Careless Whisper

by Stacy Claflin

She leaned closer. “You can be a policeman anywhere.”

  His mind raced. “That doesn’t mean I want to be. Nor do I want to walk away from my best friend. You do realize that if we move and both work, we’ll have to put the twins in daycare, don’t you? We’ll both be working and won’t be able to rely on my parents or sister. There’s a lot to consider.”

  “You think I don’t know that?” She glared at him.

  Anger surged through him. He needed to walk away before he said something they would both later regret. “I have to get back to work. There’s a meeting I’m required to be at. We’ll talk about this later.”

  “You’d better believe it.”

  They stared each other down before he stormed outside.

  Chapter 29

  Ariana left the nurse’s office after taking an ibuprofen for her headache. She wanted to find Damon before the study group, but since her phone was in the bag that had been taken she had no way to let him know what happened outside the bathroom.

  The final bell was about to ring in a few minutes, so there was no point in going back to the classroom. It wasn’t like her bag was there. Instead, she went to her locker, grabbed the notes she needed for the tutoring group, and headed for Damon’s last class.

  Lieutenant Johnston was following her but keeping his distance. When Ariana stopped just outside the door, he leaned against a wall and looked straight ahead. He may have been pretending not to look her way, but she knew he was watching from the corner of his eye.

  After what had happened earlier, it actually made her feel better. Usually when officers followed, it was annoying.

  The bell rang right overhead, making her jump.

  Lieutenant Johnston shifted, clearly ready to make a move.

  Ariana turned her back to him and watched the kids pour out of the classroom. She was about to give up on her boyfriend when he straggled out nearly a full minute after the last kid ran down the hall.

  She threw her arms around him and started shaking. It wasn’t until being in his presence that she felt safe enough to let go of her tough exterior and feel shaken from the assault.

  Damon squeezed her. “What’s the matter? Did something else happen?”

  She looked into his kind eyes, feeling comforted by him but shaken from the memory. “After lunch, someone attacked me.”

  “What?” His eyes widened and his brows drew together. “Who? Where?”

  “I was leaving a bathroom after fixing my makeup. He grabbed me and told me he’d kill me, Stella, and Miyoko if I don’t back off.”

  Damon’s nostrils flared. “Was it Owen or Sam?”

  Ari shook, feeling the hands over her mouth as if they were still there. “I don’t know. I never saw his face.”

  “I’m going to bloody both of their faces next time I see them!”

  She motioned toward Lieutenant Johnston. “The police are already on it.”

  “Doesn’t mean I can’t step in as necessary.” His mouth formed a straight line.

  “Let’s just get to the study group.”

  “Sure. Let me carry your bag. Wait. Where’s your bag?” He looked around.

  Ari frowned. “He stole it.”

  “The guy who attacked you?” His eyes narrowed.

  “Yeah.”

  Damon clenched his fists. “There’s definitely going to be blood.”

  “Come on.”

  He put his arm around her, but instead of walking toward the room where they led the group, he marched straight for Lieutenant Johnston.

  “What are you doing?” Ari asked.

  “I’m going to speak with the officer.”

  “Why? He already knows what’s going on.”

  “And I have a few questions for him.”

  “Or you could talk to my dad later. Come over for dinner. We’re going to be late for the group.”

  “I don’t think any of those kids are going to complain if we’re a few minutes late.”

  Lieutenant Johnston turned toward them and lifted a brow.

  Damon stopped as they came to him. “What’s the plan?”

  “I’m following Ariana and watching for anyone suspicious.”

  “So, it’s your job to keep her safe?”

  He nodded.

  “Is anyone looking for the person who attacked her?” Damon’s hold around her shoulders tightened.

  Lieutenant Johnston nodded. “We believe he’s one of the abductors, so we have an entire police department and a group of federal agents on it. She’s family, so you’d better believe we’re taking this seriously.”

  “What about her bag?” Damon asked. “How is she supposed to study without her books?”

  “We’re looking for it.” Lieutenant Johnston looked at the time. “Don’t you have a study group to attend?”

  “To lead.”

  “Better get going.” The lieutenant nodded.

  “How did this happen at school?” Damon demanded. “Not only are you and some other officers here, but there are also the regular school security guards and the cameras.”

  “Unfortunately, the perpetrator managed to avoid all of us and the cameras. But like I said, I won’t be taking my eyes off her now.”

  “It’s a little late for that.”

  Lieutenant Johnston stood taller. “The good news is that they didn’t abduct her. And from here on out, they won’t be able to get near her.”

  Damon straightened his back. “The only reason they didn’t take her was because they probably don’t have a box ready.”

  Johnston took a step closer. “I can appreciate your concern for her, but your anger is misdirected. I am doing everything in my power to keep her safe. As is the entire force. You want the same thing. We’re on the same team. Focus on what needs to be done, and for now, that means your study group.”

  “You’d better believe I’m going to do everything in my power to keep her safe.” With that, Damon spun around.

  “I can take care of myself, you know.” She looked at him. “He may have taken my bag and threatened me but it didn’t go beyond that.”

