61

BRANDON

Pauline shows me the text message from an unknown number, but I believe it’s Silvanus’s doing. The message is very precise and simple: "Give us Pauline and you will have your cousin."

That’s all. No locations. No further contact information.

I curse under my breath, knowing they didn’t want to make this easy. They want to torture me for it.

Pauline is shedding tears nonstop, and her hands are quivering. Casey is impassive, and her eyes contemptuous whenever she looks at Pauline.

“I knew it!” Casey barks, walking back and forth in my living room. “Who else would want this woman but him? Why don’t we just give her to them?”

“Casey, it isn’t that simple,” I answer. “And for God’s sake, can you please sit down for one second. My head hurts watching you walk around.”

She finally stops and throws a glare at me. “How can I be calm? They didn’t even give you the information. Nothing. Nada. And there’s only one possible way to get Ollie back, and that is if you give her to Silvanus.”

“N