Marcus picked up his phone and answered it.
Tiffany tried to listen, but she didn’t have to. The expression on his face was all she needed. He nodded to her and smiled. After the call ended, he relayed the message. “They’ve got her, and the kids are fine. They want us to go to the station because the kids need to give a statement and they want you to be there.”
Tiffany burst into tears.
Marcus wrapped her in his arms and hugged her. Eventually she asked in a very small voice, “And Sally?”
“She’ll undergo a full psychiatric evaluation.”
Chapter 25
“Polly! Mike!” Tiffany cried, crushing her children in a huge embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Mummy,” Polly cried in reply. Mike remained quiet and slightly stiff. Tiffany knew he was trying to show how brave he’d been, while Polly let her fears run freely.
“She said you’d sent her to pick us up,” Polly continued. “She knew our names and she knew yours. You always told us not to go with anyone who doesn’t know our names. But she did.”
“I know, sweetie, and I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get there before she took you.” Tiffany sniffed and tried to stop her tears. She held the children close, unwilling to let them go.
“Ms. Harris, I’m Officer Murray.”
Looking up, she gave a tentative smile to the middle-aged officer with a kindly face.
“I know this is a difficult time, but I need you all to give a statement when you’re ready.”
Tiffany nodded. “Can you give us a moment?”
“Sure.”
She sniffed again and then let the children go while she blew her nose. Marcus rubbed her back. It seemed such a natural thing for him to do under the circumstances, but the whole situation was quite surreal. After composing herself, she took the children’s hands and ushered them into the interview room. Marcus followed along behind.
Listening to Mike and Polly explain to Officer Murray what had happened, Tiffany was relieved that nothing worse had occurred. The woman had been friendly and told the kids she was a friend of hers. She was going to take them to McDonald’s and buy them lunch before taking them home.
But she didn’t stop at the first McDonald’s, or the second, or the third. That was when they grew scared. When they heard police sirens and the woman accelerated, they knew they were in trouble. Mike had held Polly’s hand and tried to comfort her when she began to cry. The car skidded to a stop when a police car blocked their way, almost crashing into it. When the car stopped, the woman opened the door and fled, but an officer ran after her and caught her. She began screaming hysterically. It took two officers to control her.
“I’m so sorry you had to experience all of that,” Marcus said to the children.
Tiffany was relieved they weren’t injured and that they’d been found quickly. She hated to think what might have happened otherwise.
Marcus also gave a statement, but not within the children’s hearing.
“What will happen to her, Mummy?” Polly asked as they waited for him.
“I’m not completely sure, darling, but she’s sick, so she’ll probably be taken to the hospital.”
“She was nice to us at the start.”
Tiffany was glad to hear that, but from what they’d told the officer, they’d become frightened when she sped up, and that made her angry. How dare the woman put her children at risk! What if she’d crashed the car? What had she hoped to gain by kidnapping her children? And how did she know who Tiffany and her children were in the first place. The woman had serious issues.
Marcus appeared soon after and drove them home. On the way, they stopped at McDonald’s and Marcus said they could have whatever they wanted. It didn’t compensate for what had happened, but it took their minds off the trauma for a short while.
When they arrived at Tiffany’s home, she asked him if he’d like to come in. After what had happened, she was reluctant to be on her own. He agreed and helped her settle the children for a rest.
Sipping coffee with him at the kitchen table, she asked him to tell her more about Sally.
“We always sensed she was a little unhinged, and she spent some time in a psychiatric hospital not long after being released from jail. We assumed she’d gotten better, but she must have had a relapse. I should have contacted the police when I realised she was stalking me. What happened to your children today is my fault. I’m so sorry, Tiffany.”
“You didn’t know she was capable of such a thing. It’s not your fault.”
“That’s kind of you to say that, but I feel responsible.”
“If she has a psychiatric condition, that’s not your fault.”
“Perhaps not, but it seems that because of the accident, she’s been living with guilt that apparently turned into an obsession. I should have stopped it.”
“You can’t change what happened. I’ve learned that. And the kids will be fine. Although I might get them some counseling, just to be sure.” She had no idea how she’d pay for counseling, but figured she’d somehow come up with the money.
He must have read her mind, because he said, “That’s a great idea, and I’ll cover the cost.”
His generosity and thoughtfulness overwhelmed her. Because of his financial status, the cost of counseling would be a drop in the bucket, but it was a kind gesture, nevertheless.
“Thank you.”
Soon after, he left with a promise to call to check how the children were later that afternoon. A tremendous void filled her heart as soon as he walked out the door, and she knew that despite her resolve never to become entangled with another man, Marcus Alcott had stolen her heart.
The following day, Tiffany stayed home from work and kept the children from school. She called her mother and told her what had happened. Her mum was so upset she offered to come over right away.
Marcus called every second hour to check in. Around three in the afternoon, he called with an update. “Hi again.” His gentle voice calmed Tiffany’s heart. “Are you all still doing okay?”
“Yes, we’re fine, thanks. Polly’s taking another nap and Mike’s watching a movie. My mum’s still here.”
