Wish of the Heart

by Malia Mallory

  Rylan hurried the bedroom, and Macie darted after him. He went straight to the closet and flung open the door. He pulled out a chest from the back, partially hidden by clothes, opened the lid and lifted out the contents. Prying up the false bottom revealed the computer.

  Macie sighed with relief. “I don’t know how to proceed now,” she admitted.

  “I do. We’re taking the laptop and going to a hotel. I’m calling the forensic accountant. I want him to look at the files.”

  Chapter 10

  The air in the hotel room was stale, and Macie opened the window. “I’ll need to get some things from my apartment.” A posed painting of a child eerily staring into the distance decorated one wall.

  “I don’t think you should go home. Whatever you need, we can pick up in the neighborhood.” He rifled through the basket of travel-sized toiletries on the vanity.

  “Rylan …” Macie didn’t like feeling restricted.

  “Someone threatened you and tried to hurt you. Don’t give them more chances.” Rylan’s tone was firm.

  Macie didn’t want to believe Rylan was right. She couldn’t let fear get in the way. “I wasn’t even in the car. It was meant to scare me.” They’d checked the phone number of the text online, and it only led them to a throwaway cell phone.

  “What about the subway? Knocking you on the tracks isn’t just a scare,” he pointed out.

  “We discussed this before. We don’t know it was related.” Macie wanted to dismiss what he said, but the pattern was there. Admitting it might break the dam that held her fear at bay.

  “We don’t know it wasn’t,” Rylan argued.

  Macie sighed. “You’re right. I know you are. It’s frustrating.” Macie looked around the small room, already feeling the walls close in around her. A king-sized bed covered by a floral spread dominated the room. An upholstered chair sat in the corner and another wooden chair rested at the desk, which also held the television.

  “Let me make arrangements to have the accountant come by, and then I’ll help you come up with something to pass the time.” Rylan let Macie see his want for her.

  Sensual interest pushed her irritation away. “You’re going to keep me from getting bored?” Macie smirked.

  “Oh yes, I’d be happy to do so.” Rylan’s tone promised tantalizing possibilities.

  “That is so incredibly generous of you.” Macie welcomed his desire over his worrying.

  Rylan laughed. “I know.”

  While Rylan made arrangements for the accountant to come see them, Macie took off her blouse. She caught Rylan’s eye and was rewarded by the blaze of excitement in his face as he watched her. She unhooked her bra and let it fall to the floor. She removed each piece of clothing slowly, one by one, as Rylan tried to focus on his phone call.

  When she was naked, Macie flipped the comforter off the bed and crawled onto the mattress. Under Rylan’s watchful gaze, she spread her legs, moistened a finger, and brought it to her clit.

  Rylan coughed into the phone, but his attention remained fixed on her. “No, everything is fine.” His voice was strained.

  Macie closed her eyes. Ripples of pleasure radiated from her core as she touched her most sensitive spot. Knowing Rylan watched every move increased her ardor. He deserved a little discomfort for being so domineering, even if he was trying to protect her.

  Rylan ended his call, and she heard the rustle of fabric as he disrobed. The mattress shook and he was on her, warm muscle pressing her into the mattress.

  “You’re so sexy. I love to watch you.” He growled as he nipped her neck, moved to her collarbone, and then the side of her breast. His fingers pinched her nipples and his tongue followed, licking and sucking the erect tips.

  “Mmmm, I hope I wasn’t too distracting.” Macie chuckled deep in her throat. The expression on Rylan’s face as he talked on the phone had been priceless—excitement tinged with a hint of irritation. She knew he’d pounce as soon as possible, and she hadn’t been wrong.

  “You were completely distracting—in the best way,” Rylan murmured against her breast.

  Macie reached between his legs and cupped him. She squeezed gently and moved her palm to his shaft. Wrapping her fingers around him, she stroked his erection. A drop of slick fluid escaped the tip, and she spread it over his skin.

