Stealth Moves

by Sanna Hines

“She’s here to comfort her sister and to help find her niece.”

  “Is she? Ariel Kelly’s mother tried to immigrate with her daughter to Israel this summer. Senator Kelly got a court order to stop her.”

  “Nothing new about feuding exes.”

  “That’s why most abducted children in the U.S. are kidnapped by family members,” Dan said. “Maybe the aunt’s not here to find Ariel but to smuggle her out of the country. A couple months pass, the mother goes home, supposedly to handle her grief. A few months later, the girl’s father finds out Ariel’s in Israel. Even if he knows she’s there, it could take forever for the law to get her back. She turns eighteen—” He snapped his fingers. “And she can live wherever she wants.”

  Holly’s stared at him. “You think this whole thing’s a conspiracy?” She recalled his words the night they found Kyle Blake’s backpack. “You thought Kyle wanted to disappear, too, but I can’t believe Natalie Porcini’s death was part of a runaway plan.”

  Dan twisted his lips. “Does sort of shoot down the theory, but we’re flying on empty—BPD, I mean. The FBI’s got the ball in their court. If we don’t do something soon, they’ll clobber us with it.”

  Holly saw the frustration on his face. “You really, really want to make detective, don’t you?”

  He smiled his broad, confident smile. “About as much as you want to make cop. We still haven’t talked about your plans. I just need time off on a day—”

  “When you won’t miss the boat!” Holly teased.

  “Don’t remind me about the gondola. Wish I’d been there.”

  “Me, too.”

  Dan’s attention switched to the cruiser radio. He listened to the dispatcher, then said, “Gotta go.”

  Holly watched him drive away while she crossed the alley, thinking about him, wondering what she felt. He seemed interested in her, and yet…

  She reached the same spot where Teddy balked before. The puppy pulled hard in the opposite direction.

  “All right, all right,” Holly said. “We’ll do it your way.” She let the dog lead her toward Beacon.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Day 10—Monday afternoon

  Liv liked Chase’s nose. It had a down-turned arrow, edgy shape. And she liked the white sweater he had on today because it made his shoulders look really wide. ‘Course he had lots of muscle; crew did that to guys. The only thing she didn’t like was the nervous way he kept shoving his hair off his forehead.

  Maybe it was the waiting. They’d waited fifteen minutes in the lobby of his building. Where were Maddy and Rodrigo? Liv sent another text and got another “On r way” reply.

  The two showed up breathless and flushed. “We…ran…the…last block,” Maddy explained between gulps of air. “This dork—” She tugged Rodrigo’s ear. “Wouldn’t get out of bed!”

  “Oh, yeah?” Chase said, raising an eyebrow.

  Maddy gave him a dirty look. “His host mother said she’d pour cold water on his head if he didn’t get moving.”

  “I dreamed of home, of Brazil,” Rodrigo said. “A good dream.”

  “We need to start—important stuff to discuss today,” Chase said. He gestured toward the stairs and led the way up.

  Chase’s condo wasn’t museum-perfect today. The sculptures were off their pedestals, and a vacuum cleaner sprawled across the carpet next to a plastic bucket with spray bottles and towels. “Dinner party tonight,” Chase said. “Cleaning people everywhere. We’re up on the roof.” He turned to Liv. “Tay and Cam got here early. I didn’t know he was coming.”

  “I invited him. He has the day off,” she said. “He’s the Hero from the videos, so he should stay in the loop.”

  “The videos are done. His part is done.”

  “He still has to play Hero at the concert. My grandmother said the motorcycle can come in during a band break. He’ll ride up to the stage, say a few words, and then ride off.”

  “We’ll talk about that,” Chase said.

  On the roof, Tay lounged in an armchair talking with Cam on the couch. He wore a flannel shirt as blue as his eyes.

  Tay seemed to know a lot about cars and engines. Cam looked interested in what she was saying, but when he saw Liv, he said, “Hey, hi!” and patted the cushion next to him. She took her seat with a smile. Maddy, Rodrigo and Chase pulled up chairs.

