Answers For Julie (Book Nine In the Bodyguards of L.A. County Series)

by Cate Beauman

  He rested his forehead against hers. “I’m not worried about it.”

  She ran her hands up and down the sides of his waist. “How did I make it through the last ten years without you?”

  How many times had he asked himself the same question about her? He kissed her sweetly, and she cupped his cheeks, drawing out the tenderness.

  “Neve wants us to join her for dinner,” she said quietly, pressing kisses to his chin.

  He wrapped her up tighter, holding on to this moment. The peace would end again. Tomorrow he would talk to Donnie Dorman and Becky Maglio. Eventually Dale Abbot’s widow would return his call, and at some point he would track down Noah. With every lead he followed, there was a very real possibility he was going to rip Julie’s life apart again.

  “Should we go eat?”

  “I’m not one to turn down a home-cooked meal.” He slid his palms over the ass of her jeans, unable to stop touching her. “Then I want you, Jules. I have to have you.”

  She smiled and snagged his bottom lip with her teeth, pulling gently. “We’ll eat quickly.”

  He grinned as she did. “You’ve got a deal.” They stood, walking downstairs hand in hand.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chase walked to Julie’s room, showered, and dressed in a button-down and khakis after a lazy morning in her bed. It was almost ten, and he needed to hit the road.

  “I’ll just go get my coat and I’ll be ready,” Neve said, stepping out into the hall. “Oh. Good morning, Chase.” She smiled as she passed him in the doorway, looking pretty and relaxed in jeans and a navy blue blouse.

  “Morning.” He stepped inside, raising his brow at Julie as their eyes met in the mirror she was standing in front of. “Neve’s making bedroom visits now?”

  “She wanted to make sure I was still up for lunch and shopping.” Julie slid her brush through her hair and set it down.

  He gave her a once over, admiring her boots, curve-hugging jeans, and black sweater. “You look good, Jules.”

  She sent him a smile, but her eyes didn’t brighten the way they usually did.

  When he left her not all that long ago, her cheeks had been rosy and her mouth swollen from his. She hadn’t been troubled the way she was now. “What’s up?”

  She shrugged, sliding clear gloss on her lips. “I feel guilty.”

  He walked up behind her and settled his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them. “It’s okay to spend time with Neve. You two deserve a nice day out together.”

  She turned. “I’m being disloyal. To my mom. To Gram and Gramps. Even Nana.”

  He frowned, tipping his head. “I don’t know about that. I can say without a doubt that Nana would want you to have a great time. I’ll go out on a limb and say the same for the rest of your family.” He kissed her and laced his fingers behind her back. “You have a right to know Neve. You have a right to build a relationship with her and care about each other.”

  “It’s a lot. This still feels like some weird dream.” She shook her head. “It’s just not sinking in.”

  “Maybe testing would help.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Testing?”

  “DNA.” He gripped her against him when she tried to pull away. “Getting the facts.”

  “No.”

  “Being able to say for certain.”

  “No. I’m not ready.”

  “Okay. I’m not trying to pressure you.” He stared into eyes gone chilly. “I’m not.”

  “Fine.” She pressed her palms to his chest, trying to free herself from his grip.

  He let her go. “Where are you going?”

  “To get my jacket on.”

  He snagged her wrist before she could take two steps, aware he’d pissed her off again. “Don’t walk away mad, Jules.”

  “I’m not.” She sighed. “Okay. Maybe a little miffed.”

  “Consider the subject dropped—until you’re ready to bring it up again.”

  She let loose another long breath and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m being so sensitive.” She secured her arms tighter around him, pressing her breasts against his chest. “You know I think you’re pretty much the best guy on the planet, right?”

  He smiled and kissed her. “I want you to have fun today.”

  “I’m going to try.”

  He combed his fingers through her soft hair. “Dress shopping for the ball, right?”

  She nodded.

  “Pick out something sexy.” He touched his lips to hers. “So I can peel it off you,” he murmured against her mouth.

