by DK Herman
The next was taken outside the store. Lexi still sat in the shopping cart while the women loaded groceries into the car.
"Do you see them?" Ben asked. He pointed to a car parked in the row facing Gail's car.
"That's Noah Kelly's parents, and they're watching Lexi and Jane!" I picked up the picture and looked closer. "I'm sure it's them. And this was before Noah came home. They insisted they didn't know Lexi was their granddaughter. What liars they are, just like their son."
I picked up the next picture. It was of the supermarket lot again but taken from a different angle. Jane was putting Lexi into a car seat, and Gail was walking away with the empty shopping cart. I recognized a car parked one row over and two cars down. It was a 1998, silver Ford Taurus. Someone with auburn hair and sunglasses sat in the driver's seat.
I got up and walked to my desk, digging around in the top drawer. "I need my magnifying glass, but I'm sure its her."
Ben was looking at the picture. "Is that Patty Rogers?"
"Let's see." I took the picture and studied it with the magnifying glass. "I'd bet money it's her."
Ben looked with the glass. "Jane told us that she never noticed anybody following her. She must not have been paying attention."
"Yeah." I snorted. "Look at this one of Gail pulling out of the lot. Aaron caught the Kelly's right behind Gail's car, and Patty Rogers is right behind them!"
"The cops need to see these," Ben said. "It's like a freaking parade behind Jane. Talk about following the money."
"Yep," I said, picking up my cell. I called Andy. "Andy, Ben and I have something to show you. We'll be right over."
Let's check out the rest before we leave, " Ben suggested.
We each picked up a new picture and studied it for a moment.
"It's another shot of Gail's car driving down Jane's street." I put the picture aside and picked up the next.
"This was taken in somebody's backyard," Ben said. "Bob's standing near a grill holding Lexi, while she smears her face with a popsicle."
"This one is Jane on stage at Darcy's," I said. "She looks beautiful and confident, but sad."
"Wow," Ben said, then he winced. "I didn't mean..."
I chuckled at his discomfort. "It's ok. I agree. She looks very wow."
Ben shrugged and picked another picture from the small pile. "In this one, they're at a playground."
I leaned over to look. "Oh yeah. That's Webber Street playground." I pointed at the street in the background. "Look who's parked there watching Lexi and Jane play on the swings."
"It's the Kelly's and Patty Rogers again." Ben shook his head in disbelief. "Poor Jane had a lot people plotting against her."
The rest were more of the same. In more than half of the pictures, the Kelly's and/or Patty Rogers lurked in the background. We scooped them into a pile, and I shoved them into my purse.
"Let's go show the cops what the greedy bastards were doing," I said.
We met in Chief Wood's office and passed the pictures to him, Andy, and Mike Krause.
"Unbelievable!" The Chief roared. "That poor girl was being stalked by these people."
"They're all suspects," Mike agreed.
"I don't know if it's smart to let them know about the pictures," Andy said. "If they have Lexi and know we're on to them, they might hurt her."
Everyone murmured in agreement.
"Well, if we can't question them, what can we do?" Ben asked.
"We can have them surveiled by people they don't know," Chief Woods said. "The FBI wants to help, we'll let them handle it."
"Yeah, they'd spot us and stay far away from wherever they have Lexi stashed," I said.
Andy nodded. "We can't take the chance of them leaving Lexi to die somewhere."
I got a chill imagining her hungry, thirsty, scared, and alone. And, if Ben was right, locked underground somewhere. "I agree, Chief. You should call Eric. By the way, has Charlie talked to the State Police?"
"Nope, he lawyered up, and he's sitting in a cell. Chief Woods took a drink out of a bottle of water. "At least the judge refused to set bail."
"Good, I'm glad other kids are safe, but what if he's got Lexi somewhere?" Ben asked.
"We'll know tomorrow," Andy patted Ben on the back. "I know, Ben. Its frustrating as hell."
"Keep in touch," I said before Ben and I left, leaving the pictures with the police.
"I need ice cream," I said, starting the Denali's engine. "Let's go for a milkshake."
