“I knew that son of a bitch had something to do with this,” Kevin said.
“We got the picture your security team sent us, Mr. Spencer. That’s how we connected the dots.”
“Will someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?”
I was shaking and couldn’t catch my breath. Trembling with frustration and exhaustion. They were all talking over my head and I was missing something.
Something important.
“Brooke, look at me.”
My eyes panned over to Kevin as he turned his body to mine.
“My team found a photo they pulled off a traffic cam of Gianni shaking hands with Johnny Eightball. That man is the man who was following you guys around at the museums. The man on the beach.”
“Oh my gosh,” I said breathlessly.
“We can tie Gianni to this but, at this point, we have no idea what he’s capable of. He’s obviously desperate if he’s kidnapped your daughter to get the money he needs to save his company, so we have to tread lightly,” the chief said.
“Where do we go from here? Is there a warrant out for his arrest?” I asked.
“We’re working on it. The evidence is being put in front of a judge as we speak. But if Gianni’s working with the mob, we’ve got no idea who to trust. We have to keep this under wraps if we’re going to get your daughter home safely.”
“So, you have no idea where she is,” I said.
“We’re working on it,” the chief said.
I knew this was good news, and I could feel Kevin hugging me. We finally had a solid lead. But as my eyes locked with the Chief of Police, I could see the anxiety still behind his eyes.
This was far from over, and I didn’t want to rejoice until it was.
Until Sydney was home.
CHAPTER 23
KEVIN
I was flipping through various conspiracy theory articles on Gianni and the mob when I heard my son’s voice ripple around the corner. He and Brooke were playing in the other room and the sound of his laughter was comforting. I had no idea what Brooke was doing, but whatever it was, it was working. I clicked around and scanned articles, trying to latch onto anything that might be helpful for the police.
“Miss Brooke, I love you.”
My ears perked up at the statement as I turned around in my chair.
“Oh, Daniel. I love you too, buddy,” Brooke said.
“I’m sorry about the house,” my son said. “When me and Sydney messed it up.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I understand. You were upset. But there are better ways to deal with your anger than destroying things or making a mess.”
“I don’t like it when you’re gone.”
“Well, I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere until your sister is back,” she said.
“Will you stay after she’s back?” he asked.
I hung onto the silence before Brooke cleared her throat.
“I don’t know,” she said.