by Rimmy London
Abby followed his gaze to see a brown station wagon parked outside. The same one she'd seen at the car lot, plates and all. It idled in the cool air, sending a trail of smoke out behind it. Her face ran cold.
They arrived at the counter, and Kyle began talking, exchanging information, and asking questions. It was the most distracted he'd been, and Abby knew it was likely her only chance of getting away. She lowered her eyes, hiding it when she glanced about the room in search of an ally. There had to be someone who would listen to her.
A gray-haired gentleman with soulful dark eyes caught her attention. He sat alone in a row of chairs and seemed to be taking an interest in her. She wondered if he noticed the way Kyle still gripped her wrist. She risked lifting her eyes to meet his and pleaded with all the desperation she could manage, her lips mouthing the words help me.
"She what?" Chase couldn't believe what he was hearing. His heart hammered in his chest, and he pulled out of the parking space even before his mother had a chance to answer. "I'm heading home right now, when did she leave? Where was she going?"
"Chase, honey, calm down." His mother's voice was grounding. But then, she had no idea everything that had happened in just the past week. "I'm sure she'll be back in no time, perhaps she didn't want you to overreact, which… you sound like you are."
"I'm not." He glanced in his blindspot and gunned the engine, shooting onto the freeway. "I just need to know everything she told you—every detail. She could be in danger, Mom."
"Are you serious right now?" The sound muffled like she was holding her hand over the phone. "Saul! Come in here, please. Now Chase"—she'd uncovered the phone, and he noticed a slight tremor in her voice—"I want you to tell me what's going on. Is everything okay? Do you want us to bring Ava?"
"I'm not sure, but I know that originally she had plans to meet with a new business partner today. I didn't think that was going to happen because she'd been having a hard time the past couple… " He let out a breath, not sure of how much Abby would want him to say. "Well, the past couple of weeks, actually. Since Ava's birthday party."
There was silence on the phone. Chase waited through it, knowing his parents’ thoughtfulness. It was part of why he'd gotten into psychology, their ability to consider the feelings and reactions of others.
"I remember wondering if something was wrong," His mother's voice was soft and softer still as she continued, "Does this have anything to do with what I said about the inn? I've wanted to apologize ever since, Chase. I know it's your decision."
"No, Mom, it's not that. We've been considering the same things. It was about a gift Ava received that day from a stranger. Well, not a stranger, someone Abby knew a long time ago."
"The gift at the end?" Her voice rose. "The horse? I thought that was from the caterer. It seemed strange to me that he would leave a gift, but I assumed maybe he made a point of joining in the celebrations he catered in that way—"
"You saw him leave it on the table?" Chase was getting closer. He noticed his speed was approaching ninety and eased up on the gas pedal.
"I guess I never saw him do that, but he was holding it earlier in the day. I'm pretty sure."
Chase sped down the exit. "When's the last time you spoke to Abby?"
"Oh, she called this morning to see we made it home all right. She seemed so cheerful."
"Can you try to contact her again? I'm home now." Chase slowed on the gravel drive, still skidding when he came to a stop. "I'll look around and call you back, okay?"
He raced into the house with fear gripping his insides, an icy hand, clenched and unrelenting. "Abby?" He knew she wasn't home, but it felt like she should answer.
A melody chimed in the kitchen, and he turned slowly, consumed by dread as he pinpointed the sound and lifted Abby's phone from under a hand towel. He pressed a button and held it to his ear. "Mom." His voice was rough, forced out through an ever-tightening throat. "She left her phone at home."
The old man stood immediately, taking a quick step forward, and then another. His eyes were trained on her. Abby measured the space between them, willing him to move faster. Kyle exchanged some papers with the stewardess and tightened his grip on Abby's hand. It made her wince, but she hardly noticed. Because one good thing had finally happened. They turned toward the old man and began walking, closing the space. She took a risk and mouthed the words again, pleading with him to help her. She was sure he understood. When his aged eyes lifted to Kyle, she felt a surge of gratitude for the bravery of this stranger.
