Strangers

by Crystal V. Rhodes

  James’s eyes slid from Ray to Bev. This was the first time that he had met his friend’s wife in person. Like Dana, her sister was a looker. She was tall and sleek and as sophisticated as hell. She dressed expensively and every hair was in place.

  He knew she was older than Ray, but James would have been hard-pressed to prove it. The women in Dana’s family must have had a fountain of youth stashed away somewhere. They also knew how to cast a spell on a man. He knew that Dana had him practically wrapped up and tied with a bow.

  There was no doubt that Ray was head over heels in love with his wife. That’s why James suspected that whatever was in that envelope had something to do with her. Had Ray had her investigated? Someone in her family investigated? If so, who?

  He was curious and if he really wanted to know, he could easily find out. Technically, the envelope in his possession did belong to the agency and he could keep it, but it seemed important to Ray, and their friendship was more valuable than James’ curiosity. Besides, he needed to get back on track with the investigation.

  He turned to Dana and looked straight into her eyes. She had been watching him.

  “What are you thinking about?” His expression had been so solemn that she couldn’t help but wonder.

  He squeezed her hand. “I was thinking about how much I’ve got to do.”

  “You do have a lot on you,” she said softly.

  James knew that Dana was quite aware of his burdens. Since he had received the call about Nate, she had been by his side at every turn.

  Not only had she helped him plan his partner’s memorial service, but she had accompanied him to a meeting with his employees in which he had assured them that the agency would continue. She had been there when he made arrangements to settle Nate’s estate and to clear out his apartment. He couldn’t believe how generous and supportive she had been.

  With that in mind he placed a kiss on her forehead. Pleased, she smiled at him.

  “What was that for?”

  “It was for the most wonderful woman that I know.” His heart was full, and not only with feelings of gratitude. His feelings for Dana were beginning to become so much more.

  “I appreciate that.” She really did and she had come to appreciate him even more than before.

  During the time she spent with him, she had seen sides of James that endeared him to her in ways that he would never know. His strengths and his vulnerabilities had been revealed during this unexpected crisis, and she had come to respect both. James had proven to be a man of action.

  “What are you planning to do now?”

  Dana didn’t have to be specific. James knew exactly what she was talking about. For an uncomplicated man, his life had become complicated. He had promoted one of his senior staff to manage the East Coast division of Webb Starr. Meanwhile, he still had plans to open the branch office in northern California.

  “I’ve decided to bring one of my men to the Bay Area to help set up the operation there. I’ve got too many other things on my plate to pursue that, including working on the case for your family.”

  “Oh! What a privilege! We’re being served by a CEO now.” Dana elbowed him teasingly; glad to be able to provide some levity to their conversation. The last few days had been filled with so much sadness.

  “I guess so,” James said seriously. With that title he had also become a wealthy man.

  Before Nate’s death he had made a comfortable living as a partner in their thriving business. But he was now its sole owner. Nate had no living relatives and had left everything to him, including a substantial life insurance policy. James had been shocked at how much his friend had been worth. There had been a lot of surprises this past week and Dana’s steadfast support had been one of them.

  “I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t thank you enough for being there for me.” He told her, forcing back his errant emotions. “Other than Nate, nobody outside of my family has ever been there for me like this.” He spoke across the aisle to Ray. “I want to thank you for your support too.”

  Hearing himself being addressed, Ray turned from the window and gave him a vacant smile. Dana squeezed James’ hand.

  “We’re glad that we were able to be here for you.” She spoke for them both.

  “I plan on returning the favor.” James’ tone was one of resolve. “I swear to you, if it’s the last thing I do in life, I will help find everyone who was responsible for kidnapping those girls.”

  CHAPTER 20

  It was late in the evening when the limo delivered James to the house in Tiburon. The rental contract with Ray had been signed and the house was officially his. The others had been dropped off at the houseboat. James had promised to call Dana later.

  Although he had tried to express it, he doubted if she really understood how much her kindness and consideration during this past week had meant to him. Dana didn’t give herself credit for how thoughtful she could be. She didn’t give herself credit for a lot of things, but he gave her the highest of marks for how she made him feel.

  He had completed his microwave dinner when the entry bell rang. It was Ray. James wasn’t surprised. Without a word, he handed him the envelope as soon as he walked through the front door.

  Taking the package, Ray walked into the living room where he took a seat. When James followed, he found him sitting on the sofa fingering the unopened envelope.

  Ray was in emotional turmoil. It had been years since he had hired Nathan Webb to investigate Bev’s late husband, Colton Cameron. His having done so had not only resulted in the uncovering of the fact that the man had faked his own death, but the investigation had also caused difficulties in his relationship with Bev.

  He thought that he had remedied the mistake of having initiated that search. He had hoped what he had discovered would be a secret that he would take to his grave. He had no idea that Nate had kept a copy of the results of that investigation.

  Ray’s reaction to the copy being on file had been virulent. His anger could hardly be contained. Calmly, James informed him that the firm routinely kept file copies. Ray had been certain Nate had told him that he had given him the only copy. Obviously, that hadn’t been true. Ray wondered why he would keep a copy. Since the man was dead, he would never know.

