Page 5 of Deadly Sins: Envy

“We checked with the other member of her band,” Coop said, “and she confirmed Willow still hasn’t returned to the tour bus.”

“How long ago did she leave the bar?”

“A couple of hours ago.”

“Did you contact the police?” I asked.

“Are you serious? Of course I did. Even with my experience, you know how these things go. You never go in alone.”

If there was one thing he trusted in, it was law enforcement.

“What can I do to help?” I asked.

“You can stay out of it.”

He hung up.

I rolled over and relayed the information to Cade.

“What are you thinkin’ about doin’ now?” Cade said. “He wants you to stay out of it.”

“Gran is there. I don’t care what he wants.”

We kissed, and he said, “I’d expect no less. Want me to go with you?”

“Let me go and check everything out first, okay?”

“Sounds good.”

I slipped out of the room so Cade could sleep, grabbed my laptop, and took it to the next room. I powered it up and searched the airlines, looking for the next flight out.

CHAPTER 3

I tossed my backpack over my shoulder and found my way out of the Louis Armstrong airport, intending to catch a cab to Coop’s brother’s place. On the way to the taxi queue line, a black Lexus with dark, tinted windows rolled up beside me. The window came down. I removed my sunglasses and peered inside the car.

“How did you know I was—”

“Get in the car, Sloane,” Coop said.

I got in, and he pulled out without uttering another word. He looked stressed and tired, and he’d acquired a few more wrinkles since I’d seen him last.

“It’s been a while,” I said.

“Yep,” he said. “Where are you living now?”

“Everywhere, I guess. Cade and I have been traveling a lot over the last year. Right now, we’re at an Airbnb in Portland.”

“Sounds nice.”

“It is.”

I skipped the small talk and dove straight into the meat of the conversation.

“What can you tell me about your niece?” I asked.

“I assume you flew out because you’re worried about Cordelia’s safety. Why don’t you take her and go home until this is all over?”

“She’s one reason I’m here. You’re another. It may not be what you want to hear, but it’s the truth.”