“Sam, don't beat yourself up. Kids wander away; it was two seconds,” Conner offers, but she turns on him.
“It doesn't matter! Two seconds, two minutes … they're still gone,” she screams. “My babies are out there somewhere and it's all because of me!”
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close to me and holding her tightly as she continues to sob. I would give anything to alleviate her pain.
“This is not your fault, baby,” I say softly as I hold her to me. “None of this is your fault, this is all on me. I should have done something sooner. I should have called Lucas the minute that first set of pictures came to my office. I should have taken them more seriously. The twins are in danger because of me!”
Sam pulls away and looks at me with a deep scowl on her lovely face. “Pictures? What are you talking about? What pictures?”
Instantly, my stomach is in knots once more. My plan was to talk to her about all of this tonight. To tell her about the menacing photos and about my call to Lucas and my plan to finally accept his long-standing offer for a security detail for the children. But we hadn't had a chance to have that discussion yet.
“What pictures, Josh?” she repeats when I hesitate.
I take a deep breath and take her by the hand once more. “Earlier this week, I received a set of pictures in the mail at work with no note, no return address. They were shots of the kid's preschool.”
“What?”
“And then this morning … another set of pics came in the same manner. This time they were images of you and of Mom, dropping the kids off or picking them up.” She says nothing as she stares at me in disbelief. “I didn't say anything before because I didn't want to worry you, but …”
“Didn't want to worry me? Are you insane?” she yells. “You didn't think I had a right to know that our kids were being watched? How could you keep something like this from me?”
The tears are flowing freely as she screams at me, and I feel like so much shit. “I was trying to protect you,” I tell her, my voice raised in frustration as I struggle to keep my own tears from falling now. “I was trying to protect you all! That's why I called Lucas this morning. To accept his offer for security! And I was going to tell you all of this tonight!”
“Well, you're too late,” she screams.
“I know that!” I scream back at her, and my deep voice seems to boom and echo around the room, causing silence to descend for a moment as all eyes turn our way. Sam dissolves into tears and I fold her into my arms once more.
As I'm holding Sam tightly, Detective Anne Marsh enters the room. “Lieu, we've got some info,” she says quietly, gesturing to the uniformed officer walking behind her.
“Hey, Guy. Sam,” Tom Cody says in somber greeting as Sam and I both look up at him expectantly. One of my bandmates in Off Duty Blue, Cody has been a member of the force's K-9 unit for almost ten years now.
“I got Logan out and we started a track at your patio,” Cody begins, referring to his K-9 partner. “He picked up on a scent right away back there. He did a beautiful track, never lost the scent the whole time. Track leads straight from your back patio off the kitchen, around the south side of your house and out through your front yard to the curb. But, I'm afraid that's where the track ends.”
“You're sure about that?” I ask, feeling my heart sink.
“I'm afraid so,” Cody answers.
I sigh heavily, and nod at him. I want to scream at him to do it again. To tell him that the kids just wandered out of the yard and are somewhere in the neighborhood, but I know that would be pointless. The dogs are rarely wrong. And when they are, it's because of handler error. But Cody has been decorated half a dozen times for his work in the K-9 unit, so I know that handler error is not a factor here.
“What? What does that mean?” Samantha asks urgently, looking from me to Cody.
I pause a beat before I look her in the eye. “It indicates that whoever was back there got into a vehicle in front of our house.”
I watch as her pretty face contorts as she begins to cry all over again. And I feel so fucking useless. “They took the twins with them?” she asks tearfully. “Is that what you're saying?”
I tighten my arms around her in response.
“There's more, Lieu,” Marsh speaks up. “One of your neighbors across the street remembered seeing an unfamiliar car sitting in front of your house just before mid-day. She couldn't give me a plate number, but she provided a decent description.”
“Well, I think it's safe now to say an abduction has taken place,” Conner mutters. “Marsh, if you've got a description of the vehicle let's get going on that AMBER Alert. Here's the description of what the kids were wearing,” he says, handing her a piece of paper.
