Two men rounded the house. One threw a punch that hit Chuck square on the jaw. His brain rattled in his skull as he crumbled to the ground.
“Got ya, fool.” Victor’s voice dripped with venom.
Chuck groaned.
20
Lost in the tranquility of the back patio setting and lulled by the constant trickle of water flowing into the pool, Jay sipped his coffee. Early morning dew clung to the foliage. Sunlight glinted off the drops, turning them into diamonds. He allowed his mind to drift. They would find Chuck, and Beth and the kids would carry on with their lives.
And that talk with Kate needed to happen soon. The sentiments Lela stirred within him could only mean one thing—a renewed relationship with Kate would never happen. She’d strangled the life out of his passion. Deep in reflection, he jerked when Lela tapped his shoulder. Coffee sloshed out of the mug, staining his blue jeans.
“Morning,” she said.
“Hi.” Good thing the liquid had cooled.
Dressed in khaki jeans and a matching voluminous vest over a pale pink shirt, Lela flicked her loose hair over her shoulders. She sat opposite him at the oblong, wrought iron table. “Sorry. I thought you heard me open the patio door.”
He schooled his more than friendly thoughts and set his mug on the table. “I didn’t. You’re up early. Are the children even awake?”
“You must have been out here a long time. Breakfast will be ready in five minutes.”
Jay gulped the last swallow of lukewarm coffee and wiped his wrist across his mouth. “Have you seen Beth this morning?”
Lela nodded. “She’s wearing anxiety like a brittle shell. I’m afraid if I say the wrong thing she’ll shatter.”
“She’s always been fragile.” Jay pointed toward the house. “Growing up, the slightest little problem would send her into a panic. Marriage to Chuck helped lessen her stress, but after Sean’s birth, she fell apart when the magnitude of his disability became evident, and she discovered she had the carrier gene.”
Twirling a lock of hair, Lela frowned. “Knowing Beth’s emotional state, do you think it’s a good idea to help with the investigation? Shouldn’t you stay here with her?”
“No. I need to be actively involved. Besides, she specifically asked me to help. I contacted Mother, who’s traveling with her church choir in Europe. The earliest she can get back is the day after tomorrow. Until then, Beth will be fine here at home. The children are in familiar surroundings. Olivia will take care of Sean, and Ilsa is a wonderful housekeeper. She and Rachel, the maid, have worked for Beth a long time. And—”
The patio door opened. “Uncle Jay-Jay, breakfast is ready.”
“Thanks, Erin. We’ll be right in.” He scooted the chair back and stood. “I left a message with the family physician, who’s also a friend, and asked her to pay Beth a visit this afternoon. I’ll rely on her advice, too. Let’s go eat.”
The aroma of tortillas warming on the griddle and the chatter from the children around the large kitchen table filled the space as they entered.
“Hope you like egg and potato tacos.” Beth’s forced smile faded before it reached her dark-rimmed eyes. “Will you give thanks, Jay?”
“Sure.” He sat in the chair next to his sister while Lela joined Erin at the other end of the table. “Let’s hold hands.” He waited for Olivia to make the appropriate signs to Sean then bowed his head. “Thank You, Father, for this food, and for Ilsa, who prepared it. Thank You for all the blessings You’ve showered over us. We have an empty seat here today and an empty place in our hearts. Please keep Chuck in Your loving care until he comes back to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” He opened his eyes.
Lela’s quizzical gaze was on him. Had she never heard someone give thanks for a meal before? At a convenient point in their search for Chuck, he’d have to ask about her religious beliefs. To be true to his soul, her answer might chart the course he’d follow with her. And even if a relationship did not develop, he wanted to discover why she’d constructed a barrier around her heart.
Although a somber mood prevailed, Jay encouraged the kids to talk about their plans for the day. Olivia outlined several activities, and when Lela mentioned that Manny Hernandez would pay another visit, the level of anticipation rose.
Alyssa bounced in her seat. “He’s a magic…magican—”
“Magician,” Danielle corrected her sister.
