It had been six months since Kareena started working for Nakoma. She had moved into a two bedroom loft only two miles from the estate. Nakoma tried to talk her out of the move, but Kareena felt she needed her privacy and didn’t want to impose any longer.
Karrena asked to be excused the evening of the affair. She was a little under the weather, but Nakoma wouldn’t have it. She said she needed her to be there. There was someone Nakoma wanted her to meet, so Kareena reluctantly agreed.
Richard and Kari hadn’t seen each other since Kari went to work for Nakoma. He missed her, and was planning on having a talk with Nakoma this evening in regards to their agreement. It was a tough decision but he planned to give Nakoma back the settlement if that’s what it took. He wanted to start over and take Kari out without any strings attached.
Nakoma greeted Sean and Rian with a warm friendly smile. “Please come in Mr. O’Connor…..Rian it’s so nice to see you again.”
Rian spoke first. “Hello Mrs. Barrett, very nice to see you.” We want to express our sincere condolences in the loss of your husband. Dr. Barrett was a good man.” Rian gave Nakoma a warm hug.
“Thank you Rian, yes he was, he will surely be missed by all. Thank you both for the lovely flowers and words of sympathy. They were greatly appreciated.”
“Your welcome, we regret that we could not be here in person.” Sean stated.
“Please don’t apologize, it was so sudden, I realize it was impossible for either of you to get here on such short notice. Please come in. It’s so nice to see you again. I’ve been watching you in the news Rian. I’m very impressed. It looks like your going to have the election all sewn up come November.”
“Thank you Mrs. Barrett.”
“Please call me Niki.”
“Ok then Niki, it seems that my political team is doing a fine job indeed.”
“Don’t be so modest Rian, I believe that sweet Irish Charm of yours has won over the people.”
Rian just smiled.
“You must be very proud Mr. O’Connor.”
“I am indeed.”
“There is someone I’d like you both to meet. My assistant Kari, she should be here by now. I’ll see if I can find her. The others are out by the pool on the patio. We’ll be out shortly.”
“Da, I hope this isn’t another attempt at match making, you know how I feel about that kind of thing!”
“Actually Rian it’s not. I’ve never met Nakoma’s assistant, and I certainly did not put her up to this. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that you will find someone on your own when the time is right.” Sean stated.
“Thanks for that Da, I appreciate it.”
'Do I really have to go to this party?' Kareena asked herself as she was getting dressed. 'I really hate meeting people. If Nakoma thinks she’s going to fix me up with someone she’s surely mistaken. Why wouldn’t she let me off the hook, when I expressed to her I didn’t feel well? Why is this party so damn important? Oh, I really hate this.' She finished her makeup and checked herself one last time in the mirror before she grabbed her purse hit the light and headed for the door.
The man watched as he stood by the hedge in darkness as the light went out in the small villa. He made his way to the driveway as he took the small bottle and cloth in hand. He stood in the shadow at the corner of the loft as she closed her door and turned the key in the lock. He waited until she stepped out of the light that shown from the street lamp. He had already opened the bottle and soaked the cloth, replaced the lid and placed the bottle back in his left jacket pocket.
There were three steps of darkness between the street light and her car. That was all he need. His years of training with the CIA had given him all the skill he required for this small task. He grabbed her left shoulder with his left hand as she passed into the shadow. He held the soaked cloth in his right and quickly placed it over her mouth and nose. She struggled for an instant and collapsed into his arms. He held her while reaching for the car keys that she held in her right hand. He hit the remote to unlock her car door. Picked her up and easily placed her in the passenger seat. He fastened her seat belt and circled around to the driver’s side. He got in, adjusted the seat, and drove away.
He drove around town for about a half hour then circled back to the same spot, but instead of turning left into her drive, he made a right into the drive across the street. He used the remote that he had earlier placed in his coat pocket, to open the garage door, drove in and hit the remote again. He waited for the door to completely close before he got out of the car. He walked around to the passenger door and unbuckled her seatbelt then lifted her out of the car. He grabbed her hand bag before it fell to the floor and placed it on top of her then carried her through the door that connected the garage and house into the kitchen. He nudged the door closed with his shoulder and waited until he heard the lock click. He had memorized the layout of the house so there was no need to turn on a light. He carried her through the family room and up the stairs to the room he occupied for surveillance. He laid her on the bed as her handbag fell to the floor. He bound her legs together with duct tape then gently pulled her hands behind her back and bound them as well. He tore off a four inch peace of tape and placed it over her mouth. He took the black silk scarf and covered her eyes. As he backed away he tripped over her handbag, and cursed as he righted himself. He reached down with his right hand snatched up the handbag and tossed it on the bed at her back.
He punched in the number on his cell and waited for the tone. “Package secure” Was the message he left. He stepped to the far side of the room and lay back in the chase to relax until he received further instructions. The girl wouldn’t be awake for some time, so he closed his eyes for a short nap.
Richard had been invited to the gathering for the purpose of captaining Nakoma's yacht in case anyone wanted to go for a scenic cruise on the inter-coastal waterway. He was mingling with the guests when Nakoma approached. “Richard have you seen Kari? She should have been here forty five minutes ago.”