  He tilted his head. “I never said—”

  “You didn’t have to.” She sighed.

  “Are you mad at me? I’m only trying to help.”

  “I know, and I love you for it. But I’m not a damsel in distress. I don’t need two big, strong men to keep me safe.”

  “I just—”

  “Just be my boyfriend, okay?” She took his hand and squeezed. “Be here for me, but don’t be my guardian. There’s a difference.”

  Damon took a deep breath. “I wasn’t trying to upset you.”

  “I know. Like I said, I love you for caring. Just realize I’m perfectly capable of handling myself.”

  “I already knew that.” He kissed her cheek. “I’d never have fallen for you if you were a damsel in distress.”

  They came to the classroom. Damon reached for the door, but paused. He pulled out his phone and looked at the screen. Color drained from his face, then he narrowed his eyes.

  “What?” Ariana demanded.

  He showed her the screen.

  It was a picture of her bag in front of his house, sent from her phone.

  How had they gotten past her passcode?

  Chapter 30

  The screensaver popped up on Alex’s laptop. He’d been staring at the email for ten minutes, but his mind had been elsewhere.

  How could Zoey be pursuing job opportunities in other cities without even talking with him? Yes, the topic of moving had come up—a year earlier, if not longer. He couldn’t remember the last time they’d discussed it. It had to have been before Cal Jones had died in prison.

  Did she really want to uproot them from their lives? Ariana had gone to school with the same kids her entire life. She wouldn’t want to switch high schools as a sophomore, and she certainly wouldn’t want to move away from Damon.

  And what about their friendship with the Fleshmans? Alex and Nick were tight, and the two families
loved spending time together. Granted, it had been less since the baby was born, but things would return to normal soon. Then there was the matter of Alex’s family. His parents were next door and could watch the twins just about any time they asked. Not to mention his sister and Zoey were lifelong best friends. Their nephew and the twins were also best friends.

  Their entire lives were in town.

  “Any new leads?”

  Alex jumped at Anderson’s voice and turned around. “Not yet.”

  “Looks intriguing.” Anderson gestured toward the screensaver of dancing colors.

  Alex groaned. “I was just thinking.”

  “About the case?”

  He didn’t respond.

  “What’s on your mind?” Anderson leaned against the desk.

  Alex rubbed his temples. “Nothing related to the case. Guess I should focus.”

  “Want to get anything off your chest?”

  He shook his head.

  “Thinking about what happened to Ariana?”

  “Kind of.”

  Anderson lifted a brow.

  “Actually, what I need to do is get permission from the feds to post about the case on my blog. Keeping things out of the public eye isn’t getting us anywhere.”

  “Nowhere? Two girls were returned alive.”

  “There are two more buried, and my daughter was assaulted at school by one of those miscreants.” Guilt stung Alex for being so upset with Zoey. He couldn’t blame her for being worried about their family—he was, too. But running away wasn’t the answer.

  The kidnapping ringleaders could find them anywhere.

  He and Zoey may as well stay near their loved ones. It would kill his parents to be separated from Ariana and the twins. Her parents were in Japan, so she probably didn’t feel that sting in the same way. But his parents had been like her parents since they were kids. Alex’s dad had been more of a dad to Zoey than Kenji for most of her childhood. He didn’t even show up until around the time Zoey was pregnant with Ariana, if Alex’s memory served correctly.

  “Earth to Alex.” Anderson waved his hand in front of Alex.

  He sighed. “I should call it a day. I’m not going to be able to focus until this is resolved.”

  Anderson gave him a sympathetic look. “I hate to say it, but you should clear that with Crawford. He says all hands on deck, no exceptions.”

  Alex scowled. “I’ll talk with Nick. Maybe I should be off the case now that Ariana is involved.”

  “That’s definitely the chief’s territory. At least for now.”

  “I’ll let Nick approach him, if he agrees.” Alex rose and stretched.

  Nick waved him in before Alex even had a chance to knock. “What’s on your mind?”

  Alex collapsed onto the chair across from his best friend and rubbed his temples. “Zoey wants to move away.”

  “Because of the case?”

  “Yep. One of our kidnappers assaulted Ariana at school.”

  Nick frowned. “I heard about that. I’m glad she’s okay.”

  “But Zoey isn’t. She wants to uproot us, just when we were finally settling into life. I don’t think she cares that all our ties are here—there’s you guys, Macy, my parents, Ari’s friends. Everything is here.”

  “Give her a day or two and she might change her mind. It’s traumatic to relive what we’ve all been through. Cal and his army of kidnappers have put us all through hell.” Nick’s expression tightened. “And that’s no exaggeration.”

  Alex pressed his palms on the desk. “Zoey’s serious. She has job offers.”

  “How long has she been planning this?”

  “Clearly for a while! And I’m just hearing about it today.”

  Nick tapped his desk. “I’ll have G invite her over. Maybe she can help.”

  “I don’t want to put anything else on her,” Alex said. “I’ll call Macy. She sees Zoey several times a week, anyway. It’ll be more natural for her to bring it up.”

