White Wedding

by Stacy Claflin

  “Sure. I—” Alex’s phone rang. “Let me get this first. It’s probably Wu. He said he found something at the mansion he wanted to discuss.”

  Anderson nodded. “I’ll be at my desk. Tell me what he says.”

  “Will do.” Alex grabbed his phone, and was surprised to see his daughter’s name on the screen. Shouldn’t she be at her study group? He accepted the call. “Ari, is everything okay?”

  She sounded out of breath, and spoke too quickly to understand.

  “Slow down,” Alex said. “I didn’t catch more than two words.”

  Ariana took a deep breath. “Dad, Damon’s missing!”

  “Missing? What do you mean?”

  “He’s gone! I can’t get ahold of him!”

  “There has to be a logical explanation. Let’s figure out—”

  “Dad!” Ariana’s voice had never been so shrill. “I know what I’m talking about!”

  “I don’t doubt that.” He kept his tone as light as possible. “I’m just saying there is probably a good explanation. We need to find it.”

  “He hasn’t replied to any of my texts since this morning.”

  “How often do you two text during school?” Alex asked.

  “Dad. That’s not important! Focus.”

  Alex leaned back in his chair and turned from Anderson, who was waving at him to come over. “Is it unusual for him not to return your texts?”

  “Yes. But he had a science test today, so I wasn’t too surprised. He was probably busy studying.”

  “Okay, so that explains—”

  “Nothing!” Ari interrupted. “His test was right after lunch. There’s no reason for him not to show up for the study group. He always gets there before me. Always.”

  “Okay. Have you called his foster parents?”

  “No.”

  “Call them. Maybe they know something you don’t. He could’ve gone home sick—or any number of other logical reasons why he didn’t make it.”

  “Without even texting me?” Ari’s voice was shrill again.

  “You call them. I’ll try his cell phone.”

  “He won’t answer.”

  “Just let me try.” Alex glanced over at Anderson, who waved him over again. “Let me know what they say.”

  “Fine.”

  “I’m sure everything is okay. Don’t jump to the worst possible conclusion until there’s reason to.”

  She harrumphed. “People go missing all the time around here. Like you say, it’s the Bermuda Triangle for kidnappings.”

  “That all has to do with Cal and his kidnapping ring. Why would he have his own son taken?”

  “Because he hates him?”

  “Watch your tone,” Alex said. “I know you’re stressed, but I’m trying to help. I don’t want to see anything bad happen to Damon, either.”

  “Fine. I’ll call Laura.” The call ended.

  Alex shook his head and took a deep breath before closing the laptop and heading over to Anderson’s desk.

  “Everything okay?”

  “My daughter can’t reach her boyfriend, and now she thinks he’s missing.”

  Anderson rose from his chair. “Can’t really blame her for thinking that around here.”

  “No, but it’s still a leap. She hasn’t even spoken with his foster parents.”

  “We can swing by the high school on the way, if you want.”

  “Maybe.” Alex shrugged. “Where did you say we’re going?”

  “Not sure I did. But it’s the country club. Apparently, the son was secretly seeing the owner’s daughter.”

  “That’s the first I’ve heard about that.”

  “New tip.” Anderson raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not sure how much stock I put into it, but at least we can check it off the list. It’ll keep Crawford off our backs.”

  Alex’s stomach knotted. Anderson never said a bad thing about anyone, so the chief must really be in a horrible mood. With any luck, they could avoid him before clocking out.

  Just as Anderson was pulling out of the parking spot, Alex’s phone rang.

  “Wu or your daughter?” Anderson asked.

  Alex reached for his phone and checked the screen. “It’s Ari.” He accepted the call. “Did you find Damon?”

  “No!” She sounded even more desperate than before. “Laura called the school, and they said he didn’t show up to any of his classes!”

  “What?” Alex exclaimed. That made no sense. Damon was as studious as Ariana—both were dedicated to straight A’s.

  “He didn’t show up to any of his classes! There was a computer glitch, so none of the parents were called about absences today.”

  Alex’s stomach dropped. There was no more denying that something was wrong. “So, he disappeared on the way to school? Do you know if he would’ve stopped anywhere?”

  “He said he was getting coffee.”

  “What time?” Alex demanded. “Where?”

  “I don’t know where. I didn’t ask. But I can look at my texts to find out what time.”

  “Good.” Alex’s mind raced. “Send me a screenshot. I’ll put out a BOLO on his car. See if we can get a location for his phone. We’ll find him.”

  “Hurry!”

  The pain in his daughter’s voice broke his heart. He turned to Anderson. “Change of plans.”

  Chapter 3

  Alex paced outside of Nick’s office, waiting for Crawford to wave him in. He was on the phone and didn’t appear to be eager to get off any time soon. Alex checked his phone, but there were no updates.

  Nobody had seen Damon all day since he left the house. He’d already been to the high school and chewed out one of the secretaries for allowing the oversight on the computer glitch. The schools in town were all supposed to follow strict protocols regarding truancy due to the ridiculous amount of missing kids in the area.

