by Kayla Carson
Making my way back downstairs, I found that Wes was preforming the same kind of search on this level. “Anything?”
“It was a distraction.” Wes said, scratching his head in thought. “Fuck!”
“Distraction from what? She wanted Harper, she didn't get her.”
“We should check in with Jake, just to be sure.”
“I'll call him.” I scrolled through my contacts, pressing send when I found his number. His phone went straight to voicemail, so I tried it again with the same result. “Wes.” I said, with worry. “Call your wife.”
“It's going straight to fucking voicemail!”
I tried Harper's phone then, and Wes tried Evie's. Every single one of them were heading directly to voicemail. “Don't you have a tracker on her fucking phone?” I asked.
“That's Jake's shit, I don't know how to do any of that. We can't just fucking sit here, let's go.”
“I'm checking the parking lot, and the limo. Call the fucking police!” I said, taking off on a run towards the exit. I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest, as I approached the limo. I reached for the back door, but it was locked, so I ran around to the driver's side instead. I knocked loudly on the tinted window, trying to get the driver's attention. When he didn't respond, I tried the handle. It opened freely, but when it did, the driver's limp body fell to the ground. “Shit!” I yelled, jumping back in shock.
I found the keys still in the ignition, and turned it over so I could lower the partition window. Zoe, and Evie were laying on the backseats, and appeared to be unconscious. Hitting the unlock button, I ran around to the back door. I pulled Zoe out first, being as gentle as I could. “Zoe? Can you hear me?” I asked, as I laid her down in the grass. She mumbled something incoherent, but at leas she was alive. I went back for Evie, laying her beside Zoe before calling out for Wes.
The instant he seen his pregnant wife laying on the ground, he lost it. I had never seen that man shed a tear in his life, but just now, he was crying a river. “She's alright.” I said, I don't know what happened, but they're both alive.
“The police are on their way.” Wes said, pulling Zoe into his lap, and cradling her there.
“I'll call an ambulance.” I said, walking away momentarily. That's when I spotted Jake. He was slumped up against a tree, with a nasty head wound, and there was blood pouring from his left leg. “Fuck!” I yelled, rushing toward him. I pulled my tie off, and tied it tightly above the wound on his leg to control the bleeding. “Jake?” I asked, tapping his cheek lightly. “Jake?” I said louder, checking for a pulse. It was there, but it was weak.
It didn't take long for the authorities to arrive, with the ambulance directly on their heels. Jake was loaded up first, due to the nature of his injuries. His knuckles were cut and bruised all to hell. He put up a hell of a fight. Whoever the other guy was had to be in rough shape. Jake was a trained soldier, and he wasn't one to give up easily. I followed his gurney to the ambulance, and his eyes fluttered open slowly. He tried to reach for me, but I shook my head. “Don't move Jake.”
“Vanessa.” He breathed out. “I tried to stop her. I'm s-sorry brother.”
“This isn't your fault Jake. Just hold on alright, you got a wife, and kid who need you.”
“Evie?” He rasped.
“She's fine. I got her. She's fine.” I said again to reassure him, before the ambulance doors closed him in.
Wes rode with Evie, and Zoe in the other ambulance, and I stayed behind to talk to the police. They searched the building, and the surrounding area for Harper, but I wasn't surprised that they didn't find her. Vanessa made good on her promise. She was killing me, just not in the way that I'd imagined. My heart felt like it had been ripped out of my chest. I had never felt anything like this before, and there wasn't a damn thing that I could do about it. Harper was strong, but Vanessa was her one weak spot, and I wasn't sure if she could tell her no. Even if it meant losing me.
Chapter 18
Two weeks. That's how long it's been since I'd seen Harper. Our wedding day came, and passed, and I heard nothing from her. The police said they were searching, but I knew it was a hopeless task. If Vanessa didn't want to be found, she wouldn't be. I left the porch light on every night, and the door unlocked. I don't know why really, I guess I just thought that if she somehow escaped, she'd come back to me. She'd come home.