“He made my favorite doll disappear from her car. Then I found her on the sofa.” Alyssa clasped her hands and giggled.
Her wide-eyed glance at everyone eased the tightness around Jay’s soul.
“And he can play the guitar,” Danielle added.
“Sounds as if you’ll be in good hands while your mother is gone for a short time this morning.” Jay checked his watch, and then squeezed Beth’s hand. “We’ll leave in thirty minutes.”
“I’ll be ready.” Beth gave the children a curt nod. “Please take your dishes to the sink.”
Opening the wallet, Olivia drew Sean’s attention to a picture as she pointed. “Clean up, Sean.”
He hopped off his chair, picked up his plastic plate, and dropped it into the sink.
“Good job.” Olivia accompanied her words with the sign for good and escorted the boy out of the kitchen.
“At least he deposited it in the right place. That’s an improvement.” Beth scooted her chair back. “Give me ten minutes. I’ll meet you in the den.”
Jay stacked his and Lela’s plates and set them on the counter. “Have you known Manny long?”
“Yeah. We attended the same high school. He’s been with IRO about three years.”
“How long have you worked for them?”
Gathering her hair into a ponytail, Lela walked ahead of him down the hall. “Five years.” She stopped at the staircase. “Do you know a lot of signs? I’d like to learn.”
“The whole family is learning so we can help Sean process language. I’d love to teach you what I know. Let’s start with good. Touch your lips with the fingers of your right hand, and then move your hand forward, placing it palm up in the palm of your left hand.” He demonstrated twice.
“Like this?” Lela executed the sign perfectly.
“Yeah.”
They climbed the stairs together.
“That’s an easy one.” Jay slowed as they reached the landing. “The kids will be OK here with Manny, right?”
Lela placed her hand on his forearm. “I know you’re worried, but I’d trust my life to Manny—in fact I have. No one will come near the children while we’re in town.”
Nodding to her, Jay strode down the hall to his room. While brushing his teeth, he patted his shirt pocket and felt Chuck’s safe deposit box key. What would they find? He wiped his mouth and dried his hands. “Hope it’s something that will lead us to him.” He ignored the blister pack on the counter for a moment. Then he wedged it into the back pocket of the clean jeans he’d put on. Why did he hesitate to give it to Lela? To cover his tracks, or to shield Chuck? He had no answer. One problem at a time. Give it to her after the bank visit. Satisfied with his decision, he entered the den.
Lela and Manny were deep in conversation. They stopped and looked his way.
“Everything all right?” he asked.
“Yes. I was giving Lela an update on a case we worked together last week. Adiós.” Manny adjusted his baseball cap and left the room.
Five minutes later, Beth called from the door, “I’m ready.”
Makeup now hid the dark circles under her eyes and added a touch of color to her cheeks.
Jay ushered his sister outside. “You can sit up front with Lela, Bethy.” Eager to reach their destination, Jay didn’t wait for Lela to leave the property before he said, “Turn left on La Jolla Boulevard and keep going north to Prospect Street.”
“You’re sure he uses this branch and not one closer to his office?” Lela asked.
Beth twirled her wedding ring around her finger. “We have a safe deposit box here w
here I keep my jewelry, but the key you showed me has a different number on it than the one I have. Several months ago, Chuck had me sign a bunch of bank papers. It’s possible he has another box at this branch.”
Thick silence permeated the cab as Lela drove to the bank and parked.
They entered the building and approached the security guard.
“Beth, take everything from the box,” Jay whispered. “No matter what it is. Understand?”
She nodded and followed the guard into an office.
Pacing by the window, Jay kept his attention on the door Beth had entered. He checked the time. She’d been gone five minutes. Chuck must have added her as a signatory.
“Calm down, Mr. Vashon. The bank officials will presume you’re up to no good.” Lela’s lips hardly moved as she admonished him.
Jay stopped next to her. “I feel as if we’re being watched.”
“We are. By camera and the teller in the middle. That’s why I told you to be still. And smile. Your scowl is enough to convict you.” She laid her hand on his arm and peeked at him through her lashes.
