A woman broke from the pack of reporters, making a beeline towards Maria. With a glance behind her, she motioned for someone else to follow. A man with a camera moved away from the crowd.
They gap between them closed.
Her stomach fluttered, torn between wanting to know what was going on and being terrified of the cameras. But she had to know if Emily was safe. She rolled down the window. “Did they find Emily safe? Is that what’s going on?”
The reporter shook her head and jogged the last few steps to Maria. She pushed a small microphone towards Maria. “Who are you? Do you know Emily?” She leaned into the window towards Maria. “Hey, aren’t you the woman they’re looking…Veronica…” She turned to the cameraman behind her. “Quick get a close up.”
Turning her face away, Maria jerked the car into reverse and backed out of the parking lot. The woman and the cameraman chased behind. She put the car into forward and hit the gas.
The car lurched forward.
“Mommy, I thought we were going to talk with the police. We need to tell them about the bad guys so they can find Emily.”
That had been the plan, but hearing that woman say her name had made her panic. If she went back now, it would only complicate matters. The reporter would certainly recognize the car and be all over her—and Layla. “We are, honey. Just not here. Look at all the people. It’s too crazy.”
Her hands shook has she drove. Exhausted from driving all night, it was getting hard to think. She needed to sleep. Maybe they should go to a hotel and sleep. Then she would find Conrad.
Maria found a quiet spot and pulled over once again. Hitting Conrad’s number, she waited for him to answer.
He didn’t.
Now what? She couldn’t go home and she certainly wasn’t going back to the police station. It was a madhouse. There was no way she was exposing herself or Layla to those camera crews again. Her head dropped to the steering wheel.
“What are you doing, Mommy?”
“Thinking, sweetheart.”
“About what, Mommy?
Maria smiled. “The police station was too crowded. Officer Conrad’s not answering his phone so I was trying to decide if we should go take a nap, and then call him later. I’m tired. How about you?”
“Oh, no, Mommy. We gotta tell ’em about the bad guys first.”
Yes, they did need to do that.
“We could tell the other policeman—the woman, remember?”
Suzanne Zinkleman—the other officer? The woman had written her address down so Maria could bill her. She wasn’t Conrad, but she would have to do. She’d know how to get hold of Conrad or she could help. “Great idea, Layla. Let’s go find that nice police woman, Miss Suzanne.”
“Thanks, Mommy. I was thinking really hard ‘cause I want to find Emily really bad.”
Tears sprang to Maria’s eyes. Her daughter was so sweet, so compassionate and loving.
Maybe she could catch Suzanne Zinkleman at home before she left for work for the day. Unfortunately, her address was in a box at The Bouquet. Was it safe to go there?
Raymond could possibly be watching the shop, waiting for her. On the other hand, it was more likely he was at their apartment building watching the flower shop’s van. At least that’s what she would be doing.
He had to know she wasn’t going to open up the flower shop with him on the loose, so there would be no reason for him to be there. No, if Raymond was around, it was at their apartment building.
Raymond wanted Layla.
The Bouquet wasn’t the target. It would only take a moment to get the address and phone number, and then they could be on their way.
Maria drove to the square and slowly made her way around it. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. There weren’t many people around, of course, but it was early and the town was focused on other things.
Emily Most.
Not surprising, considering the disappearance of one of their own.
Maria drove around the square. Nothing unusual as far as she could see. Nobody near the flower shop or watching it. Good, so far. She turned and drove down the next street.
There was no back parking lot for her shop, only an alley that was rarely used. Driving past, the alley was empty. That was good. Nobody was waiting there, either.
Two minutes. That was all the time she needed.
“Layla, I need you to unbuckle yourself, and then hide on the floor.”
“Why?”
She rolled her eyes. Why couldn’t children just do what they were told? “Because I need to go into The Bouquet to get Miss Suzanne’s address and I don’t want anyone to see you in the car alone. Can you do that?”
“OK, Mommy.”
