Scattered Ashes

by Kayla Grey

  “You saw him again? Why didn’t you tell me?” He snaps snatching the file from my hand.

  “I didn’t have enough detail. It didn’t seem relevant, at the time. I understand that is not the case now.”

  Mark rolls his eyes, but doesn’t say anything. He just glares at me then focuses on the file in his hand. “Says here he went to Harvard then Yale. Smart, yet he never graduated.”

  Yale? A nagging feeling erupts in my chest. Yanking her school file in front of me, I find the Yale insignia quickly. It could just be a coincidence, until I notice his face behind her in a few of the images. His gaze always trained on her, and always in the background.

  “Mark,” I mutter his name almost in a whisper. He comes up next to me and looks down.

  “Well, shit.”

  “Shit?”

  He checks his watch then looks at me. “We can discuss this later. Right now, I need to get you home. You need to get ready for tonight.”

  “Screw that. What is going on?” I take several breaths trying to keep myself from exploding like I did earlier.

  “We just have to be careful. If it was a threat solely against you as we have been thinking we could handle it. However, not knowing where she is. Or, whether or not our actions could affect her, make this harder. We don’t want to push them to do anything drastic.”

  I’m about to protest going to the gala tonight when Mark stands crossing built arms across his wide chest. I can see he is not in the mood to fight with me, and to be honest I don’t want to fight with him. I woke up on edge. Exploded on Vee. I don’t need another blow up.

  Grabbing my jacket off the back of my chair, and collecting the files on my desk, I head for the door. The last place I want to be is at a gala tonight. I bet I don’t leave tonight without at least ten numbers shoved into my pocket. But the looks of utter disbelief as I reject every single one of them is almost satisfying. It will be even better when I arrive at one with Autumn on my arm again. A wicked smile pulls the corners of my mouth as I leave my office behind for the night.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  I’M POURING OVER the files Wolf sent me on Autumn again when Martha walks into my home office. Her sad and worried gaze meets mine a moment before she sets a tray of fruit, cheese, and bread down on the edge of my desk. Without a word she retreats back into the hall. We haven’t spoken since our fight when I arrived home today. A fight that mimicked the one I had earlier with Vee. The only difference is Martha has been pushing me to start dating again for a year.

  My stomach rolls when I glance over at the tray. I pop a few grapes in my mouth and return to the files. Pulling open my laptop, I start searching for any information I can find on Christopher Hamilton. But there isn’t much to find. It seems that he disappeared after our business deal. I wonder why Brandon hasn’t mentioned his son. I debate on whether or not to give him a call. It’s been a while since we chatted, and it might give me a way to ask if anything happened after that day.

  An hour later, and the decision to give Brandon a call tomorrow, Mark and Dwayne appear in my door way.

  “It’s time, sir.” Mark says. The annoyance in his voice mirroring my feelings about this evening.

  I left the office half chuckling to myself at the thought of everyone’s reactions when Autumn was back on my arm. Unfortunately, by the time we reached the car, I was in a darker mood than before. Dealing with these people, without her, my throat sours. I push it back with a hard swallow and a small piece of bread.

  Closing the laptop, I stand and walk over to where they stand waiting. Dwayne hands me a small wide box. Opening it, I find a simple black mask. I look up. Did I miss something?

  “The gala is a masquerade, sir.”

  I glance over at Mark, who’s lips are twitching as he fights a smile. It’s then I remember I never looked at the invitation. Vee told me about it months ago and put it on my calendar. I strode past the two of them, grabbing my black jacket off the chair in the living room as I enter.

  “Where is this event?” I ask annoyance and frustration lingering in each word.

  “The Hughes’s home.” Mark answers.

  I stop mid-stride and turn to face him. “Eric and Sharon Hughes?”

  “Yes, sir. You like Mr. Hughes.”

  My gut twists. “Yes, he’s a smart man. It’s his sister I can’t stand. Is she still away modeling or what not?”

