Melanie swallowed her disappointment and looked at her watch. “It’s fine. I have to meet with Rachel and Tricia anyway.”
Chase smacked her on the lips. “I don’t know when I’ll have a free night. Finding Steven is top priority.” He crooked his head. “Do you have any vacation time?”
Melanie squinted her eyes. “I do. Why?”
“I wanted to know if you’d be interested in tagging along with me the next couple of days. It might not come to that because I think I can crack this case. But, Steven is deaf and since you know sign language, you can help me communicate with him if—no, when—we find him.”
“That’s a bit unorthodox,” she said.
“It is, but nothing since I’ve met you has been ordinary. I think God made me meet you last Friday. I was meant to pull you over that day.” He wiped his mouth and settled the bill. “Let me know.” He gave her his contact information.
Melanie had never done anything so adventurous. The idea of riding around in a police car thrilled her. Truth be told, she would venture into a pig’s sty with Chase. He was that intriguing.
“I’ll think about it,” she said. Melanie scribbled her cell phone number and FaceTime email address on the back of her business card and handed it to Chase.
“Can I call you?”
“Yes, but since I read lips, I use FaceTime. If you call my cell, you can always leave a message. A relay service transcribes my voicemails for me. But, I prefer texting like most of our generation, because it’s so much easier and faster,” Melanie said with a smile.
“Cool. I’ll catch up with you later.” Chase pushed her card into his pants pocket and rushed out the restaurant.
Melanie sat toying with the straw in her glass and recounted every moment with Chase. She touched her lips remembering his sultry kisses. Her mind liked him. Her body liked him. Her spirit liked him. She exhaled. Her heart was somersaulting into love.
7
“This has been one never-ending day. So far, two of the perps panned out. I’m going to see the third tomorrow.” Judd yawned loud enough to rival an elephant in the jungle. It was close to 9:00 p.m. Chase and Judd stood outside the Ashton’s home. The house was littered with cops and volunteers.
“After talking with Melanie, I think we can crack Francis. Get him to fess up. Steven should be home by midnight,” Chase said with confidence.
Judd opened his mouth, but Chase held a hand up. “No negativity. We’re heading toward 24 hours since Steven is missing and I know what that could mean. I refuse to believe it. Steven is alive and well.”
Judd closed his mouth and rang the doorbell. Selena greeted them and ushered them back to the kitchen.
“I’ll get Mrs. Ashton. She’s beside herself with worry and took to her bed. Her parents are with her,” Selena said.
“Nadine’s in bed?” Judd’s voice caught.
Chase furrowed his brow. His friend was usually unruffled. He grasped Judd’s arm and read the stark fear in his eyes. “Judd?”
Judd shook his head. “I’m all right. Hearing about Nadine …”
Chase’s eyes widened. “You like her,” he whispered.
“No, I’m concerned about a worried mother,” Judd replied, sounding more like himself. Chase held back his retort.
Nadine came into view. Gone was the sharp woman from the morning. Her hair was disheveled and he could see she had spent the day crying.
“Any word?” she croaked out, rubbing her temples. She clutched Steven’s picture in one hand.
Judd stepped toward Nadine before appearing to catch himself. Chase looked at Judd’s jutted jaw and knew his friend was denying his attraction. Hmmm…. Chase would find a way to rib him about it later.
A distinguished older couple, whom Chase assumed were Nadine’s parents, entered the room. Chase took in their designer outfits. Not a hair was out of place. They smelled of money.
The gentleman extended his hand. “I’m Peter Goodman and this is Marie.”
Both Chase and Judd shook his hand.
“Nadine told us to hold off on the ransom money but we’re worried about our grandson. Money loosens the tongue. We’d like to put our offer out there tomorrow,” Peter said.
“I understand your need to do something. But Judd and I have a hunch. Give us until the 24 hour mark,” Chase said.
Nadine wailed. “Oh, no. If we don’t find Steven tonight …” She dissolved into tears. Marie made a move toward her but Judd beat her to it. He enfolded Nadine in his arms and led her over to the couch. Her body shook with tears.
