San Antonio Secret. Robin Perini

Noah asked. “What’s wrong?”

      “Have you got a radar for trouble or something?” Rafe rubbed the bridge of his nose and repositioned his patch.

      “When it comes to my family, you bet. Spill it, Vargas. What’s going on with my sister?” Worry laced Noah’s voice. “She’s safe, isn’t she?”

      How was Rafe supposed to answer that? Noah wouldn’t be put off, so Rafe relayed the situation. He kept a few details to himself. No need to tell big brother everything.

      “You’re taking the case,” Noah said. “Good. And Sierra’s coming home?”

      Rafe didn’t answer.

      “Tell me you’re putting her on the plane first thing tomorrow.”

      Rafe shoved his fingers through his hair. “She won’t leave. Not until we find Mallory and Chloe. She blames herself.”

      Noah let out a sharp curse. “You can’t convince her?”

      “How easy is it to change a Bradford’s mind about anything?” Rafe asked.

      “Point.”

      “Besides she’s got the skills. You know that.” Rafe could deal with the ex, but if Mallory had been kidnapped because of the money, he could very well need Sierra’s expertise to save the woman and her child.

      Noah let out a long sigh. “Well, if she’s going to jump into the deep end, I can’t think of a better man to watch over her than you.”

      Rafe winced. If only Noah knew.

      “Keep her safe. The family can’t lose her. Dad’s had enough hits the past few years.”

      “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, Noah. I promise you that.”

      With a quick tap on the screen, Rafe ended the call. He paced the floor several times before hovering outside the small bathroom. Resigned to the reality of the situation, even if he didn’t like it, he tapped gently. “You okay in there?”

      A bang followed by a curse erupted from inside. “I’d be better if you weren’t so big.”

      A corner of Rafe’s mouth tilted up, but before he could respond his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen and moved to the other side of the room. “What do you have, boss?” he asked in a low voice.

      Ransom rattled off a series of facts. With each one, Rafe’s frown deepened. What the hell was going on?

      “You’re sure about this?” Sierra wasn’t going to be happy about the news. Or how he’d acquired his information.

      “I’ll let you know what I hear. Cade’s keeping his ear to the ground,” Ransom said.

      Rafe pocketed his phone just as Sierra walked out of the bathroom. He bit his cheek. “The clothes look good on you even though you’re swimming in them.”

      “I’ve been thinking,” she said, ignoring his comment and all business. “Her ex, Bud, had access to Mallory’s house. He could’ve seen the files she brought home. He knows where Chloe goes to school, and the route Mallory takes.”

      “That gives him means and opportunity. The motive still feels fuzzy. What’s his endgame?”

      “I don’t know.” She grunted in disgust. “I got nothing.”