  Rylan’s hands skimmed over her waist and gripped her hips. “I want you, even though you’re so very naughty. Maybe because you’re so very naughty.” He captured her wrists and stretched her arms over her head. “You look so sweet, with your wide innocent eyes, but I know better, don’t I?” He chuckled.

  “If I’m naughty, it’s because you bring it out in me.” She lifted her hips underneath him.

  “I’m glad.” He reached between her legs, testing her readiness with his fingertip. “I like my wicked, sexy Macie. She makes me ache.”

  “I’m aching, too. Don’t make me wait,” Macie begged.

  Rylan positioned himself between her legs and sank into her, inch by slow inch, until they were one.

  ~ * ~ * ~

  Macie paced back and forth at the foot of the bed before sprawling on the stained chair in the corner, swinging her crossed leg.

  Rylan sighed and rubbed his neck. “Macie, do you want to get something to eat?”

  “No, I’m too keyed up. I’m not leaving now.” Macie’s fingers drummed the threadbare arm of the chair as she eyed the short man at the desk.

  Charles, the forensic accountant, hunched over the computer, his eyes only inches from the screen. Occasionally, he’d grunt or make a random exclamation. Each time, Macie braced for an announcement from him, but none was forthcoming and her agitation increased.

  Rylan stood behind Charles, his hands on his hips. Occasionally he peered closer when Charles would run his finger down the computer screen.

  Finally, Charles snapped his fingers and turned. “You see this here, someone’s hidden a worksheet. They probably meant to delete it. Who knows? But these payments, some of them are attributed to different vendors on the first sheet.”

  Realization formed within Macie. “Could that be evidence of embezzling?” She crossed the carpet with quick steps.

  Charles nodded. “If I had to guess, I’d say yes, someone was trying to be tricky. Frankly, they didn’t hide it very well. It’s pretty obvious. I almost feel bad taking your money to look at these.”

  Macie peered at the computer. “How much does it add up to?”

  Charles scratched his chin. “Almost a million if you go through all seven spreadsheets. Chump change to a company like this.”

  “Do you know where it went?” Rylan asked.

  “Nah. You can’t tell from here.” Charles sat up in his seat.

  “If you had to guess?” Macie pressed. Finding the money was bound to incriminate someone.

  “Probably they issued checks made out to a different vendor than they recorded,” Charles shrugged. “Could even have been an electronic transfer. Those records aren’t here.”

  Macie slapped her hand on the table. “Maybe Karen looked for them.”

  Charles rolled his shoulders. “The indication is here, but you need more.”

  Chapter 11

  Rylan held Macie’s hand between his. “It’s time to go to the police. I’m not letting you stall any more.”

  “No, I agree. I’m going to call Detective Cruz,” Macie said. They’d done what they set out to do—find evidence. It was time to turn things over to the police. Past time, really, if she was honest with herself.

  “He’s retired.” Rylan rubbed her back with slow, lazy circles.

  “Yes, but I’d rather make a contact through him. Are you suggesting we walk into a police station and tell the desk sergeant?” Macie was still disappointed the computer hadn’t told them more.

  Rylan laughed. “Don’t be snarky. I’m on your side.”

  Macie took a deep breath. “Yes, you’re right, of course. I’m sorry. Now that this is leading somewhere, I just wan
t it to be over.”

  Rylan released her. “Your idea is as good as any. Call him.”

  Macie went to the phone and dialed. Her heart raced. Cruz wouldn’t be happy. He would have expected her to contact the police before now.

  A woman answered. “Hello?”

  “Could I speak to Detective Cruz, please?” Macie asked. The woman sounded too young to be Cruz’s wife.

  “Who is this?”

  “Macie. Macie Connor.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess you haven’t heard.”

  “Haven’t heard what?” Macie braced for the bad news she sensed coming.

  “My uncle. He’s in the hospital.” The woman’s voice wobbled. “He had a stroke.”

  “What? I’m so sorry.” Macie was stunned. She imagined Cruz waiting at home with his dog and coffee.

  “I’m on my way out now,” the woman explained.