  “I’m not sure, sir.” Mark says. Dwayne frowns and looks at Mark.

  “You know I have better things to do then go to someones homecoming?” I tell Mark. Based on Dwayne’s reaction to Mark’s statement, I would say she just arrived. Eric is a wonderful brother. Worked very hard for his current status. Mainly to provide for his sister, but also to give her a better life.

  Mark shakes his head. “No, sir, you do not. You have gone over what Wolf sent over and I have already relayed the information you gave me to him. He’s looking into Christopher as we speak. There is nothing else you can do at the moment, except appear at these social events you are expected at.”

  “I don’t give a shit about these events.” I snap. “You’re keeping things from me, and I’m tired of it.”

  “You’re right. I am. What else am I supposed to do? You barely eat. You incessantly work out and run at all hours of the night. You obsessively twirl her ring around your finger and pour yourself over her family history. Focus on work and trust that Wolf and I will find her.”

  My breath stalls. “How do you…”

  He raises a brow.

  I sigh. “What about the threats?”

  “Don’t worry about the threats. We have them handled.”

  “Right.” I snap combing my fingers through my hair. “That’s why you looked worried at the office earlier when I pointed out Christopher.” That same expression I saw in his eyes earlier flashes again before disappearing. “Were you hoping we wouldn’t find a lead?”

  His eyes widen and his mouth falls open. “How can you ask me that?”

  I sigh and walk toward the expansive windows overlooking New York. I lean my head against the glass. The cold soaks into my skin cooling my heated veins. “I know you have given up.”

  “We are going to be late.” Dwayne tells Mark just above a whisper. If Mark responds, I don’t hear it. Just the sounds of footsteps heading toward the elevator and the fleeting glance of Dwayne before the elevator doors close.

  “I admit that I thought we would find her sooner than now. As I know Vee stated earlier, it’s been nearly two years since your fiancée went missing. I—” his pause forces me to look at him. Despaired gaze meeting despaired gaze. “I would be lying if I didn’t have a small hope that you would move on and let her go.”

  The air in my lungs leaves in a rush, like a swift kick in the chest. “But you haven’t. And I don’t think you ever will.”

  My eyes snap to him just in time to catch him looking at his watch. “I’ve let you miss social events in the past. But you need to go tonight, and each event after. Just because she’s missing doesn’t mean that life stops. Think about what she would say if she knew not only were you constantly focused on finding her, at all costs. But also that you grew your company four times it’s size since that night in California.”

  Well, that’s a different take on telling what she would and wouldn’t do. He’s right though. I can imagine how proud she looks after finding out. But the thought she may still not even remember me, still aches in my chest.

  “To put you in a better mood this evening. Wolf may have found a lead on where she is.” My heart lurches and pules quickens. After two years we have our first lead. “There is no guarantee. It will take a while for Wolf to find out and get back to me. He did say that it could be a dead end, but at least it’s something.”

  A shred of hope blooms. A sudden warmth spread through my veins. A possible dead end, but a lead in the end.

  “We need to leave.” Mark adds walking towards the elevator. “Dwayne has the car ready.”

&nb
sp; And just like that the warmth is crushed by a nearly crippling cold. I steel my aching heart and put on a feigned expression. Following Mark to the empty car, I dip my hand in my pocket to make sure her rings are still there. I have started keeping them with me at all times, twirling them between my fingers. Praying she will remember me when the time is right.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CAMERAS FLASH WILDLY as I leave the Hughe’s gala. Constant questions about whether or not I have or will move on? What happened that night in California? Have we come close to finding her? They shout in loud groups, hurting my head.

  “Call me.” A woman’s voice says suddenly uncomfortably close to my ear. Her arm wraps around to my chest holding me on the stairs, while her other hand slips into my pocket. Her hand on my chest moves, and I snatch throwing it off me. Pulling what undoubtedly is her phone number out of my pocket, I shove it back at her. Without a glance in her direction, I finish making my way down the steps to where Mark is holding the car door open for me.

