Chapter 12
Apple really liked having Lainey live with him. He couldn’t imagine not seeing her and not spending time with her. Ava kept her three days a week while he spent time at Thario’s place looking for Amelia. He appreciated everything Ava was doing for him.
As the week slid past, he realized he needed to find a daycare for Lainey for when his leave ended. Ava and Wild didn’t live too far away, and they promised to help get Lainey to daycare on days Apple had to be at base early.
On Thursday, he got in contact with a lawyer to make him the custodial parent.
It would be easier because Amelia had listed him as the father on the birth certificate.
It was weird seeing his name there. Why hadn't she come after him for support?
Maybe she hadn't known where he was, or maybe she hadn't wanted to involve him.
Because Tara hadn't informed him that Amelia had stopped by to tell him he had a child, he hadn't known to contact her.
Maybe he should have done more, but he hadn't known.
Now, he knew about Lainey, and he wasn't going to be absent from her life going forward. If they found Amelia, he would figure out some way to be involved in Lainey's life. Amelia may not appreciate his involvement, but he couldn't abandon his daughter.
On Sunday morning, he and his team got together at the park.
All the guys were great with Lainey. Jay and Shine were playing tag with her, letting her catch them.
All the women seemed happy to meet his daughter and promised to take her shopping for new clothes because it seemed like she was outgrowing the clothes she had.
Though the thought of being responsible for her made his stomach tighten, he was beginning to think he could do this. Amelia asked about her mother, but she seemed to have adjusted to living with him.
Dena hadn't recovered like he'd hoped. The hospital had kept her in a coma, and when he'd talked to the doctors, they'd said her prognosis wasn't good. Dena would have more problems to worry about if she ever woke up than taking care of Lainey. He knew the responsibility of Lainey was his.
They were winding down when Thario called him. “Hey, what’s up?” he asked as he turned away from Lainey so she didn’t hear if he discussed anything dealing with Amelia.
“We found her.”
He froze as heat blasted over him. “Where?”
“She's in Nevada, at a small hotel that hosts parties. They moved here recently. There were photos posted by some guys who were at a bachelor's party. She's in the background.”
He turned, meeting Sharp’s gaze first. “I have to do something.”
“I’ll send you the details. The place isn’t heavily armed, just a couple of guys.”
“Okay, okay. I need—”
“I know you need to get Lainey someplace safe. I'm texting Wild and Ava. Once I get—oh, she texted back. She said she'll come to your house and pick up Lainey.”
“We’re headed that way now. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Then I’ll come to your place.”
Thario grunted. “Good. We’ll figure out a plan. I’ll talk to you in a bit.”
The other guys on his team were staring at him. Danika and Nichole had taken Lainey over to some flowers to look at them. He drew in a deep breath. “Thario knows where she is.”
“What’s the plan?” Jay asked.
“You guys don’t—”
“We’re coming with you,” Sharp said.
He nodded. “Okay. I’ll meet you at Thario’s place. Ava is coming to my place to get Lainey.”
Squat put his hand on Apple’s shoulder. “We’ll be there for you. Whatever we have to do to get her back.”
He thanked Danika and Nichole for keeping Lainey entertained. He heard them talking about helping Ava out, and he smiled as he carried Lainey over to his car. She was a good kid, and he hoped this action would get Lainey her mother back.
Once at Thario's, they set up around the table, Thario going into detail about everything he'd found out about the facility.
“It looks like the women are kept in this building behind the main building. It looks like dog kennels, most likely. You should be able to use wire snips to cut through the fencing and get her out.”
“What about calling the authorities?” Sharp asked.
“The guy who owns the place is the sheriff. So it’s doubtful the authorities would act. If a call comes in, they will move the women.”
“How many women are there?” Jay asked.
“I don’t know. You may not be able to rescue them all.”
Apple shook his head. “Are you sure us going in is the best idea? I don’t want any of us to get hurt, and you know we can’t go in as military.”
Thario let go a heavy sigh. “The man who owns this place is well connected. He pays off politicians. There were reports circulating about him a few years ago. That reporter ended up dead. His brakes went out, and he didn’t survive.”
“Shit,” Apple said.
Thario nodded. “Yeah, it’s best you go in under the cover of darkness, get Amelia, and get out.”
Sharp stood and met Apple’s gaze, holding it. “We’re going to get Amelia and bring her home. If we can get the other women out, we’ll do it.”
“How can we shut this guy down for good?” Shine asked.
Thario’s lips twisted up on one side. “I’m looking into it.”
“We need to expose the bastard,” Squat said.
Thario sat back, his expression serious. “We do, but you have to remember, he has resources. He could make big trouble for anyone going after him.”
“I hate this,” Squat said.
Griz grunted and stood. “We all do. So when are we doing this?”
“Ah, good question,” Thario said. “Monday evening. The facility isn’t open on Monday. The women will be in their cages after dark. It will be the best time to find Amelia alone.”
Apple was thankful for everything Thario had done. They at least had a plan and could move forward. Now, it was just a matter of time before Amelia was free.
Lainey would be so happy Amelia came home, he just hoped she was able to deal with reality once she was set free. Going from captivity to being free was hard. He would need to help her make that transition.