by Kathy Ivan
Antonio nodded. “That’s actually pretty smart. Put some distance between her and the thugs out to get her. At least she didn’t try to hide from the government, at least not right away. I’m going to assume they moved her again to a new location, new ID, the whole shebang.”
“Witness protection got her out, relocated her to Lincoln, Nebraska. She worked in a mall. Not the most glamorous job, but easy enough she could get lost in a crowd if needed. But the next hired assassin found her easy enough. Too easy, if you ask me, but then I don’t work for WITSEC.” Antonio could almost hear the silently added, because if I did this sure as heck wouldn’t have happened.
He held the still unopened file on Sharon Berkley in his hand, wanting to hear everything Williamson knew before digging into the case. The agent seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, and a lot of insight into a case Antonio wasn’t completely familiar with, other than what he’d seen on the evening news or what he’d read in the press, and even then it had been a couple of years ago. Firsthand knowledge always added intriguing layers to a case, giving a perspective to things which might otherwise be overlooked.
“Sharon Berkley worked on the second floor at the mall, having earned her way up to store manager for a lingerie shop. Took a lunch break and headed for the food court to grab a bite. Somehow she ended up going head first over the railing and landed on the first floor. Witnesses couldn’t say for sure what happened, but Sharon told the police at the hospital she’d been pushed.” Williamson took another drink of his coffee, before continuing. “The police report on the incident’s in your file. Officer taking her statement at the hospital said she seemed jumpy and nervous, flinched at the slightest noise. No broken bones, but a badly sprained wrist and lots of bruising. Doctors were concerned she had a concussion, and insisted she be kept overnight.”
“Lemme guess,” Antonio quipped. “She disappeared from the hospital.”
“Bingo. Sometime between four a.m. and six a.m. when the nurse went to check on her, she’d ghosted. Never went back to her apartment. Left her purse and all her belongings behind at the hospital, right down to the clothes she wore. The hospital was missing one pair of scrubs. Security footage showed her exiting through the loading dock at four fifty-seven. She was limping, wrist bandaged and her arm in a sling, but she hightailed it out to the parking lot and disappeared off the camera. This time she didn’t contact WITSEC, and nobody has heard from her. At all. The identity she’d been given in Vegas and the one she’d been using in Lincoln have had no activity since. She hasn’t been spotted on any facial recognition software at airports, train stations or bus stations. In other words, we have no clue where to find her. It’s like she’s vanished into thin air.”
“So, basically, nobody has seen Sharon Berkley for what, at least two years?”
Williamson nodded. “Give or take a few months.”
Antonio stood, still holding the file on Sharon Berkley and picked up his hat and the file on James Berkley. “Got a place for me to spread out and work?”
Williamson stood and walked around his desk. “Check with Michelle, the woman who showed you in. She’ll get you set up at a desk and make sure you have computer access for whatever you need.” He paused and met Antonio’s gaze. “We have to find Sharon Berkley. Nobody’s safe if Big Jim Berkley is walking the streets a free man. She’s the only one who can assure we put him away for good.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Antonio tapped the folders. “I’ll find her.”
Williamson slapped him lightly on the back. “Welcome to Austin, Boudreau.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Early morning at Daisy’s Diner meant wading through the crowds to find an empty table. And she was late, because Serena had barely slept a wink the night before. She still hadn’t figured out why she’d let Ms. Patti talk her into staying in Shiloh Springs. Then again, most folks didn’t say no to Patti Boudreau. The woman was a force of nature, sweeping everyone along in her wake. Serena’s eyes scanned the diner, finally spotting the group she’d come to meet at a table about halfway toward the back.
Tessa Maxwell waved, motioning her forward, and Serena maneuvered between the chairs and the booths against the wall, until she slid into the last empty seat at the table. “Morning, ladies.”
“Good morning, sunshine.” Without a word, Tessa grabbed the coffee carafe and filled Serena’s cup. Thank goodness. Serena wasn’t a morning person, preferring to sleep in whenever she could, especially on the weekends. Getting up while it was still dark outside meant she wasn’t a happy camper on the best of days, especially when she hadn’t had her caffeine charge, but today she felt extra growly. Stirring in some sugar, she took a sip and moaned as the warmth seeped deep into her bones.
