Chapter 298
Briony finished packing her suitcase, then walked over to her daughter and pulled her into a gentle hug, planting a soft kiss on her little cheek.
“Mommy knows, sweetheart.”
Little Nina had grown up surrounded by love; her heart was full of security. So for her, Briony’s business trips were nothing to worry about.
When Briony wheeled her suitcase downstairs, Carney was already up.
Carney and James were sitting in the living room, sipping tea and chatting quietly.
They both looked up in surprise when they saw Briony with her suitcase.
“It’s so late–where are you going?” James got up immediately, approaching her and giving her a quick once–over. He noticed her eyes were a little red.
His brow furrowed. “Did something happen?”
Briony’s grip on the suitcase tightened slightly.
“Stewart just called me.”
Carney stood as well, concern in his voice. “What does he want this time?”
James clenched his jaw, anger simmering. “Did he threaten you again? Is he using Little Nina against you? Four years have gone by, and he hasn’t changed a bit!”
“This time it’s different.” Briony met their eyes. “He says he’s found my mother.”
Both Carney and James froze in shock.
“He told me that after my mom disappeared years ago, he hired a whole team to search for her. For four years, they haven’t stopped looking.”
James looked skeptical. “You really think Stewart would go out of his way like that? What if he’s lying to you?”
Carney’s expression turned grave. “I doubt Stewart would stoop so low as to use the dead for manipulation. Where does he want you to go?”
“He asked me to meet him at the airport. Says the place he found my mother is remote, and I’ll
need at least a week.”
“I’m coming with you, James insisted. “Whether it’s true or not, I’m not letting you go alone. Let’s see what Stewart’s really up to.”
“Exactly” Carney agreed. “James should go with you. That way, Mrs. Winslow and I won’t have to worry so much.”
Briony sighed. “He won’t let me bring anyone.”
“He won’t let you?” James burst out, indignant. “Well, too bad for him–I’m coming anyway!”
“James!” Carney cut in sharply. “If Stewart’s being that clear, you need to stay out of it.”
“But-”
“Not another word,” Carney said, shooting him a warning look.
James fell silent.
Carney turned back to Briony. “Go on, and be careful. Check in with us every day so we know you’re safe.”
Briony nodded. “I’ll leave Little Nina in your and Mrs. Winslow’s care.”
“Don’t be silly, just go, Carney said, then patted James on the shoulder. “You can at least drive her to the airport.”
“Yeah,” James muttered, clearly unhappy, but he took Briony’s suitcase from her. “Let’s go.”
As soon as Briony and James left, Gwendolyn White came downstairs.
“Bryn’s gone?” she asked.
“James is driving her to the airport,” Carney replied, sitting back down and pouring more tea. “Is Little Nina asleep?”
“Mhm. That little girl sang herself a lullaby and barely finished the first verse before she was
out.”
Carney chuckled softly. “Such a little imp. I wonder where she gets it from.”
Gwendolyn sat across from him on the sofa. “Did Bryn say what’s going on?”
“Stewart claims he’s found Julia Hudson.”
“What?” Gwendolyn was stunned. “Is that true?”
“I was just as shocked,” Carney admitted, “but I don’t think Stewart would joke about something like this. After all, when Julia disappeared, they never did find her body. If she really is alive, it would be the best thing in the world for Bryn.”
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