by Terri Marie
"She's in now. I'll get someone to escort you." She waved a young security guard over.
As Renee and the guard stepped onto the twelfth floor, she slowly walked to Emma's office, letting the guard walk ahead of her. She hadn't paid too much attention to the exquisite details when she was here last time. The décor was very masculine. Each door was a heavy oak, with name plates centered on them. Before she could read the engravings, Emma stepped out of her office.
"Renee! Good morning! Coffee?" Emma was wearing a smart navy blue suit with a crisp white shirt, and looked as if she never needed any sleep.
"Yes, please. Just black. How are you?" Renee couldn't wait to tell her she'd spotted Tyler's witness.
"I'm doing pretty good. It's chilly outside this morning. My car didn't even have a chance to warm up!" Emma moved the sofa pillows onto her chair, and then poured two cups of coffee and set them on the coffee table. Emma motioned for Renee to sit beside of her as she sipped the steamy brew.
After talking about Michigan weather, and other neutral subjects, Emma changed the topic to a more serious one. "…How are things with you and your husband?"
"I haven't seen him. I'm going to file for a divorce as soon as I can find an affordable attorney." Renee could only imagine how much it was going to cost.
"I can help you. Between the both of us, I'm sure we can cover it. I wouldn't normally get this involved, but my mom was abused for years. No woman deserves to live that way. If it wasn't for Tyler--" Emma smiled and patted Renee's knee. Her eyes were tearing up so she stopped herself from finishing the sentence.
"Listen, I appreciate the offer, but I'm sure I can manage something." Like hell I can, she thought. "I wanted to tell you, I saw the boy you guys are looking for last night. He was digging through the trash at the park. I'm pretty positive it was him. He was young and had a guitar strapped to his back. I tried to get his attention, but I think all I did was cause him to run off."
"Renee!! That's so great!" Emma held up her index finger as she smiled wide. The excitement in her eyes was evident. "Hold that thought. Let me get Tyler in here so you can make his day!"
Before Renee could object, Emma pressed the intercom to the office of Tyler Montclair.
"Oh my, look at the time!" began Renee with a panicked voice. "I really need to get to an appointment, I'm late." Renee stood to leave.
"Are you sure? Tyler Montclair is on his way over. He'd love to hear about your sighting."
"I'm sorry, Emma. I need to fly. Please apologize for me. If I can get my check, I'll take off and maybe make it in time." Renee never expected Tyler to be at work today. She didn't know why she was getting cold feet and feeling like a school girl. Her clothes were rumpled, she hadn't showered in a while, and her hair probably looked like a rat's nest. She was also sure that her friend would sense the chemistry between her and Tyler, and she didn't want to be judged any more than she was already judging herself.
Emma handed Renee her check, took the key back, and then hugged her goodbye. "Stop by and say hi sometime. I'll be calling you for the next event soon, so we'll be working together again. You did a great job out there."
"Thank you, Emma. I'll talk with you soon." Renee smiled and then half walked, half jogged to her truck. Once inside, she left the lot as quickly as she could.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Tyler wished he could've slept in like most people did on Sundays. Instead, he sat at his kitchen table at four that morning with a stale cup of coffee. He hadn't been to bed yet, because his mind wouldn't shut off. His brain was creating a circle of defeat…Renee…find the kid…Renee. Without the kid he'd go to prison and there'd be no Renee. He knew deep inside, he wasn't ready to have a woman occupy his thoughts, but after listening to Renee's struggles, and seeing her tears, he knew he had to help her. He was definitely a sucker for tears, because Denise could turn those on like a pro, and then he'd feel guilty about breaking off the relationship. Walking away from Renee would be the easiest thing to do, but there was something about her he couldn't shake. Even if she never wanted to see or speak to him again, he'd find a way to help her rid herself of the useless bastard she was married to. He dumped his coffee out in the sink.
