"Then you're a fool." Carol folded her arms and spoke candidly. "Jack could help you. He has the inside track on details that most people never know. Including crime."
"I don’t know, Carol."
"Depends on how desperate you are to find Jenni." Carol cleared their plates off the counter with a flick of her wrist. "The governor's office has assigned a task force to solve children's problems in this state. Additional money has been appropriated for delinquents, runaways, abused and abandoned kids."
"But, Mexican kids?"
"You're a citizen of this state, Alex. If you made the request, I'm sure he'd listen. I happen to know that Jack is attending a benefit banquet tonight for the Children's Home. It's a fancy affair, black-tie and all, one of those high-end social events for a good cause."
"Come on, Carol," Alex pleaded. "I told you, we parted on less than friendly terms."
"A knock-down, drag-out?"
"No, but—"
"For you, Alex, Jack would do anything. Still. Trust me. He'll be at the Hilton. The gala starts at eight." Carol left the carrot dangling and turned to load the dishwasher.
Trust me. Alex could hear Nick's beseeching tone. Trust me. Trust me. Perhaps, if she had trusted him, she wouldn't be facing a dead-end today.
That night, shortly after nine, Alex trotted down the thick-carpeted hall of the Hilton, ready to sell her soul to the devil – anything for Jenni. By waiting until the attendees had been served dinner, she managed to slip into the entrance unnoticed. Compared to some of her recent escapades this had been quite simple. No lies required. She located the correct banquet hall and decided to wait in the ladies' room until the orchestra started and she could mingle easily with the guests. They were playing "The Impossible Dream" when she decided to make her move. I sure hope that music isn't appropriate, she mused as she sighted her target.
"May I have this dance, sir?"
Jack Kingsley's face showed his complete surprise when he saw Alex. She looked stunning in a sleek teal-blue cocktail dress with a lacy bodice. Her blond hair was piled glamorously on her head with a loose tendril or two for softness. A curving side slit revealed just enough thigh to be daring. The dress fit so well, one would never guess she'd borrowed it from Carol.
"Well, do I have to drag you onto the dance floor or are you going to stand there staring all night?"
"Forgive me, Alex. I'm just so surprised to see you here." Immediately, he took her in his arms and whirled her around the floor. "Hey, you're a knockout in that color. My God, woman, you take my breath away!"
"Does that mean you aren't going to throw me out on my ear for crashing your party?"
"I have other ideas for your ears, babe." He leaned forward and nibbled her left one tenderly. "I thought I left you in Mexico to stay."
"I thought you left angry."
He pursed his lips. "Not angry, Alex. Disappointed."
"Good." She smiled mysteriously. "Maybe an apology will make up for the disappointment." As they danced, Alex admitted how very handsome Jack was with his blond hair stylishly cut. He was impeccably dressed in black tux and cummerbund. He was smooth enough to say the right things every time. It occurred to her that he was being groomed for an eventual state position—perhaps even the governorship—and all she had to do to reestablish their wrecked relationship was say the word. She could do worse.
Yet all she could think of tonight was how he could help her find Jenni.
"Are you in town to stay? Looking for a job?"
She nodded. "Possibly. Right now, though, I'm still looking for Jenni."
"You haven't given up that futile chase?"
She stiffened. "No. The situation has changed since you were in Mexico. We have reason to believe that she was brought into this country, and yet, the trail seems to have stopped at Jessup."
They continued to dance and the band played "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling." It's true, Alex thought. The only feeling between them was a strained friendship. Nothing stronger.
"Alex, I don't know if it's possible to trace her."
"It is, Jack," she said with conviction. "If you know the right people. And if those people have the right connections."
"People like me? Are you considering using me, Alex?"
She smiled gently. "You know how politics works, Jack. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
"I never thought I'd hear you say that." He shook his head in mock dismay.
You've never seen me desperate, she thought. "Why, Jack, don't tell me that people don't approach you daily for favors. Wouldn't you consider my request, for old time's sake?"