  It was actually surprising families weren’t fleeing in droves. But given all the local perpetrators had been caught, it was too easy to feel safe. The truth was, they’d never truly be safe as long as the kidnapping ring was still functioning.

  And Alex wouldn’t give up until it ceased to exist, whether he was on the case or not. It was too close to home. Too many people he cared about had wound up missing. It seemed like a wild tale until the worldwide group came onto the radar.

  Now it all made sense. Everything except why their town. Sure, it was where Cal lived, but Alex couldn't believe that was the only reason.

  Crawford laughed on the other side of the door, the sound bringing Alex back to the present. He didn’t have to wait for the chief.

  Damon didn’t have the time. If something had happened to him before school started, precious hours had already been wasted. The first twenty-four were critical. They were already down more than seven at this point.

  Alex glanced around the precinct, trying to decide what to do next. Then he knew exactly who he needed to speak with.

  Agent Kutcher was working on a case from the precinct, staying in touch with her colleagues across the country as they followed other leads on the dark web in hopes of infiltrating the ring and taking it down.

  After a final glance back at Crawford, who was still on the phone and clearly in no hurry to speak with him, Alex headed for the conference rooms. Knocked on the first closed door, then the next.

  “Come in,” came a tired-sounding feminine voice.

  He pushed open the door then took in the sight.

  Kutcher had papers spread out over the long tables and tacked to the walls, but her gaze was glued to her laptop screen. After a moment, she pulled away, tucked a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear, then adjusted her bun and glasses. “Can I help you, Officer Mercer?”

  He stepped inside. “Did you hear about Jones’s son?”

  “Damon?” Her brows drew together. “What about him?”

  “He’s missing.”

  She stood taller, not that it did much. The agent couldn’t be more than five feet
tall in heels. “When did this happen? Where?”

  At least Alex had someone’s attention. “This morning. Never showed up to school. Secretary didn’t call his foster parents, so we just found out.”

  Her expression tensed. “Why weren’t they notified?”

  “Some sort of computer glitch. I already chewed them out over that. What’s our next step? The ring has to be involved, don’t you think?”

  She pulled a pencil from behind her ear and chewed on the eraser. “He isn’t one to take off?”

  Alex shook his head. “The kid is serious about his grades and attendance.”

  “This isn’t good. We need to speak with Cal immediately.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Alex said quickly. No need for her to ask anyone else when he was clearly the person for the job.

  She studied him. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea?”

  “Why not? I already have a rapport with him.” It wasn’t a positive one, but it was a rapport.

  “You think he’ll open up to you?”

  Alex straightened his back. “You don’t think he will?”

  “I was just thinking some fresh faces might do the case some good.”

  He scowled. “I know his buttons! He’ll be talking before you know it.”

  “Cal also knows yours. That’s how this works.”

  Alex clenched his fists. “The roles are reversed now. It’s his kid missing.”

  Kutcher tilted her head. “And you believe he’ll care?”

  “It’s his son!”

  “You forget I’m as familiar with the case as you are, Officer.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Alex muttered.

  “What does that mean?” She spread her palms around the mess of papers around the room. “Have I missed something?”

  His stomach tightened. “He went after my family, Agent. It was deeply personal. And now my daughter—who’s worried out of her mind, might I add—is dating his son.”

  She nodded slowly. “I see.”

  “You think I’m too involved.”

  “I don’t know that anyone can be too involved with a case, but it’s too personal for you. I’ll tell you what.”

  He crossed his arms. “What’s that?”

  “Why don’t you tell me who you think would be a good choice for me to bring to the prison to question Cal?” She glanced at the time. “From night shift.”

  “You can’t go wrong with Fischer or Sanchez, but you’d be better off with me.”

  “Noted. I’ll speak with them.”

  “If you know you’d be better off with me, why not take me?”

  Kutcher replaced the pencil behind her ear and leaned over the table. “Your shift is almost over, Officer Mercer. Go home to your family and comfort your daughter. Find out what she knows. That’s where you need to be—both for them and for the case.”

  He drew in a deep breath, tempted to argue his point, but nodded instead. Best to stay on her good side. Otherwise, he could be in the dark about the whole thing. “I’d appreciate you letting me know how the meeting goes.”

  “I’ll be more than happy to. Fischer or Sanchez can also do that, if you see them first.”

  “Thank you.” Alex spun around and closed the door, his chest tightening. He should be the one to speak with Cal, especially in these critical hours. But all she’d have to do was mention to Crawford that Alex was getting annoying, and he wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the case.

  He’d have to find a way to show the agent he was a valuable asset—one she needed.

  But she was probably right about one thing. He really should get home and see how Ariana was holding up, as much as he wanted to demand answers from Cal. Though, if he was being honest with himself, he hadn’t gotten far with the criminal during his most recent visits.

  Alex headed for his desk and checked the time. His shift was almost over, and his stomach was starting to rumble. The tightness in his chest also wasn’t going away. It was making it difficult to take full breaths.

  Just as he was about done clearing his desk for the day, the chief poked his head out of Nick’s office. “Mercer!”

  Alex held back a groan as he made his way over. “Yes, sir?”

  Crawford waved him in and closed the door behind them.