She drove around the block as Layla unbuckled herself and slid down on the floor. Maria’s stomach churned. She didn’t want Layla out of her sight for even a moment, but she had to get that address.
She could take her in the store but that would actually take more time. If she went alone, she could run in and out. It should take under two minutes. And Layla was much safer in the car, hidden, than out in the open with her.
What if Raymond was in The Bouquet? He’d be able to break in without a problem. She had an alarm system, but it wouldn’t stop Raymond. Nothing would stop Raymond. He promised that and he meant to keep that unholy vow.
“I’m ready, Mommy.”
She sighed. Should she take the chance?
Why had she even listened to Layla? She should have taken her to Patti’s as she planned. But she had to do the right thing.
Please God, keep Layla safe while I’m in the shop.
She turned down the alley and stopped at the back door. Turning, she found Layla sitting on the floor staring up at her. She whispered, “Ok, I’m getting out and I’m locking the door. You stay hidden until you hear my voice.”
“OK.”
Maria wiped her sweaty palms on her pants and took a deep breath. She stepped out of the car and locked it immediately. So far, so good. Nothing happened.
She moved to the back door and hit the code into the alarm box. Buzz. She slid the lock in and rushed to the front of the store. If Raymond was in here, then he had her. If he wasn’t, she needed to get in, get the address, and get back to Layla.
She kept low and crept behind the counter. Finding the box of receipts, she grabbed it. Running back through the darkened store, her foot caught on an old board. She stumbled, but grasped the box close. Regaining her footing, she stood up.
A knock sounded on the door.
Her heart plummeted.
“Hey,” a man’s voice called. “Maria.”
Maria not Veronica. Half-crawling, half-running, she propelled herself forward. She had to get out. Had to get back to Layla. She ran through the back door, not bothering to lock it. Pressing the unlock button for the car door, she jumped in and relocked the doors.
“Layla?”
“I’m here.”
“Stay down, sweetie.” Her hands shook as she put the key in the ignition.
A man appeared at the other end of the alley blocking the way out.
She started the car.
He jogged towards her. Not Raymond, but it must be someone helping him.
Checking the rearview mirror, the other end of the alley was still empty. She put the car in reverse and hit the gas. She moved backwards. No good at backing up, the car weaved one way, and then the other. But it was the only way out.
The man still ran towards her. Towards Layla.
“Mommy?”
“Stay down. Don’t move.” If the man didn’t see Layla, he might think she was somewhere he couldn’t get to her.
“Why?” Fear trembled in her daughter’s voice.
She weaved her way down the alley backwards, hitting a trash can. The man was catching up. She couldn’t let him near her or the car.
End of the alley.
Finally.
She backed up into the street and turned left away from the square. She fishtail
ed as she hit the gas. The man ran out of the alley and stared at her.
And then, he pointed a gun at the car.
23
Fresh from his shower and dressed, Conrad poured some kibble into BowWow’s dish. “Sorry, buddy. No time for a long walk today.” He leaned down and rubbed the dog’s head. “Maybe later.” Conrad had one foot out the door when his house phone rang. He rushed back and grabbed it. “Hello.”
“Got some bad news for your pretty flower lady,” Zink told him without bothering to say hello.
“She’s not my pretty flower lady. What’s the bad news?”
“Just talked with Ben. The powers-that-be gave her a second look and have decided she looks good for the murder and maybe the kidnapping, as well. So she’s been moved up to a top priority.”
“Hold on.” He held the phone in one hand as he locked his door with the other. “OK, I’m back. Have they issued a warrant?”
“Not yet—just a BOLO. But the news reports got it wrong. They announced it as a warrant for her arrest, not a BOLO.”
His heart sank. Veronica didn’t kidnap Emily—he was sure of that. Well, almost sure, but she was in trouble—he was sure of that, as well. “I’ve got some info of my own on the pretty flower lady and on Emily Most.”
“Do tell, partner.”
“I’ll tell you all about it at the station. But first I have to get a new phone, thanks to the bath mine took yesterday.”