Knowing it was only a ploy kept his heart from accelerating, but her warm hand sent a zap up his arm. He leaned close. “Keep that up, and I’ll have to kiss you.” Where had that notion come from?
She stepped away, eyes wide and mouth in a thin line of disapproval.
“Sorry. I was trying to play my part.” Jay examined the ornate ceiling and whistled through his teeth. Of all the things he could have said, why did he choose kissing?
Beth’s appearance saved him from banging his head against the wall.
She brandished a small black accordion file folder.
“This is all I found. Do you want to check it out here?” Beth handed the folder to Jay, but Lela intercepted it.
“No.” She stuffed the package under her vest and held it secure. “Stay inside while I check the street.”
“For what?” Jay placed his arm around Beth’s shoulders.
“Not what, but who…whom. Whatever. I’m sure no one followed us from the house, but we can’t be too careful.” Lela pushed through the double doors.
Standing beside leather chairs in the waiting area where the aroma of coffee in the small pot lingered, Jay searched his sister’s face. Small-boned and delicate, she looked so much like Mother. But that’s where the similarity ended. Mother had worked two jobs after Father passed away. She’d raised them alone but provided a stable, loving home, filled with peace and grace that only a sincere belief in Christ could sustain.
He worded a silent prayer. Father God, please be with Mother as she travels home. May her presence give Beth the security she needs at this time, and may we find Chuck soon.
Movement at his side stopped his prayer. Beth pointed to the front door where Lela motioned for them to follow her.
“Let’s go.” Lela jogged to her truck parked a hundred yards down the street. “Hurry.”
Guiding Beth ahead of him, Jay called out, “Why? What’s wrong?” His hand tightened on Beth’s arm.
Lela shook her head and popped the remote.
When they were all buckled in, she merged into traffic, and at the corner, turned off Prospect Street. Maneuvering like a race car driver, she zoomed down side streets, doubled back, and made it to La Jolla Boulevard.
“Is someone following us?” Jay couldn’t disguise the note of concern in his voice.
“Don’t think so, but there’s a black SUV at the corner by the bank. I know there are dozens of them around, but I don’t want to take a chance. We need to return to the house. Then we’ll check out the file. Hold on.” She made a sharp turn onto Sea Ridge Drive and didn’t slow down until she stopped at the Davenports’ gate and entered the code.
They hurried inside where the girls greeted them in the foyer.
Danielle, her blue eyes sparkling, gave Beth a kiss on the cheek. “Mama, Manny’s playing the guitar and singing for us by the pool. Want to come?”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can, honey.” She blew kisses to each daughter. “You run along. I have to talk with Uncle Jay-Jay first.”
Jay smiled at the girls. “I’ll bring her outside in a little while. And I want to hear you three sing, too.”
“OK, Uncle Jay-Jay.” Danielle shepherded her sisters to the back of the house.
“Can we use Chuck’s office?” Lela tapped the file. “Let’s keep knowledge of the contents limited to as few people as necessary.”
Leading the way, muscles tightened in Jay’s gut. What would they find in the file?
If possible, more color drained from Beth’s face. She sank onto the sofa and clasped her hands over her heart, right hand cradling the injured wrist. “Jay, I don’t know if I can stay in here when you open it.”
He sat next to Beth while Lela removed the rubber band from the file. “This is difficult, but you know Chuck better than either of us. We might need your help to decipher what we find.”
Squeezing close to him, Beth nodded. “I understand. Lela, open it.”
Seated on the ottoman near the sofa, Lela opened the file then produced a small, maroon leather-bound journal. It fell open to the middle, exposing a thick white envelope.
She opened it and withdrew the contents.
Jay whistled. “Whoa, Chuck. Is this why you were kidnapped?”
21
Photographs of newborn babies. Lela counted them. Seventeen. “Beth, do you have any idea why Chuck would have these pictures?”
“No. He’s done strange things in the past. Hasn’t he, Jay? But I don’t know anything about the photos.”
