by Ward, Alice
“Yes, we have her full confession on tape. If Asher hadn’t bolted, he’d probably have been released within a day or two,” she added, her tone taking on a sad frustration.
Damn it, Asher. I told you I was going to take care of this. And with Dad’s help, I have. I’ve always trusted you. Why couldn’t you have stayed put and trusted me?
I had so many questions, but I knew I was a long way from getting any answers. Rachel was no longer a threat, but that was of surprisingly little comfort to me. My heart pounded and my body ached. All I wanted was to curl up in my husband’s arms. But I had no idea where Asher was, or if I’d ever see him again. The ache of that uncertainty was more piercing than the physical pain rocketing through my body.
“I hear sirens,” I told Kennedy. “You’ll meet us at the police station, won’t you?” A wave of exhaustion hit me and I struggled to keep my eyes open. Dad stood in front of me, his eyes still focused like a hawk on the back seat of the car.
“No, I won’t meet you at the police station. I’ll meet you at the hospital, which is where you’re going. Jackson and I are already on our way.”
I’m not sure if I thanked her, or if I only thought the words. The pain in my body faded away as I allowed myself to slip into the darkness.
***
“Mrs. Reynolds, I know this is incredibly difficult for you. You’ve had a terrible, traumatic day. But it’s vital that we have all of the facts regarding your husband’s whereabouts,” Agent Nelson urged.
I pushed a button, lifting the head of my hospital bed. Kennedy rearranged my IV tube and monitor cords and helped me prop myself up on a pillow. I kept my breaths shallow to avoid aggravating my three broken ribs.
“I’m sorry, Agent Nelson. I have no idea where Asher is. Believe me, I’d like to find him just as much as you do.”
It was Monday morning and I was finally giving my statement to the FBI. Kennedy had managed to keep them at bay for nearly twenty-four hours, insisting that my mild concussion left me in no state to answer questions.
The footage from my surveillance necklace told the cops everything they needed to know about Rachel. In addition to the rest of her crimes, she was charged with two counts of kidnapping and attempted murder. The injuries she’d sustained in the wreck would keep her hospitalized for a few more days, but after that she was looking at a lifetime behind bars.
Unfortunately, the revelation that Rachel had been behind Asher’s so called crimes did little to soften the FBI’s attitude toward him. I couldn’t argue with their logic. If Asher was innocent, why did he run? But unlike the authorities, I knew my husband had a good reason for fleeing. I just hadn’t had a chance to figure out what that reason was.
“With all due respect, Mrs. Reynolds, you visited your husband less than twenty-four hours before he escaped. We’ve reviewed the footage from the visitation room. You and your husband shared several hushed moments. What did he say to you that he didn’t want the camera to pick up?”
I blushed and fidgeted with my IV line. “Agent Nelson, Asher and I are newlyweds. We weren’t married a week when he was wrongfully incarcerated. My husband shared intimate desires during our visit. Surely you don’t expect me to repeat them?”
He studied me for a moment. I’m not sure if he believed me or wanted to spare us both the embarrassment of pushing the issue. In the end, he decided to try a different approach.
“If Asher was an innocent newlywed determined to clear his name and get home to his bride, why did he run?”
Kennedy beat me to the reply. “Agent Nelson, if you’ll review the court files, you’ll see that I made every effort to keep Asher away from negative influences during his stay at Atwater. For whatever reason, my requests were ignored. If you want to find Asher, I suggest you focus on finding his father. Asher didn’t have time to make prison contacts or orchestrate an escape. And his accounts have been frozen for weeks. William is the one with the resources to pull this off.”
“Believe me, Mrs. Montgomery, we’re looking into every angle. I agree that William was likely the mastermind behind the breakout. But the fact remains that Asher fled. Which means whatever’s going on, he’s in it up to his neck. I believe that neither of you know where he is. But I also believe Asher will make contact with you soon, if he hasn’t already. And I don’t trust you to be forthcoming with any information he gives you.”
“I have advised my client to share everything she knows with you. But think about it. If the system had failed you as badly as it’s failed Lauren, how cooperative would you feel?”
Agent Nelson raised an eyebrow and flipped through his notebook. “Your client? I have Parker Parish listed as Mrs. Reynolds’s attorney of record. You’re listed as counsel for Mr. Reynolds. Has something changed?”
“Yes,” she replied sharply. “You have proof that my clients were innocent of their original charges. The charges against Lauren were dropped last week. This morning, I filed a motion to have the charges against Asher dismissed. Representing both of them no longer presents a conflict of interest.”
“You’re right about the conflict,” he agreed, making a note on the page. “But you’re dreaming if you think the court will address a dismissal while your client is on the run.”
“You’re underestimating my power of persuasion,” she warned. “You watched the same footage I did. Yesterday, Cynthia accused Asher of reverting to type by running away with his father. Obviously, she was talking about his criminal history. But if you consider her words in a different context, I think she was on to something.”
“What are you talking about?” Nelson asked with a dismissive huff.
I sat up and leaned toward Kennedy, much more eager for her insight than the FBI agent seemed to be.
