Dina Santorelli

by Baby Grand

  "Like hell you are," Katherine said, stepping in front of Jamie. Her voice, in the somber room, came across as an irritated meow, as if she were an idle cat who just had a shoe thrown at her. If Jamie had detected any sadness in the detective, it quickly dissipated. "Mrs. Grand, it's procedure."

  "Don't you think she's been through enough?" She turned to Jamie. "Where is your family, dear?"

  "I've been trying to reach my brother Edward but..."

  Jamie stopped talking at the sight of Bob, who walked into the examination room escorted by an officer. He wore plaid pajama pants and a T-shirt, with an overcoat wrapped around him, as if he had just woken up. "Bob?"

  "Jamie, what's going on?" Bob looked around the room, his eyes landing on Phillip and Charlotte Grand. "Governor?"

  "Mr. Scott," Phillip said, surprised. "This is a bit of an odd coincidence meeting you for the first time and then seeing you again the same day."

  "This is my wife." Bob pointed to Jamie.

  "You're kidding," Maddox said.

  "Ex-wife," Jamie corrected.

  "Well, your ex-wife helped save the governor's daughter," Maddox said.

  "Serious?" Bob wondered how he'd pegged the wrong Carter as the knight in shining armor. "How did...?"

  "What are you doing here, Bob?" Jamie asked. She felt as if she had aged six years since the last time she had seen him, which was only four days before.

  "The police called my cell phone and told me you were here. I guess I'm still listed as your husband."

  "No, I mean, what are you doing in Albany?"

  Bob had been asking himself the very same thing all night. "It's a long story," he said. "Where's Edward?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "Isn't he here? He told me he was driving to Albany."

  "When was this?" Agent Wilcox asked.

  "Um, Wednesday night was the last time I spoke with him," Bob said. "Why?"

  "He's not picking up his cell." Jamie said. "Maybe he went home?"

  "We contacted Edward's home address," Wilcox said, "and spoke to a woman named Tricia."

  "That's my sister-in-law."

  "She said Edward is here, in Albany, looking for you, and she hasn't spoken to him in over twenty-four hours."

  Bob looked confused. "I thought he had a meeting with the governor."

  "Why would he meet with me?" Phillip asked.

  All eyes were on Bob, the consummate litigator and orator, who decided the only appropriate thing to do was to shrug his shoulders and be quiet.

  Jamie broke the silence. "Why isn't he picking up his phone then?" She sat on the hospital bed.

  "Don't worry, Ms. Carter, cell phone service has been very haphazard with the storms," Maddox said. "It's quite possible that he hasn't been receiving any messages."

  "But he must have seen the news," Jamie said.

  "That settles it," Katherine said. "Ms. Carter, you're staying with us. At the mansion."

  "That's not a bad idea," Phillip said.

  Det. Grohl stepped forward. "I'm afraid I don't like that idea at all."

  "Pardon me," Katherine said, "Detective..."

  "Grohl, ma'am."

  "Grohl ... Pardon me if the idea of the watchful eye of the Albany Police Department doesn't give me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Personally, I don't think your department is capable of keeping a hamster safe, let alone this young woman."

  "Katherine..." Phillip said.

  "Especially when Detective Nurberg was apparently working with the other side."

  "Now, wait just a minute." Grohl, a short man, raised himself off his heels so that he was an inch or two taller than the First Lady. "That's impossible. And, Mrs. Grand, no disrespect, but this Don Bailino somehow managed to get into the mansion before. Who says he wouldn't be able to do it again?"

  "Not with my men there, Detective," Wilcox said.

  "The mansion has been checked and rechecked and has a gazillion agents patrolling the rooms," Katherine said. "That's the safest place for Ms. Carter to be."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Grand," Jamie said. "That's a kind offer, but I really just want to go home."

  "I can take you home," Bob said. At this point, he was more than happy to leave.

  "Ma'am, that's not a good idea," Wilcox said. "Do you think Don Bailino knows where you live?"

  Jamie panicked, remembering her resume and her portfolio. Don Bailino knew more than where she lived. Much, much more. "Oh, God, he knows everything. What about Tricia? The kids?"

  "I've already sent someone to the house from our downstate bureau," Wilcox said.

