There was a hit. A name on the hospital report matched a name on file in Tallahassee.
Ashar Rais. His student visa had expired. He was in the country illegally. But, what sparked the officer’s interest was the country of origin—Syria.
Within seconds, the information was relayed to Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
Agent Donovan, FBI, was working late when the alert crossed his screen. The alert had originated from the Daytona Beach Police Department. Subject: a Syrian man in Florida on an expired visa. Donovan’s fingers hit the keys on his keyboard, immediately mining the Homeland Security database for the name: Ashar Rais.
A ping. An alert. There was a match to a name on file.
Donovan quickly made two telephone calls.
The first call he placed to the Chief of Police, Daytona Beach, his private line, confirming the receipt of DBPD’s alert and in turn relaying to DBPD this new piece of information—surname of Rais matched a family being monitored in Syria by the agency. Donovan asked the Chief if, after looking into the expired visa, in his opinion, did the situation fall under deportation guidelines? The Chief said he would check. The two lawmen chatted a few minutes ending with a quip from the chief that the agent should go home and go to bed.
Donovan placed the second call to Manny Salinas, a private investigator he trusted. “Hi, Manny, hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No, Liz and I got caught up in a late-night rerun—NCIS Miami.” Manny chuckled. “What’s up.” Manny turned his head, talking softly. Liz was curled up on the couch next to him. Her legs stretched out, bare feet in his lap.
“The visa of a man in Daytona Beach. He’s at the Halifax Hospital with a head injury. His name came up on Florida’s law enforcement database in Tallahassee—expired student visa. Second hit happened at my end—last name of Rais matched the name of a couple of men we’re tracking in Syria. A father and son. Please dig into this guy. I’m sending you some info on him. I just talked with the DB police chief—told me to go to bed. Said he was a friend of yours, worked with you before you retired. He’ll be calling you … said he always appreciates your help, shorthanded shit. I guess you’re on some sort of a retainer with the department?”
“Yeah. Private Investigator. I’ll check out this Rais fellow. Do you think he might be linked to the chatter you called about a few days ago?”
“Don’t know—that’s why I’m calling you. And, Manny, I want to keep a lid on this. Don’t want to spook him … if there is a connection.”
“I hear you.”
“Let me know what you find out.”
“I will. Bye.” Manny laid his cell phone on the end table. Looking at Liz he was overwhelmed with his love for her, his need to protect her. He wanted only happy thoughts swirling around the baby she was carrying. His baby.
Chapter 26
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WEDNESDAY
A SHARP STRIP of bright light from the hallway punctuated the shadowy hospital room. Groggy with pain medication, Ash lazily scanned the room. The digital clock displayed 2:01 a.m. He had been moved from Emergency to another room. The bed next to him was not occupied. His eyes returned to Star. Her blond hair hung loose in golden waves when she discarded the band holding it in a ponytail. The waves fell forward covering her face as she slept, slumping from the chair onto his hospital bed, her fingers relaxed lying over his hand.
A wave of warm emotion flowed through him. He had never known a woman to show such caring. He permitted the warmth to linger, engulfing him, wrapping him safely in a cocoon free from harm. Could this be love?
Chatter from passing attendants in the hall snapped him out of his dream state. The feelings were not real, and, more important, he knew he could not allow himself such a lapse from reality. He carefully pulled his hand from under hers.
Star felt the movement, looked up with a timid smile. She tucked a wayward strand of hair from her face. “How do you feel?”
“Like I’ve been hit with a brick.” His thumb ran over her fingers, his eyes scanning her face. She was tired.
“I heard the doctor tell your nurse that you have a concussion. He said a day in the hospital, another test, and then, baring something unforeseen, you should be able to leave.”
Ash gently touched the strand of hair that fell forward again over her cheek. “You must have been scared. You should go home. Get some rest.”
“I was. You were something else, the way you came after that guy. You’d think you rescued people from danger all the time,” she said with a soft giggle.