"Why not?" Ben said. "I'll buy."
I steered the car to Hintner's Ice Cream Shoppe and parked in the crowded lot. During hot summers like this, the Hintner family made a fortune. The ice cream is made in the store, and it's delicious.
"What'll it be?" Ben asked before hopping out.
"A large chocolate shake with whipped cream." My mouth watered in anticipation.
I watched Ben walk to the service window and place our order. He was returning to the car when Patty and Taylor pulled in and parked two cars away. Ben saw them and kept walking. Opening the door, he slid inside.
"Did you see them?" He asked, handing me my shake.
"Yep," I used my straw to scoop up some whipped cream. "Act like we didn't see them." With exaggerated movements, I took a drink of my milkshake. Then I laughed and offered Ben a slurp before pulling it away.
"They're not looking at us... at all," Ben said with his straw in his teeth. "I think they're arguing."
I powered down the windows and turned my car off. The car between mine and Patty Roger's was empty. And Patty's air conditioning must be on the fritz because the windows in the Taurus were all down. I sipped my shake and listened to the angry voices that were muffled every time a car passed on the street.
"I want out of the entire mess," Taylor said.
"Don't blame me," Patty argued. "I didn't start it."
"Just help me think of a way to fix it," Taylor said.
"We'll think of something," Patty said, calmer now.
"We'd better or I'm going to be homeless," Taylor answered. "Let's get something to eat."
I heard a car door open, and I grabbed Ben by his shirt collar. "Kiss me."
His lips came down on mine, and I passionately returned his kiss. I put the arm not holding my shake around his neck. I heard footsteps approach my car window.
"Get a room!" Taylor exclaimed.
I pulled away from Ben and acted surprised and a little embarrassed to see her. "Hello, Taylor."
"I didn't know you two are an item," she said with a grin. Slyly, she looked at Ben. "You don't seem like the type to go for old ladies."
"Age doesn't matter to me, but I do prefer my women to be ladies," he said. "You know, not the type who show their stuff for money."
"Fuck you," she said and walked away.
"No thanks," Ben said.
I started the car and backed out. The air was still on, so I put up our windows. "That was an interesting conversation."
"Very." Ben took a slurk of his shake. "They sounded guilty. Should we tell Andy?"
"Text him and give him the gist of what we heard." I turned onto Main Street and again two blocks later. Soon I was parking in front of the agency.
With the rise in humidity, the late afternoon heat was almost unbearable. Ben held the office door open, and we retreated inside to more air-conditioning.
Linda was gone, but Poppy and Rayna were working away in front of their computer screens. I greeted Jessie on the way back to my office.
"Hey, Hallie," Jessie said with a smile. "Did you get a new cell phone?"
"No." I held up my white smart phone. "Why?"
"I was looking for an invoice in your desk, and I found this." She held up a cheap phone.
"Maybe it belongs to one of Linda's nephews." I shrugged.
"I saw their phones. They have top of the line phones," Jessie said. "Hell, they have more expensive models than I do."
"I'll put it back on my desk," I started back the hall. "Somebody migh
t claim it."
Ben followed me into my office. "What next?"
I dropped the phone on top of my desk and looked at my watch. "It's early again, but let's call it a day. I want a swim."
"You're the boss." Ben grinned.
I went back to Jessie's office. "Let's all go home, Jessie."
Jessie nodded eagerly. "That sounds good to me!"
"I'll tell Poppy and Rayna," Ben offered.
"We heard," Poppy called. "Woot woot! My man's home by now. Maybe we'll stop by your place for a swim."
"You're all welcome to come swimming," I said.
"I'll check with Andy," Jessie said happily.
We checked all the doors and windows, set the alarm, and locked the front door behind us.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The day ended better than it started. Poppy and Woody brought Rayna, and Jessie showed up with Andy. Everyone climbed into the pool. We played water volleyball, women against the men, and the women won by five points. Afterwards, Gram and Liv talked them all into staying for supper.
At our table the saying, 'the more the merrier' is very true. Hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, corn on the cob, and a green salad were enjoyed as much as the lively conversation.