  Chase announced, “Okay. Big news. There’s ransom action at the concert.” Cutting short the gasps and questions, he held up a hand. “I went to see Kyle’s mother. We’re kind of friends because Kyle and I have always been tight. Mrs. Blake answered the door, and I heard Mr. Blake say, ‘Whoever it is, send them away.’

  “She stepped out where I was and whispered not to worry about Kyle. ‘We’ll get him back.’ Then she rubbed her fingers together—you know, like you’re feeling money—and said, ‘The concert. We’ll get him back after the concert.’”

  “So he’s alive!” Tay cried.

  “Yeah, I think so.” Chase grinned, lacing his hands behind his head.

  “Anything about Ari?” Liv asked.

  “Mrs. B. didn’t say. She went back inside like she was afraid her husband would catch her talking to me. I figured the police told them to keep quiet. We need to do that, too. No talking about what we know. Everybody agree?” Chase leaned forward, eyeing each person in turn.

  “Wow!” Maddy said, clapping her hands. “That is awesome! Except…” She slumped into her seat. “The kidnapper will for sure be at the concert. I’m supposed to give a speech when he’s, like, right in front of me?” She shuddered. “What if I say something wrong and mess everything up?”

  “I’ll write the speeches,” Tay said in her soothing voice, “and have Miss Tinsley look over them over for psychological effect.”

  “Good idea,” Chase said. “Tinsley’s pretty smart.”

  Liv wondered if he meant that. His face looked sincere.

  “Okay, then,” Chase went on. “Last bit to work out is who’s to make the Hero speech.”

  Cam waved his hands. “Oh, no. Not me.”

  “Right.” Chase sounded as if he expected Cam’s reaction. “It should be someone from Sidley.”

  “You’d be perfect,” Tay said.

  Chase nodded toward Cam. “So, it’s settled? I just need to learn how to ride that bike of yours.”

  Cam shook his head. “No one rides The Rocket but me or my brother or Holly. Besides, you don’t have a bike license, do you?”

  “No, but—”

  “But nothing. I ride the bike. Then we…” He paused, pursing his lips. “Uh, then we change places somehow, and you do the talking.”

  “I could get leathers,” Chase said, “and a helmet like yours. Should work. Just have to figure out details.”

  While the three of them scoped out the gear Chase would need, Maddy and Rodrigo went downstairs to fix snacks. Liv checked her phone for messages, then strolled along the rooftop, enjoying the view of the Common with the trees now near their peak color. As she turned the corner to take in the length of Beacon Street, she noticed wisps of smoke coming from a window.

  Odd smoke. Dark maroon or purple smoke. She peered at it.

  “Is that a fire?” Cam asked from behind her.

  Liv whirled around. “I don’t know. Should we call the fire department?”

  “Looks like it’s the same place where they had the flashy things last week. Probably another party.”

  “Or a mad scientist,” Liv mused, “doing weird, crazy experiments.”

  “It’s stopped now,” Cam said. “And we have to go. It’s almost time for the Parkour demo.”

  “We’ll miss out on the snacks.”

  “Can’t be helped. If we hurry, we’ll just make it.”

  They rushed toward the Common, running the last hundred yards to the T stop. Luck was with them when they caught a waiting subway car. Only minutes later, they were at the Government Center plaza, now filled with a sizable crowd. Cam reached for Liv’s hand, saying, “We’ll h
ave to muscle our way to the front.” She was sad when they did, and he let go of her hand.

  Parkour artist Jacques Roget was almost finished with his routine, but Liv saw enough flips, vaults, and breathtaking dives to make her whoop. “I love this!” she cried. “Show me how you do this stuff. I’ve want to learn.”

  They found a practice spot near a concrete cylinder around three feet high. Liv watched Cam swing his legs over the block, his movements graceful and quick. Her vault didn’t go so well.

  “Oh, I forgot,” Cam said. “You have to change your hand position to get your top half more forward. Guys have most of their weight in their shoulders and back. With girls, it’s the…uh…the—”

  “Ass,” Liv supplied, patting her backside for emphasis.

  “Yeah.” Cam grinned. “Glad you said that, not me, but you’re right.” He scratched his ear. “You know, we really should get a girl to teach you.”

  “No way! I want you.”

