Silence in the Dark

by Patricia Bradley

  “Did you reach Bailey Adams?”

  Joel jerked away from the edge of sleep. “No. My calls still go straight to voicemail.”

  “How about Danny Maxwell. Did you try him?”

  “He doesn’t answer, either, although the phone rings several times before it’s routed to a message center.” Danny may have figured out the men after Bailey and Maria were able to track them through Bailey’s phone. If that was the case, her phone was probably in a ditch somewhere. He just hoped she wasn’t with it.

  “How about your parents? Have you heard from them?”

  “Finally. Unfortunately, my dad was taken to the hospital late yesterday afternoon. Suspected heart attack. My mother called me on a cell phone.”

  It surprised him that they had a cell phone. They didn’t have an answering machine on their home phone because neither of them wanted to learn how to program it, and from the way she shouted into the cell phone, his mother hadn’t quite gotten the hang of how to use it. She’d called because she wanted Joel to let “that nice lady bringing Maria” know they weren’t home.

  When Montoya returned to his iPad, Joel closed his eyes, but thoughts swirled through his brain. He didn’t understand why his boss was coming along on this trip, why he didn’t just send him to get Maria. Sure, Montoya was fond of the girl, but emotional attachments were not high on his list of priorities. “I could have handled this,” Joel said abruptly.

  Edward glanced up from his iPad. “I know that, but Maria is family. I would be very upset if anything happened to her and I hadn’t done everything in my power to protect her. Besides, I had a visit to Logan Point scheduled later in the month to discuss the new contract anyway, and it was no problem to move it up.”

  That sounded more like the Montoya that Joel knew.

  “What do you hear about Geoffrey Franks?”

  Joel uncapped the bottle of water in the cup holder on his seat and took a long draw of water. “I understand his trial is coming up soon but that he’s currently out on bail. Do you know who received the guns he shipped?”

  Montoya shrugged. “I thought it might be someone with the Calatrava cartel, but after I had another chat with Chavez, I learned someone has been waging war with the cartel and helping the local businesses to stand up to them. That person would have an interest in obtaining rifles.”

  “Do you know who it is?”

  “Chavez didn’t have a name, only that some of the businesses called him and his men the Angels of the Streets.”

  “You think it might be your nephew?”

  Montoya nodded. “He’s always seen himself as some sort of Robin Hood, and the description from one of the businessmen I contacted yesterday matches him. If it is Angel and the cartel knows it, the attempt to kidnap Maria could be tied to him instead of me. Of course, the kidnappers could be looking at a two-for-one—control Angel and at the same time jack me up for a ransom.” He paused and glanced at Joel. “We need a cover story for your bruises, like perhaps an automobile accident.”

  Joel gingerly touched his cheek. Shaving this morning had been an ordeal. “Why?”

  “This meeting with Phillip Maxwell is to convince him to continue the partnership with Montoya Ceramics. He was not happy with the notoriety from the Franks mess. If he suspects trouble between my company and the drug cartel, he might decide to pull the contract.”

  “Car wreck it is, then.”

  Four hours later, Joel shook hands with Phillip Maxwell.

  “Looks like you were on the wrong end of a punching bag,” Maxwell said.

  “No, unfortunately I drove a little too close to another car, and it stopped suddenly. I didn’t know an air bag could give you black eyes.”

  “They can be quite vicious.”

  It had been several years since Joel had seen the owner of Maxwell Industries. He was an older version of Danny and just as fit. The door opened, and Joel turned as a man entered the paneled office. This had to be the nephew, Ian, whom he’d never met. The family resemblance continued except he appeared more businesslike in a navy suit and white dress shirt. Joel couldn’t imagine Danny in anything other than the jeans and pullover he’d always seen him wear.

  “Ian, meet Edward Montoya and his assistant, Joel McDermott. They’re here to discuss the new contract, and I wanted you in on the discussions since Danny couldn’t be here.”

  An easy smile appeared as Ian extended his hand, first to Edward, then to Joel. “My pleasure. Run into someone’s fist?”