“I’m glad. I thought I’d let you know that Sally went through her evaluation. Due to the stalking and kidnapping, she has been given a few diagnoses. They said she has a predisposition to Type One Bipolar Disorder and had been showing characteristics her whole life, but this was a severe psychotic episode.”
“Oh, my goodness. So, this has been a long time coming?” Tiffany asked, horrified at the thought that Sally, a young woman with a treatable condition, had gotten so out of control.
“That’s what it sounds like. She’s been hospitalised and will receive a great deal of care and treatment. The officer said that her doctor is hopeful she’ll recover, but she won’t be released from the hospital until they’re convinced she’s stable which may be a long time. She’ll probably be on medication for the rest of her life, and will also be charged with kidnapping.”
Tiffany was glad to hear it, although it didn’t calm her nerves entirely. She wished Sally the best and tried to let go of her anger, but she was still concerned about what could happen when she was released. The thought also crossed her mind that Sally could fake a recovery in order to be let out, but she decided not to focus on that. She’d been given new life in Christ. Sally was being offered a new start by having her mental health condition treated. What if she could also come to know Christ and depend on Him as she recovered?
Everything within Tiffany wanted to beg God to never let Sally be released, to make her spend the rest of her life locked up. She wanted to ask Him to strike down anyone who would harm her family. She wanted to see the God of judgment in action.
But in the midst of her anger, she felt a still, small voice whispering to her. Pray for her.
Tiffany knew then. She had to pray for Sally. She had to ask God to take care of her and to bring her into His arms. She ha
d to pray that Sally would come to know the peace that she herself was just discovering.
So, she would do just that. After ending the call with Marcus, she went into her room, got down on her knees, and asked God to show Sally His truth and to help her find new life in Him.
Tiffany knew that God would hear her prayers, even if they were implored in an attempt to calm her own spirit. She trusted Him to reveal Himself to Sally, and to soften her heart towards Him, but then it was up to her to respond.
When Marcus called again later in the evening, Tiffany was able to say that she finally was feeling better and that the kids were, too.
“I’m so glad, Tiffany,” Marcus said. “I’ve been worried about you all day. Can I say once more how sorry I am?”
“You can, but I’m not upset with you. You couldn’t have predicted what she’d do, and we’re going to be okay,” she replied, knowing that her statement was true. They would be okay. They were okay.
“I’m relieved to hear it, but I’d like to make it up to you.”
“You don’t need to do anything,” she replied. “You’ve already offered to pay for counseling for the kids, which is already so generous.”
“But I want to do more. I think you and the children could use a day without any stress. How does a day on my yacht sound?”
Tiffany smiled. Having already told him that their date on Friday would have to wait until she felt confident that the kids would feel safe without her, she was glad for the invitation. A day on his yacht with the children would give them the security of being together while allowing her and Marcus to enjoy one another’s company. It sounded ideal. “You know, maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t think any stalkers could follow us out on the water, so let’s do it,” she replied.
“Wonderful! Shall we book it in for Saturday?”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll look forward to it, and I’m sure the children will too.”
Chapter 26
Saturday couldn’t come soon enough. The children were so excited to be spending a day on Marcus’s yacht that they soon forgot about the episode with Sally. Tiffany deliberated what she should wear, never having been on a yacht before, but in the end she decided on a pair of white shorts, a hot-pink button-up blouse, a floppy hat and sandals. She packed her swimsuit and towels in case they stopped somewhere they could swim.
Marcus sent a car for them. He had some last-minute work to do with the new contract that couldn’t wait or else he would have come himself. He apologised. She’d told him not to worry, it was okay. It wasn’t the limo, but it was almost as fancy. The kids thought it was the poshest car they’d ever seen, but they hadn’t been in the limo. When they arrived at the estate, Marcus was waiting for them. He was dressed in navy shorts and a white Tommy Hilfiger polo, looking every bit the sailor.
Her heart skittered when he took her hand and helped her out of the car. She smiled and thanked him.
“You look wonderful,” he said, casting his gaze over her attire.
“I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“It’s perfect.”
He walked with them to the jetty. She’d only seen the yacht from a distance, and as they came closer, she gasped. It was almost as big as the Manly ferry. “Do you sail this on your own?” she asked.
He chuckled. “No. There’s a captain and a full crew aboard.”
“Can I help?” Mike asked. Tiffany had to hold him back from running ahead.
“You sure can,” Marcus replied.
He helped them board by way of a gangplank, and the captain, a young man by the name of Paul, smiled and welcomed them aboard ‘Bree-ze’. Tiffany wondered if Marcus had named the boat after his wife, and assumed he had. She felt for him. It must be so hard having reminders of her everywhere.
The boat was amazing. It was a huge catamaran, and the cockpit was almost larger than her house. The white leather seats looked comfortable and enticing, a great place to sit and enjoy the view. But she couldn’t see the children being happy to sit for long. She was relieved when Marcus offered to give them a full tour of the boat.
