by Karen Kelley
“What’s it to you if I am? We’re divorced.”
His expression turned sad. He glanced at me, then turned his gaze back to the road. “We were good together – in the beginning. We grew apart because you were so busy with your stores. It seemed you were always too tired to make love. Stella fed my ego. She seduced me. I always cared for you more. I still do. I love you, Makenna.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “Really? That’s your story?”
“Why can’t you believe how much I still love you?”
“Because I know she wasn’t your first affair. And because I know it wasn’t your first time with her. You married me for my money. Why can’t you just admit it? I’d think a hell of a lot more of you if you did.”
He gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, until his knuckles turned white. It was the only sign that he was angry. Eric was very good at hiding his true emotions. I still couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen through his act before we got married. He was the most shallow man I’d ever come across.
“I’m sorry for all of my past mistakes.”
“Okay, I forgive you. Actually, none of that even matters to me now. I have no feelings for you one way or the other. Except now I’m really pissed off at you. Sam has never done anything to you, but you hurt her. You come into Nash’s home and force me to leave with you. Why the hell are you even here? No, don’t tell me. Even after the money I gave you, you’re probably broke.”
“I wouldn’t have brought you into this if I hadn’t been desperate. I made some bad investments, and I borrowed money from some people who said they would kill me if I didn’t pay them back.”
“What does any of this have to do with me? I’m not your personal banker anymore.”
His lips compressed into a thin line. “Did you not hear me? They’ll kill me, Makenna. Do you want my death on your conscience?”
“Just because you borrowed money from some bad people doesn’t make me responsible. If they kill you, they kill you. I won’t lose any sleep over it.”
His hand shot out from nowhere, connecting with my cheek. My whole face felt as if it was on fire. “I have a feeling Nash might just kill you for that,” I told him.
“He has to catch me first, sweetheart. I’m not so easy to find, unless I want to be found.”
“You’ve never met Nash. If you had, you wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him. Believe me, he’ll hunt you down until he finds you.”
“And I’ll be waiting. I’m pretty sure he can’t stop a bullet.”
Now he had my attention. I didn’t want to put Nash in harm’s way. If anything happened to him, it would be my fault. I didn’t think I could live with that. “What do you want me to do?”
He laughed, knowing he’d won. “I only need one thing. Transfer ten million into my bank account, then I’ll be out of your hair for good.”
“Oh, is that all? Why didn’t you say that from the beginning, then you wouldn’t have had to go through all this?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really?” His surprise quickly changed once he realized that I was being sarcastic. “Being a smart ass does not become you.”
“According to you, while we were married, I couldn’t do anything right.”
“You did one thing right. You gave me credit cards.” He frowned. “I still couldn’t believe that you put a twenty-five thousand dollar limit on them. I mean, how gauche.”
“Most people live on a lot less.”
“I’m not most people. I have very refined tastes.”
“I have a feeling you’re not going to like orange jumpsuits then.”
He laughed. “You’ve developed a sense of humor. How quaint.”
“You know, I never realized what a scumbag you are.”
“That’s because I’m such a good actor. I had you eating out of my hand.”
“You never talked about any of your family,” I said, trying to understand what made him tick. “You only said you were raised in foster homes. What did they do that warped you so much?”
He laughed outright at that. “I still can’t believe you were so gullible to believe that crap. I wasn’t raised in foster homes. In fact, my family is the typical middle-class family. Boring churchgoing parents, cheerleader sister, and an older brother who excelled in sports. The perfect family. Except I wanted more. When I discovered I had very unique acting abilities, I decided to cash in on my talent. I seduced every one of my sister’s friends, just because I could. It was great practice. Pissed her off royally, though.”
“So in other words, you’re just a horrible person.”
“Pretty much. I learned how to play the system. I’ve never been without money. Stupid women continue to support my life of luxury. Including you, dear heart.”
“You’re getting crow’s feet around your eyes, you know. You’re nearly forty, aren’t you? Your looks won’t last much longer, then what are you going to do?”
By the twitching of his jaw, I’d say I hit a sore spot.
He immediately relaxed and reverted back to the actor that he was. “Maybe I’ll just have you transfer more money into my account.”
I’d stepped into that with both feet. I was still confused about something. “Why did you dynamite our exit from the canyon? I haven’t been able to figure that one out. What good would I have been to you dead?”
His forehead wrinkled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I studied him for a moment. During our divorce I learned to tell when he was lying. I didn’t think he was this time. “I was on a hike with Nash and a group of other hikers. We were in an area with only one way out. During the night, someone set off a stick of dynamite that blocked our exit. We could’ve all died. It wasn’t you?”
“That would’ve pissed me off. I hope they catch the guy. I’d hate for something to happen to you in case I need more money.”
“What makes you even think I’m going to give you ten million dollars?”
“Because I’ll kill you if you don’t,” he casually stated.
His gaze met mine. I knew I was seeing another side of Eric. This one scared the hell out of me, because I knew he was serious. He would actually kill me if I didn’t have the money transferred to his account.
Now I had something else to worry about. What would he do after I transferred the money? He wouldn’t need me then.
