by Adam (lit)
“Soup and a sandwich sounds fine,” Kara said.
“Would coffee be all right to drink? I don’t have wine or beer.” She recalled Kara’s preference for red wine and a dark beer.
“Coffee’s fine. Don’t fuss, Lyn. We’re in a hurry, too.” Kara’s voice held a note of impatience. “I just thought it would be nice to see you since we’re this close.”
Lyn studied her a moment before she started to the kitchen. “Make yourself at home, and I’ll only be a few minutes.”
* * * *
That was the last time she’d seen or heard from Kara and Aaron. It had to be at that time that Kara swapped identification cards. But why?
“Has Aaron not gone this long without being in touch?”
“No. Our business depends on our keeping in touch, especially if we’re working on a complex project, which we are right now.”
“Kara had to have replaced my driver’s license and credit cards with hers during the time I was in the kitchen. That’s the only explanation I can think of.”
“Forget it, Kara. We’ve been over this already.”
“You’re wrong. You can’t just take me like this and not check out my story. You can’t.”
“I’ve checked your story ahead of time, Kara. You love play acting and are really good at it. Get used to it. I’m onto you, and nothing you say will change it.”
“But.”
The car slowed and turned up a dark lane. The sweep of headlights brought into view the brief glimpse of a log house before it swung around to the side and stopped at an unlighted covered porch.
“Come in, Garth, and get something to eat. It’s been a long day.”
Garth got out, opened the trunk and took an overnight case from it, walked around and opened the door on Lyn’s side. He extended a hand to her.
She took it because she was stiff from sitting so long. Outside the car, she looked around but could tell little about the area. It had started to snow, just a few lazy flakes, but the wind was cold. They were at a higher elevation than Albuquerque, it was December and snow was to be expected.
The outline of the house looked big, rambling into the shadows, with gabled roofs and lots of windows, unlighted. There was a dim light on one side, she guessed the kitchen.
“Welcome, Kara.” Adam took her arm, led her up three stone steps, and reached around her to open the heavy storm door. He flicked a switch and generous concealed lighting brightened the big area.
Lyn blinked. This was not just a mountain cabin; this was a strongly built log house. Kitchen walls were painted a bright white trimmed with pale blue flowered borders. The floor was pale blue ceramic tile. Counters were granite, double stainless steel sinks, side by side refrigerator between counters and stove. A heavy round pedestal table sat in a nook adjacent to the kitchen.
“Sit down, Kara. We’ll see what there is to eat.”
She would choke if she had to take a bite. Anger and fear warred with each other. “I’m not hungry.”
“You’ll eat. I won’t have you fainting from hunger just when I might want to engage in lively entertainment.”
She glared at him. “I’m not here for your entertainment.”
“Wrong.” He had taken off his suit jacket, and now she got a good look at him. He looked dangerous in a white shirt, navy tie, and navy pants. Tall, slim, and she’d bet strong. His features were sharp, chin jutted at a stubborn angle, but when he turned and smiled at her, she saw the dimple in his left cheek.
“Mr. Mabry.”
“My name is Adam.”
“Adam.” She crossed her arms over her chest. She hadn’t had on anything but a pantsuit, and the jacket wasn’t heavy enough for the colder mountain air. “You must listen to me. You.”
He held up his hand. “Later. We’ll eat and then we’ll talk about what you know and what you can tell me about Aaron. You’re very good at torturing your husband. He’s told me that before, and I’m curious as to why he stays married to you.”
“I don’t.”
“Just shut up. I don’t want to hear your excuses, your reasons, your lies about what has happened. The times you’ve left Aaron alone and gone off to visit ‘friends’ are legion.” His voice was hard and cold.
She shivered and pressed her lips together to keep from shouting at him. In the mood he was in now, it wouldn’t help at all. And she wasn’t convinced that he might not strike her if he became more angry. She moved to the breakfast nook, pulled out one of the heavy chairs and sat down.