“See you, then.”
****
Maria’s throat constricted as the man aimed the gun. She stomped on the gas pedal and the car surged forward. Too afraid to look back, she ran a red light, and then two stop signs to get away.
She finally got the courage to look in the rearview mirror. Empty. But not for long. Sunberry was a small town. The man was probably back at his own car, or with Raymond and searching for them right this moment. The town didn’t have many places to hide and he’d seen her rental car so he knew what she was driving.
He’d be searching for her.
She needed to hide. Now! Her whole body trembled. Can’t fall apart, now. Gotta keep Layla safe.
“Can I get up now?” Her daughter whined from the back seat.
“Not yet, Layla.”
She’d been nuts to come back to this town—even if the FBI was looking for her. She should have tried to make it to Florida. It was her job to keep her daughter safe. Instead, she’d driven her right back into the jaws of danger.
Now what was she going to do? Go to Suzanne Zinkleman’s house or just disappear again? God, I need some wisdom. She waited. Nothing happened except more panic.
A tear squeezed out. She brushed it away.
“Mommy? Can I get up now?”
Maria looked into her rearview mirror. No car—nobody followed her. “Sure, honey.”
She couldn’t protect Layla on her own. It was hard to admit, but she needed help. She reached for the box of receipts. “I need you to do something important, OK?”
“OK, Mommy.”
“Look through the receipts until you find Miss Suzanne’s name. Can you do that, sweetie? It starts with an S and a U.”
“I knew that.”
“I’m sure you did because you are such a smart girl.” She tossed the receipt box towards the back. It clunked on the seat.
A moment later, Layla called up to her. “I’m looking.”
“It should be right near the top.”
“I found it. I think. S-U-Z-A-N-N-E.” Triumph lit up her daughter’s voice.
“That’s the one. Now spell out the address for me.”
She did.
Maria sighed in relief. She actually knew the road. Sunberry was a small town. She turned left.
The road led her out of town.
Her eyes moved from the road to the rearview mirror constantly. Still no one followed her. They left the city limits. Not more than five minutes out of town, she found the address from looking at the mailboxes.
An old farmhouse with dark blue shutters dominated the yard. Behind it stood a red barn and to the left, a detached garage. It must have been built as an afterthought. It was definitely newer than the farmhouse.
She pulled in the drive.
Layla unbuckled herself and waited for Maria as she gathered up the escape bags. She grabbed her daughter’s hand and they walked onto the porch.
The door opened. Suzanne was still in pajamas. Her mouth fell open. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
Layla dropped her hand and ran to the police officer. “We came back to help you find the bad guys. We think the bad guys might have Emily.”
Suzanne gave the girl a gentle smile and squatted down to be eye level with her. “And do you know who the bad guys are, Jasmine?”
Layla shook her head. “I don’t, but Mommy does. And my name’s not Jasmine. It’s Layla.”
Suzanne’s gaze moved up to Maria. “Really?”
“Really. Mommy said it was all right to tell you. ‘Cause you’re not one of the bad guys.”
“Well, nice to meet you, Layla. You can call me Suzanne. And your mommy is right. I’m not a bad guy. I’m one of the good guys.” She looked at Maria. “And your name is?”
“Maria Hammond. And I’m going to tell you the whole story, but it’s long.” She moved closer to Suzanne. “And we need to get my daughter somewhere safe first.”
“You’re on a police officer’s porch. Isn’t that safe enough?”
Maria’s gaze flitted around. “Probably not. I need to hide my car.”
Suzanne looked from Maria to Layla and back to Maria. She nodded. “Layla, come inside with me. I’ll get my keys, and then you can put your car in the garage.”
24
Maria took the keys out of the car and left the safety of the garage. Suzanne waited for her on the porch. No Layla.
“Where’s Layla?” She recognized the panic in her own voice.
Suzanne held up a hand. “She’s fine. She’s in the house but I need to tell you something. This may not be the safest place for you right now.”