He sighed. "Alex, babe, you know I'd do anything in the world to help you. Honestly, though, I don't think—"
"Listen to me, Jack." Her soft voice hardened slightly. "This isn't the usual political favor that will lean toward big business or overlook a legal violation. This is a very personal matter that will directly affect the life of a very little girl, and mine."
"When you put it that way, how can I refuse? You should know, Alex, I'm as soft-hearted as they come."
She smiled warmly. He said all the right things; now they were getting somewhere. "Jack, there's a group of people, a connected ring of them, bringing babies up from Mexico through connections in Arizona."
"Alex, we've all heard those rumors, but no one has been able to substantiate them."
"I can."
"What?" He shifted closer and the orchestra began to play another song. They continued to move together, more by rote than actually dancing. "How?"
"I've been through the system. I can tell you the procedure. I know people, places, names. I could direct you to the very house that keeps the babies until they're sold. I can tell you the method used to slip them over the border."
Her words were shocking. Jack eyed her warily for a moment. "You're serious, aren't you, Alex?"
Her eyes met his like cold steel. "Never been more serious in my life."
"Come over here and let's talk, babe." He led her to a private table and ordered them each a glass of white wine. "Now, tell me everything. When did you find out about this information? And how?"
Alex briefly outlined her experiences the day before in Jessup, carefully omitting names, places, and her vegetable truck theory for illegally transporting the babies. "Details will be forthcoming if you'll help me, Jack. Please, don't turn me away."
"Is this a form of blackmail, Alex?"
"Call it whatever you like. I have valuable information. In the right hands, it could create quite a stir, and expose international corruption."
"You know I'd like to be the one taking credit for that," Jack admitted. Rubbing the back of his hand thoughtfully over his chin, he considered her story and the accompanying plea. "This will take a little time, but if you can tell me what you claim to know, we can blow this case wide open. It'll have media exposure, the works."
"I only care about finding Jenni."
Without a pause, he concurred. "Yeah, sure, and we'll find Jenni. I'll need some time, maybe a couple of hours. I'll have to contact certain people who aren't in this room tonight. Then you and I need to be able to talk someplace private."
She nodded. "Make it tonight, Jack. We're losing time. Where?"
"Tonight?" He lifted his handsome head so that their eyes met. "My place?" The implication was obvious in his questioning gaze.
She hesitated, knowing what he was asking. Once more, for old time's sake. The game was getting tougher for novices to play. Novices like her. How much pride was she willing to swallow for the sake of finding Jenni? Alex's eyes flickered and she forced a confident, "Sure, Jack."
He reached into his pocket and discreetly handed her a key. "I live in a different place now, Alex. I'll call the doorman and tell him to expect you. You go on over. Make yourself at home. Fix yourself a drink and watch T.V. I'll meet you there in a couple of hours." He jotted the address on his business card, and excused himself.
Alex gazed bleakly at the card. O
kay, kid. You 're playing in the big leagues now. Even with old friends, the stakes are high.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Alex felt strange letting herself into Jack's luxurious apartment. She left her purse on the dining table and wandered around his exclusive abode. It was a far cry from the modest place they'd shared when they were both teachers. Of course, his present salary probably exceeded their combined incomes of three years ago. She remembered when they pooled pennies at the end of the month to have enough for a movie.
She entered the bedroom, a spacious room in cool blue tones with subtle, Southwestern accessories. She stared at the king-sized bed and tried to imagine making love to Jack again. That's what he expected, didn't he? But could she? Impossible, was her first thought. Unlikely . . . difficult ... oh, hell, what am I doing here?
Alex considered leaving without her information. But where else would she go for help? Using the elegant French phone on the bedside table, she called Carol, saying she probably wouldn't return tonight. And yes, Jack had agreed to help.
There were no questions, no judgmental comments from her friend. Just a tender warning. "Alex, please be careful."
"Sure, Carol."
