She's lying, and I know she's lying. It only makes sense that Abel sent her. Nobody would think twice about the young, innocent girl coming to see her sister. The hospital staff already knew Abel was not allowed visitation rights. This was his way in. And I am a fool for not considering that he would use anyone, even a child, even at the risk of her own severe punishment. He fed her to the wolves, completely disregarding the consequences for her. It does not inspire confidence that he will have any mercy for my wife.

I study Evangeline for a long moment, considering how to handle this. I don't often deal with children. I know almost nothing about them, except for what I learned from looking after Mercedes. But that was different.

I lower myself to one knee, meeting Evangeline's gaze directly. She sucks in a sharp breath, her eyes moving rapidly over the ink on my face. She does not seem scared but fascinated, and it surprises me.

"I need you to tell me where your sister is. It's for her own safety."

"She isn't safe with you." She glares at me. "I saw her. She was a wreck."

Shame washes over me as I dip my head in acknowledgment. "I know. And I regret that."

Evangeline watches me curiously, her brows pinching together.

"But she isn't safe with Abel either. I know he's your brother, but he has plans for Ivy that you aren’t aware of. He will harm her if you don't tell me where she is."

"He wouldn't." Her lip wavers as she denies it, but I can see the questions in her eyes.

"He would. And I think you already know he's capable of it."

She's quiet for a pause, and when she blinks again, tears splash against her cheeks. "I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to. I don't know where she is."

Marco returns, capturing my attention from the landing. Mrs. Moreno is beside him, watching him with annoyance after he rifled through her belongings.

"I didn’t find anything, boss."

I stand and direct my sharp gaze at Mrs. Moreno. "Anything else you'd like to tell me?"

"I don't know where Abel is," she huffs. "Or Ivy for that matter. Whatever plan they concocted is between them. I am terribly ashamed of them right now, truth be told. If this gets out to The Society, it will ruin us. They think of nobody but themselves."

"Very well." I turn to Marco, gesturing to the little girl. "Take her for collateral. We'll bring her back if my wife is returned alive."

Evangeline looks at her mother, eyes pleading. Mrs. Moreno does not utter so much as a protest.