"It seems you have a resistant hostage." The man's words were cold, dousing her hope in frigid reality. "Did you get everything you need?"
Kyle smiled at Abby. "Were you hoping for this old-timer to help you? Sorry, he's got more dirt on his hands than I do… for now." He allowed the last comment to sit, watching Abby with increasing pleasure as she squirmed in his grip.
"Let me go," she spat the words out, her anger finally surfacing through the pain.
"Nothing on this earth could convince me to release you, Abigail." The smile vanished on his lips. "You have been my only thought for most of my life."
His eyes narrowed with more hostility and hatred than she'd ever seen before. A chill shuddered through her.
"Now that I have the chance to take you back, I'll do it. You used to love me, and you will again, I do not doubt that. I'm just making up for lost time, is all. All that time when you should have been there for me, but you swept me from your life instead."
"We were so young, Kyle." His name slithered from her lips, as much as she hated uttering it, and she could see him stop at the sound of it. If nothing she said would change his mind, at least she could keep him talking. She could keep them there, in public. Maybe by some miracle, Chase would realize what was going on. Maybe he was already on his way. But the tiny spark of hope vanished almost before it had lit. Chase was at work for at least another three hours. By the time he noticed she wasn't home, she'd be across the border with Kyle, where law and order were much harder to come by. In Siempre.
"I had a lot to deal with, you know that." She hoped his knowledge of her miserable childhood would induce at least a little sympathy. "Our connection was something that saved me, but I had to go my own way."
His face softened for just a moment, a passing expression that she wished would stay, but it continued like a shadow in the night, leaving only darkness behind. "And what thanks did I get?" he growled. "Rescuing a gutter rat like you. You used to adore me, I could read it in your eyes, but now?"
His gaze was deeper than before as he leaned in closer and searched her face. She tried to lock out the fear, but it trickled in, an icy panic that left her weak.
He jerked her back, gripping her wrist so tightly she gasped.
"There's nothing now. You're ruined." He turned to the older man, who had watched everything without so much as a hiccup in his composure, as if compassion wasn't something he could feel. She wondered just what kind of life could lead to an effect like that. Her lip shook. It was the first time she'd allowed her emotions to surface, and she forced them away again quickly, but they'd both caught the slip. Kyle watched with interest, as if eager to see more, while the old man remained as he had been. Unmoving and unmoved.
"But maybe your little girl isn't as damaged? Ava, was it?" Kyle's lip twitched up on one end.
Abby's eyes burned, searing through him as if daring him to try. If only looks could kill.
"You said she was with the grandparents?" He was turned to the old man, who nodded. "Let's send someone to fetch her."
"If you even try—"
"Let's go." Kyle's words were like a military command, cutting off Abby's rebuke and transitioning them from one phase of the operation to the next. Abby craned her neck, looking out at the world behind them as they approached the door. Outside meant death, she could feel it. Someone had to be watching; someone had to notice. Couldn't they sense her fear, see her inner terror?
A little girl looked her w
ay, and with wide eyes, she pulled on her mother's shirt. "Mama," she heard her say. But Abby's mind shook with an image of the little girl's beautiful young eyes unblinking and lifeless. She jerked her body forward, following the two men beside her.
"Smart move," Kyle said. His monotone voice was like gasoline to the grass fire that was her fear. "She doesn't deserve to die."
Chase pressed his hand to his forehead. Too many scenarios, too much speculation. He had to concentrate on what he knew. If Abby had gone to meet with Daylen, he'd just call them at Daylen's number and check-in. That wouldn't seem too out of place. Abby wouldn't feel belittled, and Daylen would understand.
"Chase?"
His mind returned to the present, where his parents waited on the phone. The idea of having Ava and Abby and himself each so far apart was disconcerting. He made a quick decision and went with it. "Could you guys come out to the inn? I'm sure we'll have this figured out in no time. I would just feel more comfortable if Ava was here with me."
"Of course, son. We'll drive her out in an hour or so, we're just sitting down to lunch."
"Thanks, Mom. See you soon."
