“I’ll be fine. It’s… a confidential matter,” Becca said, doing her best to slip past Virginia. She wasn’t quick enough. Virginia grabbed her wrist. “I’ll wait here until you get back. You need to eat.”

Her mother’s obsession with feeding her was so comfortably predictable, Becca wanted to laugh. “That sounds good, Mama,” Becca said, hoping everything would go well, and she would have the opportunity to sit across from her mother and eat her food, and just talk, allowing all the bitterness and blame to fade away. She reached out and hugged Virginia. Her mother tensed, surprised by the gesture. It would be so nice to stay right here, but Raya was counting on her.

“I’ll see you soon.” Becca pulled away and headed to her car, refusing to look back, afraid she’d lose her nerve entirely.

She headed downtown, the city lights twinkling in the distance. Her phone buzzed, the Bluetooth ringing loudly in the car, startling her. She saw Christian’s name flash across the caller ID on her dashboard. There was no logical reason why she should answer, but she’d never been logical when it came to Christian. His voice boomed through the speakers. “What in the hell were you thinking? Going to see that kid was insane. Do you realize how much shit you’re in?” Christian said.

“You wouldn’t understand,” Becca said.

“You’re right. I don’t understand. Jesus Christ, Becca, this isn’t about you. Did you think even for one second how your visit might affect this emotionally unstable kid?”

She’d considered it, but went anyway. Some therapist she was. Becca’s voice wobbled. “He’s the only person who can lead us to Mo.”

“Nate was the only person, and now he’s in the wind. Faked a seizure. When the medical staff intervened, he attacked them. Do you understand what I’m saying? Nate escaped. He’s out there somewhere, Becca, and he’s very dangerous.”

A shiver ran through Becca. She thought of Mo’s demand, insisting Becca bring Nate to her. Nate had given up Mo’s location fairly easily. Maybe this was another part of Mo’s plan? It didn’t make sense that Nate would go along with it. Not if he really loved Ash. Maybe she underestimated Nate’s devotion and commitment to Mo. She could see all the red flags, how her plan might backfire, but she could see the Boulevard Inn looming in distance. She couldn’t give up now. “I’ll be okay, Chris.”

“Becs, you don’t know that. Tell me where you are and I’ll come and get you.”

She could hear his desperation. “I’m sorry. I know it won’t make sense to you, but I have to end this. I can’t let her hurt anyone else.”