Chapter 13.2 Missing Linc
KPOV
As soon as Elliot and I get home from the masquerade he crawls into bed and passes out. Normally, I'd be upset that he didn't at least attempt to get a little nookie from me, but tonight it's a perfect opportunity to start my research.
I start by going into public records. There's all the information on his and Christian's dad. I realized that I didn't care about the details before and I'm a bit ashamed. Gideon was right I'm a journalist I should have checked him out way before now. The only excuse I can offer myself is the fact that I was respecting Ana's wishes, but even as I say that to myself I know it's a load of bull.
With those dark thoughts running through my head I turn off the computer and head to bed for the night, deciding to look at it more tomorrow.
Sunday morning dawned gloomy and rainy. I spared a random thought that I was glad that the rain had held off until after the masquerade. I spend the whole day going over every single detail on the life and times of Gideon Cross I can find. As far as I can tell everything seems to be everything he says it is; two half-siblings other than Christian. Just about as rich as Christian although I'd have to see both of their portfolio's to know for sure who's winning the money race. It looks like he and Eva hadn't been dating for very long and as her step-father has money I doubt she wants for anything. He had been engaged years ago for a while but that seems to have ended amicably with her marrying someone else not long after. The more I find the more ashamed I am of my behavior the night before.
I should really just trust Ana's opinion more. Deciding to look through everything one more time I came across a picture from Gideon's engagement party of Gideon and someone name Corrine with friends and family in the background. Every time I look at it I get an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Studying it for what seems the millionth time I find my gaze drawn to someone in behind the bride-to-be. He seems to be an older gentleman, and he looks oddly familiar.
Looking at the caption I see the name Linc; Corrine's godfather.
The name rings a bell but I can't quite put my finger on how or why. I figure that the only way to know is to see if Ana has any idea who he is. Checking the time I see that it's still early enough to call her.
While the phone is ringing I keep staring at the photo racking my brain for why this man is hitting my alarms. Finally Ana answers the phone, "Hey Kate, what's up?"
"Hey Ana, don't be mad, but I decided to do some research on Gideon and Eva and I found-"
"What the fuck do you mean that you did some research on my friends? How could you disrespect me and my wishes like that?"
"I know Ana, I'm sorry! It's just I had a bad feeling about everything. I'm sorry please don't hate me."
I can hear her sigh through the phone, "Of course I don't hate you, but you have to respect people's boundaries."
"I know, it won't happen again, but listen...I found this picture of Gideon and his ex and there's a man in the background and I can't place him. Does the name Linc mean anything to you?"
All I hear is Ana's panicked voice shouting, "HOLY SHIT BALLS!" right before I a loud thud.
"ANA! ANA! Are you there are you ok?" My only answer is Christian's voice coming over the phone screaming her name as well...