Chapter 26
Nash
Sam moaned as I helped her to a sitting position. Thank God she wasn’t dead. She blinked a couple of times as she brought me into focus. “I’ll kill the son of a bitch.”
“Who, Sam?”
A sudden look of fear entered her eyes. “Where’s Mac?” Her gaze shot around the room.
“She didn’t answer when I called out to her.”
“If he hurts her, I’ll kill him.”
Fear, mixed with anger, weaved its way through me. I had a feeling I already knew who’d taken Makenna. I just needed Sam to confirm it. “Who hit you and then took Makenna?”
“Eric. Her ex-husband. I knew he was a bastard. I just didn’t know how much until today. He’s probably broke and needs more money.”
“Then he’ll need her to make a transfer. Can you call her aunt for me? I need to talk to her. Do you think you’re okay enough to do that? You have some blood in your hair.”
She reached up and tenderly felt her head, wincing. “I must’ve hit my head when I fell, but I’m okay.”
“You have a bruise on your jaw, too.”
She worked her jaw. “I’ll live. I’m not so sure about Mac. Eric is capable of anything. Including murder if he’s backed into a corner. I have a feeling that he is, or he wouldn’t have kidnapped her.”
“He won’t kill her. I’ll get to him before that can happen.”
As she pulled her phone out of her pocket, she looked at me. “I’d hate to be in his shoes when you do.” She punched in the phone number of Makenna’s aunt. “This is a direct line, so I don’t have to go through any of the underlin
gs.”
She held up one finger to let me know Aunt Carol was on the other end.
“There’s been a development. I’m going to put Nash Hayes on the phone. He’s very close to Mac. He’ll explain everything.”
I took the phone from her and introduced myself again. “Eric knocked Sam out, then kidnapped Makenna. Sam thinks he needs more money. I do, too. If she tries to transfer some money, it’ll probably be a large amount. We need to tie it up in transition for as long as we can. At least until we can find her. I don’t know what he’ll do to her once he has the money. We’ll start searching on my end. See what you can find on yours.”
I immediately liked Makenna’s aunt. She was no-nonsense right from the start. She told me any resources I might need were at my disposal. All I had to do was let her know. I told her not to worry that I would find her, then hung up the phone and gave it back to Sam.
I reached into my pocket and brought out my phone, punching in my brother’s number. Jaxson immediately answered. I quickly explained the situation.
“I’ll pick up Layne and Ryder,” Jaxson said. “It’ll only take me about an hour to have my plane fueled, and then we’ll be on our way up. Meet us at the airport.”
I knew my brothers would come through without question. “Thanks, bro.”
I turned to Sam. “Do you have a picture of Eric?”
She began scrolling through her phone until she came across one. “I’ll send it to you.”
I gave her my number. As soon as his picture downloaded, I looked at the man who Makenna had been married to. I knew in an instant he was a pretty boy. He looked good on the outside, but there was no substance to him. When I got through with him, he wouldn’t be a pretty boy anymore, and if he hurt Makenna, I’d kill him.
When I started toward the front door, Sam stopped me.
“I’m going with you,” she said with a determined look.
“The only place you’re going is to the ER.”
She shook her head. “Not going to happen. I hate hospitals. Besides, I feel better now.”
“Let me get someone to come over and sit with you.”
She raised one eyebrow. “I don’t need a babysitter. I promise.”
“It might be hours, even days, before we find her.” My gaze swept over her. Her face was bruised where Eric had hit her, and I knew her head would probably start pounding. “You’re in no shape to look for her. I figure about now, your head’s starting to pound. You’ll find Tylenol in my bathroom cabinet. Take two and go lie down. Keep your phone close to you, and I swear I’ll let you know if anything develops. If you start to feel worse, call me.”
“I will.” She bit her bottom lip. “Promise me you’ll call if you find out anything at all?”
I walked over to her and gave her a hug. “I promise. Now go upstairs and lie down.”
I strode out of the house to my pickup, driving straight to the sheriff’s office. I had a feeling he was going to get tired of seeing me. Once inside, I apprised him of the situation. I also told him my brothers would be flying in to help search, and what was going on with Makenna’s Aunt.
“I don’t have the manpower this case needs,” the sheriff said. “I’m calling the FBI in on this one.”
I gave him Eric’s background, all that I knew, and sent Eric’s picture to the sheriff’s phone. I glanced at my watch. Jaxson would be arriving at any time. I excused myself and left for the airport.
The plane hadn’t landed by the time I arrived. The sheriff had told me we should wait to start the search until the FBI to get there. I wasn’t about to wait. Every second Eric held Makenna could be crucial. I didn’t know how long the bank would be able to stall the transfer. We had to find her before he realized what was going on and did something foolish.
My gut clenched at the thought of what he might do.
I walked inside the terminal, staring out the plate glass windows. Makenna was tough. She wouldn’t let him hurt her. In fact, she would probably escape. I smiled as I remembered how she challenged me every step of the way. From eating my hot salsa, to climbing that damned mountain. No, she wouldn’t give up without one hell of a fight.