Her heart flip-flopped. “What do you mean?”
“The FBI has issued a BOLO for you. And I’m obligated to turn you over to them.”
“They’re arresting me?”
“A BOLO is a ‘be on the lookout’ alert. It’s not an arrest warrant, but it’s serious. I can’t ignore it.”
“But…I didn’t do anything wrong.” Maria couldn’t believe it. “Conrad said he’d help me. All I want you to do is call him for me.” Her knees shook. She stepped backwards and collapsed on a porch swing. “I…I…didn’t do it.”
“Maybe, maybe not, but I’m still obligated to take you into custody for questioning.”
“No…no. I can’t do that. I’ve got to keep Layla safe. If I’m in police custody, who’s going to keep her safe? I can’t let him get to Layla.”
“Let who? What are you talking about?”
“Someone chased us. He’ll take Layla again.”
“Who?”
“Her father.”
“I thought he was dead.”
“So did I, but I was wrong.”
Suzanne rubbed a hand over her tired eyes. “What a mess. Let’s get you inside before anyone sees you.” Suzanne led Maria into her home. “Are you hungry? Need something to drink?”
Layla was sitting on the sofa watching TV. “I’m thirsty,” Layla told her, and then looked at her mom. “Please.”
“Sure thing. Milk or juice?”
“Juice.”
“Come with me.”
Layla jumped up and followed Suzanne into the kitchen.
Maria trailed the two of them, her mind reeling from Suzanne’s news. What was she supposed to do now? Focus on something else. Get grounded back into reality. She looked around, desperate to normalize the situation. Even for a few minutes. “Your house is great.”
Suzanne turned towards her with a smile. Her eyes were kind, compassionate. It was almost as if she knew Maria was d
rowning in panic and needed to calm down. “It is kind of awesome, isn’t it? It was built in the 1830s. I’ve had to do a lot of work so it keeps me busy, but I love it.” Suzanne poured some apple juice for Layla. “I’ve got a place where you can play or take a nap while I talk with your mom. Is that OK with you?”
Layla nodded her agreement.
Suzanne patted Maria’s shoulder as she passed, and then led them down the hall to a room. Suzanne’s hand shook as she reached for the knob. When the door opened, it revealed a child’s room.
The room was brightly colored with a variety of modular wood furniture including bunk beds. In one corner was a child-size desk and in the other two toy boxes, one red and one blue. It was adorable. And neat—too neat.
No child lived here.
Maria’s gaze moved to Suzanne. “I didn’t know you had…” Maria’s voice trailed off as Suzanne shook her head.
Suzanne’s posture warned her not to say anymore.
The policewoman turned to Layla. “There are books and crayons and all sorts of things to play with. Have fun.”
Layla carried her juice to the wooden desk and set it down. “Oh, this room is so pretty. Whose room is it?”
Maria saw the tears glistening in Suzanne’s eyes. “Layla, it’s not nice to ask personal questions like that.”
Layla’s lower lip trembled.
“Don’t worry about it.” Suzanne stooped down to Layla’s height. “For right now, it’s your room. Use any of the stuff in it you want. See you in a bit.” She turned and walked out of the room.
Maria looked at the woman, wondering about her tears. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, but didn’t say anything.
Maria went back into the living room and weaved her way through a maze of plants. She walked to the huge picture window, watching for suspicious cars. The road was empty. She dropped the curtain and turned back to Suzanne.
Suzanne stood at the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room. “OK, I kept my bargain. Layla’s safe. Now tell me what’s going on?”
“Why won’t Conrad answer my calls? Is something wrong? Is he hurt? “
Suzanne shook her head. “He’s fine. His phone’s not working. He’s out getting a new one. No big deal at all.”
As relief made its way through her body, she realized just how worried she’d been about him. Even in the midst of her own problems. “When I couldn’t get hold of Conrad, I went to The Bouquet to find your address and someone chased me. He had a gun. You need to find him before he finds me—finds Layla.”
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