The Chauffeur

by A. P. Hallmark

“Wait. Are you sure it was a ship’s horn and not music playing?” my dad asks.

  “Yes, it wasn’t the radio or anything like that. It was a ship for sure. Why?” My father looks at my mother and they both smile. Grace runs to get her cell phone and starts to dial.

  “Rebecca, hello, it’s Grace, dear, how are you?” “Great, listen, were you out at the lake a few days ago?” After a few ‘ums’ and ‘uh huh’s,' she hangs up and comes over to let us know what’s going on.

  “They were out at the lake, Carl. I told her we were out there and I thought I heard their horn. She said that’s the way Dale greets people he knows who live around the lake. I bet if we ask them to tell us who all they know, we can get an idea where he sounded his horn, and narrow it down.”

  She’s at the lake. We need to find her within twenty-seven hours.

  “Dad, do you have the money together? Just in case we don’t get to her first?” I fear he didn’t have sufficient time to put that much cash together.

  “Yes, I have it. Don’t you worry, we’ll find her.”

  Chapter 25

  ~Jason~

  I wake and check my cell for the time—five o’clock. I don’t think I got more than four hours’ sleep. Tossing the phone back on the nightstand, I throw my head back into my pillow and lay my arm over my eyes, and my first thoughts are of April.

  April’s pregnant. I keep running that fact over in my mind. There’s nowhere safe for her kidnappers now. If anything happens to her and our baby, they will die, and then I’ll bring them back to life and kill them again.

  My mind is alert, so I get up to shower before heading down for some much-needed coffee. Walking to the doors that lead out to the balcony, I open them and take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh morning air. Glancing over at April’s black windows, I recall the night I stood here, in this very spot, while she had her dinner party. Lord, how I would love to hear the clatter of dishes come across the courtyard again.

  It’s been several days since I’ve been inside the apartment because I don’t want to smell her there. I thought about her car and scolded myself for my selfishness because I should keep it running for her. Maybe I should even water her plants. I don’t think she’d like to come home to see all her ‘babies,' as she calls them, dead from neglect.

  After taking a quick shower, I dress in jeans and an old shirt knowing we may spend a considerable amount of time with Kate and Helen. Lacing on a pair of Docs, I hurry downstairs and find Rita already busy in the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Rita,” I say as I make my way to the coffee pot to pour a cup.

  “Good morning, Jason. Um, I have something I need to tell you,” she says, her cheeks reddening. I also note she begins to fidget. “I knew about April’s pregnancy.” I turn to face her.

  “You what?”

  “I overheard April and Emily discussing it while they were in the pool the other day. They swore me to secrecy because April wanted to be the one to tell you.”

  “But what about after she was kidnapped? Why didn’t you tell me then?” Frankly, I’m a little pissed that my longtime friend and employee would withhold information this important from me.

  “Oh, trust me, Emily and I have had many heated discussions on this subject. She was adamant about keeping April’s confidence despite my urgings. I’m glad she finally told you because if she hadn’t, I would have. It was eating both of us alive keeping this a secret.”

  “You should have told me, Rita. This should have been divulged the very day April was taken. You will never withhold something of this magnitude from me again, all right?” I say firmly, watching tears fill her eyes. I try to rein in my anger, but to be kept in the dark about something this vital after everyone was aware April was taken has me pissed off.

  “Yes, Jason. I’m sorry.” She turns her back to me, trying to prevent me from seeing her cry.

  “Come here,” I say, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m going over to April’s to water her plants. I’ll be back for breakfast.”

  “I cleaned her apartment yesterday. I did her bedding, laundry—everything,” she confesses. “I’m sorry. I thought you would be busy with other things, so I took care of it. I hope I didn’t overstep. Garrett checked her car too,” she says standing steady, waiting for me to say something.

  Nodding at Rita, I turn and walk out of the kitchen to meet my family for breakfast. Placing a piece of toast and two strips of bacon on my plate, I take my seat just before my parents enter the room.