  “Another rejection, sir? “ He looks at me with an amused expression.

  Getting in the car, Dwayne hands me a phone as Mark shuts the door. “This one is secure. We also changed your number as a precaution. However, we ask that you try to refrain from making any calls to Wolf unless we know about it. We just want to make sure no one can tap into your calls.”

  “Have we heard anything on whether or not Luke was a dead end? I don’t remember either of you telling me.”

  They exchange a look before Mark clears his throat and pulls us away from the Hughes. Mark glances at me in the rearview mirror before speaking. “That’s because we don’t know yet. Luke apparently is a real person. The problem is figuring out whether or not he is who we are looking for.”

  “Are you thinking identity theft?”

  “Were not sure yet.” Dwayne says, his husky voice grim.

  It’s an hour into driving home when Mark get’s a frantic call from Martha, telling us not to come home. Mark takes her off speaker phone listens to the rest of her call through his headset. Without warning Mark spins the car around, forcing me to grip the handle of the door.

  “I’m sorry, sir. But there has been a break in at the penthouse.”

  My blood runs cold. “While Martha was there?”

  “Thankfully not. She arrived afterward. She said the entire place was in shambles, and your office turned upside down. Though there doesn’t appear to be anything missing.” Mark say’s.

  “What were they looking for?”

  “I’m assuming the files Wolf had sent. Good thing I marked what we needed and sent them back to him.” Mark says, his voice taking on a grimmer tone.

  “How? We just discussed that this afternoon, and I was looking at them at home.”

  Mark glances toward Dwayne, then back at the road. “Dwayne grabbed them before we walked out. Either way, it doesn’t matter. Until we can secure the apartment I’m taking you home.”

  Home. I was hoping not to set foot in that place until I found her. It was hard enough getting used to even sleeping in the guest room at the apartment. How am I going to get comfortable at home? Her home. She picked it. I bought it for us. I don’t ever go there without her. My pulse quickens as anxiety fills my veins.

  Two hours later, Mark pulls into the garage at the house. Reluctantly, I get out of the car and stand staring at the door leading into the mudroom. After twenty or so minutes and with a hesitant breath, I turn the knob and walk in. Mark and Dwayne are quiet as the scoot past me, making their way further into the house.

  As they clear each room, I slowly force my feet to carry me slowly into the kitchen. I hear her laugh by the vast marble island covered in flour as she kneads dough to make fresh bread. I can almost smell the sour dough loaf she baked that day. I remember coming up behind her and holding her close, before our rather intimate moment on top of the island.

  “All clear!” Mark and Dwayne call out to each other, halting my thoughts.

  If they know where my penthouse is, wouldn’t they know where the house is? Then again, I did make sure no one except Autumn and I knew about this house. When I bought it, I used a third party. I wanted her to be safe when I had to travel without her. It was the only way I could keep her off the grid, but still know where she was.

  Grabbing a glass of Pinot, I settle on the sofa as Mark and Dwayne come in the room. “Are we sure it was the same people?”

  “Of course we cannot be sure. We have men there dusting for prints now.” Dwayne’s brow creases. “Everything, from the fire to now has been so well articulated. It’s as if they spent years planning every last detail. That being said, I do believe they are slipping up.”

  Mark crosses his arms over his chest. An action he does when he disagrees but is willing to listen. “How so?” He asks narrowing his gaze at Dwayne.

  “Honestly, I don’t think either of them were ever supposed to survive that night. This plan was more of a contingency. Why show up at the apartment and leave it a mess? From what Martha said the entire place was wrecked. For what purpose.” He stops and looks out the window before continuing. “I think Wolf is right. I think we are on the right track, and they know it.”

  “Those are fair points Dwayne.” Mark says scrubbing the shadow along his jaw. I didn’t notice how stressed he looked until now. Is it the situation? Or have I been that much of a drain on him lately?