Garth came in, placed the suitcase in the breakfast nook close to her.
“Snow’s coming down pretty heavy, Boss. Might should listen to the weather forecast.”
“Later. Come eat with us.”
Adam had placed a casserole in the microwave and now he removed it. Garth went to a cabinet, picked up plates, found utensils in a drawer, and set the table. Lyn watched him, trying to gauge what part he played in this dangerous charade.
“Hana is our cook and housekeeper. I might add she helped raise Aaron and me so she’s indulgent where we’re concerned. She’ll take care of you as far as meals, laundry, basic things, but she won’t approve of you worth a damn.”
“And I should care?”
“If I were you, I would.” Adam sat across from her. Garth sat between them. “Hana’s apartment is in the basement of this house. She’s always around.”
“You could explain the rules of the road to her, Adam. She seems confused,” Garth said.
“You’re right. I’m angry, extremely unhappy, a bit frightened, and totally confused.”
Adam smiled at her, and she caught her breath. The smile was reckless, not one bit friendly, and bordered on insolent. Bordered, nothing, he was enjoying the situation it seemed to Lyn.
“You shouldn’t be, Kara.” He held up his hand when she started to protest. “It doesn’t matter who you claim to be.” He leaned toward her. “Your identification cards, driver’s license, Social Security card, credit cards, all vouch for who you are. From the cards, I recognize most of the businesses you benefit from, the elite up to the high end price range. Aaron is more generous than I would be.”
“Perhaps you should have gone through my closet, Adam, to see what kind of garments I buy, certainly not any of the higher echelon department stores.” She studied the antagonism in his expression. What had Kara done to him to cause such hostility? Knowing Kara, any one of several habits could irritate any sane person. She had known every little move or word that would hurt or infuriate Lyn when they were growing up. And had used all of them, plus others only Kara was capable of finding.
Adam shot her a look. “I did go through your closet.”
At her gasp, he pointed his knife at her. “Don’t. Your security system is low tech at best and easy enough to bypass.”
“Have you ever been arrested for breaking and entering?” Her temper threatened to erupt full force. She was tired, hungry, and worn out trying to figure what was going on, and how she ended up in this nightmare.
Adam laughed. “Never been caught. But, as you say, I looked in your closet. Gowns that were suitable for chief executive officer affairs, grand balls and fancy dinners. Contrary to what you say, some of the labels were from so-called high echelon department stores.”
“How could that be?”
“You tell me, why don’t you? You’re the one denying all of my statements.”
She drew in a sharp breath. “First and foremost, I’m not Kara. She and Aaron stopped by the house just as I went by to check on everything. I’ve been on a special assignment as private duty nurse. They weren’t there more than two hours.”
“I’d rather not hear your side of the story, Kara.”
“How are you going to keep my co-workers from checking on me? If I’m missing for more days than I should be, they’ll report it.”
“Wrong.” Adam continued to eat, pause and drink from his water glass. “Because I know your penchant for borrowing identities, I made sur
e both Kara Sands Mabry and Lyn Sands were on legitimate authorized leave. Something about family business, unexpected illness, and being unavailable until further notice.”
She stared. “How could you do that?” Her voice was a horrified whisper. She knew he was telling the truth. He was the kind of person who could convince the devil he was an angel.
“No problem. Eat, Kara. You’ve been without food several hours, and you can’t sleep on an empty stomach.”
How could she sleep with her mind in turmoil, with all the questions she couldn’t get answers to? She picked up her fork and pushed at the food on her plate. It smelled wonderful, and she was hungry.
“Hana’s an excellent cook, and she’ll be disappointed if you don’t sample the casserole.” The mockery in his voice was unmistakable.
She was too tired to argue with him and ate all the food on her plate. “It was good. Thank you.”
Adam’s head came up and surprise lit his eyes for just an instant. “Oh, you’re quite welcome.” He stood, leaned to pick up her plate along with his, rinsed them in the sink, and then placed them in the dishwasher.