  “Jason,” my mother begins, “you need to eat, dear. You need strength, and if you don’t eat, you won’t be good for yourself or April. Here,” she says, handing me a plate of my usual pancakes and scrambled eggs.

  “Thanks, Mom,” I say, barely able to eat the toast on my plate, let alone what else she gives me. I down my glass of orange juice and Rita refills it.

  I look up at Nicole and Kyle as they fill their plates as well.

  “Morning,” Nicole mouths from across the table. I glance up at her, smile and nod my response.

  “Last night, just as I anticipated,” my dad says as he and my mother sit down to breakfast, “Kathryn and her mother found the vent between their rooms and had a private conversation, or so they thought. We recorded it and found out who the other players in this charade are.”

  I stare at him, waiting for him to tell me.

  After everyone is settled in their seats, my dad says, “Kyle?”

  After Kyle takes a sip of coffee, he begins. “James Albert Devereaux is thirty-four years of age. He’s the only child of Albert James Devereaux and Carolyn Louise Devereaux. James was born and raised in Chicago and attended private schools until he broke from the family after he graduated from Northwestern. Using an inheritance from his deceased grandfather, he opened J.D. Limousines shortly after that. April was hired six years ago and became the most requested driver on staff. J.D. Limousines has been losing money gradually over the years. Devereaux appears to have expensive tastes that exceed his income. Since April quit, several of the company’s more lucrative contracts have moved to competitors.”

  I watch as Kyle pauses, takes a bite of his eggs and then looks at me out the corner of his eye.

  “What?” I ask rather heatedly, knowing by the pause and facial expression that he’s about to divulge information I’m not going to be particularly happy about.

  He takes a deep breath and begins again.

  “It’s well known in the employee ‘corral’ that Devereaux has harbored feelings for April.”

  “Exactly what kind of feelings?” I ask, sitting up in my seat. “Are they angry feelings?” My brother slowly shakes his head, and I know at that moment those feelings are of a sexual nature.

  I sit back in my seat and look at my father. I feel the tears burn my eyes and by the look in his, there are bad things in store for James. I have no pity for him.

  “Several days before April was taken, Mark Woodward, one of J.D.’s mechanics, stated that he observed Robin and Kate spending several hours a day in James’ office. I believe that somehow Kate and Devereaux formed a liaison through the limousine service. Through that relationship, she discovered Devereaux’s financial difficulties. It is also my belief that Kate’s plan to bring you to financial ruin was contrived during these meetings. Along with the Challenger debacle, Kate was aware of your interest in April. With Devereaux’s interest, Kate’s hatred of you, and Robin’s jealousy, it’s easy to surmise that kidnapping her would be the most fruitful way to hurt you while divesting you of your money. Mark also stated that Kate and Devereaux had several heated arguments in his office. Apparently, the shouting could be heard throughout the garage, although the nature of the arguments is unclear.”

  Sitting back in my chair, I digest everything Kyle has reported, and my thoughts go to Sam. I’m at a total loss as to why I haven’t heard from him. “If Mark made these observations in the garage, why hasn’t Sam informed us that something was going on? Why hasn’t he made any attem
pt to contact me regarding April’s kidnapping?”

  “Call him after the meeting,” Dad orders me.

  I’m so tense, I could snap, so I get up from my chair and walk to the large window that overlooks the courtyard. The idea that April’s alone with James, who has publicly revealed his desire for her, and Robin, who has some insane thought that April came between us, scares the fucking hell out of me. Has he touched her? Has Robin hurt her in any way? And who else might be involved that we don’t know about?

  So many questions.

  I try to shake the thoughts from my head, not wanting to continue this line of thinking. I turn back to the table, knowing I need to focus all my energy on finding April, only to find my family watching and waiting for my response. I make my way back to my seat and attempt to eat the cold eggs on my plate.