“Think about it,” she began, settling down on the foot of my bed. “If Asher wanted to run, he could have done it before he was sent back to Atwater. Sure, he was wearing an ankle monitor. But you and I both know that lesser minds than my client’s hack into those things every day. Asher and Lauren could have quietly slipped out of the country, never to be seen again. I wouldn’t have blamed them, considering the fact they were innocent. But they stayed to face the charges, because that’s who they are. That’s their type.”
Kennedy emphasized her last word and a horrific realization washed over me. I leaned back on the bed, my palms suddenly sweaty. Agent Nelson stared back at Kennedy, still completely confused.
“So? Asher stuck around because he thought he could beat the charges. Wealthy people always assume they’re invincible. We proved him wrong, so he ran.”
Kennedy shook her head. “There’s only one reason Asher would run. The same reason he ran ten years ago.”
Agent Nelson studied her for another moment and then raised his eyebrows. “You think his life is in danger?”
I cleared my throat and opened my mouth, but no words escaped my lips. Kennedy and Nelson waited patiently while I took a long sip of ice water and tried again.
“When I went to the prison, Asher told me he’d learned more about his past. He said that his family’s connection to the Chavez family went deeper than he’d ever realized. He seemed… anxious.”
Kennedy stood and moved to the door. She held it open, signaling to Nelson that the interview was over.
“There you have it. William shared some family secrets and put his son in danger. I’m sure your investigation at Atwater will confirm our beliefs. I personally assure you that you’ll be kept up to date with any relevant information that comes our way. As you can see for yourself, Lauren is exhausted.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you for your help, Mrs. Reynolds. On behalf of the department, I apologize for your trouble with Miss Goins. I promise she won’t be causing you any further issues.”
“Thank you, Agent Nelson. Please keep me posted on any leads you get on my husband’s location.”
“I’ll keep your attorney informed on our progress,” he promised with a nod. With that, he straightened
his shoulders and stepped out of the room. Kennedy let the door swing shut behind him and then turned to me, her arms folded across her chest.
“Why didn’t you tell me Asher had learned something about his past?”
I sighed and let my eyes fall closed. “I’ve been a little preoccupied, Kennedy,” I snapped. “Maybe you’ve forgotten, but I was kidnapped and held at gunpoint yesterday.”
“We were together all night Saturday. You were in perfect health then and you didn’t say a word. You just disappeared into the office… what else aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing,” I lied, my mind drifting to the mysterious John Rogers and the three million dollars I’d wired to his account. My stomach twisted with anxiety and I wondered how long it would take for the FBI to learn about the transaction.
“Lauren, I can tell when you’re lying,” Kennedy reminded me. “I can’t protect you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
I was consumed with guilt, but I couldn’t tell her the truth. I’d already decided to trust Asher. If he ran of his own will, he had good reason. I had no intention of betraying or exposing him, not even to Kennedy.
“I’m not lying, I’m just… I’m terrified, Kennedy.”
That part isn’t a lie.
“When Asher escaped, he knew it meant never being able to come back here. He left me behind. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that.”
Kennedy dropped her arms and relaxed her shoulders. “Shit, Lauren. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course you don’t know how to feel. After everything you’ve been through, you need a friend right now. And I’ve been stuck in attorney mode. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Could you call and check on my dad?”
Her lips curved into a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I guess I have done something right. I talked to your mom about an hour ago, while you were still down in the CT lab. She said your dad is pretty stiff and sore. He’s being a good patient, which makes her think he’s feeling worse than he wants to let on. But the doctors expect him to be up and around in another day or two.”
“Did he put up much of a fight about moving to Asher’s?”
I didn’t know what type of threat had driven Asher and William away; for all I knew, we were all in danger. When Mom visited me the night before and asked if there was anything she could do to make me feel better, I suggested a temporary move. She agreed without batting an eye, but I wasn’t sure Dad would be so agreeable.
“He hated the thought of closing the bed and breakfast,” Kennedy informed me. “But he ultimately agreed it was for the best. Claire called and canceled reservations for the next two weeks.”
I winced, but Kennedy smiled at me and took my hand.
“Don’t worry, none of the guests were upset. They all received vouchers for two free nights once the bed and breakfast reopens, as well as two nights at the Montgomery property of their choice. Claire said most of them acted like they’d won the lottery.”
“Thank Jackson for me,” I replied with a relieved grin.
“You can thank him yourself. He’s bringing lunch up later. And with any luck, we’ll all be home together tonight.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Kennedy. But I feel terrible for keeping you from your lives.”
“There’s no way we’d let you go through this alone,” she insisted. “Besides, you’re not keeping us from anything. Jackson’s scouting properties and I’m on the clock more than I’m not, remember?” she teased.
I swallowed and wiped my tears on the thin hospital blanket. “For weeks, I told myself that life would be normal again as soon as Rachel was out of the way. Now, she’s been exposed. She can’t hurt us anymore. And things are worse than they’ve ever been. Will this nightmare ever end, Kennedy?”
She sighed and put a comforting arm around my shoulder. “I honestly don’t know.”