Jumping in the warm shower made Tyler close his eyes and remember last night; helping her get safely to her truck in the storm, the water; the droplets I licked off her lips…Tyler turned the temperature to cold. He hurried and washed, threw on some casual clothes, and then headed out the door. It was time to scour the neighborhood. Even though Vinnie called him daily at the office to give him updates, he felt like no one could save him better than himself. With this mysterious woman in the picture, the one who had him on fire last night, he had an even bigger reason to maintain his freedom. He hoped she'd let him close enough, again, to help her.
As he drove around the lonely streets of Southfield, there were few cars and even fewer people walking around, but then again, everyone was in their warm beds. Tyler shook his head. He'd normally sleep until ten, and then get up to sit at his kitchen table and read the paper in his boxers. The coffee would be fresh and he'd be enjoying the first sip of the day, but now, Tyler had a feeling that he wouldn't be relaxing for a while. As he turned the corner by the park, he spotted a shadow. He quickly stopped along the curb, and removed his seatbelt just in case. As the shadow stepped closer to the streetlight, Tyler saw him. The kid was wearing a dark hoodie, but he was clearly carrying a guitar. Tyler opened his car door and bolted.
Trying to make as little sound as possible, he got to the grass as quickly as he could. Tyler tried to stay out of sight, dodging from tree to tree, but the kid suddenly looked up. When they saw each other, they both froze.
"Please, I need your help," pleaded Tyler calmly. He could feel sweat running down the back of his neck.
The boy ran like the wind.
Tyler turned to walk back to his car. Part of him wanted to give chase, but he knew if he did, he'd ruin any future encounters. He didn't even realize he'd left the engine running and the car door open. He was lucky it was still there. He got inside and drove to the office. His hands were hurting when he got out of the car at work; he hadn't been aware of how hard he'd been gripping the wheel.
Tyler walked to his office, closed the door, and sat in the dark. He couldn't really see the streets yet, but at least he knew his witness was still in the area. He picked up the phone and called Vincent.
"So it's like five in the morning or something, Tyler," said Vincent with a raspy voice. "It's Sunday for God sakes, my only day to sleep in!"
"Vinnie, I saw him! The kid was in the neighborhood, and probably isn't staying too far from the park. I approached him and he ran. Make sure you tell your guys to keep their distance if he's spotted." Tyler stood up and paced. "They can't chase him," he firmly said to his brother.
"On my way, Ty. I'll let everyone else know in a few hours or so. Too bad you didn't spot him at like eleven or something."
"Yeah, yeah," he laughed at Vincent's comment, hung up, and then let his phone fall to his desk.
"Why don't you stop hiding!" yelled Tyler to his empty office. He walked over and let his body drop to his chair, threw his head back and closed his eyes.
After a few minutes, Tyler turned to face the window and stared through the glass. It's amazing what you find out when you stay up almost all the time, he thought. On weekdays, he watched papers being delivered, vendors setting up, and the city workers cleaning the streets before the traffic got too congested. Sometimes he witnessed fender benders, or saw parents scolding their kids. Parents. I could use a set of those right about now. He watched the security change shifts, and saw those who drove like hotheads in his parking lot…everything but the dang boy. This morning, however, the area was still. Just before he turned to pace, he saw the bar rise up and let in an old pickup truck. Tyler could recognize that vehicle anywhere. He smiled and felt his heart race. He knew she was there to drop off the key and pick up her check. I can talk to her again!<
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After Tyler could no longer see Renee's pickup, he darted to his bathroom and stood in the mirror. He looked like hell. God, I can't let her see me looking like this. He lifted the electric razor to his face, as he pulled out some clean clothes from the closet.
As he was changing into a suit and clean shirt, he heard his intercom buzzer go off. He hoped Emma didn't need to meet with him. He answered promptly.
"Good morning, Emma, what's up?" Tyler didn't want any delays. Renee was probably out in the lobby. She'd be up here any minute.
"Tyler, can you come into my office? I have Renee from the catering company in here, and she has some news you should hear!" Emma sounded beside herself with excitement.
"On my way!" This couldn't get any better, thought Tyler as he quickly put on his black dress shoes. All he had to do was pick out a tie, and he'd fly next door.