  “After obtaining the profile information on Devereaux,” Kyle continues, “I contacted Sector regarding the tire tracks you discovered at the empty warehouse. It didn’t take long to get a hit on one of Devereaux’s vehicles. It’s safe to say that one set of the two large male footprints belong to him. The other set of male footprints remains a mystery, although can be surmised to be Joe Smith’s. The two smaller sets of prints have both been determined to be female. We have concluded, after a size comparison with a set of April’s shoes, that one set belongs to her, and we suspect the other set belong to Robin.”

  “So,” my father interjects, “Our little party is starting to take shape. Kate, James, Robin, Helen and the mystery man—this Joe Smith that Kathryn identified—are the players to the kidnapping of April for a twenty-million-dollar ransom. We were hoping to use Helen and Kate for leverage. However, we learned yesterday that James, Robin, and Joe have turned on the mother-daughter duo. With them out of the picture, the kidnappers no longer need to share the ransom money.”

  “Mom, once April is rescued, I want to move into the apartment with her. I think April’s formed an attachment to the place, but if that’s a problem for the family, we can move to my condo. Either way, we’ll need a nursery.”

  My mother jumps to her feet. “My first grandbaby will be living right here with us. If we decide to hire another driver, that person can live off-site, but that baby will be right here with its family. We’ll build another wing if we have to, but you, April and my grandchild are not living downtown.”

  Dad just shakes his head with his grin in place. I smile at the conviction of her words that she wants all of us near her. I know that Nicole and Kyle can look forward to the same, if, and when, they marry. But then I feel the cloud of doubt and fear return.

  “Let’s go talk to the shrews. I’m getting what I need out of them today, mother.” It’s time to get my head into the game.

  “Jason.” Nicole takes hold of my hand before I leave the room. “I’m sorry about this whole situation, but I’m happy about the baby. It’s going to be good to have a little one running the halls.” Her positive attitude warms my heart.

  “I know. I envision a little curly-haired brunette princess running around the kitchen.”

  “You’ll find her, Jason. I know you will. Father is very good at what he does. He doesn’t talk much, but you know he’s working on this every waking hour. We’ll get her back.” Nicole takes my arm as we walk out of the dining room. I look up and see Kyle in front of us.

  “Jason, I’m sorry. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you to hear that information about Devereaux, but I needed to report it to Dad. There was no delicate way to say it.”

  “I know, and I don’t blame you. It’s just difficult not to think about what he could be doing to her, and I fight every waking hour not to lose myself to those negative thoughts. She needs all of us to be strong right now,” I say, trying not to break.

  “Kyle, are you going to the office today?” When he nods, I continue, “Would you mind talking to Sue for me? I haven’t spoken to her in a few days, but I need to go with mom and dad. I need Sue to find out about Sam. I haven’t heard from him at all, and I find that rather odd considering he and April are best friends. Plus, why hasn’t Sam told us anything about Devereaux?”

  “I’ve already spoken to him. He knows that if he’s needed, we’ll contact him. He’s trying to stay out of our way so we can do our job and he’s been keeping tabs through Sue. He pointed me in Mark’s direction, knowing if anything went on in the garage, Mark would know about it. Don’t worry about Sam, Jason. He’s a good man. He and Sue are very close, and she’s assured me that his loyalty and concern are always with April.”

  “Okay, that’s good to hear. Did you ask him or Mark to call if they remember anything else?” When I receive his nod, I turn to follow my parents to the car, waving at my siblings as I head out the door.

  After we reach Sector, my mother makes a fresh pot of coffee knowing this is going to be a long day.

  “How was it last night?” my father asks the agent who was in charge of the night shift.

  “It was a rather noisy night, sir. As was reported to you, the subjects discovered they could communicate through the vent, so they spoke freely. The recording is ready for your review in the control room.”

  “Thank you, Agent Strand. Would you let the next shift know to be here at thirteen hundred hours?”

  “Yes, sir. Good day, sir.”

  “Okay, let’s go hear this recording,” my father says as I follow him to the control room. After we take our seats, mother enters with a tray of coffee, placing a cup in front of each of us, patting me on the shoulder before she sits beside me. I know she’s worried about me, and knowing they’re in this for the long haul is a comfort. Once we’re settled, my father begins the recording, placing it on the speakers, so Mother and I can hear as well.

