by J. R. Tate
The Search For Skylar
Charlie Wright Thrillers – Book One
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Contact Information
More Books by J.R.
This book is a work of fiction and is for your personal enjoyment only. Any similarities to names, places, or events are coincidental. This book may not be resold or given away to another person. It may not be transmitted in any way without written permission from the author.
Copyright © 2016 by J.R. Tate
Cover art by J.R. Tate
Charlie Wright’s life is plummeting into chaos. A recent divorce renders him helpless in an attempt to hold his family together. A weekend with his children is just what he needs to prove to his ex-wife Cassie that joint custody is the best option for everyone.
Tragedy strikes one Friday afternoon after school. Charlie’s daughter Skylar goes missing. Every second that passes is a second wasted, and Charlie falls into a world of desperation and panic. Skylar has vanished into thin air – the only evidence that she was at his house is her shattered cell phone found in the alley.
With nothing to go on, the police label Charlie as a person of interest in the case. They harass and question him, basing their investigation around hearsay. His reputation quickly becomes tarnished, and he learns that the only way he’ll find his daughter is if he takes matters into his own hands. With the help of his best friend Mary, he searches for Skylar, keeping hope that she is still alive.
The guilt Charlie feels for not protecting Skylar is his driving force, and he will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her.
Chapter One
Charlie stared down at the certified mail slip. The carrier had hand delivered it to him at work. He knew exactly what it was and he couldn’t bring himself to open it. As if not pulling it out of the envelope would take it all back, end the madness, and allow him to wake up from the nightmare he thought would blow over before it got to this.
Sitting at his desk, he ran his thumb down the green barcode, confirming to the sender that he had received it. Sighing, he ripped it open, revealing what he already knew.
“Hey, Charlie, we got that old Mustang in if you wanna take a look at it. It’s a nice ride, but I won’t touch it until you lend your knowledge.” Todd paused, looking down at the mail on his desk. “You okay, Bud?”
“Yeah.” Charlie’s voice was raspy, and he coughed to clear it. “Divorce papers. You know, I was expecting these, but still sort of knocked me on my ass.” Thankfully, Todd was familiar with the situation – one of the few who knew about his personal life.
“Damn, man, I’m sorry. I never would’ve imagined you and Cassie getting a divorce, and here we are.” Todd spread his greasy hands, a look of concern on his face.
“Yeah, here we are,” Charlie repeated, grabbing a pen. “All I have to do is sign. And poof, it’s done.”
“You need anything?”
Charlie scrubbed his palm down the side of his face and let out a sarcastic laugh. “A nice, strong drink after work.”
“Of course, that’s a given.”
Charlie leaned back in his chair, pursing his lips. He could hear the metal clanking as the other mechanics were busy working. The strong scent of tires and exhaust were strong, and oddly enough, it served as a way to relax him in the midst of his life drama.
“I’ll be out to look at that Mustang in a minute. Shut the door behind you. I gotta…” Charlie trailed off, his eyes skimming over all of the lawyer speak in the document.
“I hear you, Charlie.”
Todd left the office and Charlie immediately felt guilty. He didn’t feel like talking. He didn’t feel like being around anyone. But the thought of a Scotch burning down to his stomach eased the pain, even if he just imagined it. He had been through all of this with his lawyer. They had reviewed the agreement, and it was confirmed that Cassie wasn’t taking him to the cleaners – not that he had much to give anyway. The custody battle with the kids was still pending. He was good with joint custody, but she wanted sole, as if he were a criminal who would corrupt them.
Shaking his head, he poised the pen right on the line above his name, and though there was no chance in saving the marriage, he still couldn’t sign the document, solidifying the divorce.
Just as he gained his composure, the office door swung open again, the hinges squeaking as it slammed against the far wall. Cassie stood in the threshold, her posture making it apparent that she was not amused. Folding her arms over her chest, she took a few seconds before completely walking in and closing the door behind her.
Scowling, she pointed down at the paper on the desk. “I see you got the papers.”
“Jeez, Cass, it’s nice to see you too.”
“You gonna sign them or is your plan to draw this out even longer?”
Leaning back, he rested his hands on the top of his head and forced a smile. “I just got them like ten minutes ago. I’m not signing anything I haven’t read.”
“That’s what your damn lawyer is for.” Her head bobbed with each word she spoke, and Charlie noticed the attitude she had developed over the past few months. It had come out of left field, and he wondered what had happened to make her change so fast.
“The longer you’re here, the longer it’s gonna take. I’m not doing this with you standing over my shoulder.” It was fun getting a rise out of her, and the longer he took, the more pissed she got. He didn’t like drama, but the whole divorce was initially her idea, so it was only fair to make her suffer some too.
Leaning against the wall, she pursed her lips and shook her head. Even though they were seconds away from being final, Charlie couldn’t help but notice her. Her long hair was wavy and loosely pulled back from her face and her jeans hugged her hips perfectly. Even if she hated him now, he never would be able to deny the fact that he’d always be physically attracted to her. And he despised himself for that. He wished he could just hate her and be done, but he had once loved her, and thinking it in past tense tore at him.