  Joel went through his explanation once more, then asked about Danny. “I thought he might be here.”

  “He was here earlier.” Ian tilted his head toward Joel. “I’m a little confused. I thought he flew to Mexico to see you yesterday, and yet he was here at the plant earlier. Then he left, saying he had to do something for Bailey. Do you know why he came back so soon from Mexico?”

  Evidently Danny had not yet told them what had transpired. He shook his head. “I saw him briefly yesterday, and then I learned he had returned to Logan Point with my niece and Bailey Adams. Unfortunately, my cell phone isn’t working properly, so I haven’t been able to contact him or Bailey.”

  “Let me try him on my phone.” Ian dialed a number and waited. “Danny. Where are you?” He nodded. “I see. Are you coming home anytime soon? Edward Montoya and Joel McDermott are here, and Joel is inquiring of you.” A frown furrowed Ian’s brow. “He seems to be fine.”

  Ian listened for a minute longer, then glanced toward Joel. “Danny’s out of town right now,” he said, moving the phone away from his mouth. “He said he would call you when he gets back.”

  “May I speak with him?” Joel had been right that Danny was ignoring his calls. If he didn’t talk with him now, Joel wouldn’t hear from Danny—he’d bet money on it.

  “Hold on, Joel wants a word with you,” Ian said and handed Joel the phone.

  “Danny, I have a little problem I think you can help me with.” He walked to a corner of the office, away from the others, and lowered his voice. “I’ve tried to call Bailey, but her phone must not be working. Are they all right?”

  “She and Maria are fine. From what Ian said, I assume you are as well. When I get back to Logan Point, I’ll contact you, and we’ll meet.”

  “You’re not going to tell me where they are?”

  “Not over the phone.”

  “Then give Bailey a message for me. Tell her my father has had a heart attack and is in the Corning hospital. They won’t be able to take Maria now. I’ll pick my niece up this afternoon and take her back to Mexico with me.”

  There was silence on the other end, then murmuring. Danny wasn’t by himself. “If Bailey’s with you, may I speak with her?”

  “Which hospital?”

  His question confused Joel briefly. “Community Hospital—it’s the only one. But why?”

  “I’ll let her know. Where can I contact you later?”

  It was evident Danny wasn’t going to let him speak to Bailey. “Just call my phone.”

  “Is it working? Sheriff Ben Logan has been trying to reach you, said no one answered.”

  Joel took his phone out of his pocket and checked it for missed messages. There were three from a number he didn’t recognize. “I never heard my phone ring,” he said.

  “I’d rather not call you on that phone, anyway. Do you have another number?”

  Joel thought for a minute and then gave him Edward’s number. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”

  He rejoined the group and handed Ian’s phone back to him. “Thanks. Do you know where Bailey might be if she was in Logan Point? My niece is with her, and I’d like to pick her up.”

  “Why don’t you just call her?” Ian’s eyes held suspicion. “You can use my phone again.”

  “I don’t think it’s my phone but hers. I’ll try, though.” He dialed the number. Nobody answered. “It went straight to voicemail, like it has every time I’ve tried to call her.”

  Phillip Maxwell spoke u
p. “Bailey would more than likely be at her mother’s bed-and-breakfast.”

  Yes!

  Before he could inquire about the location, Ian said, “Why is your niece with her?”

  “Maria has never met my parents since they aren’t well and couldn’t come to Mexico. They couldn’t even make my sister’s funeral. Bailey is her teacher, and since she planned to return home for a short visit—something about her sister coming home—I thought it’d be a good way for my parents to meet their granddaughter.”

  “It’s more complicated than that,” Edward said. “There is much turmoil in Mexico. We thought it best for her to visit her grandparents at this time.”

  “We?” Phillip looked from Joel to Edward.

  Joel nodded. “Edward is Maria’s great-uncle. His nephew Angel Montoya Guerrera is Maria’s father, and not to be trusted. That’s why I want to get in touch with Bailey. We believe he is with them.”

