Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

I stumble, falling into the wall, while a sharp pain slices my chest. “W-w-hat?”

“They were scheduled to take the bus to Connie’s parents’ house after school. Neither child ever got to their house. We have confirmed they were on the bus and think, since Maya gets dropped first, she waited for Cole.”

“Then what?”

“The police have mentioned them running away.”

“The police? Why hasn’t anyone called me?”

“Calm down, Darby. We’re all holding on the best we can. There isn’t much you can do.”

“I’m still a part of this family! Just because I’m not there doesn’t mean I’m helpless! Pierce is my fiancé!” My shouts bounce off the walls, and Runner barks at my distress.

“You don’t understand. This isn’t about you. All of us are trying to keep Pierce from going to jail.”

“Oh my God… Pierce…” The image of his broken expression fills my head. “What happened in that room today?”

“That’s the least of our worries right now. We have to figure out why Maya and Cole would disappear.”

“Have they tried tracking Maya’s phone?”

“Wouldn’t do any good. She left it at home today.”

“Is that where you are now?”

“Yes, but not for long. I’m headed out to search as soon as the police finish talking.”

“Evin,” the crack in my voice burns down my throat, “they get off the bus at four-thirty. That’s hours ago. It’s dark and cold.”

“We know this.”

“I’m coming. I’ll be on the next flight and let you know when to pick me up at the airport. If you can’t, I’ll get a cab. Do not tell Pierce you spoke to me. He has bigger things to worry about, and if he knows I’m on a plane, he may have a heart attack.”

“You don’t want me to tell him you’re coming?”

“No, he’ll drive himself mad. If he calls, I’ll tell him, but until then, let him concentrate. I’ve got to go.”

I hang up and dive into action. An hour later, Runner and I are pulling up to Renee’s house. Renee is the Brasher event planner, and over the last few weeks, we’ve become close while working on the details of my wedding.

“This means the world to me.” I unload Runner and haul his things into the house, grateful she has a fenced yard. He immediately starts exploring.

“Anything, Darby. We’ll be fine, promise,” she assures me with a sympathetic smile.

I give her a quick hug and avoid chasing after Runner for fear of breaking down in tears.

Once back on the road, I call Stephanie and explain what’s happening. She takes the news calmly. Too calmly. A nerve twitches in my neck.

“Stephanie, what’s going on?”

“How far are you from the airport?”

“Twenty minutes.”

“Call me when you’re through security and safely seated. I’m not sharing this shit while you’re driving.”

There’s no time to argue because the line goes dead. By the time I’m through security, my heart is racing so fast I’m a quivering mess.

The first thing I do is send Pierce a text with a simple I love you. Then I call her back.

“First of all, you need to know I’ve spoken to Annie, and I’m on my way, too.”

“Oh, God, did something happen?”

“No news on the kids. They’re scouring the city—bus stations, schools, friends, all family homes, etc. Someone is at every house in case they show up, and the police have units searching as well. I’ll help with the search, but mainly, I’m coming as your best friend and your lawyer.”

“Why?”

“I hesitate to tell you this because my priority is your mindset, including your mental and emotional stability. But as your best friend, it needs to come from me. I thought about contacting John directly, but he’s bound by privilege. After a little digging, I found someone that would talk. Today was a verbal bloodbath. Connie’s goal was to crucify Pierce, and she almost succeeded.”

“What did she do?” The possibilities are endless with her.

“Constance Webber modeled herself as the emotionally abused victim and painted a very unfavorable picture of the Pierce Kendrick from thirteen years ago. She went through all her woes, getting pregnant and him refusing to acknowledge her as a fixture in his life, his refusal to live under the same roof, to try and make their family work… You can guess all the bullshit she spewed.”

“Didn’t he get to defend himself? While some of that may be technically true, there is so much background to his decisions. He lived next door until both kids were in school then worked his ass off for two years to build them a home. He’s more than financially responsible, and he’s an exemplary father.”

“Oh, yeah, he had his say, and my source says he executed his explanations and argument well. Then, Connie went after you and he lost his mind.”

I drop my head and curl into a ball, trying to shield myself from anyone who may be near. “Tell me the rest.”