Chase ended the call and picked up Abby's phone again, unlocking it and scrolling through photos. There were only a few taken in the last couple weeks, and then there was the birthday party. Pictures of guests, the tables, balloons, and a countless number of Ava. His heart swelled as he flicked through them, stopping as he found what he was hoping for.
A picture of the catering truck. He enlarged the image, zoomed in on the phone number, and typed it into his phone. His eyes caught something on the dash of the truck, and he squinted, zooming in even more. There on the dash was a small box with a big bow.
He pushed call.
"Why did you leave that gift for my daughter?" Chase disbanded with the pleasantries, and there was a pause after his question.
"I'm sorry, what are you referring to?" Devòn sounded as elegant on the phone as at his parties.
"My daughter, Ava, you catered her second birthday. There was a small gift, it was in your truck. Where did you get it?" Chase knew he wasn't making any sense, but he was wrapped in an increasing sense of urgency.
"Ah, yes. I remember, my apologies." There was a sound of dishes clattering. "The grandfather left the gift with me. He said he couldn't stay. I was busy setting up, and so there was no time to leave it on the table until guests had already arrived."
"What did the grandfather look like?"
The pause was to be expected after such an unusual question, but Chase began tapping his fingers impatiently.
"Well, let me see. He was wearing a blue-patterned shirt, long sleeves. His hair was gray, he had a short beard. Blue eyes. Does this sound right? I'm sorry, that's all I remember."
Chase didn't know what to say. He was describing the picture of Abby's father, aside from the hair color.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Roberts?"
"Yes, I'm afraid there is." Chase felt a sickness swelling in the pit of his stomach. If Abby's mind was clear when she spoke about seeing her father, what did that mean about Daylen? "It's very important that I speak to him. Did he leave any information at all? An address, phone number, anything?"
There was more movement in the background, and the sound of a faucet running. "Let me see if I remember. He did mention he was staying in town temporarily. It was a hotel in the area. I imagine that should be easy to find. Are there many hotels near you? Perhaps start there. I apologize for not speaking to you about it. If I'd known you needed to contact him…"
His apology faded away, perhaps by the many questions implied there. Why didn't they have their own father's phone number or address? Why did he leave without speaking to them? Chase could understand the confusion and ensuing lack of trust.
"I might have made a note in my calendar. I usually document every interaction on the job. You'd be surprised how useful it can be. I'll get back to you if I find anything." His sense of urgency was very astute.
"Thank you so much, Devòn."
Chase began an internet search with Abby's phone of local hotels while pressing call on his phone, selecting Daylen's number. Two hotels popped up within 40 miles.
"You've reached Daylen with Shoreside Spa, incorporated. Please leave a message as I will be unavailable for the next few days. If you need assistance, might we suggest searching for other available companies as we've recently maxed out our capacity? Thank you."
Chase's throat went dry. He'd never heard of a company message like that one. He was still holding the phone to his ear when it beeped. "Yes, this is Chase Roberts. I'd like to speak to Daylen if you could give me a call back. Thank you." He hung up, the sickness intensifying. Something was horribly wrong—he needed to find Abby's father.
Chapter 15
Abby felt increasingly desperate. They were heading to the station wagon that transported her back to memories of hunger and fear and uncertainty. Even worse, every step was one movement closer to them possibly getting their hands on Ava.
She wouldn't allow it. A few feet from the vehicle she spotted a driver in the front seat, waiting to take them to the jet that would have her vanishing into Kyle's twisted world. She leaned back, planting her feet suddenly. Jerking her arm, she tried to twist it out of Kyle's grasp, but he’d been ready. He nearly crushed her wrist, clutching the back of her neck with his other hand and forcing her head back.
"If I have to take you lifeless, I will." His threat gusted in her ear, his hot breath on her skin. "Now get in the car."
She refused to move, backstepping even as her feet skidded on the asphalt. A car door closed, and she imagined the driver was coming to assist. She struggled with every ounce of strength. The old man inched forward as if ready to attack her, just waiting for an opening.