Alex walked back through the house and slumped on the curved sectional sofa which seemed to go forever around the room. Lifting the small remote-control device, she turned on the T.V. and changed to a dozen channels with the flick of one finger. Such convenience, she thought. And I've just returned from a country that struggles to feed its children.
After a while the waiting grew monotonous and she searched out a pen and paper. Scribbling as fast as she could, Alex filled the page in no time. When finished, she folded it, stuffed it into her purse, then ambled over to the bar. She poured herself a little glass of wine then settled down to late-night T.V. and more waiting. She'd rushed out of Mexico to escape this infernal waiting. For hours she'd waited at the border, waited at Consuela's cafe, waited in the back of the camper. Now here she was, waiting again.
She couldn't help wondering if she would have been better off to wait for Nick. Thoughts of him flooded her, and she could almost see his strong image. She missed his boyish smile, his ability to reassure her, his love. Where was he tonight? What was he doing? Like her, seeking company elsewhere?
Oh, Nick, how could I do this to you? You are really the only man I love. But what a way to prove it. She covered her face with her hands, trying to blot out the guilt that overwhelmed her. She fell asleep curled against plush pillows, dreaming of Nick.
"Is this any way to greet your lover?"
Alex started awake, Nick's name on the tip of her tongue. She opened sleepy eyes to Jack's handsome countenance. "Oh, Jack. Hi."
"Hey, babe, the least you could do is fake enthusiasm to see me." He kissed her nose and walked across the room. "How about a drink?" He rammed a finger into his tie to loosen it.
"No, thanks, Jack. I had some wine. That's probably why I fell asleep." Maybe she should imbibe, after all, she thought. This might be an evening she would want to blot out of her memory. The sound of ice clinking against a glass told her Jack was fixing a drink for himself. She almost said, Make mine a double, but something on T.V. caught her eye.
An old Charles Bronson movie was on, and she was struck by the similarities between the rugged movie star and Nick. Not in looks, especially, for Nick was taller, not as leathery, and better looking. Still, Nick did have that scar on his cheek, giving him an appealing ruggedness. The two men moved their bodies alike in an ambling gait, maneuvering broad shoulders as well as long legs. They were both men of action; both had a wide-legged masculine stance that caught a woman's eye. Neither were slick or smooth, but both possessed a take-charge attitude. She stared at the screen, spellbound. Why hadn't she trusted Nick to remain in charge of the search for Jenni? If she had, she wouldn't be here tonight.
"Your undivided attention would be appreciated."
"What? Oh, Nick—Jack, sorry," she fumbled inanely. "I was just . . . the movie reminded me of something." She pushed the off button, blacking the screen. "What did you find out?"
"Not much. We'll have to pool our resources to break this case open." He paused to take a sip of double Scotch and to remove his tie. "But I'm convinced, if your information is accurate, we can find that kid for you, Alex." His tux jacket joined the tie across the back of a chair.
"If my information is accurate?" she snapped, now fully awake and leery of what article of clothing he would remove next. "Of course it is! I've been through it! I know every exacting detail. By God, Jack, you promised! Don't try to back out now!"
"All right, all right, Alex. Take it easy." Jack slipped the first two shirt buttons open, to reveal his sexy male chest, and joined her on the sofa. His fingers dug into his shirt pocket. "Tonight what I managed to come up with is a lawyer's name. This man works out of a legitimate office in Ohio. It's been rumored for years that he's involved with such shady deals as this, but no one has been able to pin anything on him. Now, maybe we can."
Alex's hand shook with excitement as she took the slip of paper from Jack's hand. This name meant the possible end of the long search for Jenni. "Jack, how can I thank you? This is wonderful. It's something positive. A link."
"Well, as I said, it's a start in the right direction. My opinion is that by working with the FBI, we'll be able to track her down for you. Whether you'll want to keep her at that time, is another question."
"Oh, no, Jack. There's no question about that. I want her!" Alex rose and walked to the sleek mahogany dining table. Digging inside her purse, she pulled out the yellow sheet of legal- sized paper, filled from bottom to top. She handed it to Jack. "Here's my part of the bargain." The verbalized part, she thought miserably.