“I may have to worship at Daisy’s feet. I swear the woman makes a mean pot of coffee.” She took another sip and gave a contented sigh. “I see y’all started without me.” Each woman had a plate in front of them, loaded with breakfast foods. Now she had some life-saving coffee in her system, the smells of bacon and sausage, pancakes, and cinnamon buns hit her. Darn it, somehow with all the drama yesterday, she’d forgotten to eat. No wonder she felt lightheaded and surly.
“Hi, Serena! What can I get you?” Daisy stood across from her, a smile lighting her face. Although she had to be running herself ragged, judging from the crowded diner, she seemed to bubble with energy. Serena smiled at the sapphire-blue streaks Daisy had added into her blonde hair. They were quirky and fun, like the woman standing before her with an order pad in her hand. Not that she needed it. She couldn’t remember a single time she’d come in when Daisy messed up an order. When it came to the diner, her pride and joy, Daisy never missed a beat.
“Diet’s going out the window this morning. I’ll have a stack of pancakes with a side of bacon, and a glass of O.J.”
“You got it. Be right back.” Daisy practically bounced toward the counter, pausing to chat with a customer before heading to the large open window to place Serena’s order. Before Serena even had time to finish her coffee, Daisy was back with her juice.
“I’ve only got a minute, because things are crazy busy this morning as you can see, so I can’t chat too long. What’s up with y’all?” Daisy leaned over Tessa’s shoulder, keeping her voice low. “Anything interesting happening I should know about? It’s been so nuts around here, I feel like I’m missing out on all the good gossip.”
Jill Monroe shook her head. “Same old, same old with me. Work’s driving me bonkers. Boss is an idiot. I swear, it’s a miracle he can tie his own shoes.” Glancing down at her plate, she stabbed at the sausage patty, and Serena cringed at the poor, unfortunate soul who’d inspired Jill’s ire. They’d better watch out. Jill might be small in stature, but she was fierce when pissed off, and apparently her boss was stepping on her last nerve.
Beth Stewart, Tessa’s sister, smiled shyly. Beth wasn’t a Shiloh Springs local; instead she was visiting her sister for a much-needed break. Tessa had urged the other ladies at the table to befriend Beth, because she was still suffering from the aftershocks of her now ex-husband’s actions. Serena couldn’t imagine the anguish Beth suffered, knowing the man she’d married, the father of her child, tried to kill her sister, and had planned to kill her too.
“I’ve got nothing.” Serena picked up her juice. “Thought I had a big fish on the hook, but he decided Shiloh Springs’ small town charm wasn’t ‘right’ for their new store. Sometimes you can’t teach idiots, especially when they’re wrong.”
Daisy shrugged. “Their loss. We are awesome.” Her words were accompanied with a cheeky grin and a waggle of her eyebrows.
Serena glanced at Tessa then, since she was the last woman and hadn’t chimed in. Oh, yeah, she was definitely hiding something, though she didn’t seem upset, more like—excited. “Okay, Miss Schoolmarm, spill it. You’re vibrating with the need to talk. Go for it.”
Tessa rolled her eyes, then stuck out her tongue, and Serena made a playful swat at her. “Wow, t
alk about stealing my thunder. I planned on waiting until we’d finished breakfast, but here goes.” Lifting her hand from under the edge of the table, she turned it, spotlighting the diamond on her left ring finger. “Rafe asked me to marry him.”
Loud squeals erupted from the women seated at the table, and Daisy grabbed Tessa in a hug, since she was closest to her. “Oh, sugar, congratulations!” she beamed. “I guess this means you’re staying in Shiloh Springs permanently.”
Tessa chuckled. “I guess it does.”
“Congratulations, Tessa! I’m happy for you.” Serena meant her heartfelt words. She remembered the day she’d met the feisty redhead. On the day Tessa moved to Shiloh Springs, as her realtor, Serena had an appointment to meet her at the house Tessa had rented, to drop off the keys and copies of the lease. Running late and without a number to contact her, instead Rafe Boudreau caught Tessa climbing through the window in the now infamous bathroom break-in story, which he took great glee in repeating to anybody who’d listen. Instantaneous and undeniable chemistry between the two exploded and hadn’t dimmed one iota since, and Serena remained convinced they’d be happy together. How could they not, they were perfect for each other.
