The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 59

After calming Jonas, I looked up to see Jared sauntering over from the far end of the beach, his face completely devoid of guilt.

"Where's Xavier?" I shouted, storming toward him. I didn't care that we were on a public beach; I grabbed him by the collar and yanked him close.

His calm expression was infuriating, almost mocking. "How dare you ask me where Xavier is?" Jared sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

"Don't test me, Jared. Start talking," I growled.

I didn't have time to waste deciphering his word games. Every minute of delay meant Xavier could be in more danger.

"Xavier's such a good kid. He just wanted your love, and when you wouldn't give it, he begged me to step in and play dad for him," Jared said unhurriedly, his brows arching with disdain as he looked at me. "You don't deserve a son like him."

Did Xavier end up missing because he played such a game with Jared?

I glanced down at Jared's empty hand and let out a cold laugh. "What game could last this long? Don't tell me it's some kind of human trafficking game?"

If Jared was going to lie, at least make it believable. A grown man coming up with such a clumsy excuse was kind of naive.

"Can't you trust people a little—"

"Enough. I don't have the patience to listen to you."

The beach was massive, and finding someone there was no easy task.

If Xavier had wandered off on his own to play, that would be one thing. But if he'd fallen into the sea…

I couldn't bring myself to imagine the consequences. A cold sweat broke out across my back.

"Stop standing around," I barked. "Help me look for him!"

I rarely lost my temper, even with Yvonne and Jared. But this was different. This was my son.

After I found Xavier, I swore I wouldn't let Yvonne and Jared have him.

Jonas tugged on my hand, his small face full of worry. "Daddy, I want to help find Xavier."

His determination broke my heart, but I couldn't risk putting him in danger. "Jonas, the best way you can help me is by staying safe, okay?"