The Vincent Boys 02 - The Vincent Brothers

to her friends. You spent what, one meal with her? I don’t think that’s enough time to decide about a person’s loyalties. She annoyed you but Lana doesn’t seem like a girl who’d put up with someone who had no good qualities. She’s pretty damn guarded. If she calls Jewel a friend then there is something about Jewel you don’t know.”
    Beau had a point.
    “You know, you’re right.” I stood up and reached for my phone. I now had Lana’s mother’s number on my speed dial.
    “Who you calling?” Beau asked, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.
    “Lana’s mom. I need Jewel’s number.”
    Beau nodded, “Now, you’re thinking.”

    After getting Jewel’s phone number and assuring Lana’s mom I’d call her if I found out anything, I quickly hung up and dialed the number she’d give me.

    “Hello?” A bright chipper voice said after the third ring.
    “Jewel? This is Sawyer Vincent,” I replied.
    “Oooooh, well, isn’t this a surprise? I don’t recall giving you my phone number, Sawyer Vincent. Did you miss me so much you went to the trouble of hunting it down?” she cooed into the phone. Beau was wrong about this. I was already cringing. Now the chick had my number and the ability to annoy the shit out of me.
    “Uh, yeah, well, I’m hoping you can help me out—”
    “Anything you want, I’m sure I can accommodate. I’m very talented with my hands... and mouth.”
    She didn’t know how to take a hint. That much I was sure of.
    “Have you spoken to Lana recently? Has she called you? I know her mom has called you and you didn’t know anything but I’m desperate. I need to find her. If there is anything you know please, please tell me. I need her. Please.” I stopped begging and prayed silently this phone call wasn’t in vain.
    “Uh, wow. Um, what the heck happened with you two? I mean her mom called and was worried and I thought maybe Lana had taken off because of her dad or something. I’ve been expecting her to call me but she hasn’t yet. Is this your fault? Did you hurt her?”
    The small ray of hope I’d had was extinguished. I’d known better than to think Lana had run off to Jewel. Besides, it was impossible. Who would have taken her to Jewel? This girl really didn’t have a clue.
    “I need to speak with her. I need to see her. If she calls you or you have any idea where she could be, would you please call me? I’ll pay you for your trouble; just please let me know if you can think of anything. I’m not looking for her for her mother’s sake. This is for me. Just me.”
    “Ooookay Sawyer Vincent. I’ll be sure to let you know if anything comes up. But dang, I’m curious now. Did little Lana Banana snag herself a guy finally? I hope so, ‘cause the girl is way past due.”
    Gripping my phone tighter, I worked on controlling the need to tell the bitch off. The sole reason being that I couldn’t burn this bridge.
    “Just call me if you hear anything, okay?” I repeated.
    “Sure, sexy. In the meantime, you could come visit me. I’d make you real happy. I’m staying at Kiva Dunes condos on West Beach. Unit 103. My room is on the far corner looking straight at the water instead of the windows facing the pool.” I tuned her out as she drawled on. The girl didn’t have a clue.
    “No thanks, just, if you hear anything. Thanks.” I pressed end before she could tell me how happy she could make me.
    “Well?” Beau asked
    “She knows nothing. Your guess about her having some winning qualities was way off course.”
    “Huh,” was his only reply.

Chapter Twenty-Two

    Lana

    The music was thumping outside my window and the strangers I didn’t know filling up the living area of the condo were getting louder. I would think since this was a condo that the people in the other units would complain. But apparently this was a party hub. The speakers out at the pool were blasting dance music. I could hear the same noise going on over my head. This entire place was crazy. It wasn’t a large building. It had, at the most, 30 units and according to Jewel they were all used by their owners. They weren’t rented out. I closed my blinds to give me a little privacy. Three different people had already knocked on my door. After the second knock, I stopped answering. Drunk guys with equally drunk girls looking for a place to have nasty, unprotected, disease infested sex. Shuddering at the thought, I went to the private bathroom attached to my room. I was