Several minutes were spent examining the beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring on Tessa’s left hand, and Serena had to admit it suited Tessa perfectly. Rafe had made a good choice.
“If y’all need anything, gimme a holler. I’ve got to get back to taking orders and serving grub.” Daisy hugged Tessa again and headed back toward the kitchen. Serena’s gaze met Beth’s and she couldn’t help but read the sadness in the other woman’s eyes. Although several months had passed since her husband had gone to prison, Serena couldn’t imagine how stressful Beth’s life had become, especially having to raise her young daughter alone. Jamie was a bundle of joy, energetic and happy. She seemed to be handling her father’s absence better than her mother.
“How are things going with you, Beth? Have you considered moving to Shiloh Springs full time?” The last time Beth had visited Tessa, she’d toyed around with the idea of relocating from North Carolina, making a brand new start away from the memories of her ex-husband and being closer to the only family she had left.
“I was planning to talk to you and Ms. Patti.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve contacted a realtor in North Carolina, and I’m putting the house up for sale.”
Tessa reached over and pulled her sister in close for a hug. “I’m so happy. I swear, you’re going to love Shiloh Springs. Plus, you already know practically everybody, so it’s not like you’re uprooting your life and moving to a town full of strangers.” She grinned. “You’ve got us!” Tessa gestured toward the other women at the table.
“Anything I can help with, you know I’m there.” Serena smiled at Beth. “But you seem a little, I don’t know…sad this morning. Can I help?”
Beth shook her head. “It’s nothing. Well, it’s not nothing, but I’m trying not to dwelling on it. I—got a letter from Evan a couple of days ago.”
“What? How’d he know you were here?” Outrage tinged Tessa’s voice. “I’ll call Rafe, and have him talk to the warden. Evan shouldn’t be allowed to harass you—”
“Stop! He’s not harrassing me. He mailed the letter to the North Carolina address. The Millers have been forwarding everything to me once a week, after tossing out all the junk. The letter was in the stuff I got from them.”
Tessa flopped back in her chair, muttering under her breath. Evan Stewart wasn’t her favorite person, Serena knew, since the man had tried to kill her when she’d first moved to Shiloh Springs. He’d been trying to steal a county bond, one which had been in Tessa and Beth’s family for over a hundred years, and was worth millions. He and his partner-in-crime, who happened to be Tessa’s ex-boyfriend, held her hostage until Rafe and his brother rescued her, and put Evan and Trevor behind bars.
“What did he want?”
“Calm down, Rambo. He wanted to know how Jamie was doing without him around. He misses his daughter. I think he wants me to consider bringing her for a visit.”
“Uh-uh, no way! You can’t possibly be thinking it’s a good idea, right?”
“Of course not. I would never take Jamie anywhere near her father, especially with him being locked up. He deserves everything he’s going through. He brought it on himself by being such a no-good you-know-what.”
Serena watched the interplay between the sisters, saw the love and friendship, the special bond being part of a family shining through, and felt a twinge of guilt. She’d had that once. A family she loved with all her heart, until they’d done something so heinous she’d had to turn her back on them and walk away. But it didn’t mean she’d stopped thinking about them, or stopped loving them. She simply couldn’t be a part of the life they lived, not and be able to look at herself in the mirror.
“What else did the jerk’s letter say?” This from Jill, who’d sat quietly throughout Tessa’s diatribe about Evan, his letter, and the blunt instrument Tessa planned to use upside his head if he even hinted about bothering Beth or Jamie again.
“Mostly how sorry he is for everything.” She glanced at Tessa. “He wants to write and tell you personally he’s sorry, but he’s afraid to, you know, because of Rafe. I think he’s afraid of your fiancé.”
“He should be,” Tessa mumbled.
“It’s funny, he spent a lot of time talking about some guy in the SuperMax prison out in Colorado, and how he’s this big cheese. It’s like he’s got a man crush on this dude. Went on and on about how he’s got a whole bunch of followers who practically worship the ground he walks on, a lot of his fellow prisoners. Said this guy in Colorado has been meeting with his lawyers a lot recently, although it’s all been very hush-hush. From the way he talks, I think he might be one of this guy’s newest converts.”
