Page 119 of Stolen Voices

When our laughter dies down, I take a sobering seat back. “So, we’re all okay with me and Callie being … me and Callie?”

“Yes, you idiot.” Hudson groans, tired of repeating himself, but I need to hear it again.

I’m about to have everything I’ve ever wanted. No backlash. I get to be with the one woman who has had my attention from the start. It doesn’t seem real.

Dez laughs at me like I’m an idiot. “Me and Hud have had bets on when you would break.” My jaw drops at his admission.

“I win, by the way.” Hudson does a dance in his seat.

“You cheated,” Dez grouses, balling a piece of paper and throwing it at Hudson, who swats the wad away.

“Don’t hate the player. Hate the game, baby.”

I watch my friends bickering over who should win the bet, when I’m the biggest winner of them all because I get her—Callie. My princess, the little bluebird who sings to me with her sweet melodic voice even when she’s not singing.

“Thanks, Hud.”

He waves me off. “Yeah, yeah. Now, enough of this gooey shit. Fill me in on what’s going on with the investigation. I want to catch these fuckers.”

“I second that.” Dez pulls out his phone, ready to take notes.

Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my knees and grasp my hands, steepling my fingers to my lips. I smile, refusing to hold back the deep gratitude I have for my friends.

“E, where’s the file with your notes?” Dez asks. He and Hudson are ready to tackle and solve this disaster with me.

“On my desk.” I grab the file and hand it over to them.

As they read, I fill them in on everything I’ve found and my suspicions about Silla. I leave out the fact that she’s Callie’s sister because that’s not my story to tell. Instead, I fill them in on how Silla’s stealing from Callie and using a managerial contract as leverage to do it.

“Eli, we need to see those contracts so we know what we’re up against. Do you know if Callie has copies?” Hudson stands up and stretches his back.

“I’m not sure, but I’ll talk to her. I have my brother, Jace, reaching out to his contacts. He’s looking for the lawyer Silla’s using.” I leave out the trust and the identity of Callie’s father. Holding back information from Dez and Hudson makes me twitchy. It’s necessary until I ask Callie what details I can share.

Hudson yawns. “Okay, keep us posted. I’m going to head home and sleep off this jetlag.”

“Speaking of jetlag, mind if I use the jet to head back to Pine Hills tonight?”

“I’ll call the pilot and have him fuel up.”

“Thanks, Hud. I owe you one.”

My buddy chuckles, shaking his head. “You know the rule: no favors between us. We’re partners. You got my back, and I have yours.” Hudson turns to Dez. “Same goes for you, Dez. Uspartnersstick together.”

“Partners?” Dez gasps.

Hudson and I grin at each other as we take in the confused look on Dez’s face. I couldn’t think of a better way to tell him about the promotion. For the last few weeks, Dez has been the backbone of our company, and it wouldn’t have survived without him.

“Equalpartners,” I add.

“For real?” Dez’s eyes are comically wide as his jaw hangs open.

“One hundred, Dez. When Eli returns, we will call the lawyers and get everything set up and in writing.”

“Holy shit, you’re serious.” Dez runs his hands over his face.

I slap him on the back. “You earned this, man. Without you, I don’t think we would have made it. We’re just sorry it took us so long to show you how much we appreciate all your hard work and dedication.”

“Thanks, guys.” Dez’s voice cracks, and his eyes glass over. He coughs, clearing his throat. “This means so much to me. I promise I won’t let you down, and I’ll find the best replacement assistant out there.”