Forever Alexa (Book Four In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series)

by Beauman, Cate

  Jackson moved to the frame, and Alex gasped. “Abby. That’s Abby.”

  “Let’s be sure.” He centered on the woman’s face. It was difficult to tell from the angle of the photograph. The woman looked down. The black cap she wore was in the way.

  “There’s definitely a similarity. This has to be her. Let’s call the detective. Now that they’ve seen her, they can go get her.” She laughed. “Abby’s coming home.” She gripped him in a hug. “Thank God. Oh, thank God.”

  He pulled back and held her at arms length. “Alex, it’s not necessarily that easy.”

  Her smile dimmed. “They know where she is.”

  “A concerned citizen spotted her on a dark street stepping into a van. Let’s back up a step and call Detective Canon.”

  She turned away.

  “I’m sorry, Alex. I don’t want you getting your hopes up.”

  “Just make the call.”

  He stared at Alex’s rigid shoulders as he picked up his cell and dialed.

  “Detective Canon.”

  “Detective, it’s Jackson Matthews. Alex is pretty certain the picture is of her sister. She recognized the ring on Abby’s thumb and a small mole on her left shoulder.”

  “Excellent.”

  “So where does that leave us?”

  “That’s the tricky part. The picture was from late last night. The citizen sent it to us a few hours ago.”

  “Son of a bitch.” He jammed his fingers through his hair. “Why did they wait so long?”

  “Couple of guys from a bachelor party. They didn’t realize they had the photo until they woke from their drunken stupor earlier this afternoon. One of them thought they recognized the woman as Abby from the pictures the media’s been flashing.”

  “Well, where was the bachelor party?” He picked up a pen, ready to write down a name.

  “That’s problem number two. They did a pub-crawl. The group bar hopped throughout the night—all over Baltimore. None of them remember taking the photograph. We’ve taken their phones and have all the pictures. There are quite a few. We’re going to try to make heads or tails of them and hopefully track down some sort of location. We’re also going to follow their credit card transactions. I have men on it right now.”

  Jackson leaned back, closed his eyes, and clenched his jaw. Their break had already fizzled. “Keep me informed if anything else comes up.”

  “Will do.”

  Jackson pressed ‘end’ as he stared at the ceiling and set down the phone.

  “They don’t know,” Alex said quietly. “They don’t know where she is.”

  He rubbed his fingers over his brow. “They’re working on it. We have to be patient.”

  “Stop saying that!” She whirled. “I’m so sick of hearing it. Be patient, Alex. They’re working on it, Alex. We’re going to find her, Alex.” She pressed her palms to the desk. “What if we don’t? I can’t take this anymore.” She rushed to the door and twisted the knob.

  “She’s alive.” He stayed where he was, his voice calm despite his frustration. “We know she’s alive and somewhere in Baltimore. The picture was taken last night.”

  “But she’s suffering, Jack. She’s in danger. You saw her arm. Do you think I don’t know what they’re doing to her? I’ve been researching when Livy sleeps.” Her weary voice wavered.

  Jackson stood and walked to her. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but this is a step in the right direction. This picture came with potential leads.”

  She rested her head against the door. “Such as?”

  “Although none of the men remember taking that exact photo—”

  She cut him off with an exasperated laugh. “That’s a lead? They took a picture and they don’t even remember doing it? What good does that do?”

  He took her hand as it flopped from the knob. “Plenty. They took several photos and bought alcohol with credit cards. The authorities need to connect the dots. Answers are coming, Alex. Not as fast as we want them, but they’re coming.”

  “They might move her.”

  “We have to hope like hell they don’t.”

  She covered her face with her hands.

  He tugged them away. “Come on, we’ll go say our goodbyes, get Olivia, and head home. We’ll book our flights for sometime tomorrow. I’ll call my parents.”

  Her eyes widened. “Your parents?”