  “I won’t keep you. Thank you for letting me know.” Macie hung up, stunned. She’d never considered a backup option. “He’s in the hospital.” She turned her shocked eyes toward Rylan.

  He took her hands. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll figure out something else.”

  ~ * ~ * ~

  Rylan walked Macie into the lobby of her office. Building security was tight. No one was admitted to the elevator bank without an employee picture ID. Guests signed in at the security desk.

  They’d debated all during breakfast the advisability of Macie going in to work. Rylan wanted her to call in sick. Macie thought it would look too suspicious.

  Macie snapped her fingers. “The security desk. Of course.”

  Macie walked to the security desk and Rylan followed in her wake. “Hey, Dave.”

  “Hey, Ms. Connor. Looks like a nice day today, doesn’t it?” Dave was a friendly sort, but he took his job seriously.

  “It does. You know, Dave, a week or so ago, a client dropped by our office for an appointment. There were so many people in and out that day, I can’t recall his name and honestly,” her voice lowered to a whisper, “I’m embarrassed to ask my boss.”

  Dave nodded. “You want to see the security log? He would have produced ID and signed in.”

  “Dave, you would be doing me such a favor.” Macie tried to look suitably grateful.

  “No problem.” He lifted the thick, black binder onto the ledge. Ragged edged papers crammed the rings.

  Macie flipped back to the day she received the threatening note. Her finger scanned down the list of names, stopping as a familiar one jumped out.

  “Thanks, Dave.” She knew it. Macie only wished she’d thought of the log before now.

  “You found what you needed?” Dave asked.

  “Yeah.” Macie gave him a big smile.

  Macie turned and whispered, “Jerry was in the building that day.”

  “Who’s that?” Rylan asked.

  “My sister’s boss.”

  ~ * ~ * ~

  Macie searched for Petry’s card. It was somewhere in her purse, but her purse was a jumble of items that seemed to rearrange themselves of their own free will. Her fingers found the edge of the cardstock and pulled it free.

  Detective Petry had written a cell number on the back, and she dialed it.

  “Petry.” His clipped voice came over the line.

  “Um, this is Macie Connor,” she stammered. Somehow she didn’t think Petry would be as understanding as Cruz, and she’d expected a thorough scolding from Cruz.

  “Ms. Connor, what can I do for you?” Petry didn’t seem surprised to be hearing from her.

  “I have some things I need to discuss with you.” She didn’t want to try to explain on the phone. It would be easier to show him.

  “About your car?” Petry asked.

  “Yeah.” And more, Macie added silently. Much more.

  “Do you want to come to the station?” Petry offered.

  “If you could meet me, that would be better.” Macie crossed her fingers.

  The sound of papers shuffling came through the line. “Shall I come to your apartment?”

  “No, I’m staying at the Crestview.” Macie was tired of the tiny hotel room. She’d be grateful to get back home.

  “You’re staying at a hotel?” Petry asked.

  “Yes.” Rylan squeezed Macie’s hand.

  “Any particular reason?” Petry sounded curious now.

  “I’ll tell you when you get here, is that all right?”

  “Yeah, okay. I have a few things I need to take care of, but I can be there in a couple hours. Does that work?”

  “Yes. I’ll be waiting.” Now that a breakthrough was so close, waiting was unbearable.

  Macie turned to Rylan. “It’s done.”

  “Now we wait.”

  Chapter 12

  Macie bolted out of the police station. The detectives had no further information yet. At least, none that they would tell her. According to them, they were interviewing pertinent people and collecting records. They wouldn’t comment specifically as it could compromise the investigation. It would take time, but the evidence would eventually point to someone.

  It wasn’t the outcome Macie wanted. She was impatient. After all this time, more waiting seemed intolerable, but she knew Rylan would help her through it. He’d been nothing but supportive, and she hoped to show him exactly how much it meant to her.

  As she walked, Macie didn’t pay attention to her surroundings. Her shoulders were hunched, and her eyes focused on her feet. The other people on the street didn’t even register in her consciousness. They were just a colorless blur.