  Her lips spread into a smile against his. “I promise I’ll find something that will make you want me all…night…long,” she whispered, her eyes full of mischief.

  “Day or night, Jules, I already do.” He gripped her chin and kissed her the way his hormones demanded he do so, diving in.

  She moaned, sliding her hands along his waist and into the back pockets of his jeans.

  He tugged on her hair, tipping her head farther back, and plundered.

  Footsteps started down the hall, and Julie stiffened.

  He eased away, holding her gaze now hot with passion. “We’ll finish this later.” He slid his tongue along her top lip, gave a gentle tug to the deep dip and pulled away. “Have fun today.”

  “You too.”

  “I’m back,” Neve said as she stepped in and hesitated. “Oh. I’m sorry if I’m interrupting.”

  “You’re not.” Julie cleared her throat and ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing it out. “You’re not.”

  “You two have fun.” He winked at Jules and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. “Call me if you need anything.”

  Julie nodded. “Okay.”

  He walked passed Neve. “See ya.”

  “Have a nice afternoon,” Neve called.

  “Will do.” Grinning, he went down the stairs. He’d given Julie plenty to think about instead of being nervous about her day with her mom.

  ~~~~

  “I still can’t believe how quickly we found your dress.” Neve beamed as she picked up her sandwich to nibble. “It’s almost as if that gown was waiting there just for you.”

  “I love it.” Julie grinned. “It’s so pretty.”

  “Beautiful—elegant and sexy. Chase won’t be able to keep his eyes off of you.”

  “I prefer his hands.” She widened her eyes, shocked that she actually said that out loud.

  Neve laughed. “It’s a lucky woman who finds a man who knows what to do with them.”

  “Yes. Yes, it is,” she agreed with another smile, remembering the amazingly sinful way Chase had used his to wake her up this morning.

  Neve laughed again.

  Julie chuckled and lifted her glass, sipping her water, as comfortable sitting in the posh corner restaurant with Neve as she would have been with Mindy. The last three hours had been surprisingly fun. Shopping and now lunch was turning out to be more relaxing than she’d anticipated. When she allowed herself to forget that the woman she was spending the day with was her long-lost birth mother, she was very easy to be around. Julie set down her glass and dug into her French onion soup, rolling her eyes. “This is so great.” She gestured to her cup with her spoon.

  “I told you it’s good.”

  She and Neve had been drawn to the soup and sandwich combo, both of them selecting the French onion and turkey with lettuce and tomato. “I don’t think I’ve ever had anything so delicious. Gram made a good French onion, but this one trumps hers by a mile. Probably two.” She winced with the flash of guilt, the feelings of disloyalty coming back with a vengeance. “Sorry, Gram,” she murmured and ate more of her soup.

  “Your family loved you very much, Julie, as you loved them. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “It’s just…awkward, I guess.” She pushed the remaining cheese and crouton around in her bowl.

  “I imagine you feel like you’re being pulled in two different direction
s.”

  “Yes.” She grimaced and closed her eyes, shaking her head. “God, what is wrong with me? I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m certainly not offended. In fact, I have something for you.” Neve dug in her purse.