Aunt Jeannie and Karl showed up in time for dessert. Liv had made apple crisp and topped it with vanilla ice cream.
Everyone stayed until the sun was setting in a spectacular display of colors. Ben and I walked our friends to their cars, no one mentioning the day ahead of us tomorrow.
They'd just left when Aunt Jeannie and Karl came out of the house.
"We're staying at Karl's tonight," Aunt Jeannie said. She reached into the backseat of Karl's car. "Would you be a dear and take this dry-cleaning up to mom's room, Hallie?"
"Sure," I said, taking the covered garments by the hangers. "Have a good night." I kissed my aunt's cheek. Then I waved at Karl and took Ben's hand as we walked to the front door.
We went upstairs and parted in the long hallway.
"I'll be there in a minute," I told Ben and watched him walk toward the western wing and my suite.
Gram and George shared a suite, not far from the top of the stairs. The door from the hall to their sitting room was standing open, so I peeked around the jam. Seeing the room was empty, I went inside.
I was on my way to knock on the ajar bedroom door when I heard my grandmother's voice. "You bad boy! I can't believe you need to do it again already!"
Oh, God. I had to get out of the room before they found out I was here. I could feel my face flaming red, and my eyes were bugging out of my head.
Gram started giggling like a school girl. Sweetheart, you know that tickles, and you're getting me all wet."
Crap! I did not want to hear this. Draping the dry-cleaning over the back of the couch, I hustled to the door. Watching over my shoulder for Gram or George, I ran smack into someone entering the room from the hall.
As I gasp in surprise, my hand flew to cover my mouth. "George, what are you doing out here?"
"Sitting on my arse on the floor," George said, giving me his owlish blink. "Jeez, Hallie, where's the fire?"
I helped George up and smothered a giggle, watching him rub his bony rear end. Thankfully, he seemed alright.
"I'm really sorry," I said. "I thought you were in the bedroom with Gram." I went to the couch and picked up the dry-cleaning. My face was growing warm again. "Aunt Jeannie asked me to bring this up, and the door was open, so I came in." I was talking too fast, but I couldn't help it. "I heard Gram... um, talking to somebody in the bedroom, and I thought it was you."
"She was probably talking to that damned dog," George whispered out of the side of his mouth.
Gram came out of the bedroom carrying Rupert. He saw me and curled his lip, showing me his tiny sharp teeth. I resisted the urge to smack him in the nose with my flip flop.
"Rupert has to go outside and wee again, George," Gram said. She giggled again when Rupert licked her face. "I told you, you're getting me all wet, silly boy."
"Here's your drycleaning, Gram," I said and draped it over the couch again. "Have a goodnight," I said with a smile before going out the door. That will teach me not to assume anything. And to announce my presence in Gram's rooms.
Ben was on my sitting room couch reading the book from the library. I snuggled next to him and remoted the TV on. After some channel surfing, I settled on a sitcom.
After it was over, I noticed Ben was still enthralled by the book. I got up without him noticing and went to my bathroom. Filling my huge bathtub, I stripped and got in. I luxuriated in the silky, warm water until Ben came looking for me.
"Want company?" He asked from the bathroom doorway.
"Come on in." I smiled seductively. "The water's perfect."
I woke up at seven-thirty and slipped out of bed. Looking out the patio doors, the day looked hazy already. I tiptoed to the shower and climbed in. I was fresh and wrapped in a light robe when Ben woke up.
"Morning'" he said on his way to the bathroom.
I was looking through my closet when I heard the shower come on. Anticipating another sweltering day, I dressed in a sea green skort with a sleeveless, white top, and white canvas sneakers.
I began blow drying my hair when Ben stepped out of the shower. Returning his smile, I moved aside so he could place his toothbrush back in the medicine cabinet. Ben brushes his teeth in the shower. He claims it saves time. I accepted a minty fresh kiss and sighed, watching him walk naked into the bedroom.
Ben and I got to the kitchen in time for warm corn muffins slathered with honey butter. We filled mugs with fresh brewed coffee to go with the muffins. Joining Gram, George, and Liv in the sun room, we echoed their morning greetings.