It took a moment for me to realize my brother’s plane had landed. This was his new baby. I was glad he traded in his small two-seater for the bigger jet. I watched as the plane circled around, then came to a stop, before he shut off the engine. It was another moment before the door opened, and a staircase was moved over so they could exit.
I met them at the door.
“Any word yet?” Jaxson asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing yet.” I looked at Ryder and Layne. “Thanks for coming.”
“We could do nothing less,” Ryder said.
Layne nodded in agreement.
I quickly gave them a rundown of everything I knew, then showed them Eric’s picture.
Ryder’s expression was sour. “What a pussy.”
“But a dangerous one,” I told my brother. “He wouldn’t have kidnapped her unless he was desperate for cash. Makenna is not like other women. She’ll hate that he’s taken her against her will. I’m afraid she’ll fight back. I don’t know what he’ll do if she does.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll find her.” Layne grinned. “When we’re altogether, we can do anything.”
I only hoped he was right. I figured by now, Makenna was madder than hell. I was scared of what she might do.
Chapter 27
Makenna
I had hoped Eric was stupid enough to rent a hotel room. I was wrong. He’d rented a hunting cabin. I stood at the door, looking inside the dilapidated one room cabin. “You must really be broke if you had to rent this dump. It’s definitely low class,” I told him, then wrinkled my nose. “And it smells bad.”
“It’s only temporary,” he growled, putting a hand on my back and pushing me the rest of the way inside.
I stumbled as I crossed the threshold, but quickly righted myself.
“The cell service is good. That’s all I had to worry about,” he said.
“What are you going to do with me when you get your money?” I asked, glaring at him. I might as well get everything out in the open.
His smile didn’t meet his eyes. “What? Did you think I might kill you?” He shrugged. “I thought about it, but that would still leave Sam. I probably should’ve slit her throat, but I was surprised that she was even there. I hadn’t expected that.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “It won’t matter anyway. By the time anyone finds you, I’ll have a new identity and be long gone.” He was thoughtful for a moment. “Of course, I do owe you for divorcing me and only giving me a measly two million.”
“I believe it was three million,” I corrected him.
“I had to sell the house in a hurry. I needed the cash. I only got a million for it.”
“You never were any good at business. How long do you think the money will last this time?”
He smiled. “But then, I’ll know where to find you if I run out. Now, shut up. I’m tired of listening to you. It was the same when we were married.” He glanced at his watch. “The bank is closed. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to make the transaction.” His eyes glittered dangerously. “What shall we do to fill the time?”
He better not lay a hand on me. He’d have a fight if he did. “I need to go to the bathroom, and I’m hungry.”
He waved his hand toward a closed door. “Over there. Don’t try anything funny. We’re too far from town for you to escape, and it’s starting to get dark. I’d really hate it if a bear ate you and ruined my plans.” He chuckled at his words.
I held my arms out toward him. “Can you at least remove my cuffs so I can go to the bathroom?”
He stared blankly. “Not on your life. I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you.” His gaze roamed over me. “But if you’d like, I can unfasten your shorts for you.”
The last thing I wanted was his hands touching me. “Never mind. I’ll manage.” His laughter followed me into the b
athroom. I noticed there was no lock on the door as soon as I closed it. My nose wrinkled in distaste. This was definitely a man’s hunting cabin. At least the toilet looked clean, even though it was stained.
I quickly made use of the facilities, then re-fastened my shorts. There was a medicine cabinet with a cracked mirror. I glanced at my reflection and saw the start of a bruise on the side of my face where Eric had hit me. I owed him for that. Payback would be hell.
I opened the medicine cabinet not expecting to find anything, so I was surprised to see a pair of tweezers. They might come in handy. I slipped them in my pocket. I didn’t see anything else that I could use, so I flushed the toilet, then washed my hands. There was a dusty roll of paper towels near the sink. I unrolled the first two sheets and discarded them, then dried my hands with the next one. I wished I could stay here and not have to face Eric again, but I knew he wouldn’t let that happen. I held my chin high as I walked out of the bathroom.
He was on the phone. Curiosity got the better of me, so I leaned against the bathroom door jamb and listened.
“I miss you too, Marian,” he said.
I wondered who he was lying to now.
“You know I have business to attend to. If I can pull off this merger, then I’ll have more time to spend with you.”
Silence. Then...
“Yes, darling, I love you, too. No, I’m afraid my business may be going under, but that has nothing to do with us. I refuse to have you support me.” He glanced over his shoulder and saw me standing there, unabashedly listening. “Listen, I’ve got to run, but I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you so much, darling.” He ended his conversation.
“Was that your next meal ticket?” I asked.
“She’s not as wealthy as you, but she’ll do for a while.”
“Until you drain her dry, you mean.”
He nodded. “Pretty much. But it’s her own fault. She’s getting close to sixty. She should know the only reason I’m with her is because of her money. No, she thinks it’s because of her looks, which are rapidly deteriorating, no matter how many facelifts or nips or tucks she has. If I fleece her, it’s her own damn fault.”