  Someone touched her shoulder and Macie swung around, startled to see a familiar face. “Rose? What are you doing here?”

  “I heard about Jerry.” Her voice was oddly flat.

  “What about him?” Macie asked.

  “The police questioned him. They’re asking questions again.” Her fingers fluttered in the air.

  “I imagine they’re probably going to talk to everyone.” Macie shook her head. “I’m sorry, Rose. I have to get going. I’m not really up for chatting right now.”

  “That’s unfortunate, because I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.” Rose grabbed Macie’s arm so hard she left marks on the skin.

  Macie pulled away and stepped back. “What?” She rubbed her arm.

  Rose put her hand in her pocket and showed Macie the butt of a gun.

  “What’s going on?” Macie’s struggled to make sense of Rose’s actions.

  “This isn’t going any further. You’re not going to poke your nose into anything anymore. Everything was fine and then you had to stir it all up.” Rose’s free hand balled into a fist.

  “Wait. I don’t understand.” A heavy weight settled in Macie’s chest as a suspicion began to form.

  “What did you think would happen when you turned on the computer? You stupid bitch. The tracking software sent me an email immediately. I was the one who suggested installing the software for the whole department in the first place. Imagine my surprise when the attachment was a photo of you, snapped by the webcam.” Rose shook with the force of her anger.

  “Rose …” Macie held up her hands in a placating gesture.

  “You’re going to be quiet now. You’re going to do exactly what I say. Step to the street and hail a cab.” Rose gripped the gun inside her pocket, and Macie could see the outline of the barrel through the fabric.

  Macie moved to the edge of the sidewalk, raising her hand as the traffic passed by. In a moment, a cab available for hire pulled to the curb.

  Rose poked Macie in the arm with her finger. “Get in the cab. Don’t say a word. You wouldn’t want to be responsible for something happening to the driver, would you?”

  Shock rendered Macie mute. She opened the door and slid across the seat.

  Rose got in behind her and gave a Brooklyn address to the driver, keeping her hand in her pocket.

  Macie avoided looking at Rose and tried to quell her shaking. Gray dots danced in front of her and
she inhaled deeply. Her hand reached for the door handle and then jerked back.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Macie could see Rose rocking slightly on the seat. She hummed softly to herself.

  Macie’s mind ran through the possibilities for escape. She could jump out when they were stopped at a light, but Macie believed Rose when she said she would hurt the driver. She’d been strangely intent.

  After a lengthy drive, the cabbie pulled up in front of an old brick warehouse. “Is this the right place, lady?” He showed impatience, likely annoyed that he wouldn’t find a fare back to the city in this neighborhood.

  Rose was startled out of her reverie and looked around. “Yes. This is the place.” She took money out of her pants pocket and gave it to the driver.

  Macie moved to open the door and Rose nodded, sliding across the seat after Macie got out. Rose stood in place until the driver departed.

  As the car drove away, Macie wondered if she’d missed her only chance. Abandoned buildings lined the street and the stench of rotting garbage filed her nose. The streets were deserted.

  Rose examined Macie’s pale face with satisfaction. “It looks like you’re finally getting the message. I’m in charge.”

  Please consider what you’re doing, Rose.” Macie balanced on the balls of her feet, prepared to take her chances.

  “I know what you’re thinking, but if you run, I’ll shoot you for sure. I’m an excellent shot. My father used to take me to the shooting range regularly. He always wanted a son, but I was as interested in guns as any boy.” Rose stared off for a moment, lost in her memory. She snapped back to the present. “If you do what I say, maybe you’ll live.”

  Macie couldn’t believe what she heard. This was a Rose she could never have imagined.

  Rose’s feverish eyes were unblinking. “Let’s go inside. I don’t want to stand here anymore. After all, someone might see.” She laughed and motioned toward the door.

  Macie shuffled on her feet and advanced toward the heavy metal door that marked the entrance. She prayed for a passerby.

  Rose strolled after her with an unconcerned air and fluffed her hair with her fingers.