Tyler was almost to the door when his intercom buzzer went off again. He quickly raced back to his desk and pushed the intercom button with more force than was necessary.
"Hi, Emma, I'm on my way over," he said, clearly irritated.
"I'm sorry, Ty, but she left. She was running late for an appointment and had to take off."
Tyler sighed heavily and sat on the edge of his desk. "Is she coming back?"
"She'll do the next event for us, so yes, she'll be back."
"What did she say?" Tyler walked over to the window and watched as her pickup drove off the lot.
"Renee saw the teen digging through the trash last night in the park. He took off when he saw her, but at least we know he isn't staying far away."
"Yeah I spotted him too. This morning he was back at the park, but he bolted before I could get him to talk to me."
"Now we know where to look," said Emma with an encouraging voice.
"Give me Renee's phone number and address, please," he said with a serious tone.
"Tyler, I talked to her about what she saw. You won't get any more information other than what I told you, but I'll pull her file up. I can only give you her old address, because she hasn't given me her new one. She's having personal problems and had to move. The phone number is still good, though."
He listened as Emma quickly typed. Tyler wrote down Renee's contact information, and then went to his bathroom to put his jeans back on. He should have just run to Emma's office instead of wasting time. He shut the lights off, stretched out on the sofa, and tried to calm his temper. It wasn't working. After an hour Tyler angrily grabbed his keys and wallet, and then walked out the door. She was this close! He didn't even tell Emma he was leaving. All he knew was, he had to get out of his office before he started yelling at everyone. Before Tyler got to the elevator, he darted back to his office and tore a piece of paper off the notepad. He knew exactly where he was going to go.
Tyler drove around until he found Renee's apartment complex. It wasn't very big, and was definitely off the beaten path. When he spotted a small sign in a window with the words "Open" written in orange, he parked his car and walked inside.
"What can I do ya for?" said the gruff man, with a large belly, standing behind the desk.
"Is the manager in?" asked Tyler. His pulse was really racing now.
"I'm it," the man answered with his hands splayed by his sides. He picked up a lighter and lit the wet cigar he was rolling around his lips. "I normally don't open up until noon, but my grandson has a bowling tournament at one."
"I'm looking for Renee Preston."
"Well when you see her, tell her she's late on her rent. This is the sixth month in a row, and I won't hesitate to evict her and that lazy husband of hers." He sat down and slid his chair up to the desk. He put glasses on his face, and then looked over the tops of them at Tyler. "Apartment six. We don't have those fancy buttons to announce yourself like they do at bigger complexes, so you'll have to go up there and knock."
Tyler thanked the man, and then went outside. He knew he was probably pushing the limits, but he had to know where she went. He'd have to concoct a story as to the reason for his presence. Tyler could hear the television blaring even before he knocked.
"Who is it?!" The loud voice demanded.
"My name is Morris! I'm looking for Renee Preston!" yelled Tyler. He was getting impatient. Finally, a large man flung open the door with force, causing it to hit the wall. Even though Tyler disliked making assumptions, he believed he was standing face to face with Renee's bastard of a husband.
"What do you want with her?!"
"I'm sorry, unless you're family, I can't disclose anything." Tyler was trying to think fast.
"My name is Preston. Robert Preston, and Renee's my wife. Say whatever you came here to say," scowled Robert.
"Nice to meet you." Tyler reached out his hand. The thought of touching this scuzzy man was making his stomach turn. He could smell his foul odor from three feet away.
Robert stretched out his large hand, and returned Tyler's handshake with force.
"What do you want with my wife?" Robert kept looking back into the apartment to watch a race, which was blaring on the screen.
"I have a check for her." Tyler almost kicked himself. He not only didn't have a check, he didn't have his check book.
"Give it to me then!" yelled Robert, sticking out an open palm.
"Is she here?" Tyler asked again, trying to sound professional.
"No the bitch ain't here. She ran off. Give me the check and I'll make sure she gets it pronto!" Robert laughed boisterously.
Tyler looked at the glare in his eyes, and had to restrain himself from punching the creep. "Do you know where she went?"