  "Come home with us, dear," Phillip said. "You can try to get a few hours of rest while the Albany police and Agent Wilcox's men look for your brother. It really is the least we can do."

  Jamie looked at the little girl in the governor's arms who was leaning her head on her father's shoulder, comforted by her father's hold, his smell, his voice. She had to admit, she felt rather safe with him too. "All right," she said. "Thank you."

  "Good," Phillip said. "That's settled."

  "I'll have one of my men take you to the mansion, Ms. Carter," Wilcox said.

  "She can ride with me," Maddox said.

  "Lenny, you look exhausted," Katherine said. "You really should just go home."

  "And do what?" he said with a smile.

  "That's fine," Wilcox said. "I'll have one of my men ride with you."

  "All right," Maddox said.

  "Perhaps I should stay at the mansion as well," Bob offered.

  "I don't think that'll be necessary, Mr. Scott." Wilcox patted Bob on the back. "I know how to reach you if we need you."

  "Remember, I have your card," Phillip said.

  "Yes, apparently, you were right, Mr. Scott," Katherine said. "I have to give you credit. The abduction of Charlotte did have something to do with Gino Cataldi."

  A feeling of pride swept over Bob, who forgot he was standing in a room with the governor of New York while wearing a newly bought pair of pajamas that still had the squares of fold marks on the legs and a bathrobe with the insignia of his hotel. He had unraveled the mystery after all. Sir Robert Scott, he thought and walked a little taller in his slippers.

  Maddox buttoned his overcoat. "Do you want to give the press a photo op before we go, Katherine?"

  Orchestrating a photo op would be vintage Katherine Grand, the happy family reunited, but for the first time in her professional career, perhaps in her entire life, she just didn't have it in her. She slipped her hand around Phillip's arm. "Not tonight, Lenny. Can you take care of it?"

  Maddox nodded. "I'll be right back."

  There was applause when the Grands left the examination room. Phillip held up his hand to quiet the crowd. "Thank you, everyone. Thank you for all of your help during this time. We really do appreciate..."

  "Carlota!" Rosalia came running upon seeing the little girl in the governor's arms.

  Charlotte instantly brightened. She put her hand to her forehead and then pushed it outward as if she were saluting, and Jamie recognized the American Sign Language gesture for hello. Rosalia responded in kind.

  "Oh! Look at you! You're so beautiful." Rosalia fussed over the little girl, who clapped her hands and then straightened her little body so that she could be put down. The governor placed her on the floor and held out his hands of support for her, but Charlotte pushed them away and took one, and then another, wobbly step toward Rosalia on her own.

  "Dios mío! Mira! Reynaldo! She's walking!" Rosalia squeezed the little girl's cheeks. "Oh, I've missed you."

  Reynaldo was sitting in a wheelchair that looked too small for him, his gawky body spilling out of it, his left leg elevated and extended. His eyes twinkled as he watched the little girl dance before his aunt, who had begged to stay after he was discharged so that she might get a glimpse of Charlotte. Reynaldo was happy to oblige, as he was hoping to get a glimpse of someone as well.

  "Are you all right?" Jamie said, walking over to his wheelchair.
>
  "Broke his leg," Pedro said, sitting on Reynaldo's lap. "Very painful." He stuck out his hand. "Hi, I'm Pedro."

  "And I'm Ricardo." Ricardo barreled into Pedro, nearly tipping over the wheelchair. "But you can call me 'Ricky.'"

  "Basta. Enough." Reynaldo gave his brothers a light shove until they both tumbled onto the floor. "It's just a sprain, they said. And a muscle tear. It's not broken. I'm going to be all right."

  "Oh, I'm so glad," Jamie said. "I just wanted to... thank you... for everything." She took Reynaldo's hand and shook it. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

  "You're welcome," he said, squeezing her hand.

  "Ay, does your face hurt?" Pedro asked.

  "It's not as bad as it looks," Jamie said.

  "That's good, because it doesn't look bad," Reynaldo said with a wink. His smile tightened. "Did they find him?"

  "No," Jamie said, as Phillip, with Charlotte again in his arms, came up from behind.

  "Reynaldo Rodriguez, you are a hero."

