Chapter Eighty-Two

Lena understood the stories and banter Dane’s team exchanged were all part of their healing process. Under normal conditions, she would have been eager to help them deal with their grief. But it wasn’t easy to sit there doing nothing when every second counted for her daughter.

Up until everything went to hell, she’d known Kenzie was relatively safe. She’d spoken to her little girl every morning, and seen with her own eyes that she was being taken care of, despite the imminent threat.

Now that security was gone. Her daughter could be anywhere. And anything could be happening to her. That thought made Lena tense with fear.

Dane must have noticed because he slipped his hand in hers and gave it a little squeeze.

Angel cleared her throat. “Justin wouldn’t want us dicking around talking about him when we have a job to do,” she said, her voice trembling a little. “He was always anxious to get going. Let’s focus on the next attempt to get Mackenzie.”

Lena looked at Dane, who seemed as surprised as she was.

“I wasn’t sure how to ask,” he said. “But we definitely need all your help.”

Tears came to Lena’s eyes, brought on by the emotions she was feeling because of these generous people. And especially for the man holding her hand. He hadn’t given up on her child. She felt ashamed to have even thought it was possible.

She also felt something else. The overwhelming affection she knew was love.

Unable to stop herself, she reached for him. He pulled her into his arms and let her cry.

“I’m sorry,” she managed to say. “I thought maybe you’d given up on us.”

“No. Of course not. We’re going to get her.” He rubbed her back and kissed her hair. “I won’t stop until she’s safe, Lena. I promised you, and I plan to keep that promise.”

She choked out another sob and hugged him tighter. Unable to speak, she hoped her squeezing him breathless conveyed her gratitude.

When she’d gotten herself together, she moved back to her own seat. Thorne took control of the meeting, asking for updates.

Ten minutes later, it was clear they didn’t have a confirmed location for Viktor or for Kenzie. Lena wanted to cry again.

“I thought we were tracking his phone.” She tried to keep her impatience in check.

“I can only track it if it’s on,” Angel said. “He’s got it turned off. Or…it’s been destroyed.”

“What about one of the other numbers? Butch has called me twice to make sure I was taking care of his Jeep.”

Angel nodded. “Do you still have the phone so I can get the number?”

“Yeah. It’s in my room.” Lena had been keeping it charged up in case Viktor reactivated it to get in touch with her. Plus, there was still a video of her daughter recorded on that phone. She’d watched it more times than was healthy.

Thorne nodded. “Good. Lena, give Angel the number, and let’s all get some rest. We’ll reconvene in the morning,” he announced.

Rest? Lena didn’t want to rest. She wanted to find her daughter.

Now.

“Dane?” Thorne called as they were heading for the door.

Dane paused and waited. Lena hung back, too.

“Did you tell her about the other thing we found in Vancouver?” Thorne asked.

Dane grimaced. “No. Not yet. I guess I’ll do that now.”

He led her out of the room and gestured toward the elevator.

“What is it?” she asked. “What did you find?”

He frowned and pressed the button for their floor before pinning his dark gaze on her. “Your husband.”