Evie, and Zoe both made full recoveries. They were chloroformed, but other than that no worse for the wear. Jake on the other hand, suffered a concussion, and a gunshot wound to his leg. He had surgery to repair the damage, and was finally coming home today. Evie was having a little get together for him later on. I knew I should be there, but I only spoke to him once, and it was only to hear the full story. I needed to know exactly what had happened.
He explained that as soon as he got the girls outside, they were surrounded by men. He told them to run to the limo, and lock themselves inside. Harper refused, wanting to go back for me. It was my fault. I told her to go with him. I never should have left her side. I should have let Wes dance with that crazy bitch, and got Harper out of there. I didn't though, and as hard as Jake fought, he was no match for a bullet.
He managed to chase after the man who grabbed Harper, even bleeding profusely. But, when he got too close, another man hit him in the head with the butt of his gun. The last thing he remembered was that same man running off with a flailing Harper over his shoulder. Why did I have to stay inside and search for Vanessa? I should have been outside with Jake. She said she wasn't alone.
“Fuck!” I yelled, punching a hole through the drywall in the living room. Every time I thought about that night I blamed myself more, and more. I called Harper's cell phone every hour, it always went to voicemail, but at least I could hear her voice. I knew she was okay, but that's what made it hurt so much. Knowing that she was out there somewhere, her head being filled with Vanessa's lies, and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.
I went out to the garage, getting the supplies I needed to patch the hole I'd made. If I kept going like this, I'd need to repaint the entire living room. I needed to get out of here, and clear my head. I needed to do something other than sit around and mope. After finishing up my patch job, I grabbed my keys, and headed out. I needed to get my hands on that flash drive. “Looks like I'm crashing a party.” I said to myself.
I was the first to arrive at Jake, and Evie's place, and when I pulled into the driveway I felt my stomach drop. I didn't know if I was ready to face everyone yet. To hear them tell me how sorry they were, and ask me if I needed anything. I don't want their pity. I want their damn help. If the situations were reversed, and they were looking for their wives, they'd be turning the damn world on it's axis.
I knocked on the door, and waited. A few seconds later, I was greeted by Evie. She gave me a sad smile, and pulled me into a hug before allowing me to come in. “How are you holding up?” She asked, closing the door behind us.
“I need to see Jake.” I said, not wanting to waste my time on small talk.
“He's in the den with Gabriel.”
I nodded, walking past her. I knew I was being an asshole, but I just couldn't handle all the niceties. I heard Gabriel's laughter, as I approached the den, giving the open door a slight tap. “Can I come in?” I asked.
“Fuck!” Gabriel yelled, running towards me and wrapping his small arms around my knees.
“Cole Stephens!” Evie yelled from down the hall.
“I didn't do a God darned thing, except walk in the ducking room Evie!” I hollered back, making Jake laugh. “You're getting me in trouble little man.” I said, ruffling his curly head. “Go on and tell your mama you're sorry. Uncle Cole needs to talk to your daddy for a minute alright?”
“OK!” He said happily, as he took off towards the kitchen.
“I'm glad you came by.” Jake said, adjusting his leg on the stool he had it propped up on. “How are-”
“Don't ask.” I interjected. “I know it's j
ust something people say, but.. how would you feel? Imagine what you would say if it were Evie.”
“I'm sorry. You're right, I would be losing my damn mind.”
“I want the flash drive.”
“Wes isn't going to give it to you. He knows you too well, and he knows you'd go after Vanessa all on your own.”
“Why the fuck does it matter? I don't have anyone other than Harper, and now she's gone. You and Wes have wives, and kids. I need to do this!”
“I have all of my contacts on this Cole. Old army buddies, the PI we hired, cops, what do you think you'll find that they can't?”
“I don't know Jake, but I have to fucking try!”
“My contacts have a copy of the flash drive.”
“And the police?”
“Wes didn't trust them.”