  "Not me. Jamie's the hero." Reynaldo shook the governor's hand. "Governor Grand, you need to find that man. He's dangerous."

  "I know," Phillip said. "They're looking for him. And they'll find him."

  Again, Jamie thought she could see doubt within the governor's calm assurance.

  Maddox returned from outside.

  "How did it go?" Katherine asked.

  "Did the standard," he said. "Said Mom, Dad, and Baby Grand are all doing fine. Said they will get police updates when they become available. Blah blah."

  Wilcox stepped forward. "Governor Grand, whenever you're ready. You and Mrs. Grand are riding with me."

  "Ms. Carter?" Maddox said.

  "Yes, I'm ready," although Jamie realized that she was still holding Reynaldo's hand; it was calloused, but felt big and warm.

  "Are you going home?" Reynaldo asked.

  "No, I'm staying here for a little while at the Executive Mansion."

  "Good," Reynaldo said. "You will be safe there."

  "Get some rest," Jamie said with a smile.

  "You too," he said and reluctantly let go of her hand.

  "Ba Ba Ba Ba," Charlotte said, waving her hand.

  Reynaldo waved back. "Good-bye, sweetie."

  "Adios, Carlota." Rosalia blew kisses at the little girl as the governor carried her away. "I see you soon."

  "Hermano, hermano..." Pedro said, sitting back down on Reynaldo's lap, as they watched the Grands and their contingent leave. "Ooh, you like her, eh?" He punched him on the shoulder. "She's cute, eh? At least I think she's cute under those boo-boos."

  "She is a beautiful, strong young woman," Rosalia said and grabbed Reynaldo's cheeks. "And you, you, are a hero and saved my little girl." She kissed him on his forehead.

  "What about me?" Ricardo asked.

  "What about you?" Pedro said. "Aunt Ro said hero not zero."

  "Shut up," Ricardo said and threw a light punch at Pedro, who ran behind Reynaldo's wheelchair. They began circling it like dogs chasing their tails until Rosalia took Ricardo's arm.

  "Ah, sobrino." Rosalia pinched Ricardo's cheek. "You are brave too," she said, slipping her arm under Ricardo's and grabbing Terry's hand. "My family is here. My family is together. Come, Rikki. Pedro, help your brother."

  "I am, Tía, I am." Pedro began pushing Reynaldo's wheelchair. He bent down next to Reynaldo's ear. "Geez, Rey, you gotta lose a few pounds, no?"

  Reynaldo was still watching the hospital exit where Jamie had left.

  "Rey, what's the matter?"

  "I don't know," Reynaldo said. "I have a bad feeling."

  Chapter 60

  The streets were slick, but clear and well lit as the sedan made its way along the main roads toward the Executive Mansion. Katherine and Phillip were seated in the backseat behind Wilcox and another agent, who were talking animatedly among themselves, going over the details regarding the search for Don Bailino. Charlotte had fallen asleep on Phillip with Miss Beatrice in her arms. Maddox's car followed behind with Jamie in the front seat and an agent in the rear. She waved. Phillip waved back.

  "We got very lucky that it was Ms. Carter who had our daughter," Phillip said to his wife. "She's a very brave woman. What she did was very courageous. There are not many people who double-cross Don Bailino and get away with it."

  Katherine was staring out the window. She had heard all the stories of Don Bailino told by Phillip over the years, of the war, of his family's relationship to the Cataldis, of Phillip's hope that Bailino had freed himself from all the bad to become a pioneer of industry. And when Bailino approached her in the Lystretta Gallery that night, he was the epitome of the American Dream—there was no sign of the down-on-his-luck kid from the streets, only an amiable, smart, successful, and highly respected businessman. How foolish she felt to have been swept away by his confidence and presence, the ever-suspicious Katherine Grand bamboozled by a charming smile and a handsome face. She wondered if part of the reason was that she too believed that people could change given aspiration, hard work, and a moment of opportunity, that they could erase past mistakes and rise above their station. As she had.

  "Katherine?"

