Don’t Keep Silent

by Don't Keep Silent (epub)

  Liam felt uncomfortable with Brad’s comment, but he kept his composure and nodded. “Maybe. So you’re okay with this?”

  “Look, I was about to beg, okay? I thought I was going to lose you. I want you working here with me, Liam. This is a small price to pay.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Brad glanced at his watch. “Do you have time to get started this morning?”

  Liam again looked to Rae, and she gave a nod. “Let’s do this,” he said.

  Brad was all too happy to give them a guided tour of the resort. He beamed with pride, and Liam hoped his resort wasn’t involved in illegal activities like trafficking—drugs or human. Although those activities could happen without management’s knowledge, Liam wished they had a different lead to follow.

  Brad escorted them to the business offices, glancing often at Rae. “So as head of security, you’ll be responsible for the entire security department. It’s like you’re the chief of police of the resort. You keep our people safe from fires, industrial hazards, and everything to do with keeping people secure twenty-four hours a day. Work with the local law enforcement on all investigations. We have state-of-the-art security cameras, radios, and technology. Everything you would need to go with a salaried position.”

  Liam smiled. This was an opportunity for him to work in a pseudo law enforcement capacity, though it was completely different from his previous experiences. He was grateful to Brad for being so receptive to his needs. And to Rae for suggesting he simply be up front with Brad.

  Rae cleared her throat. Brad’s smile beamed at her. He seemed to be interested in Rae. Liam had to refrain from acting possessive. Rae hadn’t signaled to Liam that she wanted that from him. Though they’d shared a kiss last night, she’d ended it and rushed away from him. That was for the best. The kiss had been a moment of weakness on both their parts.

  He shoved thoughts of it away.

  “I’ll need to protect Rae, and I need her to stick close.”

  “What do you have in mind? You want her to work security with you? You’re both in training?”

  “I think I could do more if I worked somewhere else in the resort.” Rae held Liam’s gaze. “The sooner we end this, the better. I’d still be close, Liam.”

  She made a good point. “We can give it a try. If I don’t think it’s working, then you’re with me.”

  “And Brad, you understand this is only temporary for me,” she said. “I’m not going to stay on, like Liam. I’m only here to search for my sister-in-law.”

  “Did you work with Liam in the DEA?”

  “Not exactly. I’m an investigative reporter.”

  Brad hesitated as if he would ask her more. “Understood. For Liam, we’ll make this work. I’m sure we can find something for you to do. When Liam is filling out his paperwork, you can talk to our human resources manager, Natalie Ramirez.”

  “Thanks.”

  The tension eased from Liam’s shoulders. This had gone better than he’d expected.

  “Then let’s get going,” Brad said. “I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know where you are, or at least stay in contact, so I’m able to get ahold of you if needed. Why don’t you fill out your paperwork today and stay as long as you like to get familiar with what’s going on.” Brad slapped Liam on the back. “I couldn’t be happier that we’re going to be working together.”

  Liam smiled at his friend.

  Brad grabbed Rae’s hand and held on to it longer than necessary. “It was so nice to meet you.”

  Enough already. It was time to let Brad know how Liam really felt, despite his better judgement. He took Rae’s hand from Brad’s grip and weaved his fingers with hers, then gave Brad a look.

  Brad laughed. “I see how it is.”

  But Rae also gave Liam a look, one that stabbed him.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  1:17 p.m.

  While Liam was with Brad getting to know the resort security systems and protocols, Rae sat out in the hallway in a plush chair next to a bushy plant. Liam claimed he was protecting her when he led Brad to believe they were together. All well and good, but she didn’t want to pretend they were together, even for this “undercover” work. Ridiculous though it was, the thought hurt too much. Would that mean kisses that weren’t real? What about last night? He hadn’t exactly kissed her first. Instead, he’d leaned in close enough that she knew he wanted to kiss her. He’d ultimately left the decision up to her. And what had she done? She’d closed the distance. For a few sweet moments, she’d kissed him, and she hadn’t held back. Not one iota. She hadn’t had the strength to resist him. For a split second, she closed her eyes and remembered the sensations—heart-pounding, dangerous sensations.

  Even now at the memory, her heart thumped erratically.

  She couldn’t do this.

  Not now. Not . . . ever . . .

  Though it was a struggle, Rae forced the memories and emotions from her mind. Then she opened her eyes and looked at the employment paperwork she was required to fill out, though the arrangement was only temporary—for her, at least. All it had taken was a word from Brad. She concentrated on finishing. She would be a “floater” until Natalie decided where she would best fit.

  Were they going about this all wrong?

  Her reporter instincts were working like a broken compass and spinning in all directions. She had no gut feeling for this course.

  God, I need a direction in this. It seemed like every possible lead she chased down gave her very little return on her investment.

  Maybe Zoey’s disappearance had nothing at all to do with the trail they were following.

  Instead, Rae’s being here had somehow caught the wrong attention. Astor and Fox could be connected. If they could just track down the Hummer driver or whoever stole her laptop or knocked her off that slope, they would get some answers. So in that way, Liam was onto something. Hanging out here at the resort and actually working could let them see who was coming and going.

