“What’s the ex-husband’s name?”
“Technically, he’s still her husband, and it’s Sean Sanders.”
“I don’t think anyone will mind if we refer to him as her ex.”
“Agreed.”
“Okay, are there any other players in this game we should look into?”
“When I asked her if anyone was mad at her or might want to cause problems for her, she mentioned her mom, his mom, and his best friend.”
“Her mom?”
“That’s what she said, but I didn’t ask for details.”
Byte nodded and started typing. “I should be able to get her mom’s name, as well as his mother’s name. When she wakes up, see if you can get the name of his best friend.”
“I will. Anything else?”
“Not that I can think of. I’ll let you know if—” Byte said, then stopped abruptly.
“What?” I asked urgently. “What is it?”
“Has Daphne said anything about her father?”
“No, why?”
“Because her dad is Walter.”
“As in Walter and Buck from the diner?”
“Do you know another Walter?”
“Are you sure Walter is her dad?”
“I can double check her birth records if you want, but he’s listed as a possible relative on every amateur background information website, and he owns the house she’s currently living in.”
“Shit. Should I call him and let him know what happened?”
Byte shrugged. “I don’t know. Do you think there’s a reason she hasn’t called him herself?”
“Maybe she just hasn’t had a chance to. We showed up—” My words were interrupted by the sound of a commotion in the common room.
“Twenty bucks says Walter just arrived.”
“I’m not taking that bet,” I said and got up to go see what was going on in the common room. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I knew Byte was right. I could hear Walter’s fear-filled voice echoing off the walls.
“My apologies, Walter,” Phoenix said. “We didn’t know she was your daughter. I think she’s asleep, but I’ll be happy to take you to her. Ah, here’s Dice. He can answer a lot of your questions.”
“Where is she?” Walter demanded.
“She’s in a room down the hall. I think she’s sleeping, but she’s okay. I mean, she’s banged up a little, but she’ll be okay.” I paused and shook my head. “No wonder she was able to fight him off. You must’ve taught her how to fight.”
Walter nodded proudly, and Buck bumped him with his shoulder. “You don’t get to take all the credit. Uncle Buck taught her a few things, too.”
“Dad?” Daphne said sleepily from the hall.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Walter said and rushed to her, with Buck on his heels. “Are you okay?”