Hide and Seek

by Velvet Vaughn

  He closed the door behind him and descended the steps. He was back at his cave and he shoved all of the items inside. It was getting crowded but still enough room for him and Grace. Actually, his little hidey-hole was becoming downright cozy with the addition of the blanket and pillow. His own underground fort. He unloaded his booty and then turned on the radio. He dialed until he found a station that he could hear without static. Country music. Great. He hated country music. With a sigh, he settled back against the pillow, pulled out a comic book and started reading.

  #

  Taylor paced the kitchen. It was supposed to be Grace’s last day of first grade. All of her friends were having a party and celebrating the end of the school year but her daughter was trapped in a nightmare.

  Her parents had called to say they were trying to leave the ship via helicopter but a late season snowstorm grounded all flights from the nearest airport. She tried to convince them to stay but they wouldn’t listen. They were determined to come home. Dante and his coworkers were ensconced in the command center they set up in her office. They brought in computers and printers and all kinds of official-looking equipment. They all reassured her they were focused on finding Grace, but she knew they were really doing it for Dante and Kai. She didn’t care. As long as it brought her daughter home safely, that’s all that mattered. She’d find a way to repay them. She’d already decided to dedicate her next book to the entire COBRA Securities family…not only the agents but the significant others who had welcomed her into their fold.

  Her doorbell rang and she seriously considered ignoring it. She knew it wasn’t one of the COBRA Securities staff because she told them to come and go as they please. They didn’t need to knock. The only thing that stopped her was the thought that it could be someone who needed to talk to Dante. She paced to the door, relieved to see her best friend’s face.

  Gina hugged her warmly. “I’m so sorry about Cassie.”

  Taylor pulled back. “How did you hear?” She should’ve called her friend to fill her in but she was too tired and scared to make the effort. Now she wished she had.

  “One of the patients at the nursing home has a daughter who works at the jail.”

  “She betrayed me, Gina.” Tears welled in her eyes. “My own sister.”

  Gina hugged her again and rubbed her back. “I’m so sorry. I can’t fathom the pain you must be feeling, on top of worrying about Grace.”

  Taylor stepped back and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “I can’t imagine any woman doing that to another woman, but your own sister? We’ve never been particularly close, but I certainly don’t wish her any harm. Apparently she doesn’t feel the same way.”

  “She’s always been jealous of you,” Gina said, fiercely protective as always. “You’re smarter, prettier and more successful. I’m sure the envy was eating her alive.”

  Taylor opened her arms in a shrug. “But I’ve never done anything to make her openly hate me.” She couldn’t stop the choked sob that accompanied her statement.

  Gina grabbed her hands. “Some people are just insecure. They can’t stand when someone has more than they do. They want everyone to suffer like they’ve suffered. She went through a nasty divorce and I’m sure that messed with her confidence.”

  “I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said sincerely. “I feel adrift with Cassie’s betrayal. Like I’m floating without a lifeline. It’s good to know I have you on my side.”

  “And you always will.” Gina tugged her to the kitchen. “Now, let’s get some food in you. I know you haven’t eaten. You look ready to fall over at any minute.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “You have to keep your strength up for Grace’s sake.” Gina guided her to a barstool and then rummaged around in the refrigerator.

  “Taylor? We’re—”

  Dante padded into the kitchen but stopped short when he saw her friend. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had company. Gina, right?”

  Gina nodded and raised an eyebrow in question. Her friend would be wondering why Dante was still here when his son had supposedly been found. She hated lying to her best friend but if it meant keeping Kai and Grace safe, she’d do it.

  “Dante and his coworkers are helping search for Grace,” she explained.

  Gina smiled. “That’s so nice of you. I’ve heard all about COBRA Securities. You guys are famous. Do you have any leads?”

  “Nothing yet,” Dante said. He looked at Taylor. “I was just checking to see if you wanted something to eat but I see that Gina’s taking care of it already.” He indicated the sandwich on a platter.

  “Can I make something for you or your coworkers?” Gina offered.

  “Thanks but we’re ordering out. Can I get anything for either of you?”

  They both shook their heads.

  “How’s your son today? I hope to meet him after he bravely rescued the other children.”

  If she hadn’t known to look, Taylor would’ve missed the tick in his eye. “He’s good but embarrassed he caused so much panic. If you’re sure neither of you would like a sandwich, I need to get back. Nice to see you again, Gina,” he said just before he fled the room.

  Gina fanned herself after he left. “He is gorgeous.”

  Taylor nodded in agreement, a little stunned to hear Gina talking about a man like that. After Mitch beat her regularly, she had a hard time even looking a man in the face. She was getting better…the last few months she’d been coming out of her shell more and more. Taylor was so glad her friend was putting the past behind her and told her so.

  “I was tired of being such a scared wuss,” Gina admitted. “People looked at me like I was going to break, and honestly, there were times I thought I might. If you hadn’t forced me away from Mitch, I would be dead by now.”

