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“Thanks, no” Aidan crossed over and sat in the upholstered chair across froet down to business”

He waited until Vance had taken a seat beside his wife, using that ti in particular was on her aze had faltered a bit when she’d told hioing on—now

“Is there so you want to tell me?” he asked bluntly

Susan looked startled, then sed hard and nodded “Jessica and Andrew—our other two children—they’re asking questions and worrying about their sister’s less-than-friendly texts I’ve waylaid theent adults, Aidan If they beco around on their own That could be disastrous I want the; that’s fine with me But at this point it’s more harmful to keep them in the dark than it is to be frank and ask for their silence, just as you did mine”

Aidan wasn’t particularly surprised by the request In fact, he was relieved that’s all that Susan ithholding So like this he could and would deal with—now

“I appreciate your position,” he said “But this situation needs to stay controlled Including you is as far as I’ this You’ll have to keep your other two kids in the dark It’s the only way to ensure mistakes aren’t made Lie if you have to and tell thereat time in areas that have terrible cell reception It’s only for a few days Please don’t ht you into the loop”

Susan bowed her head, grappling with her emotions When she looked up, her cheeks were stained with tears “Fine,” she said “I’ll do as you ask”

“Will you?” Aidan searched her face, seeking the confirmation he needed

“Yes I will—for Lauren”

“Good” She wasn’t lying Aidan would have spotted that immediately

Dashing away her tears, Susan leaned forward “Tell us where things stand Do you knohere Lauren is? Do you have a rescue plan in place?”

“Susan, let Aidan talk before we start firing questions” Vance’s rigid body language belied his gentle ad not to take control of this conversation But he was clearly trying to be pragmatic as a father could be under these circumstances

“All right,” Susan replied, although the barrage of questions was still flickering across her face “Go ahead, Aidan”

“Start with your overseas tea on at this end thanks to Simone”

“I intended to do just that,” Aidan replied cal into panic He’d give the he comfortably could—and then elicit their help “My tactical tearaphic area where the kidnappers are holding Lauren We believe she’s somewhere in Croatia”