They served a wide variety of foods, so I ordered a plate of roasted meat and vegetables, then moved to a table, relieved to be able to place the bags down.
“What do you want to drink?” called Rose across the small room.
“Coffee’s fine.” It would be ten times better than the instant rubbish I’d been used to while locked up.
When we were both seated, Rose smiled marginally and asked, “How are you holding up?”
Aware of the short-circuit to my nerves and the endless ache in my chest, I lied. “Hanging in there. Worried as hell but hopeful the police will catch the bitch.”
“I never would have guessed she’d run with your brother. It doesn’t make sense, considering she gave me the impression he was a chore. Maybe it’s all about the money.”
“Her payments should have stopped as of today. Fuck! That’s why I’m so worried. She’s got no motive to keep him safe. There’s gotta be more to it.”
Thankfully the coffee came. It gave me something to focus on, other than raging in a public place.
Sipping my drink, I watched Rose pull something out of one of the bags she’d been carrying. Handing it over across the table, I stared at the brown leather book with a simple engraved ‘J’ on the front.
“What’s this?”
“I brought it while you were picking out clothes. It’s a journal. The J on the front stands for Journal, but I thought it fitting because your name begins with J too. Sometimes it helps to write stuff down. You know, things you’re feeling.” Her cheeks pinked up nicely. “With your brother gone, I figured you’d have plenty to write.”
Inside the cover, the pages were off white and looked to be hand-made with pieces of pulp visible in each leaf.
My gaze rose to find her scrutinizing me with an emotion-filled expression.
I could barely find the words. No one had ever given me such a personal item. Writing for me was extremely private, and it was difficult to share with others, which was why I’d never let Rose read out my assignments in the prison classroom. It was like baring a part of my soul.
“Thank you.” My voice had gone thick. “This is amazing. I don’t know what to say.”
“You’re welcome. Nothing else needs to be said. We all need a stress release, Jagger. You especially. I figured you needed something to let all that steam out. And I’ve seen your work, remember?”
This woman was incredible. She confounded me at every turn. She had the power to reach inside me and figure out what I needed when I didn’t even know. It scared the crap out of me and yet it was somewhat comforting to know she could read me so well.
We sat in a comfortable silence before our meals were brought out. Just the smell of mine had me salivating. It was a large meal but one I could handle. Rose had ordered Atlantic salmon with a side salad. Not surprising the meal was healthy. I pictured her as taking really good care of her body. It paid off.
Devouring my food, it was the best darn meal I’d had in years. Surprisingly I was hungry with the way my insides were roiling. Food had never been an issue with me, regardless of my situation. In fact, if anything, I ate more when I was stressed. Today was no exception. The plate was large and piled high.
Rose watched me with a light smile on her face as she gracefully ate her fish. I must have looked like a starved dog and I sure as hell felt like it.
“Good?” She chuckled.
With my mouth too full to reply, I simply nodded, taking a mouthful of my coffee to help wash it all down.
Digging into her purse, she pulled her cell out and began dialing a number. I wasn’t sure who she was calling, but didn’t want to appear nosy, so I finished off my meal, mopping up the gravy with the remaining meat and potato. I couldn’t help but overhear her words, though.
“Hi Don. I’m doing okay, how about you? Great. Yeah, he got out this morning. Thank you, by the way. For everything. Listen, we’ve hit a bit of a snag.” Her eyes lifted to mine, holding me in place as she continued. “Dallas has been taken by his foster parent without consent or prior notice. No. We’re in Prescott. We’ve been to the house and it’s empty. The police were called and are putting out an APB. Apparently, they left yesterday. We’ve been door-knocking local businesses with no luck. Yeah…he’s beside himself. Can you see what you can do from your end? I know I’m asking a lot after all you’ve done, but we need to find Dallas. We were due to pick him up today.”
She agreed, moving her gaze from me and staring off into space. My legs were jiggling again, just hearing her explain the story.
“I understand. Yep. Thanks anyway. I’ll keep you posted. Oh, by the way, have you had any progress with Dallas’ birth mother? The fact that she withheld information in court? Okay…yes…I know.”
Ending the call, she put her phone back in her purse and exhaled loudly.
“What was that about?” Nosy or not, it was about Dallas and me, so I had a right to know.
“I thought my cousin might be able to help in the search. The one who helped gain your release. He said he can’t do too much other than interact with the police to begin filing a case against Mrs. Radcliffe. As for helping us find your brother, he’s of no use. We need to let the police do their job.”
Scratching my face, I slumped down in defeat. “What if they can’t find him?”
“They will. Lena Radcliffe cannot vanish without a trace. She’ll have to draw money out of an account at some stage. There will be a paper trail. The moving truck should lead us to her.”
“What about Dallas’ birth mother?”
“She’s been questioned but they’re still trying to build a case against her. It could take a while as these things do.”
Rational thinking would have me agree, but I wasn’t feeling rational. “Finish up. We need to check the final businesses and ask at the gas station on the outskirts of Prescott.”
Chapter Four
Rose
We finished up. I’d barely touched my salad but I understood how anxious Jagger was to finish our search of Prescott.
