His gaze swung to his open door, where his assistant stood, looking nervous. Grant swallowed what would have been a nasty reply. “Yes, MaryBeth?” he asked, as civilly as he could. MaryBeth had been working the same hours he had and the dark circles under her eyes confirmed it.

I need to hire more people.

“There’s a woman who says she needs to see you.” She held up her hand when he started to repeat his instructions that he not be disturbed. “Her name is Tracy Simon. She says it’s urgent.”

Grant felt the blood drain from his face. No. Please, no. Tracy was his brother’s partner on the force. No good came of visits from police officers to the next of kin.

Let him be alive. Please.

He stood, his legs like rubber. “Send her in, please.”

MaryBeth gave him a concerned look, but knew better than to ask him if he was all right. Or maybe she was simply tired of his reply of “fine” whenever she did.

She didn’t ask much anymore, he thought numbly. Not since January, more than a year ago.

My God. Had it been that long since— He shook his head hard. He still couldn’t think his sister’s name without a sharp stab of pain. He sent up a silent prayer. Please don’t let me lose Wesley, too.

Except those prayers hadn’t been answered with his sister, so why would God start listening now?

Tracy Simon entered his office and quietly closed the door. She was normally a cheerful woman, but today she looked grim.

Grant choked out his question before she could begin. “Is he alive?”

She swallowed hard. “I don’t know.”

Grant sank into his chair. “What does that mean?” he whispered.

She sat in the client chair. “Wesley’s been taking a lot of weekends off lately. For some of them he’s used his vacation time, others he’s taken sick leave. A lot of sick leave, Grant.”

Grant shook his head, confused. “Is he sick? He hasn’t said a word.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. All I know is that he took vacation days this time. When I saw him last Friday morning, he said he’d be back Thursday morning. He never showed up for our shift. For the last three days I’ve called his cell and his home phone and got no answer. He’s going to be put on suspension, although I’m surprised it hasn’t happened before now. I’d hoped you’d know what was going on, but it doesn’t look like you do.”

“No,” Grant murmured. “I don’t. Do you know where he’s been going?”