Heartfelt

by Lynn Crandall

  “Tell me, please!” Asia could hardly sit still.

  “I’m sorry.” Michelle’s focus turned inward. “I saw a room filled with beds and people lying in the beds. A strong sense of fear emanates from the people, but they are not awake. That’s all I’ve got. I’m afraid that isn’t much help.”

  “It does help. It kind of confirms what I thought when I read the article. Foul play by TNG.” Asia shook her head. “They won’t stop. They’ll do anything to get what they want.”

  Sterling jumped off her desk and stood in front of Asia. “Leave us the locations where you’ve found your mother at other times and we’ll get right on this, Asia.”

  Lacey walked up beside her sister and put her hand on Asia’s shoulder. “We’ll keep in touch.”

  “I can talk to Casey, if you’d like,” Michelle offered. “You’re right. This does affect the colony. Whenever TNG does something it affects the colony cats.”

  Asia hugged Michelle. “Yes, please share this information with Casey. He’ll have ideas about what we should do next.”

  Sterling and Lacey took turns wrapping her in a snug hug. Appreciation for their help welled in her heart. “Thank you for being there for me. It helps knowing I’m not in this alone. This is so different from how I grew up. Surviving day by day was up to me and I was just a kid. It made me strong, but having help is so much better than going it alone.”

  As she left the Aegar office, Asia checked the time. She walked back to get her car at the newspaper building’s parking lot, but her workday was done.

  The plans for her night rolled around in her head. Her heart wasn’t in it, but her date with Gavin was important. If she was going to develop something meaningful with him she had to keep showing up. Physically and emotionally. Sterling and Lacey were at work searching for her mother and Michelle would talk to Casey about the news story and its possible connection to TNG. Asia could relax a bit and focus on her time with Gavin.

  Picking out the right dress and shoes could take her mind off the fear trembling inside her over her mother’s whereabouts. No matter what she professed, she’d never reached a place of complacence when her mother disappeared, and this time the added threat of TNG amped up everything inside her to find her mother and bring her home.

  • • •

  “Come on in, Conrad.” Kennedy gestured him to step inside her house and offered to take his jacket.

  “Thanks. Are you hungry? I could order pizza.” He followed her into the kitchen, enjoying the familiarity with the home. “Looks like you kept all Michelle’s furniture? How’s it working out for you here?”

  A large yellow and white male cat jumped into Kennedy’s lap. “This is Mallen. He’s a rescue, aren’t you, my sweet?” Kennedy’s eyes sparkled. “I love it here. It’s so great that Michelle rented it to me. The setting is rural enough that I can take runs right outside my back door. I especially love the stream of feral and stray cats who stop here for food and water. Makes me feel good to help them out.”

  Conrad peered out the kitchen window. “Yeah, I always thought Michelle had a great backyard, too.” He turned back to face Kennedy. “So yes, no on the pizza?”

  “Sure. It sounds good.”

  While Kennedy pulled a chair up beside his at the table, Conrad called for delivery pizza. He eyed her, appreciating the comfort she exuded at being with him. Not so long ago it hadn’t been that way. When the colony had rescued her from an illegal drug trial run by TNG, they’d found her skittish, guarded, and terribly wounded by her adoptive parents. Now a member of Casey’s colony and engaged to sports writer Asher Monroe, Kennedy was proving an amazing asset to the group. Her photographic and procedural memory combined with her computer skills came in particularly handy during colony activities regarding TNG.

  “Do you want to get started while we’re waiting for the pizza?”

  Conrad smiled to himself, again noting the changes in Kennedy. Her lightheartedness probably was a good sign she was thriving in her new life. Soon she would be working as manager at Michelle’s new cat rescue facility, Cats Alive. Probably Asher had something to do with the sparkle in her eyes.

  She motioned him to sit next to her in front of her laptop. “Now, what do you want to look at first?”

  “I want to check financial records for Phoenix Biosciences and TNG.”