  “You’re right though. There was no reason for them to trash the whole place. If we are going that route, I would say whoever is in charge doesn’t know the extent of the situation. Unless, they are just trying rattle us. I would assume by now things would have come to an end. I have a feeling this will get a lot worse before we have solved everything.” He finishes, sticking his hands in his pockets.

  Dwayne runs his fingers through his blond hair, then down his face. “What do we do now?”

  “Nothing tonight.” Mark says, then looks at me. “You need rest. I won’t have any new information for you about Wolf’s lead until I hear from him. He said he wouldn’t get back to me until he knew it was a dead end or he found her. I promise to keep you updated. As well as on anything we find out about Luke and Christopher.”

  “Fine.” I say standing. “Is it safe to call Brandon? I was planning on reaching out to him tomorrow.”

  “I don’t see why not. Just let us know when you want to call and we will secure the line.”

  I nod and start to the master. Halting at the short hall I glance at my watch and realize it isn’t as late as I thought. “Actually, I would like to do it now.”

  “It’s late, sir.”

  “Not for him. This timing will be better for us both. It doesn’t interfere with work.”

  “Give me a moment.” Mark says pulling his phone out, and after a moment says, “Give me a secured line.”

  A second later, he hands me his cell already dialing Brandons number.

  “Hello boy. It’s been a while.” Brandon says after a couple rings.

  “You do know I have grown up quite a bit.” I chuckle.

  “Of course, but you are half my age. So you will forever be “boy” to me. How can I help you?”

  I glance up at Mark and Dwayne. They are both watching me closely as if they anticipate how the conversation is going to go. I feel my feet suddenly head towards the Master and my free hand waving them off.

  “You don’t normally call this late, boy. What do you need?” Brandon asks again.

  “I’m having a bit of a problem. It’s forced me to look back on somethings and I realized I never followed up with you about your son, Christopher.”

  I hear him intake a sharp breath. “What about him?”

  “How was he when you two left?”

  “Angry. Honestly, we haven’t spoken since then.” He says, his ragged voice sounding sad.

  I’m about to tell him how sorry I am when I walk into the master bedroom. My conversation halted by the memory of us fighting, then christening the new bed, the n
ight we moved in. My chest aches and my stomach churns at the memory.

  “Are you there?” Brandon says, a bite in his tone.

  I shake my head free of the memory and focus on my call. “Yes, I’m here. Sorry, Brandon.” I take a breath, realizing I’m suddenly shaking.

  “What is troubling you? I don’t think I have ever heard you like this before.” Brandon’s tone is soft and raspy. Cleary belong to a man of wisdom and age.

  “I apologize if I was the cause of your rift. That was never my intention.”

  “Of course it wasn’t. We had a rift because he was to stupid to know what he had. He was childish and embarrassing. I didn’t raise him that way. But it showed me just how spoiled he was.” He takes a breath, and I hear the faintest sound of ice clinking the sides of a glass. “He was mad because I sided with you. He moved out that very night.”

  “So you have no idea what he has been up to?”

  “No. Does your problem have to do with him?” His voice suddenly takes on a worried edge.

  I collapse in a chair near the expansive bedroom windows, overlooking the pool illuminated by thousands of tiny white lights. I run my fingers through my hair before resting my head on the heel of my hand. “I’m not sure.” I finally say, my voice barely a whisper.

  “Is this about your missing lady? I’m sorry about what happened in California. I’m sure you were—are devastated.”

  “Yes, its about her. People think I’m crazy for still looking for her and not giving up hope. I believe I only truly have one person on my side.”

  “Don’t worry about what others think. Even if you had no one on your side, it wouldn’t matter. You’re a sweet devoted young man. I have no doubt you will stay that way until the very end. There are so few people in the world like you. Or her.”

  “Did you ever meet her?”