She lifted tear-streaked lashes to Judd. “Please tell me you’ll find him.”
“We will,” Judd assured her. Nadine buried her head into his chest.
Peter’s eyes narrowed and Marie pursed her lips at the intimate scene.
Chase intervened. “Is Francis around? Judd and I came back to speak with him.” Chase gave Judd a pointed stare. He had yet to loosen his hold on Nadine. Judd shrugged, returning Chase’s stare.
“Francis is in his office. He came in to shower about an hour ago. He’s expecting you,” Peter said.
“I’ll go get him,” Marie volunteered. She swept out of the room with a regal lift of her chin.
“Nadine, would you like some tea?” Peter asked.
Nadine lifted her head and extricated herself from Judd’s arms. “Yes, Dad. My head is pounding.”
To Chase, Peter looked relieved she had broken contact with Judd. Peter held out a hand to his daughter. With the delicacy of fine china, Nadine placed her hand in her father’s. He ushered her out of the room.
“What are you doing?” Chase asked Judd once they were alone.
“I … Nadine is in pain. What do you want me to do?” Judd sauntered over to Chase’s side without an apologetic bone in his body.
Chase dropped the argument. “Let’s take Francis to the station. Riding in the backseat of a police car should shake him up.”
“Good idea.” Judd smiled. “He can ride with me.”
Francis strolled into the room wearing an oversized green sweater, black jeans, and black loafers.
“Let’s go,” Judd said. He slapped a pair of handcuffs onto Francis’s hands none too gently.
“Is all this necessary?” Francis panicked. “I’m willing to answer any questions. You don’t need to do this to me.”
“We’re taking you down to the precinct for questioning,” Chase said, giving Judd a quelling glare. Judd was enjoying this a bit too much.
“Am I under arrest?” Francis squeaked like a mouse in a trap.
“No, but that’s subject to change. Depending on what you tell us,” Judd said. He tugged on the cuffs to lead Francis out of the house.
Nadine and her parents were back in the room by then.
“What’s going on?” Nadine’s face paled.
“We’re taking Francis into custody.”
“Should we secure an attorney?” Peter asked.
“Not necessary, but it’s your right,” Chase said. “We believe Francis knows more about Steven’s disappearance than he’s letting on and we intend to find out.” He pivoted and strode to the door.
Judd shoved Francis into the back of his patrol car and sped off. Francis lowered his head until his chin touched his chest. Chase would have felt sorry for the other man if a child’s life was not at stake.
Chase got into his vehicle. He pulled out Melanie’s card, admiring her penmanship. He missed her already. He pressed the FaceTime app on his iPhone and plugged her email address into his cell phone, then pressed DIAL. Melanie’s face popped up on his screen.
“Are you home?” he asked.
“Not yet,” she said. “I’m stopping by my friend Rachel’s condo first.”
“I’ll be at the station late, so I will catch up with you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Melanie said. “I’ll take the time off if you need it.”
Chase smiled. “If things work out right, you won’t need to.”
&nb
sp; “I’m hoping for that as well.”
Chase ended the call before he spouted how much he missed her. It was too soon for those declarations and he did not want to scare her off. He turned on the engine and put the car in gear. He could not wait for this case to end so he could focus his energies on more pleasant past times. Like Melanie.
Francis was already in the interview room when Chase arrived. He slipped into the seat next to Judd. Chase retrieved his notepad from his shirt pocket.
“Tell us about your investments,” Chase began.
Francis licked his lips. “Can I have some water?” he asked.
Both Chase and Judd recognized Francis’ stalling for what it is, but Judd complied with his wishes. He slammed the small cup of water in front of Francis.
“Start talking,” Judd commanded.
“I made a few poor choices and thought the answer was to take out a loan.” Francis slid back in his chair. He shuddered. “Bad idea. Nadine and I had a fight about it this morning. Actually, we have been fighting for the past few months.”