“No Niki, but speaking of Kari, there’s something I would like to talk to you about.”
“Not right now Richard, Lets find her first. I’ll give her a call.”
Richard grabbed a hold of Nakoma’s arm to stop her from walking away.
“Wait, I’ll call her.” Richard insisted.
Nakoma turned and gave him a look that said no way. “No you won’t Richard. I told you to move on. She is off limits.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Richard we have a deal that can’t be broken. You’ve taken your payment, now you must live up to your end.”
“I’ll give the entire settlement back to you. I don’t’ care about the money. I have feelings for Kari. I didn’t realize how deep until I stopped seeing her. I want to see her again Nakoma.”
“Well, you’re not exactly what I had in mind for her Richard. She can do much better I’m sure.”
“Just what is your interest in her Nakoma? I’ve never seen anyone so caught up in another person the way you are. Maybe you want her for yourself. I never thought of you as one that liked women, but this whole business makes me wonder.”
Niki laughed out loud. “Of course you would think that. Why is it that men can’t get there mind out of the gutter. You're so far off base it isn’t even funny.”
“Well then tell me, I’d really like to know.”
“Not a chance. I haven’t gotten this far in life being naive and stupid. If I were to tell you, you would only use it against me, so we’ll just leave it at that. This conversation is over Richard.” Niki grabbed her cell phone off the table and punched Kari up on speed dial. There was no answer; she let it ring through to the message center. “Where are you Kari, you promised you’d be here. I’m getting worried. Call as soon as you get this.”
Kareena felt a slight vibration at her back as she was coming around. She had a splitting headache. She couldn’t move her hands or feet . Her hands were
bound behind her back. Her feet also were fastened together somehow. She couldn’t cry out through the tape covering her mouth. She was lying on a soft surface in a room that she thought was dark since her eyes were blindfolded and she couldn’t see any light coming in from around the edges. She struggled against her restraints. It was no use she wasn’t going anywhere.
“Take it easy little lady.” The voice said. She stopped moving as her body began trembling. “No one is going to hurt you. My instructions are to keep you here until I receive further word. I’m sure it won’t’ be to long before you’ll be free to go.” She tried to sit up but fell back on the bed. “If you promise not to cry out, I’ll take the tape off your mouth so you can have some water to drink. Just nod your head if you understand and agree not to make a sound.” She nodded. She could hear his heavy steps approach the bed from the other side of the room. “Hold still this will only hurt for a moment.”
He yanked the tape from her mouth. “Owe!” she cried.
“Remember if you try to cry out the tape goes back on. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes.” She said shakily.
“Now would you like a drink of water?”
“Yes” She said as she tried to sit up but couldn’t. He reached and easily lifted her by the shoulder. She jerked away at his touch. “I’m just trying to help you up. I’m not going to hurt you.” As he raised her to a sitting position, he eased her feet over the side of the bed. The water must have been close by because she immediately felt the glass touch her lips. She drank thirstily. She hesitated to ask, but knew it was just a matter of time before it would be urgent she use the rest room. “I need to use the rest room.” She stated.
“Ok” he said. “I’ll loosen your hands and feet, but you must leave the door open. Don’t worry I won’t see you. The bathroom is big enough that you will be hidden from view. But don’t try anything funny. And don’t try to remove the blindfold, got that?”
“Yes I’ve got that.” She said sarcastically. She was upset and angry and it showed in her tone.
“Oh, we have our selves a feisty one here. This should indeed be an interesting evening.” He cut the tape off her hands and feet then helped her up off the bed. He walked her to the rest room and guided her hand to the back of the toilet so she would know exactly where she was. He let her go and she could hear his footsteps walking away and into the bedroom room. She would have to trust that he couldn’t see her. She had tears running down her cheeks and fought to keep them at bay as she angrily wiped them away.
Richard I’m not getting an answer. I’m really getting worried. I’ve called Kari three times in the last forty five minutes and still no answer. She said she was a little under the weather, but even if she was home in bed she surly would answer the phone.”
“I’ll take a ride over if you give me the address.” Nakoma really didn’t want to give Richard her address but she didn’t have anyone else that she could rely on. The Lab staff had all gone home hours ago. And she couldn’t leave the party herself so she reluctantly gave in and told him how to get to Kari’s loft. “Please call me as soon as you get there Richard.” “I will Niki, don’t worry I’m sure everything is alright.”
Rian approached Nakoma and Richard. “I don’t mean to pry, but I overheard some of your conversation. Is there a problem Niki? Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Yes, Rian, as a matter of fact there is. Would you mind taking a ride with Richard to see if Kari is ok? She should have been here by now, and I’m a little worried. I appreciate you going along just in case Richard runs into a problem.”
Richard gave Nakoma an angry look. “I’m fine on my own Niki.”
“I don’t think so Richard.” She glared back at him.
