and was seen entering an investment firm that I have confirmed is helping him. They have the answers we need.”
“Give me the firm name,” I tell him, and then I glance at Asher.
Nick interrupts. “We’ll visit them tonight,” he says firmly, with no room for argument. “Once we find where Mia is, I’ve coordinated the rescue with one of my friends at the FBI. He’s waiting for my confirmation and an address.”
I glance toward the stairs, half expecting to see Harper standing there, listening. But the penthouse remains quiet, peaceful. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos stirring within me.
Asher catches my gaze. “Don’t worry. Billie won’t let Harper out of her sight. They’re stronger together. Easton and Weston are staying behind to protect them. We just have to stay safe.”
Nick chuckles, breaking the tension. “Aww, look at how in love you two are. Kinda gross.”
I roll my eyes at him as Asher closes the laptop.
“We need to finish this. Tonight,” I say.
Asher stands, sliding off the stool, determination hardening his expression. “I agree.”
Nick nods. “Great. Tonight then. The sooner we move, the sooner we get Mia home—and put Rhodes behind bars.”
As Asher scoops up his laptop, Harper comes down the stairs, wearing pajamas. She narrows her eyes at Nick and Asher.
“What happened?” she asks, her voice full of worry.
I move to her instantly, pressing a reassuring kiss to her forehead. “We’re going to find Mia.”
Harper pales visibly, her gaze locking on mine. “When?”
“Tonight. It’s turned into a rescue mission,” I say firmly, cupping her cheeks. “Before he hurts her.”
She nods, understanding but clearly torn. Harper’s eyes soften, worry still clear, but trust wins out. She squeezes my hand, turning her gaze briefly toward Asher and Nick. “The three of you are going?”