  “Oh, I don’t need anything.” She held up a halting hand. “You already took care of my dress.” And thank God for it. The thing would’ve cost a month of her profits.

  “It’s just a little something.” She handed over a slim box.

  Julie eyed the packaging wearily. There was some sort of jewelry inside. “Neve—”

  “Just open it.”

  She hesitated a moment longer, then slid the elegant silver bow off the box and opened the lid, blinking at the shiny gold chain and charm spelling out her name. “Julie.” She looked at Neve.

  “That’s your name, isn’t it?”

  She swallowed. “Yes but—”

  “What if you’re Alyson?”

  She nodded, not sure she could speak.

  “You’ve been Julie for twenty-five years. Your name doesn’t matter to me. We’re sitting here having lunch, and you’re helping me find my dress. That’s what matters. This is what I’ve been waiting for.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, pressing her trembling lips together.

  Neve hugged her, and Julie squeezed back, breathing in the scent of the perfume she knew Neve had worn for decades.

  “It’s beautiful.” She eased away. “Would you help me put it on?”

  “Nothing would make me happier.”

  Julie turned in her seat and lifted her hair while Neve secured the clasp in place.

  “Okay. Now turn and let me see.”

  Julie did as Neve asked.

  She smiled. “Lovely.”

  “Thank you, Neve.” She took her hand.

  “Mother.” Noah walked up to their table, wearing a black suit-coat and maroon tie.

  Julie pulled away from Neve as Noah’s gaze moved from the gift box to their joined hands.

  “Noah.” Neve stood and kissed his cheek. “It’s so nice to see you here, honey.”

  He stood straight, not bothering to return her affection. “Elaine and I are meeting to discuss last-minute details for the staff party this evening.”

  “Oh. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  He gave Neve a nod, looked at Julie, and walked off.

  “Well, that was nice of Noah to stop by.” She sat down and settled the napkin in her lap. “Now, where were we?”

  “I don’t want to cause problems between you and Noah.”

  “You’re not.”

  Julie arched her eyebrow.

  “Noah and I have had a difficult relationship for years.”

  “Because of Alyson.”

  “Because I made many mistakes after Alyson disappeared.”

  “If it would be easier, I can go to a hotel or—”

  Neve frowned. “No. That’s nonsense. You’re here for one week. You’re entitled to the comfort of my home as much as Noah. You’re entitled to your share, Julie. Your inheritance—”

  “I’m not interested in any of that—just answers.”

  “It’s yours all the same once my attorneys have proof that you belong to me and Jay.”

  Julie set down her spoon and stared at her lap as the easy feelings of a fun afternoon quickly vanished. She didn’t want to talk about money or genetics.

  “You know, I think I’m ready to get back to shopping.” Neve rested her hand on Julie’s arm. “How about you?”

  She looked at Neve and nodded.

  Neve made a small gesture to their waiter.

  “I’d like to pay.”

  “It’s already taken care of. Porter Pharmaceuticals has an account. We bring a lot of clients here.”

  “Thank you for lunch. And the dress,” she added.

  “I sure hope we have a little luck finding mine. My seamstress is throwing a fit that I’m leaving her so little time. Let’s go take a look.” She stood and took Julie’s hand after they bundled into their jackets. “We’ll go have some more fun.”

  Nodding again, she gave Neve a small smile. She glanced back at Noah, realized he was staring at them, and walked out the door holding his mother’s hand.