“When Zoe was kidnapped, the two of you armed yourselves, and walked into a sketchy situation. What makes this any different? I'm just doing what you both already did.”
“Let us help you. This is what we did Cole. Assess situations, come up with battle plans. You can't just go in blind on something like this. Even if you find where Vanessa is keeping her, what's next?”
“I just can't stand feeling so damn useless.”
“I know brother, but you're no good to your girl if you're dead. You know Vanessa won't hesitate to kill you now that she has her sister back. You're a means to and end.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Based on the information on that flash drive, my best guess is that Vanessa was heading to Mexico. Robert Drake has family there, it would make sense. They could blend in, and lay low. If I wasn't laid up right now I'd go myself, but I have a buddy. His name's Mendez. He speaks the language, and would be able to blend in easily without drawing attention to himself. Harper would stand out like a sore thumb in Mexico, there aren't many blonde haired, blue eyed girls hanging around. We can send him to scope out the addresses from the flash drive.”
“So I'm just supposed to sit on my fucking hands?”
“I think we should contact the media too. Go on camera, make a plea for her life, offer a reward maybe? A lot of bullshit tips will flood in, but people will at least be looking. If they see her in passing, they may recognize her. Maybe get a message to Harper herself. Say something only she would understand.”
“You ever think about changing your job from recruit officer to some kind of mission coordinator. Seriously, the FBI could probably use you.”
“Don't give up Cole. We'll find her.” He said, avoiding my question.
“What if she doesn't want to be found anymore? What if Vanessa manages to turn her against me?”
“You two were in a really good place. Your fake engagement turned into a real one, and you were ready to get married. I can't speak for Harper, but no one would be able to convince me that Evie didn't love me, other than Evie herself.”
“Harper isn't as strong as Evie.”
“They're similar in a lot of ways. It isn't my place to tell you about Evie's past, but I'll tell you it wasn't easy. Nobody's perfect Cole, but that's the beauty of loving someone. You're able to look past all of those imperfections, and see what's really important.”
“When did you become so fucking pussy whipped?” I asked, on a laugh.
“Fuck you!” He said, flipping me off.
“Looks like I'm late to the party.” Wes said as he entered the room, carrying three beers in his hands. “What did I miss?”
Chapter 19
I was meeting with a reporter today to record my plea video for Harper. I was nervous as hell, I'd never done anything like this before, but Jake was right. It was better than doing nothing. His friend left for Mexico this morning, with a file full of addresses, and photos. It took everything I had not to get on that plane with him. I just wasn't built for standing on the sidelines.
The reporter wanted to meet at Harper's House to shoot the video. She said it would have more of an impact on viewers if we portrayed Harper as someone who gave back to the community. She also wanted me to share part of her story, to make her more relatable. Basically, she wanted whoever was watching to feel bad for Harper. She insisted that it would make them care, and that's what we wanted. It was all foreign to me, so for the most part I just nodded in agreement, and sat down where she wanted me to sit.
Another woman appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and began powdering my nose with some kind of makeup. “What the fuck?” I asked, startling her, and making her jump back.
“She's just doing her job Mr. Stephens.” Carmen, the reporter said. She was a pretty blonde, with entirely too much makeup on. She wore a tight red dress, with her cleavage spilling out of the top. She looked more like a stripper than a reporter, but what did I know? As long as she could help, then I could care less.
“This will be pretty simple Mr. Stephens. I'm going to introduce you, maybe ask a question or two, and you just answer honestly. When it's time for you to make your plea, just speak from your heart. Did you prepare anything?”
“No. Was I supposed to?”
“No, it's just easier if you have notes to read from sometimes.”
“Won't that feel less genuine? I'm not writing a fucking speech here, I'm trying to find my missing fiance!”
“No swearing on camera.” She added, as if I didn't just blow up in her face. “Do you have any questions before we start?”
I shook my head no. What the hell was this woman some kind of robot? Clearly she was all business, and didn't give a shit about why she was here. She was only doing it as a favor to Jake. How that man knew so many damn people I'd never know, but I was grateful.