“I’m just glad you’re all right. Really, you should go … but how—”
“I will in a little while. Charlie brought me. We followed the ambulance. He just left. I texted Ty, asking him to pick me up at six—sunrise.” Another giggle. “Episode two of the bake-off is this morning.”
Alarm spread across Ash’s face. “The competition … how can you? You’re exhausted.”
“That’s what coffee is for … lots and lots of coffee. I put in an order with Ty—two large, high-test mugs of coffee. I was waiting for you to wake up. Silly me, I fell asleep. Do you want some water? I can get some ice cubes down the—”
“Water would be great. But first, can you do something for me?”
“Sure. What would you like?”
Her voice was soft, vulnerable. Ash hesitated, but he needed help. “If I’m here for a day, I could be in trouble.”
“Ash, don’t even think such a thing. The police officer said you were a hero.”
“I need you to call my grandmother in London. Is there some paper—ooh.”
“Hurts when you move your head?”
“Yeah, a little. Reminder—the brick. Do you have paper? I’ll give you her number. Tell her what happened and that I’m in the hospital. She’ll understand, know what to do. What time is it?”
Star turned so the light fell on her watch. “Wow, I really conked out. It’s almost two-thirty.”
“Okay, that makes it eight-thirty in the morning in London. Better yet, do you have your cell? My clothes, and stuff …they must have taken everything. My cell was in my pants pocket.”
“Yes, I have mine.”
“Please, make the call now. We should catch her in her apartment. When she answers tell her I’m calling and hand the phone to me. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“She’ll feel better if she hears my voice.”
Ash slowly dictated the country code, followed by his grandmother’s telephone number in London.
Referring to the piece of paper, Star tapped the numbers, mouthed to Ash that the phone was ringing. Then her brows went up. “Hello. Hello, my name is Star Bloom. I’m with your grandson Ash, Ashar. Hang on I’m handing the phone to him.”
Star watched and listened as Ash briefly explained to his grandmother what happened. That he was in the hospital, a bump on the head, insisting that it was nothing. Still, the doctor was taking precautions and was running some tests. “Grandmother, I gave my name to the police … of course, they asked. They said I was a victim of an assault. My friend Star, she’s with me. She heard the doctor say I’ll be out of the hospital in a day—after another test.”
Ash finished the explanation, listened to his grandmother’s response and then said goodbye. Disconnecting the call he closed his eyes, breathing out a puff of air in relief.
“Is she okay … with what you told her?” Star picked up her cell phone that he held in his palm resting on the sheet.
“Yes. She’s catching a flight as soon as she can.”
“Coming now? You seem to be worried. I’ll call Manny, Liz’s husband … you know, the retired police officer. Maybe he can—”
“N-n-no. He won’t un-un-understand.”
“Why are you stuttering?” He’s acting like he did something wrong, which is crazy. He saved my life.
“I-I-it happens sometimes.”
Star went down the hall for ice. She was relieved he asked for her h
elp, but at the same time uneasy. It was like he opened a door just a crack for her, and then closed it once she did what he wanted.
The good thing was that he seemed to be gaining strength. Maybe it was just a nasty bump on the head. But then why would his grandmother be in such a rush to fly to Florida? Such a long trip. There must be more to it.
Star liked the way he looked at her just now. Maybe after the competition they could spend more time together … alone.
She rubbed her eyes. She was beyond tired. Perhaps someone at the nurses’ station could show her where she could take a shower. She sure needed one. That would help to revive her. Today was another big day. She had to push past the exhaustion. A couple more hours and Ty would be here, pick her up, take her to the competition, and, most important of all, bring her coffee.
Chapter 27
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SUNRISE!
Star stepped out into a new day refreshed after a hot shower, even though she still wore the clothes from yesterday. As promised, Ty was in front of the hospital, his mom’s Lincoln purring like a kitten, waiting for her to slide in.