  “It’s not safe to go to your place. We have no idea if they’re watching the house. No risks. There shouldn’t be a link between you, me, and Olivia. They might know you’re in LA, but they have no idea where. You’re credit card trail stopped after your flight and the night at the hotel. They’ll have no idea we’re with my family.”

  “Lost in the shuffle.”

  “That’s right. My parents will be thrilled to see you again.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. I kept them from Livy.”

  “Mom didn’t talk to me for two weeks after I broke things off with you. She loves you like crazy. I want them to meet their granddaughter face to face. This is the next step, Alex. We need to go. I can’t do anything more for Abby here.”

  She nodded. “Okay. We’ll stay with your family—if they’ll have us.”

  “They will.” He brushed the hair from her temple. “I need you to hang in there.”

  She put a restraining hand around his wrist, halting his movement. “I’m trying. I want her back. I need her back.”

  He reversed their positions so that he held her wrist in his hand. “Whatever it takes. We’ll find a way to bring her home.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry I snapped at you.”

  He shrugged. “No biggie.”

  “I’m grateful for all you’re doing.”

  He tightened his grip against her wrist. “I don’t want your gratitude, Alex.”

  “You’ve got it anyway. I’m thankful you’re willing to help me after everything that’s happened.” She frowned. “Why does saying so make you mad?”

  “Because I feel like you’re giving me a damn pat on the head.” Why was he making this into such a big deal? She said thank you. “Let’s get Olivia.” He dropped her arm and reached for the doorknob.

  “Wait a minute.” She snagged his arm this time. “I don’t understand what just happened. You’re helping me with my sister and have given Livy and me a place to stay. There’s nothing wrong with being thankful. I don’t know what else you expect me to feel.”

  And there was the problem. She had him tied up in knots. The scent of flowers and vanilla was making him crazy. He wanted, needed, and she was thankful. Enough was enough. He pressed her to the door, sandwiching her against him and the dark solid wood. “I want you to feel what I do, Alex.” He skimmed his fingers over her jaw and rubbed the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “Just for one second, I want you to feel the way I do.”

  “I—” The word came out on a trembling whisper.

  “One second, Alex.” Their breath mingled, and then he captured her mouth the way he’d been yearning to for years.

  She stiffened and pushed at his chest. Despite her protest, he held her still, waiting as he sensed her hesitation. Seconds passed before she moaned and curled her fingers into his shirt, pulling him closer and parting her lips.

  Like a starving man, he dove deep, savoring the sweet flavor he’d craved and gone without for too long. Tongues collided and teeth scraped as the moment spun out. He held her face in his hands, nipped her full lip, groaned, then took them both under for more. How had he lived without this?

  “Jack.” Alex eased back, still clutching at his shirt. “Jack, we can’t do this.”

  He stared at her swollen lips and flushed cheeks, wanting to disagree. Her eyes told him he only had to lean in again and take, but he wouldn�
��t get them where he wanted by pushing his advantage. Alex would need time to realize she could trust him again before they could move forward. With a last brush of his fingers along her jaw he stepped away. “Let’s get Olivia and go home.”

  Chapter 9

  Alexa stared out at the dark blue waters of the Chesapeake as Jack drove the rental car along the Bay Bridge. It had been ages since she crossed the twenty-mile stretch to Kent Island. Her house in Hagerstown was only two hours from the Eastern Shore, but she hadn’t been able to make herself come back to one of the places she loved most.

  There were too many memories wrapped up in the pretty creeks and quiet marshlands not far from Jack’s parent’s home—Christmases celebrated; long, lazy summer days in the sun; dreams woven that never came true. She never intended to come here again.

  As the Hyundai bumped over the smooth metal beam transitioning them from bridge to land, Alexa pressed a hand to her unsettled stomach. Jack assured her several times that they weren’t followed from LA and that no one was waiting at his parents’ place to take Livy, but she still worried. She hadn’t been able to shake the persistent unease since they’d parked Jack’s car at LAX and left the safe anonymity of his home. Baltimore wasn’t far away, nor was DC. They were closer to Abby—hopefully—but Livy was now a target again. The dread of constantly looking over her shoulder was back with a vengeance.

