Page 75 of Hidden Resolution

“Let’s go then. I’ll drive.”

“No. Someone has to stay for Charlie,” Zack said. “We can’t leave him alone.”

“The doctor said he wasn’t waking anytime soon. I already spoke to Mom, and she’ll be back shortly,” Mason informed him. He placed a large hand behind Zack’s neck and guided him toward the exit. “No more arguments. Let’s go.”

Mason paled upon seeing Erica’s condition, and his gut churned. He’d never been able to tolerate the suffering of women, children, or animals. Perhaps his gut reaction was why he’d lashed out at his brother earlier. He refused to believe another man’s hand on Shonda sent him over the insane-with-jealousy cliff. Casual lovers rarely cared to such a degree, and he sure as hell didn’t. Loving a woman wasn’t on his list of things he intended to do. Ever. For him, it led to lies, betrayal, and eventual heartbreak. Women didn’t stick.

Perhaps he was an asshole. Maybe women sensed he was lacking in a fundamental emotion and sought it elsewhere.

“Mason, we can do this,” Zack said, aware of his kryptonite but not of his tumultuous inner dialogue.

“No, it’s okay. I’m okay,” he stated, grim but determined.

They each selected a set of files to browse and compare against the pictures Christie had sent. As they’d finished searching the last of Shonda’s files, the phone rang.

Unknown number.

Giving a gesture of “stay silent” to the others, Zack put the call on speaker.

“Hello, lover,” Christie purred.

Fury clouded Zack’s features, but he remained deceptively calm when he answered.

“Christie.”

“Are you ready to play a game?”

“I thought we were already playing one. Haven’t you drawn us into this farce against our will for the past six weeks?” he retorted.

Mason mouthed, “Don’t piss her off.”

Her laughter came across the line. “Yeah, it’s been pretty fun.”

He nodded his approval when Zack said, “I want to speak to Jacob.”

“Not your little whore? You surprise me, Zack. I mean, I know you sent the kid to live with my parents when your slut moved in,” she said nastily. “I thought maybe she meant more to you.”

A muffled cry of pain came through the speaker, likely Christie torturing Erica.

Beside him, Zack struggled for control. “Please. Just to see if he’s all right.”

“Sure thing, lover.”

The clip of her footsteps on hardwood indicated that she’d entered a different room. It revealed another clue: her hostages weren’t together.

“Jacob, talk to your father,” she ordered.

“Dad? Dad?”

“Hey, lil man. You doing all right?” Though he kept firm control of his voice, tears streamed down Zack’s face.

His obvious pain brought a lump to Mason’s throat, and Shonda appeared similarly affected.

“Yeah, but I think Erica’s hurt. She—” Jacob was cut off by his mother.

“Enough. You’ve heard him. He’s fine. I’ll call you in an hour and tell you where to go.”

“Christie! Christie, wait!” Zack shouted.