Chase was not fooled by Francis’s conciliatory attitude. He knew the type. Francis thought that by being agreeable and cooperative, he could outsmart them. Throw them off his scent.
“Is that all you and Nadine fought about?” Judd asked.
Francis had the grace to look ashamed. “I suppose she told you she thinks I’m having an affair.” His scoffing tone grated on Chase’s nerves.
“Are you?” Chase pinned him with a gaze.
Francis drummed his fingers on the table. Then he lowered his voice. “Man to man? I dipped out here and there but it was nothing serious.”
Chase’s heart rate increased. Did he dip out with Melanie? “Nadine felt you were seeing your investment banker.”
Francis squirmed. “Melanie?” He shook his head. “Melanie’s a great girl, smart as a whip, but she’s not …” He stole a furtive glance at Judd before lifting his chin. “I don’t date outside my race.”
Wow. Chase let that comment slide but he wanted to slap Francis into the present century. Francis was a weasel. Chase was glad to hear Francis had not been with his Melanie.
Your Melanie?
“So if you weren’t with Melanie, who were you with?” Judd asked, bringing Chase out of his musings.
Francis smirked. “Do you need a list?”
Judd shot out the chair and grabbed Francis by the collar. “Listen you smart a—”
“Judd, no,” Chase yelled.
Judd snarled into Francis’ face with the control of a raging bull.
“Let him go,” Chase commanded.
With a grunt, Judd dropped Francis into the chair before he left the room.
“What’s his problem?” Francis adjusted his clothes. “I don’t like being treated like an animal.”
Chase was done with this joker. He looked Francis directly in the eyes. “Where is Steven?”
“I don’t know where my son is. If I knew, I wouldn’t be out there searching for him.”
“You do know where Steven is. You set this whole kidnapping up because you want your hands on Nadine’s money. How convenient that the day you learn you lose one hundred grand, your in-laws are offering that same amount for Steven’s safe return. What do you plan to do to get the rest of the money you need?”
Francis hemmed and hawed. “I would never harm my son.”
“You call putting his mother through terror not harming your son?” Chase pushed. He was going to hammer at Francis until he cracked.
“I … I … only wanted …” Francis trailed off.
“What did you want?” Chase zoned in. “You wanted money? Never mind that your son is probably crying his eyes out, hungry and alone.”
Francis flinched. “No! Steven is fine!” His eyes widened when he realized what he had said. Francis amended his words. “I—I’ve got to believe that.”
“How can you be sure? There are three pedophiles in a 20-mile radius. One of them we are unable to find.”
Francis bunched his fists. Sweat formed on his forehead. He took a swig of his water. “I’ll tell you everything.”
Jackpot.
Chase slammed his hand on the small table. “Start from the beginning.”
Judd re-entered the room.
Francis told Chase about his financial struggles, confirming Melanie’s statement. Francis added he was in danger of losing his practice. Chase understood Francis’ panic but that would not excuse his reprehensible actions. Chase asked, “Where is Steven?”
Francis’s shoulders slumped. “I was in the backyard and I saw when Nadine left for the bathroom. It was spur of the moment. I closed my office and left him there until I could get him. Then I ditched the search party and doubled back to drop him off to my girlfriend’s home. No one noticed I was missing.”
“You left a minor on his own for hours?” Chase asked.
“Girlfriend?” Judd blinked.
Francis nodded yes to both questions. “Yes. Her name is Rachel Morrison and we’ve been together for about ten months. Rachel has him. Steven’s safe at her place.”
Rachel Morrison? Chase furrowed his brows. He wondered why that name sounded so familiar. Rachel … Rachel …
“Where did you meet Rachel?” Judd spat out.
“She works at Wells Fargo.”
“We’ll call off the manhunt and alert the press.” Judd slapped handcuffs on Francis to take him for booking. He recited the Miranda rights and Francis asked for his attorney.
Melanie’s friend. Chase remembered the cool blonde from earlier. Melanie and Rachel were close friends. Melanie must have known about Francis and Rachel. Maybe she was covering for them.