  Jack merged off the busy highway and turned right. They passed a bank and the diner that served the best French fries she’d ever tasted and the strip mall she and Jack’s mother used to stroll through. Eventually they made their way to the cozy streets of the familiar neighborhood. She breathed deep, fighting to calm another flutter of anxiety. They were just about there.

  The anticipation of seeing George and Carol was almost as overwhelming as her fear for her daughter’s safety. The hitch of guilt still plagued her as she remembered the bits and pieces of the phone call she’d overheard Jack have with his parents several nights before, when he called to tell them they were grandparents. It only lasted moments, then he’d hung up and moved to the living room with his laptop and accessed Skype. His mother’s weeping echoed through the room when Livy sang and danced in front of the webcam for her grandparents. Alexa had to leave when Jack’s own eyes filled with tears.

  Grammy and Grampy had ‘visited’ with Livy everyday via the computer for the last two weeks. They’d all missed out on so much. Not only had Alexa robbed Jack and Livy of time together, but also Livy and her grandparents. Yet they were ready to welcome her into their home with open arms.

  Moments later, Jack pulled into the pretty, flower-lined driveway Alexa remembered so well. A rainbow of pansies filled the concrete planters separating the asphalt from lush yard. She studied the calm blue of the inlet several steps down a grassy embankment, the boats sailing by on their way out to open waters, and the large two-story clapboard, catching herself before she sighed. The tiny apartment she’d shared with Gran and Abby had been full of love, but this place had always felt like home.

  When Jack brought her here for the first time, she’d worried what his family might think of the poor girl from subsidized housing making her way through school on a full ride. Their house had screamed classy, quiet wealth, but their warmth had settled her nerves instantly. “It’s still the same. It’s so beautiful. I’ve missed coming here.”

  He gave her an easy smile. “We’ve missed having you.”

  Jack had been more relaxed since their steamy kiss in Ethan’s office two day ago, which left her more on edge. She had tried her best to avoid him with her usual tactics, especially after they’d practically eaten each other alive in a foolish moment that never should have happened, but Jack was always in her way.

  How was she supposed to forget his bold, familiar taste and the way those firm lips felt pressed to hers, or the heat that still sparked between them, when he wouldn’t leave her be? Keeping Livy close didn’t work. He just stayed and played, making their daughter laugh—and her too.

  Escaping to her room at night had proved fruitless—he followed and sat too close at the tiny desk while she breathed him in and felt his muscular arm rub against hers as he helped her track down information on cases similar to Abby’s. And he kept touching her—little brushes here and there that set her skin humming and yearning for more. It was almost as if Jack had declared a silent war to wear her down—and he was winning.

  “Ready?” He winked.

  “Sure.”

  “Let’s go.” He skimmed his knuckle along her chin.

  She studied him, frowning. “What are you doing?”

  “Getting out. We’ve been sitting all damn day.” He opened his door.

  “That’s not what I—”

  “Is that my baby?” Carol Matthews stepped from the screen door, pretty with her chin-length blonde hair and blue eyes so similar to Jack’s. “It is my baby. And Alexa.”

  “Mom.” Jack hurried up the steps and hugged his mom, spinning her once while she laughed. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too, sweetie. Where’s my grandbaby?”

  He grinned. “What am I, chopped liver?”

  “No, but you’re all grown up with that rough stubble on your cheeks and chin. I want to hold my sweet darling girl, but not before I give my other sweet darling girl a big hug.” Carol eased away from Jack and ran down the steps like a woman half her age. “Alexa Harris, I’ve missed you to pieces.”

  Alexa held on to the petite woman dressed in khaki shorts and a striped green top. She’d always envied Jack his wonderful, warm mother. Secretly she’d considered Carol her own. “I missed you too, Carol.”