“I can’t believe you’re being such an asshole about this.”
“I’ll sign right now if you’ll do something for me.” Charlie held the pen right on the line, glancing up at her.
“You’re really testing your boundaries, Charlie. What could you possibly want me to do for you?”
“Don’t pursue sole custody. Why not do joint custody? You know I’m a good father. Skylar is fourteen.. This is already so hard on her. And Gavin? He’s young, but he knows.”
“That’s pathetic. You’re gonna use the kids against me?”
“No.” Charlie shook his head. “Using the kids against me is what you’re doing. Let me have them this weekend. You know I’d never do anything to hurt them.” It was starting to sound like begging, but Charlie would do anything for them.
“Take them this weekend, sure. And I know you’re a good dad, it’s just…” Cassie trailed off, looking at the floor.
“What? It’s just, what?”
“I was advised by my lawyer to do go for full custody. I… I’ve gotta think about it, Charlie.”
Standing, Charlie went around the desk, getting as close as he could to her. He could smell her perfume, and he tried not to allow it to do things to his imagination. “Screw the damn lawyer. Kids need their dad, just like they need their mother. Don’t tak
e them from me. I’ll give you this divorce, but please… Do I have to beg you?” His voice shook, and he didn’t realize how emotional he was getting until his words echoed throughout the office.
“Take them this weekend and it’ll give me some free time to think about it. Don’t make me regret this,” Cassie replied, pointing her finger in his chest. Leaning over, she grabbed a pen from the desk and held it out. “Now, where were we?”
***
“I’m a single man again,” Charlie said, staring down at his drink. It was weird saying it, and he took a gulp of the liquor, downing more of it at once than he probably should have. A jazzy song played on the jukebox in the back and the crowd wasn’t too overwhelming – just the usual people he saw when he came in.
Todd patted him on the shoulder and sipped on his beer. “So you signed the papers?”
Nodding, Charlie ducked his head. “Yep. She’s going to reconsider full custody.”
“You believe her?” Todd arched his eyebrow and flagged Mary down.
“What can I get you boys?” Smiling, she grabbed their glasses before they could even respond. It was a no brainer – she tended bar almost every night and they were regulars. She was conditioned to ask the question. Sliding their drinks on the wood surface, she leaned on the bar. “Why the long face, Charlie?”
“His divorce is final. He’s a free man!” Todd laughed and raised his beer in the air. “Welcome back to the fun side.”
Mary smiled for a moment, but her expression changed to sympathy seconds later. She knew he was going through a divorce, but past that, he hadn’t disclosed much information. They had been best friends since they were kids, but it still felt weird telling her about his dramatic personal life. He didn’t want to put it on her.
“I’m sorry, Charlie. Next drink is on me.” She poured herself a shot of whiskey and clanked it against his, wincing slightly as she drank it.
“Thanks, Mary.” Charlie forced a smile and savored the burn he had imagined earlier in his office. “The fun side?” He turned to face Todd, shaking his head. “More like the dark side.”
“I’ll be back in a bit, guys. Gotta take care of those tables.” Mary pointed with the towel in her hand and walked off.
“So Cassie is reconsidering full custody, huh?” Todd lifted his mug again, and some foam remained on his lip. “You believe that shit?”
“I have to or I’ll go crazy.”
“I don’t trust her. And believe me, it pains me to say it. I know I don’t have to say it, but I’m going to anyway. Be careful. She’s like this damn black widow, ready to pounce.”
That made Charlie laugh and it wasn’t forced. “I guess that’s a good way to put it. She’s letting the kids stay with me this weekend. That has to mean something.”
“Yeah? No wonder it’s gonna be warm tomorrow. Hell is freezing over.”
Charlie tried to find Mary in the crowd. He wanted to tell her bye before he left, but she was busy serving a table full of bikers, so he slipped his wallet from his pocket and put enough money to cover both of their drinks, and slid off the barstool.
“Hey man, it’s early yet!” Todd glanced at him over his shoulder. “Where you going?”
“I gotta get out of here. I can’t talk about this anymore.”
Turning on his heel, he nodded toward Mary and hurried to his truck. The walls felt like they were closing in on him, like he was on the verge of suffocating. Sitting in the cab of the pickup, he gripped the steering wheel and took a deep breath. Why was he clinging onto this? Cassie didn’t love him anymore. The marriage was over.
Putting the truck in gear, he merged out onto the street, unsure of where to go. Since moving out, it wasn’t uncommon for him to drive by his old house. A nostalgic feeling hit him hard as he turned the corner down the road he used to take daily. It was dark, but the front light in the living room was on.
Parking the truck in the driveway, he let the engine sit idle a few minutes as he stared at his old home. If Cassie was there, she definitely would hear the rumble of his engine, and as expected, the blinds moved to the side and he saw her look through the window. The front door opened and she walked out onto the porch, pulling her sweater tight around her midsection.