Ducking his head to see through the side window, Ty smiled, waved, leaned over to open the door. His lips turned up at the corners, but his eyebrows were drawn together in worry lines. How could she possibly bake today, let alone compete? Cakes shmakes—she’s exhausted.
“Two coffees, high test, Miss Bloom.” Ty nodded to the cup holders in the console as she dropped her tote on the floor mat, her feet straddling the bag as she sat down.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re a life saver?”
“Orange … cherry?”
“I’m serious, Ty. Do you want one of these coffees?”
“Nope. Both yours, and there’s a bag of clothes for you on the backseat.” Ty shot her a grin as he turned onto Williamson Boulevard.
“Clothes?”
“When I told mom what happened … she dragged a complete replay out of me including you’re staying at the hospital. Of course, she knew you would be heading straight to the bake-off. Anyway, you two are the same size—her words not mine. Personally I think your body is curvier—”
“Tyler Jackman, you know nothing about my … my curves.”
“Not true, my little Kewpie doll. I presume there’s a restroom at the studio so you can change. Mom couldn’t decide on skirt or trousers. I told her you wore slacks and a blouse for the first episode.”
“Please, thank her for me. I didn’t’ know what to do and it was too late to ask you to stop by my place when I realized I was a mess. I did take a shower thanks to a nurse who took pity on me. I spilled an egg yolk, as you can see … Ty, that was so scary…” suddenly gasping for air she began to hyperventilate.
“Drink your coffee, Miss Bloom. Now! Drink!”
She did as she was told. After a few sips she was okay. Closed her eyes, leaned back.
“Did you recognize the man, Ty. Ever seen him before?”
“No to both questions. You?”
“No. At least I don’t think so.”
“I made a quick sketch of him—when he walked in. Big guy. Sweats were too small—sleeves were above his wrists. And, there was that tattoo.”
Sitting up, Star thought a moment. “I didn’t see a tattoo. What was it?”
Tyler didn’t want to go back to that moment. He was so scared the man was going to hurt her. “A snake on his neck. So, How’s Ash?”
“OK. Doctor said he was OK, unless…”
“Unless?”
“Unless something shows up on the X-rays. He woke up within minutes after Charlie and I got to the hospital. Then early this morning, the first thing he asked … was I OK. Then he asked me to call his grandmother. He talked to her. I didn’t. Ty, she’s flying to Florida. She might even land by tonight. Ash seems to be scared of something … he began to stutter.
“Yeah? Like scared of what?”
“I don’t know. Well, like when the police officer came into his room, and … when I said I’d call Manny if he needed help. Help for what … I haven’t a clue.”
“Well, Miss Star Bloom, it’s show time. Episode two … I believe you mentioned something about a cake. Save me a piece.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“An officer Fred Watson—” Ty began to say, but Star cut in.
“Fred Watson. That was the officer who came to talk to Ash at the hospital. Never did … last night anyway. The doctor wouldn’t let him stay when Ash became agitated.”
“Well, he’s coming to question Charlie, Wanda, and me at eight this morning.”
“Give him your sketch. I bet you captured a pretty good likeness of the man … before he drew his gun.”
Ty turned into the driveway, parking in front of the studio. Running around the car, he opened the door and squatted looking up at her. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Really, I’m fine. All right with you if I take this other coffee with me?”
“It’s yours. Come on, out you go.” He grasped her hand, took the coffee as she shouldered her bag. “Hang on … the clothes. Mom would kill me if I didn’t give them to you. Hey, what about your Gran’s recipe book?”
Star patted her tote. “Right here. I kept looking up stuff yesterday between grill orders. When Charlie drove me to the hospital I grabbed my tote—everything was in it—purse, recipe book, hair brush. But, no change of clothes,” she said smiling.