  She wiggled her fingers over the keyboard. “Let’s start with TNG. They’re the ones behind Daren Sage and plans to create an animal preserve. Let’s see where the money is.”

  He watched her as her fingers flew over the keyboard. “Geez, I have no idea how you do that or what you’re doing.”

  “Well, I’m hacking into the financial portfolio belonging to TNG.”

  “You won’t get caught?”

  “No. I cover my tracks.” Her eyes flitted over the screen. “And we’re in. Now it’s your turn, Mr. Bank Executive.”

  Conrad keyed in on the various accounts under the group’s title. “The group holds accounts in the Cayman Islands, in a Swiss account, and one here in Laurelwood.” He whistled. “They have a strong portfolio and each account holds a hefty sum of money.”

  Kennedy pointed to a statement from the Laurelwood account. “What’s this? It looks like TNG has been moving funds to an account under Phoenix Biosciences.”

  “Yes, you’re right. This may be in connection with the animal preserve Asia learned about at the press conference. You got that text from Casey, right?”

  She nodded. “It sounds suspiciously wrong.”

  He scanned documents in the portfolio. “This transfer is accounted as services, building upkeep, and medical supplies.”

  “Look at these listings.” Kennedy leaned in closer to the screen and read out loud. “Consultant fees for property procurement, animal care and transportation logistics, and construction contractors. Looks like preserve related line items to me.”

  “Hmm.” Conrad tapped his fingers against the tabletop. “Let’s look at the donations and contributions file.”

  A few keystrokes and Kennedy brought up the file.

  He chuckled. “That was easy.”

  “Yeah, the bank’s software is outdated. It surprises me that this information isn’t better protected.” She leaned back in the chair. “What do you see?”

  “Donations to Daren Sage’s political endeavors. Contributions to the mayor’s office and the city manager.”

  “And the police chief and, hold on, the governor,” Kennedy added. “She scrolled down the document. “Look at this.”

  Conrad peered closely. “A contribution to the Department of Natural Resources? You’re kidding me. Is everyone on the group’s payroll?”

  “I think we’ve confirmed that a number of community leaders are. We’ve also confirmed that Phoenix Biosciences is still working on something for TNG and we probably can guess at what it is.”

  “More drug testing on innocents.” He let a low snarl roll in his throat. He slammed his fist on the table. “We’re far from sinking their plans. We can’t prolong any further our attempts to stop them.”

  “You’re so right. The group is like a virulent virus that won’t go away. We need better intel.”

  The front doorbell rang, announcing the pizza. “I’ll get it.” Conrad jumped up to answer the front door, weary of his automatic reaction to suspect something bad at the door. The threat from TNG had been going on too long. He opened the front door.

  “Hey, Conrad.” It was Asher, holding the pizza box. Conrad’s guard went down when he saw Asher. Clearly the threats were changing him. He expected the worst to happen at any given moment. “I got this covered. Can I come in?”

  Conrad looked past Asher and into the street. “Where’s the pizza guy?”

  Asher strolled past him and walked toward the kitchen. “I paid him, don’t worry.” He set the pizza on the table and kissed Kennedy. “Dinner is served,” he joked.

  “Well, thanks. You didn’t have to pay for it, though.”

&n
bsp; Kennedy leaned against Asher. “I thought you had a game to cover tonight.”

  “I do. I can’t stay. I just wanted to drop in and see you for a few minutes.”

  “Okay, well let’s dig into the pizza. I’ve got water and water to drink.”

  Conrad chuckled. “Then I’ll have water.”

  “I already ate. But you go ahead. I’ll put out food for cats while you two work.”

  Conrad watched Asher walk out to the porch while Kennedy set plates and glasses of water on the table. They each grabbed a slice of the pepperoni pizza and continued their search.

  Kennedy backed out of the bank records for TNG, then hacked into the portfolio for Phoenix Biosciences.

  Through a mouthful of pizza, Conrad asked her to open the company’s ledger. “See, right there. An influx of two million dollars from TNG for the purchase of 1,500 acres and construction of a new facility on the site of the planned preserve.”