"No, I don't know where she went. How the hell would I know when she doesn't even bother to come back and see if I need anything?! But when I see her, I'm going to Kick. Her. Ass! Ya hear me?!" Robert yelled even louder, and when he did, spit came sailing out of his mouth onto Tyler's face.
Without saying another word, Tyler wiped his face off with his sleeve and quickly walked away. He nearly lost his restraint and slammed his fist into Robert's head. His blood was boiling, and he had to sit in his car for a minute to calm down, before starting the engine.
Driving away, Tyler was even more determined to find Renee. Robert was a large guy, and Renee was maybe a hundred and ten pounds, soaking wet. He feared that if she returned, Robert really would bring her physical harm. Hell, he was near the man for two minutes and completely understood why she'd left. Tyler could only imagine the hell that Renee had lived through.
As he drove around the neighborhood, Tyler realized, his attempts at spotting his witness during the day, were a wasted effort. If they were going to find him, it'd have to be in the wee hours. He quickly drove to his office and called the number on the piece of paper. The greeting was from Renee at Sugar and Spice Catering, and instructed him to leave a voicemail.
"Renee, this is Tyler Montclair, the guy you talked to at the cookout. I need you to call me as soon as possible." He left his cellphone number, and mentioned that he was calling from his direct office line and told her to save it. If Renee called back, he'd ask her to come in. He had to make sure she was aware of the danger she was in.
A few hours later, Tyler's brothers entered his office.
Sean sat down on the sofa, and stretched out his legs, letting his feet rest on the large coffee table.
"Must you do that?" asked Tyler while he smiled and shook his head.
"Well, yeah," laughed Sean as he leaned further back into the plush sofa.
The others took seats too.
"Thanks for coming in today guys," Tyler apologized for asking them to work Sundays, and then he filled them in on the latest news before they had a chance to complain.
"Were you able to follow him?" asked Sean.
"No," began Tyler as he sat on the edge of his desk. "He bolted. What we're going to have to do is ruin everyone's sleep. We need to look for him at night. He's been spotted after midnight on two occasions. We don't think he's roaming too far from the park area."<
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Jacob playfully pushed Sean's feet off the table. "When we spot the young man, how are we going to get him to testify if we can't make him stop running?"
Vincent opened up his briefcase and pulled out a folder. "I've already figured this out my dear boy. I've had plenty of time to think...Like today, for instance. Ya see, Tyler, our kind brother, felt compelled to wake me up at the ass crack of dawn. I asked the court for a subpoena last week, for him to testify, and here's a copy. Now, if we can't find him, I doubt the guy I paid can find him either. We can't say he's a runaway and have him picked up, because we don't know his age, we're just guessing. The cops would have to let him go on the spot if he's not a minor and can prove it. Also, you guys have to keep in mind, if he doesn't want to testify, he can lie about what he saw. We can't force him. But clearly, he's the only person who can help Tyler's defense. My best idea is to have a cop friend of mine try to serve the subpoena, and then bring the young man into custody if he runs. That'll at least give us some time to talk to him and alleviate his fears while they have him detained. I'm pretty sure the kid will give up his name then. I'll talk to Frank and see if he'll help us out."
"Nice, Vinnie. Thank you." Tyler let out a sigh of relief.
"Make sure your friend Frank doesn't need sleep, Vinnie. If we have to be on night patrol, so does he," laughed Sean.
"There's one more person I need to find." Tyler opened up the piece of paper from his pocket. "Renee Preston."
"The caterer, Renee?" asked Jacob.
"Yes, she's a friend who might be in danger. I don't know where she went, but I met her gruesome husband who threatened to bring her harm when he sees her. She has to be warned." Tyler knew his brothers would back him, regardless if they agreed with his request or not.
"…So you slept with her," laughed Sean.
"No, I didn't sleep with her egghead," Tyler's cheeks reddened.
"Oh, but you want to," laughed Vincent. "I know that look."
Tyler ignored the comment because he didn't know how to respond to it. He described the pickup she drives, and gave them her last known address. "I left her a message on her voicemail, and so did Emma. Hopefully she calls one of us back."