Seeing her smile, seeing her standing, spine beginning to stiffen, he was relieved. What a woman. He handed her the bag of clothes and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll be back at six. Text me if there’s a change. And now, Miss Bloom, go kick ass.”
“Yes, sir. Thanks.”
Ty waited for her to enter the building along with two other contestants. Inhaling, he puffed out his cheeks in a long, drawn out sigh.
Chapter 28
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LUGGING IN THE groceries from the car Manny heard Liz call out to put the bags on the counter and to please give each dog a biscuit.
The canines, Peaches and Maggie sat on the wrap-around porch by the backdoor, tails sweeping the leaves away as the master of the house hauled in the last of the grocery bags.
“Yeah, yeah, I see you. Come on girls, Mama says to give you a biscuit. Don’t know why, you just had breakfast.”
Entering the kitchen he gave Liz a peck on the cheek, put the final two bags on the counter, and held out a biscuit to Peaches, then to Maggie—all in that order.
“Want some coffee, Manny? I could sure use a cup. I’m a little tired.”
“I’ll get it. You go in the living room, sit tight.”
Liz giggled. “I feel wonderful, but I’ll let you pamper me now while I can enjoy it, before I get mean and cranky.”
“Love of my life, you could never be mean or cranky. There’s a half a pot left from this morning. I’ll zap it and be right in. Turn on the nine o’clock news, please.”
“Will do.” Liz leaned back in her lady-recliner and flipped the television to the local news. The pretty blond reporter was standing in front of Charlie’s Diner gravely relating the story of the attempted robbery the night before.
“Hey, Manny, come here. Quick.”
Manny hustled in plopping down in his man-size recliner after setting Liz’s coffee cup on the table next to her chair. “What?”
“Look … it’s the diner. Star’s diner. There was a holdup last night. That young man she introduced Jane and I to in the driveway, Ash I believe she said his name is, was hospitalized with a possible concussion. He’s still there, the hospital, but … may be released tomorrow. We should go … see if there is anything we can do. Don’t you think? Get the real skinny.”
“What did the reporter say his name was?”
“Ashar Rais … I think … unusual. Let me call Jane. Maybe she’d like to go to lunch with us. Okay with you?”
“Ah, I have to see the chief. He called last night … you were asleep. He wanted my thoughts
on a case. You go ahead if Jane’s free, otherwise wait for me. Maybe we’ll go tomorrow.”
“Silly, since when is Jane not free for lunch.”
“Okay, but be careful. Is your cell charged?”
“Manny, I’ll drive very slowly and yes my cell is charged. You’re spooking me out. If your meeting with the chief doesn’t take long, text me. If there’s time, you can still join us at the diner.”
Chapter 29
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STRUGGLING TO FOCUS on her three-layer German chocolate cake, her go-to-cake, her personal best, Star kept a picture in her mind of when she was a little girl. She and Gran wore matching white bib-aprons, ruffled at the bottom. Together they had mixed the batter, poured the batter into three cake pans, and popped the pans into the oven. Then they licked their spatulas coated with the chocolate batter. Holding on to that image was the only way she blocked out the robbery, the gun, Ash lying on the floor. She did let in one thought—Ty picking her up this morning with two coffees and the thoughtfulness of his mother.
Keeping Gran’s image front and center, also helped to block out the commotion around her. The young man, still assigned to the baking station behind her, cursed up a storm. She thought she heard him say his cake was burned, mixed with a barrage of expletives. Star turned slightly and with a quick glance confirmed his frustration was valid. She saw the white cake with a definite charred edge.
The young man was slathering on thick chocolate frosting, trying to hide the burned spots. She wondered if the judges would catch the error. It depended on where they cut for their taste test.
The only amusement during the bake-off came when Jim Whisk announced the recipe for the Technical Challenge, the recipe with no directions. Pineapple Upside Down cake. The cake she and Gran had gone over before switching to the German Chocolate. Today’s final bake-off: thirty-six cupcakes, baker’s choice of flavor.
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