  “You won’t overburden Genevieve. She’s been itching to spend time with friends. This’ll give her the push she’s looking for. Any other friends we can bring in?”

  Alex thought about it. “I’m sure my mom would be more than willing to talk with her. No way she wants us to move.”

  “Good.” Nick nodded with approval. “Bring in anyone else you can think of. I’m going to call G while I’m thinking about it.”

  “Thanks.” Alex rose, deep in thought. “There are a few moms from the neighborhood who would be happy to talk to her. And that one friend from her Zumba class she meets with for tea. What’s her name? Debbie?”

  By the time he reached his desk, he had so many names he had to write a list so he wouldn’t forget anyone.

  Agent Hanks came over. “We like your idea of posting about the case on your blog. Agent Chow and I were just discussing the best way to get media attention. It looks like a lot of people follow your blog, so if you post, the outlets will run with it.”

  “Great. I’ll get that set up right away.”

  “One more thing.” He typed in his password.

  Alex turned back to her. “Yeah?”

  “Because of your daughter’s assault—”

  “I’m off the case.”

  She nodded. “Yes, sorry.”

  “It’s for the best. Actually, do you mind if I head home now? It’ll be easier for me to get the post up there.”

  “Whatever you need. I’ll let Crawford know.”

  “Thanks.”

  “No. Thank you.” She smiled before walking away.

  Alex tensed at the thought of being off the case. But at least he could focus more on his family. But first, he had half a dozen calls to make in his car before leaving.

  Hopefully with so many friends expressing their desire for the Mercers to stay in town, Zoey would change her mind about moving.

  Chapter 31

  Ariana held her breath as they neared Damon’s house. Would her bag be there, or did the kidnappers send the picture just to mess with her?

  Damon turned off the bumpy unmaintained road and onto his driveway.

  When his house finally came into sight, Ariana leaned forward, looking in the yard.

  She couldn’t see her bag. In the picture, it had been on the lawn right in front of the large home. Her heart sank. Not only were her school books and supplies in it, but so was her purse and wallet. And her phone, which had sent Damon the image.

  “Do you see it?” She lifted off the seat for a better view.

  “No, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”

  “Why are they doing this?”

  Damon parked and cut the engine. “Probably as a distraction from the burials.”

  “If he wants me to stay out of it, he’d better give me my stuff back. He can’t threaten me and take my stuff. He has to know that’ll only turn me against him.”

  “They’re both idiots. Don’t expect a sane line of thinking from them.”

  “You don’t give them enough credit. Look what they’ve managed to pull off already.”

  “Doesn’t change the fact that they’re imbeciles.”

  Ariana flung open the door and raced to the yard. The grass was bent down where her bag had been. She looked around for it. Under bushes, beside the porch, under the porch.

  She clenched her jaw. “They took it with them!”

  “We don’t know that.” Damon proceeded around to the side of the house.

  Ari stood with her arms crossed. She turned slowly, looking around, and paused as she stared into the woods—the same trees she and Damon had fled into away from his murderous dad.

  She shook her head of memories and focused on the present. Her bag was the priority. Nothing else. They were toying with her. Trying to control her.

  But she would have none of it—everything inside the pack could be replaced. Books, makeup, her identification, and even her phone. It would be a pain, but she could get new ones. No problem.

  Either way, she
would be fine. And more importantly, they would not win.

  Head high, she marched along the perimeter and looked with laser focus. Nothing looked out of place, but that didn’t mean her bag wasn’t there.

  “I found it!” Damon called from the other side of the house.

  She burst into a run, her foot slipping on some loose soil. But she caught herself and dashed around to the back. He stood by a bush, and she didn’t immediately see the bag.

  “You found it?”

  He pointed behind a bush.

  Ariana hurried past him and picked up her bag. It was nearly weightless. She stumbled back at the surprise of it.

  “What’s wrong?” Damon asked.

  She unzipped it and held it open for him to see.

  “Empty?” He took it from her.

  Something white caught her attention.

  “I think I see something.” She reached in and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

  Her heart leaped into her throat.

  “Is it a note?” Damon leaned closer.

  She unfolded it. It took a moment for her eyes to focus on the lettering. It was a messy, block script.

  You’ll find your things around. While you look, think about your promise to back off the case. You might want to pass that message along to your dad while you’re at it. Happy hunting.

  Her hands shook.

  Damon took the paper, his expression tightening. “Does that mean they spread your things around the property?”

  “Or around town?”

  Her hands went cold, and she shook. It was like the guy was violating her all over again.

  Damon turned to her. “You told that officer about your stolen bag?”

  She nodded.

  “Good. We need to tell him about this, too.”

  “How? I can’t text anyone until I find my phone.”

  Damon pulled out his and snapped a picture of it. “I’m going to text this to your dad. Probably should tell him about the text they sent, too.”

  “Okay.” Heart pounding, she walked along the perimeter of the house to see if any of her things had been left there. If not, it would suck to have to look through the woods. Even worse to have to search around town.