  What would have happened if she had met Bailino that second time when he had asked her to attend the gallery opening, Katherine wondered—would she have been the one with the cuts and bruises on her face and who knows where else? As savvy and clever as she was, would she have been able to save herself, let alone an infant? She would never know. But she knew that if she told Phillip all of this, he would still look at her the way he looked at her now, like she was the most amazing woman he'd ever met. And she planned to tell him. One day.

  "I have something to tell you," she whispered.

  "Okay," Phillip whispered back.

  Katherine opened her pocketbook and took out the wrinkled paper bag. She reached inside and pulled out the pregnancy test. "It's positive," she said, showing it to him.

  Phillip stared incredulously at the small device.

  "What can I say?" Katherine shrugged her shoulders. "You married an overachiever."

  "Katherine..." Phillip leaned over, and the two embraced as Charlotte stretched her arms between them. As Phillip kissed his wife's forehead, he caught Wilcox looking in the rearview mirror. The agent pulled the car over onto the side of the road.

  "It's all right," Phillip said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Everything is all right."

  "No, it's not." Wilcox said. "Maddox's car is gone."

  Chapter 61

  "What's the matter?" Jamie asked.

  "I don't know, there's something wrong with the acceleration," Maddox said as the car came to a slow stop. He reached under his seat and, in an instant, pulled out a handgun and shot the agent in the backseat three times. The shots, muted by a silencer, sounded like firecrackers popping under a tin coffee can, and Jamie screamed as blood spattered throughout the car.

  "Shut up," Maddox said, holding the gun on her. He turned off his headlights and made a quick left down a side road as the car carrying the governor and Mrs. Grand disappeared from view.

  Jamie pulled on the door handle, but it was locked.

  "Where are we going?" she asked.

  "Shut up, I said," Maddox said. "Where do you think we're going?"

  He sped down the road for several miles and then pulled off into a small clearing in a wooded area behind a deserted playground, one of those old-fashioned ones with metal swings and monkey bars and concrete grounds. Behind the picnic area, the parking lot was vacant except for one vehicle: a white Ford Flex.

  "No!" Jamie screamed. She kicked Maddox's gun out of his hands and jumped into the backseat, but Maddox recovered and held the gun on her.

  "You bitch," he barked. "Show your hands. Now!"

  "Why are you doing this?" she asked, raising her arms in the air.

  "None of your goddamn business," he said.

  The slumped agent's walkie-talkie crackled.

  "Don't touch it,
" Maddox said. "Keep those hands high."

  "They're going to be looking for us," she said. "You're not going to be able to get away."

  "I don't see what you mean," Maddox said, with a smile. "Don Bailino hijacked the car along the way, shot the federal agent and told me to drive here. Then he dragged you into the car and drove off. Of course, then I called the police immediately."

  "That seems a bit farfetched."

  "For a man who was able to sneak an infant out of the heavily guarded Executive Mansion and then pick up his nephew in midtown Manhattan the same day?" Maddox snickered. "I don't think so."

  "You helped him kidnap Charlotte? A baby? What kind of person are you?" Keep him talking, Jamie thought, as if the words would slow down time.

  "He was never going to hurt the girl. Until you came along. You became quite the plan spoiler. You and that ex-husband of yours. I almost choked when he showed up at the mansion with his bright ideas. If you hadn't managed your little getaway, I do believe next on Don's agenda was to do away with the confident Mr. Scott." Maddox smiled. "I can still see the governor's face when I told him that Scott thought the kidnapping had to do with Gino's execution. Priceless. But he held it together. And Katherine... Don was right. She was clueless."

  Through the misty car window, Jamie saw the door of the Ford Flex open, and Bailino's unmistakable figure stepped out, lit by Maddox' headlights. As he approached the car, a familiar terror seized her, and she began pulling fruitlessly on the door handles.

  "You know he's going to kill you," she said. "Don't be stupid."

  Maddox laughed. "My dear, he's going to kill you."

  Without taking his eyes off Jamie, Maddox rolled down the driver's-side window. "As promised, Mr. B..."

  Maddox never saw the bullet coming.

  Jamie shrieked and threw herself onto the car floor, slapping off the pieces of flesh that had flown into her hair.

  Bailino leaned down so that his face was visible through the car window. He rapped on the glass. Knock, knock, knock. "Did you really think I wouldn't find you?" he asked, his breath fogging the window in a small circle.