The coffee and fish had revived me, so we loaded our bags into the trunk when we got back to my car and hit the spots we’d missed earlier, coming up empty again as I thought we would.
It was frustrating. Turning back onto the main road to head out of town, Jagger said, “Wait! Do you mind if we go somewhere before we leave?”
I wasn’t sure what he was requesting but we had time on our side. “Sure. Give me the directions.”
Growing up in the town, he was familiar with all the streets. I turned at his instruction until we drove down a narrower road on the fringes of town. Holding up a hand as he peered out the window, I slowed.
“Keep going slowly. Two houses down on the left.”
His right arm was rigid at his side, knuckles white. His face was in turmoil. Eyes blackened, brow screwed up.
“Okay. Stop,” he ordered.
Pulling up to the curb, I cut the engine and stared at a small house with a neat garden and a shingle roof. Painted white, it almost looked cute.
“You know this house?”
He didn’t say a word for an extended couple of minutes as shudders ran through his body. I didn’t know what the hell to do, but clearly he was in distress.
“I…”
Turning the key in the ignition ready to drive off, he stopped me, “No! Not yet.” His eyes were wide in fear. He was scaring me. “This was the house. My father died here.”
He hadn’t made eye contact but stared at his clenched hands now in his lap.
“Shit. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. You don’t need to do this.”
He ignored my comment, opening the door and rounding the car to walk to the small fence out front.
He was tormenting himself but there was nothing I could do except be there for him. Exiting the car, I moved beside him, touching his arm in comfort. He was statue still, lost to whatever memory was possessing him.
“Jagger?”
Silence.
“Talk to me.”
If anyone was home and noticed us they would wonder what we were doing standing gaping at their house. If only they knew what had gone on inside less than two years earlier. Had the kitchen needed remodeling to get rid on any blood stains?
“Can I just have a moment?” he ground out.
“Sure. I’ll wait in the car.”
Giving him his space, I checked for any new messages I may have missed. It would still be too early to have the police call, but I was on alert, hoping for some good news about Dallas’ whereabouts.
Watching Jagger deal with his grief was heartbreaking. A grown man almost brought to his knees because of shitty circumstances he hadn’t been able to prevent. And now having his only remaining family ripped out from under him would have to push him to the breaking point. As much as I needed space from my mother, at least I knew she would be there for me no matter what.
He stood for ages, hands braced on the fence, staring at the house. I couldn’t see his face so I wasn’t sure what he was going through, but his stooped shoulders gave me some idea. It hurt me to see him grieving or whatever it was he was doing. Who knew the residence held so much horror?
A big brown dog bounded up to the adjoining neighbor’s fence, startling Jagger out of his stupor. It barked a few times, then began wagging its tail, as if recognizing him.
He turned and walked over to it, leaning down to pat it. The dog jumped up and stood on two legs at the fence, lapping up the attention.
As I watched them, it was clear they were friends. Jagger seemed to enjoy the contact and was smiling at the animal’s rambunctious reaction to him. It was a side to Jagger I didn’t get to see all too often. He clearly loved animals as he lowered his head to the dog’s, allowing some kisses to smother his cheeks. It brought a grin to my own face to see them interact so I let him have as much time as he needed.
After about ten minutes, Jagger returned to the car. “Damn dog. Didn’t think he’d still be around.” It wasn’t said with malice but with fondness.
“He liked you.”
“Yeah. Bud’s a good dog. We used to pat him over the fence all the time. He’d get excited when Dallas and I were in the yard and he’d run up and down, wanting us to play with him. The owners used to work odd hours, so he’d get lonely.”
“You need more time or are you ready to go?”
He gave the house no more of his attention as he faced me. “Get me out of here.”
Driving away from his past, we headed toward his future. I hoped he could gain some closure from the visit to his childhood home. I let him deal until I turned off the main road into the gas station on the edge of town.
“Come on. Bring the picture of Dallas.” I didn’t wait, hoping he’d follow.
Hearing the car door close, I walked in and waited at the counter. A tall, middle-aged man with a thin build and scruffy beard greeted me.
“Ma’am.” He nodded and smiled.
“Hi there.” The bell above the door sounded and in strode Jagger. “My friend and I are looking for a boy. He lived in Prescott but left town recently. We were wondering if you’ve seen him in the last few days?”
Glancing at Jagger, I motioned with my eyes and head to get the photo out.
He handed it to the cashier, who studied it for a minute, frowning and squinting.
“I remember him. Came in yesterday with a woman. She took him to the bathroom, filled her tank up, and bought some snacks. He was retarded.”
Before I could think, Jagger was leaning across the counter and had the guy by the collar, pulling him forward. “Careful how you speak about my brother,” he spat, fury lacing his words. “He has Down syndrome. Got it?”
The cashier nodded rapidly in silence, eyes widening in fright.
Attempting to appease everyone, I asked, “Was there anything you noticed? Any information other than what you’ve already told us that may help locate him?”
Eyes glued to Jagger, waiting for the raging man to make his next move, the guy stammered, “Uh, n…no. They c…came in and went a…about their business, then…left.”