  James had reassured him that since the envelope was sealed and in that particular file cabinet, no one but Nate had read the contents. James seemed unaware of the envelope’s existence until its discovery. Yet in a moment of paranoia, Ray had wondered if finding the envelope really had been a coincidence. That thought had been quickly dismissed.

  At this point all he could do was pray there were no other copies and that no one else on earth knew what he knew about Colton Cameron. The reality of that man’s continued existence would impact far too many lives, to say nothing of endangering them, including his own. Colton Cameron was not a man to be taken lightly.

  James watched the conflict of emotions playing across his friend’s face. He had no clue what was in that envelope, but its contents was causing him a lot of distress. After what Ray had done for him by coming to New York to support him, there was no way that he could repay him, but he vowed to try.

  “Are you in trouble? Is there anything that I can do to help?”

  Ray flashed him a smile of gratitude. “No, I’m okay. I was just thinking about coincidences.”

  James couldn’t disagree. It had been a startling coincidence—if not a miracle—that had brought Dana into his life.

  “In some instances, they can be the best thing that can happen to you.”

  “Or the worst.” Ray thought about the twist of fate that had caused him to stumble upon the secret about Colton Cameron.

  “Whatever the case,” James reflected, “Coincidences do happen, and for reasons that I’m sure we human beings will never understand.”

  ****

  Hardman made certain the gun he had bought was firmly in place in his pocket as he stood on the side of the road in the desolate countrysi
de. His rental car had a flat tire and he was as mad as hell. Being the product of big cities, he knew nothing about barren places like this with miles and miles of farmland interrupted by occasional houses, none of which he could see at the moment as nightfall rapidly approached. He could only hope that some wild animal wouldn’t attack him before he fixed the damn tire. It seemed as though the impromptu decision he had made earlier today might not have been such a good one.

  Using the information he had procured from Andy Vega, he had driven up the coast to the Monterey Peninsula to the city of Salinas. This was where the abduction’s ringleader supposedly resided. Hardman had been watching the man’s house for nearly a week. So far the guy hadn’t made an appearance, but Hardman had remained hopeful.

  Hardman’s curiosity had led him to this two lane road this evening. For some reason he had been compelled to see for himself where the girls had been held. He had decided that it would be best to take this side trip late in the day to avoid coming in contact with anyone. That had proven to be prophetic. He hadn’t seen another car or human being since he turned onto this road.

  Where was help when you needed it? The tire was as flat as a pancake and he had never changed one in his life.

  Sin pressed his foot down on the accelerator and felt the power of his luxury vehicle gliding along the deserted road. He didn’t want to be caught in this desolate area at night. He liked quiet and solitude, but this was a bit too much. He couldn’t wait to get home.

  Turning on his music, he slid the car into cruise and leaned back to enjoy the ride. He would be back in Carmel in about an hour. Later, he would call Nedra and the kids. Dana, Ray and Starr should be back in the Bay Area by now. He would give them a call as well.

  Deep in thought about his visit to the kidnap house, he passed the car on the opposite side of the road without a glance. It wasn’t until he looked into the rear view mirror and saw the lone figure of a man kneeling beside the car that he realized the vehicle wasn’t abandoned. Night was rapidly approaching. He felt sorry for anybody stuck out here in no man’s land, but he didn’t have time to be a Good Samaritan. He wanted to get home.

  Hardman was beside himself. Damn! The only car on the road and he had let it pass by him. He had been so preoccupied with trying to read the manual and figure out how to get the tire off of the rim that he hadn’t heard it coming. By the time he became aware of the car’s presence it had sped pass. He watched the tail lights as they disappeared down the road.

  There was no time to lament. He had to get the tire off before it got dark.

  Hardman was about to return to his place beside the flat tire when he looked up to see a car coming on the same side of the road this time. It was moving slowly. Hope sprang anew, mingled with a tinge of anxiety.

  Stepping onto the road, he waved his arms to gett the driver’s attention. If the car stopped, he hoped, for the sake of whoever was driving, that any intentions were good ones. The car pulled up behind his and stopped.

  Sin wanted to kick himself a thousand times as he turned off the engine. He knew Nedra had brainwashed him with all of her do-good stuff. Until now he hadn’t known to what extent. He was in the middle of nowhere, stopping to help what could well be a mass murderer, and nobody even knew where he was.

  Oh, what the hell! It could be him stuck out here—but just in case. Before getting out of the car, he removed the gun from its ankle hostler and placed it in his jacket pocket.

  The man standing at the back of the disabled vehicle was putting on his jacket as Sin approached. He was African-American and looked quite distinguished. Sin guessed his age to be in the late fifties or early sixties. The man was of medium height with a slim build. The clothes he wore were casual but expensive. It was obvious he didn’t belong in these parts. Sin wondered what the guy was doing out here, plus he didn’t look too well. He looked as though he had seen a ghost.

  As Hardman watched the stranger walk toward him he was absolutely stunned. He knew that face! He knew the dark eyes, the sharp cheek bones, the broad nose, the cleft chin! As a boy he had caressed that face. He had smothered it with kisses. It was the face of the man who helped his mother raised him, a man who he had loved fiercely. It was his grandfather’s face.