  They sat at the table and talked about random things. Taylor was sure Gina was trying to distract her from Grace’s abduction. While she appreciated the gesture, she really wanted to send Gina home. She didn’t feel like making small talk, even with her best friend. She tore bits and pieces from the sandwich to make it look like she’d eaten but she just wasn’t hungry. When Gina finally stood to leave, Taylor felt guilty at the relief that washed over her. She glanced at the clock. It was her internal sensor going off…this was the time Grace usually arrived home from school. A wave of fear washed over her. She needed her daughter back home.

  After she escorted Gina to the door, her phone rang. She tensed, her eyes shooting to Dante, who stood in the doorway of her office.

  “Linda Nichols,” he announced.

  She released a breath. “It’s my editor,” she told him. As soon as she picked up the phone, Linda started in about her latest release and the deadline and the book tour she was arranging. Taylor cut her off. “My daughter’s been kidnapped.”

  Linda gasped. “What?”

  As concisely as she could, she explained the situation with Patrick Sweeney.

  “Oh, Taylor, is there anything I can do?”

  “No, but I’ll need an extension on the deadline.”

  “Of course. I’ll call the publisher right now. Please keep me updated and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

  “Thank you, Linda, I will.”

  As soon as she hung up, her doorbell rang again and she almost screamed in frustration. Maureen had called earlier to say she wouldn’t be able to stop by until later. She wished she were here to run interference again. She appreciated everyone’s concern, but longed for solitude. Opening the door, she saw Marla and Laurie on the doorstep, each holding platters of food.

  “Any news?” Marla asked.

  “We’ve been so worried,” Laurie added.

  “Nothing yet.” She didn’t tell them about Sweeney’s call this morning. She didn’t think she could retell speaking to Grace without bursting into tears. The two women bustled inside and she stifled the sigh that wanted to burst forth. She didn’t feel like entertaining company. They placed the fo
od on the bar in the kitchen and settled their purses on the counter. So much for a quick visit.

  “Molly hasn’t stopped crying,” Marla shared. “She feels so guilty that Grace was taken while she escaped. She almost didn’t go to school today.”

  “They cancelled the class party,” Laurie told her.

  “Oh no, why?” Taylor asked.

  “No one felt like celebrating,” Laurie simply said.

  “I suggested that once Grace was home safe, I’d have the class party at my house,” Marla said.

  Tears sprang to Taylor’s eyes, something that happened quite frequently since Grace’s disappearance. “Thank you.”

  Marla gave her a hug. “It’s the least I can do.”

  Dante and Dorian came out of the office, deep in discussion. Dorian nodded at the women and proceeded to the door to meet the delivery man that Taylor hadn’t even heard arrive. He paid the man and accepted a large container of food. Dante turned to follow but Marla stopped him.

  “Mr. Costa? I bought this for your son. I would really like to meet him, thank him for saving Molly and the other students. I looked for him at school but his teacher said he didn’t come in.”

  Dante glanced in Taylor’s direction and then said, “He was embarrassed with all of the attention he caused yesterday. He went to spend a few days with my parents.”

  “Well, let him know how thankful I am, and please give him this.” She handed over the brightly wrapped package with a puffy red bow.

  “You didn’t need to do this.” He tried to hand the gift back but Marla shook her head and waved her hands, then settled one on his arm.

  “Yes, I did. If not for your son, Patrick Sweeney might’ve kill—” She paused and cleared her throat. “Killed my daughter…all of the kids. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Thank you,” Dante said. “Kai will appreciate it and so do I.”

  Marla beamed her bright white smile at him. She was still touching him and now her hand was stroking his massive bicep. Taylor barely managed to stifle the urge to roll her eyes. Marla was a maneater of the highest order. Laurie perched on the edge of the bar stool, looking like she wanted to trade places with Marla. Dante eased back and held the package aloft. “Thank you again for this.” He quickly made his exit. Both Laurie and Marla stared dreamily after him until he’d disappeared from sight.

  Marla spun back around and sighed dramatically. “He’s so handsome.”

  “I could eat him with a spoon,” Laurie agreed.

  “I can’t even concentrate on anything like that right now.”

  Both women were instantly contrite.

  “Of course not. I’m sorry.”

  “We were insensitive, “Laurie finished.

  They stayed for another hour and then finally departed. Taylor glanced at the clock again. Late afternoon and nothing more from Sweeney. Worry was threatening to overwhelm her. When her doorbell rang again, she did scream, albeit mostly to herself. Her nerves were on edge and she didn’t feel like putting on a brave face.

  She took a step towards the door when it opened. Maureen Davenport breezed in, looking chic and beautiful. If Taylor didn’t know for a fact she was sixty, she would’ve never guessed.

  Maureen wrapped Taylor in a Channel-scented hug. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’ve been better.”

  Maureen had been a part of her life since the day she was born. She was familiar and comforting and Taylor fought the urge to cry. She’d cried so much, she was surprised she had any tears left.

  Maureen pulled back and tucked a strand of hair behind Taylor’s ear. “I’m sorry about Cassie.”

  She should be used to it by now but it still felt like a punch to the gut when she remembered what her sister had done. “How could she, Maureen? She betrayed me.”