***
“Come on, sweetheart. Surely you’re sick of watching this circus. Let’s order a movie,” Mom suggested. “Or better yet, we could turn off the television and go outside. Some fresh air would do you good.”
I shook my head, my eyes fixed to Nancy Baker’s face. The blonde, judgmental news host had just spent the last fifteen minutes entertaining her audience with her less than expert psychological opinion of my husband and his criminal past. Like most of the media, she refused to acknowledge that Rachel’s guilt proved Asher’s innocence.
I’d been home from the hospital for less than twenty-four hours, and I’d been glued to the television for most of them. The more serious, business focused news networks reported the facts of the case and nothing more. The stations that made their money by sensationalizing the truth did the exact opposite. They reported Rachel’s arrest, but only as a side note in the great case of the missing billionaire.
Dozens of people from the foster system crawled out of the woodwork, along with old girlfriends, college buddies, and business associates. They all had three things in common. First, they were all convinced of Asher’s guilt. Second, deep down, they’d known he was shady all along, And third, they all seemed to take great delight in seeing him fall. Nancy was about to introduce another blast from the past with unique insight into Asher’s character when the screen suddenly went black. I turned to the kitchen and saw Claire drop the remote on the island.
“I was watching that,” I snapped.
“I know. We’ve all been watching this for hours,” she replied. “I for one can’t take it anymore and I don’t know why you’re torturing yourself. We know Asher better than some woman who poured his cereal for three weeks when he was eleven. We know better than to believe any of this nonsense.”
“Then maybe we’re the ones who should start talking,” I suggested. I’d been fighting the urge to call into the Nancy Grace Show for hours.
Kennedy shook her head. “That’s not a good idea. I know you want to make people see the truth about Asher. But they won’t trust your opinion of him. You’re obviously biased. And we don’t know where Asher is or why he ran. If you make a statement, you could inadvertently make things worse for him. We just need to sit tight and wait until he makes contact.”
If he makes contact.
I wasn’t sure where Asher was, but I was convinced that he must have heard about what happened with Rachel. I’d expected him to call, or at least find a way to get a message to me. He’d been missing for thirty-six hours and my thoughts grew darker with each moment that passed without contact from him. I could only see two possible explanations for his silence; either he was in too much danger to contact me, or he’d left with no intentions of ever speaking to me again. I didn’t know which to hope for, Asher’s safety or his love. So I sat on the couch and focused on hating the people slandering him on television.
“I’m so tired of this sit and wait, sit and wait nonsense,” I insisted. “Kennedy, you’re the one who told us we needed to watch the news so we’d know what we’re dealing with. Claire, turn the television back on. And for God’s sake, take a break from the kitchen. The constant clanking of your pots and pans is driving me crazy.”
“I can’t afford to take a break. I have to—” She stopped herself and took a deep breath, untying her apron. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
She reached for the remote, but Kennedy beat her to it. She picked it up and made her way to the couch to stand in front of me, her hands on her hips.
“Look, Lauren. I know you’re under unbelievable stress right now. So you get a little leeway when it comes to your attitude. But you’re not the boss of anyone here, and you don’t get to treat us like shit just because you’re upset. Everyone in this house has put their lives on hold, and in danger, to support you. And yes, when you were first arrested, I said it was best to watch the news. But in that situation, we already knew the truth. That isn’t the case here. Watching Nancy Baker and the trolls like her won’t do anything but plant more what ifs in your head. And that’s the last thing
you need right now.”
Mom cleared her throat and reached for my hand. “Kennedy’s right, sweetheart. You look worse right now than you did when they brought you into the ER. Staying glued to the news reports isn’t healthy for you. You’ve cooperated with the FBI and Agent Nelson promised to keep us updated on their progress. If we learn anything, it will be from the authorities, not a cable news station.”
I rested my elbows on my knees, held my head in my hands, and let out a long sigh.
“I didn’t mean to sound like I don’t appreciate everything you guys have done for me,” I began. “I’m just so… so… I don’t know what the hell I am. I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do. And I guess I’m not handling it well.”
“You’re handling it fine,” Claire assured me. “We’re all on edge. And most of us have been cooped up in this house for weeks. Maybe we should venture past the wall, remind ourselves what it’s like to be out in the real world.”
I shook my head again. “We can’t risk it,” I insisted. “Rachel may be behind bars. But we have no idea who else may be after us. No one leaves until we’re sure it’s safe.”
Mom stood and took my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Well, we may have to stay behind this wall. But we don’t have to stay in this house. Come on, Lauren. We’re going to get some fresh air. I’m pulling the mom card, so don’t even think about arguing with me.”
I followed her toward the front door without protest. “Do either of you want to join us?” I called to my friends.
“I need to stay here. I’m researching a few leads on William,” Kennedy replied.
“I’ll stay here and keep an ear out for your dad,” Claire added. “He fell asleep before lunch was ready, so he’ll probably be famished when he wakes up.”
I turned to face them, my shoulders sunken with guilt. “Thank you both so much, for everything. I promise I’ll try to be less bitchy.”
“And we promise to call you on it again, if necessary,” Kennedy teased. “Now get out of here. Claire and I both have work to do.”