Garth did the same and turned. “If you don’t need me for anything, Boss, I’m going to bed.”
“Goodnight, Garth. Thanks for everything.”
Garth nodded at Lyn, said goodnight and left through the back door.
“Is Garth my bodyguard?”
“Oh, I think I’m capable of guarding your delectable body, Kara.”
She lowered her head to her hands. “I’m Lyn.”
“Yes, I know.” He walked behind her chair and touched her arm. “Come on and I’ll show you our suite.”
Her head jerked around. “Our suite.”
“Yes. You’re mine until I find out all the answers I’m looking for.”
“Adam, look, you.”
“No, Kara, you look.” He pulled her from the chair and held her in front of him. “Aaron is so damned deep in love with you that he allows you to walk all over him. He gives you everything and, even when you disappear for weeks at the time, he takes you back as soon as you show up from wherever and whoever you’ve been with.”
She shook her head and attempted to interrupt.
Adam shook her. “Save it.” Long fingers wrapped around her arm and he pulled her with him down the wide hall, past two doors until he came to an arched entrance. He shoved the heavy door inward and yanked her through the opening.
She was breathing hard when he released her, shoved the door closed, and turned the lock.
Garth watched as Adam slumped in the chair he’d vacated to follow the woman. Worrying about Aaron’s disappearance was taking its toll on him. “She’s not wearing wedding rings, Boss.”
Adam raised his head and narrowed his eyes. “Probably pawned them. They’re worth a king’s ransom, and she’ll need money if she doesn’t have Aaron.”
“She has credit cards.”
Adam studied the other man. “What are you saying?”
“Maybe we have the wrong woman.”
“All of the IDs say she’s Kara.”
Garth shrugged. “Just thought I’d mention it.”
Adam went over the action they’d taken, the planning that had gone into taking Kara to get answers about Aaron. Right now, Kara, the woman they held in the back suite of rooms was all they had to go on in their efforts to find him.
“I’m not releasing her until she talks, Garth. I’m convinced she knows where Aaron is. Until I find out differently, she’s staying here.”
Chapter Three
She was tired, she was angry, and a lot scared. This man, tall, dark and handsome though he was, would not listen to her protests, refused to hear that she was Lyn, not Kara. All right. See what happens next.
Lyn stood in the middle of the huge room and stared. Luxury. This was no cabin in the wildwoods. Honey-colored log panels covered three walls. The fourth wall was mostly glass. Side panels were frosted. Sliding doors were covered with vertical, wooden slatted blinds. A wide beige couch and two matching club chairs faced a river stone fireplace in the center of one wall. Chandeliers sent muted golden light across the room. There were bookcases filled with an eclectic mix from best sellers to history to classics. Another cabinet held DVDs and videos.
She turned to find Adam watching her with narrowed eyes.
“There’s a bedroom through that door.” He pointed. “There’s a connecting dressing room and bath.” He crossed to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “My advice is not to try to escape, Kara. First, because there’s no way you can. Second, I wouldn’t appreciate it. Nor would Garth or Hana.”
“Why?” She shoved his hands away. “Just tell me why you won’t believe me.” She jerked around. “Yes, I know you have Kara’s identification cards that show a slight resemblance to me, but it’s Kara. Not me.”
“As soon as you tell me where Aaron is, why you’re pulling this charade, why you’ve cut that hair you were so proud of, why you even pretended to be a nurse at Lovelace Hospital when I know you work for Mabry Distribution Center in Fort Worth. As soon as I have the answers to that, we’ll go from there.”
“I don’t know anything about Mabry Distribution Center in Fort Worth. I remember that Aaron is from that area, but I know very little about Kara and didn’t know where she worked.”
“Oh, yes. She was in charge of the health section of the Center, a dedicated registered nurse who took care of everyone.” He smiled without humor. “Especially Aaron.”
“I don’t know how this happened and don’t understand how I got mixed up in your family. What can I do to convince you I’m Lyn?”