“I'm on it,” she says, rushing from the room.
As late afternoon drags into the early evening, Samantha and I both grow more anxious by the minute. And I know that for every second that passes, the chances of finding Leo and Livvie unharmed slip way like sand, but I can't mention that to Sam. She is so stressed out and worried as it is, and I quietly caution my men to be careful of what they say around her. But I've learned my lesson about trying to keep things from her, and that's not what I'm doing. Right now, I'm just trying to take care of my pregnant wife.
More family has arrived. Lee and Molly's daughter, Sara and her husband. My cousin Paul Jr. and my Aunt Celeste. Celeste brought food. And I know that she's just trying to help, but I can't shake the thought that this feels like a fucking wake. Mom and Molly have been in the kitchen for what seems like hours, doing what those two do best – mothering everybody, making sandwiches and coffee and stuff, trying to keep the rest of us fed and occupied. Even Lois is being unusually maternal.
“Samantha, darling, please eat something,” Lois says as she sits down next to her on the couch, holding a plate of Mom's 'ham and mac and cheese.'
“I don't feel like eating anything, Mom,” Sam replies with an agitated tone. “How do you expect me to eat when my babies are God knows where with some maniac?”
Lois stares at her for a moment with the most genuine look of compassion that I've ever seen from her. She gently places her hand on Samantha's knee and says, “Sweetheart, I know you're terribly worried about your babies, and I know how that feels. But your husband and his colleagues are doing everything in their power right now to find them. There's nothing for you to do but to sit and worry after them. But you need to think about all of them, Samantha. All of your babies. Won't you please eat something … for him?” she asks, placing her hand on Sam's belly. Sam looks at her tearfully and places her hand on top of her mom's. Then she slightly nods her head, and Lois feeds her a forkful of pasta.
It's a rare tender moment between them, although they have grown closer over the last four years. Largely due to the twins. Granted, Lois isn't the kind of hands-on, homey grandma that my mom is, but I know that she loves her grandchildren. More importantly, Leo and Livvie know that she loves them, and they're always excited to see her. She's actually very doting in her own way. And I can't help but think about that now as I watch her feeding her child.
Sam and I haven't moved more than a few feet away from one another since I arrived home after getting her distressed phone call this afternoon. Despite the brief flare up of emotions when I told her about the menacing photographs, it's as if we simply can't bare to be too far out of reach at any given moment. As though we're each other's anchor. Standing mutely just a foot or so away from where Sam and her mother are, I can't help watching her every movement. She's all I can concentrate on, even while Lee and Paul are trying to draw me out. She looks so small and frail right now, like the worry has sapped all her strength, and I now that she probably needs to lie down and rest. But I also know that I'll never get her to do that. Not while the twins are out there somewhere.
The front door opens and more family comes in. Megan and Scott, followed by Dennis. I watch as Meg rushes to Sam's side and takes her by both hands. And I ca
n see Sam offer her a tearful smile. “What are you doing here? Where's Scottie?” she asks softly.
“He's at home with the nanny,” Megan answers. “There was no way I was going to let you sit here alone.”
Samantha smiles again. “I'm hardly alone, Meg,” she says as she looks around our living room at all the family and cops. “You should go home and hold your little boy,” she says wiping tears.
“Oh, Sam.” Meg wraps her arms around her and Samantha cries on her shoulder for a moment. And then she lets out a small, tearful laugh.
“I felt that! She kicked me,” she says, lightly running her hand over Megan's swollen belly.
Meg smiles. “She was just giving her cousin a friendly kick hello,” she says, patting Sam's small baby bump.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. We learned the sex the other day,” Sam says.
“Yeah?”
She nods. “It's a boy.”
“Aw, congratulations,” Meg smiles.
“Thanks,” Sam smiles. And then she quietly burst into tears as Meg folds her into her arms once more, and I can feel my heart breaking. I feel so fucking useless right now.