  Kennedy pointed to the line item as Asher walked back in and peered over her shoulder. “Look at the date of that transaction.”

  “They purchased the property about a year ago.” Asher frowned.

  “This step up of their plans has been pretty long in the making. They’ve been taking incremental steps all the while we’ve been scratching our heads trying to pin down what they’re doing.”

  “Yes, I think we should bring this info back to the colony,” Kennedy said. “We need to step up our game.”

  “Before we finish here could we try to locate the property planned for the preserve?”

  “Sure. Where should we start?”

  “Public records,” Asher said. “Try the Laurelwood County Assessor’s website.” Asher dropped a kiss to Kennedy’s hair. “I’ve got to go, love.”

  “Okay, enjoy the game.” She twisted to kiss his lips, then he headed out the door.

  Conrad and Kennedy searched through the purchases for the year before and after several minutes found the document they needed.

  “Wow,” Kennedy exclaimed. “This has the legal description of the property purchased and its intended purpose. That’s helpful.”

  Conrad looked over Kennedy’s shoulder to read that the property was intended to be developed as a preserve, specifically an animal preserve, operated by the entity known as The Nexus Group.

  “This property isn’t far from here, right?” Kennedy pulled up a map and tried to pinpoint the location. “Umm…we need a township map.”

  Conrad waited, tapping impatiently on the table.

  “Here it is. Okay, now we have to find the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section twenty-four, township sixteen south in Laurelwood County.

  “Here it is.” Conrad pointed to the spot on the map. “You’re right. It’s only about thirty-five miles from here.”

  Kennedy shivered. “Why does that close proximity make me squeamish?”

  Conrad put his hand on her shoulder, gently. “Too close for comfort. We’ve all had intense dealings with this insane group of people, but you most of all.”

  Kennedy shot him a grateful look. “I feel much stronger than when I first came to the colony, but that doesn’t mean I want to live next door to any of them.”

  “We’ve got your back, Kennedy. We now know where this preserve is and we can pay a visit.”

  “Under the radar?”

  Conrad nodded. “Exactly. But first we need to talk to the rest of the colony. I’m sure Casey will want to discuss it with everyone and decide our next step.”

  Kennedy groaned. “I know it’s necessary to meet and discuss and plan, but sometimes I feel bogged down.”

  Conrad stood to leave. He helped Kennedy clean up the meal dishes. His thoughts whirred in his head. Kennedy was right. The colony moved slowly at times. But he knew that once plans were enacted, the interaction with TNG would be vicious and fast moving. He couldn’t wait.

  Chapter Seven

  Sitting in the theatre in the Laurelwood Performing Arts Center, Asia gazed forward at the unfolding story of Romeo and Juliet being performed by the Russian National Ballet. The beautiful costumes and swirling pirouettes battled strongly with her desire to appreciate Gavin’s presence beside her and to keep out any thoughts but her own. She glanced sideways at him and saw on his face full concentration on the performance. More than that, by his enraptured expression, he was immersed in it.

  She smoothed her dress, the black one she’d taken so long to decide on, and pressed back against her seat, trying again to embrace the drama on stage.

  The music of Chopin supported the performance with beautiful eloquence. It was the kind of music, dance, and storyline that transformed life during the moments of the performance.

  But what she wanted was to be overwhelmed by Gavin. Ordinarily a live performance such as the one she was attending lifted her soul in ways that became a part of her.

  Not this, at least not tonight.

  Gavin leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “I’m so glad we’re here together.” He leaned back in his seat, beaming.

  He was close enough to whisper in her ear, intimately, and she remained completely unmoved. His arm rested against her on the armrest. She drew in deep, cleansing breaths and allowed herself to open to possible sensations.

  The scent of his cologne wafted around her. Woodsy, with notes of more woodsy. She waited to be swept up in his scent. Nothing happened, other than her nasal system felt overwhelmed by the strong cologne smell.