Charlie didn’t get out. He couldn’t believe he had gone there, but his emotions had led him to do crazy things throughout the divorce. Tonight was no exception. Taking the steps down to the driveway, she tapped on the truck window and he rolled it down, neither saying anything for a few seconds.
“What are you doing here, Charlie? I said you could see the kids this weekend. Besides, they’re in bed. Do you realize what time it is?”
He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was after eleven, and he had lost track of time. “I’m not sure why I’m here,” he replied, releasing his fingers from the wheel. “You look good, you know.” She was in sweats and an oversized sweater. Her makeup had been washed away, but those were the times when he found her the most attractive.
“Charlie, I…” Cassie trailed off, ducking her head.
Putting his index finger under her chin, he forced her gaze back up. “You what?”
“I’m sorry it all ended up like this.”
Nodding, he laughed. “It’s a little late for that, isn’t it?”
Cassie bit her bottom lip and smiled. “Wanna come in for a beer?”
His instincts screamed at him to tell her no, to back out of the driveway, and go straight home. But his heart said otherwise. He tried to think about how she had done him dirty and wanted to take his kids away, yet he turned the key in the ignition, shutting off the engine and opened the door, following her back up the steps, into a house where he once lived.
Everything looked the same as the day he had moved out. The only thing missing were the family pictures with him in them. Gavin’s toys were scattered in the living room and he paused at Skylar’s bedroom door, watching her sleep. Fourteen years old – when did that happen?
Cassie grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, she leaned down to grab two bottles from the bottom shelf, and Charlie couldn’t control it anymore. He missed her. He had questioned the love he felt for her, and right now, lust was clouding his judgment. Standing behind her, he pushed against her, grinding his hips into her. She stood up straight, taking a few steps back, allowing him easier access to the rest of her body.
Reaching around, he kissed her neck, moving some of her hair out of the way. She smelled good, intoxicating, and her soft skin made him lose complete control, providing him with a short memory of all of the hell she had recently put him through.
A moan escaped from her throat and Charlie felt the vibrations against his lips. His hand skimmed down her side. Turning her to face him, he pushed her back against the wall, knocking some pictures loose. He longed for skin on skin contact.
Running her hands through his hair, it sent a chill down his spine. Looking deep into her hazel eyes, his lips found hers, and his tongue delved deep into her mouth, tasting her.
Cassie pulled away first. She bit her lip again – it was something she did when she was nervous or confused, but right now it was seductive, and Charlie wanted to take her right there in the kitchen. Her disheveled hair added to the sexual display, and he moved toward her. Grabbing his shirt, she led him down the hallway to his old bedroom. His same bed, the same sheets – everything was the same and it was the first time he had been there in months. Shoving the sentimental feelings aside, he guided her backward until she fell onto the bed, smiling up at him.
“Figure we should come in here. You know how everything wakes Skylar up,” Cassie said, propping herself up on her elbows.
Charlie stayed back for a second. It was like he was in and out of being lucid, his mind foggy from Cassie’s seduction. It was his own fault – he had come over, he had agreed to go inside, and he was the one who made the first move when she had bent over at the refrigerator.
“What’s wrong, Charlie?�
��
“Nothing. Everything.”
He rested his hands on either side of her head and kissed her. She was intoxicating, and for a moment, he swore they weren’t divorced. The mixed feelings were so confusing and he stopped himself immediately. Her legs wrapped around him, but he pushed them away. He almost had sex with her, but the desire grew to frustration when he remembered their new and current relationship status.
Sweat gathered on his brow and he closed his eyes. Forcing himself away from Cassie, he sat on the edge of the bed. He swore he’d never be that guy - the type of guy who’d sleep with his ex wife. It wasn’t worth it, and the love he once had for her was almost completely gone.
Nudging him, Cassie sat up. “What’s wrong?
“We shouldn’t be doing this. I need to go.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Cassie laughed, though she wasn’t amused. “You get me all ready to go and then you stop? What an asshole!” She slid off the bed and adjusted her clothing. Charlie did feel bad, but was proud of himself for stopping before they went too far.
“It was a mistake. We are divorced.”
“Then you should probably go before one of the kids sees you.”
He did feel bad for letting it get as far as it had, but he could chalk it up to the emotional day he had experienced.
“You need to hurry and go. Leave, now, before they see you.” She was panicked, motioning toward the bedroom door.
“The kids are asleep, Cass. Calm down.”
She ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to fix it. She laughed, but it wasn’t because she was amused. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looked at him over her shoulder. “I guess this confirms we are completely over and done with.”
Forcing himself off of the bed, a course of embarrassment shot through him. “What exactly just happened? One minute you’re in my office, screaming at me to sign the papers and the next, well, you’re ready to tear my clothes off.” He motioned his hand toward her, confused and angry.
“You tell me, Charlie. You’re the one who couldn’t keep his hands off of me in the kitchen.” Cassie shook her head and stood up, facing him from the other side of the bed. “You leaving or are you just gonna stand there?”