Page 129 of Shattered By the Currents

“Dusty, could you get me a beer?” Ward called, before he turned back to Connor. “I followed up on that account Alexander Stevens was trying to access. The one in Raven’s name. Apparently, he wasn’t the first to try to get that money out.”

Connor frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Bank already received a call from a woman claiming to be Raven Price. But she didn’t have enough information. Makes me wonder if they roped in a third person, a woman, for help.”

A woman had called the bank impersonating Raven. And Briar had been close with Nathaniel.

His skin prickled, a sickening thought coiling in his gut.

He lifted his phone and called Raven.

Pick up, Raven. Answer the call.

“What’s wrong?” Ward straightened. “You got a lead on something?”

“I think it was Briar who called the bank. She was involved with Nathaniel. She could have gotten involved in the business.”

Zac cursed beneath his breath as he stood.

“Who the hell is this Briar?” Ward growled.

Connor didn’t stick around to explain anything. He sprinted out of the bar and toward his truck. He started to climb behind the wheel, but Zac snatched the keys from his fingers. “I’m driving.”

“Zac—”

“I’m not arguing about this, Connor.”

He cursed and ran to the other side. The second Zac pulled out of the parking lot, he sent a message to his team.

Connor: I need everyone to Deep River Residence now. Briar may have been working with Xander and Nathaniel, and Raven’s not answering her phone.

The three texts of confirmations came in fast succession.

When they reached the parking lot of the assisted care facility, Connor saw her car.

She should be here.

He climbed from the truck and raced toward the entrance.

The common area was almost empty, but voices and the clatter of dishes sounded from the dining hall. He ran in there, spotting her parents immediately.

Craig looked up first, concern creasing his brow as he stood. He met Connor halfway across the room. “What’s wrong?”

“Is Raven still here?”

“No. She left about twenty minutes ago.”

Fuck. “What about Briar?”

Craig’s brows shot up. “Briar?”

“Hi.” An older woman wearing a Deep River Residence shirt stopped beside them. “Are you here to find Herbert?”

“Herbert’s missing?”

She nodded. “Well, yes. I assumed that’s why you’re here. Someone called you, right?”

Was he connected to this too? Or was it a coincidence? “Is Briar Allen here?”