Chapter 52
Chapter fifty-two
Cooper
I switch the stick of cotton candy over to my other hand while I fish my phone out from my pocket. When I swipe the screen, I frown at the text from Dakota.
Kota: Get Ari out of here. Now.
Sudden dread sweeps over me as I immediately survey the area. Arizona is standing a few feet from me, her and Heather comparing the goldfish they won at the last game.
“Girls,” I say, my tone causing Arizona to furrow her brows.
Motioning them to me, I quickly tap Dakota’s name. It rings four times before going to voicemail.
Shit.
“Hey. They’re closing up. We better get out there before we’re stuck trying to leave,” Maddox calls as he and Ivy walk up.
“What’s wrong?” Ivy must see the worry on my face.
“I’m not sure.” I clear my throat. “Maddox. I need you to take Heather home. Then take Ari back to your house at the ranch.”
He holds my gaze for only a few seconds before he jumps into action. “Alright girls. Load up.”
Ivy watches me closely. “Where’s Dakota?”
I lower my voice. “I need to find her.”
“Hey.” Laiken and Trace join us, her hand holding tightly to his.
I meet Maddox’s eyes, the unsaid words passing between us.
“Laik, I need you to meet us at the ranch,” he says calmly.
“Why?” She asks. “It’s Trace’s bedtime and he…”
“Laiken.” Maddox’s tone changes, before he swaps another silent look with her. “Please go to the ranch.”
“Come on, Ari.” Ivy plasters on a smile, trying to keep things calm for the girls.
Arizona stands next to me, her face scrunching. “Where’s my sister?”
I reach out to squeeze her shoulder. “Bathroom. We’ll be right behind you.”
Arizona may be only thirteen, but she’s got more street smarts than any adult I know.
“Something’s wrong,” she states.
“I’m not sure.” I shake my head. “But I need you to go with Ivy and Maddox. Please.”
For a second I think she’s going to argue, but she nods before following my sister out of the entrance.
My chest tightens as I glance around. The carnival is clearing out, and I’m searching for that familiar long, dark hair. My boots move across the field, aiming toward the bathrooms.
I toss the cotton candy in a nearby trash can before I reach the portable trailer. A woman is sweeping the staircase. “Ma’am,” I call to gain her attention. “Can you check if my wife is in there, please?”
“Sure, hon.” She yanks open the door, poking her head in. “Anyone in here?”
When there’s apparently no answer she comes back out. “Sorry, it’s empty.”
“Thanks.”
My gaze darts around.
Where are you, Kota?
She wouldn’t just leave. I know her. And she must have felt Ari was in danger. But why?
Fire lights in my veins. The thought of Billy possibly showing up. Of scaring her.
I pull my phone out again, scrolling to her location. The blue dot shows her to be here. Still at the carnival. I exit out, then dial her number again. The faint sound of a phone ringing echoes in the dark. I swivel around, trying to locate the source.
Another ring.
Moving to the side of the trailer, I glance around the back, and that’s when I see it. Lighting up in the dirt.
Her phone.
“Fuck,” I hiss as I stride toward it.
Swiping it off the ground, I go to her calls. Nothing out of the ordinary. No unknown numbers. Then I open her text messages.
And that’s when I realize.
He’s been watching. He was here. And my worst fucking fear may have just become a reality.
He took her. He took my wife.