Serena’s muscles tensed with each word Beth spoke. It couldn’t be possible. What were the odds of Beth’s ex knowing anything about her uncle? No, she had to be wrong. There were other charismatic prisoners all over the country. Didn’t mean the one Evan Stewart was enamored with was Big Jim. They weren’t even in the same prison. Evan was in Huntsville and Big Jim was in ADX Florence, one of the most secure prisons in the world.
“Evan said rumors started trickling down through the grapevine this guy, who was apparently nabbed by the feds, is angling for a new trial, and the scuttlebutt amongst the other prisoners is it looks like he’s gonna get one.”
“His prison grapevine sounds better informed than some of the paparazzi following the stars.” Jill tried to lighten the conversation, but Serena’s thoughts rolled through her mind at breakneck speed. Evan’s letter couldn’t possibly mean Big Jim. Her uncle had been convicted, with more than enough evidence to keep him behind bars for eternity.
“Did Evan mention this man’s name? The one who’s trying to get a new trial?” She tried to keep her tone light, though the clenched hands in her lap belied the calm façade she projected.
“Hang on,” Beth said, before digging in her purse. Within a few seconds, she pulled a crumpled envelope out, and waved it like a trophy. “Got it right here. It’s…Berkley. James Berkley. Evan called him Big Jim.” She scoffed. “Like he knows him personally or something. Not likely, since he’s hundreds and hundreds of miles away.”
The breakfast Serena had just finished threatened to do a repeat performance, and she closed her eyes, willing her stomach and her mind to calm. This couldn’t be happening. She knew she should have listened to her gut the second she saw the stupid picture in the magazine, instead of letting Ms. Patti talk her into staying. She needed to leave, hightail it out of Shiloh Springs before the feds or one of Big Jim’s goons tracked her to the real estate office.
“Well, ladies, it’s been fun, but I’ve gotta run.” She inwardly winced at her choice of words. “I’ve got a full day ahead of me.” Reaching into her purse, she pulled a twenty out of her wallet and tossed it onto the table, her hands shaking and her mind
racing. “I’ll see you later.”
Tessa and Jill stood and gave her hugs, and she squeezed them both tight, her heart breaking because she’d probably never see them again. These lovely women had opened their hearts and their lives and become her best friends. Would they understand she was doing what she thought best? If she stuck around, they could all be in danger. While the feds would put her back in witness protection, if Big Jim’s men got to her first, they wouldn’t care who else might be around. They’d simply look at the women as collateral damage, lives easily discarded and tossed aside, as long as they accomplished their final goal—eliminating her. She stiffened her spine, and looped the handle of her bag over her shoulder.
Maybe someday she’d be able to come back, or let them know why she’d run. But life was filled with maybes and somedays. It was for the best to let them forget her, let her become a fond memory of somebody they once knew. Serena wasn’t willing to put their lives, their futures, in jeopardy.
Pausing at the door, she took one last look back at the four women, and silently wished them happy and healthy lives, filled with laughter and friendship and love. All things she knew weren’t part of her future. Didn’t matter though—it was time to run—again.
Run, as far and as fast as she could. Her only regret was she’d never see Antonio Boudreau again. Her one secret fantasy, the light in her darkness, and he’d never know how she felt about him. Because it was too late, and she had run out of options.
She had to disappear.
CHAPTER FIVE
The alarm buzzed as the steel door swung inward. Big Jim Berkley watched the guard motion his lawyer through the doorway, whispering something to him as he entered. Jonathan Drury appeared pale, his skin carried a sheen of sweat, and he’d bet his palms were clammy to the touch. Nodding vigorously to the guard, Jonathan stepped the rest of the way into the visiting area. Big Jim wasn’t worried. It was probably the guard’s routine warning to stay on his side of the table, and far away from the dangerous prisoner. Blah, blah, blah. He chuckled. Like he’d do anything to upset the applecart at this stage of the game. Nobody in their right mind was stupid enough to rock the boat when they were trying to get out of this cesspit.