Page 64 of Tone Deaf

“Let’s go after them,” Fig declares, yanking a vehicle fob from his pocket.

“No. We need to call Tobias. Going after them will only waste energy and time we don’t have,” I advise, pulling out my phone and dialing Tobias’s number, putting the call on speaker.

“Got something?” Tobias’s tone has a sharp edge to it. I’m familiar with that tone, and it’s one you don’t want aimed your way.

“Joel’s team found ATV tracks. The trail led to a back road where it appears they took off in a van about thirty minutes ago,” I quickly explain.

“I’ll relay that to Dean. But it’s out of our hands now, Pen. The U.S. Marshals and the feds are involved. They pretty much told us to back off and they will handle Rick and retrieve Callum for us.”

“What about Dom? He knows where Rick’s heading," I say.

Dom would be in the crossfire between Rick, the feds and the U.S. Marshals.

“Like Dean explained, Levi is going to track Dom’s phone once he gets off the jet. While we wait, we have some time to prepare,” Tobias states.

“I can’t just sit here, Tobias. You wouldn’t be idle if Danny was in the same situation,” I say, my throat aching from the tightness there.

“Then gather your stuff and head our way. I’ll keep you updated while you’re on the road.”

Soon after locking the place up, we haul ass out of Tobias’s place. We cautiously exceed the speed limit as we make our waytoward San Fran. I thanked Fig for taking the driver’s seat, as I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the road while my mind is drowning in what ifs.

I know I keep saying we’re done, but what if I really do lose Dom? Or Callum? Jesus—both of them? How could I continue to live without these men? Without their love, without their laughter, without their solace, I’ll be nothing more than a shell.

As I wage internal war in a search for the answers, my heart is the organ that’s being fractured in two. As much as I keep promising myself that I’ll break it off with Dom, deep down, I can’t stand the idea of leaving him—or seeing Callum walk away from us. I love those men equally. No matter how frustrating Dom can be.

He did promise to explain about his life, and I hope he follows through on that, but my only concern right now is getting both him and Callum back, each in one, uninjured piece.

For Christ sakes, I’m tearing up. As I quickly wipe the evidence away with the back of my hand, my cell phone rings. I glance down, hoping it’s one of my men’s name popping up on the screen, and sigh. Just when I didn’t think this day could get any shittier.

I grudgingly remember my promise to Ron, accept the call, and put the phone to my ear. “Mom.”

“Honey, I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“I’m a little busy right now,” I say briskly. It’s not a lie.

“Okay. Then I’ll make it quick. If you have some time, I’ll be in San Francisco in three weeks. Can we meet up for lunch or dinner and talk… Please?” Her plea hits me square in the chest, cramming itself in with the rest of my unsettled emotions.

I’m about to say no, then again remember what Ron made me promise. “Sure. Let me know when you arrive and we can plan something.”

“Oh—okay. Great. I’ll call you then.” Her voice lightens, and she ekes out a little laugh. “Okay, Pen. Talk to you soon. Love you.”

My breath hitches in the back of my throat at her declaration. I don’t know how to respond.

“Okay.”

Right before she hangs up, I say, “I love you too.”

“Talk to you soon.”

I then hang up, and I realize my face is wet.

“Don’t worry,” Fig says evenly. “I won’t tell a soul.”

I look over at the man, who I always find a little strange, especially the odd things that come out of his mouth. Yet, something about the man encourages me to openly confess my feelings.

“My mom…”

“Don’t have to say a word. I know—been there and have a t-shirt to prove it. Now all we need to do is get your guys back to you.”