Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 376

“Where is everyone?” Hayden rushed to the Winchester Firing Range, expecting to find a bustling crowd practicing their aim. Instead, he found only Kieran, who was grilling the owner with questions. Julie was nowhere to be seen.

The place should have been at its peak hour, teeming with enthusiasts, yet it was eerily empty, as if everyone had been evacuated.

The owner, jittery as a leaf in a storm, responded to Kieran, “Today someone booked the whole place for a private event, but I can’t disclose client information. They just left a while ago…”

“Who?” Hayden, clueless about the situation, looked at Kieran for answers.

Kieran uttered two words with a steely edge: “Rowan.”

He handed his phone to Hayden, showing him the last message from Julie, then swiftly snatched Hayden’s phone from his pocket to call Payne Hernandez, his movements so quick that Hayden frowned in surprise.

Kerry was furious, that much was clear.

“Phone number?” Kieran demanded the moment Payne picked up the call.

Payne’s voice carried a hint of defeat, “Damn, too many firewalls. Only got Kleist’s.”

After rattling off a string of digits, Payne added, “Track down Kleist’s address.”

Once Kieran hung up, he dialed Kleist using the number Payne had provided.

Kleist stared at the unknown caller ID, hesitating to answer. Then, from the back seat, a voice cut through his indecision: “Answer it.”

Kleist pressed the green button and was about to speak when Kieran’s voice came through, unmistakable and commanding, “Let Rowan take the call.”

Caught off guard and unable to pretend ignorance, Kleist reluctantly turned to his boss.

Rowan was lounging with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment’s hesitation, Kleist relayed to Kieran, “I’m sorry, Mr. Hernandez, my boss is currently resting…”

Before he could finish, Rowan’s eyes snapped open, and with a sharp glance, he gestured for the phone.

“Mr. Hernandez…” Rowan’s voice was loaded with meaning.

“Has Mr. Kyle taken someone he shouldn’t have?” Kieran asked, his clenched fists betraying the ice in his voice.

Rowan, ever astute, understood the call was about Julie. But as far as he knew, the woman had left the firing range over an hour ago.

“Mr. Hernandez's reference to someone taken inappropriately wouldn't happen to be a lady, would it? If so, that’s unfortunate because she left the firing range over an hour ago. If you’re seeking her from me, I’m afraid I can't be of help,” Rowan said, turning off the phone and tossing it back to Kleist.

“Back to the hotel,” he ordered coldly.

As soon as Kieran’s call was cut, Payne rang in, “Kleist is on the Inner Circle Freeway, but... he’s turned off his phone. I’ve sent you the last known location.”

With the last known location from Payne, Julien speculated, “If he’s taking that exit, he’s headed downtown. I’ve shadowed Rowan for a while. Can’t get close, but he’s been holed up at the hotel mostly.”

Kieran glanced at Hayden, “Check where Camilla is now.”

“Camilla’s involved?” Hayden asked.

Kieran shook his head, “Not sure.”

If Kerry said he wasn't sure, it meant he might know something. When Kieran said he had no idea, it meant he was truly in the dark, just grasping at straws.

Hayden nodded, “Got it.”

Julien pointed out, “If Rowan says he let Julie go, then he definitely did.”

Rowan was a man of stature; even if he had taken Julie, there would be a reason. It wouldn’t be senseless, and given his status, he wouldn’t deny it if he had. What would be the point in playing games?

Kieran, however, felt otherwise. He snatched Hayden’s gun from his belt and Julien’s dagger from her boot, got into the car, and took the wheel.

“Lost your mind?” Julien watched her dagger fall into Kieran’s hands.

Dylan Pierson, who had arrived late, grabbed Kieran’s arm and blocked the car door, having overheard everyone’s conversation. He frowned, “You’re going to storm in there blindly? What if she’s not with Rowan?”

Hayden, unusually tense, rubbed his brow, “I’m more worried about what happens if Joyce is actually with him.”

“I’ll check the security footage around the firing range,” Julien said, turning away.

“Let go,” Kieran looked up at Dylan, who was still holding the car door.