As they set off, the children sat with Paul and helped him steer while Tiffany and Marcus enjoyed coffee and croissants in the cockpit. The weather was perfect for a day on the harbour. The sun shone brilliantly, making the water sparkle. A number of other yachts were taking advantage of the great weather, and soon the sails were up and they were sailing towards Little Manly across the harbour heads.
“Do you ever go out there?” Tiffany asked.
“I’ve been out a few times with Dave and some of the others from church. They love deep sea fishing.”
“I’m not sure I’d be a fan of that!” She laughed. “Just crossing these heads is enough for me.” Rollers were coming in from the ocean, and the boat rose and fell and made her feel a little squeamish.
“Are you okay?” he asked, reaching out his hand to squeeze hers.
“I’ll be fine. I’m just not used to the rocking, that’s all.”
“Shall we go up front and get some fresh air?”
“Sure. I think that might help.”
One of the crew collected their coffee cups and Marcus held her elbow as they walked to the front of the yacht. She was glad of his help since she could easily have lost her balance. Maybe one day she’d grow sea legs, but right now, she felt quite unsteady.
The fresh air helped, and as it whipped through her hair and sea water misted her face, she began to relax and enjoy not only the ride, but the company. She was very conscious of Marcus standing beside her, and she surprised herself by sidling closer and hoping he’d put his arm around her and was disappointed when he didn’t. She chastised herself yet again for daydreaming about something that was not likely to ever happen.
The day turned out to be exactly what they needed. They anchored at Little Manly and the kids swam in the clear, blue water to their hearts’ content. Paul lowered the jet ski that Tiffany didn’t even know the boat was carrying, and Marcus took turns taking them each for rides. He offered to take Tiffany as well, and she almost refused, but at the last moment agreed, and she was so glad she did. Marcus told her to wrap her arms around his waist, which she had no hesitation doing. As they zoomed around the harbour, she laughed and laughed and couldn’t have been happier.
On their return journey, while sitting in the cockpit, her eyes began to droop. The ocean had calmed a little since the morning, and after a full day in the sun and sea, it seemed that the tension of the past week had caught up with her and she succumbed. When she woke sometime later, she wondered where she was, but soon remembered when Marcus smiled at her.
“Did you have a good sleep?”
She nodded. “The best I’ve had in a long time.”
“I’m glad. You looked so peaceful I didn’t want to disturb you, but we’re almost back.”
She straightened and looked ahead. He was right. The yacht was approaching Marcus’s jetty and Mike and Polly were helping one of the crew members with the ropes. Or sheets, as Marcus said they were called.
“It’s been a lovely day. Thank you,” she said.
“You’re more than welcome. Let’s do it again sometime soon.”
She smiled. “I’d like that.”
“And so would I.”
Three days later, a parcel was sitting on the doorstep, addressed to Mike. Tiffany was puzzled. Mike never got parcels. “Can I open it?” he asked eagerly.
“Sure,” she replied.
Mike carried it up the steps before tearing the paper off. “It’s a pair of football boots!” he exclaimed. He proudly held them up.
Tiffany’s eyes widened. Not only were they football boots, but they were the top brand she could never afford, given she couldn’t even afford the cheapest brand. “Does it have a card?” she asked. But she already knew who they were from. Definitely not Steve. It had to be Marcus. But how did he know?
“I don’t see one,” Mike replied.
“Did you tell Marcus you needed boots
when we were on the boat?”
He frowned. “I’m not sure. I might have. Can I try them on?”
“Yes. Go for it!”
The boots fit perfectly, and inside one, Mike found a note saying that his fees were paid. “Does that mean I can play?”
Tiffany smiled. “I guess so!” Although she could easily have been annoyed by Marcus’s generosity, she wasn’t, because he was a generous man with a big heart. Who could be annoyed by that?
Over the following weeks, Marcus surprised her again and again with spontaneous outings that they all enjoyed together. They got to know one another, and not only did Tiffany fall for his charm and kindly manner, but so did the kids. They loved all the outings that he took them on. Tiffany wanted to ask him to stop spoiling them, but after the way Steve treated them, she didn’t have the heart to say anything since they were having such a wonderful time.
When she and Marcus finally had their first official date a few weeks later, Tiffany knew without a doubt that it was the first of many. He was the man of her dreams, a man after God’s own heart. And as she grew in her relationship with the Lord, she saw more and more that He was the reason for the heart Marcus had.
That night, he booked a table at the fine dining restaurant on the top floor of Centrepoint Tower. She’d never been there, let alone eaten at the restaurant. After picking her up in the limo, they took the glass lift to the top. The ride was amazing, but not as amazing as the view. All of Sydney stretched before them. When Marcus stood behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, goosebumps covered her flesh.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No.” But she snuggled against him and thought she was in seventh heaven when he nuzzled her neck with his lips. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he whispered.
Closing her eyes, she let the joy of the moment fill her. She didn’t pull away and longed for him to kiss her properly. She wished the lift would never stop, but when they reached the top, he removed his arms from her waist and placed his hand at the small of her back as the waiter greeted them and led them to their table.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 23