“Richard this is Rian O’Connor.” Rian put his hand out to shake Richard’s. Richard took his hand reluctantly and shook firmly. “I’ve seen you on T.V. You should make a killing in the November election.
Rian returned the gesture. “Thank you Richard. Nice to make your acquaintance. I’m happy to be of service.”
When Kareena was finished, the man helped her back to the bed and let her sit. He had propped the pillows up against the head board so she would be comfortable. He bound her feet again but let her keep her hands in front of her, but bound them again also. She had a little time to think while she was in the rest room. And all of a sudden it had dawned on her exactly what was happening.
“So, you’re the man that’s been following me!” She stated.
“What did you say?”
“It’s you. You are the man that’s been following me. For the last three years I’ve felt it.” Kareena spoke trying not to show how unnerved she was. At first I thought I was imagining things, but as time went on, I knew that someone was watching. It really unnerved me at first. But eventually I was able to relax and stop looking over my shoulder. Although I am very curious, as to what your agenda is.
“You have quite an imagination young lady.”
“No, it’s not my imagination, I know what I know. Don’t’ ask me how I know it, but I do. I know it as well as my own name.”
“We will stop talking now. You might as well relax and try to get some sleep.”
“They will be looking for me, you know. I was expected at a gathering tonight, and they will be very worried about me.”
The man did not answer. He had rented the house across the street form Kareena's. As soon as she found the little loft apartment, he scouted a place close by. The owners of the house across the street were out of the country for a time and the realtor told him that his time in the house would be limited, but he told her it didn’t matter, he would take it.
On the way out to the car Rian asked. “Did I feel some tension between you and Mrs. Barrett, Richard?”
Richard said “Oh yah! There’s more than a little tension between us. Kari is the cause. I don’t know what Niki’s draw toward the girl is, but it seems very strange to me. I dated Kari for a little while, at first it was through Niki’s request, so that she could meet her and get her to come to work for her, but as time went on I fell for her, and Niki is apposed to me seeing her again. I just can’t figure it out. She says I’m not exactly what she had in mind for Kari, as if she owned the girl or something. It’s all so very strange!”
“Well if you really feel for her the way you say, you should go for it. Trust me, don’t let anyone stop you. I learned that the hard way.”
“You let one get away, hah?”
“Yes, and I’ll live with it the rest of my life.”
“What happened, did she find some one else?”
“No, she passed away.”
“I’m sorry, Rian. That had to be tough.”
“Aye, it was. But she left me a beautiful daughter. Cassie. She’s three years old, and smart. Her Mum died during childbirth.”
“I’m sorry.” Richard said expressing his regret. “I think this is the place.”
“You’ve never been here before? I though you said you dated.”
“Yes we did but we stopped seeing each other for a while , and I didn’t know where she had moved.
“Ok than, let’s see if she’s home.”
“I don’t see her car. Maybe she had car trouble. We’ll check out her loft first.
Rian’s cell phone vibrated and he answered quickly. “Rian, it’s Mum, I’m sorry to disturb you. I know you’re attending that affair at Doctor Barrett’s estate, but Cassie has to talk to you.”
“Mum, it’s the middle of the night there, what is she doing up?”
“She woke and said she had to speak to you, I tried to put her back to sleep, but she almost went into hysterics. So I thought the best way to get her back to sleep is to make a quick call, I’m sorry Son, I’ve never seen her like this before.”
“Ok Mum, its fine, I would love to talk to my baby girl.”
“Daddy, you have to help Mommy. She is in the big white house with the red shutters!”
&
nbsp; “Hi, pumpkin, wait slow down, what are you saying?”
“Daddy, you have to hurry, Mommy’s crying Daddy, please find her. The man won’t let her go. Daddy. Please hurry.”
Richard was at the back door while Rian walked up the steps. “Ok pumpkin, I’ll find mommy, I promise, but you have to go back to sleep for Grammy ok?”
“Ok Daddy, I will but when you save mommy, will you call me?”
“Yes, sweet heart, I will. I love you, sleep tight.”
Richard gave Rian a questioning look. “My daughter, she has such a vivid imagination. She keeps saying that we will find her mommy over the big water, and she just through a fit for my Mum to call me.” Rian's eyes welled. “She said I have to save her Mommy, she’s in the big white house with red shutters.”
Richard felt for Rian. “You must have loved her very much.”
“Aye” Rian replied “With all my heart.”
”There was no answer at the door, and there were no lights on. “She doesn’t answer. I’m going in.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
“Oh yeah, don’t worry, I have a little experience with locks. I use to work for a locksmith.” Richard drew a small case that held tools out of his pocket. He used a slim instrument and in a split second had the door open. They went in and turned on the kitchen light. They searched down stairs and up in the loft. There was no sign of her.
All of a sudden a tingling sensation came over Rian. He felt a strange but familiar irregular heart beat.
“Something’s not right. Maybe we should call the police.” Richard said with panic in his voice.
“That won’t help. They won’t do anything until a person is missing for forty eight hours.” Rian commented.
“I need to call Nakoma.” Richard stated.
Humorlost (Humorlost Book I of III) Page 15