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."

it a week. I can't wait any longer, and neither can my

Charles's gaze hardened. "Fine."

and unfolded his long frame

certain," Peter admitted. "But if it's not my Uncle

until he finally

weary from the fruitless search. "Maybe

it." Peter's gut screamed that Tania was there. Jack had vanished into Carvonia years ago, never to

a tap on the window. Squinting, he made out two figures through the glass. It took him a moment to rol

something?" Peter's voice was icy, cutting through

"Just here to visit

creased.

smile faltered. "I'm Layla,