Belly of the Beast

Chapter 55

Walking into the penthouse after our trip to the hive felt like Miller time. Not for me, of course, and Vincent wouldn't be caught dead drinking an over-the-counter beer, but it felt like the drama was finally over. The necromancer had been reduced to dust, Christoph was safe, and my family was home and healthy.

While I tucked Henry into his crib, Vincent asked his mom to bring her surgical supplies over to touch up her handiwork on my back. As I rummaged for a sports bra that would give her better access to the wounds, Vincent walked into the room. His cellphone hung loosely in his hand, and he looked paler than usual. My first instinct was to run.

"Please, don't tell me you have bad news," I said. "Not again."

He sat heavily on the bed, and I joined him, taking his hand. But I really, really didn't want to hear what he had to say.

"Colin is missing."

"What? Why? How long has he been gone?"

"He left the Lassiter's about one AM this morning after sleeping off a hangover. Then he turned off his phone and nobody has heard from him."

"How do you know his phone didn't just die?"

Vincent turned his pale, stony features on me, and the look sparked a memory about domus protocol. "We don't let our phones die, and we don't turn them off. You know that. Something isn't right."

"Surely, it's too early to worry. It's only been twelve hours." I tugged on my lip, trying to think of something to reassure him. "What about the cabin? Maybe he went there to think. He's had a lot thrown at him lately. I mean, isn't that why he was out drinking with Rizzo and Adam for the past two days? He probably just wants to be alone right now."

"He can be alone and still keep his phone on."

"Should we send someone to the cabin to check?"

"Claudette and Rizzo are already on their way."

I nodded, squeezing his hand a little tighter.

What the hell are you up to, Colin?

"I'm going to call Sylvie. He may have talked to her."

I snatched my phone off the dresser and pressed Sylvie's speed dial number as I paced the room. The call went straight to voicemail. "Hey Sylvie. Call me when you get this message. It seems Colin has skipped bail, and his family doesn't know where he is. I was checking to see if he contacted you. Love you." I lowered the phone and stood in front of Vincent. "Her phone went straight to voicemail, which means she's either put it on do not disturb, or..."

"She's turned it off," Vincent finished for me. "Is it unusual for Sylvie to turn off her phone?"

"Yeah. It kind of is. What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking you should call her at work and see if she's there."

I was dialing the attorney's office as he spoke, and the leggy receptionist, Felicia, picked up on the first ring. "Harper and Smythe law offices. How can I direct your call?"

"Hi, Felicia. It's Reese Valentino."

"Hi, Reese. How are you? How's that adorable little boy?"

"We're both well, thank you. Hey, I can't seem to get Sylvie on her cell. Can you patch me through to her desk?"

"Sylvie isn't at her desk. She called out sick today."

"Oh? Well, no need to patch me through then. She probably just turned off her phone so she could get some rest. Thanks anyway, Felicia."