  Rae’s cell rang. Her heart jumped, and she answered. “Hi, Alan.”

  “A package arrived yesterday. I searched through Zoey’s things and found other similar packages. I think she has a stalker—obviously this stalker isn’t Simon.”

  “What?” Oh my . . . “Did you tell the police?”

  “I will tell them. I thought you should know. Be careful, Rae.”

  “Give me details. Tell me about the package.”

  “It was one of those tan book mailers. Inside was a used paperback thriller novel.”

  Rae scrunched her face. “How is that from a stalker?”

  “She had a stash of these books in her room in college.”

  “I think I remember, but I’m still not sure it means anything.”

  “Think about it, Rae. She got rid of those books. Why has she suddenly been receiving one a week for the last month? And get this, they’re coming from Wyoming. The last book was mailed the day she disappeared.”

  Rae sat up. So someone from Zoey’s past had kept up with her? “This person didn’t know she was missing when the book was mailed.”

  “Maybe it was the guy the video captured her leaving with. Maybe she confronted him. He’d already mailed the book before they decided to meet. The detectives are trying to identify him.”

  “Why don’t you tell the police?”

  “I want to do some research first. The books could be nothing at all. I don’t know what to think, Rae. I’m so desperate, I could be grasping at straws.”

  Rae understood that sentiment. She felt the same way. She had an idea though. “Okay. Let me know if you find anything else that can help. I need to go. I’ll be in touch.”

  Wyoming, huh? Samara Davidson had tried to call Rae, but she’d been distracted with all that had happened. She could ask her about Zoey and those thriller novels she’d had in college. Did they mean anything? Who had Zoey kept in c
ontact with since leaving Wyoming and changing her name?

  Liam was with Brad, and now wasn’t a good time to ask him to leave. Besides, she had a feeling this job could really work out for him. Brad was willing to allow them to conduct their investigation while working at the resort—seeming to get a thrill out of his role.

  The last thing Rae wanted to do was be the reason Liam lost a job. He hadn’t even gotten a good hour into his job here. She’d give him that, at least.

  Rae turned in the paperwork and didn’t wait for an assignment. Going to see Sam wouldn’t take long. She could be back before Liam even missed her.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  3:45 p.m.

  Samara Davidson’s Home

  Rae had called a cab for a ride to the hotel, where she’d left her rental car. Now she stood at the front door of Sam’s expansive home. She’d already stopped by the heli-ski facilities and learned Sam wasn’t in.

  She held her cell and would call if necessary, but she preferred catching people in the moment. Or rather, off guard. Sam wanted to find her daughter, that much Rae believed. Other than Rae and Alan, no one knew Zoey better than her mother, even though she claimed she hadn’t seen her daughter in years.

  The door swung open, and Sam’s smile was forced. “Ms. Burke. I wasn’t expecting you.” Then she gave a smirk. “And that’s your journalistic tactic.”

  “I missed a call from you. I figured I’d come see you in person, that’s all. And, oh, remember, you can call me Rae.” She thought they’d already gotten to first names. “I thought we were on the same team. Team Zoey. We have to find her. I shouldn’t need to use any tactics.”

  Sam nodded and opened the door wider. “Fair enough. Come in.”

  She led Rae to the kitchen. “After three decades of building a business that serves many people with unlimited resources, I just . . .”

  “You have an image. A reputation. You’re always on.” Rae set her bag on the counter. “I get it. But your daughter’s life could be at stake.”

  Sam’s hands trembled, and she cupped them around a big coffee mug. “I was just about to have some tea. Would you care for some?”

  “No thank you.” Sam seemed like the kind of woman who would be out there in the helicopters or somehow more hands-on. Not drinking tea. But given the situation, she was probably off her game. Still, she’d been living like this for years—not truly knowing how her daughter was doing or what she was up to.

  She poured the tea into the mug. “You know, I’m sure you’re well aware that with each passing hour, the chances that Zoey is still alive . . .” She tossed back the tea.

  Rae watched her—there was more than tea in that mug. No wonder Sam wasn’t at work. She couldn’t afford for her clients to see her intoxicated or uninhibited.

  “While I would agree that’s normally the case, this happened before. Zoey disappeared for a week during our college years. She came back. That gives me hope.”

  Rae wished it were more than that.

  Sam’s eyes widened, and once again, Rae saw Zoey in her mother. The resemblance was uncanny.

  “Let’s go somewhere comfortable.” Sam led her into a sitting area and plopped onto a comfy sofa. Rae eased onto a plush chair opposite the sofa. Bookshelves lined the walls behind Sam.

  “Tell me more about that time,” Sam said.

  Rae shared about the incident and how she took Zoey home with her, then Alan met and fell in love with her. “And the rest is history, as they say.”

  “Did Tawny love your brother?”

  “At first I think Alan offered stability. Kindness. He was safe. I know Zoey loves him deeply now. And their precious—” Callie. Tears choked back her next words. She had to focus. “Callie. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get choked up. I came here to ask more questions.”

  “If it will help find Tawny, then ask away.”