  Are you all right, mother?

  How do you think I am?

  I’m so sorry. This is my fault. But when they questioned me about who had taken April, I couldn’t tell them.

  Were you aware that the Rowes were this connected?

  No, and I never thought they’d do something this extreme. Are you in pain?

  Hell, yes, I’m in pain. Did you tell them anything?

  I only told them that Joe Smith had her. I didn’t’ say anything about James or Robin’s involvement. I just never thought those fuckers would turn on us and leave us out to dry.

  What do you mean?

  James called to schedule the ransom drop. The Rowes have no idea that it was James, of course, because he used the voice changer. They had the phone on speaker, so I heard everything. When the Rowes informed James that they had me, he laughed.

  Where do you think they took her? If we can somehow get word to the cartel, they can steal her out from under his nose, putting us back in the driver’s seat and getting us the hell out of this situation.

  I have no idea. James always wants more money, but I need my cut to pay off Abdi. Nothing’s ever enough for James.

  Once we get out of here, I’m going to kill him. His actions have placed us in a very dangerous position, and I’m tired of him undermining us. Do you think he’s changed the plan?

  I doubt it. The plan is flawless. I do think that they’ll have moved April, though. Once they get the Rowes to deliver the money, and that bitch is out of the way, I don’t see James sharing that money with anyone. I can almost bet he eliminates Joe and Robin, too. If he kills my Sherry, I’m cutting off his balls and shoving each nut up his ass.

  I’m exhausted, Kathryn. I’m going to sleep now. I’m sure the Rowes will be back tomorrow so please, do what they say.

  Yes, Mother. Good night.

  “Okay, not much that’s new,” my father says. “We know James, Robin, and Joe Smith are involved, and Kate did say the name, Abdi.” He swivels in his chair and enters data into the computer.

  “Abdi Fatah Ahmed Abdullah. Ringleader and drug lord. Good god but she’s in deep shit,” my father says, shaking his head.

  “Okay, let’s go see what we can get from our girls today, shall we?”
He gets up from his chair and turns to mom when she hurries past us.

  “Wait a second. Don’t go in without me. I’ll be right back,” Mom says, taking off down the hall at a dead run.

  “Are you okay, Son?”

  “She’s pregnant, dad. Can you believe it? I’m going to be a father.”

  “I never thought I would ever hear you say that, Jason. I thought you were a confirmed bachelor, to be honest.” He exhales heavily. “Are you excited?”

  “You have no idea. I can’t wait to see April again. I can’t wait for her to tell me and then, I’m hauling her ass down to the courthouse to get married.”

  “Like hell you are,” my mother says walking toward us in a butcher’s coat with a meat cleaver in her hand.

  “Grace, what the hell are you wearing?” my father asks, barely able to contain his laughter.

  “It’s called incentive,” she answers with a sly smile.

  “And there will be no talk of running away to the courthouse or Las Vegas for a quickie wedding, young man,” she says, waving her cleaver in front of my face.

  “Yes, Mrs. Cleaver,” I say with a chuckle.

  “Okay, let’s go talk to the Cruella Devilles,” my mother says, getting into character.

  I walk into the room ahead of my parents. “Good morning, Kathryn.” Her eyes immediately land on my mother in her costume. I nearly chuckle at how full Kate’s eyes get.

  “Are you going to talk today, or are you going to let Grace visit your mother?” my father asks matter of factly.

  “I don’t know where she is, I swear I don’t,” Kate volunteers with enthusiasm I haven’t seen before.

  “Why don’t we start at the beginning then? When did you devise this plan to kidnap April?” I ask, pulling a chair away from the table and offering it to my mother.

  “It was when I learned that Sam was April’s best friend. He inadvertently divulged that you’d fallen for your little driver, and I thought it would be a good way to get back at you for stealing the building in Romeoville. When I stumbled across Joe Smith, I hired him to do a few minor jobs for me.”