Jagger released the guy and snatched the photo away, putting it back in his wallet.
“I’m sorry we troubled you. Thank you for your help,” I offered as an apology. Jagger was already on his way to my car, so I followed, leaving the attendant shaking his head.
“What was that for?” I asked. “The man was trying to be helpful.”
“He called my brother a retard, Rose. I’m walking on a very thin line here, okay?”
Sighing, I decided to let it go. Not everyone was politically correct. Jagger would do well to remember that. “She filled up her car. That must have meant a long trip. Do you think we should notify the police?”
“Yes. I do. We need to pass on any information.” He was out of the car again and coming around to my side. He opened my door and held out his hand.
Confused, I looked up and asked, “What?”
“Keys. I’ll drive while you call.”
“You want to drive my car?”
“I can drive, Rose. I may have been absent a while, but I haven’t forgotten how.”
Nobody ever drove my car but me. Could I trust him to take care of her?
“Do you have a problem, Miss McAllister?”
“No. It’s just…are you sure?”
“It’s the only thing I am sure of at the moment, now scoot over.”
Handing him the keys, I agreed begrudgingly. “Fine, but keep her to the speed limit. The last thing I need is a ticket.”
Climbing across the stick shift, I landed in the passenger seat. Jagger crawled into the too small space and put the seat right back to give his large legs room.
“Darn, woman. How can you drive so close to the steering wheel?”
“Not all of us have tree trunks for legs,” I scoffed, thinking about how weird he looked behind the wheel of my car.
Perhaps driving might help keep his mind occupied. I could only hope so.
We took off with a small squeal of tires which afforded me a glare at him. Without taking his eyes off the road, he smirked and eased off the gas some. Letting out a, ‘hmph’ I settled back in my seat and dialed the officer’s number whom we’d spoken to at Mrs. Radcliffe’s house.
Passing on the information to him, I asked, “Have you got any leads so far? Okay, thank you.” Hanging up, Jagger was quick to respond.
“Anything?”
“Not yet. They’re waiting on her bank records to be faxed through so they can determine if she’s drawn any money out since yesterday. They’ll call you as soon as they find out. It will give them a new location.”
“And the moving truck?”
“It’s off the grid. Owner driver. Nothing can be tracked.”
“Jesus Christ! Of course it can’t. Why did I think it would be so easy?” Shifting down a gear as we came to a sharp bend in the road, I almost fell into his lap as we took the corner.
“Can you slow down a bit? I do not want you taking out your anger on my car!” My loud voice got his attention. He shot me a look but hit the brakes.
It was two o’clock in the afternoon and I was beat. All I wanted was a warm shower and a glass of wine.
Jagger’s room had been made up, so there really wasn’t much I had to do when we got home.
I was actually enjoying being driven for a change, I reclined my seat back and relaxed for the rest of the journey, dozing on and off at sporadic intervals.
Not hearing our arrival, I was woken to the feel of large hands easing under me and lifting me out of the car.
Mumbling sleepily, “I can walk, you know,” I didn’t attempt to stand as Jagger chuckled.
“You’ve done enough to help me. It’s my turn.”
Being in his arms with my head on his chest, breathing in his scent was soothing and if I had to admit it, erotic. With each step he took, I felt his muscles bunching under his shirt.
“Which key is it, Rose?�
�
Cracking my eyes open to see the front door, I asked, “Why didn’t you just drive into the garage? Remote was attached to the key chain.”
“While you rest, I’m going to wash your car. It’ll give me something to focus on. If I don’t find an outlet, I’m going to break.”
Oh, okay. “Longest key on the chain.”
With a bit of fiddling and juggling me, the door opened and we were in, Jagger kicking it shut with his foot.
“Which room’s yours, sweetheart?”
He hadn’t called me that since he’d been out of prison. I loved the endearment. “First door down the hall on the left.”
He placed me gently on my bed and then stood up straight again. Taking a step away, he turned, “Can I get you anything?”
Tired, but not wanting to fall back asleep yet, I propped up on both elbows. “There’s a bottle of wine in the fridge. I’d love a glass.”
The time was now after four, so I deemed it wine o’clock.
“Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat with it?”
How sweet was this man? Having him around for a while might be the best thing for me. “Ah, that would be great, but don’t go to much trouble. Just grab something out of the cupboard.” Needing the shower I’d been dreaming of, I added, “Have I got time for a quick shower?”
His nostrils flared and his eyes deepened. His mind was now not on food. Well, not the culinary variety. “Make it quick, Rose.”
With that he turned and walked out, leaving me craving more of the look he’d worn so well.
Yawning, I moved to my closet to get a change of clothes and locked myself in the bathroom.
My reflection in the large mirror screamed at me to put a little more effort into my appearance. Last night had been a sleepless one, anticipating today. It had totally unraveled in the opposite direction. After pounding the pavement in the heat at Prescott, my legs ached and my face had reddened from the sun. If I’d known I’d be subject to sunburn because of our adventure, I would have applied sunscreen before I left this morning.
Too late now. The ripened tomato look would have to do.
Stealing Dallas (Search & Seek Book 2) Page 3