Samantha's tears turn into full blown, agonizing, gut-wrenching sobs, and I can't stand it anymore. Before I know what I'm doing, I've crossed the few feet separating us and stepped in between Lois and Sam. Reaching down, I gently take her into my arms, pulling her away from Meg as I stand. I carry her into the relatively quiet family room and take a seat in one of the overstuffed, comfy chairs. Cradling her in my arms as she sobs, I say nothing and just let her cry. She clings to me as I hold her. And as I listen to her weep I can no longer stop my own tears.
*
He sat down in the chair next to the bed and shook his head. Cute kids, but boy was he glad they were sleeping! He didn't know how people did it. Put up with the whining and the crying and the constantly being responsible for someone else all the time. He didn't have that kind of patience. Not that he hated kids or anything. He never felt the need to mistreat 'em or nothin'. And he sure as hell wasn't one of those perverted sickos who got their rocks off by dicking around with little kids. In prison, those poor bastards were considered the lowest form of scum, at the very bottom of the food chain, and they were always the first ones to get harassed, beaten or worse. They deserved it, warped maggots.
He smiled as he watched them sleeping. He had actually had fun today. It had been a whole lot easier than he anticipated. They had come to him almost willingly. All he did was open the gate with a friendly smile and a wave, and they came of their own accord. Held his hands as they walked across the lawn. It was almost too easy. And he had taken care of them: made sure their seatbelts were fastened, played with them, sang Christmas carols with them. He had even fed them – bologna sandwiches, not peanut butter, just in case they were allergic. He had thought of everything. And he laughed to himself as he thought about how worked-up their parents probably were right now. He glanced to the bedside table at the small clock radio with a smirk. He would give them a few more hours. Let 'em get good and scared. And he knew that wouldn't be hard with the way their pretty little mother ran out of that shack at the back of the property. He wasn't even trying to spook her at the time, just looking around. But boy did she run.
He laughed again just thinking about it.
Chapter Six
Samantha
“There's been no word.”
Josh's voice is barely a whisper, but it's the first thing I hear when I wake with a start and my eyes pop open. His arms tighten around me, holding me close as I sit in his lap. This is where I cried myself to sleep. The last thing I remember is him carrying me to the family room while I cried hysterically in his arms. How long ago was that?
I glance quickly around the family room. The house is still full of people. Lots of cops. And both our mothers are still here. Lucas and Dennis and Paul Jr. And Lee Parson. But I notice that everyone is talking in whispers and hushed tones, and I know it's because of me. Because everyone wants me to rest. They mean well, Sam.
“What time is it?”
“Just after midnight,” he answers softly. “It's been eleven hours.”
“Eleven hours? Our babies have been out there for eleven hours, Josh,” I quietly sob. “Where are they? It's cold outside. They must be scared or hungry? Are they wondering where Mommy and Daddy are?”
His arms tighten around me once more and I feel him shudder as he's overtaken by his own wave of tears. I reach up and caress his rugged face, feeling the dampness on his cheek as his tear-filled eyes lock with my own.
“I'm sorry, Sam,” he whispers. “I'm sorry for not keeping our family safe. I know I failed you, baby, and I am so sorry. I failed our kids. I didn't look after them the way I should have. I'm a cop! I know the dangers that are out there! I should have done more to keep them safe; I should have insisted on more security for them. I will never forgive myself for this!”
He completely breaks down in front of me. Something I haven't seen him do since the night he finally told me about his father's death. He carries around so much guilt and shame over what happened that night, and I know that he always will. Even though he saved his mother's life. And as scared and hurt as I am right now, I don't want him to carry this with him for the rest of his life too.
Still caressing his handsome face, I wipe his tears away with my fingers. “This is not all on you, Joshua,” I say softly.
“Yes, it is!”