"Either of you want me to fry up some eggs?" Liv asked.
"Nope," Ben answered. "Your tasty muffins will do just fine."
Liv grinned at the compliment.
"You two be careful today," George said. "Your Gram had a bad dream last night about you."
"Oh, it was just a silly dream," Gram said, but her eyes looked worried. "Don't scare them, George."
"What was the dream about?" Ben asked, licking honey butter from his fingers.
"Hallie was floating above my bed, and there was a string tied around her wrist," Gram said. "Then the string broke, and she floated away." Gram shook her head. "I shouldn't have eaten so much apple crisp and ice cream before bed."
"Don't worry, Gram. I'll be fine." I started on my second muffin. "I'm too heavy to float away."
Gram smiled weakly. "It was just a silly dream."
"I dreamed I was on one of those cruises that Jeannie took last summer," Liv said.
"You should go on one," I said, thankful for the change in subject.
"The pictures Jeannie brought back made it look like a lot of fun," Liv said and sipped her coffee. "I just might go this fall."
We all smiled. If anyone deserved a vacation, it was Liv.
"Well, we have to get to work," I said. "Two more work days until our vacation." Ben and I decided to stick with our separate vacation plans. It would be wrong to change the plans with our friends now. We had the rest of our lives to be together when we got back.
Outside, the air was heavy with humidity, and the temperature was already above eighty degrees. The sun was dazzlingly bright in a brilliant blue sky. When I was a kid, my friends and I loved this kind of summer day. It was meant for playing in water at a pool, creek, lake, or the beach. My shore trip couldn't come fast enough.
I slid my sunglasses into place and started my car. As I reached for the shifter, Ben took my hand.
"Are you OK?" Ben asked, kissing my fingers. "You've been quiet since Gram told us about her dream.
I nodded. "I just want this case over with and Lexi to go home. Then, I need the beach." I smiled.
That's my girl!" Ben smiled back and adjusted the air-conditioning.
"If everything goes by the numbers, we won't be needed anymore," I said. "Th
e ransom is delivered and Lexi goes home."
I could tell Ben wanted to ask me what we'd do if it didn't go well. But he knew me good enough to guess. He turned on the radio, and we listened to Bon Jovi all the way to the office.
Ben's cell rang as we walked to the office door. I greeted Linda, Poppy, and Rayna, who stood around Linda's desk.
"Want a lemon square, Hallie?" Linda asked. Lemon squares are Linda's specialty. Having mastered the balance between tart and sweet, every batch she made was mouthwatering.
"You bet," I said and took a square with me to the storeroom. I grabbed a GPS tracking tag and took it with me to my office
I sat down at my desk and began looking over a small stack of papers waiting in my inbox. Picking up a pen, I began reading and signing.
Ben walked in with a lemon square in each hand. "My truck's done at the shop. If you're busy, Rayna said she'd give me a ride to pick it up."
"That would be great," I said. "I can get this done, just in case something happens later." I picked up the tracking tag. When you get back, we'll take this to Jane. It's so small, maybe she could hide it in the backpack somewhere." I shoved the tag into the front pocket of my skort.
"OK," Ben said. "I'll bring you back an iced latte." He turned and disappeared up the hall.
I started on the paperwork again. Halfway through reading an invoice, I heard a strange chirping, and something vibrated off my desk. I got up to see the cheap cell phone laying on the floor. It was ringing. I decided to answer, and see if the caller knew who it belonged to.
"Hello," I said. "This isn't my phone... "
"Shut up and listen!" An electronically altered voice demanded. "Do exactly as I say, or the kid's dead!"
"Yes," I said. "I'm listening." I wrote on the back of an invoice, 'kidnappers called on the strange cell'.
"Take nothing but this phone and your car keys, then go out your front door. Don't say anything to anybody because I'm listening. Go now!"
"I am," I said, throwing down the pen. I grabbed my keys from my purse, and keeping the phone to my ear, I walked past Poppy and Linda on my way outside.
I'm on the sidewalk, " I said.