The cameraman got into position, and Carmen came to stand beside me in front of Harper's House. On his signal, Carmen switched to her on position, and became a completely different person. “Good Evening.” She said, looking directly into the camera, her features somber. “I'm Carmen Sandler, and I'm standing outside of Harper's House, a youth center for troubled teens with Cole Stephens. Mr. Stephens is the fiance of this building's namesake, Harper Blue, and tonight he needs your help.”
The cameraman pointed to me then, and I took a deep breath. “The system is flawed. Foster care, is flawed. Kids are put into unsafe environments every day, and I was one of those kids. I met my fiance Harper because of an unsafe environment. They want me to speak about Harper's past to make her somehow relatable, but I won't do that. It isn't my place to tell her story. I can tell you who Harper is now though. Harper Blue is the love of my life, and she's been taken from me. She's been kidnapped by her sister Vanessa Blue, a wanted felon. While Harper is the strongest woman that I know, Vanessa is the most manipulative. She has a need to control every aspect of her life, and my fear is that when she realizes she can no longer control Harper, she may harm her.” I wiped a tear from my eye, not wanting to break down on camera. Not wanting to show weakness.
Carmen used that pause, to reach for my hand. “Mr. Stephens, is there anything you'd like to say to Harper in case she's watching?” She asked, in a sympathetic tone, like she actually understood my pain.
“Sweetheart, if you're out there, I want you to know that I'm not giving up. I will find you. I love you Harper, more than you'll ever know.”
The camera switched back to Carmen then, who placed her arm around my shoulder in a comforting gesture. “If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Harper Blue, I urge you to call the San Francisco police department. Please take a look at the photos displayed on your television screens. If you see either of these women, please do not approach them on your own. Vanessa Blue is considered armed, and extremely dangerous. I'm Carmen Sandler, and this has been a channel twelve special report.”
I watched as the crew, and cameraman quickly loaded up all of their equipment, while Carmen sat chatting on her cell phone. She really was a good actress, I actually thought she gave a shit for a minute. Shaking my head, I pulled the mic clip from my shirt, and placed it on the hood of the n
ews van. I was just about to walk away, when I felt a small hand wrap around my wrist.
I spun around, to find Carmen still holding it. She let go as if my stare had burned her, holding her finger up so she could finish her phone call. A few moments later, she was back. “These things usually generate a lot of tips. Mostly false leads, but there's always that glimmer of hope. Hold onto that. Don't give up Mr. Stephens.”
“Thank you..” I said, clearly confused by her sudden change in attitude.
“Good luck.” She smiled, before turning to leave herself.
When I got back to my car, I just sat there for a second. I wasn't even sure where to go. I wanted to go home, on the chance that Harper would be there. But, I also didn't want to go home. Everything there reminded me of her, it was her house after all. Our house. A home we planned on sharing together for the foreseeable future. Nothing felt right anymore. Up was down, and left was right. I didn't know if I'd ever feel whole again. Not without her.
I ended up on a road I didn't recognize. I'd gone so far off the beaten path, my GPS was probably lost. I didn't care though. I missed work today, and even though my boss was sympathetic, he was getting pissed. I'd only gone in a handful of times since my hospital release, and not at all since Harper was taken. I just didn't have it in me. It took me all day to count four boxes of inventory. Every time I thought I was finished, I would lose count, and have to start all over again. Truth be told, I was ready to walk. Work just seemed so trivial when Harper was missing.
I wonder what she's doing right now? Is she safe? She's probably sitting on a couch somewhere watching old reruns on TV, bored without her favorite books. I smiled at the thought, picturing her laying on our porch swing, reading. But she wasn't there. She was with Vanessa. The one person who had the power to break her all over again. She'd worked so hard to become the woman she is now, I only hope that Vanessa sees that. Maybe she'll realize how much Harper's grown, and see that she doesn't need her any more. At least, not in that way.