“I don’t suppose you could get me a change of clothes? Something warm.”
“Take us back to the house.”
Julian raises a brow and I happen to agree with his silence questions, but for now it’s our best option. “It’s the only place I can think of to keep her safe.”
“I hear you,” Julian reluctantly agrees, but knowing my friend he’s just as desperate to question her as I am.
“My wife might have something you can change into,” I tell Carrie, wondering how Gia is going to react when she discovers I was hanging out in a dive of a bar with Julian without any backup.
She’s gonna be pissed.
“Talking about your wife, what are you going to be telling her about our little jaunt?” Julian questions.
“The truth. I won’t lie to her and if it’s something bad then I still tell her. The only way to keep a relationship when I work for the people I do… You need to remember that my friend.”
Julian laughs. “No woman will take me on. Think I’m safe.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure,” I add under my breath.
While we’ve been talking, Carrie has watched us and although at first we thought she was stoned, there’s nothing high about her now. She seems aware of everything although I sense her fear.
However, before we arrive at the house, I need to check a few things out, so retrieving my cell, I quickly dial Colin. “Can you quickly check someone out for me?”
“Do I want to know?” he replies.
“We may have a lead, but I need her story checking before I take her anywhere around my wife.”
“What’s the name?” Colin asks without even having to think about it, which I knew he’d do before I called him.
I watch Carrie, watching me, and ask, “What’s your full name and your sister’s?”
She bites her lip before answering. “Carrie Samantha Gilbert, and my sister is Jessica Jayne Gilbert. Jessica went missing from the University of Texas, four weeks ago. My parents filed a missing persons report and a case was opened.”
I nod. “Did you get that?” I ask Colin.
“I’m going to send DMV pictures of both girls to your cell. There’s missing person reports for both of them. Jessica disappeared first and two weeks ago her sister disappeared… Apparently, Carrie shouted to anyone who’d listen that human traffickers had taken her sister… Who do you have?”
I hesitate, but know that I need to answer. “We have Carrie with us.”
“The sister?” he enquires.
“No. We’re heading back to the house and once she’s changed and had something to eat we’re going to talk to her. See what she knows.” My eyes stay on Carrie who nods in agreement.
“I can spare two Marshals if you need them?” Colin offers.
“Not yet, but maybe on standby.”
“I can do that,” Colin agrees. “I’ll be in touch.” He hangs up.
Julian glances through the rear view mirror and I frown at the odd look on his face. He looks worried, which makes no sense because he can handle anything without blinking.
Pulling up at Jarrod’s home, I climb out of the vehicle and meet Julian. “What?”
“I don’t think us bringing her back here is going to go down too well.”
“Gia will be fine.”
“I’m not referring to your wife.” Julian sighs and gives me a shove. “Speaking of which, she’s waiting for you.” He nods toward the front door.