  The truth of her words struck her. Cam was easy to be with. When she complimented him, his face lit up—and what a gorgeous face it was. He didn’t seem to notice the flirts other girls were giving him; he looked happy just being with her. Liv never felt more special.

  With gentle hands and encouraging words, Cam showed her how to roll out on her shoulder, protecting head and spine. He demonstrated a flip, but Liv wasn’t ready for flips. “What about there, those people climbing the wall? Can I learn that?” she asked.

  “Sure. All you need to know is where to put your foot.”

  As they moved toward the wall, Liv saw a familiar face among the spectators—Brandon, the guy Teddy bit. She smiled at him before her attention returned to the wall climbers. Liv watched until there was room for her to try.

  “You’ll do great,” Cam said, “just concentrate on going up. Lots of people get scared by a wall, but really, all you need to think about is the ledge above. Reach for it!”

  Her first attempt was too high, pushing her backward. The second was too low; she nearly did a face plant. On the third, she felt herself lifting—and she reached, just as Cam told her to. Her hands caught the top of the wall. She couldn’t pull herself up and over, so she dropped off, landing solidly on the balls of her feet.

  Grinning, eager for praise, Liv returned to Cam. “Your phone’s ringing.” He held out her jacket.

  Liv plucked her phone from the pocket. Her heart sank when she read the text.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Day 10—Monday afternoon

  Holly crossed Beacon to enter the Public Garden, where she walked the paths, watching people enjoying the beautiful day. She found a spot she liked on the grass beside a pond. Sitting there in a patch of honeyed sunlight would have been romantic if she’d been sharing the experience with someone other than Teddy, who curled up against her thigh and promptly fell asleep. Holly let him snooze—he was a puppy after all—and she was in no hurry. Per Catherine’s instructions, she was to leave Liv with her friends until the girl wanted to go home. Holly expected to wait a good long while before getting Liv’s text.

  She played with her new phone, learning to navigate screens and browse through apps. The sunlight slid away, leaving her and Teddy in the shade. When a cool breeze roused the puppy, it was time to move on.

  They were heading toward the Smallwood house where Holly would leave Teddy, then return to wait in Chase’s lobby, when a cab pulled into an open spot along Beacon. Holly heard her name called, saw Mike’s wave, and approached the taxi.

  “Want a ride?” Mike asked.

  “Uh…I have the dog,” Holly said.

  Mike consulted with the driver, then told her Teddy was welcome as long as he sat on her lap. “If he has an accident, it’s on you,” Mike cautioned as Holly opened the door.

  “Literally on me.” Holly laughed while she settled herself and Teddy beside Mike in the back seat. The driver studied oncoming traffic, trying to find a way in.

  Looking at Mike in his nice business suit, his neat briefcase beside him, Holly suddenly remembered the dark thoughts she had about him last night. Was this pleasant, proper young lawyer really a monster?

  “Mike, something’s come up. I’ve heard disturbing rumors about you. Have to ask if you’ve ever harmed Liv, or…” What words were right? “…if you’re a threat to your niece.”

  His head jerked around just as the cab stopped so suddenly his cast flew out and then slammed into his side. Holly clutched at Teddy, who nearly slid off her lap. Teddy yelped.

  “Did you see that?” the cabbie asked. “Guy came up fast.”

  “Right,” Mike said, undeceived by the excuse. The cabbie was eying him in the rear view mirror. “Stop here. We’re getting out.”

  “These drivers all crazy—” the cabbie began.

  “It’s not your driving.” Mike jerked his chin toward Holly. “Out!”

  She scuttled from the taxi, set Teddy down and watched Mike shove his briefcase toward the open door. He had to swing his legs around the edge of the seat because he couldn’t grasp the door with his left hand. When he was finally heaved himself out of the cab to stand facing her, all dark blue suit and taut jaw line, she felt small, an odd sensation for a woman nearly six feet tall.

  “Why would you say something like that in front of the cab driver?” Mike raged. “WHY?

  She pulled back her shoulders and lifted her chin. “I have to protect Liv.” Shrugging slightly, she added, “And besides, you’ll never see him again.”

  “I’ll see him tomorrow. I’ve hired that company to take me to and from work until I can find new wheels.”