Jack took the paper and scanned it. Listed were the names of the bar, the pharmacy, druggist, restaurant, codeword, methods of travel— everything Alex could remember about her day in Jessup.
A certain light filled his eyes as he read. "My God, Alex! I can't believe it! You are amazing! Cabbage Patch Dolls! This is . . . this is just great, babe!" He took her in his arms and pulled her close for a kiss. The act of placing his lips on hers elicited no response from Alex, neither inviting warmth nor cool rejection. Nothing. She remained still, compliant and passive, willing to play the game out to its conclusion. After all, she'd made a deal.
Jack broke free from the kiss and stepped away. "It's all right, Alex. Obviously, this has been a hectic week for you. Go on home and get some rest. I'll work on this tomorrow and we'll get on this case first thing Monday morning."
Her eyes widened. "Jack?"
He nodded and winked. "For old time's sake, babe. Go on."
Relief flooded her entire being and Alex tried not to show the joy she felt. Instead, she just smiled.
"It doesn't take a genius to see that it's over between us, Alex. I'm sorry, but it's true."
"I hope we can still be friends, Jack."
"Of course we will. Why, with this information you've given me, I'll be at the top of the governor's list. It'll boost my career tremendously, Alex. I'm grateful to you, babe. I'll always remember it. And when this is all settled and you're ready for a job, let me know. I'll get you something exciting, anywhere in the state."
"Thanks, Jack." Impulsively, Alex stepped forward and kissed his cheek.
"Hey," he grinned. "That's more warmth than I've felt from you all night!"
She grinned back. "If this leads to finding Jenni, you ain't seen nothin' yet. I'm afraid I'll be hugging everybody in sight!"
"I hope I'm around when that happens."
"I won't forget all you've done, Jack." She smiled wistfully, picked up her purse, and headed for the door.
"Hey, Alex, do you think I should take you home? This is pretty hot information. It might not be safe for you to be out alone."
"Don't be ridiculous, Jack. What could possibly happen? I'm just parked on the corner under a light, and I only have to go a few miles to Carol's house."
"Thanks, Jack. For everything."
"See you Monday."
Alex's heart sang with joy as she rode the elevator down six floors. Her thoughts turned unavoidably to Nick and she wished with all her might she hadn't left him in Mexico. She wished she could share this moment with him. When all this was over, maybe she'd go back to Hermosillo as Carol suggested and demand some answers. By then, maybe she would know her own heart.
Within moments of leaving the secure building where Jack lived, Alex knew she was being followed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Alex could hear him, sense him, feel his ominous power, before she actually saw him. She glanced quickly over one shoulder and caught sight of a hulking form moving along the semi-lighted sidewalk. He wore a dark suit and a fedora pulled down over his eyes. And he was massive.
She considered running back to Jack's secure building but her follower was too close now and stood between her and the building. She could scream, but there was no one on the street after midnight. Her best bet was to dash for the van parked at the corner. It seemed a mile away.
Just as Alex broke into a sprint, she heard her name called. "Alex! Wait!"
But she didn't. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, supplying a surge of fright-engendered energy that spurred her on.
Suddenly, steely arms clamped around hers, pinning them to her sides. Alex fought like a wildcat. "Let go of me!" She kicked. "You brute!" She twisted in his grip. "Turn me loose! Help!" she screamed.
"Senorita, please! Shut up!"
Alex froze stock-still. She recognized that voice, the distinctive Mexican accent.
"Alex, it's Jose!" he grated against her ear.
She slumped against him, faint from relief and gushing adrenaline. "Jose? You scared the hell out of me!"
"Sorry, senorita." He pushed her into the van and slid his considerable bulk in the driver's seat. "Didn't mean to scare you. I tried to get your attention to identify myself and I didn't want to attract the attention of others."
Rogue Diamond Page 18