  Bailey rubbed her forehead. Joel was in Logan Point. “So he’s okay?”

  “Sounded like it. Said he intended to pick Maria up this afternoon and return to Mexico with her.”

  “This afternoon? What about his parents? Isn’t he going to take her to see them? Or at least see his father who’s had a heart attack?”

  He shrugged. “Do you still want to find them? I think I know where the hospital is.”

  Why would Joel want to take Maria back to Mexico? Nothing made sense. She realized Danny had asked her another question. “What?”

  “Well, do you?”

  “Do I what?”

  “Do you want to look the grandparents up at the hospital? Find out what happened?”

  “Yes. I was just trying to figure out why he’d take her back to Mexico. That’s where someone wants to kidnap her.”

  “Yeah, I know. The turn we need to make to the hospital is up ahead. What do you want to do?”

  “Go to the hospital.”

  Once they arrived at the hospital, they went to the Information Center, where Bailey inquired about what room Joe McDermott was in.

  “Surgical ICU. Only family is allowed in to see him.”

  “I see. Where is the waiting room?” They followed the directions the volunteer gave them, and when Bailey inquired if anyone with the McDermott family was in the waiting room, the receptionist spoke into the intercom.

  “Would someone with the McDermott family come to the desk, please.”

  Shortly, a petite wisp of a woman approached the front. “I’m Sue McDermott. Is something wrong?”

  “These folks want to see you.”

  She glanced toward them, puzzlement on her face. “Hello. I’m Sue. Can I help you?”

  Bailey stepped toward her. “Mrs. McDermott, I’m Bailey Adams. I’m the teacher who brought Maria from Mexico. We were supposed to be at your house last night?”

  Sue McDermott raised her hand to her lips. “Oh, dear. You didn’t get my message? Never mind. Thank goodness you’re here.” She looked past Bailey. “Where’s Maria?”

  “I didn’t bring her; she’s with my mother. I didn’t want to bring her to the hospital until I knew more about what’s going on. How is your husband?”

  Tears pooled in her blue eyes. “Not good. The doctors say he needs an operation, but the stubborn old coot doesn’t want to do it. And now he’s using Maria as an excuse, says he won’t have it until he sees her. She’s our only grandchild, you know. When can you bring her?”

  Bailey didn’t know what to tell her. “Have you heard from Joel?”

  “Late last night. He can’t come. Something about business. He’s never really had time for his father. They don’t get on well, you know.”

  No, she didn’t know. But at least now she understood why he didn’t mention seeing his father.

  “Claire and her father were close, at least until she married that Mexican man. Angel Montoya.”

  Could the man Sue McDermott mentioned be their Angel Guerrera? She looked over Sue’s head and met Danny’s gaze. The expression on his face indicated he had the same thought she did.

  The older woman grabbed Bailey’s hand. “You will bring her this afternoon, won’t you?”

  She patted Sue’s hand. “I’ll see what I can do, but it may be tomorrow.”

  “Thank you. He’ll die without the operation, and he’s just stubborn enough to not have it unless you bring the girl. Or wait until it’s too late and has another heart attack.”

  As soon as they were out of Sue’s hearing range, Bailey turned to Danny, but he held his hand up. “It can’t be him—he was killed two years ago. Besides, there are a lot of men with that name in Mexico, something Angel pointed out when we first met.”

  She cast a sidelong glance at him. “Why would he do that?”

  “Because I mentioned meeting a kid named Angel on my first trip to Mexico when I was twelve years old. Maybe the boy I met was Edward Montoya’s nephew.”

  “Claire’s husband and Maria’s father,” Bailey said.

  “Yeah.” He held the door open for her.

  “Angel Guerrera definitely has an interest in Maria. Another coincidence, and I’m not a big believer in coincidences.”

  “Me either, but if Angel is Maria’s dad, why didn’t he come forward after her mother died? Why would he let Joel have custody of her?”

  Bailey shrugged. “Maybe he couldn’t. Maybe he was in jail.”

  “Or injured.”

  He said it with such finality that she shot him a curious look. “You’ve remembered something else.”