“No! It's not,” I say, shaking my head. “This is my fault too. I did this! I know that you have always agreed with Lucas. I know that you've always wanted me and the kids to have more security. But I have always hated the idea of living in a gilded cage. I've hated it since I was a very little girl, and I never wanted my kids to feel that way! But you're right. You and Lucas are right, and sometimes, that gilded cage is necessary. This is my fault, Josh. Our babies are in danger because of me!”
It's a difficult thing to admit, but I know that it's true. This is all my fault. If I wasn't always so hell bent on trying to live my very privileged life without the trappings of wealth … shunning things like full time nannies and live-in maids and bodyguards and drivers, probably none of this would be happening right now. The Colby name comes with a very proud legacy, but it also comes with its share of headaches. There are those out there who wouldn't think twice about things like extortion and abduction. And keeping innocent toddlers away from their parents for God knows what reason.
And what is the reason? Where are my children and what is this psycho doing to them? Why were they taken? Is this just some predatory freak who's been lurking around the neighborhood, or is this about money?
“Josh, why are the twins gone?” I ask him desperately. “Who has them? Why were they taken?”
He looks at me with the most broken expression as he shakes his head. “I'm not sure,” he says, looking me in the eye.
“But what do they want? Do they want money; is that what this is about? I'll pay whatever they want!” I tell him tearfully.
“Samantha.” He pauses as he looks at me, and I can see that shadow of guilt and shame cross his handsome face once more. “We don't know that this is about Colby money. There hasn't been a demand for ransom as of yet. I know that it sounds impossible, baby … but right now all we can do is play this unbearable waiting game. While you were sleeping, Conner and I talked about calling in the FBI. I'm going to go ahead and give that order.”
“What does that mean?” I ask fearfully.
He shakes his head slightly. “It just means they'll come in and take over this case. And it's just as well 'cause I'm … I'm probably way to close here to be objective.”
He pauses for a long time and I watch so many emotions play over his face: fear, anger, despair, anguish. And it suddenly dawns on me how difficult this must be for him. Joshua is so used to being able to take charge, and to either fight or think his way out of any situation. If there's a problem, he finds a solution. If there's a puzzle
, he figures out where all the pieces fit. If there's a bad guy, he takes them down. It's not just his job, it's who he is at his core. It's what he does. It's his nature. But right now he's lost. His babies are missing and he's so afraid right now that he doesn't trust his ability to think clearly.
Lightly, I run my hand over his face once more, in a soothing gesture as I rest my forehead on his. I don't know what to say to comfort him as the tears drop from my eyes.
A low rumble begins to build out in the living room and suddenly Dave Conner is rushing toward us. Josh and I are both wiping tears as we look up at him.
“Guy, I just got a call from Richards at the station,” he says excitedly. “He says a call just came in to the detective section saying the kids could be found at the Branch Motel in room 118.”
Josh sits up immediately, gently shifting me off of his lap as he stares at Dave. “Who was the caller? Did he say anything else?”
“Richards said the caller's voice was altered. Sounded mechanical,” Dave answers. “Just gave the motel and room number and then the line went dead. We've got a couple cars on the way there now.”
“You tell them to wait for me,” he says getting to his feet. I stand quickly and follow him into the living room where he picks up his discarded holster and pulls it on.
“I'm going with you!”
He turns and looks down at me with a most serious scowl. “No you're not!”
“Josh!”
“No!” He yells at me. “This is a police operation, Samantha and you are staying far away from it!”
“But they need me,” I wail.
“Yes, they need you,” he says forcefully. Then he caresses my face and his voice softens as he says, “And I will bring them home to you. I swear.”
His eyes bore into mine as I accept my place. Then he gently kisses my forehead. There is suddenly action all around me as mom wraps her arm around my shoulders. Most of the cops empty out of the room. Even Lee checks his gun and heads out with the others. Josh looks at mom and Olivia and Lucas, staring at them pointedly.
Pierced: Pierced Trilogy Boxed Set Page 96