He flashed to his earlier conversation and his heart sunk. Melanie had told him she was going to Rachel’s home. To check in on Steven? Or, to warn her friend? Chase could not be sure.
But he was going to find out.
8
Melanie had lied to Chase. It was a lie by omission but a lie nonetheless. She knew who had prepared Francis’ loan.
Melanie stood outside Rachel’s second floor two-bedroom condo and pressed the doorbell. “Rachel, open up. I know you’re in there. I saw your car.”
Melanie rapped the door. “If you don’t answer, I’ll use the spare key.” She bent over to lift the mat.
The door opened a crack. Rachel peered through the small slit. “I can’t talk now, Melanie. I—I’m not well. Come by tomorrow.”
Melanie stood. “I must speak to you.” When it seemed as if Rachel hesitated, Melanie pressed her body against the door. She had to confront her friend.
Rachel had no choice but to let her inside.
Melanie scanned the living area. She eyed the tangerine painted walls with white trimmings and the chic-designed orange and brown-checkered sofa and chaise. Her eyes roamed over the delicate art pieces on the walls and the sculptures Rachel had collected through the years. Melanie heaved a sigh of relief. She had not known what she expected to see but nothing was amiss.
She addressed Rachel, who wore Victoria Secret Pink pajamas. “You look well.”
Rachel’s hands hung at her sides. “I’m sorry I lied. I needed to be alone.”
Melanie sniffed the air. “Did you make popcorn?”
“Yes. I suddenly had a taste for it.”
Melanie squinted her eyes. She moved into Rachel’s space. “But you hate popcorn. Ever since you almost choked on a kernel, you avoid it like the plague.”
“I felt for it. Can we just leave it at that? I’m grown. I’m allowed to change my mind. What is this, the third degree?”
Melanie was shocked at the edge in Rachel’s voice. Rachel was being snappy and that was so unlike her.
“I find it odd, that’s all.” Melanie dropped her Dolce & Gabbana leather purse on the cream-colored tile. “I think the cops are going to come looking for you.”
Rachel’s face whitened. “For what?”
“Chase questioned me today about Dr. Fran
cis Ashton.” Melanie kept her gaze pinned on Rachel’s face for some reaction. She continued, “His son went missing today.”
Rachel nodded. “Yes, it’s been all over the news. It’s such a shame.” The blond strolled into the kitchenette and busied herself by wiping the marble counters.
That was a dead giveaway. Any time Rachel was nervous, she started cleaning. Melanie walked over to her and tapped her on the arm.
“His wife thinks Francis and I are involved.”
“Say what?” Rachel dropped the cloth.
“Of course, I set Chase straight about me and Francis. We’re business associates. Nothing more.” Melanie hoped Rachel would fess up but her friend was cool.
“Glad you did that. You would never give Francis the time of day.”
“But, you would,” Melanie challenged.
Rachel put distance between them. She squared her shoulders. “I—It happened once. I slept with him one time and then I ended it. I couldn’t handle the guilt,” she said. Rachel bowed her head.
Melanie ambled over to her friend. She used her finger to tuck Rachel’s chin and tilted Rachel’s head towards her. “You bought this fancy condo,” Melanie signed back. “Did Francis help you buy it after one time?”
“Fine!” Rachel flailed her arms. “The truth is we’ve been dating for ten months. Francis gave me the thirty thousand as a down payment on the condo. I was ashamed to tell you.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. “Ten months. You dated a married man for ten months and you didn’t tell your friends?”
“I knew what you and Tricia would say. I’m not like you. I … I need someone.” Rachel twisted her hands.
“But you also took money from him? He has a wife and son at home. Does that mean nothing to you?”
Rachel eyes filled with tears. “I wasn’t thinking. I’m in love with him.”
Melanie shook Rachel’s shoulders. “You can’t be serious. Francis Ashton kidnapped his son. How can you love a man who would put his own child in danger?”
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