  Sin slowed his steps not wanting to spook the man any further. Was he sick? Was he frightened? What was wrong?

  “Hello. I passed you out here and thought that you might need help.” Sin held his hand out to the stranger in greeting. “My name is Sinclair Reasoner.”

  Hardman swayed. His heart began to race. He felt dizzy. He could hardly breathe.

  He had to get a hold of himself. He couldn’t pass out. He had to exert some self control. But how could he? Never! Never in his wildest dreams would he have expected to have something like this happen!

  Sin took a quick step forward. Was the man having a heart attack? “Are you alright? You look ill.”

  Steadying himself, Hardman cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus. It wasn’t easy.

  “No, no I’m okay.” He took a shaky breath. “It’s just that I’m stuck out here in no man’s land with a flat tire. Night is coming fast and my phone battery is low, so I couldn’t call for help.” Attempting to regain his composure, he exhaled. “I’m Tom Hardman. I’m glad that you stopped.” He shook Sin’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “No problem,” Sin transferred his attention to the flat tire on the back passenger side of the car.

  A jack and the donut spare lay on the ground next to an opened manual. He highly suspected that this man had no clue what he was doing. His clothes and his cultured speech made him sound more like a college professor than an average working stiff.

  “Looks like you need some help alright.” Sin took his tailor made jacket off.

  “I’m not exactly handy when it comes to things like this,” Hardman admitted.

  Sin chuckled. “Well, I’ve changed a tire or two in my time.” Folding his jacket neatly, he placed it inside Hardman’s open car trunk. “There’s still enough light for me to get this done. If you’ll just hand me the tools, we can get started. ”

  “Sure,” Hardman agreed as he followed him around the car. He was as nervous as a preacher in a whore house. The cool façade that he had once mastered had completely disappeared.

  Sin bent to see what had been done. So far Mr. Hardman had managed to raise the car with the jack. Using the tire iron he removed the hub cap.

  “Did you set the emergency brake?” Sin asked before going any farther.

  Looking guilty, Hardman hurried around to the driver’s side of the car and set the brake. Returning to take his place beside Sin, he watched with admiration as he removed the lugs.

  Sinclair worked with swift precision and Hardman couldn’t take his eyes off of him. He had a million questions he wanted to ask him, so many that he wouldn’t know where to start.

  He had noted that when he got out of the car, Sinclair had approached him with measured caution. That meant that he wasn’t the type of man to be caught off guard. Naiveté wasn’t a part of this man’s character. He assessed a situation before stepping into it. Hardman liked that and he sensed that even as Sinclair lay on the ground, with his back turned to a stranger, he wasn’t as vulnerable as he might appear.

  As he placed the spare on the rim, Sin could feel himself being scrutinized, but he didn’t feel that he was in any danger. Actually, the man appeared to be enthralled by what he was doing as he watched him with awe.

  Sin didn’t see the big deal. Hadn’t the guy seen a tire being changed before? His best guess to that was no. He didn’t look like the type who had ever given any credence to manual labor. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t curb his curiosity about Mr. Hardman. It got the best of him.

  “I hope that you don’t mind my asking, but what are you doing out here in this deserted place?”

  Hardman hesitated. He knew that he couldn’t tell him the truth, but Sinclair seemed astute and might pick up on a lie. He ventured a ha
lf truth.

  “I got lost.” That part was true. He had gotten lost several times as he was trying to find the road to that damn kidnap house. He should have purchased a GPS system.

  Sin nodded, sensing that was the extent of the information he was going to be provided. “I see.”

  Interrupting the silence was the ring of a telephone. Sin’s head whipped around to his car.

  “That’s my cell phone.” He had left it on the front seat. Rising, he started toward his car. “Will you get the rest of those lug nuts? I’ll come back and check them before we put the hub cap back on.” Indicating to Hardman the tool to be used, he went to answer the call.

  Hardman watched his panther like retreat before doing as he had been asked. Sin reached into the car window and retrieved his phone. Darnell was on the other end.

  “Hey, Sis,” Sin greeted her call with a grin. He was glad to hear from her. Their progression from cousins by marriage to siblings by blood had turned into a relationship they both cherished.

  “Hi, big brother. I spoke to Mama and Ray. They’re back in the Bay Area. I think my call interrupted some serious business, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh, you’re so bad.”

  “Well, she shouldn’t have answered the telephone.”

  He shared a laugh at the insinuation. The girl was crazy, but he loved her to death.

  “Anyhow, she mumbled something about Dana being with them and she said that James Starr is in Tiburon. What’s he doing in Tiburon? Isn’t he supposed to be in L.A. or on the Peninsula looking for the kidnappers?”

  “It’s my understanding that Starr is in Tiburon because he’s moving into Ray’s old house—you know the one that your husband used to live in,” he reminded her jokingly. He knew that before Thad and Darnell were married and they moved to Carmel, she used to spend a lot of time at that house. “So don’t worry, Starr was hired to help find the scum and I have no doubt that he will.”