Lucky Streak (Lucky 2)

“Then there’s no need for you to go to the bus station,” Clara said. “She was taking a bus to Boston and then catching another one home to Las Vegas.”

“I can’t believe you’d let a woman like that go,” Derek said at last.

Mike’s cell phone rang and he answered on the first ring. “What?” he asked, glad for the distraction.

“Hey, there, Detective, it’s King Bobby. I got me some information you might want. Seems I was followed when I left the diner.”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure you’ve made a few enemies in your day. Why is this of interest to me?”

The other man let out a booming laugh. “You got me all wrong. The King’s a lover, not a fighter. And this isn’t my fight. The man followin’ me is Marshall Banks, and I’m thinkin’ he’s not after me, but your woman.”

Mike’s stomach cramped. “Why would you think that?”

“’Cause I’m not blind, man. I’ve seen how he looks at her. I also have a hunch she was the brains behind the operation so he needs her. He’s not just going to let her go.”

Mike had seen the same thing in Marshall’s eyes back in Vegas. “How long has he been tailing you?”

“I realized it when I left the diner earlier.”

“And you’re just calling me now?” Mike asked, annoyed.

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I knew the little lady was with you, so she’d be safe.”

But she wasn’t with Mike now. She was alone. And he was to blame.

“Anyways, I’m just calling to ask you to keep an eye out. If you see Marshall, make sure you let me know so I can collect my money,” King Bobby said.

“Where are you now?” Mike asked the other man.

“I got myself a hotel room in the next town over. Why?”

Mike drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Meet me at the bus station in Stewart,” he instructed the Texan. “It’s on the far side of town.”

“Why?”

“If you want your money, just be there.” Mike disconnected the phone and faced his family. “I’m out of here,” Mike said.

“What’s wrong?” Gabrielle asked.

“That guy who was after Amber is in town.” Mike clenched his jaw, furious at himself for not seeing this coming.

Derek rose from behind the desk. “If you need backup, I’m there for you.”

Mike shot his cousin a grateful glance. “I can handle it, but thanks. You take care of your wife.”

Gabrielle stood. “You’d better call the minute you find Amber. I want to know she’s safe.”

“I will.”

“Goddess speed,” Clara called.

Mike looked at her curiously. Sometimes her words were so odd. “Thank you.”

“Dad?”

Edward paced, but didn’t answer.

“I’ve got him,” Clara promised.