  “Carol? You’re going to hurt my feelings if you don’t call me Mom. A few years away shouldn’t change a little thing like that.” She winked. “I had the piano tuned for you, just in case you want to play. Now, where’s my Olivia?” She moved to the car and peered in the backseat, all but rubbing her hands together with anticipation.

  “Why aren’t you angry with me?” Alexa’s eyes widened as she realized she said out loud what she’d been thinking.

  Carol turned back to her. “What good would that do? You’re here now, right? You and Jackson will patch everything up and move on, as you should’ve all along.”

  Jack winced and cleared his throat. “Mom.”

  “I’m not meddling. This is for the two of you to figure out. Now, let’s get our little princess inside and ready for dinner. Dad’s grabbing lobster. He had a meeting on the golf course. He’ll be along any minute.” Carol opened the door, unbuckled Livy from her booster, and grabbed her up in her arms. “Oh, oh, I’m so in love. She smells so good. Jackson, she looks just like you.”

  Livy blinked her eyes open.

  Alexa stepped over and smiled at her confused little girl, caressing a finger over her forehead. “Livy, we’re at Grammy and Grampy’s house.”

  “I want to go on the bridge.” Livy yawned and stared at Carol.

  “She fell asleep before we made it to the bridge,” Jack supplied. “That’s all she talked about on the plane.”

  “We’ll go on the bridge tomorrow, my sweet little Livy.”

  “Are you my Grammy?” Livy stroked her fingers over Carol’s face.

  Carol’s eyes filled. “Oh dear, I’m going to get drippy.”

  Livy grinned. “Grammy’s going to get drippy.”

  Carol let loose a watery laugh. “Grammy has some surprises for you. She went shopping today just for her beautiful grandbaby.”

  “I love to have surprises. They are my favorite.”

  “Good. Let’s go inside. Your mommy and daddy can get your things.” Carol started for the steps.

  “Jack is my daddy. Mommy said so.”

  Alexa wrinkled her nose and winced as Carol paused mid-step.

  “Y
es, Jack is your daddy,” Carol confirmed as they went inside.

  Alexa walked to the trunk, waiting for Jack to join her. She smiled when Livy’s delighted screeches echoed through the screen door. “I guess your parents feel duty-bound to spoil their granddaughter.”

  “It’s a grandparent’s prerogative.” He popped the trunk. “She has a lot of time to make up for.”

  Alexa’s smile vanished as his comment compounded her guilt.

  “Shit, Alex. I’m sorry.” He took her hand and squeezed. “I didn’t mean anything by that.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” She pulled away and grabbed the handle of her suitcase.

  “Alex—”

  “You have every right to be angry. I’m angry with myself.”

  “Hey.” He turned her to face him. “We’ve already talked about this. There’s plenty of blame to pass between the two of us, but it doesn’t seem to do much good. We need to move past this. I’m sure as hell trying.”

  “Yeah.” She desperately wished she could give Jack and his family back the time they’d missed. Alexa looked to the embankment, to the tall marsh grasses waving in the breeze, the calm waters beyond, craving the serenity the view had always brought in the past. “I’ll get mine and Livy’s stuff in a couple minutes. I’m going to clear my head.”

  “Okay.” He took a step in her direction.

  “Alone, Jack. I need to walk alone.” She grabbed her purse from the front seat, too afraid to leave the flip phone behind, and started to the back of the house without looking at Jack. She was drowning in the messy emotions crowding her. Ten blessed minutes by herself would do her some good. She stepped to the graying, weathered boards of the dock and moved to the end, then she sat and stared out at the diamond twinkles on the water from the sun and the pretty wooded area a couple hundred yards across the inlet. The landscape had barely changed over the years. If only she could say the same about her life.

  Sighing, she closed her eyes and breathed deep, trying desperately to focus on the tranquility nature offered. Fish splashed about as frogs croaked and a gust of salty air twisted a lock of hair against her cheek. Time slipped away, and her heart rate slowed. For the first time in two weeks, she found a true stirring of peace.