Page 58 of Cartel Rose (Jorge)

Liesel looks at me for guidance again. All I can do is nod in encouragement because I don’t know the douchebag, so I don’t know what’ll encourage him.

“Bastian, he disappeared before lunch yesterday.Mutti, Heidi, and I waited here, but he didn’t call any of us or answer any texts. We got worried, so my friend and I went back to my office to get my laptop and Papa’s. I thought I might figure out where he went from his calendar. I didn’t. It’s been more than twenty-four hours. Please just come. We can get into more detail once you’re here.”

We decided we should get the laptops simply to keep anyone else from accessing them. We made a fast trip during the time most of our employees take lunch. There were fewer people in the office. She slipped in and out with barely any conversation.She said Gunter had an unexpected trip, and she was under the weather but would work from home.

“Have you called the police?”

“Bastian!” She cringes when she snaps at him. “Please just come here, and we’ll discuss everything. I don’t want to do this over the phone.”

“Do you think someone’s listening?”

“Yes, Heidi andMutti. I don’t want to argue in front of them. Heidi just gave me a thumbs up. Friedrich agreed to the same thing I asked you. A car will be at the hospital for you in?—”

She looks over at me, and I hold my hand up.

“Five minutes. Can you be ready?”

“Yeah.”

“Go to the service entrance on the north side of the building.”

“What? You have to be kidding. Is this a joke?”

“Bastian, just do it.” Her frustration’s clear in her tone.

“Fine. How will I know who I’m looking for?”

“It’ll be a large SUV with tinted windows, and four large Latino men with earpieces.”

I explained these details already, so she knew what to relay to Bastian. She warned me he might be difficult, so I was prepared. She assured me she’d convince him to come without a problem once he was in the vehicle.

“What the hell, Anne? Who are these men?”

I bristle at his tone and his words. Liesel shoots me a placating glance, and I grit my teeth.

“It’s a potential client who’s become a friend. I trust him, and he’s offered to help.”

“Why would your client know how to deal with this?”

I’m fighting not to lose my patience and snatch the phone from Liesel’s hand.

“Bastian, either get in the damn car when it arrives or don’t. But I’m not arguing with you over the phone. I’m doing my bestto make sure everyone I love is safe, but if you don’t want the help, then go home and see what happens.”

I cringe at that. But the man doesn’t argue again.

“All right. Thank you. But we aren’t done.”

“I didn’t think we were.”

She ends the call and drops her phone back in her pocket. If we were alone, I’d hug her again. She looks lost and unsure of herself. Heidi’s still on the phone with Friedrich, but her call is going much smoother. Gretel’s watching Liesel and me, and I know she’s no fool. She senses something’s brewing beneath the surface.

“I’m sorry he isn’t being more grateful.”

“He’s confused, and now he knows there’s a man involved. Of course, it has him on edge.”

“I know, but?—”

“It’s fine, Anne.”