  “Yep. I commented on how well he spoke English, and he said he’d had practice in an American hospital recently.”

  As soon as they were in his SUV, she said, “What if he was just waiting for the right time to take Maria? Maybe even Solana is in on it.”

  “Come on, Bailey. You’re letting your imagination run wild. Solana is a victim.”

  “You’re probably right about that, but I need to call and check on Maria.”

  Before Bailey could call, Danny’s cell rang. “Ian” flashed on the console ID. “Let me catch this first. Won’t take long.” He pressed a button on the steering wheel, and the call went to his speakers. “What do you need, Ian?”

  “I don’t need anything. But I just left a meeting with Montoya. Those friends you mentioned that came back with you from Mexico. One of them wouldn’t happen to be Angel Montoya, would he?”

  Bailey’s breath hitched in her chest. Danny held up a warning hand. “Why do you think that?”

  “Can’t you just answer a yes or no?” Ian snapped back.

  “He hasn’t told us he’s Angel Montoya,” Danny said.

  “A word of warning then—Edward Montoya emphasized he’s not to be trusted. Just wanted to let you know.”

  “Thanks. We’ll be careful with him. Is McDermott still there?”

  “No, he left about an hour ago.”

  “Thanks.” Danny ended the call and glanced at her.

  “So our hunch was right.” She rubbed her thumb against her palm. “Why didn’t he tell us?”

  He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “I don’t know. He doesn’t trust anyone . . . Maybe he plans to tell us when we get back.”

  She gave him a sour look and took out her new phone. “I need to see where they are.” As she waited for the call to go through, she said, “I noticed yesterday you hadn’t taken me out of your address book.”

  “Hope springs eternal.”

  Her cheeks grew hot from the wicked grin he shot her.

  Kate answered on the first ring. “Where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you.”

  “Sorry, we’ve been busy,” Bailey said and put the call on speakerphone. “Where’s Maria?”

  “She’s with Robyn, and they’ve gone shopping for clothes. But the reason I called—Joel McDermott just left. He was looking for you and Maria. I told him you wouldn’t be home until later this afternoon. He said he would come back.”

  “Was Angel there?”

>   “No, he had already left with Robyn.”

  “Good. We should be home in another hour.” She wanted to get there before Angel discovered Joel was in Logan Point. When Angel found out, he might take Maria and disappear. “By the way, Mom, we think Angel is Maria’s dad.”

  “Are you just now figuring that out?”

  Bailey exchanged glances with Danny. “How did you know?”

  “If you’d ever paid attention to the way he looks at her, you would have known. But you’ve had so much else on your mind.”

  “One of us should have realized it,” Bailey muttered and hung up.

  14

  At a traffic light, Angel glanced back at Maria in a booster seat in Robyn’s Camry, and contentment filled his heart, if only for a moment. Buying his daughter new clothes was only the start of what he wanted to do.

  “Look, Angel, a park! Can we stop?” Maria entreated him with her big blue eyes.

  “Miss Robyn might not have time.” Angel queried Bailey’s sister with raised eyebrows.

  She glanced up at the traffic light, then checked her watch. “My stomach agrees with my watch that it’s time to eat. If you don’t think it’s too cold, why don’t we stop and pick up something for lunch and have a picnic?”

  The sun had warmed the day up, and even if it was a little chilly, Maria now had a down jacket, as did Solana. He turned to her. “How does that sound to you?”

  Solana’s eyes danced. She seemed to have forgiven him for his questions last night. “It is a beautiful day. We should not waste it.”

  At the next block, Robyn wheeled her Camry into a small grocery. “They have really good sandwich meat here. I’ll pick up what we need. You can wait here in the car.”

  Maria unbuckled herself and threw her arms around Angel. “Thank you.”

  “Thank Miss Robyn too.”

  His heart warmed once again as Maria thanked her and threw kisses at Robyn. Claire had done well with Maria before she died. The thought of his wife twisted the knife in his heart, shredding his contentment. He had failed her. He must not fail his daughter.