"Get in, now!" Kyle's voice rose, and he twisted her wrist, forcing her forward. She slipped her head away from his grasp and lunged for him with her free hand, scratching his face before he jumped back. Anger exploded on his face.
The driver grabbed her other arm and pulled, jerking her from Kyle's grip. "Enough!" He shot forward, sinking his fist into Kyle's face. The old man came at him from behind, and the driver threw his elbow back, knocking him to the ground in one solid thump. And then Abby got a close look at the driver. She knew his face, even when he wasn't looking at her.
He wore a blue plaid shirt.
Kyle snarled and swung hard, landing a punch on one side of her father's face. It knocked him back a few steps, and he shook his head. Then he went at Kyle again, locking his arm behind his back and punching him in the gut. Kyle grunted and fell to his knees. Her father slammed another fist into the back of his head, watching him fall forward on the concrete. He glanced back to the old man, who still laid unmoving.
It seemed too long that he stood there, observing the disarmed men on the ground, Kyle still groaning. When his eyes lifted, they did so slowly. He flinched when he met Abby's gaze, pain surfacing on his face for the first time.
Abby couldn't look away. Her mind swam in confusion, but there was also euphoric relief. It coursed through her until her eyes were wet, her gratitude lodged somewhere in her throat. A siren and flashing lights approached. Two police cars pulled up and policemen piled out, yelling questions and orders together.
"Where were you guys?" her father shouted, anger boiling through the words. "What took so long?"
"Are you hurt?" It was a moment before Abby realized the policeman’s question was directed at her. She shook her head, feeling a tear escape on one side. It trailed down her cheek slowly.
"We have someone with Ava, they're escorting her and your parents to the inn. Two men are in custody at Cedar Creek." The policeman was efficiency itself, tallying each victory quickly.
Too quickly.
Abby swayed on her feet, realizing just how close it had come. Arms came around her, steadying her. Strong and kind.
"This is your daughter?" The policeman faced her father, the man whose arms
rested around her. The man who'd saved her from a past he'd abandoned. His blue eyes she remembered, only now they were strained with the effort of providing an answer. He heaved a heavy breath, nodding back at the officer before he could manage to say the word. But it came eventually, with a raspy voice and a hitch of emotion.
"Yes."
"We have paramedics coming. It'll be just a moment, sir." The policeman turned his attention from her father to Kyle. With another deputy, they lifted him from the ground. His wrists were quickly handcuffed behind his back, and his eyes lifted to meet Abby's. Still on the border of incoherent, he managed to glare searing hatred back at her. Her breath caught in her throat, but she choked the emotion off and steeled her eyes. Stepping out of her father’s arms, she made sure the last image he saw was of her defeating him. Standing unafraid.
An ambulance and emergency vehicle pulled up with their lights flashing. Paramedics lifted the old man onto a stretcher. He stirred, coming to just as they closed the doors behind him.
A blanket was wrapped around Abby, and a paramedic ushered her to the waiting vehicle. "This way, ma'am." He wrapped a pressure cuff around her arm, pumping it quickly. "How are you feeling?"
She went through the motions, answered his questions. But her body wasn't what needed healing. She was declared well, and the paramedics drove off, leaving only one police car and a pair of policemen. They were official and respectful, taking down information and preparing to transport Abby where she needed to go. Just another day at work.
"And you, Mr. Tanner?" The policeman looked back at her father. "Where can we take you?"
"I have a car here." Her father's eyes wandered back to her. "I'd be happy to drive you back to your hotel if you need. I know the area."
"It's up to you, ma'am. We can escort your car as well, Mr. Tanner, if you wish." The policeman's face was sincere.
"Thank you." Abby couldn't bring herself to smile. She watched her father with a mixture of confusion and an unwelcome feeling of distrust. He'd just saved her life, and maybe her daughter’s as well. How could she hold the past against him now? But the question remained, and it weighed heavily on her. Why, after all this time, would he suddenly show up and risk his life for her? Her head ached just thinking about it. But she wasn't afraid of him. "I'd like to ride with my f-father."