  “What’s wrong with the Beemer?”

  “Repo’d. Bankruptcy court says I should drive something ‘more economical.’”

  “Oh, Mike. That’s awful.”

  “Yeah, I really liked that car.” Mike sighed, then the fierce frown was back. “Why am I telling you this? Where the hell do you get off interrogating me?”

  Holly faced him down, hands on hips. “I’m Liv’s bodyguard. I need an answer.”

  “No.”

  “No what? You’re not going to answer or you’re not guilty?”

  “Just no—n.o. Perversion’s the new witchcraft. Once accused, you’re tainted, stripped of credibility. The more you say, the deeper you dig yourself in.”

  Holly assessed his face, his posture. “If there’s no truth to it, how did this thing get started?”

  “Better question: Who’ve you been talking to—Jen? Liv?”

  “Neither one. Dan had a conversation with your ex.”

  “Ah. Should’ve known. Remind me to show Danny boy my foot next time we meet.”

  “You can’t blame him. I’m sure he was just trying to keep everyone safe.”

  Mike shook his head. “Dan was a gossip, even back in the day. Made him feel important, I think, to get the goods on people, yet this…this is over the top.” He paused, eying Holly. “And it’s really none of your business.”

  “Liv is my business.”

  “It’s a long story,” Mike said with resignation in his voice and stance. “If you really want to hear it—” He nodded toward a bench. “Let’s sit down.”

  Mike explained how his sister, Jules, had always been supported by their parents. “She made money, but not enough to live the way she wanted. I told you she came back to town to convince Dad she should inherit the family fortune.”

  “You did.”

  “Now, my father’s reasoning declined after brain damage from strokes, but he hadn’t lost every scrap of rational thought. He wasn’t ready to cut me out of his trust until Jules came up with her child abuse story.”

  “Why didn’t Liv set the record straight?”

  “She sided with her mother.”

  Holly stared. “She lied about being molested?”

  “Not exactly. She said she ‘couldn’t remember,’ which made everything worse. Only a very young child wouldn’t remember, so now I wasn’t just a child molester, I was a baby m
olester!”

  Mike exhaled a long, bitter sigh. “It’s the damned lie—the lie Liv could have corrected if she told the truth. Karina’s made use of it during our divorce. Her attorney jumped on that one to get her a sweeter deal than she’d have warranted if I weren’t a ‘pervert’!”

  Holly leaned back against the bench. “This is wrong on so many levels. Money’s important, but I wouldn’t hurt my brothers to get it. I just couldn’t.”

  “They’re lucky.” Mike reached for his briefcase handle. “So are we finished with discovery yet?”

  “Discovery?”

  “Legal term. Part of the evidence-gathering process.” Mike stood.

  Holly got to her feet. “It’s too bad you and Liv can’t straighten things out.”

  Mike waved that off. “When I see her, I remember how my father looked at me before he died. Don’t think I’ll ever forget his disgust.”

  Holly heard a phone playing music. “Are you going to answer?” she asked Mike.

  “Not mine.”

  “Oh, I forgot I changed the ringtone.” Holly checked her phone. The call was from Catherine, who asked, “Where’s Olivia?”

  “At her friend’s house. I’m waiting for her to text me when she wants to go home.”

  “She’s not there. She’s at the Government Center trying to climb a wall.”

  “Climb a wall?”

  “It’s some silly sport called Parkour. She’s in the middle of people doing tricks—flips, jumps, perching on railings—all sorts of dangerous stunts.”

  “Impossible! Must be someone who looks like her.”

  “And wears a Sidley shirt? I spotted her on a news update, then zeroed in on the Center’s webcam. I’m summoning her home. I want you here, too.” When Catherine clicked off, Holly imagined icicles shattering on the ground.

  She found a link to the Boston news talking about a Parkour demonstration. Some big name in the sport had done his thing for spectators. The story added that a jam of Parkour enthusiasts would take place after the demo. She called up the webcam.

  The Government Center was a wide, red-brick plaza with many levels separated by short flights of stairs. A tall, white building backed the plaza. The scene was animated by people leaping over concrete posts and steel railings. Near the building, others swung around light poles or trees. Where was this wall Catherine mentioned?