26. His Biggest Mistake Yet.

"Oh thank goodness," Suzie said, her voice filled with relief. "You can get her, right?"

Alaric ignored the stiffness in his chest. "Yes, I can."

The lie stayed heavy on his tongue, but what else could he say?

He couldn't tell Suzie the truth—that he had no idea how to get Nicolette back—especially not when there was a dash of hope in her tone.

"Oh, thank you, Mr Allens. Thank you!" The relief deepened in Suzie's tone, tightening Alaric's chest.

"You're welcome," he said, his lie hitting harder than he expected. "I'll call you soon when everything is fixed."

"Alright, sir. Thank you!" Suzie said, her voice laced with excitement.

Alaric ended the call and let out a big sigh.

"What happened?" Richard asked, his voice sharpened with curiosity.

Alaric faced Richard.

Here goes nothing.

"Nicolette was seen at home by her neighbor before she was carried away by Craig Walsh's men."