The Cherished Wife

Charles pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Didn't you quit?"

Peter snatched the pack from Charles, his lips tightening. "Since when did you become my mother?" Charles squinted. "You managed to come down without a single scratch. I've got to say, I'm impressed." Peter quirked an eyebrow, locking eyes with Charles in a direct challenge. "Do you need me for something?"

"You're really playing for keeps with Anna, huh? Decided you're not letting go?" Charles straightened up, turning to lock gazes with Peter, his long fingers casually draped over the steering wheel, though his eyes were sharp as daggers.

Peter shot him a look. "Quit probing, Charles. If I wasn't serious, I wouldn't still be here."

It felt like every whisper of the wind and rustle in the grass was a threat, only those he kept close could ease his mind.

Tania had been gone for three years, seven months, and thirteen days. It was enough time.

Peter toyed with his cigarette pack before finally speaking up. "Kelly's been hanging around Kerlsberg a lot lately. I've got no clue who's taking her there. She's a live wire, so watch your back." He continued, "Leverage your inside contacts to spread the word about my mother-in-law's illness. You've got a bigger network than me, so this should be easy for you, right?"

Charles's lips twisted into a sly smile. "You always make sure you come out on top. You've given me a tip, so I won't just sit back and watch. Give me two weeks."

wait any longer, and neither can my mother-in-law,"

Charles's gaze hardened. "Fine."

and unfolded his long frame from the seat.

it's not

in the car, lost in thought, until he finally grabbed his phone and dialed Lareal.

from the fruitless search. "Maybe she's not in Carvonia?

Peter's gut screamed that Tania was there. Jack had vanished

him a moment to rol down in the window, revealing a man and a woman. The woman's smile

Peter's voice was icy, cutting through her

off. "Just here

brow creased. "And

faltered. "I'm