  ~~~~

  Chase waited in his uncomfortable orange chair for Donnie to be brought to the visiting area. He watched other prisoners talking to family members or their attorneys across bright white tables and glanced at his watch. He’d been here a good ten minutes, well aware that Donnie was playing games with him, but that was fine. He had all the time in the world. Today he was here to establish that he was holding the cards, not Dorman.

  He folded his hands on the table, wanting badly to shift in the hard plastic seat, but he remained still, certain Donnie was sizing him up through the one-way glass while he was being patted down in the next room.

  He’d had an interesting morning, first meeting with Becky Maglio at her residence, where he’d gotten a feel for the last known person to see Alyson Porter before she disappeared. Becky had been nice enough—nervous, but she hadn’t had much to offer by way of new information other than confirming that Dawn Summerman had skipped town sometime in the early-December timeframe. Becky recalled helping Mr. Dubois out with his children on the weekends after Dawn left him high and dry. Otherwise, she was as perplexed by Alyson’s abduction as everyone else. But it was his conversation with Holly Abbot on his drive to the prison from his afternoon meeting in Boston that had been a huge step in the right direction.

  Dale Abbot’s widow never knew anyone named Dawn Summerman, nor did she recognize the description of a woman with long black hair, but when Ethan e-mailed copies of the photos of Dawn Summerman and Alyson Porter hugging in the park, Holly Abbot called Chase right back. Apparently Dawn had ditched her name and her hair color before heading down to Florida, moving on to a box of red hair dye and the new alias Jane Downing. Jane had worked part-time at the Abbot’s Harley Dealer—an under-the-table arrangement while Mrs. Abbot stayed home with her twins, who had developed a bad case of mono during the early months of 1991.

  Jane Downing had been a hard worker who brought her quiet, blond-haired daughter, Julie, with her on the days she handled the front desk, keeping the little girl entertained with books and toys she played with close to her mother’s side—until she stopped showing up one day four months into the job.

  The timeframe was coming together. Dawn Summerman had left her nanny position sometime in early December. Not long after Alyson Porter disappeared. Dawn took Alyson to Tampa, Florida, changed their identities, stuck around for a few months—probably until the publicity died down after the abduction. Then Miranda Keller reappeared in Bakersfield, Washington where she and Julie made their permanent home.

  But that left almost two weeks in December 1990 unaccounted for—the most important few days of the whole puzzle. Where did Dawn Summerman go while she waited for the perfect opportunity to steal Neve and Jay’s little girl? Once he figured that out, her motivation to do the unthinkable would probably become clearer, and the pieces would start falling into place.

  He glanced toward the door as the scumbag he recognized from the mug shot he’d studied a couple days ago walked his way. He was the key to this whole thing.

  “Two visitors in one week,” Donnie said as he took his seat. “I prefer the lovely lady who was here last time.” He made an appreciative noise in his throat. “She was a hell of a looker, if you know what I’m sayin’.”

  “She’s not bad.”

  “Not bad?” Donnie laughed. “Not bad? You gay or something, man?”

  Chase slid the picture of Miranda Keller with dyed black hair in front of Donnie. “Who’s this?”

  “Cop.” He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. “Aw, shit, even worse. A Fed. Shoulda spotted you a mile away.” He brushed at his jumpsuit. “I’m losing my touch in here.”

  “Who is she?”

  “Hell if I know.”

&nbs
p; Chase raised his eyebrow. “You’re sure you don’t know?”

  “No idea.” Donnie stood.

  “That’s a damn shame,” Chase said before Donnie could leave. “Here you’ll be sitting in this joint for the next, what thirty, forty years? More than likely bite the dust before you’ll walk a free man.”

  “I got a chance at parole in ten.”

  “And no shot in hell at getting out. You killed a Cub Scout leader during a gas station robbery.”

  Donnie’s nostrils flared. “It was an accident, man.”

  “I hope the board sees it your way. I imagine Cub Scout Leader’s kids will come in, show off pictures of the dad they didn’t get a chance to grow up with because some asshole—that would be you—hit the poor bastard over the head with a gun. All because that idiot was too stupid to stay home instead of help himself to a hundred bucks in the drawer and a case of beer.” He stood now, grabbed the picture, and walked toward the exit. “With your rap sheet—burglary, petty larceny, check fraud—nails in the coffin,” he called over his shoulder. He made it all the way to the door.

  “Wait. Hey, Fed. Wait.”

  Chase turned.

  “I think I might know her.”

  Chase took his time walking back. “I don’t have time to fuck around.”

  “I think her name might be Dawn.”

  Chase sat down again, as did Donnie.

  “Why do you want to know, anyway?”

  “Same reason as your other visitor.”

  “Look, I don’t know nothing about no kidnapping.” He shook his head with a smartass smirk in his eyes.

  “But you knew Dawn Summerman.”

  “We fucked a few times. So what?”

  “I’ve talked to people who said you two hung around—fought a lot.”

  “That’s the best part of a good fight—the make-up fuck.” He grinned. “Just ‘cause we bumped uglies a few times don’t mean I know nothing about some kid disappearing.”

  “Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. I imagine if you did, the Porters would be real grateful—rich, influential family. So would the Feds—wrap up a longtime cold case that’s made them look incompetent in the press.”