  Frustrated, she crossed one leg over the other and began bouncing the top leg. Surely she was capable of becoming intoxicated by Gavin. His physique was trim and fit. He had a cute butt and an inquisitive mind. And those beautiful eyes and effortless smile. He even had a great job as the marketing manager at a local technology company. He was skilled at conversation.

  His breath floated over her. He touched her leg and again whispered in her ear. “Would you mind stopping that?” He smiled sweetly at her. She’s so fidgety.

  She nodded her head and put both feet on the ground. Now that was not sexy, she thought. If Gavin was troubled so easily by her energy expressing itself, maybe he should get a life.

  No. She didn’t mean that. Who was she to judge him when she was so guilty of keeping him in the dark and at arm’s length? If she was having trouble engaging with him it was her own fault.

  Again, she drew up inside, ready to have her senses tickled.

  This is so beautiful. I love the dancers. I wish I could dance like that.

  I hope she realizes I spent a lot of money on tickets for this show. It should give me plenty of bank.

  Geez, is this thing nearly over? I have to get up early tomorrow for a meeting at work.

  Opening to Gavin didn’t work quite as she’d wanted. Asia glanced around the darkened theatre and wondered from what people the thoughts came.

  She closed her eyes and tuned out everything but the music and Gavin. Frustration fluttered in her gut. He was a human, but a very nice one. Why couldn’t she engage with him?

  As the evening drew to an end, disappointment trudged through Asia. She wanted so much to feel attracted to Gavin, but nothing inside her had even moved, much less been incited to a degree of passion.

  Afterwards, he held her hand as they walked to his car. The night was not over. She could still find something about him to tantalize her physically.

  Moments later he pulled the car up to a parking space outside her condo. Very gentlemanly, he walked around the car and opened the door for her. He offered his hand and she took it in hers, hoping for quivers to ignite. He helped her out and kept her hand as they walked to her door. Her heart hammered in her chest.

  “You looked lovely tonight, Asia.”

  “Thank you. Thanks for taking me.”

  Gavin lifted her chin and moved slowly closer, stopping millimeters from her lips. He pressed a kiss to her mouth. He lingered and she allowed the kiss to slip sweetly across her lips. When he pulled back he remained a breath away. She looked up i
nto his eyes. They each stared, still, as though weighing the next momentous move.

  She saw it when it happened. The moment Gavin pushed away from her, giving up on their “them.” The sparkle in his eyes dropped, and the glaze that appeared in them did not signal passion, it separated them.

  He stepped back and dropped his arms to his sides. Smiling a sad, distant smile, Gavin touched her arm. “I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you better, Asia. You’re a remarkable woman.”

  Numbness took her over. He was ending it.

  “Gavin, I—”

  “You don’t need to say anything. It’s—”

  “Don’t say it’s not me, it’s you.” Her heart squeezed and tears brimmed her eyes.

  “I was going to say it’s okay. I understand. You’re just not that into me. And it’s okay.” He kept smiling, that damnable smile.

  “You are a wonderful man. I’ve enjoyed our dates.” Her gaze fell to the pavement. “It’s just complicated.”

  “I know. Your job. Only it’s not just your job. There’s something off between us. It shouldn’t be so hard to connect.”

  All she could do was nod. She looked at him again and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He hugged her back, hard, and all her hopes for a normal relationship with a normal man melted to the ground.

  He cocked his head. “Friends?”

  “Friends.” The smile she gave him felt half-hearted, but it was all she could muster. She walked into her condo without turning around, and closed the door. Temptation to peek at him through the blinds clamored for attention. But she’d heard from someone sometime that at a breakup, if the other party turned around one last time, the relationship wasn’t over. She didn’t want to know if Gavin gave her one more look, and she wouldn’t be giving him one. God, the universe, whomever or whatever was in charge of everything, had made it clear that a normal life was not for her.

  She flumped down on her bed and cried, great sobbing tears of grief for what she’d never had in childhood and for the lost hope of what may never be for her—puppy dogs, children in pigtails, family movie night, and no impending danger and complications from her colony.