“Give it up, Kara.” He walked to the door. “One question: When did you pawn your wedding rings?”
Lyn looked at her left hand. The lighter circle where she’d worn a plain wedding band for two years had long since faded. “I didn’t have any to pawn.”
“Right.” He gave her a grim smile. “I’ll be gone early tomorrow, but I’ll be back by seven or eight. Earlier, if I can.”
“What do I do all day locked in your room?” The idea of having nothing to do didn’t appeal to her at all.
“There’s a television with VCR and DVD with a collection of movies you can enjoy. Aaron said you always sleep till one or two in the afternoon. Since we’ve been up most of today, perhaps you’ll sleep till five or six.” He smiled that awful smile again. “By the time you have your two-hour bath he says you prefer, I’ll be home. Sleep well, Kara.” With that, he was gone. The lock snicked loudly.
She stood where she was but turned a full circle. She was a prisoner, but at least, her prison was comfortable. Indignation flooded her. What the hell was Adam Mabry thinking of to kidnap her, even if he did think she was his sister-in-law? Was he going to sleep with his twin brother’s wife? What kind of setup is going on here?
There was no need to check the doors. They were certainly secure. Adam would have made certain. Then there was Garth, the watch dog. And Hana, one she hadn’t met. Perhaps Hana would be more sympathetic toward her and help in some way. Probably wouldn’t dare disobey the master though.
Lyn went into the bedroom. It was just as big as the living room or whatever they called the room she’d just left. A king-sized bed with Paul Bunyan posts and headboard was centered on the far wall. Above it was an arched window with stained glass. Above the bed was a skylight.
“What, no mirrors?” Her voice startled her. She grinned even as she felt her own helplessness.
There was a tall chest, a triple dresser, side tables and lamps with heavy bronze bases. Another door led into a walk-in closet. Name brand dresses, pantsuits, gowns, down jackets, even a fur coat.
Holy shit. If this is what Kara has at home, why would she leave it to masquerade as me? The closet in her apartment would fit into one corner of this one.
Kara and Aaron’s brief visit had shown Lyn one thing: Kara hadn’t changed. She was restless, going from one subject to another, avoiding Lyn’s
attempt at conversation about her husband, his family, their destination. Any subject that might have given information about her personal life had been ignored.
So, did that mean she didn’t want to stay here? Where is ‘here?’ The trip had taken them three hours or more by her guess. They couldn’t be in Fort Worth. Whose place is this? Why was she brought here?
The most important question: What will happen to me?
Yesterday, she had thought only of having two weeks off. She needed to rest. She needed to relax. There were so many things she’d put off while on private duty and, even when she had a couple of hours at home, was too tired to do more than laundry and light house cleaning.
She wandered into what Adam described as a dressing room and bath. It was comparable in size to the living area and bedroom: Huge. Track lighting cast everything in a warm glow. There was an arched door leading from the powder room into the bath. Through it, Lyn saw the giant-sized tub that was also a whirlpool. The shower was separated by frosted glass bricks. Pale blue marble tiles covered walls and floor in both rooms. Tall vases with dried wild flowers sat on each side of the door.
Lyn closed her eyes and tried to believe she was in someone else’s bad dream, and she’d awaken soon. Turning, she wandered back into the sitting room and surveyed the area. From where she stood, there didn’t seem to be any way out other than the door she’d entered or the sliding glass doors. She moved slowly around the walls of the room, touching places likely to hold a button or panel that might open, perhaps by magic. She needed magic to help her escape, but at the moment, she couldn’t find any. At the sliding doors, she examined all panels, all the latches, the wooden slat drapes. Nothing. Nothing at all that might unlock doors.
She wasn’t afraid. Well, not exactly. More, she was puzzled at the situation. Surely, Adam could tell she wasn’t Kara. But how would he know? She’d never met him, and evidently, he’d only seen Kara once or twice or perhaps just in photographs. She didn’t remember what he’d said about seeing her half sister.