  Alex took the seat he always did on the other side of the massive desk. He liked it a lot better with Nick on the other side.

  The chief made himself comfortable before sizing Alex up. “You wanted to speak with me?”

  “Yes. Damon Jones is missing.”

  “Who’s that?”

  Alex missed his best friend more by the moment. “Cal’s kid.”

  “Our guy from the kidnapping ring?” Crawford looked certifiably confused.

  “Yes. It’s been at least eight hours at this point and—”

  “Why are you concerning yourself with that case? We have a fed here working on that.”

  “I’ve updated her. But I’ve built a rapport with Cal. I can get answers out of him.”

  Crawford played with his mustache and didn’t respond right away. “You’re on the double homicide case. It’s up to you to find that missing kid.”

  “And that’s what I’ve been working on, but—”

  “Good. Stay focused on that. Let that agent deal with the kidnapping ring. That’s her job.”

  “But I—”

  “We’re done here. Go home, Mercer. Get some rest and come back fresh and ready to close your case.” He opened a file and flipped through the pages.

  Alex’s blood pressure rose. He bit back what he wanted to say and left the office, closing the door harder than usual.

  Crawford didn’t even look up.

  It made Alex want to punch something. Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea. He whipped out his phone and sent his wife a quick text.

  Alex: How’s Ari? Is it OK if I hit the gym before coming home?

  Dots danced on the screen before her message appeared.

  Zoey: She’s upset. I convinced her to do her homework.

  Alex: I’ll talk w/ her at home. Do I have time 4 the gym?

  Zoey: Sure. Cu soon. Love u.

  Alex: U2. Thx.

  He went to his locker for his workout gear. Hopefully after taking out his frustrations on a punching bag, he’d be in a better state of mind to comfort his daughter.

  Chapter 4

  Ariana read over Damon’s last texts for what had to be the five-thousandth time. She kept staring at the screen, trying to will a new message. But it was useless.

  He was missing.

  She threw her phone across her bedroom. It hit the door before landing on the carpet. What was wrong with this town? Was it cursed? Or were all the abductions because of that kidnapping ring? If that were the case—why not go somewhere else? It wasn’t like there were many people left who hadn’t been taken against their will.

  It was no wonder she almost never saw her Aunt Macy anymore. She was probably busy counseling people all day, every day. There was no shortage of traumatized people within the city limits.

  Anger racing through her, she got up and stormed over to the other side of the room to pick up the phone and check for new messages.

  Nothing.

  She chucked the device onto her bed. “Where are you, Damon? What happened?”

  What if his dad was so mad about him dating Ari that he was behind this? Would he hurt Damon because of this? Cal was in jail, but he was connected to the worldwide ring of dangerous criminals who enjoyed taking kids. One word from him, and he probably had a whole crew of lowlifes ready to jump into action.

  Cal had nearly ripped Ari’s family apart not long ago. He had gotten to her mom and had used Damon to try and turn Ari against her dad—and it had nearly worked. But it had also backfired because Damon and Ari had fallen in love.

  But what if that was the reason Damon was gone now? Making him and Ariana pay for not doing exactly what he wanted?

  Guilt stung. Anger chu
rned. Fear squeezed. She wanted to scream, but that would only send all four of her parents running to see what was wrong. And that was the last thing she needed—what she did need was to find her boyfriend. He was out there somewhere. Probably not far. Maybe even at Cal’s house.

  Ari shuddered just thinking of the place. When Damon had brought her over, his dad had showed up and nearly beat the life out of him. If a free man treated his son so badly, what would a frustrated, bitter, imprisoned man tell his friends to do in his stead?

  The bloody image in her head sent a cold terror ripping through her body. Cal might demand permanent damage, or maybe even death.

  Tears threatened, and rage ripped through her.

  She had to be able to do something. But what? She didn’t even have a car. It would take her hours to walk to Damon’s house and see if he was there. But then what? Even if he was being held, he would also be under guard. By armed criminals.

  Ari climbed onto her bed, grabbed her pillow, then screamed into it. Shouted until her throat hurt and her body shook. Sat up, punched the thing. Tears finally fell, blurring her vision. Her fists kept pounding away at the fabric until she heard a rip, but she kept going. Fluffy cotton flew through the air.

  Knock, knock!

  “Go away!”

  “It’s Dad.”

  “I said, go away!” She continued pummeling the pillow.

  The door opened. “What are you doing?”

  “Destroying this pillow!”

  Dad put his arms around her. “Sweetheart, stop.”

  She turned and glared at him. “I hate this town! Why do we live here? Who’s next? The twins? Mimi and Papi? The kidnappings are never going to end!”

  He wrapped her in an embrace, warm and protective yet strong enough to keep her from tearing apart her bedding. “We’re going to find him.”

  “Alive?”

  “Yes.”

  She pulled away from his hold and glared at him. “How can you say that? You don’t know!”

  Dad held her gaze. “I’m going to do everything in my power.”

  Ari struggled to breathe. “Those people are dangerous! They’re killers! How do we know they haven’t already—”

  “Do you think Cal would really let them go that far?”