Chapter 93

Hailey's lips quivered. Cole almost lost his balance climbing onto the bed to be closer to her.

“Wha… do you… I mean, how come?” she finally found her voice.

“Vanessa didn't send any money yesterday, so she was supposed to be in court this morning. But she didn't show up. The court issued a warrant for her arrest, but when they got to the mansion, Vanessa and her mother were gone.”

Cole saw Hailey panicking, so he squeezed her hand.

“What do you mean they're gone? How could those two outsmart the cops?”

“I doubt they left this morning. They probably left last night. We don't know if they're still in the city, hiding, or out of the country.”

“All hands are on deck; the cops are working on it, and I'm sure there will be news soon.”

Hailey released his hand and massaged her temples. “What about Eric? He should know where they are. Or did he flee with them?”

“No. They found Eric at the house. He said he had no idea where Connie and Vanessa went, but it was probably around midnight while he was asleep. The cops took him in for questioning, but I don't think he'll be released until we find Vanessa.”

Hailey sighed deeply. “So what happens now?”

“The good thing is, Vanessa is wanted, and Connie is her accomplice, so you can rest assured they won't bother you again once they're caught. I'm sure we'll have news about their whereabouts before the end of the day.”

“I made sure the cops sent guards to your place. I doubt Vanessa or her mother will attack directly, but it's better to be safe. Let the guards stay until we find Vanessa. They'll also follow you if you go out, but they'll keep their distance.”

“Okay, thank you. I hope to hear from you soon.”

“Sure. I'll keep you updated. Take care.”

The call ended.

“The day she's finally in prison will be the happiest day of my life,” Hailey mumbled.

“Come here, love.” Cole reached for her, but she remained where she was.

“Where could they have gone?”

“Please don't stress yourself, honey. The cops will find them.”

“How do we know they aren't planning something else?!”

“Enough with those thoughts. You're pregnant and need to avoid stress.”

Hailey frowned. “How do you know?”

Cole playfully scratched his nose. “I watched you sleep last night and did some research on early pregnancy. You're in a crucial period and need to be careful.”

Hailey heaved a deep sigh. “I don't mean to freak out, but I'm tired of it all. I thought it would end today, and now they're missing.”

“It's unexpected, but they can't hide forever. They're not smarter than the cops.”

“I find it hard to believe Eric is their accomplice.”

Cole placed his hand on Hailey's, and she didn't pull away. “Don't think about him. Your good heart might make you make excuses for him.” Hailey shook her head. “I wouldn't make excuses for anyone guilty. It's just logical to think he might not know where they are.”

“I understand, babe, but it's not worth stressing over. If he's innocent, the cops will find out and release him.”

“He’s still my father.”

Cole groaned. “Please don't start, Hailey.”

“Yes, I know he wasn't the best father. I don't like him, but I wouldn't want him in jail for something he didn't do.”

“Please don't defend him, Hailey. You wouldn't want to know how carefree he was when you went missing. Even after you returned and he learned the truth about what his wife and daughter did, he still housed them and entertained them. He should have known that if nemesis caught up with them, he wouldn't be excluded.”

“I know you still have some love for Eric, but please don't let it bother you.”

“Yeah! I just hope they get caught soon.”

“They will.” Cole reached for his phone, scrolled, and dialed a number, putting it on speaker.

“Who's that?” Hailey whispered, staring intently.

“I'm not leaving this to the cops alone. All hands must be on deck.”

Hailey was about to speak when a deep voice said, “Good day, sir.”

“Secus. I need you to track down Vanessa and her mother. I need a report ASAP.”

“Okay, sir.”

Cole ended the call.

Seeing Hailey's look, he said, “Secus is my PI. He knows Vanessa well. I hope he gets information on her.”

Hailey nodded, resting her head on Cole’s shoulder. “Life is strange, isn't it? How can we experience joy and sadness at the same time?”

“Hey,” Cole cuddled her, placing a hand on her belly. “Our happiness will be our priority. Vanessa isn't as smart as we think. She and Connie will be caught. We can't let their actions steal our joy, okay?”

Hailey nodded against Cole's shoulder.

“What can I do to make you smile?” He slipped his hands under her pajama top, making her giggle. He gently squeezed her breast, then started pleasuring her.

Hailey's smile grew. “Are you jealous?”

“A bit.”

“You don’t want to share with your child?” She chuckled.

“You’re mine.”

“Well, that’s one sacrifice you have to make; it'll be off-limits for you for a year.”

“That’s a lot of sacrifice.”

Hailey bit her lip. “Are you up for it?”

“I have no choice. Then I better get to work, enjoy it while I can.” Cole almost buried his head under her pajama top, then pulled back, looking into her eyes.

“Do you still feel sore?”

“A little. But I know your lips will make it feel better.”

“Uhhhh, yes, baby.” Hailey moaned as Cole kissed her. Her heart raced when he slipped a hand into her shorts.

A Few Hours Later!

Cole walked toward his car, phone to his ear. “I'm really counting on you, Jess. Vanessa and Connie must be found. They must pay for the hurt they caused us.”

“Don't worry, Cole. All hands are on deck. I'm sure we'll get good news soon. How's Hailey holding up?”

“She's trying to be strong. I came home for my laptop and clothes. I'll be staying with her for a few days. I need to keep a close eye on her and the kids.”

“Okay, that's good. I'm sure they need you now more than ever.”

“Yeah. I also have something to tell you, but I'd rather tell you in person.”

“What is it?”

“No, don't try to convince me. We'll talk when we see each other.”

“Come on, Cole. You've made me anxious. Just tell me.”

Cole was about to give in when he saw a late-model Audi speed into his driveway. He frowned, wondering who it was. The car stopped in front of him, and a familiar face got out, approaching him.

“Cole! Hello? Are you there?” Jessica’s voice came through the phone, but Cole said nothing. His attention was on the approaching figure.

Before Cole could speak, the figure grabbed him by the collar and pushed him against his car. “Where is Vanessa and my child?”