Page 38 of Lost Truth
“We believe so,” Hayden said. “And also we believe his disappearance could have to do with that.”
She released her hands and stared at him. “Don’t tell me he was trafficking women?”
What could he say to such a loaded question? “I don’t have an answer for you.”
She grimaced. “And you really think talking to the women my dad saved could help you find him?”
Hayden nodded.
Becca picked up a paperclip from the table and fidgeted with it. “If what you say about having been trafficked is true, I’m not sure it’s good for them to bring up their past.”
“My understanding is your dad rescued them just after they arrived in our country. They might’ve been afraid—maybe terrified—for a short time, but at least they didn’t experience the worst things possible.”
Becca looked down at the paperclip. “I don’t suppose I’d have time to think about it.”
“Time is of the essence when you’re looking for a missing person.” Hayden made sure his words held the intensity he felt for locating missing people.
“I understand that more than most.” She frowned and looked down again. “Let me get a hold of them to see if they’ll talk to you. I’ll call you as soon as I know something.”
“Thank you.” Hayden got out his business card. “Is there anything else you can think of to help us find whoever is trafficking these women?”
“I doubt it, but I’ll think about it. I probably won’t think about anything else until Kai is home safe and sound.” A long sigh escaped from her lips. “This explains what my dad was doing with all the cash he had withdrawn though, right?”
“Percy did mention it in the video,” he said. “At least you now have closure on that.”
She bit on the inside of her cheek. “And it’s great to hear he used the money for something good. You can’t put a price on giving a person a new lease on life.”
“No you can’t.” Hayden laid his business card on the table next to her. “My cell number is on here. Call me anytime if you have any questions or think of anything we should know. And the sooner you can find out if the women will talk to us, the better.”
She nodded and grabbed her own business card from a holder on the table. She handed it to Cady. “When this is all over, give me a call.”
Cady flung her arms around her, and the pair hugged for a long moment before Becca released her and stepped back. “I’m sorry for your loss, too, but I’m grateful you’re willing to talk with me about it.”
“I’m sure you’ll help me deal with this as much as I help you.” Becca’s words cracked at the end, fading into a breathless silence.
Cady swiped at tears on her cheeks and rushed toward the exit.
“Thanks again.” Hayden hurried after Cady.
A tight knot formed in his gut. The weight of her grief left him feeling useless. He was a doer. A fixer. A take-action guy. And as much as he wanted to fix this for Cady, he couldn’t. Not in any way.
Despite the waves of feelings Cady was riding, she followed Hayden into the courthouse. After watching the video, her emotional state was fragile, and she really didn’t want to melt down in front of the mayor’s assistant. But more than that, she wanted answers to questions.
Or did she?
What if she learned something else about her father she didn’t want to hear? True, he’d fulfilled his promise and had taken the mayor’s secret to the grave with him, but he did make provision for the story to come out in the end. And, it didn’t seem as if keeping the secret harmed anyone, but she couldn’t be certain until Hayden talked to his buddy at ICE.
That’s what she should be focusing on. Not her emotions. Not the way she’d wanted to throw herself at Hayden outside the BAG office and let him hold her until the fresh rush of grief from talking to Becca disappeared. He’d looked concerned for her, but he didn’t seem inclined to provide any additional support. Made sense, she supposed. After all, she’d put up a wall. Told him to back off on any interest he might have in her. How else should she expect him to act?
He pulled the door open to the mayor’s office, revealing a waiting area where an older woman sat behind the desk. Her dyed-blond hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, and she wore a green paisley dress with a fitted waist. The name plaque perched on the desk readDaisy Ellington.
“Why Hayden Kraus.” Her smooth Southern voice drifted over Cady like a warm summer breeze. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.”
“It’s my business to remember the people of our town.” She gave a pointed look at Cady. “Not so with you, young lady. I know I’ve seen you before, but I’m certain we’ve never met.”
Cady stepped to the desk. “I’m Cadence Vaughn. My dad is?—”