  “Now Taylor, she made a mistake but I’m sure she didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “My daughter is missing, Maureen. Of course I’m hurt.” Taylor didn’t realize she’d raised her voice until Dante stuck his head out of the office to check on her. She waved him off and he disappeared back inside. She turned back to her mother’s oldest friend. “I’ll never forgive her. I hope she’s enjoying prison right now because she’ll be behind bars for a long time if I have anything to say.”

  Maureen grabbed her hands. “Taylor, that’s no way to talk about your sister.”

  Taylor jerked her hands free, knowing she was being confrontational, but it hurt that Maureen was defending Cassie. “Patrick Sweeney, the man who has my daughter right now, raped and murdered at least a dozen women. Did you know that? Cassie helped him abduct my daughter.” Her voice was rising again but she didn’t care.

  “Cassie’s convinced he didn’t do it,” Maureen defended. “That’s how she justified helping him. She’s in love with him. He promised her that Grace wouldn’t be hurt.”

  Dread pooled in her stomach. Now her voice was low, deadly. “How do you know that, Maureen?”

  Maureen’s face flushed red and she looked away. “I um,” she cleared her throat, “bailed her out of jail this morning.”

  Taylor gasped.

  “Your mother would have wanted me to, Taylor, you know that.” Her tone was imploring.

  “Did you ask her?” She had no doubt her mother would’ve left Cassie in jail if she knew she was partly responsible for her granddaughter’s disappearance.

  “Well, no, but Cassie’s her daughter…her firstborn. Of course she wouldn’t want her to suffer behind bars.”

  Suffer. Taylor laughed incredulously. Suffering meant having your young daughter at the mercy of a madman. “How did you know to bail her out? Did she call you?”

  Maureen nodded.

  Taylor marched to the door and pulled it open. “Please leave, Maureen, and don’t bother coming back.”

  Maureen crossed her arms defiantly. “Taylor, be reasonable. I’m not going, especially with you in this mood.”

  “Is there a problem?”

  Taylor was so relieved to see Dante, she almost threw her arms around him. “Mr. Costa, would you please escort Mrs. Davenport out and make sure she leaves. She’s not welcome here anymore.”

  Dante didn’t ask questions. He indicated Maureen with an outstretched arm. “Mrs. Davenport, if you’ll follow me I’ll see you to your car.”

  Maureen didn’t move. “I’m not leaving,” she reiterated.

  “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” he told her. “Taylor wants you to leave, you leave. You can either walk out the door yourself…” He let the sentence hang, his implied threat of bodily force obvious.

  Maureen sniffed and uncrossed her arms. “Fine. I’ll go now, but I’ll be back. Once you cool off, you’ll see how unreasonable you’re being, Taylor.”

  Taylor was pretty sure she felt steam pouring out of her ears. She wanted to snap off a sharp retort but Dante was already leading Maureen down the porch steps. He turned and gave her a reassuring smile. Her heart lurched. It was crazy how much he affected her.

  She moved to the open door and watched as Maureen animatedly tried to plead her case. Dante looked uninterested. Maureen huffed in frustration and stalked to her car. He stood in the driveway and watched until she backed out, shifted the car into drive and disappeared down the street. When he turned, he caught her staring. He gave another one of his crooked smiles and she found herself smiling back. He truly was her white knight.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  He didn’t push or prod, just let her know he was there to listen if she needed to talk, and she found she did want to tell him. His shoulders were strong enough to share her burden. “She all but took Cassie’s side and bailed her out of jail.”

  Dante snapped to attention. “Cassie’s out of jail? When? We were supposed to be notified. We wanted to put a tail on her in case she tries to contact Sweeney.”

  “She’s been out for hours.”

  Dante cursed and stalked to the office. She rushed to follow. “Did anyon
e call to inform us that Cassie Collins had been released?” he asked the room in general. Shocked expressions met his question.

  “She’s been released?” Logan glanced between Dante and Taylor. “When?”

  “This morning,” Taylor answered.

  Sawyer Oldham jumped to his feet and pulled out his cell. “I should’ve been contacted immediately.” The FBI agent put his phone to his ear and started asking questions. He disconnected, looking disgusted. “Yep, she’s out and an apparent oversight we weren’t notified.”

  “Dan, head over to her apartment, see if you can get eyes on her,” Luke instructed. “Let me know when you find her and I’ll call someone else in to keep watch.” Dan nodded and jogged out of the office.

  Taylor hurried after him and called his name. He stopped and turned. She padded to her purse and pulled out a set of keys. She worked one off. “If she’s not at her apartment, try my parents’ house next door. Her room is first on the left at the top of the stairs. She goes there often.”

  He thanked her and accepted the key. “I don’t suppose you have one to her apartment?” Taylor shook her head. Cassie had access to her house but she’d never reciprocated. That should’ve been a big clue as to how her sister felt about her. With a quick goodbye, he was gone.

  She was too wired to stay inside. Her argument with Maureen was still firing her blood. She padded outside and was greeted by an enthusiastic Midas. She played with him, throwing a stick until her arm hurt. The patio door opened and she turned. Dante stepped outside, followed by a tall woman with a long blonde ponytail. Her stride and posture gave her an air of confidence. Taylor envied her…she felt anything but confident at the moment.