Lela spread them out on the seat next to Beth. The babies all appeared to be Caucasian.
After examining two snapshots, Jay turned them over. “These indicate the sex of the baby and provide a date.”
“Date of birth?” Beth pointed to the photo in her brother’s hand. “According to the date on this one, he was born two weeks ago.”
“We’ll have to read the journal to see if Chuck indicates why he had the pictures.” Lela picked it up and flipped through the thin book. “Jay, why don’t you take notes?”
Beth pointed to a tall cabinet to the left of the desk. “Chuck keeps legal pads in there.”
Behind the third door Jay opened, he found a stack of yellow pads. He grabbed one, snatched a pen from the desk, and returned to the sofa.
Opening the journal, Lela said, “The first entry is—”
“Wait.” Anxiety laced Beth’s voice. “I…I don’t want to hear this. If Chuck doesn’t come home, I can’t…” She waved her hands in front of her face as if fending off an attack.
Attuned to this sudden change in Beth’s attitude, Lela closed the journal. “That’s all right. We can do this on our own.”
“Yes, Bethy.” Jay stood and offered her his hand. “Why don’t you join the girls outside?”
“That’s a good idea.”
Jay closed the door behind Beth. “I shouldn’t have expected her to participate.”
“It’s my fault. I asked her to stay.” Lela stuffed the photographs back into the envelope.
With a sigh, Jay landed on the sofa. “No. You’re not to blame. I wanted Beth to have the opportunity but—”
“Let’s review Chuck’s journal. It might answer all our questions. I certainly want to find out why he has these photographs.”
“Same here. My handwriting’s terrible. You should take notes while I read.” Jay stretched for the book. The movement pulled his T-shirt taut across his pecs.
Lela averted her eyes. His comment this morning about kissing her continued to sing in her ears, but the nagging tug of the scar tissue across her torso delivered a prompt reminder to her heart. He might be a great brother and uncle, but he was a man. And men were…well. Face it, Lela. Most men are jerks. Giving herself a mental finger-wagging, she picked up the legal pad and a pen.
“Some entries are lengthy. Should I read them verbatim or summarize?” Jay asked.
&
nbsp; “You decide. I’ll jot down the gist of each entry along with pertinent details.”
“Good idea. The first one is dated June 3. Chuck visited a friend on the seventh floor. I assume he means in his office building. He stopped to tie his shoe by the copy room where a tall woman was arguing with a plump man who wore a visitor’s badge. The man demanded more medication, and she said she didn’t have any. Next to plump man, Chuck scribbled, Man A.”
“Why would Chuck consider that incident worthy of documenting?”
“I need to give you a little history lesson on Chuck. In the past he’s, um, embraced a conspiracy theory or two.”
“You don’t say. Like what?” Lela tapped the pen against her lips.
“Don’t misunderstand me. He’s not a nut. With an IQ close to the genius range, he gets bored. He likes to compile information, investigate, and probe.”
Chewing on the end of the pen, Lela raised an eyebrow. “Like those copies of old newspapers and letters I found in his office?”
“Right. Who knows why he has them, but that’s the kind of thing he does. Two years ago, he was convinced a teacher at the kids’ school was dealing drugs. He followed the woman, researched her background, and set up a sting.”
“What happened?”
“She was involved. The local cops resumed the investigation and busted her group.”
“That doesn’t sound like a crazy theory. He was right about the woman.”
“Sure, but last year Chuck decided the lights bobbing on the beach near the house at night belonged to smugglers.” Jay harrumphed. “That investigation didn’t end favorably. Turns out it was a fitness guru and his followers who liked to practice their moves in the nude.”
Lela giggled. “Uh-oh. Hope he didn’t take pictures.”
“He was ready to but spied on them through binoculars first. Fell over backward, rolled down the dune, and landed at the feet of the head honcho. The groupies chased Chuck halfway home. We often tease him about the incident.” Jay pointed to the journal. “Whatever he’s written could be another of his wacky theories.”
Day of Reckoning Page 10