She wanted to scream at the time wasted in explaining things to him. “No, no, no. My plant. Vince was sitting under the window last night. Now he’s gone.”

“Oh.” He looked puzzled by her obvious upset. “Bain was here. We can ask him.”

“Ask him now.”

Shrugging, Edge pulled out his cell and called Bain. From listening to Edge’s side of the conversation, she got that Bain was ticked at Edge for waking him and no, he didn’t have a clue where the freaking plant was. No one had stolen it while he was on duty.

After what seemed hours, Edge put his cell away. “Bain didn’t—”

“Could Bain have stolen Vince?”

His smile turned patronizing. “Bain’s more into stealing souls than plants. I’m sure Sparkle will—”

“Fuck Sparkle. Someone stole my damn plant and I want him back.”

Edge’s eyes widened. He couldn’t have looked more surprised if a plant, well, bit him. “If clothes make the woman, then your clothes have made you into one tough lady.” He grinned. “Not a bad thing.”

“No one messes with my plants.” Now how to back up the tough talk? “We have to start searching for him.” What if whoever took him killed him? She choked back a sob.

Just then she felt the tiniest brush against her mind. Weak and trembling, it was still recognizable. Vince was alive and reaching out to her. “Mama is coming, baby.” She yanked open the door.

“Where are you going?” Edge hadn’t moved.

“I …” I don’t know. She closed her eyes, took a deep calming breath, and then opened them. “Why don’t you tell Sparkle what happened while I check on my other plants?” Then she remembered. “You have the keys to the greenhouse, don’t you?”

Edge pulled them out of his pocket to show her. “While you’re checking on your plants, I’ll spread the word.” He pulled out his cell phone again. “I’d tap directly into everyone’s mind, but with so many shields to break through I’d sap all of my power.” His expression turned grim. “And I’ll never let anyone catch me at less than full power.”

Something in his expression hinted at a past experience, and at another time she would’ve been interested, but not now. “You know the castle. Where do you think I should start looking?”

He shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.” Edge followed her out the door.

All the way down to the greenhouse she prayed that by some miracle she’d find Vince there among her other plants. A brief glance around, though, dashed her hopes. She could feel her whole body slumping. Who could’ve done this? Her subconscious supplied a name. Airmid.