Page 33 of Believing in a Billionaire (Hearts and Holdings #7)

Alicia checked both ways before she pulled out.

With every mile that passed, the knot in Julia’s stomach twisted tighter and tighter.

Her breathing turned shallow as she fidgeted in her seat, wishing they could find where the van had gone.

Would it bring them any closer to finding Kyle or would they find another dead end?

Alex guided them through a series of turns. Tension mounted, and Julia chewed her lower lip.

“Okay, give me a second…the van never shows at the next logical spot,” Alex reported.

Julia’s heart sank. Where could it have gone? Could they find it in the area if they had to?

A sigh sounded on the other end of the line, drawing her attention. “Alex? What is it?”

“There are a few buildings along this road. Sit tight, I’m checking ownership.”

Alicia eased the car to a stop on the abandoned road, toggling on the four-way flashers. “Checking ownership?”

“Yeah,” Alex answered. “I’ll see if there are any clues in the city’s records. Uhhh…I’ve got buildings registered to Meridian Tech, Atlas Pharmaceuticals, Nightfall Dynamics, Greenwald Welding–”

Julia’s muscles stiffened, and she sat straighter. “Wait, wait, wait, what was the last one?”

“Greenwald Welding,” Alex said.

“No, before that.

“Nightfall Dynamics.”

She sucked in a sharp breath. “That could be it. Nightfall. Lydia’s partner in crime is Alexander Knight.”

“Of KnightRide fame?” Alex asked.

“Yes, that same one,” Julia answered.

Alex scoffed. “Amateur wannabe. Texting the address to the building now.”

Julia transferred the address to their GPS, and they drove the short distance to the abandoned, derelict building. Alicia pulled into the parking lot as Julia scanned the area. As they circled the building, Julia’s heart stopped.

“The van’s here,” she said, her voice just above a whisper.

Furious typing filled the air before Alex announced. “I see it. Building’s wired with security cams on the outside. Wave for the camera, Alex’s watchful eye can see you.”

“Any cameras on the inside?”

“No,” Alex answered. “Nothing on the inside. Exterior cams only.”

Alicia threw the shifter into park and kicked her door open. “All right. I’ll check it out.”

“I’m going, too,” Julia answered.

“No,” Alicia argued with a shake of her head, her voice laced with authority. “Neither of you is going inside that building. We have no idea what’s in there.”

“Which is why I’m going with you for backup,” Julia said.

“I’m going, too,” Sierra said.

“No,” both Alicia and Julia said at the same time.

“What? I don’t want to be sidelined. I’m going.”

“Sierra, stay here. Your father will kill me if something happens to you,” Julia said.

“Same! Daddy will wring my neck if I tell him I’m safe because I let you go in there alone.”

“Fine,” Julia said with a sigh, “but stick close and don’t take any chances.”

“I won’t,” Sierra promised.

Alicia shook her head. “I’m not okay with this.”

“Too bad. We’re wasting time,” Julia said. “Go, go.”

Alicia tugged her weapon from the holster again. They approached the building. The frosted windows made it impossible to peer inside. Julia tugged at one of the metal doors, finding it locked.

“Door’s locked,” she reported to Alex.

“Give me a second. That’s an e-lock. I just need to finish cracking it,” he answered. “Aaaaaand you’re good.”

The red light flicked to green. Julia tugged the door open with a grin. “Thank you, Alex.”

“Of course,” he answered. “See anything?”

The air inside the abandoned building was thick with dust and decay. Each step echoed ominously, amplifying Julia’s anxiety. The flashlight’s beam cast ominous shadows as Alicia swept it across the space.

“This place is pretty big,” Julia answered, her whispered voice echoing.

“We’re not splitting up,” Alicia said as her eyes darted around the space. “In fact, you two stay here. I’m going to give the place a quick scan.”

“No, wait!” Julia hissed as her sister waved her back and crept forward with her weapon drawn.

Julia heaved a sigh, shifting her weight from foot to foot as she waited for any sign from her sister.

Sierra tugged her phone from her pocket and toggled on the camera.

“What are you doing?” Julia asked.

“Documenting my first sleuthing mission.”

A noise echoed through the abandoned building, drawing Julia’s attention.

“What was that?” Sierra whispered, her eyes wide.

“I’m not sure, but I’m going to check it out. Stay right here, don’t move.”

“Julia!”

“I said don’t move,” Julia said before she hurried down the hall, peering into rooms as she went.

“Ally?” Julia hissed. She toggled off her speakerphone and pressed her phone to her ear. “Alex, are you still there?”

“Still with you, kid. Any chance of toggling on your camera for a bird’s eye view?”

Julia sucked in a breath as she switched on her video. “So far, nothing much to see. But I thought I heard something.”

She rounded a corner in the hall and continued down it. Light glowed at the end.

“I see lights,” Julia whispered.

“Be careful, Sunshine,” Alex answered.

She inched forward, her heart in her throat. Obscure voices filled the air. “I hear someone talking.”

The corridor spilled into a large, empty space, the light bloomed in the middle, not reaching the corners. She crept forward, hiding behind an iron pillar holding the high ceiling at bay.

As she peered around the pillar, her breath caught her throat. With a trembling hand, she slid the phone around the pillar, capturing the heartbreaking scene on her video call.

She pressed a hand over her mouth to prevent a gasp from escaping her lips.

Tears formed in her eyes, turning the scene blurry. In the center of the room was Kyle, tied to a chair, his head slumped forward. Her heart pounded hard against her ribs as her worst fears materialized before her eyes.

Julia’s mind raced, fear and hope battling within. Were they too late?