  “You’ve made it clear that you and Zoey were deliberately estranged. You kept your distance. But you know about your grandchild you’ve never met. When was the last time you communicated with Zoey?”

  Sam’s face paled. “I . . . uh . . . Tawny contacted me a few weeks ago.” Sam set her spiked mug of tea on a coaster and moved to the window. She peered out as if fearing someone was watching, then partially shut the mini blinds.

  “Before that, we didn’t communicate. It was too painful. She had to get a life of her own and live it, so she claimed. I had the distinct impression she wanted to protect me. But who do I need protection from? She claimed that any communication could . . .”

  “Any communication could what?”

  “Tip off her stalker. He had resources. I know it’s hard to understand from the outside looking in, but I finally came to believe that her decision was for the best. The only way. Or rather, I accepted it.”

  “But he’s dead now.”

  “I only just learned that. And Zoey was already missing.”

  “Do you think her disappearance is related to Simon Astor, or his death?” Rae asked.

  “I had hoped not.”

  What else could Sam know that she was not sharing? “How could they be related?”

  “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”

  It was Rae’s turn to get up. She peeked out the mini blinds. A small credenza edged the window. Pictures. Sam and Zoey as a teenager. Smiling with the group of heli-ski guides. One guide in particular stood with Sam and Zoey. Rae could look into that later. She walked the room, browsing the photographs. Those not of family were of the thrill-seeking skier nature—pristine snow-covered mountains. Rae stopped at the bookshelf.

  She found what she’d been searching for and tugged a Zane Williams novel, one of several, from the shelf.

  “Why were you sending these books to Zoey?”

  Apprehension surfaced in Sam’s eyes. Before she could reply, the front door opened and slammed.

  “Sam?” A man’s voice boomed through the house.

  The woman eyed Rae and gave a subtle shake of her head. She wouldn’t discuss the books in front of him? “In here.”

  The man in the picture with Sam and Zoey entered the sitting room. He spotted Rae. His frown was quickly replaced with a smile.

  Rae extended her hand and introduced herself but was careful, given Sam’s subtle warning.

  “Ivan Anatole.” His grip was strong. “Sam tells me you’re looking for Tawny.”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re a reporter and you think you can help the police?” His brows furrowed.

  Rae shrugged. “My brother asked me to help, but even if he hadn’t, I would be here now.”

  “Why do you think she’s in Jackson Hole?”

  “It’s complicated.” Still, she explained in general terms why she was there, but she left out that she had also been targeted. “I see you’re in photographs with Zoey. I mean . . . Tawny.”

  “I’ve been in her life since she was born, that is, until she left. Her father died, so I tried to be there as much as I could. Others on our team helped as well.” He winked at Sam.

  “Ivan taught Zoey how to ski,” Sam said. “He mentored her in guiding our clients on the slopes where we’d drop them.”

  Devotion glimmered in his eyes. “She was an expert skier. I always thought she should have gone for the Olympics. But she had other interests.”

  “And skiing with our clients, one of them, took her away from us.” Sam stared off into the distance.

  Rae had never known this side of Zoey. “I wish I could somehow know and understand her better. Maybe I could take one of those heli-skiing tours. Ski the same places.” Was Rae trying too hard? Truly understanding another was often vital in her search for the truth. But could it make a difference this time?

  “I wish you could too, but we’re booked for months out.” Ivan frowned. “Tawny will be found, and when she is, make her take you and show you her life before .
. .”

  Rae suspected he didn’t want to mention Simon’s name. “I’ll do that. You’re right, we’re going to find her.”

  Rae appreciated the hope Ivan expressed, though maybe he was forcing it.

  Ivan watched Sam, adoration along with concern in his expression. Then he turned his attention to Rae. “What else do you want to know?”

  “Anything that can help me figure out what happened.”

  He sat next to Sam and put his beefy arm around her. “Sam and I have called friends. We’ve called everyone we know to find out if they have seen Tawny. I have a friend who has access to facial recognition software, and he’s been searching too.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “I’m glad you’re looking into this.” He frowned and checked his watch. “But I have to get back now.” He kissed the side of Sam’s head, concern for her almost hiding the pain in his eyes. “Got to go, babe. Just wanted to see how you’re holding up. I’m glad you have company.”

  He popped up from the sofa and eyed Rae.

  “Thanks for what you’re doing. It’s good to know that someone like you is out there looking for Tawny.” He shook Rae’s hand again, a message in his eyes. Take care of Sam . . . After Ivan left, Rae looked to Sam, who seemed oblivious. Dazed, with droopy lids. How much had she had to drink already? Or had she taken something with the drink?

  “Ivan can’t sit still. He’s running everything for me. I had to leave today. I can’t focus until we know something. I don’t know what I would do without him.” Sam positioned herself against a pillow, legs curled under her, and closed her eyes. “I’ve held it together all these years, and now I’m falling apart.”

  Sam had kept it together because she’d known exactly where Zoey was, but now that Zoey was missing, Sam was crashing.

  Rae held up the book and thumbed through it. She didn’t want to leave without knowing more about the thriller novels—if there was something behind Sam’s mailing them to Zoey.